"Fang Xing, your performance a few days ago was quite impressive. You held back the rebel army single-handedly. I’ve heard your name mentioned many times."

Baili Qingtian said with a beaming smile.

Fang Xing cupped his hands. "General Baili, you’re too kind. I was merely doing my part. Eradicating the rebel army will still depend on the Court’s grand army."

"Hahahaha, a young man who knows humility. Hmm, not bad." Baili Qingtian nodded with a cheerful smile.

Looking at the beaming Baili Qingtian, Fang Xing blinked. "If I may ask, General Baili, for what reason have you summoned this subordinate?"

At his words, Baili Qingtian smiled. "Oh, it’s nothing major. I simply wanted to meet you."

With that, Baili Qingtian stood up, picked up a clay teapot and a cup from his desk, poured a cup of hot tea, and handed it to Fang Xing.

"Here, try this Jade Dragon Tea."

Fang Xing stood, took the cup with both hands, and took a sip. As the tea went down his throat, a sweet flavor filled his mouth, and he felt instantly more refreshed.

"How is the tea?"

Baili Qingtian looked at Fang Xing and asked with a smile.

Fang Xing nodded. "The aroma is rich, and the taste is sweet and fragrant. It is truly Upper Grade."

Hearing this, Baili Qingtian laughed heartily. "You certainly have good taste. This Jade Dragon Tea is indeed a rare treasure, produced exclusively in Jade Capital City. You can’t find it anywhere else. It’s a specially supplied tea."

"Jade Capital City..."

Hearing Baili Qingtian’s words, Fang Xing’s heart skipped a beat.

Jade Capital. The Imperial City of Great Jing.

He had heard many stories and legends about Jade Capital City.

The Great Jing Imperial City was a place countless people yearned for.

"Thank you for your hospitality, General Baili. This subordinate is honored."

Fang Xing said with a warm smile.

Baili Qingtian smiled. "Tea is meant for drinking, especially by those who appreciate it. Although it’s a special supply, some of it does flow to the outside. It’s nothing much."

Listening to Baili Qingtian’s words, Fang Xing took another sip of tea, his eyes glinting.

"Lord Fang, what do you think of the current state of the world?" Baili Qingtian’s tone shifted as he asked abruptly.

Hmm?

Hearing Baili Qingtian’s question, Fang Xing paused slightly. He set down his teacup and pondered for a moment before speaking. "In this subordinate’s opinion, the world is not at peace. We face enemies from other nations abroad and suffer from the chaos sown by the Demon Evil Cult within. We are in a period of turmoil."

Listening to Fang Xing’s analysis, Baili Qingtian nodded. "Your analysis is sound. The world has indeed fallen into a chaotic state. But besides the things you mentioned, there is actually one more source of chaos. Do you know what it is?"

Hearing this, Fang Xing’s gaze sharpened.

’Another source of chaos...’

’Besides Cult Demons and foreign enemies... could he be referring to the Martial Dao Sects?’

The thought flashed through his mind, and Fang Xing immediately spoke. "This subordinate does not know. I would ask General Baili to enlighten me."

Baili Qingtian glanced at him and said, "The remaining source of chaos is the various Martial Dao Sects scattered throughout the lands."

"These Martial Dao Sects possess deep foundations and powerful strength. They are difficult to restrain with the laws of the Dynasty. Perhaps in times of peace, it wouldn’t matter, but in a period of turmoil, they become a major source of chaos, perhaps even greater than the others!"

Fang Xing remained silent.

The Martial Dao Sects had carved out their own territories, acting like states within a state, and even the Great Jing Court was powerless against them.

Although he knew this clearly, he could only pretend he didn’t.

’It’s none of my damn business.’

As long as he wasn’t involved, he had no time to waste digging into the affairs of these Martial Dao Sects.

Besides, with his current strength, he was nothing more than an ant before the Martial Dao Sects.

He couldn’t possibly challenge these Martial Dao Grand Sects as a mere Neutralizing Force practitioner.

