"Young Master Chen, Captain Tao's personal attendants are looking for you everywhere!"

When Chen Zhao returned to his lodging in the Inner City, several soldiers who had been dispatched from Yihai Prefecture spoke hastily.

"Tao Rong is too impatient. Let him detain the entire crew of Bai's Fish Stall. This isn't provoking the royal family, yet just one day has passed and he's panicking and coming to the door..."

Chen Zhao's expression was displeased, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor.

Since he had already obtained the coveted True Skill Root Diagram and the boasting battle wine secret formula from Ninghai Zen, there was no need to put on a show of playing good cop, bad cop.

Thus, Chen Zhao leisurely stepped into the main hall and gracefully sat in the armchair:

"Let Tao Rong release them."

The soldiers breathed a sigh of relief; this was what they had been waiting for. Fire Kiln Master Li had turned Captain Tao's affairs into a disaster.

About half an hour later, Tao Rong, clad in Black Gold Willow Leaf Armor, strode through the door fiercely, glaring with fierce eyes:

"Brother Chen, have you settled your matters?"

Chen Zhao was sipping tea, nodded slightly:

"Ninghai Zen was agreeable the moment he saw me and promised what I asked. Brother Tao, I must say, this Sect Leader Ning is also an ordinary person. You guys from the Thirteen Lineages are really overestimating him."

Watching Chen Zhao's nonchalant attitude, Tao Rong felt repressed. He had suffered enough from Li Yuan's fiery temper, getting scolded directly but not daring to retaliate.

"Ning... what did that man say?"

Tao Rong sat down, disregarding the scorching tea, gulping it down to quell his frustration.

"He just said 'fine' three times, asking me to fetch the True Skill Root Diagram and the battle wine secret formula at 5 p.m."

Chen Zhao's eyes gleamed with pride. His elder brother Chen Ye once mentioned a disciple expelled the master, a rebellious act never seen before, resulting in Ninghai Zen breaking his legs and crippling his body, and his mother often complained about it.

This time, Chen Zhao arrived at Black River County, carefully planning, and easily achieved his goal.

"Unexpected things usually hide a menace, Brother Chen! Don't forget the first day you arrived in Black River County, your Red Blood Qilin Horse was killed!"

Tao Rong frowned deeply. Ninghai Zen's notorious reputation is overwhelming, and the True Skill Root Diagram is immensely valuable. There is surely something odd about his easy agreement.

"Do you really believe what Bai Qilang said, that the Red Eyebrow Bandits lured the tiger away from the mountain, decapitating the cherished steed given by Young Master Pei?"

Chen Zhao's smile faded, turning introspective:

"The stamina and strength of the Red Blood Qilin Horse are comparable to a Second-Training Martial Artist. For someone to sneak into the private residence, kill it, decapitate it, and place the head in the main hall, their martial arts wouldn't be weak, and there was also an archer assisting."

The image of the kind and amiable Bai Qilang flashed through his mind.

He quickly dismissed the baseless speculation.

"To trade a precious Red Blood Qilin Horse for a True Skill Root Diagram and the battle wine secret formula, this deal is worthwhile."

Chen Zhao shook his head, extinguishing unnecessary thoughts, contemplating for a while:

"Brother Tao, your words carry weight. Since that's the case, prepare the ship overnight. As soon as 5 p.m. arrives, I'll take the True Skill Root Diagram and the battle wine secret formula, set sail immediately, and return overnight."

"That sounds good."

Tao Rong agreed. Though for Celestial Water Prefecture, Black River County was just a barren countryside, but it's still full of hidden dangers. Staying longer felt like sitting on pins and needles.

"5 p.m. is approaching. Ninghai Zen is unruly, not bound by worldly rules, but he always keeps his word, esteemed highly."

Chen Zhao quietly watched the sky, hoping the sun would set sooner to avoid prolonging the night with dreams.

"By the way, Brother Tao, you offended Bai Qi and inadvertently incurred Li Yuan's anger. Here are three bottles of Blood Purification Pill for you."

