Behind the Mountain.

Zhang Xuan gazed at the closed-eyed Buddha image and strolled into the mountain cave.

Almost nothing had changed since Chen Yuan left. He slowly pushed open the stone door, and the heavy smell of blood made everyone frown. Chen Yuan's eyes flickered as he followed Zhang Xuan and the others, remaining unobtrusive.

"Hmm... the blood pool, something's different!"

Chen Yuan frowned, examining the blood pool below. It was half the size it had been before he left.

"What is it? Is there a problem?"

Zhang Xuan asked, noticing Chen Yuan's frown.

"No... I just feel like something's not right."

"Hmm?"

"My Lord, look at the traces left in the blood pool. They don't match the blood in the pool at all. It's possible that the people here just left before we arrived."

Chen Yuan said, pointing to the traces below.

Zhang Xuan stared at the blood pool below. With a wave of his hand, the blood seemed to stir, revealing the bottom of the pool. A clear human-shaped outline could be seen there.

"Lifeless Sect secret art... someone was healing here," Zhang Xuan said in a low voice.

Chen Yuan's heart trembled. His previous premonition was correct; someone was indeed beneath the blood pool when he came before!

He wondered if the person was unconscious or had simply watched him take the Blood Fiend Saber.

"Alas, one step too late."

Yue Shan grumbled, sounding annoyed.

"Those guys were stalling for time earlier," someone said.

"My Lord, what should we do now..." a man with a scar on his face asked, looking at Zhang Xuan.

Zhang Xuan stared at the blood pool and said,

"Destroy this place. As for these bones, bury them where they lie."

Chen Yuan secretly exhaled a breath of relief. He didn't know if his uncle's bones were among those beside the blood pool, but now, they were unrecognizable.

"My Lord, children have been disappearing from Ping An County. They couldn't have turned into bones so quickly. I suspect there might be an even more hidden place in Ping An County."

"Your guess is possible. These demons are well-versed in the ways of a fox with three dens."

"Then..."

"But I won't waste time in Ping An County. I have other matters to attend to. Furthermore, since you're unwilling to come forward and claim this credit, I'll just keep it in mind for you for now."

"Thank you, My Lord."

Chen Yuan cupped his fist in salute.

He truly didn't want to be in the limelight right now. After all, reporting above one's rank was a major taboo in officialdom.

The other Sky Survey Guards, except for Yue Shan, all wore astonished expressions.

They hadn't expected that the information leading to the destruction of this Lifeless Sect branch had been provided by this Ping An County constable.

Zhang Xuan gazed at Chen Yuan and suddenly said,

"Are you interested in joining the Sky Survey Division?"

Yue Shan watched Chen Yuan with interest, seemingly anticipating his answer. He had recommended Chen Yuan to Zhang Xuan before, but Zhang Xuan hadn't expressed his stance at the time.

He hadn't expected that he would wait until now.

The other Sky Survey Guards had different expressions. Some envied Chen Yuan for being personally invited by Lord Zhang, which meant he would definitely be a key figure for cultivation in the future.

They didn't have such treatment; they had joined the Sky Survey Division through step-by-step selection.

Some were expressionless, as if they had already guessed the current situation.

Some sized up Chen Yuan, wanting to see what abilities he possessed that made the usually aloof Zhang Xuan look at him differently.

Chen Yuan's eyes flickered. He had certainly heard of the Sky Survey Division's reputation and knew that it was very difficult to enter. Apart from those who were recruited due to their good talent, most of the rest were Bone Forging martial artists before they could join.

Although ordinary Sky Survey Guards didn't have as much power as constables, their authority was also considerable.

It could be said that it was the first choice for many constables.

But...

Chen Yuan had just established his foundation in Ping An County, and his power was beginning to show. Especially now that the Lifeless Sect's branch in Ping An County had been eliminated, it could be said that Chen Yuan was now a significant figure in Ping An County.

Once he joined the Sky Survey Division, he would have to start all over again.

It wasn't that Chen Yuan was reluctant to give up power, but he wasn't mentally prepared for it yet.

His original plan was to gradually gain a foothold in Ping An County and leave Ping An County after breaking through to the Qi Condensation Realm.

Chen Yuan had learned from Zhao Nanshan's words how dangerous the outside world was. Not to mention Qi Condensation, even 'Profound Understanding' experts at a higher level occasionally perished.

Seeing Chen Yuan's hesitant look, Zhang Xuan asked in a low voice:

"What is it? Are you unwilling?"

"My Lord, it's not that I'm unwilling, but..." Chen Yuan's words were interrupted by Zhang Xuan.

"Your talent is not bad. You can break through to Bone Forging at the age of twenty, and you are also powerful. Ordinary Bone Forging martial artists are no match for you..."

The surrounding Sky Survey Guards widened their eyes, never expecting that Chen Yuan's evaluation in Zhang Xuan's eyes would be so high: "Ordinary Bone Forging martial artists are no match for you."

Those who had previously looked down on him gradually became solemn.

"But... the environment can change a person. Staying in Ping An County, the limit of your life will be at most the Qi Condensation Realm, but if you join the Sky Survey Division and go through life-and-death training, your achievements may be higher."

"Of course, it's only possible. The tasks performed by the Sky Survey Division are indeed dangerous, but everyone who survives can break the shackles and become a strong person."

"I rarely invite people to join the Sky Survey Division, because most people are mediocre in my eyes. As for you... you have piqued my interest."

"Since ancient times, the strong have risen and the mediocre have fallen. If you just want to live a stable life in Ping An County, being a constable is not bad either."

After saying that, Zhang Xuan stood with his hands behind his back, quietly looking at Chen Yuan.

"My Lord... I..."

"Don't rush to answer, go back and think about it carefully. It's okay if you really don't want to join the Sky Survey Division. I'm just giving you a few words of advice."

"If you want to come, go to the Prefecture City to find me."

After saying that, Zhang Xuan turned and walked towards the door.

"Thank you, My Lord..."

Chen Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Honestly, joining the Sky Survey Division was indeed a good choice for Chen Yuan now, but Chen Yuan didn't plan to join now. Now was too early.

The most suitable time was actually after reaching the Qi Condensation Realm.

However, it would be a bit ignorant of current affairs at that time, and Zhang Xuan wouldn't value him as much as he does now.

Of course, part of the reason why Chen Yuan hesitated was because he didn't know what kind of person Zhang Xuan was. He wouldn't be easily fooled by a few words.

The other Sky Survey Guards glanced at Chen Yuan and shook their heads slightly, seemingly feeling that Chen Yuan had not seized the opportunity.

Yue Shan leaned closer to Chen Yuan and said in a low voice:

"Why didn't you agree? I can see that you are actually a person who pursues martial arts. Staying in Ping An County will only bury you. There are countless divine arts and secret techniques in the Sky Survey Division..."

"I'll think about it, thank you Brother Yue."

Chen Yuan smiled.

"Think about it carefully, Lord Zhang values you very much."