Advancement to Earth-rank Warden!

"Sure enough, you were still a cut above me."

The deadlocked game on the board was broken in an instant. The black-robed figure on the right finally let out a soft sigh.

He slowly raised his head. "I'll agree to this."

The black-robed figure on the left tapped the chessboard with his knuckles, his hoarse voice carrying a trace of temptation. "Don't worry. Once it is done, that thing you want..."

"I'll personally deliver it into your hands."

"Good."

As the black-robed figure on the right rose, a gust of sinister wind swept up. Amid the violent flickering of the candlelight, his figure had already vanished into the hidden door.

Only the man on the left remained before the chessboard, his withered fingers rubbing the black piece that had decided victory and defeat as he let out a chilling, low laugh.

Heavenly Realm Division.

Zhou Cang patted Wei Qing on the shoulder, his eyes shining with gratification. "Good lad! You didn't disgrace your father. You handled this assignment beautifully!"

Wei Qing's rate of growth had far exceeded his expectations.

Old Wei, if only you could see this...

"Uncle Zhou! What about me?" Jun Wushang leaned over, waggling his brows.

"Mm, you did all right too." Zhou Cang deliberately kept a stern face.

"That's it?" Jun Wushang's eyes widened.

"What?" Zhou Cang raised a brow. "You went on an all-expenses-paid trip and even got a fortuitous opportunity. You brat still want a reward?"

Then he suddenly looked enlightened. "Oh—our great Guardian Envoy Jun wants to throw a celebration feast!"

The moment Jun Wushang heard that he had to treat everyone, he shook his head like a rattle-drum. "No money! As for my life... you can't have that either!"

Zhang Xue burst out laughing at this living treasure.

Zhou Cang turned his gaze toward her, and his expression suddenly softened. "You must be Miss Xue'er, right?" His voice carried a trace of nostalgia. "You look so much like your mother when she was young..."

"Sister Yan, has she been well lately?"

Zhang Xue was first taken aback, then replied, "Thank you for remembering her, Uncle Zhou. My mother has been doing well."

Seeing this, Zhou Cang explained, "Back then, Wei Qing's father Wei Yuan, Zhou Kai, and I were carrying out a mission when your mother saved our lives. Later, your mother followed the Lineage to Ji Province, so we lost touch somewhat."

"Those fellows in Ji Province got to pick up a genius physician for nothing."

"If your mother hadn't started cultivating too late, her achievements in the martial path would definitely have been even greater."

"If you run into trouble in the Imperial City, come find Uncle Zhou."

"Thank you, Uncle Zhou!" Zhang Xue smiled sweetly.

She finally understood what her mother had meant by saying, "There will naturally be people in the Imperial City to help you."

Zhou Cang suddenly turned to Jun Wushang and sternly said, "Brat, if you dare bully Xue'er..."

He made as though to smack the back of Jun Wushang's head.

"How would I dare?!" Jun Wushang sprang three feet into the air, covered his backside, and hid behind Zhang Xue. "I don't even have enough time to dote on her!"

"That's more like it." Zhou Cang nodded in satisfaction.

Just as he was about to say more, a Guardian Envoy on duty hurried in. "Lord Zhou, the Director summons Wei Qing and Jun Wushang to the conference hall immediately."

The two were both startled. They instinctively exchanged a glance, then looked at Zhou Cang together.

"Understood."

Zhou Cang remained calm, as if he had expected this all along.

Seeing their confusion, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "It's a good thing!"

He then said seriously, "When you see the Director later, mind your manners."

Turning to Zhang Xue, he said, "Xue'er, sit here with me for a while first."

"Yes, Uncle Zhou," Wei Qing and Jun Wushang answered in unison.

Before leaving, Jun Wushang did not forget to turn back and wink at Zhang Xue. Zhou Cang made as if to kick him, and he immediately ran off in a puff of smoke.

A moment later, the two followed the Guardian Envoy on duty to the conference hall.

