Like the sudden burst of dawn across ten thousand miles, so too did the thunder of revelation travel through the void.

Truly, the might of Heaven is hard to fathom.

The Qi Emperor’s questioning was calm and measured, yet it struck the Marquis of Wu An like a physical blow, his heart seizing with shock. His first thought was one of exposure—his secret departure from the diplomatic mission to the grasslands, his clandestine journey to the You Country to slay that vile creature, had been revealed!

Yet, on the matter itself, he held no regret. Were he to face the choice again, he would still endeavor to act. Born a man, and possessed of the very ability to contend with those who preyed upon humans as sustenance, he felt a duty to kill such beings. This success had been purchased dearly.

This deed was no different from his battles in the maze or on the border wilderness.

But the problem lay with his collaborator. The former city lord of a lower city in You Country, now known as Qin Guang King Yin Guan, was simultaneously a wanted criminal of the Qi Dynasty.

The infamous battle of “No Door to Hell” involved carrying out the former Prince Yang Xuan Ce’s order to assassinate Zhao Xuan, the Minister of Rites, in Linzi.

What’s more, he, Jiang Wang, had provided cover for Yin Guan’s entry into the city. Though his assistance might not have fundamentally altered the outcome of “No Door to Hell’s” operation, Yin Guan’s request for help at that time was more for the sake of their future interactions.

But his involvement in this matter, and the very nature of the deed, was undoubtedly a blemish in the environment of the Qi Dynasty. Even if, at that time, he held no strong sense of belonging to Qi…

Lin Youxie’s initial relentless pursuit stemmed from the pure sense of duty of a Blue Card Catcher. Her later silence and even active efforts to erase certain traces were another matter entirely.

Now, today.

There was no need to discuss Zhao Xuan’s character or his betrayal of the Yang court. The crux was that “No Door to Hell’s” actions constituted an offense against the Great Qi Empire. Several of the Yan Luo involved in that operation perished, leaving only two survivors. Yet, the pursuit warrants from the Capital Patrol Office might not have been revoked.

And how could he, Jiang Wang, the Marquis of Wu An of Great Qi, bearing the Blue Card of the Capital Patrol Office at his waist, consort with a wanted criminal of the Qi Dynasty?

Furthermore, he had even taken on the guise of Bian Cheng King.

Though his subsequent agreement to continue cooperating with Yin Guan primarily targeted the aftermath of the “slaying the turtle” incident, aiming to deal with those like Ji Yan Yue who raised humans as pets, and to eradicate such phenomena while also trying to guide Yin Guan’s actions, could this reasoning be accepted by the Qi Emperor?

He could not deny that, even with their identities, he could never truly see Yin Guan as an enemy.

He could not deny that, in his heart, he held a sense of mutual admiration for Yin Guan, hoping to guide this leader of an assassin organization onto a righteous path.

Moreover, he had always admired Yin Guan’s abilities, for a long time regarding him as a figure to strive towards.

How was he to respond today?

“Yin Guan has a life-saving grace towards this subject. Initially, outside Linzi city, were it not for his action…”

“Consorting with a thief, this subject has nothing to say and is willing to accept punishment.”

In that brief moment, countless answers flashed through Jiang Wang’s mind, from admitting guilt to accepting punishment to self-exposure.

Finally, he lowered his waist a bit further, steeling his heart: “This subject…” But just as he began, the Qi Emperor’s words once again descended, cutting him off.

“I heard that upon your return to Qi, you allowed the diplomatic mission to proceed ahead, while you yourself lingered quietly in the grasslands, secretly infiltrating military forts each day, entangled in unclear dealings with Huang She Li of the Jing Country. Is there such a matter?”

“Ah?” Jiang Wang suddenly raised his head.

The Qi Emperor seemed to smile faintly as he looked at him, simply asking: “Is there, or is there not?”

“This subject and Huang She Li are innocent!” Jiang Wang declared loudly. “This subject’s time with Huang She Li those days was purely for discussing cultivation, fundamentally without any other intentions. This kind of rumor, I know not who spread it, truly hateful! It harms Miss Huang’s reputation, how can it be this subject’s intention?”

