Jiang Wang knew that someone as fixated as Lin Youxie would never believe she was wrong to investigate him; therefore, her apology wasn’t for that. Her apology was for her uninvited and abrupt arrival today – this time, she wasn’t here for an investigation, but to seek assistance.

Such an emotion might be difficult for most people to grasp.

For what she deemed “justice,” she would do anything without remorse. Yet, outside the realm of “justice,” her pride reigned supreme.

To rashly seek help and be rebuffed would undoubtedly wound her self-esteem deeply.

However… what did any of this have to do with Jiang Wang?

His reason for obliging was quite simple.

That single sentence, “Considering our shared blue card status,” though seemingly a formality, precisely reflected his true thoughts.

He had gained from Qi Jue, benefited from Qi Lu, and received the protection of Qi. He was willing to offer a corresponding contribution.

He would not accept payment without merit, nor would he occupy a position without fulfilling its duties.

The four-rank blue card identity had brought him considerable convenience and a significant amount of implicit protection. To assist a colleague when within his capabilities was a meaningful action.

Furthermore… one cow released was one cow released, two cows released were also two cows released. Hiding one Fan Qingqing was hiding one, hiding two more people was also hiding two.

Thus, he finally nodded.

A gentleman does not accept charity. According to Lin Youxie’s initial inclination, she would have preferred to simply brush her sleeves and depart.

But glancing at the frosty-haired old man, she found it impossible to follow her heart’s pride.

This old man had cared for her, protected her, and offered her family-like warmth.

Though his expression remained calm at this moment, she knew his body had suffered injury.

“Thank you, Master Jiang… for extending a helping hand!” she said.

“As you said, we all share the same blue card. However…” Jiang Wang replied, “I believe I should know what danger you are facing. Who is pursuing you all?”

He cast a few glances at the boat cabin, which now felt somewhat cramped due to the influx of people: “After all, we are all in the same boat, offering mutual aid.”

These words, used in this context, were remarkably apt – indeed, they were all in the same boat, offering mutual aid!

Lin Youxie and Wu Lie exchanged a look, not speaking immediately.

Jiang Wang wasn’t in a hurry either, waiting in silence.

In truth, he should have realized sooner. If it were Zhong Xuan Sheng, he would have immediately thought: Lin Youxie clearly suspected him of having some connection to the Door of Hell. So, how could she possibly seek his help for protection and concealment while being pursued by the Door of Hell? Wasn’t this putting herself in danger?

Moreover, with their identities, why would they resort to such brazenness to find Jiang Wang?

While the near-sea islands weren’t Qi territory, Jieming Island was one of the three major forces of the sea, second only to the power of Diao Hai Lou!

If they truly wanted to mobilize forces, what did the Door of Hell even count for?

A single Qi Xiao would be sufficient to shatter the Door of Hell!

Unless…

Wu Lie found it inconvenient to seek aid from the Qi Court.

The reasons behind this could be numerous and complex. Jiang Wang had no way of guessing.

But upon calming down, he immediately considered that the person pursuing Wu Lie was very likely… not the Door of Hell.

This matter was truly becoming chaotic.

Let’s sort out the timeline.

The Door of Hell massacred the Five Immortals Gate. For reasons unknown, Wu Lie and Lin Youxie suddenly appeared, forcefully detaining several Great Yama Kings. Fan Qingqing seized the opportunity to escape. Afterward, Wu Lie himself was also mysteriously injured and pursued by someone of unknown identity…

Jiang Wang, who had originally planned to go to Ice Phoenix Island to personally thank Li Fengyao, and then decided to return directly to Qi Country, was just like this, mysteriously drawn into this murky water.

What kind of person could force someone as influential as Wu Lie within the blue card system into such a predicament?

Unless the opponent was also within the Qi Country system. Their rash journey to Jieming Island was also not safe!

Thinking up to this point, Jiang Wang suddenly felt a headache coming on.

The two unexpected guests remained silent for a moment. Finally, it was Wu Lie who spoke: “Since this little friend values the camaraderie of colleagues, this old man should also show sincerity.”

He turned his head and glanced at Fan Qingqing: “If I remember correctly, this one is from the Five Immortals Gate?”

It seemed that he had also noticed the escaping Fan Qingqing during the battle on Youxia Island.

This question naturally shouldn’t be answered by Jiang Wang.

Fan Qingqing spoke: “A solitary survivor, fortunate to receive the Master’s pity and shelter under his command, preventing me from wandering homeless.”

