Front Hall.

The charcoal fire crackled and popped, occasionally sending sparks into the air.

Shen Wenyan picked up the tea on the table, took a gentle sip, and then spoke.

"Dongling Marquis still needs to be cautious, even with the Martial Saint’s support; where there’s a first, there’s often a second."

"I understand!" Jiang Ning nodded.

"What are Dongling Marquis’s plans for the future?" Shen Wenyan asked again.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning briefly repeated his earlier words.

"Lying low for a while is indeed an option! But..." Shen Wenyan hesitated, then shook his head, saying no more.

"Marquis Shen, please speak frankly!" Jiang Ning said.

"In a way, the more the Martial Saint supports you, the more it puts you in danger! Because this shows how much that person values you! Since you can attract such attention, some people will think more deeply," Shen Wenyan said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded: "Thank you for the warning, Marquis Shen, I understand."

Shen Wenyan nodded: "Between you and me, though we both hold the title of Marquis, in terms of official rank, I’m actually a level below you! In the future, feel free to speak if you need anything!"

"Marquis Shen, you’re too kind! In truth, I’m not qualified to be the Zeshan State Patrol Envoy! The Nine States Patrol Envoy has always been held by a peak Martial Arts expert of the first grade; perhaps I’m serving now because of a shortage of personnel, or perhaps Master Xiao wants me to gain some experience first," Jiang Ning said.

"Both possibilities exist!" Shen Wenyan nodded, and continued: "There’s indeed a lack of hands currently, the peak first-grade Martial Arts experts are but a few! But Master Xiao’s strong recommendation for you to be the Zeshan State Patrol Envoy must mean there’s something we haven’t seen. Otherwise, Master Xiao wouldn’t do this!"

"Today, when you were attacked on your way home, the dormant Martial Saint personally stepped forward to support you, this tells us a lot more!"

"Overall, you must be extremely careful in the future; surviving is more important than anything else!"

"As long as you survive, given your talent and potential, even if you don’t reach that person’s level, you will still be a top-tier expert in the world."

"Like the Yellow Heaven Taoist and similar!"

Upon hearing these words, Jiang Ning nodded along.

He understood Shen Wenyan’s meaning and knew that what Shen Wenyan said was true.

However, having walked this path to this day, he knew there was no turning back.

Moreover, Xiao Wuque entrusted him not just with responsibilities but with two life-saving items.

When used separately, they could normally save him twice.

Combined, even a mortal Immortal would be unable to harm him.

And he was personally taken to meet the Martial Saint later.

It was precisely because of this meeting that the Martial Saint’s spirit body took the initiative to act not long ago, crushing the Xuanyuan Blessed Land to support him.

From every angle, the Martial Saint’s intervention was more beneficial than detrimental to him.

The overthrow of the Blessed Land was such a major event that it would quiet the world for some time.

In his view, those figures would likely not choose this time to provoke the Martial Saint.

And during this dormant period, he would have the opportunity to grow.

What he lacked most now was time.

As long as he had enough time, he could eventually stand alongside the Martial Saint, or even surpass that Martial Saint.

...

An hour later.

Wang Qintan reappeared before the group, dressed in simple cloth garments.

Although the luxurious long dress had long been replaced, and now she wore common hemp garments stained with traces of pot ash,

her elegant and otherworldly beauty was still hard to conceal.

"Two Marquises, father, and gentlemen, lunch is ready!" Wang Qintan said.

"Why don’t the two Marquises sample my daughter’s culinary skills?" Wang Shouyi suggested.

"Just in time, I am hungry!" Jiang Ning smiled, rising to his feet.

Upon seeing this, Shen Wenyan also immediately stood up, laughing heartily, "I am hungry too!"

Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu hurriedly stood up as well.

During the meal.

Jiang Ning and Shen Wenyan shared a drink for a while.

Having eaten mostly to fullness, the group gradually took their leave.

...

In front of the residence gate.

Wang Qintan winked at Jiang Ning, her lips slightly moving.

"Come to my house tonight!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Ning nodded slightly.

"Lord Wang, there’s no need to escort me further!" Jiang Ning said with a bow.

"Marquis, please stop here!" County Governor Wang smiled and said, "The Dongling Marquis Mansion in Dongling City has already commenced construction! The theory you proposed about using labor as relief is something I absolutely agree with, and now is the perfect time to employ downtrodden city folk for the mansion’s construction, a win-win situation."

Jiang Ning nodded: "With Lord Wang handling affairs, I am naturally at ease."

"Then I shall take my leave first!" Wang Shouyi said.

"Fine!" Jiang Ning bid farewell with a bow.

Watching Wang Shouyi and his elder daughter Wang Qintan board the carriage.

Jiang Ning turned and walked towards his own residence.

The Lv Yi behind him slowly closed the residence gate.

At the same time.

Boarding the carriage, Wang Shouyi composed his expression, his demeanor returning to normal.

He looked at his elegant, otherworldly daughter Wang Qintan and sighed deeply.

"Father, what is it?" Wang Qintan asked.

"Do you know why I brought you here today?" Wang Shouyi asked.

Wang Qintan shook her head.

"Earlier, I learned a bit about your interactions with the Dongling Marquis, so I brought you along today. Just from watching a few moments, seeing the glances exchanged between you two, I knew the rumors were true."

Saying this, Wang Shouyi shook his head and continued: "Though he is outstanding, like the midday sun commanding the attention of an era, he is not your suitable match."

"Why does father say this?" Wang Qintan seemed calm, as if her father’s words hadn’t stirred any waves in her heart.