The Emperor said: “This cultivation can be discussed openly and frankly, why did the Marquis of Wu An choose to do so secretly?”

“This subject was dealing with the No Birth Teach!” Jiang Wang seized the opportunity to recount the matter of eradicating the No Birth Teach branch in the grasslands. He frankly told the Emperor that he and the ancestor of the No Birth Teach had an old enmity, and in order to avoid alarming the snake, he had chosen to handle the matter secretly.

“No Birth Teach?” The Qi Emperor smiled lightly. “As the Marquis of Wu An of Great Qi, dealing with a minor evil sect, why be so secretive? Do you not know the dignity of a paramount country, or the nobility of a Marquis?”

Jiang Wang said: “This subject is foolish.
Foolish, therefore I think more.” The Emperor said no more, skipping the topic and leisurely stating: “Heroes are hard pressed to overcome the beauty pass, ancient history books frequently attest. Marquis of Wu An, young and renowned, may you not lose yourself.”

“Please Your Majesty rest assured, this subject is single-minded in cultivation, fundamentally without the mood to let anything impede me!” Jiang Wang spoke these words with great confidence.

The Emperor looked at him deeply for a moment: “That day, also here, you were just eighteen, still a callow youth, yet when you removed your upper garments, your body was covered in scars. It was then I first remembered the name Jiang Wang.
You have no millennium-old family behind you, no influential elder by your side, yet you have walked to this day alone, with a single sword. It is not easy. I believe you are one who can see clearly. Each step’s experience is undeniably clear and profound, yet upon looking back after walking through them, there is always a sense of daze.
Those moments of true emotion and real feeling, they seem unreal…
Several years have truly passed in a blink of an eye.”

Jiang Wang bowed solemnly: “All relies on Your Majesty’s nurturing.”

“Good.” The Emperor waved his great sleeve. “Public matters are concluded. I will not detain you for a meal.”

Jiang Wang bowed his hands: “This subject takes his leave!” He straightened his body, turned, and walked outwards.

“Right.” The Qi Emperor’s voice echoed again from behind. “You still haven’t said, what did you see within the painting?”

Jiang Wang replied: “I saw the multitude of beings under Your Majesty’s reign.”

The Emperor waved his hand again: “Go.”

Stepping out of the East Hua Pavilion felt like seeing daylight again.

The Emperor’s demeanor was clearly not severe; one could even say it was quite amiable, yet Jiang Wang’s back hem was already soaked with sweat.

What was it called, accompanying a monarch is like accompanying a tiger?

Those ruffians always boasted of how they would act if they were to see the Emperor. Those street talks and alley discussions always belittled those ministers who were genuinely fearful and respectful, believing they would be different.

But were they to stand before the Emperor themselves, they would likely be struck speechless. Titles, salaries, dismissal, appointment, killing, life, giving, taking—these eight handles of power held within one person’s grasp, all at the whim of another. Who could not feel uneasy?

Even if you cared not for fame, fortune, or wealth, life and death still demanded consideration.

Moreover, the Qi Emperor before him was such a world-renowned hero.

Han Ling led the way, showing no outward sign of difference. Jiang Wang quickened his pace, cupping his hands. “Thank you for your reminder in the pavilion just now.”

“How can this old servant bear the thanks of the Marquis of Wu An? If thanks are due, thank the Emperor.” Han Ling calmly said, “The Emperor had the intention, only then did this old servant dare to hint.”

Jiang Wang said: “Of course, the primary thanks are due to Your Majesty’s grace. But sir’s understanding, Jiang someone also dares not forget.”

Han Ling then laughed: “To us, in recent years, you are truly a simple character in the Emperor’s heart. The Emperor’s favor is deep, unlike that shown to the Marquis of Wu An. Perhaps someday, we will also require your care.”

“Sir speaks too heavily. You treat me with sincerity, if there is a day when I have the strength, how would Jiang Wang dare to slacken?”

“Haha, come this way!”

The Inner Treasury is the Imperial Palace Treasury, the Emperor’s private property.

