Probing

Wangchun Tower

Dongfang Rongrong snapped back to reality, her brow furrowed with worry. "Senior Brother, Lord Wei's strength is unfathomable. If he intervenes..."

"Rather than speculate, why not probe his intentions directly?" Song Yuanming suddenly stood up. "Let's go!"

In front of Xingyun Tower, Zhang Zhidong verified their identities and led them into a private room.

A moment later, Wei Qing pushed the door open and entered.

"Song Yuanming and Dongfang Rongrong of Qingshan Sect pay respects to Lord Wei." The two cupped their fists in unison, their posture respectful yet retaining the bearing of their sect.

"Please, have a seat."

Wei Qing's gaze was sharp as he subtly appraised the senior disciple and his junior.

Song Yuanming's brows hinted at a heroic spirit, his movements steady and measured.

Dongfang Rongrong, though slightly reserved, had clear, bright eyes and a solid foundation.

Qingshan Sect.

According to Zhang Zhidong, Qingshan Sect ranked among the upper-middle tier of second-rate powers in Jizhou, known for its strict discipline and good reputation.

This pair of senior and junior disciples before him.

One at Seventh-Rank Mid-Tier, the other at Eighth-Rank High-Tier, they could indeed be considered outstanding talents of their sect.

As Wei Qing sized them up, they were also observing him.

Upon close contact with Wei Qing, they realized they had severely underestimated his strength, and their hearts were filled with dread.

From this young Warden, they felt a pressure they had only ever experienced when facing their Sect Master!

"Could it be..." Song Yuanming thought in shock, "that he has already reached the Sixth-Rank realm?"

But then he dismissed the thought as absurd.

The sect's intelligence clearly indicated that Wei Qing was in Qingzhou City to undergo the assessment for his formal Warden promotion.

Such promotion missions were always targeted at all Eighth-Rank Martial Artists within the Heavenly Realm Division.

A 16-year-old Sixth-Rank Martial Artist was unheard of, not just within the Heavenly Realm Division, but also in Great Zhou, or even the Four Nations of the Eastern Region. Such a monstrous talent.

They surmised he must possess some powerful Exotic Treasure for protection.

Just as the two were lost in their own thoughts, A'Fu lightly knocked on the door, served the fragrant tea, and quietly withdrew. The door clicked shut.

Wei Qing picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked up, cutting straight to the chase. "This official has no prior dealings with Qingshan Sect. What brings you here today?"

Song Yuanming offered a gentle smile. "Upon arriving in Qingcheng, I heard of your heroic deeds in slaying demons and eliminating villains, Lord. Today, I came specifically to witness your prowess." His tone shifted slightly. "Now that I've met you, I understand that your reputation is well-deserved."

"Mm."

Wei Qing tapped his fingertips on the teacup, offering no comment on Song Yuanming's probing.

He suddenly put down the teacup, his dark sleeve sweeping an arc across the table. "You have seen me. If there is nothing else, you should take your leave."

"Uh..."

Song Yuanming's smile froze on his face, his Adam's apple bobbing involuntarily.

He's not playing by the rules, he thought. He's directly asking us to leave.

Seeing this, Song Yuanming decided to drop the pretense.

"Lord, your discernment is sharp. I do indeed have a matter to consult you about today."

Wei Qing took another sip of tea and placed the cup back on its saucer. "Whatever it is, just state it plainly."

Song Yuanming maintained his smile and clasped his hands. "I believe you are aware of why our sect disciples have gathered in Qingyun City. May I ask, Lord, what are your thoughts on the Exotic Treasure within the Black Mist Wasteland?"

Wei Qing replied, "I see it with my eyes."

"Pfft—"

Dongfang Rongrong hastily covered her mouth, but couldn't hide the amusement sparkling in her eyes.

When she looked at Wei Qing again, her gaze held a newfound curiosity. This renowned Warden possessed such... unique humor.

