195: Chu Jiang's identity speculation

The entire Heavens Pride Gathering venue suddenly fell into a dead silence, and everyone's gaze was fixed on the imperial decree in Xia Yan's hand.

An imperial decree?

Fu Yunxuan, Wang Chao, and the others had shock written all over their faces. Logically, a remote place like Yun Province shouldn't attract the Chu Emperor's attention.

Not to mention Yun Province, even the entire Western Seven Provinces hadn't received an imperial decree in fifty years. What could possibly be important enough for the Chu Emperor to personally issue one?

"This Aura, this pressure, it's definitely from a top-tier expert in the imperial palace!" someone whispered, a hint of awe in their voice.

"I wonder what the content of this imperial decree is. Could there be some major change?" The experts from various states in the VIP section began to whisper among themselves.

The experts from the various states in the VIP section pondered carefully. The only person present who was qualified for the Chu Emperor to issue an imperial decree was Chu Jiang.

He was the only one with an official position, and the highest status.

Xia Yan slowly stepped out of the Void Realm, walking towards the high platform.

Everyone rose to greet the Chu Emperor's special envoy. They couldn't understand why a remote place like Yun Province would suddenly receive an imperial decree.

"Could it be that something big has happened in Yun Province?" someone speculated.

"Impossible. With Yun Province's status and strength, how could it possibly alarm the Chu Emperor?" another person retorted.

For a time, everyone discussed animatedly, but no one could guess the reason for the Chu Emperor's imperial decree.

At this moment, Xia Yan had already arrived at the VIP platform. He looked around, his gaze finally resting on Chu Jiang.

Chu Jiang took a deep breath. It seemed this imperial decree was for him. He stepped forward, bowed, and saluted: "Your subject accepts the imperial decree!"

Xia Yan smiled slightly and unfurled the imperial decree in his hand. His voice was loud and clear, echoing throughout the entire venue:

"I, with Heaven and Earth as my heart, and the people as my concern, hereby acknowledge that Chu Jiang, in the land of Yun Province, has repeatedly suppressed demons, saved the people from dire straits, and his achievements are manifest, truly a pillar of the imperial court.

Therefore, I hereby decree:

Chu Jiang is promoted to Yun Province Pacification Commissioner, bestowed with a set of flying fish uniform and an embroidered spring blade, to honor his glory. He is also granted the special privilege of 'execute first, report later,' to make decisions like a god and ensure local peace.

May he diligently fulfill his duties and not disappoint my expectations.

By imperial order."

As he finished speaking.

Xia Yan handed the imperial decree to Chu Jiang.

Chu Jiang took the imperial decree, greatly surprised by its arrival.

Then.

Xia Yan handed the flying fish uniform and the embroidered spring blade into Chu Jiang's hands.

The flying fish uniform, with its soft and smooth silk texture, loose straight-cut design, and flowing hem, had vibrant golden embroidered flying fish patterns, showcasing nobility and majesty.

The embroidered spring blade was four feet long, with a sleek, slightly curved design like a new moon. Its back was sturdy and thick, and its incredibly sharp blade gleamed with a chilling light.

What keen eyesight he possessed.

Both the flying fish uniform and the embroidered spring blade were Spiritual Artifacts. The flying fish uniform reached the standard of a Medium Grade Spiritual Garment, while the embroidered spring blade achieved the level of a High Grade Spiritual Artifact.

As a swordsman.

He naturally understood that this blade was extraordinary, definitely a top-tier treasured blade.

...

The expressions of the various state experts became exceptionally complex after hearing the content of the imperial decree.

They were not surprised by Chu Jiang's promotion to Yun Province Pacification Commissioner. After all, Yun Province Pacification Commissioner Ye Lingkong had disappeared, and Yun Province needed a strong figure to oversee the overall situation.

Chu Jiang's strength was sufficient for the task.

However, the flying fish uniform and embroidered spring blade bestowed by the Chu Emperor were what truly shocked them.

Being granted one item was already an immense honor. To be simultaneously granted both the flying fish uniform and the embroidered spring blade, and given the authority to 'execute first, report later,' was extremely rare.

The flying fish uniform was only bestowed by the Chu Emperor to those who had rendered immense service to the Demon Suppression Division.

The embroidered spring blade, moreover, came with the authority to 'execute first, report later.'

Such immense power was actually granted to Chu Jiang, a Golden Core Realm cultivator.

A Golden Core Realm cultivator was considered a powerful figure in the Western Seven Provinces, but in the entire world, he was nothing, and certainly couldn't enter the Chu Emperor's Dharma Eye.

Even Faxiang Realm Big Boss might not necessarily gain the Chu Emperor's favor.

Why him, Chu Jiang?

Do they both share the surname Chu?

Could it be that Chu Jiang was the Chu Emperor's illegitimate son, living outside the palace?

It was no wonder people's thoughts became increasingly wild.

These two items, combined, possessed too much power.

Chu Jiang had indeed accomplished many significant deeds in Yun Province, but they still remained at a relatively low level. Such a reward was truly an exception.

...

"Chu Garrison Envoy, congratulations!"

"Your Majesty heard that an outstanding talent emerged in Yun Province. Seeing him today, he is indeed extraordinary!"

Xia Yan congratulated him.

In the coming period, Chu Jiang's status might even rise further.

There might even be a possibility of cooperation between the two of them.

He was not arrogant and spoke quite politely.

"Special Envoy, you flatter me!"

Chu Jiang chuckled, naturally not taking it seriously; it was all just polite conversation.

The Chu Emperor's exceptional promotion must have a deeper meaning; it was definitely not that simple.

"Chu Garrison Envoy, since the imperial decree has arrived, I will not stay any longer!"

Xia Yan continued.

"So soon? Special Envoy, won't you stay for a few days to enjoy yourself?"

"Your Majesty's order is to return as soon as the imperial decree is delivered!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Jiang could only nod.

The next moment.

Xia Yan stepped into the Void Realm and vanished from his original spot.

Everyone looked at Chu Jiang, their fear growing even stronger.

He was promoted to Yun Province Pacification Commissioner, becoming a powerful provincial official, and was even favored by the Chu Emperor, bestowed with the flying fish uniform and embroidered spring blade, holding the power of life and death.

As Xia Yan finished reading the imperial decree, the entire Heavens Pride Gathering venue immediately erupted in congratulations, surging towards Chu Jiang like a tide.

"Boundless Shoufu, congratulations to Commander Chu on his promotion to Pacification Envoy!"

"Chu Garrison Envoy is truly an unparalleled Prodigy. Now, with the Chu Emperor's favor, he is sure to rise steadily and have a boundless future!"

"Yun Province is fortunate to have Chu Garrison Envoy in charge. This is truly a blessing for the people of Yun Province and a stroke of luck for all!"

All sorts of congratulatory messages kept pouring out, with no one daring to show the slightest neglect.

Before, no one dared to offend Chu Jiang. Now, with Chu Jiang's soaring status, it would only be more so.

Lin Langtian, below the stage, was dumbfounded. His face was filled with disbelief. "How is this possible?" he murmured, clearly not having recovered from the shock.

"Impossible."