Ten miles outside Wu Long Gang.

On a mountain top.

A few figures stood atop, gazing from afar at Zhuge Manor nestled within the hills.

One man stood with his hands behind his back, wearing an earth-colored long robe; this was Li Sixiang, the Vice Sect Leader of the Cross Immortal Gate.

A newly promoted Second Grade Great Grandmaster.

Another was a slender-waisted woman, her face covered in a purple veil, her appearance indistinct, but from her figure, she seemed like an adolescent girl, her waist no wider than a palm, her arms and legs as slender as chopsticks.

Her glances were filled with a mesmerizing beauty, yet they emitted a mysterious and lethal aura.

Yet another was a man with a righteous countenance, his features commanding, eyes radiating a divine light that captured the soul, with a broad sword strapped to his back.

His mere presence embodied righteousness, standing atop the mountain, giving off an imposing weight like that of a great mountain.

The last person had long hair falling over his forehead, hiding the upper half of his face, concealing his eyes.

The lower half of his face was covered in blue stubble.

At this moment, he was casually leaning against a crooked tree, holding a wine flask, pouring wine continuously into his mouth.

Suddenly.

A crane’s cry pierced the sky, and all the eyes turned towards the sky.

Among the clouds, an Immortal Crane swiftly descended.

"A royal cloud-shadow crane!" the righteous middle-aged man said.

"It’s Jiang Ning!" Li Sixiang’s eyes narrowed, then a smile spread across his face: "He has indeed come!"

"Is he the target of your Cross Immortal Gate?" asked the woman in a melodic voice from beneath the purple veil.

"Miss Xi is correct, he is indeed one of our targets! The Alliance Leader has emerged from seclusion to preside over the matters, acting under directives, to lure this newly appointed Zeshan State Patrol Envoy," Li Sixiang said.

At this time.

The man who had been leaning against the crooked tree, merely drinking, suddenly spoke.

"The Alliance Leader received directives, but from those people?"

Li Sixiang looked at the stubble-faced, desolate-mannered man and nodded slowly.

"Brother Jing is right, without their directives, why would the Alliance Leader emerge at this moment."

Upon hearing this, the woman in the purple dress immediately propped her delicate waist with her hands.

"So it seems we are merely tools."

"Shouldn’t we have guessed this before coming to Guangning Prefecture?" the righteous-faced middle-aged man said.

As they conversed.

The Immortal Crane descended rapidly.

In an instant, it landed at the entrance of Zhuge Manor.

"Who might the two of you be...?" The guard at the entrance of Zhuge Manor stepped forward respectfully upon seeing the man and woman alight from the crane.

"Jiang Ning!" Jiang Ning introduced himself.

Upon hearing this name, some guards were stunned, others showed surprise.

Lately, a shadow had loomed over the entire Zhuge family, naturally stirring much discussion about the Zeshan State Patrol Envoy.

Because normally, the Zeshan State Patrol Envoy would step forward to resolve the predicament Zhuge Manor faced.

For generations, the Zhuge family had served the court, and although they might not have great merits, they had put forth considerable effort.

Within the entire Guangning Prefecture, the Zhuge family held a significant position.

Should anything happen to the Zhuge family, it could lead to a total loss of balance between the two powers in Guangning Prefecture.

The local sect forces, originally neutral, would sway to one side under such circumstances.

Thus, although they hadn’t seen Jiang Ning’s face, they had heard the name countless times.

Not to mention, Jiang Ning’s name had already spread across the Thirty-six Prefectures of the Nine Provinces.

The first prodigy in eight hundred years.

The Martial Champion of Great Xia.

The Dongling Marquis of Great Xia.

One of the Nine Provinces’ Patrol Envoys.

Any one of these titles would be enough to make a name far and wide, let alone all these titles gathered on one person, and such a young individual.

"Greetings to the Dongling Marquis!"

"Greetings to the Patrol Envoy!"

"..."

The guards of Zhuge Manor immediately saluted Jiang Ning, each addressing him differently.

"This is the Seventeenth Princess of the royal family!" Jiang Ning continued, "Please go and announce our arrival to the Zhuge Family Head."

"Greetings to the Princess!"

"Greetings to the Princess!"

"..."

The guards of Zhuge Manor maintained solemn expressions, saluting Ji Mingyue.

Then someone said, "Please wait a moment, I will go and announce."

"No need!" came a deep, authoritative voice from behind.

The guards turned and saw a few figures emerging into sight from beside the screen wall.

Upon seeing those faces, the guards guarding the entrance of the manor instantly gripped their swords, cupping their hands and bowing in salute.

"Greetings to the Family Head, greetings to the clan elders!"

"Greetings to the Family Head, greetings to the clan elders!"

"..."

At the entrance of the manor, a total of eight guards wielding swords bowed towards Zhuge Qingsong.

Zhuge Qingsong, at this moment, quickly approached with several clan elders.

When he stood a mere ten feet from Jiang Ning, he immediately cupped his fists and knelt on one knee.

"This humble commoner Zhuge Qingsong greets the Marquis, greets the Seventeenth Princess!"

Seeing this, the clan elders behind him were taken aback.

Some exchanged glances.

Then some followed Zhuge Qingsong’s gesture, cupping fists and kneeling on one knee.

"This humble commoner Zhuge Hongjing greets the Marquis, greets the Seventeenth Princess."

"This humble commoner Zhuge Hongyi greets the Marquis, greets the Seventeenth Princess."

"This humble commoner Zhuge Huairen greets... the Marquis, greets... the Seventeenth Princess."

The clan elders behind Zhuge Qingsong saluted sporadically as he did.

As one by one the clan elders paid their respects, some still hesitated, some were indecisive...

"No need to be so formal, everyone!" Jiang Ning waved his hand, a gentle aura spreading, lifting the crowd.