The entire venue fell silent!

It was as if someone had pressed the pause button, and even the void seemed to congeal.

From the beginning of the exchange until now, at most a quarter of an hour or so had passed, but in such a short time, the outcome had already been decided!

It was truly shocking.

Because this was not an ordinary clash between low-realm martial artists, where victory or even death could be decided in a flash of lightning. This was a battle of the fifth realm, the True Person Realm.

When True Persons of similar strength fought, it would be difficult to determine the winner even after half an hour or an hour. But Chen Yuan achieved victory so quickly.

This could only prove one thing.

That was, the difference in strength between them was vast!

If it were just one martial artist, it might not be so shocking. After all, Chen Yuan's combat power was known throughout the world; he was almost invincible in the same realm, so it wouldn't be surprising if he won.

But the problem was that his opponents were two people joining forces, and neither of them was an ordinary Primordial Spirit; they could all be considered veteran Primordial Spirit powerhouses!

Even so, under Chen Yuan's powerful might, apart from the initial contention, they could only seek self-preservation for the rest of the time.

The Sky Patrollers from the capital headquarters who were watching had only one thought at this moment.

Chen Yuan deserved to be called the True Invincible!

Wu Tianxi and Zuo Tiancheng breathed a sigh of relief, a hint of disappointment flashing in their eyes.

When Chen Yuan proposed that Ying Hong and Wen Liang join forces, they were still secretly rejoicing, even speculating that Chen Yuan was too arrogant.

Now they realized that it wasn't arrogance at all.

It was confidence, a strong confidence from the bottom of his heart!

A divine weapon of the Five Tribulations, such astonishing martial dao true intent.

Ying Hong and Wen Liang lost without injustice.

Zhang Yantong slowly relaxed his tense heart at this moment, a faint smile appearing on the corner of his mouth. Fortunately, fortunately, Chen Yuan didn't lose. Not only that, but he also thoroughly resolved this dispute in a satisfying manner.

It was a pity that if the Emperor hadn't intended to recruit him as a son-in-law, he would never have let go of this son-in-law who was already showing his potential. He even regretted it a little.

He should have settled this marriage when Chen Yuan first came to the capital.

Even if he had to coerce him a little, it would have been worth it.

At that time, he was already the top of the Hidden Dragon Rankings, the unparalleled genius who topped the Immortal Ascension Battle. But although he thought this person's talent was good, he still needed time to grow.

The priority was to win over Jiang He.

As a result...

Jiang He hadn't even been drawn into the Zhang faction's camp, and this person had already surpassed him.

No one could have expected this day.

While regretting, Zhang Yantong also sighed.

He still remembered when he first met Chen Yuan, he was only at the Void Core Realm. Now, in the blink of an eye, he was almost catching up to him...

His cultivation might still be a bit lacking, but the strength Chen Yuan had displayed was already close to the Divine Refinement level.

If he was given more time to grow, to what extent would he grow?

Zhang Yantong couldn't help but let his thoughts wander.

Xiao Jing looked at the spiderweb-like cracks on the ground, slowly shaking his head. When he turned his gaze to Chen Yuan, his eyes were a little dazed, as if... he had thought of that haunting image from the past.

So... similar.

"This person is qualified to serve as a Celestial Envoy."

Wu Tianxi suddenly sighed.

Even though the candidate he supported was not Chen Yuan, looking at his imposing demeanor, he had to admit that no one in the Sky Patrolling Division could compare to him.

The Celestial Envoy position was his!

Merit, potential, strength, except for his relatively young qualifications, everything else was top-notch!

Give him some more time, and perhaps his strength and cultivation would be able to catch up with the former Grand Commander Xiao Jing.

"This Envoy agrees."

The matter of the Celestial Envoy was almost settled. The only thing left was the Emperor's side, but looking at the Emperor's favor towards Chen Yuan, was this even a problem?

It would be better to do him a favor, just like Wu Tianxi.

The three Envoys jointly submitted a memorial, requesting His Majesty to appoint Chen Yuan as the Celestial Envoy.

Zhang Yantong glanced at Wu Tianxi and Zuo Tiancheng and smiled without saying anything.

In the void, it was almost as silent as below.

Chen Yuan was also staring at Wen Liang and Ying Hong not far away, not saying anything. He didn't put the Imperial Slaughtering Blade back into the Heavenly Book Space, quietly waiting for them to admit defeat.

If they were still ignorant of what was good for them, then he wouldn't stop.

A layer of cold sweat broke out on Wen Liang's face. Just now, he was really afraid that Chen Yuan's blade would fall. In his current state, even if he could block it, he would be seriously injured.

Fortunately, Chen Yuan stopped.

Ying Hong had the same thought. Looking at Chen Yuan's calm eyes that were as deep as the sea, he breathed a sigh of relief and cupped his fists in salute.

