If Xiong Lie was allowed to act so arrogantly, defeating one Jingwu Bureau expert after another, what face would the Government Office have left? As things stood, it seemed the only hope of salvaging the situation was Chen Sheng, the man who had caused such a stir from the moment he joined.

"He is in seclusion refining the Earth Core Lotus Seed. It’s a critical moment; he cannot be distracted."

Nie Xuanfeng’s gaze remained on the scene below, his tone calm.

"How much longer will he need?"

"Twenty days at the shortest, a month at the longest."

"A month? Are we supposed to just let this Xiong Lie run rampant here for a whole month?"

Sun Yuzhi’s brow furrowed. As the Governor and Vice Envoy, their positions were too distinguished for them to personally step in and deal with a junior. Now that would be a real joke.

Nie Xuanfeng finally turned his head to look at Sun Yuzhi, the corners of his lips curling into a meaningful smirk:

"Good things come to those who wait, Vice Envoy Sun. Give Chen Sheng some time. I can assure you that when he emerges from his seclusion, he will certainly be able to defeat this Xiong Lie."

"And if... he loses?" Sun Yuzhi stared at Nie Xuanfeng.

"Then I will give you a Centennial Spirit Medicine. Does Vice Envoy Sun dare make a wager with me on this?"

A cunning glint flashed in Nie Xuanfeng’s eyes.

Sun Yuzhi snorted coldly and turned her head away.

"There’s no need. I never participate in such pointless wagers."

’But inwardly, she cursed Nie Xuanfeng for his slyness. ’If he wasn’t at least somewhat confident, why would he so readily propose such a bet?’’

Seeing her reaction, an imperceptible trace of disappointment flashed through Nie Xuanfeng’s eyes before he smiled and said:

"Since Vice Envoy Sun is unwilling to wager, I’ll have to trouble you to send that kid outside away. We can’t just let him block our gate and yell all day."

With that, he actually turned and leisurely departed from the pavilion.

..... 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Outside the Jingwu Bureau’s gates, the third match had also ended.

Another Peacekeeper Envoy had been defeated.

Xiong Lie raised a hand to wipe a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth and laughed heartily, his presence overwhelming.

"HAHAHA, how exhilarating! Are there any other masters from the Jingwu Bureau who wish to grant me their guidance?!"

The faces of the Jingwu Bureau members turned grim, and no one answered.

The eyes of several Earth Fiend Realm Deputy Captains turned icy, their auras fluctuating. They could barely restrain the urge to strike, but ultimately forced themselves to hold back.

To step in at this point, even if they won, would be a dishonorable victory and only invite ridicule.

"Xiong."

Just as the awkward silence became unbearable, a cold and authoritative voice drifted down from above.

Everyone looked up to see Vice Governor Sun Yuzhi. No one knew when she had appeared on the flying eaves above the Government Office’s main gate. Her official robes billowed as she calmly looked down on Xiong Lie.

Xiong Lie’s heart jolted. He quickly reined in his arrogance, bowing deeply with a respectful posture.

"Junior Xiong Lie greets Vice Envoy Sun!"

"Mm."

Sun Yuzhi nodded slightly. Her voice was not loud, yet it carried clearly to everyone’s ears. "You’ve fought three consecutive matches today. Your True Qi is significantly depleted, and you are injured. To continue fighting would be unfair."

She paused for a moment before continuing:

"That is all for today. Return to the Iron Sword Sect and recuperate properly. If you truly wish to spar with the young talents of our Jingwu Bureau, the time will be set for one month from now. At that time, once you have recovered to your peak condition, the Jingwu Bureau will have its own champion step forward to give you the fair fight you desire."

Xiong Lie’s gaze flickered, and after a moment’s hesitation, he nodded slightly.

"Since Vice Envoy Sun has given the order, this junior will naturally comply. Then it is settled! I will return in one month to trouble you all again, and I will be sure to properly experience the brilliant techniques of the Jingwu Bureau’s young heroes!"

With the Vice Governor of the Jingwu Bureau having spoken, Xiong Lie didn’t dare to argue. He had no choice but to agree.

’Of course, he knew this was just a stalling tactic from the Jingwu Bureau. He didn’t care, though. He didn’t believe for a second that some top-tier expert would magically appear in the Jingwu Bureau within a month.’

...

Jingwu Bureau, sixteenth floor underground, in a secret cultivation chamber.

Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes. He glanced at the Celestial Book, his gaze lingering for a moment on the entry for ’Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil’. His own eyes were as tranquil as an old well. Then, he closed them once more.

It was as if the commotion outside had nothing to do with him at all.

...