Seeing that Nie Xuanfeng’s anger had subsided and the atmosphere had relaxed, Chen Sheng joked, "Governor, what if I... really have what it takes to pluck this thorny flower?"

Upon hearing this, Nie Xuanfeng scoffed and looked Chen Sheng up and down.

"If you can truly make that Sun Yuzhi give you her heart and body, then from now on, I’ll have no problem calling you ’sir’ whenever I see you."

Clearly, Nie Xuanfeng only dared to say this because he didn’t believe Chen Sheng had it in him. Never mind that Sun Siniang was no easy mark—the vast gap in their cultivation levels alone was an insurmountable chasm.

"Then I’ll take you at your word," Chen Sheng laughed, and the atmosphere instantly lightened.

"Be my guest."

Nie Xuanfeng smiled faintly as well, but his expression quickly turned serious.

"Alright, jokes aside. I summoned you for another important matter."

"Please enlighten me, Governor." Chen Sheng’s smile vanished, his expression turning serious.

"First, the matter with the Golden Spring Temple is settled for now, but they will by no means let this go. Those bald donkeys have the Celestial Dragon Temple backing them, and they’ve always been arrogant and domineering. You must be extra careful from now on and watch out for ambushes."

"Second, now that you’ve reached the Earth Fiend realm and your cultivation has soared, you should look for an opportunity to contend for the title of one of the Ning’an Ten Heroes. It will be of great benefit to your future."

Nie Xuanfeng did not intend to reveal the matter of a marriage alliance with the Nie Family just yet, lest he put unnecessary pressure on Chen Sheng.

He encouraged Chen Sheng to vie for the title of one of the Ten Heroes not only for his personal future, but also to add a bargaining chip for the Wushan Yuan Ore conflict in six months. He had high hopes for him.

"I understand, Governor. I will do my utmost and not disappoint you."

Chen Sheng gave a firm, deep nod.

Although Nie Xuanfeng hadn’t specified the benefits, Chen Sheng had already learned a thing or two from the Celestial Book, so he instantly took the hint.

"Also."

Nie Xuanfeng leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharp. "In the coming days, I want you to make some waves in Ning’an Prefecture. Don’t hold back. Do as you see fit.

Remember, as long as I’m here, no one can push you around with their authority!"

His words radiated the powerful confidence of someone from a Noble Family background.

The six major sects of the Prefecture City might have powerful backers, but so did he.

In fact, his very appointment as Governor of Ning’an Prefecture came with certain missions from the Nie Family.

Before, Chen Sheng’s cultivation had been too low, so Nie Xuanfeng hadn’t considered him. But now that Chen Sheng had reached the Earth Fiend realm and showed the potential to challenge for the Ten Heroes, he was the perfect person to stir the pot and test everyone’s reactions.

A sharp glint flashed in Chen Sheng’s eyes upon hearing this.

’He’s encouraging me to go on the offensive and stir things up.’

’But that suits me just fine.’

’To get more resources and reach higher realms, you have to fight for them. Now, with Nie Xuanfeng’s backing, I’m just following orders—it’s perfectly justifiable!’

At this thought, Chen Sheng immediately stood, bowed solemnly, and declared in a firm, resolute voice:

"I will obey the Governor’s command and will not let you down!"

...

After bidding farewell to Nie Xuanfeng, Chen Sheng did not return directly but instead headed for Sun Yuzhi’s Government Office.

"Officer Chen Sheng, requesting to see Governor Sun."

Chen Sheng stood outside the door, his voice clear and bright.

This wasn’t a case of Chen Sheng playing both sides; he was just here to return something.

She had done him a great favor by lending him the Treasure Pearl for his cultivation, and Chen Sheng was not one to forget such a kindness.

"Come in."

Sun Yuzhi’s cold voice came from inside the door.

Chen Sheng pushed the door open and entered. Sun Yuzhi was sitting behind her desk. She wasn’t in her official robes today, but a casual, ink-blue dress that replaced some of her usual authority with a languid charm.

"Officer Chen Sheng, greetings, Governor Sun." Chen Sheng cupped his hands in a salute.

Sun Yuzhi put down the Vermilion Pen in her hand and leisurely sized him up, leaning back slightly. Her graceful curves were faintly visible under her clothes, and a faint, ambiguous smile played on her lips.

"Just came back from Nie Xuanfeng’s place?"

"Nothing escapes the Governor’s notice."

Chen Sheng admitted frankly.

"Did he give you a lecture because of your association with me?"

Sun Yuzhi asked with great interest, seeming eager to hear Nie Xuanfeng’s reaction. Her intention to win over Chen Sheng was no secret in the Jingwu Bureau, and it would have been strange if Nie Xuanfeng had no reaction after finding out.

