"I'd like to hear the details."

Chen Yuan's expression gradually became serious.

He always enjoyed listening to such secrets.

"The Northern Cold lies north of the grasslands, a region of icy cold climate, unsuitable for habitation. This trend began hundreds of years ago, which is why the barbarians have been trying to invade the Central Plains, their original intention being to survive."

"But if the vast grassland tribes were to encroach upon the Central Plains, it would be the people of the Central Plains who would be unable to survive. This matter was discovered by my father when he went deep into the grasslands."

Wei Wuque let out a long breath.

"In that case, there will inevitably be a true life-or-death battle between the Northern Barbarians and the Central Plains." After listening to Wei Wuque's account, Chen Yuan quickly judged this point.

Even for the sake of survival, those barbarians would try every means to break through the Liang-You border, which would inevitably lead to a true life-and-death war.

Of course, that was assuming what Wei Wuque said was true.

Chen Yuan did not directly believe what he said. Without verification, nothing could be easily believed. What if the Prince of Northern Liang was using this as an excuse to secede and rule his own territory?

"Yes, my father used to say the same. It's a pity that the imperial court is somewhat weak now, and the disputes in the martial world are endless. If the Northern Barbarians were to launch a large-scale invasion one day, it would be a disaster for the Central Plains."

Wei Wuque said in a deep voice.

"The strength of the Northern Barbarians... just how strong are they?"

Chen Yuan took the opportunity to ask this question.

The time for the barbarian sacrifice was not far away, and he would inevitably enter the grasslands in the near future. He needed to know something about the situation there in order to ensure his safety.

Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.

And Wei Wuque, the son of the Prince of Northern Liang, was a perfect candidate, with sufficient status and having been in Liangzhou for many years, he must have a deep understanding of the barbarians.

Of course, Chen Yuan would only inquire about some major issues here. For the rest, he would have to go to Dengxian Tower to purchase other intelligence about the Northern Barbarian grasslands.

He couldn't ask everything directly, or else even a fool would realize he was going to the grasslands.

"Very strong!"

Wei Wuque had not originally intended to discuss these matters with Chen Yuan, but since he had asked, he naturally wouldn't hide anything. He then looked at Chen Yuan very seriously and said:

"As far as I know, the Northern Barbarian grasslands are vast, at least tens of thousands of miles in area. Although not larger than the Central Plains, it is not much smaller. However, most of the grasslands are unsuitable for habitation, so according to estimates, the number of Northern Barbarian herdsmen is far less than that of the Central Plains people.

In the Northern Barbarians, there are three ancient clans and thirty-six royal clans, distributed across the vast Northern Barbarian grasslands."

"Three ancient clans... thirty-six royal clans... what is their strength?"

"The thirty-six royal clans are equivalent to the top sects in the Central Plains. As long as there is a Transcendent Yang Realm True Person sitting in the clan, they can be conferred by the three ancient clans and become a royal clan.

However, according to my father's many years of investigation, there is some exaggeration in this number of thirty-six royal clans. In reality, there are at most only twenty or so royal clans, distributed in various parts of the grasslands and subordinate to their respective ancient clans."

Chen Yuan nodded slightly. This was not too outrageous, and their strength was far inferior to that of the Central Plains.

"What about the three ancient clans?"

Mentioning the three ancient clans, Wei Wuque was silent for a moment before saying:

"The three ancient clans are also known as the grassland divine clans. Each has established a royal court, leading the large and small tribes of the grasslands. Although these three royal courts are constantly fighting among themselves,

when facing the Central Plains, they will still work together. They can be considered to guard their respective areas. The royal court outside Liangzhou is called the Ancient Golden Royal Court, of the Wanyan clan."

"As for their strength... it is said that there is a Barbarian God in each royal court."

"Barbarian God?"

"Equivalent to a Land Immortal of the Sixth Realm in the Central Plains."

"That is indeed very strong. It is truly not easy for Northern Liang to guard the border for the Central Plains for hundreds of years." Chen Yuan said slowly. He had previously learned about the Ancient Golden Royal Court from Senior Moro.

That was also his destination this time.

However, he did not know about the three royal courts. Just thinking about it made him realize how terrifying they were.

If the three royal courts joined forces, it would truly be a disaster for the Central Plains, unless the top ten immortal sects and the imperial court joined forces,

otherwise the Prince of Northern Liang would not be able to hold on.