"Marquis is divinely mighty. Ying Hong is inferior. The Celestial Envoy position belongs to Marquis."

Wen Liang came back to his senses and also cupped his fists in salute.

"Blade intent is earth-shattering. Wen Liang is inferior. Martial Peace Marquis is worthy of being invincible in the same realm."

Both of them expressed their willingness to admit defeat at this moment.

Not only were they convinced verbally, but they were also almost convinced in their hearts.

They were arrogant to compete for the Celestial Envoy position with someone like him.

Seeing the two of them give in, Chen Yuan didn't act arrogantly. With a thought, the sharpness of the Imperial Slaughtering Blade quickly converged inward. With a flash of light, it disappeared into the void, and the powerful aura on his body also began to gradually dissipate.

Looking at Ying Hong and Wen Liang, he smiled and cupped his fists.

"The strength of the two of you is also extraordinary. I humbly accept."

After the sparring ended, several people walked towards Xiao Jing and the other Envoys step by step.

"Grand Commander, this subordinate is inferior to Martial Peace Marquis. I voluntarily withdraw."

"This subordinate as well."

Wen Liang and Ying Hong quickly stated their positions.

Xiao Jing nodded and said, "Go back and heal your injuries."

"This subordinate takes his leave."

"This subordinate takes his leave."

Ying Hong and Wen Liang looked at each other, a hint of bitter smile appearing on their faces. They turned around and left.

"Chen Yuan."

Xiao Jing's expression turned serious.

"Grand Commander."

Chen Yuan cupped his fists.

"Now that this battle is over, this Grand Commander will submit a memorial to His Majesty along with the three Envoys, recommending you to take on the position of Celestial Envoy."

"Thank you, Grand Commander. Thank you, esteemed sirs."

Chen Yuan said calmly, without any joy or surprise, cupping his fists towards Wu Tianxi and Zuo Tiancheng.

"This is what you deserve."

"Just don't disgrace the names of the Four Great Envoys of Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow of the Sky Patrolling Division."

Wu Tianxi said with a smile.

"Envoy Wu, please rest assured."

"Alright, go back first. This Grand Commander will submit the memorial immediately."

Xiao Jing waved his hand.

"This subordinate takes his leave."

Chen Yuan glanced at the Sky Patrollers who were watching below, preparing to leave.

But Zhang Yantong suddenly transmitted his voice to him.

"Come to the Zhang Mansion in an hour. This Envoy has something to say."

Chen Yuan nodded imperceptibly and turned to leave.

"Return to the Palace!"

Xiao Jing said indifferently.

......

......

The aftermath of the battle at the Sky Patrolling Division's martial arts arena did not dissipate, but rather began to spread throughout the capital from the mouths of the Sky Patrolling Division martial artists who were watching, immediately causing quite a stir again.

Chen Yuan's battle with Ying Hong and Wen Liang, although shielded by the double formations of the Sky Patrolling Division and the martial arts arena, still caused quite a bit of commotion.

After all, that martial arts arena was built for Core Formation Grandmasters, and it was difficult to withstand the power of Yang Transformation True Persons. It was normal for it to attract the attention of many people in the capital.

Even the Imperial Palace sent people to inquire.

If it weren't for the fact that the location was in the Sky Patrolling Division, the number one martial force institution of the imperial court, many of the capital's garrison experts would have been alarmed long ago.

One shock hadn't subsided, and another tremor came.

Chen Yuan's name spread again in the capital's martial artist circles.

If the Immortal Ascension Tower hadn't set up a ranking list for True Persons, perhaps Chen Yuan would have been able to increase his ranking by a large margin with just this battle.

After returning to the Martial Peace Marquis Mansion, Chen Yuan timed it so that it was about an hour later when he immediately set off, concealing his whereabouts and arriving at the Zhang Mansion. Zhang Yantong seemed to have been waiting for his arrival for a long time.

"Sit down since you're here."

With a thought from Zhang Yantong, the spiritual tea in the pot circled in the void like a flexible little snake and landed in the teacup next to him.

This wasn't a difficult thing to do. Even Core Formation or even Profound Passage martial artists could do this.

However, low-realm martial artists used the elemental energy of heaven and earth or their own released true energy, while Zhang Yantong was using another mysterious power, divine sense.

"Uncle, I wonder why you invited me here this time?"

There was some doubt in Chen Yuan's eyes.

"This time, you defeated Ying Hong and Wen Liang in a satisfying manner. The two of them have given up the idea of competing for the position of Celestial Envoy, so it's basically a sure thing."

"I must thank Uncle for his help."

Chen Yuan's eyes flickered, and he cupped his fists.