Great Qi has been established for a long time and has achieved hegemony. The national treasury is abundant, and the Inner Treasury is also overflowing with wealth.

As a treasury of techniques, the national treasury contains a wider range of secret techniques, of many kinds, encompassing everything. The latest techniques developed by the Technique Institute are also strictly stored within the national treasury.

The secret techniques in the Inner Treasury, however, are more private. Many are techniques inconvenient for public dissemination, including some Imperial family secret methods, and even forbidden techniques are not lacking.

Strictly speaking, Jiang Wang did not describe the process of his battle with Dou Zhao at all. A struggle at the divine soul level is something outsiders cannot perceive. But merely mentioning Dou Zhao’s name, the Qi Emperor immediately understood the nature of the “trouble” Jiang Wang had encountered.

It was evident that the Emperor’s heart truly encompassed the world.

Han Ling had already planned for a long time. After passing through numerous checkpoints to enter the Inner Treasury, he led Jiang Wang directly to the target location.

“This part of the ‘Chao Tian Que’ is an Imperial Dynasty secret technique, passed down by the Martial Emperor himself. Compared to the ‘That Shore Golden Bridge’, it is not inferior. If the Marquis of Wu An is not satisfied, you can still choose again.” Han Ling used the token of the Head Eunuch to open the protection array. Then, with the corresponding special seal, he triggered a change in the stone platform.

Then, a golden scroll was seen, slowly rising, horizontally before their eyes.

“Satisfied, satisfied, how could I not be satisfied?”

Hearing that it was passed down by the Martial Emperor, Jiang Wang felt an instant closeness.

As the Emperor most promoted by the current Emperor, Qi Martial Emperor’s civil governance and military achievements were almost the pinnacle of all Qi dynasties. How could the secret techniques passed down by that esteemed figure be weak?

Jiang Wang was more than satisfied, satisfied just by hearing the name.

Han Ling then made a gesture of invitation.

Jiang Wang picked up the golden scroll and carefully unrolled it, to see a grand picture unfolding before his eyes. It depicted a door of heaven!

Ancient, thick, solemn.

High above, overlooking all heavens!

The moment this picture entered his eyes, meaning surged through his divine thoughts.

Countless pieces of information turned over in his mind.

The golden light in Jiang Wang’s eyes rose sharply, then immediately restrained itself. The joy in his eyes was utterly unconcealed.

Chao Tian Que, Chao Tian Que!

Truly a marvelous secret technique!

Although it was so obscure and complex, appearing not to be a technique one could cultivate in a short time, its power could be clearly imagined.

If he had possessed this technique then, how could he have been suppressed in the divine soul struggle by Dou Zhao, almost losing from the outset?

At the very least, he could have fought to a draw!

Considering that the application of the Dou Zhan Seven Styles at the divine soul level had yet to manifest, and the terrifying background behind Dou Zhao, Jiang Wang ultimately chose to be somewhat conservative, unable to let his imagination run wild.

“How is it?” Han Ling asked with a smile.

Jiang Wang sincerely and earnestly bowed his hands: “Sir has shown kindness!”

Han Ling moved slightly to the side and slowly said: “The authority Your Majesty has granted the Marquis for the technique treasury is within your cultivation level… without limit.”

His eyes held a smile: “Thus, ‘Chao Tian Que’ can reappear. The spiritual knowledge of a general Divine Arrival cultivator may not be sufficient to cultivate it.”

Jiang Wang sighed: “Jiang Wang, what virtue, what ability…”

“The Marquis of Wu An’s achievements today are all won by yourself. So-called fortune and misfortune have no door, only people themselves invite them.” Han Ling stopped here, bowing his head in a ritual: “This old servant has spoken too much.”

Jiang Wang responded with a solemn face: “These are words of gold and jade, I shall not dare to forget.”

In the empty, empty technique treasury, this empty, empty echo resonated.

These silent stone platforms, how many promises have they heard, and how many rises and falls have they witnessed?

Since ancient times, people have come and gone.

Rising and falling, only the stone platforms remain.