"There is also the help of the Wudang Immortal Sect in this. According to my father, when the imperial court was changing, the Ancient Golden Royal Court wanted to break through Liangzhou, and that Barbarian God wanted to take action himself.

Thanks to the help of the immortals from Wudang Mountain, this disaster was averted, and that Barbarian God was not allowed to take action. It's a pity that I don't know the specifics, otherwise I would be able to tell Brother Chen about it."

Wei Wuque smiled faintly.

"There will be opportunities in the future, Brother Wei need not dwell on this." Chen Yuan said politely.

As for the Wudang Immortal he mentioned, could it be that Old Celestial Master?

Just as Chen Yuan was pondering in his heart, Wei Wuque changed the topic and spoke of what Chen Yuan had done in the Sky Survey Division a few days ago, which he particularly admired.

Securing the Sky Survey Division with one battle.

Implementing what Feng Jiuying and Huangfu Qi had been fighting over for half a year. This was definitely a top-notch method.

Chen Yuan naturally modestly said a few words. After being modest, Chen Yuan imperceptibly asked about the matter that he had mentioned earlier, Feng Jiuying. The invitation he had given mentioned this matter, which made him quite interested.

Wei Wuque did not hide anything and told the whole story. The main reason was that Huangfu Qi had a conflict with a deputy general in the Northern Liang army.

Later, he felt that the impact was not good, so he came forward to mediate, wanting to turn the major issue into a minor one, and the minor one into nothing. But Huangfu Qi had too hot a temper and did not give him, the son of the Prince of Northern Liang, any face, so he used some means to make Huangfu Qi uncomfortable.

As a result, who would have thought that Huangfu Qi would be dissatisfied and directly report to the Sky Survey Division headquarters, saying that the Northern Liang Royal Mansion was sidelining him. This was simply ridiculous. Was the Sky Survey Division worth the Northern Liang Royal Mansion spending so much effort to sideline?

When he said this, Chen Yuan could feel Wei Wuque's contempt for Huangfu Qi, the Golden Envoy of the Sky Survey Division. Although it was very well concealed, this kind of emotion from the bottom of his heart could not be hidden from his eyes at all.

After that, the imperial court sent Feng Jiuying, this Golden Envoy, to Northern Liang. He was also quite sensible, and first established a good relationship with the Northern Liang Royal Mansion, which led to the previous situation.

Chen Yuan naturally half-believed and half-doubted what Wei Wuque said, because when talking about this matter, Wei Wuque pushed the blame to Huangfu Qi, as if he himself was a victim.

But was that really the case?

Although he had not had deep contact with Huangfu Qi, he had seen some of his situation clearly. It was true that he had a hot temper, but he was definitely not a fool. If it was as Wei Wuque said, it was impossible for him not to give him face and let the matter drop.

There must be deeper reasons behind this.

However, none of this mattered anymore.

Chen Yuan had no interest in investigating to the end for the sake of a Huangfu Qi, getting back at him, and thus becoming enemies with the Northern Liang Royal Mansion. After all, Huangfu Qi had been on bad terms with him before.

It was only under his strong pressure that he had to choose to submit.

"If Brother Chen had not come, I naturally would not have been so generous. But since Brother Chen has become the Liangzhou Golden Envoy, it would be somewhat inappropriate for me to be so aggressive.

Let's completely let this matter go for the sake of Brother Chen's face."

Looking at Chen Yuan, Wei Wuque suddenly said this.

"In that case, then thank you, Brother Wei."

Chen Yuan knew that Wei Wuque wanted to befriend him. Of course, he also intended to put this matter down. After all, no matter what, Huangfu Qi was an official of the imperial court.

It was definitely impossible to force him to death. This would only enrage the imperial court, and even his father would reprimand him for not knowing the overall situation.

Chen Yuan's arrival just gave him an excuse, and also allowed Huangfu Qi to be grateful to him. As for the price, it could be considered a small favor that Chen Yuan owed him.

Chen Yuan didn't want to owe this favor, but Wei Wuque had said it to this point, and it would be impolite not to express his position.

It could only be said to be a win-win situation.

Chen Yuan and Wei Wuque used this grievance to befriend each other, Huangfu Qi would be grateful to Chen Yuan, and the Sky Survey Division would not have any more problems. This was also an implicit promise from Wei Wuque to Chen Yuan.

After talking about this matter, Chen Yuan found another excuse and talked about Wei Wuque's Golden Core cultivation. It was definitely not that simple for him to form his Golden Core now and have a solid foundation.

