Promoted to Earth-rank Warden!

"As expected, you're still a cut above."

The initially stalemated situation on the chessboard instantly shattered. The black-robed figure on the right finally let out a soft sigh.

He slowly looked up, "I accept this matter."

The black-robed figure on the left tapped his knuckles on the chessboard, his hoarse voice carrying a hint of seduction, "Don't worry, after this is done, that thing you desire..."

"I'll deliver it to your hand personally."

"Good."

As the black-robed figure on the right stood up, a gust of cold wind swept through. The candlelight flickered violently, and his figure had already disappeared into a hidden door.

Only the person on the left remained, facing the chessboard alone. His withered fingers caressed the black piece that decided the outcome, emitting a chilling, low laugh.

Heavenly Realm Division.

Zhou Cang patted Wei Qing's shoulder, his eyes shining with relief. "Good lad! You didn't shame your father, you handled this mission beautifully!"

Wei Qing's growth speed far exceeded his imagination.

He thought, Old Wei, how great it would be if you could see this.

"Uncle Zhou! Don't forget about me!" Jun Wushang squeezed in, making faces.

"Mhm, you're not bad either," Zhou Cang said, deliberately putting on a stern face.

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

"What?" Zhou Cang raised an eyebrow. "You got to go on a trip on the company's dime and even found an opportunity. You little brat, you want a reward now?"

Suddenly, he feigned realization. "Oh—so our Lord Guard Jun wants to throw a victory banquet!"

When Jun Wushang heard about treating them, his head shook like a rattle drum. "No money! And my life... I won't give you my life either!"

Zhang Xue let out a chuckle, amused by the clown.

Zhou Cang's gaze shifted to her, his eyes suddenly softening. "You must be Miss Xue'er, right?" he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "You look just like your mother did when she was young..."

"Sister Yan, how have you been lately?"

Zhang Xue was taken aback for a moment before replying, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Zhou. My mother is doing well."

Seeing this, Zhou Cang explained, "Back then, when I, Wei Qing's father Wei Yuan, and Zhou Kai were on a mission, your mother saved our lives. It's just that later, your mother went to Jizhou with her family, and our contact became less frequent."

"We let those fellows from Jizhou pick up a genius physician for free."

"If your mother hadn't started cultivating so late, her achievements in martial arts would definitely have been higher."

"If you encounter any difficulties in the Imperial City, don't hesitate to come to Uncle Zhou."

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

She finally understood what her mother meant by "there will be someone to help you in the Imperial City."

Zhou Cang suddenly turned to Jun Wushang, his face stern. "You brat, if you dare bully Xue'er..."

He made a move as if to hit Jun Wushang on the back of the head.

"How could I dare!" Jun Wushang jumped three feet high, covering his backside and hiding behind Zhang Xue. "I cherish her too much to even think of bullying her!"

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

Just as he was about to give further instructions, a duty Warden rushed in. "Lord Zhou, the Director has summoned Wei Qing and Jun Wushang to the council hall immediately."

The two were stunned and instinctively exchanged a glance, looking at Zhou Cang simultaneously.

"Understood."

Zhou Cang's expression was calm, as if he had expected it.

Seeing their confusion, the corners of his mouth curved up. "It's good news!"

Then, he said seriously, "Pay attention to your conduct when you see the Director later."

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

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

As they left, Jun Wushang didn't forget to wink back at Zhang Xue, prompting Zhou Cang to make a move as if to kick him. He quickly darted away.

A moment later, the two followed the duty Warden into the council hall.

As soon as they crossed the threshold, a mountain-like pressure suddenly descended upon them.

Wei Qing's knees buckled, and the bluestone tiles beneath his feet cracked in a spiderweb pattern with a "crunch."

Jun Wushang let out a muffled groan, veins bulging on his neck.

However, the two gritted their teeth and stood firm, executing a standard fist-and-palm salute without moving an inch.

Seeing this, the five people nodded in satisfaction.

Nangong Yu nodded slightly and waved his hand.

Instantly, Wei Qing and Jun Wushang felt themselves being gently supported by an invisible force, and the terrifying aura surrounding them quietly dissipated.

"You handled the Qingcheng incident well this time."

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

"Wei Qing."

"Your subordinate is here."

"In recognition of your performance and strength in Qingcheng, the Division has decided to promote you exceptionally to Earth-rank Warden. You will receive an independent residence, one Earth-Tier Cultivation Technique of your choice from the library, and one Meridian Opening Pill."

"If you break through to Sixth Rank within three months, there will be further substantial rewards."

"Yes, your subordinate will not fail the Director's expectations."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qing was overjoyed.

The Division was really investing heavily in this reward, even offering an Earth-Tier Cultivation Technique.

He figured it must be related to his comprehension of the Profound Meaning.

Regarding the Meridian Opening Pill, he had already received one from the system. He had originally planned to take it when he broke through from the peak of Sixth Rank to Fifth Rank.

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

The current Wei Residence was the same one awarded to Wei Yuan when he was promoted to Earth-rank.

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

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

"Yes, your subordinate will do his utmost and will not disappoint you, Director."

Jun Wushang cupped his fists and responded loudly.

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

"Yes, Minister."

"Also, remember to go to the archives to change your identity," Lin Wantang added.

"Yes, Minister Lin."

"Director..."

Seeing Wei Qing hesitate to speak, Nangong Yu guessed what he wanted to ask:

"Regarding your father, Tantai has not sent back any news yet. We will inform you immediately if there is any news about your father."

"Thank you, Director."

Nangong Yu added, "Also, fighting is allowed, as long as it does not violate the law."

"Your subordinate understands!"

He had also heard about Wei Lin getting involved with the Third Prince, Zhou Yan.

He had some reservations initially.

Now, with Nangong Yu's words, that slight concern in his heart completely disappeared.

After Wei Qing and Jun Wushang left.

Nangong Yu asked, "What do you think?"

"Calm in the face of adversity, a promising talent," Lin Wantang said, raising her eyes slightly, a hint of admiration on her lips.

"His aura is long and his foundation is solid, without any signs of being superficial," Su Henian said slowly.

"My hands are already itching," Shen Hanbing rubbed his hands, his eyes gleaming with eagerness.

Xie Yun, who had been smiling at the previous two's evaluations, his expression instantly changed upon hearing Shen Hanbing's words: "Old Shen, I only agreed to this out of respect for the Director."

"If you don't hold back, don't blame me for falling out with you."

"Relax!"

"Look at how stingy you are, I despise you." Shen Hanbing made a gesture with his middle finger.

Xie Yun exploded, "Damn it, you old rascal, do you want to spar?"

"Bring it on..."

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