‘Exceed Chen Yuan?’

Shen Yanshu smiled wryly in her heart. With Chen Yuan's monstrous cultivation speed, how could she possibly surpass him? She knew very well that these were just words of comfort from Chen Yuan.

However, she didn't feel any sense of loss. Given the nature of her relationship with Chen Yuan, she would be delighted if his strength and cultivation were even stronger.

Putting aside other feelings, the ancient cultivation method recorded that the lower the cultivation level of one party, the greater the benefits they would receive as the cultivation deepened.

Moreover, Chen Yuan's strength would also serve as her support.

Shen Yanshu: "Yanshu possesses a spiritual body, unlike Chen brother…"

Chen Yuan paused almost imperceptibly. He had indeed mentioned before that he possessed the Dragon's Roar physique, which was perfectly compatible with Shen Yanshu, as an excuse.

After all, his growth rate was indeed somewhat shocking.

Especially once the news of his successful entry into the Tongxuan Realm spread, it would inevitably attract even more attention.

"Hehe…"

Chen Yuan then smiled and didn't say much.

"Now that Chen brother has broken through to the Tongxuan Realm, I wonder what the future holds…" Shen Yanshu asked, looking at him with concern.

In theory, those who have reached the Tongxuan Realm can no longer continue serving as Patrol Envoys. They would either be assigned to another area or transferred to serve under the command of the Qingzhou Golden Envoy.

The most likely scenario for Chen Yuan was a transfer to the state city.

Becoming a Qing Envoy in charge of a prefecture required not only cultivation but also outstanding merits and temperament.

A prefecture's Qing Envoy held a high position and great authority, practically a regional official with minimal interference from above, making it the preferred choice for many Tongxuan martial artists.

"Well, that depends on the arrangements made by my superiors, but I won't be leaving anytime soon." Chen Yuan understood the implications of this question.

After his breakthrough, Nanzhou Prefecture could hardly contain him anymore.

Perhaps, there was a very high chance that he would be transferred…

"Yanshu understands."

Looking up at the sky outside, Chen Yuan said:

"It's almost dawn, Miss Shen should go back and rest."

The two had been engaged in intense activity for a long time last night, and several hours had passed in cultivation. The sky was already beginning to lighten. If she stayed any longer, Shen Yanshu might be noticed.

Of course, this wasn't to say that Chen Yuan was afraid of people finding out; he was simply considering Shen Yanshu's feelings.

"Alright."

Shen Yanshu didn't hesitate and walked to the door. Suddenly, she paused, turned her head back, and smiled:

"Chen brother, we'll need to interact more in the future."

Chen Yuan's gaze lingered on Shen Yanshu for a moment before he nodded:

"Miss Shen, rest assured, there will naturally be plenty of interaction in the future…"

"Farewell."

Shen Yanshu bowed lightly and turned to leave without delay.

Watching her departing figure, Chen Yuan's gaze lingered for a long time before slowly shifting to the hint of white just beginning to appear in the sky.

Dawn had broken. The situation in Nanzhou Prefecture, the various grudges…

It was almost time for a reckoning!

…

…

Around noon.

Tang Qian ascended Dragon-Tiger Gate alone. He had previously associated the wanted man of Dragon-Tiger Gate with Chen Yuan, and after two days of supplementing details,

He was confident that he could convince Xu Lingtian that Chen Yuan was that person.

Moreover, Tang Qian genuinely suspected Chen Yuan. Whether it was his strength or his style of doing things, it wasn't much different from Chen Yuan's.

Perhaps it really was him.

After being announced, Tang Qian was led by a Dragon-Tiger Gate disciple towards the Dragon-Tiger Gate's Council Hall. Looking at the traces that had not yet been cleaned up around,

Tang Qian couldn't help but be shocked.

It seemed that the impact caused that day was indeed very great. If he had been somewhat skeptical of the rumors that someone had fought their way through Dragon-Tiger Gate,

But now, having seen it with his own eyes, Tang Qian believed it.

Especially the knife mark he had seen on the ground before. Although the edge had long dissipated, the dozens of meters long mark still remained.

'If it really was him, does he already possess the strength to rival me?'

Tang Qian's mind was uneasy.

He both hoped that the person was Chen Yuan and hoped that he wasn't.

He hoped it was so that he could join hands with Xu Lingtian to withstand some pressure and eliminate Chen Yuan, so that he could feel a little more at ease.

He hoped it wasn't because if that strike really was made by Chen Yuan, it would mean that Chen Yuan had grown to the point where he could rival them.

It was really hard to say who wanted to kill whom!

Along the way, Tang Qian's expression was very solemn…

Inside the Dragon-Tiger Gate Council Hall.

Xu Lingtian sat alone in the position of Sect Master. The spacious hall was empty, without another person.

Tang Qian arrived before his voice.

"Brother Lingtian!"

"Brother Tang."

Xu Lingtian's face was calm and unreadable, signaling Tang Qian to sit next to him.

"Is Dragon-Tiger Gate doing well?"

"It's fine, what brings Brother Tang here?"

Xu Lingtian went straight to the point, without any intention of pleasantries.

Even now, Xu Lingtian had not let go of what happened a few days ago. On the contrary, his hatred for the thief grew even stronger. Dragon-Tiger Gate,

A force that had been passed down for hundreds of years, was actually attacked and even managed to escape unscathed.

He didn't blame the disciples for not risking their lives, only that he had raised an unfilial daughter who betrayed the sect that raised her for a man, and even carried his bastard child!