In Chen Yuan's perception, his aura was almost at the peak of the nascent core stage. It was conceivable that the Prince of Northern Liang had given him a lot of spiritual objects in this accumulated realm.

His deep background was something that people could not catch up to.

Faced with Chen Yuan's praise, Wei Wuque was naturally very modest, saying that he was far inferior to Brother Chen and so on.

After some mutual flattery, Chen Yuan subtly asked if Wei Wuque had any unusual signs when he formed his Golden Core, but the answer he received was no, and he didn't know if it was true or false.

After all, Chen Yuan hadn't personally witnessed his breakthrough.

The two chatted until nearly evening. Looking at the somewhat reddish setting sun, Wei Wuque stood up and said:

"Brother Chen, it's getting late. I've already prepared a banquet in the mansion. Please honor us with your presence, and don't decline."

Chen Yuan's eyes flickered. Facing Wei Wuque's warm invitation, he pondered for a moment and said:

"Then I will be intruding."

"How can you say intruding? It is my honor for Brother Chen to attend the banquet."

In the Northern Liang Royal Mansion, Wei Wuque did indeed prepare a sumptuous banquet for Chen Yuan. The delicacies on it were all delicacies from mountains and seas, with fine wine from the Western Regions.

There were rare treasures from overseas, and some exotic treasures from the Northern Barbarians.

Chen Yuan felt that this banquet alone was probably no less than ten yuan crystals. Its value was indeed very high. Back then, he had only received these yuan crystals after destroying the enemy Golden Mountain Temple.

With his high status, the things he had tried so hard to obtain in the past were now readily available.

After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes,

Wei Wuque clapped his hands, and a group of charming beauties filed in from outside, each of whom could be called one in a million. Both their figures and looks were top-notch.

But Chen Yuan didn't know what to say for a moment.

Because none of the women who came in were young and inexperienced, they were all plump women...

"I know what Brother Chen likes. The reason why I didn't invite Brother Chen these past few days was to search for these beauties in Liangzhou. It was not until today that I finally gathered them all.

Among them are the direct daughters of the barbarian royal family, the courtesans of Liangzhou, and the beauties of the Western Regions. They are all prepared for Brother Chen."

Wei Wuque smiled at Chen Yuan, looking like he understood him very well.

Chen Yuan smiled helplessly. He didn't understand why such rumors would spread in the martial world. Was it because of that Madam Xu from Tangshan? But even she was still a virgin.

As for Yang Guifei, they were only lovers, and the matter could never be spread.

So Chen Yuan really didn't understand where this rumor came from.

However, he was clear on one point. If he were to accept these women today, then his reputation as Chen the Thief would basically be confirmed. He then refused: "Thank you for Brother Wei's preparations, but the rumors have misled you. In fact, I rarely get close to women. I am not enthusiastic about these things and wholeheartedly pursue the Dao."

"Oh?"

Wei Wuque raised his eyebrows. According to the information he knew and the information Feng Jiuying had sent, that didn't seem to be the case. Could it be that their relationship wasn't close enough?

So Chen Yuan was wary?

Wei Wuque quickly thought of this and then said:

"Perhaps I was abrupt, but Brother Chen, we great men live between heaven and earth. If we don't get close to women, wouldn't we lose a lot of fun?

I will keep these beauties for Brother Chen. Whenever you need them, you only need to send someone to the royal mansion to inform us, and they will be sent to the Sky Survey Division soon."

After saying that, Wei Wuque waved his hand to dismiss the women who had just entered.

Chen Yuan could only smile and thank Wei Wuque for his preparations. Then, seeing that the situation was about right, he revealed the main purpose of his visit today, saying that he wanted to visit the Prince of Northern Liang and hoped that Wei Wuque would introduce him.

Admittedly, with Chen Yuan's position in the Sky Survey Division, he was qualified to meet the Prince of Northern Liang. After all, no matter what, he was one of the three giants of the imperial court in Liangzhou.

Even if his status was far behind Wei Jinfeng, he represented the imperial court.

As long as the Prince of Northern Liang didn't hate him, he would definitely meet him.

It was just that in that case, it would be a bit of a matter of official business.

Chen Yuan wanted more than that. If he wanted to get along in Northern Liang, he couldn't do without the Prince of Northern Liang. Chen Yuan wanted to build a good relationship with him. If he went through Wei Wuque, he could deepen it a lot.

With his dual identity, he could also see what the Prince of Northern Liang's attitude towards him was.

