[Among them, Lan Jingyi from the lineage of Duke Liang, appointed as 'Master of Baoping State', the Dragon-slaying Marquis, appointed as 'Baoping Grand General', entering the Senior Third Grade, becoming a veritable noble of Great Zhao, worthy of incense offerings!]

Four years later!

Baoping Prefecture.

Toasts and feasts, the banquet commenced.

On all sides, the newly arisen powers famed from the 'Baoping Demon Calamity', coming and going.

But seated in one of the most conspicuous spots was a youth with a calm demeanor, quietly observing everything, his body immovable, dressed in a vermilion official attire, exuding nobility.

As others passed by him, they whispered:

"Is this...the one from Wutong Prefecture, known as 'Baoping State, divine in fists', Song Chai Xin, Song Guardian?"

"It is said that he once formed an array with three hundred martial soldiers, forcefully vanquishing a Primordial Pill Great Demon, slaughtering two thousand demon fiends leaving their corpses scattered, earning endless praise from Baoping Grand General, General Ye Cang at the time."

"And that's not all?"

"A year ago, he comprehended the orthodox fist dao from the Baiyujing Lord and became the Martial Arts Celestial Form 'Jade Blood and Blue Sky'."

"It is heard that he had already perfected a renowned fist technique very early on, and with these two combined...should he keep advancing for decades more, passing the hardest threshold of the Fourth Step, wouldn't it be 'effortless'?"

This youth, about twenty years old, in vermilion attire, cold and stern brow and eyes, seemed to be at the center of everyone's discussions.

Beside him.

With hair like silver snow, eyes like bright moons, donned in a light gauze dress, Song Brahman Mirror sat quietly, her appearance defying age, becoming increasingly youthful with the passage of time.

The two, a man and a woman, looked perfectly compatible, like a golden boy and jade girl, envied by others.

Surrounding the pair, seated.

A troubled soul drowning his sorrows in drink, the original 'Baoping Grand General's' legitimate son, Ye Huai.

In warrior attire, once maligned because of a renegade mentor, later washed clean with four years of demon-slaying, the Demon-Suppressing Great Wall, Xu Zuorong.

From Profound Soldier Cave, clad in white garb and crimson scarf, Qin Changfeng; also present was the Gu Family's contemporary young patriarch, Gu Fengchun.

These 'six people.'

Apart from the Fourth Step experts and some Primordial Pill peak martial artists, they repeatedly achieved astonishing feats, outstanding meritorious service, earning extensive accolades.

Outsiders even coined a term for them, calling them 'Six Sons of Baoping.'

Four years ago, any top-ranked Celestial Pride contenders for entry tickets into the 'Young Qilin Association' seemed far inferior compared to these six.

Built on titles and talent, mere flashy displays,

versus those forged through blood and hardship...

They are but embers daring to compete with the brilliance of the full moon!

In all frankness.

Solely on merit!

Capable of equalling these six,

only the Baiyujing Lord Yang Xiu, having returned to the Divine Capital, along with his eldest disciple 'Qi Cangzhen.'

Among their peers, none other!

"Baoping Gu Family's Gu Fengchun, broke the 'Yellow Wind Valley', made a surprise strike on the 'Grand Pan Array', experienced seventeen battles over four years, slew thirty-seven Primordial Pill and Innate demon fiends, and annihilated hundreds of demon hordes!"

"Examined by the Divine Capital, distinguished officials govern, the bestowed title 'Purple Sun Prefecture Venerable', ranked Fifth Grade, attired in deep vermilion robe, equipped with silver fish!"

As the new State Lord Lan Jingyi appeared in a vermilion and purple robe, appointment memos were issued one after another!

Among them, supported by the 'Gu Family', deeply rooted in background and possessing noble qualities, Gu Fengchun, under strategic maneuvers, soared high, becoming 'Prefecture Venerable' of a prefecture!

"Gentlemen, comrades for four years, our branches are united, if you have needs, you are welcome to visit Baoping Mansion in the future."

Regarding this appointment, Gu Fengchun was evidently informed beforehand.

Once Lan Jingyi finished speaking.

Gu Fengchun solemnly addressed the surrounding five, including Song Chai Xin, then rose and accepted with ease.

Following that,

Ye Huai, relying on paternal influence and his amassed war achievements, was also awarded the position of 'Prefecture Venerable', albeit...

He was appointed to the position of 'Baoping Prefecture Venerable' within a state's mansion!

A Seventh Grade officer under the Emperor, comparable to a Governor.

Similarly, the Prefecture Venerable of a state mansion, as compared to other prefectures...it naturally carries significantly more weight.

For a martial artist at the Second Step peak...

An almost impossible achievement.

It's akin to an overwhelming fortune thrust upon one's forehead, promising bright prospects in the Government Office for advancement barring unforeseen circumstances.

Yet seeing the expressionless Ye Huai.

Song Chai Xin glanced quickly and understood.

If he could exchange it, he would rather not have this meteoric reward.

Following Gu Fengchun and Ye Huai's conclusion.

Xu Zuorong was appointed as 'Baoping Prefecture Military Commander', commanding a thousand Baoping Prefecture martial soldiers, ranked Sixth Grade, positioned below the Prefecture Venerable and Imperial Demon Hunter.

As for Qin Changfeng, due to the backing from Dao Lineage 'Profound Soldier Cave', he gracefully turned down the Government Office's invitation.

However, he received an ink masterpiece jointly proposed by Lan Jingyi and the Dragon-slaying Marquis, a famous pair of newly emerged powerful figures in Baoping State, akin to a 'Visualization Image.'

Inscribed with: 'Land and Rivers Quake, Guardian Sage Sect,' gifting the Profound Soldier Cave. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Award named for rewarding Qin Changfeng.

In reality, to curry favor with the Master of Xuanbing Cave for their major contributions to the Demon-Suppressing Great Wall.

A strong dragon cannot suppress a local serpent.

After all, even a new official with three fires must secure their foundational stronghold.

Once the myriad rewards concluded.

Laden in a vermilion and purple robe, Lan Jingyi, with an elegant expression, and the bold-browed Dragon-slaying Marquis, redirected their gaze toward Song Chai Xin:

"Original Black Mountain Guardian Song Chai Xin, over four years, slew innumerable demons, achieving distinguished meritorious service, recommended by the former State Lord Pei Nanbei and the previous Baiyujing Lord Yang Xiu, promoted to 'Wutong Prefecture Venerable'!"