Canglong State City, the Gu Family estate.

The Gu Family’s legacy spanned several millennia. As the foremost Noble Family in Canglong State, their grandeur and influence were self-evident. Towering structures stood majestically one after another, their pavilions and terraces artfully arranged. Upturned eaves, carved beams, and painted rafters all spoke of a magnificent prosperity.

As night fell, brilliant lights flickered to life. Inside a particular Jade Tower, two figures stood.

“Qingchan, is this Chen Ping’an truly as exceptionally talented as you claim!?”

The speaker was a refined, middle-aged man. He wore a light blue robe, and a simple, ancient-looking Longsword hung at his waist.

Vast Righteous Qi Sword, Gu Haoqing!

At that moment, Gu Haoqing’s expression was one of astonishment as he looked with curiosity at the beautiful, palace-gowned woman before him.

He had every reason to be astonished. Just moments ago, at the meeting of the Clan Elders, Gu Qingchan had given an incredibly high appraisal of a junior she had only met a handful of times, right in front of the entire council.

‘This man, Mang Blade, is exceptionally talented. He is prudent in his actions and possesses a strategic mind. Given time, he will undoubtedly become a Grandmaster. He is worthy of great responsibility!’

Had he heard this appraisal from anyone else, it would have been understandable. But to hear it from Gu Qingchan… that was truly astonishing.

Gu Qingchan had always been impossibly haughty. She looked down on not just the so-called juniors, but even among Grandmasters of the Same Realm, she rarely offered a pleasant word.

Across the entire Gu Family, the only junior she had ever deemed worthy of notice was Gu Qingcheng!

So now, to hear her give someone else such a glowing review—how could one not be curious?

Most importantly, he was the one who had discovered Mang Blade Chen Ping’an in the first place! Gu Qingchan’s evaluation made him share in the honor.

He had previously proposed arranging a marriage between a member of the Gu Family’s core Direct Lineage and Mang Blade Chen Ping’an, but the other family members had been hesitant.

Even for a family as large and prosperous as the Gu, there were few members in the core Direct Lineage. And while Mang Blade Chen Ping’an was exceptional, it was unrealistic to expect the family to immediately resolve to marry one of them off to him.

However…

Gu Qingchan’s return this time, and her evaluation of Mang Blade Chen Ping’an, was undoubtedly an excellent boon to his cause.

As the only Clan Elder in the family who had actually met Chen Ping’an, Gu Qingchan’s opinion carried more weight and authenticity. Furthermore, considering her personality, her praise of Chen Ping’an was all the more valuable! For Gu Qingchan to offer such an evaluation meant that Mang Blade Chen Ping’an was truly extraordinary!

With Gu Qingchan’s current prestige, combined with his own proposal, the matter of marrying off a member of the core Direct Lineage was now a foregone conclusion!

“He is all that and more,” Gu Qingchan replied, her expression softening and her gaze clear as she gave an even higher appraisal.

Gu Haoqing was overjoyed to hear this, and the desire to meet Chen Ping’an as soon as possible grew in his heart. He was the one who had first proposed that the family recruit Mang Blade Chen Ping’an; the more outstanding the young man proved to be, the more it validated his own discerning eye.

“I heard you also brought Chen Ping’an’s sister back with you this time!?” Gu Haoqing said. “It seems his intentions are already quite clear.”

At the mention of Chen Erya, a hint of a smile flashed in Gu Qingchan’s eyes. The little girl was clever and obedient, and Gu Qingchan had enjoyed her company on the journey.

She found it strange herself; she had never grown so close to a junior before. There seemed to be an indescribable quality about the little girl that made her feel a sense of affection.

“I’ve spoken with Chen Ping’an. He is not opposed to the marriage alliance.”

Gu Haoqing nodded, his expression turning serious. “Excellent. Since he isn’t opposed to the marriage, we should strike while the iron is hot and finalize the matter! Even though it’s more or less settled, we can’t guarantee someone else won’t try to poach him. We must take precautions.”

Gu Qingchan nodded lightly at his words, her voice soft and clear. “However, I have a prior agreement with him. Before we decide on a partner, he wants to meet the candidate himself.”

“Mm.” Gu Qingchan had already mentioned this at the Clan Elders’ meeting, so Gu Haoqing wasn’t surprised. The Gu Family was never stingy in showing goodwill to those with exceptional talent.

Having established the general plan, the two did not delve deeper into the topic of Chen Ping’an. Instead, their conversation shifted to Gu Qingchan’s support mission for the following day.

The death of the Commander-in-Chief of the Li Yang Town Guard Office was no small matter, and the State Garrison Command naturally had to respond. Furthermore, a sub-branch of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect had appeared at the border of three prefectures, which was more than enough to command the State Garrison Command’s full attention.

The Ten Thousand Demons Sect had been entrenched in Canglong State for many years, and its power was formidable. There were undoubtedly Grandmasters within that sub-branch—and certainly more than just one!

In such a situation, besides dispatching elite troops from its own territories, the State Garrison Command needed to take other measures. It was a time of strict crackdowns and encirclement campaigns. With multiple fronts opening simultaneously across Canglong State, the State Garrison Command had to divide its attention, and its manpower was stretched thin.

To successfully encircle and eradicate this malignant tumor of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, they needed a decisive advantage in numbers. In addition to reassigning its own personnel, the State Garrison Command also requested aid from the Gu Family and other Noble Families.

The Gu Family, for their part, ultimately selected Gu Qingchan, who had just returned from Beicang.

First, Gu Qingchan had reached the Mid-Jade Balance Stage, her strength far surpassing that of an ordinary Grandmaster. While this encirclement of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect would be extremely dangerous for others, the risk to her was significantly lower. Sending her as support came with a sufficient guarantee of her safety.

Second, this support mission was a perfect opportunity for Gu Qingchan to build her resume and increase her influence within the Gu Family. After achieving the Mid-Jade Balance Stage, she was naturally no longer considered an ordinary Clan Elder.

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