Moreover, Jiang Ning now is like a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss, poised like a dragon entering the vast sea.

Though there are crises, today the Martial Saint, who has secluded himself for years, has proactively stepped out to back him.

With the protection of this Martial Saint, the future fate is unpredictable.

However, once momentum is gained, one will be among the top echelons of existence in the world.

With this relationship with Jiang Ning, he subconsciously became more courteous towards the eldest daughter of the Commandery Governor Mansion.

"You are too kind, my lords! I am not worthy!" Wang Qintan returned the salute once more.

As her words fell, Wang Qintan quietly stood by her father Wang Shouyi’s side, slightly behind, with lowered brows and eyes, embodying a demure and gentle demeanor.

Only occasionally, when looking at Jiang Ning, would that hint of liveliness in her eyes quietly emerge.

Wang Shouyi seemed quite satisfied with his daughter’s performance, stroking his short beard, he smiled at Zhao and Bai: "My daughter is still young and unruly. Sorry to make you laugh. Knowing that the Marquis is returning to the mansion today, I specially brought her to pay respects to the Marquis, and incidentally, meet with both lords."

His words were harmonious, both explaining Wang Qintan’s presence and subtly indicating that Jiang Ning’s return to the city was Dongling County’s current priority, thus their father-daughter visit was perfectly appropriate.

Merely listening aside, Jiang Ning elevated his view of Wang Shouyi.

The current Dongling County, under Wang Shouyi’s management, is evidently orderly, well-organized.

A truly capable and efficient official.

Even from his conversational gestures, he shows smoothness.

In his opinion, only officials with such finesse can effectively do their work.

At this moment, Jiang Ning also returned to the main seat.

He gestured to everyone: "Please sit down, there’s no need for formality!"

"Thank you, Marquis!" The three people thanked as they performed their salutes, then sat down one after another.

"Thank you, Marquis!" Wang Qintan also gracefully saluted Jiang Ning, then solemnly took her seat.

As she sat down, her skirt spread open like flower petals.

Gold and red intertwined, under the glow of the charcoal fire, it seemed as if a glow was flowing on the skirt.

At this moment, Lv Yi timely served hot tea to Wang Shouyi and his daughter who had just arrived.

In the hall, the crackling of charcoal fire, the fragrance of tea wafting about, it seemed as though the heavy atmosphere brought by the great events of the Martial Saint’s appearance and the annihilation of the blessed land was being slightly lifted by this routine visit and the warm hearth.

Zhao Yulong took a sip of tea and looked at Wang Shouyi, bringing the topic back to important matters: "It’s fortunate for the County Governor to be here. Just now, we were discussing with the Marquis about his future conduct and safety."

"The Marquis intends to temporarily retreat to the Royal Capital and return after the New Year."

"But as the Zeshan State Patrol Envoy, it may be unsuitable for the Marquis to leave the state for long, we have been pondering this."

Wang Shouyi upon hearing this, his expression also became serious.

He nodded and said: "Master Zhao is indeed thoughtful. The Marquis now stands out, today’s attack is evidence."

"The Royal Capital is under the Heavenly Son’s feet, full of talented people, heavily guarded, indeed a safer place. As for the duties of the State Patrol Envoy..." He pondered for a moment, then looked at Jiang Ning, "Perhaps one could report to the court, stating the stakes, and request a decree during these special times, permitting the Marquis to use the Royal Capital as a base, remotely oversee state affairs, and personally handle urgent matters."

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. After experiencing today’s Martial Saint’s wrath, I think the Emperor and the court will be able to understand the Marquis’s predicament."

Bai Luoyu interjected: "The County Governor’s method is prudent, moreover, the Marquis’s safety is now beyond a personal matter."

"The Martial Saint’s thunderous actions today, annihilating the Xuan Yuan blessed land, is both backing the Marquis and declaring to the world. If the Marquis encounters any mishaps in Dongling, then..."

He didn’t finish, but everyone understood the unfinished meaning — it would likely precipitate further unpredictable reactions from the Martial Saint.

Therefore, whether publicly or privately, the court and various factions now might wish more than Jiang Ning himself for him to remain in an absolutely safe environment.

Listening to their discussion, Jiang Ning unconsciously tapped the armrest with his fingers, showing a contemplative expression.

He knew he wasn’t adept at the art of governing, nor skilled in finding a suitable excuse for his own neglect.

He merely felt he should avoid the brunt, and return to Dongling County after improving his own strength.

Yet his intended actions, through Wang Shouyi, Zhao Yulong, and Bai Luoyu’s words, became reasonable, fitting, rhetorical, smooth and flawless.

