I Have A Qi Fortune Altar

He was a covert agent of the Xiang Family, aware that Chen Yuan could extract the divine blood of Xiang Family members for his own use. Naturally, he needed to conceal this now.

Sure enough, Jingtai and Pu Xian Bodhisattva did not suspect anything, as they only knew a little about the divine blood of the Xiang Family and weren't clear on the details.

They would never have thought there was something that could directly extract divine blood.

Looking at the blackened head in front of him, Jingtai felt both delighted and somewhat displeased. He was delighted because the more members of the Xiang Family died, the happier he was, especially since it was such a significant elder of the Xiang Family.

The Yang Transformation True Master was definitely a powerhouse, and the more of them died, the more the court's pressure was reduced.

He was displeased because, after Chen Yuan made such a great achievement, he had no other excuse to suppress the position of the Heavenly Divine Envoy.

The officials of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau were watching.

Everyone knew Chen Yuan had already emerged as a candidate for the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy, only waiting for the Emperor's decree. Now that he had made great achievements, if they still delayed rewarding him, it would undermine his prestige.

Once the news spread, people would say he was being unfair!

He was actually very surprised at how Chen Yuan managed to stir things up so effectively.

He accomplished one merit after another over time, making it inappropriate not to reward him, but rewarding him was also not suitable since he had not yet agreed to that marriage proposal.

With a sigh, Jingtai turned his gaze to Xiao Jing and asked:

"Great Governor, do you think Chen Yuan is suitable for the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy?"

Xiao Jing's heart trembled, and he said solemnly:

"Chen Yuan has defeated all other contenders of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau and has made great contributions. I believe he is undoubtedly the right choice for the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy. If someone else were appointed, the Heavenly Patrol Bureau would not be convinced."

"Do you think he is suitable?"

"I indeed believe so, Your Excellency."

Hearing Xiao Jing's firm reply, Jingtai then turned his gaze to State Preceptor Pu Xian Bodhisattva and asked:

"What does the State Preceptor think?"

"His Majesty already has a plan in mind, I shall say no more."

After a moment of contemplation, Jingtai instructed a eunuch beside him:

"Go, convey the decree to Eunuch Cao, and have him send someone to Duke Wu'an Mansion to announce the decree, appointing Chen Yuan as the Heavenly Divine Envoy of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go at once."

A young eunuch quickly bowed and left the Imperial Garden.

"Great Governor, come, let me show you how my Go game is progressing."

"Yes."

Unable to suppress Chen Yuan for now, Jingtai no longer attempted to do so, but this meant there was one less method to restrain Chen Yuan. He only hoped that Chen Yuan would be sensible enough to agree during the court assembly.

Otherwise, he would be angered!

...

...

The next day.

Duke Wu'an Mansion.

Chen Yuan was also playing Go in the backyard, with his opponent being Ouyang Zhi.

Having stayed a couple of days at the Marquis Mansion, he was ready to leave. The Capital was indeed fascinating, but it didn't belong to him; a brief tour to broaden his horizons was enough.

No need to stay too long.

"Upon your return, expedite the fabrication of weapons at Hidden Soldier Valley," Chen Yuan said, placing a black stone down unhurriedly, not even glancing at Ouyang Zhi.

"But the manpower..."

Ouyang Zhi hesitated. Hidden Soldier Valley was merely a prefectural-level force, not boasting a large number of people, especially those qualified to craft Treasure Weapons.

Even with help from Tangshan, there were still not enough craftsmen.

"Don't assign the fabrication of a single weapon to one person; divide the work into batches, letting one person specialize in one task, with veterans overseeing the quality." He realized he didn't have much time.

His identity was a lurking threat; he could be exposed at any time and must prepare in advance.

First, he would build a formidable army from Tangshan's ten-thousand-strong Iron Cavalry!

With each soldier riding a unique warhorse, supplied unlimitedly with cultivation techniques and resources, their weapons, their trusty tools, couldn't lag behind.

After all, he also intended to expand the army; ten thousand men were far from enough!

With insufficient personnel at Hidden Soldier Valley, they would adopt an assembly-line method for weapon production.

"But in that case, the quality might..."

"As long as they're satisfactory, they needn't be perfect."

Chen Yuan set the standard.

"Yes, I understand."

Ouyang Zhi nodded solemnly.

Chen Yuan's words were enough; he didn't wish to keep pace only to find the weapons of lesser quality than previous batches and face reprimand.

With Lady Xu's connection, he and Chen Yuan were now inextricably linked; the higher Chen Yuan's power, the greater his fortune, and if Chen Yuan faced trouble, he would surely perish.

"Mm, continue the game."

Chen Yuan nodded expressionlessly.

In casual conversation, Chen Yuan shared numerous cultivation experiences with Ouyang Zhi. Being now a True Master of the Fifth Realm, he was much stronger and more experienced than Ouyang Zhi, more than capable of advising him.

Ouyang Zhi dared not neglect this opportunity, seizing it to inquire earnestly.

A game of Go was just concluding, and Chen Yuan was about to return to his room to continue diligent cultivation when the Marquis Mansion's chief steward, Uncle Fu, quickly approached with a hint of delight on his face:

"Marquis, someone has come from the palace."

Chen Yuan paused, knowing that Xiang Qianfeng's head had worked its influence; if Jingtai continued to suppress the Heavenly Divine Envoy matter, it would be inappropriate. He then stood up and walked with the steward towards the front courtyard.

The visitor today was still the young eunuch Liu Yong, who, upon seeing Chen Yuan, plastered a sycophantic smile on his face, acting as though Chen Yuan was his own father.

"This servant greets the Marquis."

"Eunuch, you're too courteous. What decree does His Majesty have?"