Chapter 217: Chapter 205: Eye for an Eye, the Urge to Kill Reveals Itself! Chapter 217: Chapter 205: Eye for an Eye, the Urge to Kill Reveals Itself! ps: Dear patrons, please subscribe, poor Shi Tou is having a rough time…

————

He had not expected to hear Zhang Xuan’s name again from Tao Qingyuan’s lips.

“May I ask if Your Excellency has any news of Lord Zhang?” Chen Yuan’s gaze was piercing as he looked at Tao Qingyuan, asking intently. Since Zhang Xuan’s departure, Chen Yuan, including Yue Shan and a few others, had lost all contact with him.

Attempts to reach out had been futile.

“As far as this official knows, it has been over a month since Zhang Xuan made his breakthrough, and he may return before long. I understand your temperament; you’re not one to bear grievances,

but given the current situation, stability is what the higher-ups are seeking.”

Tao Qingyuan subtly extended a finger to emphasize his point to Chen Yuan.

Chen Yuan actually understood this as well. It wasn’t just the higher-ups; the likes of Tao Qingyuan and the Magistrates, the local chief officials, all preferred a policy of avoiding fault over seeking merit.

“I understand,” Chen Yuan said solemnly, nodding. Whether he took it to heart was another matter.

Chen Yuan’s character was indeed as Tao Qingyuan described, not one to endure a beating without retaliation. Normally, if someone threw a punch at him, he would have to return it with a knife.

And it had to be a knife aimed right at the heart.

“Glad you understand.”

In Tao Qingyuan’s eyes, Chen Yuan was indeed a reasonable person, who wasn’t prone to stirring up trouble except for that one incident where he killed Bei Le.

Afterward, Chen Yuan chatted with Tao Qingyuan for a while, receiving many pointers. At the same time, Chen Yuan also sought advice on some issues regarding the cultivation of Heavenly Gang.

Although Tao Qingyuan was somewhat curious, he still patiently imparted much of his experience. Perhaps in his eyes, Chen Yuan was not far from reaching Heavenly Gang, and it was necessary to have some foreknowledge.

Even at one point, Tao Qingyuan went as far as to discuss some issues related to the Reach Profound Realm when he was inspired.

It was through Tao Qingyuan’s teachings that Chen Yuan gained a deeper understanding of Gang Qi.

From Qi Absorption to Condensing Evil, from Condensing Evil to Gang Condensation, it was fundamentally about deeper utilization of Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy to enhance one’s own power.

For example, at the initial stage of Qi Absorption, one could only slowly refine the viscera with True Qi, allowing it to adapt to Evil Qi. But at that time… the increase of True Qi to one’s own strength was limited, unable to be projected outward.

Once reaching the Condensing Evil Level, the True Qi could burst forth from the body, greatly enhancing one’s combat capabilities.

Upon reaching the Gang Qi Realm, it became a preliminary use of Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy, combining one’s own Gang Qi with it, such that the body could be protected by Gang Qi, impervious to water and fire, and common blades would have difficulty causing harm.

Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy is tumultuous; one must adapt step by step, use it step by step. Initially, when Primordial Energy is absorbed into the body, it must be refined, having its violent nature smoothed out into True Qi.

In the Heavenly Gang Realm, this is no longer necessary. After being tempered and converted through Evil Qi, the physical body can merge and directly utilize it… This is also why a Heavenly Gang Martial Artist sees a significant increase in combat power.

Gang Qi, whether it’s the Spiritual Energy within some Gang Transformation Spiritual Objects or the Yang Gang Energy at noon, is fundamentally a form of Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy.

Turning evil into gang is about gradually mastering Heaven’s climate and adapting one’s body and spirit to it.

It is said that in ancient times, the practitioners did not cultivate their bodies but simply inhaled and exhaled Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy, known as Qi Cultivators. Afterward, with development, Martial Arts began to prosper.

Tao Qingyuan mentioned something that Chen Yuan kept in mind, that the practice of Martial Arts is a process of comprehending the heavenly heart, which is the control of Heaven and Earth Primordial Energy.

To command all things is the essence of Martial Arts!

