Qing Chen naturally knew nothing of these hidden details. He only saw the Carefree Marquis outside the city withdraw his mudra art and look toward him.
The instant their gazes met, the Mysterious Womb Demon Lotus Platform in Qing Chen's sea of consciousness suddenly began to rotate on its own.
Then a gentle voice passed through the Nine Profound Suppression of the North Formation. "The Carefree Marquis, Grand Elder of the Blood God Sect, has come to visit the pass, accompanied by the Dugu Household Head and Deputy Sect Master Xue."
He wore a smile, and his tone sounded exceedingly courteous.
Yet at that moment, the dark red blood moon hanging high behind him suddenly expanded severalfold, staining nearly half the sky scarlet.
"Governor-General Qing, please return Qin Wujiang of our sect, Luo Chong of the Taotie Yuan-Devouring Sect, and the detained disciples of the various households, and restore their immortal posts."
"And offer an apology and amends."
As those final words reached the pass, Yanmen Pass fell silent.
The Carefree Marquis was clearly wielding the might of a Spirit Venerable to force Qing Chen to release them!!!
If he agreed to all this, everything Qing Chen had done before would have been for nothing.
Moreover, Wei Jin and the other Edict-Bearing Heavenly Envoys were right here. Once word reached the court, he could forget about holding his own in the Northwestern Circuit.
Qing Chen suddenly burst into laughter. "In what capacity have you come to speak to me today?"
The Carefree Marquis's gaze shifted, as though he had not expected this to be Qing Chen's first question. "What do you mean?"
Qing Chen's voice carried an unquestionable authority. "If you have come as a First-Class Marquis of Great Jin, then I am the Circuit-Surveying Governor appointed by imperial decree