Tao Rong promptly stood up, accepting the three porcelain bottles, the Blood Purification Pill is indeed a valuable item, purifying the body of filth and toxic impurities, greatly benefiting martial artists preparing for breakthroughs.

According to the Daoist Official, as people consume grains, meat, and vegetables, perfect digestion is impossible, gradually accumulating as acquired impurities.

Taking Blood Purification Pills purifies the body, enhancing the chance of overcoming challenges.

This treasure medicine was highly sought after in Zhechong Prefecture.

But before Tao Rong could express gratitude, Chen Zhao continued:

"Take these to Bai Qilang as a gesture of apology, and settle the matter."

Tao Rong's face darkened:

"I am a Captain of the Brave Guard in Zhechong Prefecture, and he's just a fisherman adapting his trade..."

Chen Zhao raised an eyebrow:

"Brother Tao, in this world, it's all about connections. He has a Four Cultivation Grandmaster as a patron and a Master Craftsman who forged valuable weapons backing him. Your captaincy isn't worth much in comparison."

Damn, you know this and still made me play the bad cop!

Tao Rong gritted his teeth, clenched his fists, bitterly regretting not being the heir of the main branch of the Rice Shop Tao Family, else why be a pawn for Chen Zhao.

"Fine, play the fool one more time! Join Young Master Pei on the campaign, and upon returning from the Six Towns, I will trample those who look down on me!"

He gripped the bottles of Blood Purification Pills and stormed off towards the Outer City.

"Even a dog has to be disciplined when restless."

Chen Zhao squinted; his talent for observing and reading people sharpened since childhood, naturally recognizing Tao Rong's mentality but knowing those from the Thirteen Lineages always had some arrogance.

"With true prowess in hand and Brother Pei's support, there's a chance to ascend to the top three ranks!"

...

...

At 5 p.m., as the sun set over the hills, Chen Zhao arrived punctually at the residence.

Bai Qi awaited early, presenting the True Skill Root Diagram and the battle wine secret formula, all contained within a sturdy iron box handed to Chen Zhao.

"Junior Martial Uncle Chen, you must keep it safe, for this is Tongwen Hall's heritage, as precious as a palace, irreplaceable even with vast wealth!"

Chen Zhao accepted with both hands, feeling indescribably excited; his stepfather, Chen Xing, renowned across the martial world, stood at the pinnacle.

His disciple, Ninghai Zen, a Four Cultivation Grandmaster, infamous and intimidating, single-handedly subdued the Seventeenth Lineage, overpowering four great families.

Such achievements and glory rely entirely on Tongwen Hall's three great skills.

Now, he possessed one of them.

"Please convey my gratitude to Sect Leader Ning once more, Bai Qilang."

Chen Zhao bowed respectfully, the Golden Black Plaque hanging in the main hall captured his gaze, igniting his spirit.

Someday, he vowed to bring the 'Yihai Hidden Dragon' glory back to the Chen Family.

"Would Junior Martial Uncle care to have a meal? My treat?"

Bai Qi feigned enthusiasm in extending the invitation.

"My mother is worried sick, so it's not convenient to continue staying. I plan to set out early tomorrow morning. Whenever Bai Qilang is free and wants to see the prosperity of the Celestial Water Prefecture, I will surely host him well."

Chen Zhao felt content and had no interest in exchanging more pleasantries with Bai Qi. He wished he could fly back to Yihai Prefecture right then.

"I wish you a smooth journey, Junior Martial Uncle Chen."

Bai Qi had a smile on the corner of his lips and said:

"Speaking of which, my master has a close friend who is skilled in physiognomy. I've been interested and have skimmed a few books, knowing a little bit.

Looking at Junior Martial Uncle, dark clouds loom between your brows, it's best not to travel for the time being."

Wet behind the ears, trying to scare me?

Chen Zhao sneered coldly. If he stayed in Black River County, he might not be able to hold on to the True Skill Root Diagram after understanding it.

Only by sending it to the Chen Family can he truly own it.

"Bai Qilang is really amusing, let's part ways here."

Chen Zhao put away the iron box, cupped his hands in farewell, and left surrounded by a group of officers and soldiers.