Jiang Wang’s return to the capital this time involved first an audience with the Emperor, then entering the Inner Treasury to seek a technique, and finally returning to his own Marquis of Wu An mansion. Strictly speaking, since this mansion was completed, he himself had not resided in it for more than a few days.

But thinking of Chong Xuan Sheng’s required three months of additional practice, and calculating with his fingers that it was not yet finished and he wouldn’t have time to linger in the Marquis of Wu An mansion for a few days, Jiang Wang felt a sense of balance in his heart.

Returning to the mansion, he bathed and changed, washing away the dust of travel. Then, refreshed, he sat in the study, and as always, began to cultivate.

But for some reason, he couldn’t settle his heart today.

After a while of random thoughts swirling in his mind, he simply emptied everything and quietly began to daze.

Since coming into the light, his time had been tight, and he seldom had time to simply daze.

It wasn’t until dusk that Chong Xuan Sheng, holding Yi Fourteen’s small hand, swaggered into the mansion.

This newlywed couple had, during this period, been living at the Bo Wang Marquis mansion.

Of course, Chong Xuan Sheng was still dragged away on time before dawn each day and sent back after dark. The Great Qi Champion Marquis’s determination was extraordinarily firm.

Seeing that familiar plump face in the window, Jiang Wang suddenly laughed.

There was no other reason; he simply felt a sudden sense of being back home.

Chong Xuan Sheng didn’t mention that he was using the excuse of welcoming the Marquis of Wu An and washing away his dust to ask for a few hours of leave from his good elder brother. Only then could he avoid being bruised and swollen today, appearing so relaxed and composed.

He merely swaggered in, even strutting, and said: “Yo, our envoy adult is finally back?”

Jiang Wang coughed: “I forced Zhong Li Yan, battled Dou Zhao for five hundred rounds, swept through Liang, scared away Chen Suan… you know all this, right?”

He adjusted his clothes with a reserved air: “Slightly enhanced the prestige of the country.”

Chong Xuan Sheng only narrowed his eyes: “I worked hard to look after your home, handled everything by myself. This time you went on public duty far away, what gift did you bring for me?”

“Ah!” Jiang Wang slapped his forehead: “I forgot!”

“Never mind, I originally forgave you, who calls you my brother, my closest kin?” Chong Xuan Sheng seemed very easy to talk to, smiling and narrowing his eyes as he said, “Right, good brother, Fourteen and I will be staying back for a few days. These days, we won’t be seeing any outside guests. If anyone comes uninvited, you help us turn them away.”

Jiang Wang looked at him suspiciously: “This outside guest, wouldn’t it be a Marquis?”

“This home doesn’t accommodate you!” Chong Xuan Sheng instantly flared up like thunder: “Are you still my brother or not? Do you still care about me or not? Married for so many days, I haven’t had a single good day! Are you, this Marquis, made of mud and can’t block other Marquises?”

Jiang Wang smiled: “Whether I’m made of mud or not, I don’t know, but I do quite enjoy seeing certain people being pinched like mud.”

Chong Xuan Sheng immediately began to scold.

Jiang Wang paid him no mind, only saying to Fourteen: “Fourteen, the gift I brought for you is in your courtyard. See if you like it yourself?”

No longer wearing armor, Fourteen was less shy and more gentle.

Smiling brightly, she said yes, then let go of Chong Xuan Sheng’s hand and walked towards their courtyard.

Chong Xuan Sheng cursed to himself in the courtyard for a while, using threats, lures, soft persuasion, and hard begging, relentlessly pestering Jiang Wang to help him block Chong Xuan Zun for a few days. He spoke of the life of a couple, of heavenly reason and human ethics.

Jiang Wang only smiled and didn’t agree.

Seeing that making trouble was useless, Chong Xuan Sheng, feeling frustrated, walked into the study. He sat down in his specially made large chair, facing Jiang Wang.

The light of dusk streamed in through the window, bringing with it some inexplicable trivial emotions.

For a time, neither of them spoke.

After a silent moment.

Chong Xuan Sheng, to his good friend, finally said: “Something on your mind?”