506: Chapter 506 Laying Out the Imperial Capital

Yang Ye paced to the palace window, gazing down at the vast and bustling Heavenly Dragon Imperial Capital where Cultivators gathered like clouds. He pondered for a moment, his eyes gradually turning cold.

"However, this Situ Jun is indeed suspicious. If he truly hid his Cultivation and could silently control Li Zhong, hiding so deeply under the surveillance of my Qintian Division... then this person's threat is already far beyond what a small Tianqi Dynasty can contain."

"Does the Vice Division Master mean to conduct a thorough investigation?" the messenger asked hurriedly.

Yang Ye remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly, his tone brooking no argument:

"Order the Southern Region Inspection Division to dispatch three Late Nascent Soul Stage Inspectors to the Tianqi Dynasty under the guise of a 'routine inspection.' Focus on two things: first, Situ Jun's true Cultivation and background; second, whether Li Zhong is truly being controlled. If it is confirmed that Li Zhong is controlled, report it immediately, and I will handle it personally."

"Yes!"

The messenger bowed and took the order.

"One more thing."

Yang Ye added, his tone growing a bit more solemn:

"Order the hidden guards lurking in the Northern Frontier to remain in hiding and closely monitor Situ Jun's every move. It is strictly forbidden to alert the enemy. Since this person could hide from the eyes and ears of my Qintian Division, his methods must be strange and unpredictable, and his Cultivation unfathomable. Everyone must respond with caution; there must not be the slightest mistake."

"Your Subordinate obeys!"

The messenger took the order and quickly withdrew, leaving the hall in silence once more.

Yang Ye stood alone by the window, his gaze as deep as an ancient frozen abyss.

"Situ Jun... just who is this person? To dare play tricks under the nose of my Imperial Astronomical Bureau, he certainly has some nerve."

He muttered to himself, the corners of his mouth curling into a playful yet dangerous arc.

"However, since you dared to lay a hand on the people of my Imperial Astronomical Bureau, you must bear the consequences. Let me see if you are truly that Undergoing Tribulation Cultivator, or if your true Cultivation is that of a Nascent Soul old monster."

...

Meanwhile, at the Northern Frontier City Lords Mansion.

Inside the study, the windows were bright and clean, and the scent of sandalwood wafted through the air.

Situ Jun sat in the main seat, dressed in an ink-colored brocade robe. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his face was handsome and profound. He lightly twirled a sound transmission jade talisman between his fingers, his expression finally turning slightly solemn.

The message from Mysterious Clarity Master and the intelligence sent back by the Nightingale spies were being repeatedly deduced in his mind, word by word, weaving into a dense chessboard.

Li Xuan was secretly communicating with the Qintian Division, attempting to kill with a borrowed knife.

The Qintian Division's Vice Division Master, Yang Ye, was an Early Stage Soul Transformation powerhouse with a deep mind and ruthless methods.

The Imperial Dynasty had already dispatched Nascent Soul Inspectors to Tianqi to thoroughly investigate his background.

Being targeted by such a figure was never a good thing; the slightest carelessness could lead to eternal damnation.

But looking at it from another perspective, this was also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

If he could display enough 'value' and 'harmlessness' in front of Yang Ye, and even incorporate this pawn of the Qintian Division into his own game, then he would no longer be a City Lord trapped in the Northern Frontier region, but a player who could look upon the entire continent and play against the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty.

However, this step was fraught with danger, requiring a delicate layout where not a single detail could go wrong.

"Husband."

A soft and gentle call sounded as Yun Niang walked in lightly, carrying a cup of steaming Spiritual Tea.

She was dressed in plain-colored clothes, looking gentle and moving. Seeing Situ Jun's solemn expression, she hurriedly handed him the teacup and asked softly:

"Have you encountered some troublesome matter? Why not tell me, so I can help share your worries?"

Situ Jun reached out and gently pulled her into his arms, took the teacup, and took a sip. As the warm tea entered his throat, his tensed brows relaxed slightly, and his tone was calm yet certain:

"It is a bit of trouble, but it doesn't matter. I will handle it and won't let you all be affected in the slightest."

Yun Niang leaned in his arms and said softly:

"Be careful in everything, Husband. I and the other sisters only wish for your safety."

Situ Jun patted the back of her hand, his gaze deep as he looked toward the Tianqi Royal Capital.

"The Heavenly Dragon Dynasty has already noticed me. The Qintian Division is investigating my background, and Li Xuan has also taken the initiative to report his suspicions about me to them."