"I wonder how Master plans to mitigate this disaster?"

Bai Qi felt a bit puzzled. Ninghai Zen's methods often defied ordinary expectations, making them hard to predict even for him.

...

...

A quarter past 9 p.m.

Bai Qi waited at Tongwen Hall, almost dozing off, without seeing any movement from his master.

"Chen Zhao said he'd leave tomorrow morning, but actually snuck away with Tao Rong, sailing overnight towards Yihai Prefecture…"

As the local bully of Black River County, Bai Qi had informants all over the docks and piers, missing nothing.

"Could the young master have forgotten?"

Lao Dao, while cracking sunflower seeds, asked.

After all, Ninghai Zen had an old tendency of getting lost, so forgetfulness wasn't out of the question.

He hadn't even made dinner tonight, just waiting for the show, which still hadn't started.

"Hard to say."

Bai Qi pinched his chin. Could his master have fallen asleep?

Snap!

A hand pressed down on his shoulder.

"What nonsense are you spouting! I just surveyed the entire Black River County, and finally found a handy 'weapon'!

Come on, let me show you what it means to get things done and then leave quietly, concealing one's achievements and fame!"

Ninghai Zen suddenly appeared behind him, urging Bai Qi to hurry out. He then tapped his toes and vaulted over the wall.

"It's just a few steps, is it necessary to use Lightweight Skill for that?"

Bai Qi silently grumbled, then remembered what his master said about the 'weapon'?

Could it be that Ninghai Zen had mastered a Profound Mysterious Divine Soldier, capable of altering the heavens and smiting Chen Zhao on the spot?

He smirked, then immediately dismissed this absurd notion.

If Tongwen Hall had a Profound Mysterious Divine Soldier, it would have long been renowned as the leader of the Upper Sect!

Even the Dragon Court would have to show respect, why be nestled in Yihai Prefecture!

"Master, without relying on Sister Jiao, it seems difficult to catch up to Chen Zhao and Tao Rong. They left Black River County just past 5 p.m., by now they should be nearing the Nu Yun River."

Bai Qi followed Ninghai Zen, who wasn't heading towards the dock but instead going towards the hills outside the city.

"No hurry."

Ninghai Zen waved his hand, ever composed. After walking some seven or eight miles, he finally stopped.

He pointed to a nearby rising hill and softly said:

"Ah Qi, look, the geological firmness here and the heft make it very handy, perfect to be used as a weapon!"

Bai Qi stood there, staring at the barren rock layer. How was he supposed to take this?

Was his master planning to crush Chen Zhao with it?

That would be too brutal! 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

...

...

"Up ahead is the Nu Yun River, Brother Chen."

Tao Rong maneuvered the oar, clearing the water. To avoid detection by local bully Bai Qi, he specifically let the officers sail a large boat while he and Chen Zhao took a small boat.

This way, even if someone was secretly watching, they would be drawn to the impressive large boat.

"The farther I am from Black River County, the more at ease I feel."

Chen Zhao patted the sturdy iron box he carried closely, thinking:

"Tongwen Hall is quite particular; even the box holding the True Skill Root Diagram is made of Thousand-Year Profound Iron and Pure Gold, not even a treasured weapon could damage it."

He squatted at the boat's bow, as the waves grew furious, forming layer upon layer like raging clouds.

The small boat bobbed and swayed. If not for Tao Rong's exceptional boating skills, they might have been overturned easily.

"Bai Qilang spoke of dark clouds looming, how ridiculous! Thinking to scare me into staying in Black River County…"

Chen Zhao exhaled deeply, looked up, and saw the boundless blackness, like a pitch-black veil enveloping them.

Suddenly, his eyes shone, and a look of bewildered astonishment spread across his face.

"Brother Tao, look…what's that?"

Busy rowing, Tao Rong followed Chen Zhao's ghost-seeing expression and glanced skyward.

Then, he too showed an equally shocked expression.

A mountain descended from the sky, erupting in blazing light, plummeting towards the Nu Yun River!

"Heavenly…Meteor?"