Chapter 167 A Farewell from the North

At noon the next day, in a private room on the third floor of the Peony Pavilion.

When Chen Mu pushed the door open and entered, Jiang Xiong had already prepared a jar of aged fine wine and a few refreshing side dishes, drinking by himself.

Unlike in the past, today Jiang Xiong wore only a simple azure robe. Compared to the black brocade robe that symbolized his status, he looked less majestic and noble, and more otherworldly.

Seeing Chen Mu arrive, Jiang Xiong smiled faintly, pointed to the round stool opposite him, and greeted him.

"Brother Chen, you've come. Sit, taste this wine. It's the Cold River Drunk, unique to the North. It's clear and mellow, perfect for a midday drink."

Chen Mu sat down as requested. Today, he had changed into a clean cloth shirt. The faint Evil Qi that had remained on him from days of slaughter was now completely internalized, subtle and reserved. His gaze was clear, looking like a completely different person compared to the sharp appearance he had when wandering the edge of the Yangu Pit.

"Brother Jiang, you asked me to come today, do you have any instructions?"

Chen Mu was straightforward and didn't beat around the bush.

Seeing this, Jiang Xiong smiled and personally poured him a glass of fine wine. The amber wine swirled in the white jade cup, looking quite beautiful.

"I heard that Brother Chen had a great harvest in the Yangu Pit recently?"

Jiang Xiong's expression turned meaningful, a smile still playing on his lips.

Chen Mu raised an eyebrow slightly, picked up the wine glass, and drank it in one gulp. The nectar entered his throat, indeed exceptionally clear and cold, carrying the unique chill of the North.

"I gained a little, just honing my skills, making Brother Jiang laugh."

Hearing this, Jiang Xiong couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.

"Honing your skills? Brother Chen, you are too modest! To be able to toy with three Heart-Awakening Realm Ghostly Creatures in such a deadly place as the Yangu Pit and still escape unscathed, I'm afraid that's more than just honing your skills, right?"

He laughed while slowly putting down the wine pot and said seriously.

"Brother Chen, I invited you today for two reasons: first, to bid farewell, and second... I have something else to explain to you clearly."

"Farewell?" Chen Mu keenly captured the key point, his heart stirred. Jiang Xiong is leaving?

Jiang Xiong nodded slightly.

"That's right, Brother Chen. The matter of Yunmeng is over, so my Jiang Family will naturally retire after success. Besides, the water here is deep and muddy; there is no benefit in staying longer."

Chen Mu remained silent for a moment upon hearing this. He did not ask, nor did he try to persuade him to stay, just quietly waiting for the other party to continue.

Jiang Xiong was not surprised by his reaction and continued on his own.

"Before parting, I want to give you a word of warning about Old Wang the Lame, who is currently acting as the City God in Yunmeng City."

"Although this person has a humble background and was forced into the position by that scoundrel Xu Changze, since he has already obtained the title of acting deity and is connected to the authority of the City God Temple, he is no longer just a Puppet of Xu Changze."

Jiang Xiong's tone was meaningful, as if he were truly reminding him out of moral obligation, rather than because he, Old Wang the Lame, had any connection to the Jiang Family.

"The matters of the Divine Dao are extremely mysterious. The Power Of Will from incense, the Yin Qi of the earth veins, and the beliefs of all living beings—multiple forces fuse and entwine, which in itself is enough to change many things. That Old Wang the Lame has a sincere Heart-Nature; compared to the likes of Xu Changze, he is actually more worthy of trust. If there are changes in the Yin and Yang of Yunmeng in the future, Brother Chen might want to pay special attention to this person."

Chen Mu pondered slightly, his thoughts racing. He smiled faintly and then nodded.

"Brother Jiang's kind reminder, Chen Mu will keep it in mind."

Jiang Xiong then laughed heartily, took a palm-sized sandalwood box from his bosom, placed it on the table, and pushed it to Chen Mu.