Song Yuanming's eye twitched almost imperceptibly, as he suppressed the chaotic storm raging in his heart.

Wei Qing's way of speaking was truly disarming.

"Lord, I won't beat around the bush. Do you have any interest in that Exotic Treasure?"

"If I intervene, will you withdraw from the competition?" Wei Qing asked, seemingly casually.

Song Yuanming adjusted his sleeve and said seriously, "If you are interested in competing, our Qingshan Sect is willing to pay a price for your non-interference."

"If you insist on intervening, our Qingshan Sect will withdraw immediately."

Dongfang Rongrong glanced at her senior brother in surprise.

Then, he changed tack. "However, we are not the only force vying for the Exotic Treasure. Those lunatics from the Blood Robe Gate might not back down so easily."

"If you are willing to assist us, our Qingshan Sect will offer generous compensation. With your help, we might stand a chance even if a First-Rate Sect intervenes."

The last point was an afterthought, added on a whim: if they could secure Wei Qing's support, the Qingshan Sect's chances of obtaining the treasure would greatly increase.

Even when facing disciples from First-Rate Sects, with the Heavenly Realm Division's involvement, the other party would have to reconsider.

Within Great Zhou, offending the Heavenly Realm Division was by no means a wise decision!

The Imperial Court might not even care about the Exotic Treasure in the Black Mist Wasteland.

He didn't believe the Night Owl Guard hadn't received any news about the anomaly in the Black Mist Wasteland.

Yet, since the Heavenly Realm Division hadn't acted, their Sect Master decided to make a bid for it.

Now, it all depended on Wei Qing's reply.

"The price for me to act is something you cannot afford!" Wei Qing stated directly, refusing. "As for the Exotic Treasure, I am somewhat interested. I will go to the Black Mist Wasteland to take a look then."

"Regarding the competition for the Exotic Treasure, it will be every man for himself. Rest assured, if my strength proves insufficient, the Heavenly Realm Division will not make things difficult for any of you."

In truth, what Wei Qing truly cared about wasn't the Exotic Treasure at all.

It was the unease that had lingered in his heart since entering Qingcheng—an unease that hadn't dissipated even after eliminating the Demonic Cat and the Fang Family.

It wasn't until Zhang Zhidong told him about the Black Mist Wasteland and the moment the anomaly descended...

That sliver of unease in his heart intensified dramatically!

He absolutely had to make this trip to the Black Mist Wasteland to verify if things were as he suspected.

Song Yuanming's tense shoulders suddenly relaxed when he heard "the Heavenly Realm Division will not make things difficult," as if a great weight had been lifted.

As long as no Imperial Court forces intervened, the victor was still unknown!

"Then, I, Song, wish Lord Wei success on your journey here," Song Yuanming said, his smile returning. He cupped his hands and rose. "Thank you for your time today. My sister and I will take our leave now!"

"Farewell!"

As Dongfang Rongrong turned to leave, she cast a glance back, her eyes conveying a deeper meaning before she followed Song Yuanming out of the yamen.

Watching their retreating figures, Wei Qing's lips curved slightly.

This seemingly ordinary meeting was, in fact, a test by the Qingshan Sect to gauge the Heavenly Realm Division's stance.

Today's visit made Wei Qing acutely aware that, in the eyes of these sects, his importance was far greater than he had imagined.

The reasons for this were no more than three:

First, his background in the Heavenly Realm Division;

Second, his acting county magistrate identity represented the authority of the Imperial Court;

Third, the display of power that had awed the entire city that day.

Following Song Yuanming, other forces like the Tianhai Gate and Liuyun Villa arrived in succession.

Even disciples from First-Rate Sects who arrived later also came calling.

Without exception.

They all wanted to know Wei Qing's and the Heavenly Realm Division's attitude—whether they intended to compete for the Exotic Treasure.

Every time they received the reply, "the Heavenly Realm Division will not make things difficult," the visitors would invariably leave with a smile.