"Envoy Nie didn’t reprimand me."

Chen Sheng met Sun Yuzhi’s gaze, a slight smile playing on his lips. "He merely advised me that in the future... it would be best to keep my distance from you, Vice Envoy Sun."

"Oh?"

Sun Yuzhi’s beautiful eyes narrowed, revealing a dangerous glint. "So you’ve come here now intending to follow his advice and draw a clear line with me?"

"Of course not."

Chen Sheng shook his head, his expression sincere. "I’ve already explained things to Envoy Nie. Besides, Governor Sun, you’ve done me a great service. How could I be the kind of person who is ungrateful before I’ve even repaid my debt?"

"So you’re saying that once your debt is repaid, you’ll be free to draw a line between us?"

Sun Yuzhi’s tone was teasing, but her words pressed him relentlessly.

"You’re joking, Governor."

Chen Sheng replied calmly. "Regardless, you will always be my superior. We both serve the Jingwu Bureau; how could we sever all official contact? If you have any orders for me in the future, Governor, I will of course carry them out without hesitation."

Hearing this, Sun Yuzhi felt an inexplicable sense of relief, though her expression remained unchanged. On the contrary, she shed her usual frosty demeanor and looked at Chen Sheng with a warm smile, her voice laced with temptation.

"If one day Nie Xuanfeng comes to resent you and has no place for you, my door will always be open for you."

A glint flashed in Chen Sheng’s eyes, and he chuckled inwardly.

’My door is always open?’

’If her door was *really* wide open, that would be just fine. He was rather curious to see the Vice Envoy’s... rough cut.’

But on the surface, Chen Sheng showed no sign of it and said seriously:

"Thank you for your generous offer, Vice Envoy. I’ll keep it in mind."

Then, he took the Profound Spirit Treasure Pearl from his sleeve and offered it with both hands. "This Treasure Pearl helped me succeed in Condensing Evil. I dare not forget your kindness, and have come to return it. Please inspect it, Governor."

Without another word, Sun Yuzhi raised a slender hand. With a gesture, she drew the Profound Spirit Treasure Pearl through the air, and it landed lightly in her palm.

Her fingertips caressed the warm, smooth pearl. After a brief inspection to confirm it was unharmed, she tucked it away again, nestling it between the peaks of her bosom.

However, as she reached into her bosom to place the pearl, she happened to glance over and saw that Chen Sheng’s gaze had followed the pearl’s movement and was now fixed on her chest.

"Is it beautiful?"

Sun Yuzhi suddenly spoke, her voice betraying no emotion.

Chen Sheng’s gaze lowered slightly, his expression unchanging.

"Is the Governor asking about the pearl, or... the person?"

Sun Yuzhi’s breath hitched, and she forced herself to remain calm.

"I’m asking about the pearl, of course."

"The Treasure Pearl is crystal clear and brimming with Spiritual Charm. It is indeed beautiful," Chen Sheng replied smoothly.

A flicker in Sun Yuzhi’s eyes, and as if moved by some strange impulse, she pressed further:

"Then... what about the person?"

Chen Sheng raised his head, his gaze clear, yet holding an imperceptible frankness and boldness.

"The external bearing is, of course, exceptionally beautiful. As for what’s on the inside... please forgive me, but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to appreciate that."

Although he knew Sun Yuzhi harbored some affection for him, he didn’t dare get truly reckless. He could only test the waters with his words. Until he was absolutely certain, Chen Sheng didn’t dare to take action, especially given the huge gap in their cultivation levels.

"Insolence!"

Sun Yuzhi’s face suddenly darkened, a cold glint flashed in her eyes, and a faint pressure began to emanate from her body.

"Chen Sheng, you have some nerve! How dare you flirt with me? Did you think that just because I showed interest in recruiting you, you could be so audacious? Do you know who I am? Do I seem like someone you can take liberties with?!

Could it be that you really want to ’take a closer look’?!"

Although Sun Siniang’s words were harsh, that last rhetorical question carried a faint, indescribable tremor.

"I misspoke. It was a slip of the tongue, and I had no intention of offending you. Please forgive me, Vice Envoy."

Sun Yuzhi stared at him intently. After a long moment, she snorted coldly and subconsciously reached up to adjust the front of her dress. Her tone was still icy, but it had lost some of its genuine anger.

"Hmph. Seeing as this is your first offense, and you’ve only just succeeded in Condensing Evil—your mind is no doubt in turmoil, causing you to speak rashly—I will let it slide this time. But if you ever dare to speak such nonsense again, don’t blame me for being merciless."

Hearing this, an imperceptible, meaningful arc formed on the corner of Chen Sheng’s mouth. He replied respectfully:

"Yes. This officer... understands."