"Over ten thousand!"

"Simply put, having the status of the Imperial City means having power!"

"It's that simple!"

However, Chen Xuan shrugged, indifferent to this.

This stuff isn't like identity in the previous life, especially in places controlled by those big shots.

Ultimately, it's all about good resources.

That's why people usually try desperately to squeeze in.

But he didn't expect Great Yu to play this game too.

Sure enough, places with people are all the same in the end.

Resources ultimately end up in the hands of a few.

"But it's easier for others; the Lang Family truly isn't that simple."

Liu Sheng was also somewhat troubled at this moment.

"Is the final decision in Duke Liu's hands?"

"Exactly!"

Otherwise, Lang Fei wouldn't need to ask him; asking Zhan Tian would be better.

But Zhan Tian and Liu Daoxin don't get along.

As for him... After all, being the Chief Eunuch of the Ritual Department gives him a special status. Opening the backdoor for Lang Fei seems oversimplified.

"Later, let Qin Ying handle this. Besides, don't you owe Zhan Tian a favor?"

"The Lang Family has a unique relationship with Zhan Tian. Helping them would be like repaying your debt."

Unique relationship?

While Chen Xuan didn't care about much else, these four words piqued his interest with a hint of gossip.

So he grinned and asked, "Chief Eunuch, does Elder Zhan have a story with the Lang Family?"

"It's been boring for quite a while, why not share it with me to pass the time?"

"You rascal..."

Liu Sheng was truly speechless, not expecting him to be into such things.

However, since it wasn't a secret, he went on to tell him.

"Tsk, tsk..."

Chen Xuan couldn't help but sigh after hearing, not expecting Zhan Tian to be a romantic.

He had fallen in love with Lang Family's eldest daughter while he was still a nobody.

It's the classic tale of a poor boy falling for a rich girl.

But in the end... the Lang family's eldest daughter was ill-fated.

Her dying wish was to have Zhan Tian look after Lang Family, which explained Zhan Tian's intervention later on.

Though there were intricacies, Liu Sheng was somewhat vague in his telling.

Yet Chen Xuan guessed most of it accurately.

Basically, the Lang Family was short-sighted, forsaking Zhan Tian, and their eldest daughter died, ending the matter.

Still, the romantic Zhan Tian became a caregiver for the Lang Family.

That's roughly it.

"Don't you dare mention this in front of Zhan Tian, or he'll beat you up, and I won't intervene."

This is virtually Zhan Tian's only sore spot.

Even Liu Sheng doesn't dare casually bring it up, fearing Zhan Tian might truly lose his temper.

"Relax, relax. I'm just curious; I won't say a word."

Chen Xuan quickly promised.

A little interlude, and soon after, the two closed their eyes and began cultivation.

Lang Fei returned several times afterward until the final day, when he finally spoke up.

"Your chances of persuading him are better than mine!"

Fed up, Liu Sheng passed the responsibility to Chen Xuan.

"Him?"

Lang Fei looked at Chen Xuan.

To avoid trouble, Chen Xuan had changed his identity upon entering Bright Moon Mansion, and though Lang Fei had investigated, he couldn't find any information on him.

Thus believing him to be a descendant of the Liu Family, here in Stone Cave for some great matter.

"We'll talk about it later. If I can, I'll lend a hand."

"But no guarantees!"

Chen Xuan was cautious with his words; given the Lang Family had offended Liu Daoxin, and the matter was under his control, it's unsure if they'd favor Qin Ying.

"Thank you!"

Though uncertain of Chen Xuan's identity, Liu Sheng's status assured he wouldn't deceive him.

Lang Fei was already thankful for his willingness to help.

He too was helpless; the Imperial City's troublesome environment shouldn't be approached in his opinion.

Still urgently, it's about Duke Liu.

Yet his grandfather insists; his greatest wish is to bring the Lang Family back to the Imperial City, thus keeping face before their ancestors.

Years passed, and their wealth was nearly exhausted for this cause, with predictable failure; who's willing to offend Liu Daoxin for the Lang Family?

And regarding Zhan Tian... he's at a loss for words.

This time, it's hard to believe; Liu Sheng's attendance at Bright Moon Mansion brought an unexpected delight.

"No need, it's just repaying a favor."

Chen Xuan's words confused him further.

Favor?

...

As the sun set.

The convoy escorting Spirit Stones was just ten kilometers away from the Stone Cave.

Suddenly, the entire convoy came to a halt.

Chen Xuan appeared puzzled.

Liu Sheng slowly opened his eyes and explained, "Standard procedure, inspections are required before entering the Stone Cave's guarded area."

Chen Xuan suddenly understood.

"Inspect thoroughly, no oversights allowed!"

Just then, a familiar figure's voice reached into the carriage.

Chen Xuan's expression turned odd, and he blurted out, "Shen Tong!"

"The perilous area is short on manpower, so Shen Chong had Shen Tong lead the family to Stone Cave, fulfilling Zhan Tian's condition for sparing the Shen Family."

"It's truly a twist of fate!"

Chen Xuan chuckled and shook his head.

It seems he and Shen Tong are truly connected by fate.

"Let's exit the carriage, then reveal our identity tokens."

"Okay!"

Chen Xuan nodded, and the two of them stepped off the carriage.

Soon after, inspectors arrived, led by a Dao Realm expert.

After thoroughly verifying their tokens, confirming no issues, the inspector proceeded onward.