211: cooperate

The news of Chen Linsheng's formal entry into the Army Breaker Manor inner sect was like a stone thrown into a lake, creating ripples throughout the Jianghu and noble circles of Jiuqu Prefecture and the surrounding regions.

A herb gatherer of humble origin and not yet twenty years old had first suppressed all rivals to seize an ancient Legacy in the Fentian Secret Realm, then wiped out a band of fierce bandits that had been a plague for half a year in the Sea of Death Desert, and even exposed new movements of the White Lotus Sect and a suspicious merchant case. Ultimately, he was personally verified by Elder Thunder Shakes the Mountain of Army Breaker Manor and given an exceptional entry into the inner sect—such an experience was even more dramatic than the legendary tales told by storytellers in tea houses.

The threshold of the small courtyard in Yuqian Lane was nearly worn down by visitors.

Although being an Army Breaker Manor Inner Sect Disciple was not an official government post, it represented the most elite reserve force of the Northern Border military, carrying a transcendent status and, more importantly, the backing of the Army Breaker Manor. For a time, powers large and small, martial arts halls, merchant firms, and even distant relatives who previously had no connection whatsoever all sent visiting cards and gifts, either openly or covertly.

Chen Linsheng declined them all, only accepting simple congratulatory gifts from a few familiar colleagues within Army Breaker Manor and his Senior Brothers and Junior Brothers from the Yangwei Martial Arts Hall. The small courtyard remained tightly closed, with Su Wan turning away the vast majority of visitors on the grounds that her "husband needs quiet rest and meditation," while she spent her days brewing medicinal meals to regulate his blood and Qi and stabilize his cultivation.

However, some "congratulatory gifts" and "greetings" were unavoidable.

The Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall was the quickest to react. On the third day after Chen Linsheng returned to the city, a sharp-looking Disciple dressed in the crimson attire of the martial arts hall knocked on the courtyard gate and delivered a heavy gift box.

Inside the gift box were not gold or silver jewels, but three "Blazing Sun Pills," each the size of a longan, fire-red, and emitting a pure, masculine aura, along with a short dagger forged from red copper mixed with fire-patterned steel. The dagger's blade had faint flowing flame patterns, clearly the work of a master. The Blazing Sun Pill was a unique Medicinal Pill of the Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall, of great benefit for those who Cultivate fire-attribute Cultivation Techniques or for tempering the physique, making it highly valuable. The short dagger was also a high-quality Sharp Weapon.

But what truly caught the eye was a gold-stamped challenge letter pressed at the very bottom of the gift box.

The challenge letter was sealed with fire wax, and the wax seal was the emblem of the Blazing Sun Martial Arts Hall. Upon opening it, the vigorous calligraphy seemed to pierce through the paper, carrying a scorching Battle Intent:

"To Chen Linsheng:

I have heard of your entry into the Army Breaker Manor inner sect and the advancement of your martial Dao. It is truly worth celebrating.

Our battle in the Secret Realm was not to my heart's content.

I have recently gained some insights in seclusion; my Golden Crow Bloodline has recovered by thirty percent, and my physique has been recast. I am eager to put this to the test.

Once you have stabilized your Foundation and reached the Iron Bone Realm, we shall fight again at the summit of Blazing Sun Peak.

Not only to determine the victor but also to discuss the martial Dao.

I look forward to your reply.

Handwritten by Yan Chen"

Between the lines, the pride remained, yet there was a newfound recognition and expectation between equals. The phrase "not to my heart's content" lightly attributed his defeat in the Secret Realm to state and environment, laying the groundwork for a rematch.

"Yan Chen... as expected, he is not reconciled." Chen Linsheng put down the challenge letter, not at all surprised. With Yan Chen's Heart-Nature, the defeat in the Secret Realm would surely become a knot in his heart. Sending a challenge letter now that he had emerged from seclusion with greatly increased strength was within expectations. He did not reply immediately, only putting the letter away. The Iron Bone Realm was not something that could be reached overnight; this invitation to battle was for the future.

The gesture of goodwill from Tingtao Academy was much more subtle. The visitor was a young boy in green, very polite, who claimed to be acting on the orders of "Young Master Xu" to deliver an ancient wooden box.