Another piece of information Jiang Wang gleaned was that Fan Qingqing had already fallen into Wu Lie’s sights at that time, and simultaneously, she had certainly fallen into Yin Guan’s sights.

To still be able to escape far, to lurk outside Wu Dong Island in this situation, could not be explained merely by Wu Lie’s obstruction. Fan Qingqing undoubtedly had some secret!

However, everyone had their own secrets. Jiang Wang was not at the point of demanding complete transparency from every subordinate. Such a person could never gain genuine loyalty.

Wu Lie looked at Jiang Wang: “What I want to tell you are matters within the blue card system, secrets of Qi Country.”

He didn’t explicitly say it, but his attitude was very clear: Fan Qingqing was not suitable to listen.

Fan Qingqing didn’t move, nor did she have any intention of leaving.

She was a very clear-headed person. She knew who she relied on now, and whose commands she should obey. If Jiang Wang didn’t speak, she would wait indefinitely. Even if the old man before her was terrifying, she couldn’t be swayed.

Jiang Wang was very satisfied with Fan Qingqing’s performance. His right hand’s five fingers bloomed like a fresh flower and then closed.

Then he said: “You can speak now.”

The sound near Fan Qingqing was immediately isolated.

Fan Qingqing’s mood was one of shock!

Isolating the sound within the boat cabin, preventing outsiders from hearing anything, wasn’t difficult. Even some of the lesser practitioners of the Five Immortals Dream Order could do it.

But who was she?

She was an elder of the Five Immortals Gate, had also cultivated the Five Immortals Dream Order, and considered her attainments quite deep.

To be able to isolate her sense of hearing – to what extent had the Master reached?

Although from the strength of the isolation, she could break through relatively easily with careful effort, how long had she cultivated the Five Immortals Dream Order? How long had Jiang Wang been in contact with it?

Had he truly cultivated it for even one day?

Perhaps this was the talent of a top genius?

She didn’t know that Jiang Wang’s divine soul power was far stronger than cultivators of the same rank, and that he had experience cultivating immortal techniques. In her heart, she infinitely exaggerated Jiang Wang’s talent, imprinting an even greater sense of reverence.

Moreover, putting aside Fan Qingqing scaring herself on her side, Wu Lie had already spoken on his side: “I accompanied Youxie to Youxia Island to track the coroner Wang’s movements. But we happened to stumble upon the Door of Hell’s large-scale massacre of the Five Immortals Gate. As blue cards, apprehending evil is our duty. Although this old man is retired, I haven’t forgotten my conduct. Hence, in a fit of anger, I took action.”

Regarding the Door of Hell, Wu Lie spoke of duty and conduct with every breath, seemingly implying something. As if blaming Jiang Wang for having unclear connections with the Door of Hell.

But Jiang Wang’s face remained calm, always maintaining a listening posture.

Wu Lie continued: “Their leader was indeed extraordinary. Though clearly only recently entered the Divine Abode, I couldn’t easily suppress him. The two assisting Yama Kings were also all strange in their techniques and shocking in their killing power. I attempted to forcefully kill one person but did not succeed. Instead, King Qin Guang seized the opportunity to exchange injuries with me. Because Youxie was by my side, I found it inconvenient to fight desperately. After a great battle, I could only let them leave.”

“To avoid trouble, Youxie and I immediately left the scene. But not far from Youxia Island, we encountered an attack.”

Wu Lie’s eye wrinkles were very deep, perhaps the reason for his apparent aging: “The matter happened suddenly, the attacker was powerful, and I had just experienced a major battle, so I suffered some losses. I had to use some means to bring Youxie to safety.”

“The attacker was strictly concealed and deliberately avoided common techniques. But I know…”

Wu Lie looked directly into Jiang Wang’s eyes: “That person was Tian Huanwen! He cannot escape my sight.”

Da Ze Tian Clan, Tian Huanwen!

The top-tier noble family of Qi Country, the Da Ze Tian Clan, had two Divine Abode powerhouses. One was the current clan head, Tian Xi Li, who was also Tian Anping’s father.

Another was Tian Huanwen, of Tian Xi Li’s uncle’s generation. He was a cousin to Tian Huan Zhang, who had previously guarded Seven Star Valley.

As a family elder of the Da Ze Tian Clan, Tian Huanwen had also ventured out to sea and attacked the already retired famous constable, Wu Lie?