Probing

Wangchun Tower.

Dongfang Rongrong snapped back to reality, "Senior Brother, Lord Wei's strength is truly formidable. If he makes a move, won't our trip be in vain?"

"Talking more is not as good as meeting him in person. Let's go!"

Upon hearing this, Song Yuanming stood up and beckoned Dongfang Rongrong, heading towards Star Cloud Tower.

After arriving at Star Cloud Tower and stating their purpose.

Zhang Zhidong led the two to a private room to wait, then turned to seek instructions from Wei Qing.

A moment later.

Wei Qing pushed open the door to the private room and walked in.

"Song Yuanming (Dongfang Rongrong) of Qingshan Sect, greetings, Lord Wei."

Song Yuanming and Dongfang Rongrong bowed respectfully upon seeing Wei Qing.

"Please, both of you, have a seat."

"Thank you, my lord."

After the two were seated, Wei Qing began to size them up.

Qingshan Sect.

From Zhang Zhidong's account, he learned that Qingshan Sect was among the upper-middle tier of second-rate forces in Jizhou Prefecture. The entire sect had strict rules and a good reputation in Jizhou Prefecture.

As for the two in front of him.

One was at the intermediate Seventh Rank, and the other at the advanced Eighth Rank.

While Wei Qing was appraising them, they were also appraising Wei Qing.

Upon close contact with Wei Qing, they realized they had severely underestimated his strength and were greatly alarmed.

As they sat before him, they felt an oppressive sensation.

This feeling was something they had only experienced before their own master, the Sect Master of Qingshan Sect.

Could it be that Wei Qing's strength had already reached the Sixth Rank True Essence Martial Artist level?

However, according to the intelligence gathered by the sect, Wei Qing was here in Qingcheng to undergo the assessment for his official Garrison Commander promotion mission.

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

A Sixth-Rank Martial Artist at the age of 16 was unheard of, not just in the Heavenly Mirror Division, but even in the Great Zhou and the four nations of the Eastern Domain. They had never heard of such a monstrous talent.

They assumed he must have a powerful treasure protecting him.

Just as the two were speculating inwardly, A Fu entered the private room carrying four cups of tea. He gently placed them down and then turned to leave, closing the door behind him.

Wei Qing withdrew his gaze, picked up his teacup, and got straight to the point, "I have no prior dealings with Qingshan Sect. May I ask the reason for your visit?"

"I only recently arrived in Qingcheng and heard of your deeds in slaying demons and rooting out human traitors, my lord. I couldn't help but feel admiration, and I've come today simply to witness your presence."

Song Yuanming said with a faint smile.

"After meeting you today, I know the rumors are true. You are indeed beyond the reach of ordinary people."

"Mm."

Wei Qing nodded slightly. He naturally understood the probing nature of Song Yuanming's words but didn't engage further. "You have met me, an official. If there's nothing else, please take your leave."

"Uh..."

Song Yuanming's smile froze.

He thought, Why aren't you playing by the rules? You're already asking us to leave.

Seeing this, Song Yuanming no longer concealed his intentions.

"My lord, your insight is sharp. We have indeed come with a matter to seek your counsel."

Wei Qing took a sip of tea and placed the cup back on the table. "Please state your business directly, sir."

Song Yuanming maintained his smile and clasped his hands, saying, "I believe my lord is aware of the reason why disciples from our sects have gathered in Qingyun City. What are your thoughts on the rare treasure within the Black Mist Wasteland?"

Wei Qing replied, "I look at it with my eyes."

Pfft.

Dongfang Rongrong couldn't help but chuckle at Wei Qing's response.

Her gaze towards Lord Wei became filled with more surprise and curiosity.

She suddenly found this Lord Wei quite interesting, and her sense of awe towards him diminished significantly.

Song Yuanming's lips twitched, and it felt as if ten thousand mythical creatures were stampeding through his mind.

"My lord, I won't beat around the bush. Are you interested in that rare treasure?"

"If I don't make a move, will you withdraw from the competition?"

Wei Qing asked a seemingly casual question.

Song Yuanming replied, "If my lord makes a move, our Qingshan Sect is willing to pay any price to have you not interfere. However, if my lord insists on taking action, our Qingshan Sect will withdraw from the competition for the treasure."

"Although our Qingshan Sect is withdrawing, we are not the only ones vying for the exotic treasure. The other factions may not be willing to back down."

"If Your Excellency doesn't intervene, it will certainly be a good thing."

"Furthermore, our Qingshan Sect is willing to pay some extra price for Lord Wei to act once. What do you think?"

The last point was an idea he'd added on the spur of the moment. If he could secure Wei Qing's support.

The chances of Qingshan Sect obtaining the exotic treasure this time would undoubtedly increase significantly.

He wasn't afraid even if disciples from the top-tier sects made a move later on.

After all, Wei Qing came from the Heavenly Mirror Division!

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

The Heavenly Mirror Division 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.

But since the Heavenly Mirror Division hadn't made a move, their Sect Master decided to try for it.

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

"The price for me to act is beyond your means!" Wei Qing refused outright. "As for the exotic treasure, I am somewhat interested, and I will head to the Black Mist Wasteland to take a look then."

"As for the competition for the treasure, everyone will rely on their own abilities. Rest assured, if my strength proves insufficient, the Heavenly Mirror Division will not trouble any of you."

In truth, Wei Qing wasn't really interested in the legendary exotic treasure.

It was because ever since he arrived in Qingcheng, the lingering sense of unease in his heart had not disappeared even after eliminating the Spirit Stream Demonic Cat and eradicating the Fang Family.

It wasn't until Zhang Zhidong told him about the Black Mist Wasteland and the moment the anomaly descended that the unease in his heart suddenly intensified!

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

Song Yuanming's tense expression began to melt like ice and snow under the scorching sun the moment Wei Qing said, "The Heavenly Mirror Division will not trouble you."

If the Heavenly Mirror Division didn't interfere, then the outcome of the struggle between them and Wei Qing was still unknown!

Song Yuanming, regaining his smile, cupped his hands and stood up. "Then I wish Lord Wei success in achieving his desires."

"Thank you for your time today. My Senior Brother and I will take our leave."

"Farewell!"

Before leaving, Dongfang Rongrong cast a glance at Wei Qing, intentionally or unintentionally, then followed Song Yuanming out of the yamen.

Watching their retreating figures, a smile played on Wei Qing's lips.

The purpose of these two from Qingshan Sect coming here was nothing more than to probe his attitude towards the exotic treasure.

From this, it could be seen that in the eyes of these sect disciples, his influence was considerable.

The reasons for this were:

First: His background in the Heavenly Mirror Division;

Second: He was the acting County Magistrate, the highest-ranking official from the Imperial Court in Qingcheng at present.

Third: The previous warning that demonstrated his strength!

After Song Yuanming's visit, in the following days, other factions also came to pay their respects one after another.

Including disciples from the top-tier sects later on.

Without exception.

They all wanted to know Wei Qing's and even the Heavenly Mirror Division's attitude, and whether they intended to compete for the exotic treasure.

After receiving the same reply as Song Yuanming, they all departed with smiles.