There was nothing else in the wooden box but a scroll of transcript notes carefully wrapped in plain white silk. The silk was smooth and slightly cool to the touch, clearly no ordinary item. The transcript was written in neat small regular script, and its content was not a Cultivation Technique or Secret Manual, but an academic paper on the "Correlation between Ancient Body Cultivator Legacies and Changes in the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi Environment."

The notes cited many sources, starting from several discovered ancient Body Cultivator ruins to analyze in detail the activity levels and purity changes of fire-element Origin Qi in different eras, and their potential impact on cultivating extreme Yang body-forging techniques like the Great Sun Burning Heaven Physique. It even speculated that in a more distant "Fire Spirit Era," the cultivation speed and upper limits of such techniques might have far exceeded modern imagination, but it also mentioned accompanying risks like "Fire Poison Invasion" and "blazing Heart Demons," as well as the ancient people's ways of dealing with them.

At the end of the notes, there was a line of elegant annotation: "The Great Dao is like a grindstone, and Legacies are not easily maintained. When applying ancient methods today, one must be especially cautious and discerning. Let us encourage each other. Young Master Yu"

This "congratulatory gift" could be described as unique and ingenious. It not only showcased Tingtao Academy's profound and vast knowledge reserves but also perfectly catered to Chen Linsheng's needs—directly addressing the Great Sun Burning Heaven Physique Legacy he had just obtained by providing highly valuable background information and risk warnings. Although the intent to recruit him was not explicitly stated, it was already clear: Tingtao Academy had the ability to help you analyze the mysteries of your Legacy, avoid risks, and help you go further.

"Young Master Yu... Xu Wangshu." Chen Linsheng softly spoke the name. This standout of the younger generation at Tingtao Academy was meticulous and unpredictable. These notes were an olive branch of goodwill, but were they not also a subtle display and a test?

He likewise remained noncommittal, putting the notes away safely. The discussions regarding the ancient environment and cultivation risks were indeed worth studying carefully.

The greeting from the Qiushui Sword Sect came a bit later, but it was the one that most affected Chen Linsheng. Mu Qingxue did not send a gift but instead asked an outer sect female Disciple of the Qiushui Sword Sect, who was in the prefecture city to purchase supplies, to bring a verbal message.

The female Disciple happened to meet Su Wan at the lane entrance while she was out buying medicinal herbs, and she whispered the message: "Senior Sister Mu asked me to tell Young Hero Chen: Congratulations on entering the Army Breaker Manor inner sect. The White Lotus Sect is vindictive and uses insidious methods, especially specializing in using evil arts, poison, or mind-control against those close to a Martial Artist. Please be sure to take precautions and not let those lowlifes find an opportunity. Senior Sister also said... she is doing well in Frozen Valley, and her sword Dao has improved slightly. When she returns to Jiuqu Prefecture, she will consult Young Hero Chen again."

The message was brief but contained congratulations, a warning, an update on her situation, and an agreement to meet again. Especially the warning about the White Lotus Sect's possible retaliation against those around him made Chen Linsheng's expression turn grim. Mu Qingxue was meticulous and had broad knowledge; since she had specifically sent a warning, it was definitely not without reason.

When Su Wan relayed the message, a trace of worry also flickered in her clear eyes. Chen Linsheng took her hand and said warmly, "Don't worry, I will be doubly careful. Starting tomorrow, I will reinforce the warning mechanisms in the courtyard. When you go out normally, I will have trustworthy Junior Brothers from the martial arts hall follow and protect you in secret."

In addition to the reactions from these few parties on the surface, more eyes were quietly focusing on this newly promoted Army Breaker Manor Inner Sect Disciple in the shadows.

At the headquarters of the Tongda Merchant House in the prefecture city, everything appeared normal on the surface; the manager even sent a modest gift to congratulate "Young Hero Chen on a bright future." But according to the news secretly passed by Lei Hao, there had been frequent personnel changes within Prosperous Fortune in recent days, with several accountants "suddenly taking leave," and several batches of medicinal herbs and goods originally planned for the Northern Border being temporarily halted or having their routes changed. Secret agents from the Prefectural Governors Mansion and Army Breaker Manor had already discovered several unexplainable transactions of gold and rare medicinal herbs between Prosperous Fortune and two small-to-medium-sized tribes in the Northern Desert.