When Chen Yuan asked who had said these words, Tao Qingyuan replied that it was the belief of the legendary Martial Emperor who had established the Six Realms of Martial Arts.

Tao Qingyuan’s guidance was immensely helpful to Chen Yuan, serving in some way to reorganize Chen Yuan’s understanding of the Gang Condensation Realm. Although he had offered guidance before, he had never spoken as extensively as he did today.

To Chen Yuan, Tao Qingyuan seemed to hold him in high regard, which might have been due to Zhang Xuan’s influence, but Chen Yuan still deeply appreciated the advice and protection he received.

Compared to others, Chen Yuan’s superior was indeed very kind.

After leaving the Heavenly Patrol Hall, Chen Yuan ran into Nie Qi Yun face to face. As they brushed past each other, both maintained silence, but Chen Yuan still caught a fleeting glimpse of wariness and jealousy in Nie Qi Yun’s eyes.

As Chen Yuan’s status and strength continued to rise, it was inevitable that it would affect the other.

He thought that after Zhang Xuan left, aside from Tao Qingyuan, he would be the strongest in the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, but then Chen Yuan unexpectedly appeared out of nowhere, stealing his thunder and still being one of Zhang Xuan’s people.

By his own measure, Chen Yuan was no more magnanimous.

Afterward, Chen Yuan proceeded directly to his own government office. Before he even reached the doorway, he heard the booming voice of Yue Shan, who seemed to be talking with Mo Donghe and a few others.

Upon Chen Yuan’s arrival, Yue Shan offered another round of congratulations.

The greater Chen Yuan’s achievements, the happier he was.

Not long after Chen Yuan returned to the Prefecture City, Tang Qian, who was closely monitoring him, received the news. His expression was extremely dark, and he was barely able to contain the murderous aura emanating from him.

He had thought that with the high-level expert, the Blood Demon, taking action, Chen Yuan would definitely perish, allowing him not only to avenge his foster son Lin Beihan but also to warn Shi Yunlong and Tao Qingyuan.

His Azure Flood Dragon Association was not so easily trifled with.

He wasn’t afraid of Tao Qingyuan turning against him. The murderer was the Blood Demon, so what did it have to do with Tang Qian? Without evidence, even as powerful as he was in the Nanling Prefecture, Tao Qingyuan did not have the ability or resolve to take action against him.

Unfortunately, despite all the calculations, no one had anticipated Chen Yuan’s strength to be so formidable. He managed to counter-kill the Blood Demon Elder with his Condensing Evil cultivation and even ascended to the top hundred of the Hidden Dragon List!

Tang Qian was very clear about what this ranking meant; as long as one did not fall, one could at least break through to the Reach Profound Realm.

He certainly did not wish to have such an opponent. Given Chen Yuan’s rate of growth, it might not be long before he could break through to the Heavenly Gang, and he couldn’t afford to wait any longer…

The best method to deal with a genius is to strangle the genius in the cradle and never allow them to grow.

He even felt that Chen Yuan must have already known that the assassination attempt by the Blood Demon Elder was instigated by himself behind the scenes. Since their enmity was already formed, it must be resolved!

After spending some time at the general hall of the Azure Flood Dragon Association, Tang Qian immediately got up and headed for a certain residence within the city.

There…

It was the residence of Xu Lingtian, the Sect Leader of the Dragon Tiger Sect, and it also served as an extension of the Dragon Tiger Sect’s influence within Nanling Prefecture City.

Among the five great forces of Nanling Prefecture, Gold Mountain Monastery remained detached, steady as Mount Tai. Shenxiao Hall was second in strength, but had declined somewhat in recent years. The Dragon Tiger Sect was on the rise, aspiring to replace Shenxiao Hall’s position.

As for the Azure Flood Dragon Association and the Changle Gang, they controlled three major districts of Nanling Prefecture City. Aside from City East, which they dared not reach into because of the government’s influence, the other districts—North City, West City, and South City—were firmly dominated by the Changle Gang and the Azure Flood Dragon Association.

