Dragon Blood Saint Emperor

Governor’s Mansion

Prefect Cai Lun sat in the main hall. He took a sip from his teacup and turned to a disheveled middle-aged man kneeling below.

This middle-aged man was none other than the City Lord of Heiyun City.

"This map and key you mentioned—are they real?" Cai Lun set down his teacup and asked coolly. His voice, though soft, carried an immense and powerful presence.

Besides being the Prefect of Nanyang County, Cai Lun was also an expert at the Yin Yang Realm. The terrifying pressure he exuded was enough to make one’s heart palpitate with fear.

City Lord Zheng replied cautiously, "Lord Prefect, everything this humble one says is absolutely true. I was originally preparing to deliver the treasure to you, Your Excellency, but before I could even leave the city gates, it was stolen by a young man in white."

"A young man in white?"

Cai Lun’s eyes narrowed. "Do you know where he is now?"

"Reporting to the Lord Prefect, that person has tamed a Demon Peng and is also heading toward Nanyang City. This humble one took a shortcut to report to you ahead of time."

City Lord Zheng spoke, his face pressed against the floor, filled with venomous hatred. ’With a Yin Yang Realm expert taking action,’ he thought, ’I refuse to believe Ye Wushuang can’t be killed.’

"So, he’s coming to Nanyang City!"

Cai Lun suddenly began to laugh. "This is for the best. There is indeed a cave mansion outside Nanyang City. I couldn’t be certain before, but since this person is bringing the map and key, it saves me a lot of trouble."

"However, Lord Prefect, that man’s strength is formidable. I’m afraid it will require Your Excellency to personally..."

City Lord Zheng was about to say more, but a powerful force suddenly burst forth from Cai Lun on the main dais, slamming into him.

BAM!

City Lord Zheng’s body jolted violently and was sent flying sideways, a mouthful of fresh blood spraying from his lips.

"Lord Prefect!"

City Lord Zheng’s expression changed drastically. He hastily prostrated himself on the ground.

"Hmph. Did you think I wouldn’t see through your petty scheme? Trying to use my hand to eliminate that person for you—what a fine calculation!"

Cai Lun’s face turned cold.

"Lord Prefect, please quell your anger! This humble one was blinded by hatred. That bastard not only stole the map and key, he also killed my son! What’s more, he massacred the citizens of Black Stone City, creating a river of blood! I was powerless and could only come to beg you for help, Your Excellency!"

City Lord Zheng spoke in terror, utterly horrified by the power of the Yin Yang Realm.

"Massacred citizens?" Cai Lun sneered, a strange glint flashing in his eyes. "It seems I have no choice but to kill him then!"

Immediately, Cai Lun looked at City Lord Zheng and said, "Go and tend to your wounds for now. Find that person, and I will not treat you unfairly."

"Thank you, Lord Prefect! This humble one will definitely help Your Excellency find that bastard!" City Lord Zheng nodded repeatedly and turned to leave.

’You damned bastard, just don’t let me find you. Otherwise, I’ll make you wish you were dead.’

City Lord Zheng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. His eyes, fixed on the distance, glowed with venomous light, his hatred for Ye Wushuang bone-deep.

At the Drunken Guest Tower, Ye Wushuang had no idea that City Lord Zheng was plotting to have him killed.

Back in his room, Ye Wushuang sat down at the table. Lan Xinyu carefully filled his wine cup and then stood to the side, her eyes filled with a trace of panic and unease.

She had caused big trouble for Ye Wushuang and worried that he would get angry and send her away.

"Young Master, this servant..."

After a moment of silence, Lan Xinyu mustered her courage, preparing to plead her case. She didn’t want to leave Ye Wushuang’s side.

"What did you find out?" But before she could finish, Ye Wushuang’s words cut her off, leaving her stunned.

’He’s not angry? And he’s not going to send me away?’

"Did you not find out anything?" Ye Wushuang took a drink and, seeing Lan Xinyu remain silent, asked again.