Forget Neutralizing Force; even reaching the True Qi Realm of Pseudo-Immortal Cultivation wouldn’t be enough to compare.

"Lord Fang, what is your opinion of the Profound Armor Army?" Baili Qingtian took a sip of tea, changing the subject again.

’The Profound Armor Army...’

’Something’s not right. Don’t tell me this old fox has taken a liking to me?!’

Hearing Baili Qingtian’s question, a possibility abruptly struck Fang Xing.

A sudden summons, followed by a question like this... it wasn’t impossible.

Although the Profound Armor Army was the number one army of Great Jing.

But...

He had never had any intention of joining the military.

Perhaps the Profound Armor Army faced many enemies, meaning he could harvest Enhancement Points quickly, but he had never once considered enlisting.

Not even for the number one army of Great Jing!

His secrets were not suited for the military.

The enhancement superpower was his foundation.

This secret must never be exposed.

If he joined the army, the chance of exposure would be high.

He was suited to be a lone wolf, not a soldier. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

’No, I have to think of a way to refuse...’ The thought flashed through his mind as Fang Xing calmly watched Baili Qingtian.

"The Profound Armor Army is the elite force of Great Jing. It is excellent, of course!"

Baili Qingtian smiled, looking at Fang Xing with growing fondness. "Haha, that’s true enough. So, Lord Fang, do you have any interest in joining my Profound Armor Army?"

’I knew it...’

Hearing Baili Qingtian’s words, Fang Xing’s heart sank.

A blunt refusal would surely be a bad idea.

He had to be more tactful.

"I happen to have an opening for a Vice General. If you’re interested, Lord Fang, I can guarantee you the position. The compensation will certainly be better than what you have now."

Baili Qingtian continued.

Fang Xing fell silent. He raised his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Baili Qingtian.

"General Baili, I am currently the Chief Constable of Qingshan County. Moreover, this subordinate has never studied military campaigns or warfare. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be competent enough for the role."

Baili Qingtian looked unconcerned. "That’s not a problem. I can submit a transfer order. What kind of future is there in a tiny place like Qingshan County? As for commanding troops and fighting wars, those are things you can learn. You’re still young, and you have an excellent foundation. I’m confident you’ll mature into an outstanding officer."

"..."

’This old coot really has his sights set on me.’

Hearing Baili Qingtian’s speech, Fang Xing’s stomach clenched.

Since he had put it that way, it seemed a blunt refusal was the only option left.

Thinking this, Fang Xing took a deep breath. Just as he was about to speak, a voice suddenly called out from outside the tent.

"General, someone is here to see you."

Hearing the soldier’s voice from outside, Baili Qingtian frowned.

But when Fang Xing heard it, his eyes darted. "General Baili, since you have a visitor, this subordinate will take his leave."

"Hey, no need. You just stay seated." Baili Qingtian held up a hand, then looked toward the entrance of the tent.

"Have him wait. Can’t you see this general is in the middle of a conversation?"

"What’s wrong, Uncle Baili? Your nephew came all this way just to pay you a visit." Just then, another voice came from outside the tent.

Fang Xing froze at the sound of that voice.

’Why does that voice sound so familiar?!’

Hearing the voice, Baili Qingtian’s expression instantly changed. He stood up with a cheerful laugh. "Ah, it’s Eldest Nephew Shen! Come in, come in!"

The words had barely left his mouth when the tent flap was lifted, and a tall, slender figure stepped inside.

"???"

Shen Ye!

It’s him!

Fang Xing stared in astonishment at the figure walking into the tent.

The newcomer was none other than Shen Ye from the Observatory.

’What a coincidence!’

’He’s here too?’

’Did he also come to Qingshan County because of the White Lotus Rebel Army?’

A flurry of thoughts raced through Fang Xing’s mind.

He truly had not expected to run into Shen Ye here.

As Shen Ye stepped into the tent and saw Fang Xing sitting to the side, he also froze.

Their eyes met. For a moment, both were silent.

Seeing their expressions, Baili Qingtian could tell at a glance that there was a story there.

"What’s this? You two know each other?"