He paid no mind to the discussions, whether they were praise or criticism. Not once did he feel the impulse to end his seclusion early and rashly seek a fight due to external pressure.

Chen Sheng knew full well that fame and gossip were as fleeting as clouds. In the end, the only thing that could decide the outcome and silence all tongues was absolute power.

At this moment, he had adjusted his condition to an unprecedented peak. He was just a bit of polishing away from reaching the consummation of the Chaoyuan realm.

In fact, the most important thing to him right now wasn’t tomorrow’s duel with Xiong Lie, but the Nine Nether Yin Fiend, which was crucial for his future path.

Refining this fiend required a key item—the Blood Spirit Jade Marrow. Fortunately, just after midnight, the Celestial Book of Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil had finally given him the hint he had long been waiting for:

"My name is Chen Sheng. By the time you read this, it will be too late for me to regret my actions. Vice Envoy Sun was furious that Xiong Lie’s challenge caused the Jingwu Bureau to lose so much face. As a result, she sent someone to summon me privately the moment I came out of seclusion.

"However, I knew that Envoy Nie and Vice Envoy Sun were at odds, even hostile toward each other. After weighing my options, I ultimately dodged the summons and didn’t go.

"What I didn’t realize, however, was that the discord between Envoy Nie and Vice Envoy Sun wasn’t as simple as it seemed on the surface, nor was their animosity as absolute as I had imagined. Had I simply offered an explanation, Envoy Nie wouldn’t have minded.

"But my greatest regret is this: Vice Envoy Sun possessed a high-quality piece of Blood Spirit Jade Marrow. If I had built a good relationship with her, I might have had a chance to obtain it.

"Unfortunately, my tactful refusal infuriated her. Now, whenever I think back on it, I’m filled with endless regret."

Chen Sheng’s gaze swept over the crucial words on the Celestial Book, but his expression remained impassive. He rose slowly and walked with steady steps toward the stone door of the secret chamber.

RUMBLE—

With a deep rumble, the heavy stone door, sealed for a month, slowly swung open. Outside, a Jingwu Guard who had been waiting for some time immediately bowed deeply, his voice filled with reverence.

"Congratulations on emerging from seclusion, Deputy Captain Chen! You’ve achieved Great Success!"

"What is it?"

Chen Sheng’s gaze was placid as he asked the question to which he already knew the answer.

The Jingwu Guard seemed a little nervous. He swallowed hard and said cautiously,

"Vice Envoy Sun has summoned you. She wishes to see you at once."

He was nervous because he was aware of the delicate relationship between Chen Sheng and Vice Envoy Sun, and he feared that a refusal would make it impossible for him to carry out his orders.

Chen Sheng paused for a moment in thought, then nodded.

"If a superior has summoned me, I must of course obey. Lead the way."

Hearing this, the Jingwu Guard looked as if he’d been granted a pardon, his face breaking into a relieved smile.

"Yes, Deputy Captain Chen, please follow me!"

...

The atmosphere inside the Vice Governor’s Office was solemn.

"Chen Sheng, Deputy Captain of G Camp, pays his respects to Sun Zhenfu."

Chen Sheng stepped into the hall and offered a cupped-fist salute, his demeanor neither servile nor arrogant.

At the head of the hall, Sun Yuzhi sat ramrod straight behind her desk, clad in the official robe of a fifth-rank Bear officer. The fabric strained over her chest, creating a breathtaking curve. She didn’t immediately bid Chen Sheng rise, instead sizing him up with beautiful eyes as sharp as a falcon’s, an invisible pressure emanating from her.

After a long moment, Vice Envoy Sun finally spoke, her voice cool and distant.

"During your seclusion, did you manage to refine all of the Earth Core Lotus Seeds?"

"Thank you for your concern, Sun Zhenfu. I was fortunate enough to succeed. All sixteen seeds have been refined," Chen Sheng replied, his tone even.

"Did your Cultivation reach the peak of the Chaoyuan realm?" Sun Yuzhi pressed.

"I’m nearly there," Chen Sheng answered cautiously.

The back-and-forth was terse, the atmosphere between them distant.

Sun Yuzhi fell silent for a moment before abruptly changing the subject and getting to the point:

"Are you aware that one month ago, Xiong Lie, a True Inheritor of the Iron Sword Sect, came to the gates of our Jingwu Bureau to issue a challenge? He defeated three of our Peacekeeper Envoys in a row, causing the Bureau to suffer a great loss of face."

"Since leaving seclusion, I have... heard whispers of it," Chen Sheng replied smoothly.

"Envoy Nie is away and has not yet returned. Tomorrow is the day of the duel. Since you were the cause of this mess, can you resolve it yourself and restore the Jingwu Bureau’s reputation?"

Sun Yuzhi’s fiery gaze bore into Chen Sheng.

