Wangchun Tower
Dongfang Rongrong came back to her senses and said worriedly, "Senior Brother, this Lord Wei's strength is unfathomable. If he intervenes..."
"Rather than speculate, we might as well sound him out face-to-face." Song Yuanming rose abruptly. "Let's go!"
Outside Xingyun Tower, Zhang Zhidong verified the pair's identities before leading them into a private room.
A moment later, Wei Qing pushed open the door and entered.
"Qingshan Sect's Song Yuanming and Dongfang Rongrong pay respects to Lord Wei." The two clasped their hands in salute together, respectful without losing the bearing of a sect.
"Please, sit."
Wei Qing's gaze was keen as fire as he silently assessed the senior brother and sister.
Song Yuanming's brows carried a faint heroic air, while every gesture of his was steady and measured;
Though Dongfang Rongrong seemed somewhat reserved, her eyes were bright and clear, and her foundation was solid.
Qingshan Sect.
According to Zhang Zhidong, Qingshan Sect ranked among the upper-middle forces of Jizhou's second-rate factions. Its discipline was strict, and its reputation was quite good.
This senior brother and sister before him.
One was Seventh-Rank Mid-Tier, the other Eighth-Rank High-Tier. They could indeed be considered outstanding figures of their sect.
While Wei Qing was assessing the two of them, they were also assessing him.
Only upon encountering Wei Qing at close range did they realize they had gravely underestimated his strength, leaving them utterly shocked.
From this young Guardian Envoy, they actually felt the oppressive pressure they had only ever experienced when facing their sect master!
Could it be... Song Yuanming was secretly horrified. Has he already reached the Sixth Rank?
But on second thought, it seemed absurd.
Their sect's intelligence had clearly stated that Wei Qing had come to Qingzhou City to undergo the formal assessment for promotion to Guardian Envoy.
Such promotion missions had always been aimed at all Eighth-Rank Martial Artists within the Heavenly Realm Division.
A sixteen-year-old Sixth-Rank Martial Artist—forget the Heavenly Realm Division, even throughout Great Zhou and the Four Nations of the Eastern Region, they had never heard of such a monstrous genius.
He must have some powerful Exotic Treasure protecting him.
As the two secretly speculated, A'Fu lightly knocked on the door. After serving fragrant tea, he quietly withdrew, and the door closed with a soft click.
Wei Qing lifted his teacup, took a sip, then raised his eyes and asked bluntly, "This official has never had any dealings with Qingshan Sect. Why have the two of you come today?"
Song Yuanming smiled warmly. "This one had only just arrived in Qingcheng when I heard of Your Excellency's great feat of slaying demons and eliminating traitors. I came today specifically to witness your bearing." His tone shifted slightly. "Now that I have seen you, I know that beneath a great reputation stands no empty man."
"Mm."
Wei Qing lightly tapped the teacup with his fingertips, neither confirming nor denying the probe.
Then he suddenly set down the cup. His black sleeve swept in an arc over the table. "You've seen me. If there is nothing else, then please return."
"Uh..."
Song Yuanming's smile froze on his face, and his Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily.
Why aren't you playing by the usual rules? You're even directly showing us the door.
Seeing this, Song Yuanming no longer concealed his purpose.
"Your Excellency's eyes are as sharp as a torch. This one truly has a matter to ask about."
Wei Qing took another sip of tea and returned the cup to its place. "What is it? Speak plainly."
Song Yuanming's smile remained unchanged as he clasped his hands. "Surely Your Excellency already knows why we sect disciples have gathered in Qingyun City. May I ask what Your Excellency thinks of the Exotic Treasure within the Black Mist Wasteland...?"
Wei Qing answered, "I look at it with my eyes."
"Pfft—"
Dongfang Rongrong hastily covered her mouth, but she could not hide the laughter dancing in her eyes.
When she looked at Wei Qing again, there was now a touch more curiosity in her gaze—this famed Guardian Envoy actually possessed such... distinctive humor.
The corner of Song Yuanming's eye twitched imperceptibly as he forcibly suppressed the chaos galloping through his heart like ten thousand horses.