"Don't be in such a hurry to thank me. What I said was basically a sure thing, but there's still one uncertainty. Do you know why?" Zhang Yantong looked at him, his eyes a little serious.

Chen Yuan understood something and looked in the direction of the imperial city.

"His Majesty?"

"You guessed correctly. It is indeed His Majesty. The day before yesterday, I went to the Imperial Palace and met with His Majesty. Although he didn't say it explicitly, the implication was that he hoped you would become a驸马 [fùmǎ - imperial son-in-law], marrying Princess Pingyang."

Zhang Yantong thought of his daughter, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"If I don't marry her, I won't get the position of Celestial Envoy?"

Chen Yuan asked in a deep voice.

"There is a possibility, but it's only a possibility. If it were just us Envoys and the Grand Commander discussing and submitting your name, His Majesty would definitely suppress it for the time being.

However, this time you accidentally did the right thing, decisively defeating Ying Hong and Wen Liang in martial arts. The entire Sky Patrolling Division has nothing to say.

Therefore, I don't know if His Majesty will suppress you."

Zhang Yantong said as such.

A cold smile appeared on the corner of Chen Yuan's mouth. He secretly thought that Jingtai was indeed shameless.

"In fact, for you, becoming the imperial son-in-law of the current dynasty is not necessarily a bad thing." Zhang Yantong advised.

The Emperor's purpose in looking for him was to have him use his words to have Chen Yuan propose to Princess Pingyang at the grand court meeting. Naturally, he had to say it now.

Moreover, he himself believed that this was indeed not a bad thing.

Being able to become an imperial son-in-law would definitely receive even more trust from the Emperor. The resources he received would also be stronger, and he would have a huge backstage to protect his growth.

In comparison, the Zhang family's help to him would be much smaller.

This was completely looking at the problem from Chen Yuan's perspective.

He just didn't know why he could see resistance in Chen Yuan's eyes. Otherwise, with his intelligence, he should have expected this long ago.

But he had been pretending not to know, which really made him curious.

Outside the courtyard gate, Zhang Wanshu, who was preparing to bring a plate of snacks to Zhang Yantong, heard these words. Her expression turned a little ugly, and her light footsteps also paused slightly, freezing in place.

She was a little afraid that Chen Yuan would say the answer she didn't want to hear.

However, her cultivation was ultimately too weak. She was also within the range of Chen Yuan and Zhang Yantong's divine sense scans, so they noticed her approach but ignored her.

Chen Yuan took a deep breath and answered firmly.

"Glory, wealth, power, and status, Chen only wants to take them with my own true ability. Marrying a royal woman would be to be completely imprisoned by the imperial family, which is not what I desire."

Second Sister Zhang was stunned for a moment, and her heart couldn't help but skip a beat.

"Is that all?"

Zhang Yantong subconsciously glanced at Zhang Wanshu outside the door.

"Yes, Chen also has someone he is fond of."

Chen Yuan said indifferently.

However, the someone he was fond of belonged to many people.

Hearing these words, the ugly expression on Second Sister Zhang's face disappeared, replaced by heartfelt joy. Even if Chen Yuan knew she was outside the door and was lying to her, she would believe it!

Zhang Yantong frowned, not knowing whether Chen Yuan's words were true or false. He just continued to ask.

"This is His Majesty's intention. Are you really going to refuse?"

"Marriage is a major event. Chen hopes to make my own decisions and doesn't want others to interfere, including... His Majesty!" This was the first time Chen Yuan had revealed his strength and dissatisfaction with Jingtai in front of Zhang Yantong.

It startled him greatly.

He took a deep look at Chen Yuan and said after a long time.

"If His Majesty is furious..."

"Then let him be furious."

"This Envoy understands."

"I've troubled Uncle."

Zhang Yantong waved his hand. He couldn't force Chen Yuan now. He could only hope that the Emperor's heart would be broader and not suppress Chen Yuan in this matter.

Otherwise, it would be a pity.

"Squeak."

Second Sister Zhang, having calmed her mood, pushed the door open and said with feigned surprise.

"Marquis is also here?"

"Second Sister."

Chen Yuan smiled.

"These are snacks that Mother just made. Marquis, please try them."

Second Sister Zhang placed the plate in front of Chen Yuan, completely ignoring Zhang Yantong, causing him to breathe a sigh of relief, not knowing what to say.

......

......

Shenjing City, East Gate.

Ouyang Zhi, the Valley Master of the Hidden Weapon Valley, wearing a white robe, passed the inspection of the city gate guards and entered this center of the world, the essence of the imperial court.

"As expected of the capital city. I wonder how Father is now."

Ouyang Zhi thought to himself.

Ever since the news of Chen Yuan's return to the capital from Liang Province spread, Ouyang Zhi had been entrusted by Madam Xu to prepare to come to the capital to take a look. After all, written letters ultimately couldn't alleviate the feeling of longing.