"I will do my utmost to live up to the expectations of the Bureau and the Governor," Chen Sheng promised solemnly.

"What are your chances of victory?" Sun Yuzhi’s question cut straight to the heart of the matter.

"About... a fifty-sixty chance," Chen Sheng gave an ambiguous answer.

"Fifty-sixty?"

Sun Yuzhi’s brow furrowed at once, clearly dissatisfied with his answer.

"Word of this duel has been spreading for a month. There will be countless spectators tomorrow. If you lose, what will be left of the Jingwu Bureau’s authority? Of our honor? Chen Sheng, I’m making it clear to you right now: for this duel, victory is the only option. Defeat is not.

There is no other outcome."

Sun Yuzhi’s tone was ironclad, filled with an undeniable finality. The previous defeat had forced her to suppress a month’s worth of anger, and she would not tolerate any more mishaps tomorrow.

Instead of looking troubled, Chen Sheng simply smiled and seized the opening.

"Since you place such importance on this battle and have issued a strict order, Vice Envoy Sun... then I can guarantee you that I will be victorious."

He paused, then looked up to meet Sun Yuzhi’s gaze directly, his own open and frank.

"However, if I may be so bold, I have a request. I wonder if Sun Zhenfu might grant it?"

"Oh?"

Sun Yuzhi raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

’He knows full well that Nie Xuanfeng and I are at odds, yet he still dares to ask something of me? This boy has some nerve. And he’s quite skilled at seizing an opportunity to get ahead.’ She said coolly,

"Let’s hear it."

"I have heard that you have a piece of Blood Spirit Jade Marrow, Sun Zhenfu. If I am fortunate enough to win tomorrow and restore the Bureau’s honor, I was wondering if... I might be permitted to purchase it from you at market price?"

Chen Sheng no longer beat around the bush, stating his purpose directly.

Sun Yuzhi’s eyes narrowed as she scrutinized Chen Sheng.

"Where did you hear this from?"

’I do have Blood Spirit Jade Marrow,’ she thought. ’While it’s not a top secret, it’s hardly common knowledge for a newly promoted Deputy Captain. Did he investigate me?’

’Or... did Nie Xuanfeng tell him?’

A dozen thoughts raced through Sun Yuzhi’s mind, but her expression remained unreadable. Before Chen Sheng could answer, she sneered.

"Deputy Captain Chen, Xiong Lie came to issue this challenge because you forcibly took the Han Family’s Spirit Medicine. Settling this matter and restoring our reputation is your duty. Are you now trying to use this to blackmail me into granting you a special favor?"

"I have no such intention, I assure you."

Chen Sheng quickly explained.

Sun Yuzhi let out a cold snort, her expression softening slightly. After a moment of thought, she said coolly,

"Smooth talk. Defeating Xiong Lie is your duty; that alone is not enough to earn the Jade Marrow."

But then she changed her tune, proposing an even more demanding condition.

"However... if you not only win tomorrow, but can also imitate Xiong Lie’s actions from that day—go to the gates of the Iron Sword Sect and pay them a ’return visit’ in the same manner, venting some of this frustration for me and for the Jingwu Bureau—then I might consider giving you a chance."

"Remember, this is merely an opportunity to ask for the Jade Marrow. I am not gifting it to you."

A glint flashed in Chen Sheng’s eyes as he replied without hesitation, his voice firm.

"Rest assured, Sun Zhenfu. I will not fail. I’ll make the Iron Sword Sect taste the bitterness of utter humiliation."

"Don’t be so quick to agree!"

Seeing his confidence, Sun Yuzhi felt the need to caution him, her tone growing heavy.

"That Xiong Lie’s reputation is well-earned. The man possesses innate Divine Power, his physical body is incredibly tough, and he has a sharp and unrivaled Spear Technique. He simply didn’t use a weapon during last month’s duel.

You must not be the slightest bit careless when you face him tomorrow. If you lose..."

Her voice turned cold, laced with a grim chill.

"...not only will the matter of the Jade Marrow be off the table, but I will also have you severely punished for incompetence and damaging the Bureau’s reputation. Do you understand?"

"I understand. I will remember your teachings, Governor!"

Chen Sheng bowed again, his voice steady.

"Mm. Go on, then. Prepare yourself."

Sun Yuzhi waved her hand dismissively.

"This subordinate takes his leave." After saluting, Chen Sheng turned and walked steadily out of the Government Office Hall.

Watching Chen Sheng’s tall, straight figure disappear through the doorway, Sun Yuzhi slowly leaned back in her chair. She closed her phoenix eyes, fingertips unconsciously tapping a light rhythm on the zitan armrest. Her red lips moved, whispering almost inaudibly,

"Blood Spirit... Jade Marrow..."