The iron fist of Thunder Shakes the Mountain had begun to tighten quietly. An investigation and purge targeting Prosperous Fortune and even the larger network behind it was brewing beneath the silent undercurrents. That fragment of the ledger page Chen Linsheng had handed over had become the key spark to ignite this fuse.

The remnants of the White Lotus Sect were stirring in even deeper shadows. The destruction of the Black Wind Mountain stronghold, with one deacon dead and another escaped, meant that an important "blood source" and forward base for the sect in the Northern Border had been exposed, which was undoubtedly a heavy blow. According to reports from Army Breaker Manor's secret lines, there had been an increase in suspected White Lotus Sect scout activity in Jiuqu Prefecture city and the surrounding areas recently, with a particular focus on the Army Breaker Manor branch and the Yuqian Lane area. Mu Qingxue's warning was definitely not an overreaction.

Even within Army Breaker Manor, it was not a monolithic entity. Chen Linsheng's rapid rise, the obvious appreciation from Thunder Shakes the Mountain, and the potential value of the Great Sun Burning Heaven Physique Legacy he might carry had all touched the nerves of some people. There were those who admired him, like Xiao Zhan and Qin Ying, but naturally, there were also those who were wary, jealous, or had thousands of connections with certain investigated powers. Factional infighting and resource competition among Inner Sect Disciples had always been fierce. Chen Linsheng, this "parachuted-in" inner sect newcomer, would undoubtedly become a "variable" or a "fat sheep" in the eyes of some.

Half of the half-month holiday passed in the blink of an eye.

Chen Linsheng spent most of his time in the Yuqian Lane courtyard, using the resources issued by Army Breaker Manor (especially "Body Tempering Soup" and Origin Qi Stones) to consolidate his cultivation at the Jiaojin Realm Perfection, further integrate the Profound Truths of the Great Sun Burning Heaven Physique, and digest the information in the notes given by Young Master Yu, while also carefully looking after Li Qinger and the others.

Under the full treatment of Divine Physician Sun from the Army Breaker Manor's "Huichun Hall," the toxicity of the "Heart-Corroding Bone-Eroding Powder" in Li Qinger's body had been brought under control, and a targeted antidote had been formulated. Although her vitality was greatly damaged and her Meridians were injured, requiring long-term recuperation, her life was no longer in danger. The external injuries of Zhou Tong and Zhao Tiezhu had also mostly healed.

On this day, Chen Linsheng was practicing the variations of the "Blazing Sun Hunyuan Palm" he had recently gained insight into in the courtyard, when he suddenly felt something and retracted his palms to look toward the courtyard gate.

Almost at the same time, the sound of knocking rang out.

Standing outside the gate was an unfamiliar middle-aged man in gray, with an ordinary face and a calm temperament, but his eyes were deep and bright. He handed over an unsigned letter and said in a low voice, "Young Hero Chen, my master requests your presence for a talk in the 'Heaven-tier Private Room' of the 'Qingyuan Tea House.' It concerns the aftermath of Black Wind Mountain and the whereabouts of Mr. 'New Moon.'"

Having said that, without waiting for Chen Linsheng's response, he gave a slight nod and turned to leave, quickly disappearing at the end of the lane.

Chen Linsheng held the thin letter; his fingertips could feel the special toughness of the paper and a faint fluctuation of Spiritual Qi. There was not a single word on the letter.

Qingyuan Tea House was a famous, elegant spot in the prefecture city with a rather mysterious background. It was said that the owner behind the scenes had connections with various powers, making it a preferred location for many secret meetings.

The aftermath of Black Wind Mountain? The whereabouts of "New Moon"?

Chen Linsheng's eyes narrowed slightly. What was meant to come would eventually come.

He turned back into the house, changed into his brand-new black Army Breaker Manor inner sect martial uniform, hung his identity token at his waist, and wore the autumn water sword at his side. After giving a brief explanation to Su Wan, who had come out upon hearing the noise, he pushed open the door and left.