The Xu family's reputation was completely ruined.

Hearing Xu Lingtian's somewhat unkind tone, Tang Qian didn't take it to heart and said lightly:

"Tang is here to solve Brother Lingtian's worries."

With a flash of light in his eyes, Xu Lingtian stared at Tang Qian:

"Has Brother Tang found any trace of the thief?"

Now his only worry was this.

Tang Qian smiled without saying a word, poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip unhurriedly, and then said in Xu Lingtian's somewhat impatient gaze:

"Tang has a question to ask Brother Lingtian."

"Brother Tang, feel free to ask."

Tang Qian looked directly at Xu Lingtian and smiled: "Tang wants to know what that thief was looking for at Dragon-Tiger Gate? Why did he finally escape from Dragon-Tiger Gate…"

"I've already said that, that person came for revenge." Xu Lingtian's expression didn't change. This was the message Dragon-Tiger Gate had put out.

"If Brother Xu isn't willing to tell the truth, so be it… Tang will take his leave."

Tang Qian made a gesture to get up and leave.

He didn't believe the message that Dragon-Tiger Gate had put out. If it was for revenge, why would that person fight his way out of Dragon-Tiger Gate? Shouldn't he have exterminated Dragon-Tiger Gate?

If he didn't have enough strength, that would be even more ridiculous.

Just to make a scene?

Moreover, he had also received a message that Xu Lingtian's daughter, Xu Caiyue, had been placed under house arrest, and it was said that she had even been slapped by Xu Lingtian. There was a lot of information in this.

How could Tang Qian, a cunning strategist who had stood in Nanzhou Prefecture for more than ten years, rely on rumors?

"Brother Tang, please wait." Xu Lingtian took a deep breath and stopped him.

"Hmm?" Tang Qian paused.

"To be honest, that thief was actually after a treasure of my Dragon-Tiger Gate. After being discovered, the old Sect Master was alarmed, and in the end, he had no choice but to escape from Dragon-Tiger Gate…

This matter concerns the secrets of my Dragon-Tiger Gate. I hope Brother Tang won't leak it out."

Xu Lingtian said, his eyes flickering unconsciously.

"What treasure?"

Tang Qian asked again.

Being able to make people take the risk of attacking Dragon-Tiger Gate, it might be a treasure that even he coveted.

"Just a treasure passed down by the founder, Brother Tang wouldn't look at it."

"Brother Xu, don't misunderstand, Tang is just curious." Tang Qian laughed awkwardly and changed the subject.

"Alright, if Brother Tang really has any traces of that thief in his hands, as long as it is confirmed, Xu will definitely reward you handsomely in the future." Xu Lingtian stared at him.

"There are some traces, but I'm afraid Brother Xu wouldn't dare to act." Tang Qian didn't say it directly and continued to beat around the bush.

If he directly implicated Chen Yuan, Xu Lingtian would definitely think that he was doing it on purpose. He had to make him confirm the identity of that person from the bottom of his heart.

Xu Lingtian sneered: "There is no one in Nanzhou Prefecture that I dare not move. No matter who it is, if they dare to make trouble at my Dragon-Tiger Gate, they must pay the price."

"Really?"

"Really!"

"Good, Brother Xu has courage."

"Brother Tang, speak plainly."

"Tang wants to ask, what was the thief's saber technique like that day?" Tang Qian asked, looking at him with a smile.

Xu Lingtian frowned and said in a low voice:

"The saber technique was superb, and it was definitely not an ordinary saber technique. It was at an extremely strong level in the Ninggang Realm."

"How was his strength?"

"Being able to escape from the hands of the old Sect Master, his strength is naturally beyond words. I'm afraid no one in the Ninggang martial artists can match him. That person's strength has probably reached the top fifty of the Potential Dragon List."

"How was his temperament?"

"Ruthless and sinister, starting with Caiyue…"

"How did he escape in the end?"

"He fled into Yun River."

Tang Qian stood up, took a step forward, and said, staring at Xu Lingtian:

"Fleeing into Yun River and disappearing into the bottom of the river means that this person either had a plan or knows the various areas of Nanzhou Prefecture like the back of his hand. That's why he dared to play tricks on Old Master Xu.

Tang is inclined to the latter."

"What does Brother Tang want to say?" Xu Lingtian narrowed his eyes.

"The saber technique is superb, the strength is strong, the temperament is ruthless, the methods are outstanding, and at the same time, he is extremely familiar with the vicinity of Nanzhou Prefecture. Brother Xu, with these points linked together, does there need to be any more explanation as to who the thief is?"

Xu Lingtian stood up with a 'whoosh', frowned and said:

"Are you saying… Patrol Envoy Chen Yuan?"

Looking at Tang Qian with some suspicion, he knew that Tang Qian had a killing intent towards Chen Yuan. Now that he mentioned it again, he couldn't help but suspect Tang Qian's motives.

However, Tang Qian didn't take Xu Lingtian's scrutiny to heart and continued:

"In terms of saber technique, Chen Yuan's saber technique has been fully revealed in several confrontations in Nanzhou Prefecture, and he can even earn the title of 'Demon Saber'. In terms of temperament, he has ruthlessly killed those who provoked him several times, and he can definitely be called ruthless."

"He previously fought with the Dongying martial artist Yagyu Shinichi above Yun River and killed the snake demon at the bottom of Yun River, his understanding of Yun River far exceeds that of ordinary people. Coupled with his identity as a Patrol Envoy,

There must be someone working for him, and he can also understand the terrain of Nanzhou Prefecture…"