Although there was constant strife on everyday basis, if any other force dared to extend their influence into Nanling Prefecture City, they would be confronted by a very tacit and united front from both parties.

But that was in the past. Now, due to the weakening of the Azure Flood Dragon Association, Tang Qian, after much deliberation, decided to bring the Dragon Tiger Sect into Nanling Prefecture City. It was precisely this reason that earned the agreement of Xu Lingtian to form an alliance with him to resist the pressure from the Changle Gang and the Heavenly Patrol Bureau backing them.

When Tang Qian arrived at the Xu residence, Xu Lingtian was leisurely enjoying tea and listening to music in the backyard, appearing very relaxed and comfortable. Xu Lingtian had a square face and a majestic appearance, with a pair of phoenix eyes that were extraordinarily spirited.

His beard under the chin was about a finger’s length, neatly groomed and glossy. Seeing Tang Qian’s arrival, he stroked his beard and smiled faintly,

“Brother Tang has come.”

Tang Qian narrowed his eyes slightly, nodded a bit, and his gaze slowly swept over the dancing women in front, his expression speaking volumes.

Understanding his hint, Xu Lingtian waved his hand to dismiss everyone.

“Brother Xu!”

Tang Qian cupped his hands together and slowly took a seat next to Xu Lingtian.

“What brings Brother Tang here this time?” Xu Lingtian’s mouth curled up, looking at Tang Qian with an unfathomable smile.

“They all say Brother Xu is exceptionally intelligent, why don’t you guess?”

“Alright then, what would Brother Tang like to wager?” Xu Lingtian sat up straight, showing some interest.

“Hmm…how about a piece of obsidian?”

This was a rather rare mineral for artifact refining. A piece of obsidian was quite valuable. If Chen Yuan were here, he would recognize this material. Back when he was in Ping’an County vying for the position of arrest officer with Wu Yushan, his weapon contained bits of obsidian, making it extremely sturdy,

“Agreed.” Xu Lingtian nodded and after carefully studying Tang Qian for a moment, smiled deeply and said, “If my guess is not wrong, Brother Tang’s visit this time is due to a young man.”

“Go on.”

Tang Qian’s expression remained unchanged as he poured himself a cup of fine tea.

“This young man is quite remarkable. At such a young age, he has ascended to the top hundred of the Hidden Dragon List and also previously killed your sworn son, Lin Beihan. His surname is Chen and his name is Yuan, correct?”

Xu Lingtian smiled lightly.

“Brother Xu really is extraordinary, guessing right on the first try. Now, why don’t you guess the purpose of Brother Tang’s visit?”

“Brother Tang wants to eliminate this person, but it’s inconvenient for you to act directly, so you want Brother Xu to do it… right?” Xu Lingtian chuckled, his gaze fixed on Tang Qian.

At this point, Tang Qian’s expression turned serious as he nodded gravely,

“Correct. As long as Brother Xu can remove this thorn in my side for me, I will fully support the Dragon Tiger Sect’s establishment in Nanling Prefecture City. What do you think, Brother Xu?”

Xu Lingtian shook his head slowly,

“That won’t do.”

“Hmm?”

“Even Brother Tang feels this person is troublesome, what makes you think Xu is any less so? Climbing to the top hundred of the Hidden Dragon List, this Chen Yuan’s name must have already caught the attention of Qingzhou’s governor and the Heavenly Patrol Golden Envoy, and received the full support of Tao Qingyuan,

Such a highly valued genius, if the Dragon Tiger Sect were to kill him, it would only lead to trouble with the court, and Xu is well aware that he does not possess the ability to withstand the court’s wrath.”

Xu Lingtian outright refused.

“Brother Xu, the esteemed Sect Leader of the Dragon Tiger Sect, a Reach Profound expert, are you telling me you fear a genius who has yet to fully grow?” Tang Qian said gruffly.

“It’s not a matter of fear, but rather that it’s not worth it. If Brother Tang can offer a deal that Xu cannot refuse, then perhaps…,” Xu Lingtian smiled,

Tang Qian wanted him to act just based on a promise, which was simply impossible.

“Besides, what difference does it make whether Xu acts or Brother Tang does?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com