The sunlight fell on the silver sword patterns of the black robe, reflecting a cold luster.

Qingyuan Tea House was located deep in a quiet Wutong Lane in the east of Jiuqu Prefecture city. The storefront was ancient, with only a black plaque with gold characters hanging, and no excessive decoration. Stepping inside, however, revealed a different world. The front courtyard had rockeries and flowing water, shaded by emerald bamboos, with a pebble path winding toward several independent elegant cottages. The environment was quiet and secluded, isolated from the noise of the outside world.

Chen Linsheng reported the "Heaven-tier Private Room," and a young attendant in green was already waiting to lead the way. The attendant's steps were light and his breathing steady; he actually had a cultivation of the Flesh Refining Realm Middle Stage, clearly no ordinary person. Passing through two moon gates and arriving at the deepest part of the back courtyard, a two-story building with flying eaves and upturned corners, half-hidden by dense wisteria, appeared before his eyes.

The Heaven-tier Private Room was on the second floor. The attendant stopped at the stairs and bowed to indicate the way. Chen Linsheng stepped onto the wooden stairs alone, his footsteps sounding exceptionally clear in the silence.

In front of the private room hung an elegant bamboo curtain. Before Chen Linsheng could raise his hand, the bamboo curtain was quietly lifted from the inside.

The interior furnishings were simple: a table and four chairs, all made of high-quality yellow pear wood with clear grain. A low table was set by the window, with a vibrant pot of asparagus fern on it. The scent of burning sandalwood was light and elegant, mixing with the fragrance of wisteria flowers drifting in from the window, making one's mind feel tranquil.

Beside the table, a middle-aged scholar of about forty years old, wearing a navy blue Confucian robe, was leisurely brewing tea. He had a lean face and a three-strand beard, and his gaze was warm and peaceful, as if he were an ordinary academy professor. He had no overbearing aura of a Martial Artist about him, yet he possessed a naturally steady and composed air.

Upon seeing Chen Linsheng, he smiled slightly and stood up to cup his hands: "Young Hero Chen is indeed punctual. Please, have a seat."

Chen Linsheng returned the gesture and sat down calmly, his gaze quickly scanning the room to confirm there was no one else and no aura of an ambush.

"My surname is Mo, and my given name is 'Wen.' I serve as the commander of the Ninth Banner of the Northern Border for the 'Dark Scale Guard' of Army Breaker Manor." The middle-aged scholar, Mo Wen, introduced himself in a level tone as he pushed a cup of clear tea toward Chen Linsheng, but his words caused a shock in Chen Linsheng's heart.

The Dark Scale Guard! The most mysterious and sharpest hidden blade of Army Breaker Manor, directly subordinate to the highest levels of the Northern Border Defense Command. They specialized in intelligence gathering, secret operations, internal monitoring, and even executing certain tasks that were "inconvenient to state clearly." The identities of its members were kept secret, their authority was extremely high, and their methods were ruthless and decisive. They were a presence that even those within Army Breaker Manor feared. No wonder he could find him so easily and use Black Wind Mountain and "New Moon" as bait.

"Commander Mo." Chen Linsheng suppressed the turmoil in his heart, his expression unchanged. "I wonder for what purpose you have summoned me?"

Mo Wen took a leisurely sip of tea before saying, "Young Hero Chen is a man of few words. In that case, I will not beat around the bush. This invitation is, first, to offer congratulations on your formal entry into the Army Breaker Manor inner sect and for gaining Elder Thunder's favor; and second... I wish to discuss a deal, or rather, a cooperation, with you."

"Cooperation?" Chen Linsheng raised an eyebrow.

"Indeed." Mo Wen put down his teacup, his gaze becoming a bit sharper. Although there was no Killing Intent, it felt as if he could see through a person's heart. "The ledger fragments, the map of Black Wind Mountain, and the experiences you recounted are of great value. Elder Thunder has already begun investigating Prosperous Fortune, but this matter involves many parties and must be planned carefully; it cannot be rushed. However, another lead—the activity network of 'New Moon' and the White Lotus Sect behind him in the Northern Border—is already a matter of urgency."