The instant they crossed the threshold, a mountain-like pressure crashed down upon them.

Wei Qing's knees sank, and the green bricks beneath his feet cracked with a sharp snap, spiderweb fractures spreading across them.

Jun Wushang let out an even heavier grunt, veins bulging on his neck.

Yet the two clenched their teeth and remained utterly unmoving, steadily performing a standard fist-and-palm salute.

At this sight, the five people nodded in satisfaction.

Nangong Yu gave a slight nod and casually waved his hand.

In an instant, Wei Qing and Jun Wushang felt an invisible force firmly supporting them, while the terrifying aura around them quietly dissipated.

"You handled the matter in Qingcheng well this time."

"The Heavenly Realm Division has always been fair in rewards and punishments."

"Wei Qing."

"This subordinate is here."

"In light of your performance in Qingcheng, as well as your strength, the Division has decided to make an exception and promote you to an Earth-grade Guardian Envoy. You will receive an independent residence, may choose one Earth-Tier Cultivation Technique from the library, and will be granted one Meridian Opening Pill."

"If you break through to Sixth Rank within three months, there will be an additional great reward."

"Yes, this subordinate will certainly not disappoint the Director's expectations."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qing was overjoyed.

This time, the Division had truly spent heavily on the rewards. They had even brought out an Earth-Tier Cultivation Technique.

It was probably related to his comprehension of the profound meaning.

The system had previously rewarded him with one Meridian Opening Pill. He had originally intended to take it when breaking from the peak of Sixth Rank into Fifth Rank.

Now that he had two Meridian Opening Pills in hand, he could break through into the Fifth Rank realm at any time.

The current Wei residence was the estate Wei Yuan had received as a reward when he advanced to Earth-rank Warden back then.

"Jun Wushang, in light of your performance in Qingcheng, you are formally promoted to Imperial-rank Warden. You will receive one High-Grade Profound Tier cultivation technique and one bottle of Qi Gathering Pills."

"If you can break through to Sixth Rank within three months, you will also receive the mysterious reward promised to Wei Qing."

"Yes, this subordinate will give it his all and never disappoint you, Director."

Jun Wushang clasped his fists and answered loudly.

Then Xie Yun spoke. "I'll give you one day to rest. Over the next three months, I'll arrange a series of training plans for you."

"Yes, Department Head."

"Also, remember to go to the archives office and update your identities," Lin Wantang added.

"Yes, Department Head Lin."

"Director..."

Seeing Wei Qing's hesitant expression, Nangong Yu guessed what he wanted to ask.

"As for your father, Tantai has not sent back any news yet. If there is word of your father, you will be notified at once."

"Thank you, Director."

Nangong Yu added, "Also, you may fight, so long as you do not violate the law."

"This subordinate understands!"

He had also heard that Zhou Yan, whom Wei Lin had allied himself with, was connected to the Third Prince.

He had originally had some misgivings.

Now, with Nangong Yu's words, that final trace of concern in his heart completely vanished.

After Wei Qing and Jun Wushang left.

Nangong Yu asked, "What do you think?"

"Calm in the face of trouble. A promising talent." Lin Wantang slightly raised her eyes, a look of approval curling at the corners of her lips.

"His breath is long and steady, his foundation solid, without the slightest sign of instability," Su Henian said slowly.

"My hands are already itching." Shen Hanbing rubbed his hands together, eager light blazing in his eyes.

Xie Yun had still been smiling after hearing the evaluations of the first two.

But the moment he heard Shen Hanbing's words, his expression changed. "Old Shen, I only agreed because of the Director."

"If you don't know your own strength when you make a move, don't blame me for falling out with you."

"Relax!"

"Look at you, being so stingy. I despise you." Shen Hanbing raised his middle finger at him.

Xie Yun flew into a rage. "Damn it, you old bastard, you want to have a round?"

"Bring it on..."

Seeing this familiar scene, the other three could only shake their heads helplessly.