Promoted to Earth-rank Garrison Commander!

The tense stalemate between the two sides was instantly broken.

Seeing this, the black-robed man on the right sighed. "As expected, you still had the upper hand."

"I agree to this matter."

Upon hearing this, the black-robed man on the left said solemnly, "We'll proceed according to plan. Once this is over, I guarantee you'll get what you want."

"Fine."

The black-robed man on the right then rose and left the secret chamber through a concealed door on the right.

Heavenly Mirror Division.

"Qingzi, you really didn't let Old Wei down. You completed this mission beautifully."

Zhou Cang walked around Wei Qing, his eyes filled with relief.

Wei Qing's growth was far beyond what he had imagined.

Old Wei, if only you could see this.

"Uncle Zhou, what about me?"

Jun Wushang teased from the side.

"Mm, you did well too."

"That's all?"

"What, you went on a government-funded trip, gained an opportunity, and you're still not satisfied?"

Zhou Cang shot him a sidelong glance, then put on an exaggerated look of sudden realization.

"Oh... Our great Garrison Commander Jun worked hard this time!"

"Congratulations, Great Garrison Commander Jun, on your tremendous improvement! So, shouldn't you treat us to a meal?"

Jun Wushang had still been grinning at the first part, but the moment he heard that he was expected to pay for the meal,

he immediately shook his head like a rattle drum.

"No money, and I won't give you my life either."

Zhang Xue was instantly amused by the clownish atmosphere.

"You must be Miss Xue'er, I presume?" Zhou Cang looked toward Zhang Xue, his eyes filled with memories.

"She looks like her."

"Sister Yan, how has she been lately?"

Zhang Xue was stunned at first, then came back to herself. "Thank you for asking, Uncle Zhou. My mother is doing very well!"

Seeing this, Zhou Cang explained, "Back then, Wei Qing's father Wei Yuan, Zhou Kai, and I were on a mission when your mother saved our lives. Later, your mother went with her Lineage to Jizhou, so we lost touch somewhat."

"Those fellows in Jizhou got themselves a genius physician for nothing."

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

"While you're in Imperial City, don't shoulder things alone if you run into trouble. Come to me anytime."

"Thank you, Uncle Zhou."

Zhang Xue smiled sweetly.

She finally understood the reason behind her mother's words: "Someone will help you when trouble comes."

"Mm." Zhou Cang smiled and nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Jun Wushang. "And you, boy. If you dare bully Xue'er, watch your backside."

"How would I dare?" Jun Wushang shrank his neck and raised his hands in surrender. "I can hardly bear to hurt her!"

"That's more like it."

Zhou Cang nodded with a manly air.

"Later..."

Just as Zhou Cang was about to say something else, a duty Garrison Commander came rushing in.

"Lord Zhou, the Division Chief wants Wei Qing and Jun Wushang to go to the meeting hall."

Wei Qing and Jun Wushang were both stunned. The Division Chief wanted to see them?

The two exchanged a glance, then looked toward Zhou Cang.

"Understood."

Zhou Cang seemed to have expected this. His expression remained calm, without the slightest ripple.

Seeing the looks they directed at him, he explained, "It's a good thing!"

"When you meet the Division Chief later, be careful not to get too unruly."

"Xue'er, stay here with me for now. You two go."

"Yes, Uncle Zhou."

Hearing that it was a good thing, the two immediately rejoiced and answered in unison.

A moment later.

The two followed the duty Garrison Commander to the meeting hall.

At that moment, inside the hall,

Nangong Yu sat in the seat of honor, while Xie Yun and the other three sat in their usual places on either side.

The moment Wei Qing and Jun Wushang stepped into the meeting hall, a terrifying aura came rushing toward them.

Their bodies swayed and their steps faltered, but through astonishing willpower, they stood firmly in place without taking a single step back.

Then, the two respectfully bowed and saluted:

"Your subordinate Wei Qing pays respects to the Division Chief, Director Xie, Director Shen, Director Su, and Director Lin."

"Your subordinate Jun Wushang pays respects to the Division Chief, Director Xie, Director Shen, Director Su, and Director Lin."

Seeing this, the five nodded in satisfaction.

Nangong Yu inclined his head slightly and waved his hand.

In an instant, Wei Qing and Jun Wushang felt an invisible force steadily lift them up. At the same time, the terrifying aura surrounding them quietly vanished.

"You handled things well before and in Qingcheng this time."

"The Heavenly Mirror Division has always been fair in rewarding and punishing."

"Wei Qing."

"Your subordinate is present."

"Considering your performance in Qingcheng and your strength, the Division has decided to promote you exceptionally to Earth Grade Garrison Commander. You will receive an independent residence, one Earth-rank cultivation method of your choice from the Library Pavilion, and one Meridian Opening Pill."

"If you can break through to the sixth-grade realm within three months, there will also be a mysterious reward for you."

"Yes, sir. I will not fail the Division Chief's expectations."

Upon hearing this, Wei Qing was overjoyed.

The Division had really invested heavily in this reward—even an Earth-rank cultivation method was being offered.

It was probably related to his comprehension of profundity.

The system had rewarded him with a Meridian Opening Pill before, and he had originally planned to take it when breaking through from the peak of the sixth grade to the fifth grade.

Now that he had two Meridian Opening Pills in hand, he could break through to the fifth grade at any time.

The current Wei Manor was the residence Wei Yuan had received as a reward when he was promoted to Earth Grade.

"Jun Wushang, considering your performance in Qingcheng, you are officially promoted to Imperial-rank Garrison Commander. You will receive one High-grade Profound Tier Cultivation Method and one bottle of Qi Gathering Pills."

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

"Yes, sir. I will give it my all and absolutely will not disappoint you, Division Chief."

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, Director."

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

"Yes, Director Lin."

"Division Chief..."

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

"As for your father, Dantai has not sent back any news yet. If there is any news about your father, you will be notified immediately."

"Thank you, Division Chief."

Nangong Yu continued, "Also, fighting is permitted, as long as you don't violate the law."

"Your subordinate understands!"

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

He had originally still harbored some misgivings.

Now that he had Nangong Yu's words, that last trace of concern completely vanished.

After Wei Qing and Jun Wushang left,

Nangong Yu asked, "What do you think?"

"Calm in the face of danger—a promising talent." Lin Wantang slightly raised her eyes, the corners of her lips curling into a trace of approval.

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

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

Xie Yun was still smiling at the first two men's evaluations.

But upon hearing Shen Hanbing's words, his expression instantly changed. "Old Shen, I only agreed because of the Division Chief."

"If you don't know your own strength and hurt me, don't blame me for falling out with you."

"Relax!"

"Look at how stingy you are. I despise you." Shen Hanbing raised his middle finger and gestured at him.

Xie Yun exploded in fury. "Damn it, you old bastard. Are you looking for a fight?"

"Bring it on..."

Seeing this familiar scene, the other three helplessly shook their heads.