"What the three of you said makes sense! Let’s follow your suggestions!" Jiang Ning nodded.

"Since the Marquis has made a decision, I’ll draw up a few memorials for submission to the court, so the Marquis need not worry about these minor matters." Wang Shouyi said.

"Then I thank the County Governor!" Jiang Ning clasped his hands in gratitude.

"No need for such politeness, Marquis!" Wang Shouyi immediately stood up: "This is within my duties."

"The three of you probably haven’t had lunch yet? If you haven’t eaten, why not have lunch at my home?" Jiang Ning said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yulong opened his mouth, a hint of hesitation flashed across his face, then he nodded: "Since the Marquis invited, we would be impolite to refuse!"

"Three of you, please have a seat here with me, and warm yourselves by the fire, at home now there is a lack of manpower, it might take some more time." Jiang Ning said.

"Marquis, since there isn’t enough help, why don’t I go to the kitchen and help?" Wang Qintan said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning turned his head, looking over with a suspicious expression.

"Marquis, my daughter makes a good point! She has great talent in culinary skills, it’s a perfect chance for her to showcase her cooking!" Wang Shouyi said.

Jiang Ning nodded: "Then let Miss Qintan showcase her skills!"

...

A moment later.

The four of them were drinking tea in the front hall, the fire in front burned bright red.

Every so often, sparks would explode with a "pop" sound.

It was at this moment that Jiang Ning suddenly raised his head to look at the sky outside.

Despite the roof obstructing, his gaze seemed able to pierce through the barriers ahead, able to see the sky outside.

"Marquis, what’s the matter?" Zhao Yulong noticed Jiang Ning’s action, and asked.

"A Great Grandmaster is here!" Jiang Ning said.

"A Great Grandmaster?" Zhao Yulong showed surprise, then quickly reacted: "Could it be Shen Mansion Master?"

"It should be him!" Jiang Ning nodded, then proactively stood up: "Would you all care to join me in welcoming Grandmaster Shen?"

"Of course!" Zhao Yulong was the first to stand up.

Wang Shouyi and Bai Luoyu also followed suit and stood up.

"Since the Marquis is to go greet himself, how can we just sit here and put on airs." Wang Shouyi said with a smile.

Then, the three followed Jiang Ning out of the hall.

Walking on the clean path.

On both sides of the path were piles of snow, shoveled away with shovels.

At this moment, even across several yards and a wall, and the mansion’s gates, Jiang Ning could still feel the extraordinary aura in front of the gate.

Inhaling and exhaling, resonating with heaven and earth.

This characteristic also indicates that the strong person who just landed outside is a Second Grade Great Grandmaster.

A moment later.

Jiang Ning pushed open the mansion’s gates, a familiar silhouette appeared in his sight.

Wearing a cyan scholar’s robe, with a gentle demeanor, somewhat resembling Shen Congyun.

This person is Shen Wenyan, the Inspection Office Residence Master of Guangning Prefecture.

In Zeshan State, his status and strength are only below a few individuals.

Among them, including the recently fallen Zeshan State Patrol Envoy.

"Greetings, Marquis!!" Seeing Jiang Ning’s figure, Shen Wenyan immediately stepped forward two steps and clasped his hands towards Jiang Ning.

"Residence Master Shen, you are too kind! Please, come in!" Jiang Ning raised his hand.

"The Marquis came to personally greet, I dare not accept such honor!" Shen Wenyan showed courteous behavior.

Then, he also clasped his hands towards Wang Shouyi and others one by one.

"County Governor Wang, Master Zhao, Master Bai."

"Greetings, Marquis!"

"Greetings, Marquis!"

"..."

The three also respectfully saluted Shen Wenyan.

Like Jiang Ning, Shen Wenyan also holds the title of Marquis, known as Marquis Wen Yuan, with Xichuan County as his fief.

"Marquis Shen, please!" Jiang Ning gestured with his hand.

"Please!" Shen Wenyan also gestured, then the two of them proceeded to walk into the mansion together.

Zhao Yulong, Wang Shouyi, and Bai Luoyu followed a step behind.

"Marquis Shen, did you also see what just happened?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Yes!" Shen Wenyan replied: "A Great Grandmaster resonates with heaven and earth spiritually, no matter where in the Thirty-Six Prefectures of the Nine States, one could see that scene just now, seeing the Martial Saint traverse thousands of waters and mountains, annihilating the Xuan Yuan blessed land."

Upon mentioning this, Shen Wenyan spoke with a sense of emotion: "I didn’t expect you would reach this point now! Your path of rise has been too dazzling, not necessarily a good thing in the current situation."

"I understand!" Jiang Ning nodded.