If it was good, then he would find a way to befriend him and perhaps make him a good ally in the future. If he treated him with official business and a cold attitude, then... he would reconsider.

Also, Gu Tianqiong had given him a waist tag before, allowing him to seek help from the Prince of Northern Liang when necessary to suppress and hunt down the remnants of the previous dynasty.

He would also have to deal with him in advance.

After Chen Yuan finished speaking, a smile appeared on Wei Wuque's face, because this was exactly what he was thinking. He didn't know about his father's situation, but he definitely wanted to befriend a peerless genius like Chen Yuan.

If he could deepen it, that would be the best.

Otherwise, why would he help Chen Yuan search for beauties?

"This is easy to say. I will immediately write a letter to the military camp and give Brother Chen a reply early tomorrow morning." Wei Wuque expressed himself very readily.

"In that case, then thank you, Brother Wei."

"We are brothers, why be so polite?"

Wei Wuque immediately defined their relationship as "brothers."

Wei Wuque was obviously ambitious and didn't want to always be the barrier of the Central Plains blocking the barbarians, but his father's thoughts couldn't be changed, so he could only take his time.

The first step was to improve his cultivation. After that, he would befriend some friends who he thought had a lot of potential.

Chen Yuan was one of them, as were Zuo Chengzong, Wei Wuya, and Xiang Lingtian, who was suspected to be a remnant of the previous dynasty.

In his eyes, there was no distinction between good and evil, or between the imperial court. As long as they had potential, he would find a way to befriend them. If he accidentally became enemies with them, he would completely throw them into the abyss.

And Chen Yuan was precisely the strongest among his generation.

These people could only be considered the backbone of the martial world for now, not strong figures who shook the martial world, but what about ten years later, thirty years later, a hundred years later?

The future would definitely belong to these young people!

In his judgment, as long as Chen Yuan didn't fall in the future, he would at least be a True Lord. He could either become a force on his own or become an important official of the imperial court.

What were some small favors now?

Wei Wuque called Chen Yuan his brother, and Chen Yuan didn't object. They befriended each other and talked very happily until late at night before Chen Yuan slowly left.

......

......

The next morning, a guard from the Northern Liang Royal Mansion came to see Chen Yuan and told him that the Prince of Northern Liang would be waiting for him in the camp at Shen Shi (3-5 pm) today. Chen Yuan expressed his gratitude.

He felt that Wei Wuque was a man of his word and didn't procrastinate at all. If he said early tomorrow morning, then it would be early tomorrow morning.

Chen Yuan wasn't idle in the morning before going to see the Prince of Northern Liang, Wei Jinfeng, in the afternoon. He sent someone to call Huangfu Qi to the Sky Survey Division and told him that his previous grievances with the Northern Liang Royal Mansion had been resolved by him.

He didn't need to worry about anything in the future.

Huangfu Qi was confused when he was first called to the Sky Survey Division and didn't understand what was going on. When Chen Yuan said this, he realized that Chen Yuan had specifically approached the son of the Prince of Northern Liang to resolve his grievances for him.

He was immediately inexplicably touched. Regardless of his old seniority, he knelt down on one knee for Chen Yuan, expressing that he would definitely go through fire and water for him in the future and would not hesitate to do so.

If he had some small thoughts about submitting to Chen Yuan before, then he was now completely convinced.

The Northern Liang Royal Mansion had always been a concern for him. He didn't show it on weekdays to stabilize the situation, but he was actually very afraid and even somewhat frightened in his heart.

Because only in Liangzhou could he feel how terrifying the Northern Liang Royal Mansion was.

Although he was a Heavenly Core cultivator, what was that in Northern Liang?

Not to mention the Prince of Northern Liang, who was ranked fourth in the world, even the few generals in the Northern Liang army were not people he could provoke. He had always been wary of how the Northern Liang Royal Mansion would deal with him.

That was why he had been so tolerant of Feng Jiuying.

If the Northern Liang Royal Mansion wasn't behind Feng Jiuying, he would be the legitimate Golden Envoy of Northern Liang, and Feng Jiuying wouldn't be able to contend with him or even push him into a disadvantageous position.

Chen Yuan helped Huangfu Qi up and gave him some more promises and brainwashing.

The scene where Wei Wuque gave face and everyone was happy was all implied by Chen Yuan to be his own credit. He almost became enemies with Wei Wuque for this.

This made Huangfu Qi even more moved, thinking about how to thank Chen Yuan for doing these things...