He pondered for a moment, then looked up and said:

"Yun Niang, go and have Nianrui come see me. I have important matters to instruct her on."

"Yes."

Before long, Ye Nianrui walked quickly into the study.

She was dressed in a capable martial outfit, her eyes carrying the shrewdness and sharpness unique to merchants. She acted decisively, without a hint of feminine hesitation.

"Young Master, what are your instructions?"

Situ Jun looked at her, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly with a faint smile.

"Nianrui, have you become addicted to calling me Young Master? You won't even call me Husband in private."

Ye Nianrui's cheeks instantly flushed red. Just as she was about to correct herself, Situ Jun retracted his smile and said seriously:

"Nianrui, I remember you mentioned that you once went to the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Capital to do business in your early years?"

Ye Nianrui was startled, then nodded.

"Yes. In my early years, I once opened a shop in the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Capital, mainly dealing in mortal silks and sundries. The scale wasn't large, but I did accumulate some connections and am familiar with the terrain and power distribution of the capital."

"Very good."

Situ Jun stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the vast and boundless land of the Northern Frontier, his tone certain and firm.

"I need you to do something for me."

"Please speak, Young Master. Nianrui will certainly do as you say."

Situ Jun turned around, his gaze falling on her with a hint of imperceptible tenderness.

"I want you to immediately send people back to the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Capital to reopen a shop. This time, do not deal in mortal goods. Specialize in Cultivator spiritual materials, rare Medicinal Pills, and rare Cultivation Techniques. Collect more Cultivation resources that Tianqi doesn't have."

Ye Nianrui's mind raced, and she instantly understood the deep meaning behind it, a flash of shock crossing her eyes.

"Young Master wants to... expand and layout within the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty?"

"In a way."

Situ Jun stood with his hands behind his back, his tone calm but hiding grand ambitions.

"Tianqi is too small and lacks resources; it cannot provide you with more Cultivation resources. Even with the strength of the whole country, I can't find many Heaven And Earth Treasures suitable for me. I want stronger power and more resources, not only to become stronger myself but also to Cultivate trusted Cultivators so that you all no longer have to live in fear and can live in peace."

Ye Nianrui took a deep breath, suppressed the surging emotions in her heart, and bowed solemnly.

"Nianrui understands. I will certainly handle this matter well and will not fail the Young Master's trust."

"Mm, thank you."

Situ Jun thanked her softly, then paused before continuing:

"If you need manpower, spiritual materials, or silver, go directly to Yun Niang for coordination; there's no need to ask for instructions. Remember, the sooner this is done, the better, so I can make subsequent arrangements."

"Yes, Nianrui will go and arrange it immediately!"

Ye Nianrui knew the situation was urgent and didn't linger too long with Situ Jun, hurriedly taking her leave.

...

A month later, in the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Capital, on a bustling street for Cultivators, a new shop named 'Cultivator Pavilion' quietly opened.

The shop's decoration was low-key yet luxurious, with a black sandalwood storefront and a gilded plaque. The items displayed in the shop were all spiritual materials, Medicinal Pills, and Cultivation Techniques rarely seen by low-level Cultivators. Any single item taken out could cause a scramble in an ordinary Dynasty.

The shop owner was extremely mysterious and never appeared in person. The business was only managed by several capable shopkeepers who handled people and affairs flawlessly, their background seemingly unfathomable.

The news quickly spread throughout the Imperial Capital, attracting secret inquiries from many forces, Sect Cultivators, and Imperial Dynasty nobles.

But no matter how they investigated, they couldn't figure out the true owner behind this 'Cultivator Pavilion.' They only vaguely knew that a powerful Sect force stood behind it, and no one dared to easily provoke them.

Within the Qintian Division, a secret report about the 'Cultivator Pavilion' soon landed on Yang Ye's desk.

He glanced at it casually and didn't take it to heart.

New shops opened every day in the Heavenly Dragon Imperial Capital, and shops with unknown origins were as numerous as cow hairs. A shop selling spiritual materials and Medicinal Pills was not worth the effort of a Soul Transformation Vice Division Master like him.

He only faintly instructed his Subordinates to "keep an eye on its movements" before setting the file aside and continuing to focus on the matter of Tianqi and Situ Jun.

He did not yet know that this seemingly unremarkable Cultivator Pavilion would become a key piece in stirring up the entire Heavenly Dragon Dynasty's chessboard in the future.