She couldn't get away, lest something happen.

Naturally, she had to let Ouyang Zhi come.

Well... also taking this opportunity to deepen the relationship between Chen Yuan and Ouyang Zhi. After all, Chen Yuan today was already different from what he used to be.

Of course, Ouyang Zhi himself was very interested in the world-famous Shenjing City and had long wanted to come and see it. He happened to take this opportunity.

After arriving in the capital, Ouyang Zhi immediately found out where the Martial Peace Marquis Mansion was located, but he didn't go there immediately. Instead, he took the opportunity to ask about Chen Yuan's recent situation.

He didn't know until he heard it, and he was shocked when he did.

It turned out that in addition to being granted the title of Marquis last time, which shook the world, his cheap father had actually done so many great things, and even the heavenly and noble Long Princess was deeply in love with him.

Today, he even stirred up the capital with a single battle, and he might be able to ascend to the position of one of the Sky Patrolling Division's Four Great Envoys.

He couldn't help but be shocked by this.

Chen Yuan was worthy of being Chen Yuan. No matter where he was, there would always be legends about him.

It was easier to shake a mountain than to shake Chen Yuan!

Fortunately, their relationship was far beyond what ordinary people could compare to. Even if Chen Yuan became successful in the future, with his mother blowing on his pillow, could he still treat him badly?

As long as he remained loyal to Chen Yuan!

However, while shocked, he couldn't help but feel a little worried, fearing that Chen Yuan would be immersed in the princess's gentle embrace and forget that his mother in Tangshan Prefecture was still waiting bitterly.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Ouyang Zhi's expression turned serious as he set off towards the Martial Peace Marquis Mansion.

It was a complete coincidence that Sima Ke of the Fourth Prince's Mansion, after hearing about today's battle, also decided to visit Chen Yuan to congratulate him.

With the influence of this battle, coupled with his own merits, ascending to the position of Celestial Envoy was definitely not difficult, and he was about to gain a helper at the Celestial Envoy level!

Unfortunately, the person sent to the palace brought back bad news.

His mother consort had recently been unwell and needed to recuperate in the palace.

Sima Ke couldn't help but sigh, unable to take advantage of this good opportunity to deepen their relationship.

Fortunately, his imperial sister was about to be betrothed to Chen Yuan. At that time, he would have his mother consort Yang Huanyu on his left, and his imperial sister, the Long Princess, on his right. With their joint efforts, why should he worry about Chen Yuan being uncertain?

If he could "rabbit fly" a little, he would definitely be able to tie Chen Yuan's heart even more.

After all, this kind of temptation was really hard to refuse.

With various thoughts in mind, Sima Ke arrived at the Martial Peace Marquis Mansion in no time. At a glance, he saw the white-robed man who was talking to the Marquis Mansion's steward.

For some reason, he felt a sense of familiarity in his heart.

"Who is this brother?"

Sima Ke, wearing a black python-patterned robe, stepped forward and asked.

"Fourth Prince."

The Marquis Mansion's steward immediately bowed and saluted.

"Your Highness..." Ouyang Zhi's heart stirred, a hint of curiosity flashing between his brows.

"I wonder where this brother is from? Are you here to visit Martial Peace Marquis?" Sima Ke asked curiously.

"I am Ouyang Zhi, from the Hidden Weapon Valley in Shu Province. I am an old friend of Father... Brother Chen. I happened to be passing by the capital today, so I came to see Brother Chen." Without knowing the other party's background, Ouyang Zhi naturally wouldn't reveal his relationship with Chen Yuan.

Because it was really a bit strange.

Chen Yuan, according to his age, was a little younger than him...

"Hidden Weapon Valley, Ouyang Zhi..." Sima Ke frowned, feeling like he had heard this name somewhere.

However, he didn't think much about it and looked at the steward, asking,

"Is Martial Peace Marquis not at the mansion?"

"The Marquis has gone out to visit friends and will probably be back later."

"Well, it's not the way to treat guests to have Brother Ouyang wait here. Why don't we wait together in the mansion?" Sima Ke looked at the steward and asked.

"This..." Uncle Fu hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said,

"Please, Your Highness. Please, young master."

Seeing the steward let them in, Ouyang Zhi looked at Sima Ke and cupped his fists in salute.

"Thank you... Your Highness."

"Brother Ouyang, you don't have to be so polite. I am Sima Ke. Just call me Brother Sima. To be honest, I felt a sense of familiarity the moment I saw you."

"Oh? I won't hide it from Fourth... Brother Sima. I also have that feeling. It's just that we haven't met before. It's really strange that we can have this feeling for each other."

"Haha, it can only mean that you and I are destined..."