"No, no!"

Hearing Ye Wushuang ask again, Lan Xinyu’s heart finally soared with joy. She quickly said, "This servant heard that the Nanyang Guard has been recruiting for the past two days. Tomorrow is the final day!"

"Recruiting?"

Ye Wushuang’s eyes narrowed.

"Young Master, this servant..."

Seeing Lan Xinyu hesitate, Ye Wushuang said, "If you have something to say, just say it!"

Hearing this, Lan Xinyu finally spoke. "Young Master, the Nirvana Cave Mansion is in Nanyang City, and Nanyang City is enormous. If we search for it like this, we’re bound to attract attention and unnecessary trouble. But, if we had an official identity and could search under that authority, it would be much more convenient. So..."

"So, you want me to join the Nanyang Guard?"

Ye Wushuang turned his head to stare at Lan Xinyu.

"This servant wouldn’t dare!"

Seeing this, Lan Xinyu hastily knelt, thinking she had said the wrong thing.

Ye Wushuang looked down and gently lifted Lan Xinyu’s chin with one hand. Her oval-shaped face was exquisitely perfect; she was truly a city-toppling beauty.

Watching Ye Wushuang’s action, Lan Xinyu’s eyes showed a hint of panic and her lovely face flushed red. If anyone else had made such a flirtatious move, she would have been furious.

But with Ye Wushuang, she couldn’t muster any anger at all. In fact, her heart felt a little bit of sweetness.

"Being a maid is a waste of your talents."

Ye Wushuang smiled faintly. Lan Xinyu’s meticulousness and competence were the best he had ever seen in a woman. With some training, she could definitely accomplish great things.

"Get up. Tell me about the Nanyang Guard assessment," Ye Wushuang said, his eyes showing no hint of blame.

Lan Xinyu calmed the fluttering in her heart, suppressing the unrealistic idea that had suddenly surfaced. She said, "Young Master, this servant found out that for this Nanyang Guard assessment, the minimum Cultivation requirement is the Spiritual Spring Realm. Anyone above the Spiritual Spring Fifth Layer can compete for high-ranking military positions."

"High-ranking military positions? Are they recruiting officers?"

A glint flashed in Ye Wushuang’s eyes as he faintly guessed the truth. The Nanyang Guard was likely doing this to gather the experts of Nanyang County under their banner.

"Wait here. I’m going to go take a look."

After a moment’s thought, Ye Wushuang said to Lan Xinyu, then looked toward Xiao Yue outside the door. "If someone comes looking for trouble, take her and hide for a while."

’That young master from the Governor’s Mansion probably won’t let this go,’ he thought.

"Rest assured, Master!"

Xiao Yue replied.

After learning the location of the assessment from Lan Xinyu, Ye Wushuang left the Drunken Guest Tower.

The assessment for the Nanyang Guard was being held at a giant training ground.

It was a military barracks for the Nanyang Guard. The four guards at the gate were at the Spiritual Spring Fourth Layer. Clad in green armor, they emanated an aura of slaughter, their gazes as sharp as blades.

In front of the barracks, there was a sea of people, all of them overflowing with excitement.

"Joining the Nanyang Guard has always been my dream! Today is the day I’ll make a name for myself!"

One resolute cry after another rang out, filled with determination, as if joining the Nanyang Guard was the greatest honor in their eyes.

Ye Wushuang passed through the crowd and reached the front. A single sweep of his gaze revealed that everyone was a Cultivator at or above the Spiritual Spring Realm. He was surprised; it seemed the Spiritual Spring Realm was worth nothing here.

"Form a line to register! One at a time!"

At the front, there was a registration area where a middle-aged man was shouting.

This middle-aged man was at the Spiritual Spring Ninth Layer. His aura was formidable, suffused with the stench of battle, and he was even stronger than a typical Cultivator at the Spiritual Spring Ninth Layer.

At his shout, everyone obediently formed a line.