The Real Reward

Yang Wenqing met Chen Jie in the reception hall of the Governor-General's Mansion's rear courtyard an hour later. He was a refined-looking middle-aged man whose public identity was vice president of a higher academy in the Heavenly Crafts State of the Central Subcontinent. He was a Third Realm Jade Clarity cultivator of the Unorthodox Path.

After exchanging a few inconsequential pleasantries, the two cultivators spoke unhurriedly. After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Chen Jie looked at Yang Wenqing and brought up the main matter. "Teacher mentioned that you might need intelligence support from the Southern Sea and Eastern Sea in the future. Do you have any specific plans?"

Yang Wenqing answered frankly, "I hope you will not laugh at me, Martial Uncle, but I really do not have any more concrete plans. My current idea is fairly simple: make the best use of the Dragon Palace connection and gradually send informants toward the Southern Sea and Eastern Sea."

Chen Jie said, "That is practical. Trading companies truly are the best cover for intelligence work. Teacher sent me here because he wanted to help you establish more trade channels, but you also know that I cannot handle this personally."

Yang Wenqing nodded. "I understand that."

Chen Jie continued, "Teacher once asked me to keep an eye on someone you reported. I think this person would be suitable as an intermediary."

Several names flashed through Yang Wenqing's mind, and he quickly settled on one. Smiling, he asked, "You mean Chou Chou?"

Chen Jie replied, "Yes, Chou Chou from the Withered Glory Society. He has behaved himself while working under you these past years. I learned about his recent circumstances through certain channels. He has not used his former network to operate in private anymore. Teacher thinks this