"In that case, let this be my personal parting gift to Brother Chen, and also a token of sincerity from my Jiang Family."

Chen Mu looked at the wooden box and did not immediately reach out to take it.

Jiang Xiong was not annoyed, just poured another glass of wine for Chen Mu and continued speaking.

"Brother Chen has heaven-sent talent, a firm mind, is decisive in killing, and has Opportunities that are beyond the reach of ordinary people. Yunmeng City is nothing but a small place; it is definitely not a place for you to fully display your skills. For you to stay here would be like casting pearls before swine, a Dragon trapped in shallow waters. Isn't it a pity?"

As he spoke, he reached out and opened the wooden box. Inside were not ordinary gold, silver, or jewelry, nor a Sharp Weapon, but a letter sealed with wax.

"This letter is a personal recommendation letter written in the name of my Jiang Family to Lord Han, the Commander of the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division. The letter has already listed your great achievements in Yunmeng one by one."

"With this letter, you can directly enter the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division. When the Special Envoy comes to inspect Yunmeng soon, they will conduct a simple assessment of you. With your ability, I am sure you will pass the assessment without any issues. At that time, you can be directly transferred to the Prefecture and leave this place of right and wrong."

Chen Mu's gaze lingered on the letter. His face was calm, but there were ripples in his eyes.

The Prefecture Demon Suppression Division... there, there is a broader world, more powerful opponents, richer resources, and more sources of Lifespan.

But at the same time, there will be more troublesome opponents and more complex chess games.

Wen Jingxing, Xu Changze, the Jiang Family, and the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division have woven a complex web that has already opened up, waiting for him. This step... should he take it, or should he stay?

Chen Mu's expression was dark and unclear. Jiang Xiong took it all in, knowing he was weighing it in his heart, but did not urge him, just slowly poured a cup.

"Brother Chen, you don't need to give me an answer immediately. It will still be some time before the Special Envoy arrives. You can keep the letter for now. Whether you go or not, it will be another path for you in the future."

Chen Mu finally looked up, looking at Jiang Xiong with a complicated gaze, and asked directly.

"Brother Jiang is helping me so much, I wonder what you are asking for?"

There is no free lunch in the world. This principle is simple enough. Interactions between people are nothing more than exchanges of benefits. A person like Jiang Xiong would never do a losing business.

Jiang Xiong smiled brightly upon hearing this, his words quite candid.

"Good, talking to a smart person is effortless. That's right, I am asking for something by helping Brother Chen this time, but what I am asking for is not a temporary benefit."

As he spoke, he drank boldly, the wine flowing down his neck and staining his lapel.

"My Jiang Family has been established in the North for a hundred years. What we seek is nothing more than the continuation and prosperity of our Family. Now that the world is about to be in chaos, and Prodigies are running rampant, the imperial court, noble families, and clans are all making their moves. Having one more friend, especially a friend with infinite potential like Brother Chen, is always better than having one more enemy."

"I am planting this good cause today, hoping to reap a good result in the future. Of course, I believe that Brother Chen can better display his skills in the Prefecture, and for the Jiang Family, it is also a rare help and sentiment. It is just a long-term plan, not related to immediate gains or losses."

Chen Mu just listened quietly, sipping occasionally.

Jiang Xiong's words were half-true and half-false. There was solicitation and investment. He probably also had the idea of sending him away to prevent him from stirring up trouble here. But at least, placed on the table, the Opportunity to enter the Prefecture Demon Suppression Division was real.

After a moment of thought, Chen Mu took the wooden box and put it into his bosom.

"Good, in that case, thank you, Brother Jiang, for your kind intentions."

He did not confirm his decision to leave or stay, just accepted this good karma, leaving a retreat for the future.

The smile on Jiang Xiong's face grew wider, and he immediately raised his glass.

"Good, then I wish Brother Chen a bright future and prosperity in the Martial Dao!"

"I wish Brother Jiang a safe journey!"

The two cups clinked, making a pleasant sound. The two drank one after another, quite happily.