Wei Qing's manner of speaking truly caught people off guard.
"Your Excellency, I will not beat around the bush. Does Your Excellency intend to vie for that Exotic Treasure?"
"If I make a move, will you withdraw from the contest?"
Wei Qing seemingly asked the question offhandedly.
Song Yuanming straightened his sleeves and said solemnly, "If Your Excellency intends to compete for it, Qingshan Sect is willing to pay a price in exchange for Your Excellency standing aside.
"If Your Excellency insists on acting, Qingshan Sect will withdraw at once."
Dongfang Rongrong shot her senior brother a surprised glance.
Then, his tone shifted. "However, Qingshan Sect is not the only force competing for the Exotic Treasure. Those madmen from the Blood Robe Gate may not be willing to yield."
"If Your Excellency is willing to lend us a hand, Qingshan Sect will offer an additional generous reward. Even if a First-Rate Sect intervenes then, we will still have the strength to contend."
That final condition had been added on a whim. If they could win Wei Qing's support,
Qingshan Sect's chances of obtaining the treasure would rise greatly.
Even when facing disciples of a First-Rate Sect, with the Heavenly Realm Division's influence involved, the other side would have to weigh the matter three times over.
Within Great Zhou, offending the Heavenly Realm Division was by no means a wise decision!
The Heavenly Realm Division might not necessarily value the Exotic Treasure of the Black Mist Wasteland.
He did not believe the Night Owl Guard had received no news of the Black Mist Wasteland's anomaly.
Yet the Heavenly Realm Division had never acted, which was why their sect master had decided to contend for it.
Now it depended on how Wei Qing would answer.
"The price for having me act is one you cannot afford!" Wei Qing rejected him bluntly. "As for the Exotic Treasure, this official is somewhat interested. I will go to the Black Mist Wasteland to take a look when the time comes."
"As for the contest over the Exotic Treasure, each shall rely on their own ability. Rest assured, if Wei is outmatched, the Heavenly Realm Division will not make things difficult for any of you."
In truth, what Wei Qing truly cared about was not some Exotic Treasure.
It was the unease that had lingered in his heart ever since entering Qingcheng—even after eliminating the demon cat and the Fang Family, that sense of crisis had not dissipated.
Until Zhang Zhidong told him about the Black Mist Wasteland, at the moment the anomaly descended...
The trace of unease in his heart suddenly intensified!
He had to make a trip to the Black Mist Wasteland this time, to verify whether matters were as he suspected.
When Song Yuanming heard that "the Heavenly Realm Division will not make things difficult," his taut shoulders abruptly relaxed, as though a heavy burden had been lifted.
So long as no Imperial Court force intervened, it was still unknown who would be the final victor!
"Then Song wishes Lord Wei's journey every success." Song Yuanming, his smile restored, rose and clasped his hands. "We have disturbed you greatly today. My junior sister and I shall take our leave first!"
"Take care!"
As Dongfang Rongrong departed, she glanced back over her shoulder. There seemed to be deeper meaning in her shifting eyes before she followed Song Yuanming out of the yamen.
Watching the two receding figures, Wei Qing's lips curled slightly.
This seemingly ordinary meeting had, in truth, been Qingshan Sect testing the Heavenly Realm Division's attitude.
Today's visit made Wei Qing clearly realize—within the eyes of these sects, his weight was far greater than he had imagined.
There were no more than three reasons for this:
First, he came from the Heavenly Realm Division;
Second, his status as Acting Magistrate represented the authority of the Imperial Court;
Third, the display of strength that had intimidated the entire city that day.
After Song Yuanming, Tianhai Gate, Liuyun Villa, and other forces arrived one after another.
Even disciples from First-Rate Sects who arrived later came calling in droves.
Without exception.
They all wanted to know Wei Qing's—and the Heavenly Realm Division's—stance, and whether they intended to compete for the Exotic Treasure.
Whenever they received the answer, "the Heavenly Realm Division will not make things difficult," every visitor departed with a smile.
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