The Brocade Guards at the North Town Governor's Office, the Prison of the Imperial Decree.
In one of the rooms of the prison, Jiang Bin was sitting resolutely on a chair.
"Those people have been imprisoned, sir, do you have any other orders?" Lin Qingyi was standing dutifully in front of him,
"You did a good job this time, the reward you deserve will not be subtracted." Jiang Bin complimented.
Lin Qingyi quickly responded, "It's all thanks to your superior leadership, otherwise I wouldn't have had this opportunity."
Even though he was anticipating the reward, it was necessary to say these words as a formality.
Jiang Bin smiled, "I am not the type to gripe about things, since you fulfilled your duties, you naturally deserve a reward."
"Thank you, sir!" Lin Qingyi knelt half way down, "1 am willing to serve you with my life."
Jiang Bin waved his hand, "I don't need your life, you should visit the Martial Academy more frequently and maintain good relations with Pei Xuanjing."
"Yes!" Lin Qingyi replied.
In fact, even without Jiang Bin's instructions, Lin Qingyi would never easily let go of Pei Xuanjing's influence.
"Right, take a thousand-year-old spiritual material from the treasury and give it to him as a promotion gift," Jiang Bin ordered, "also…"
At this point, Jiang Bin paused as if considering something. He didn't speak for a while, just tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair.
Lin Qingyi remained humbly half-kneeling, waiting patiently for Jiang Bin'S instructions, without a trace of impatience.
"In my treasury, there is a garment sewn with silkworm silk that I received as a gift. Send it along as well." Jiang Bin had a bit of reluctance in his eyes when he said this.
"Sir , are you really going to give away this treasure?" Lin Qingyi clearly knew the value of this garment.
This garment sewn with silkworm silk was a rare treasure, impervious to water and fire, and immune to swords. Even the general Divine Weapon could not damage it. Since acquiring it, Jiang Bin had treasured it very much.
However, for his own plans, to win over Pei Xuanjing, Jiang Bin, although reluctant, had to part with it.
"Send it!" Jiang Bin said grinding his teeth.
It was just a piece of clothing, once his plan succeeds, the benefits he could gain would far outweigh this.
"Yes!" Lin Qingyi obeyed the order.
Pei Xuanjing had no idea that Jiang Bin had planned to give him another present to win him over.
After hearing Qingyang Zi ts question, he didn't immediately agree, but remained silent for a while before he asked, "Headmaster, to my understanding, the royal family has many servants and the emperor's side is surrounded by experts. Why would they choose me to accompany them on the trip?"
This was what puzzled him. It was strange that although the Martial Academy existed for the compilation of martial classics, their main task naturally should be this.
But why would they let them follow the emperor on patrol, wasn't this somewhat underhanded?
Qingyang Zi glanced at Pei Xuanjing and said, "Your strength is exceptional, we wish to take this opportunity to let the emperor get to know you better, to familiarize himself with you…"
Pei Xuanjing, of course, did not believe this explanation.
He didn't say anything but just looked at the other person with a mocking gaze.
Looking at this expression on Pei Xuanjings face, Qingyang Zi, with a sigh of resignation, realized that his excuse couldn't hold.
If Pei Xuanjing was still the third -grade grandmaster he was before, regardless of whether he accepted the answer or not, that would be the only explanation he had.
However, times have changed. Now, Pei Xuanjing was equal to him in single combat. Furthermore, since Pei Xuanjing had shown seriousness about this matter, he couldn't evade him with that kind of answer.
"This is a long story…"
"That's okay, I have a lot of time, I can listen to the headmaster's detailed explanation." Pei Xuanjing said with a smile.
Obviously, he would certainly get the final answer since he had raised the question today.
Since Qingyang Zi had decided to tell him the answer, he didn't make him wait any longer, and began telling Pei Xuanjing everything.
"The existence of the Martial Academy is actually a cover, the people who are truly involved in compiling the martial classics are elsewhere, they are the royal servants, so they can't leave now, and the people who can be dispatched are limited, so we need you to accompany us…"
After a long time, Pei Xuanjing finally understood all this.
In short, the reason why Pei Xuanjing and the others were leading a comfortable life in the Martial Academy, even the so-called participation in compiling martial classics seemed to be optional, and it didn't seem to be done with utmost urgency.
Pei Xuanjing had originally guessed that this was because the academy had to take into account various factions, so this matter couldn't be accomplished hastily and that's why they were slowly progressing.
But now he understood that they were only a front that the emperor put up to distract others, attracting attention while the real work of compilation was done behind the scenes.
It could even be said that the emperor's excursion this time was also part of a plot.
This time, the failed mobilization of troops and the failed struggle against the Civil Officials led to more than just the decree for the Brocade Guards to reflect and stay in, it also led to an impasse in the compilation of the martial classics.
Bringing along all people from the Martial Academy for the journey also represented a kind of compromise, a compromise to others.
It also served as a way to show others that the emperor was making a face of compromise, but by taking all the editors from the Martial Academy with him, it was a clear implication that he wanted to continue compiling the martial classics. It was a desperate move by the emperor.
But many people didn't realize that while they thought the emperor was on the second layer, in reality, he was on the third layer.
Those who were compiling the martial classics were not the editors from the Martial Academy, but others.
"So that's how it is." Pei Xuanjing sighed.
Qingyang Zi said seriously, "This matter must not be leaked, and you know the consequences if it does."
His words had a hint of warning. If he didn't understand Pei Xuanjing, he wouldn't want to disclose this matter.
"I understand, I will keep this confidential." Pei Xuanjing nodded, indicating that he understood the importance of this matter.
Although he was made a scapegoat, Pei Xuanjing benefited significantly. Without the Martial Academy and its martial arts resources, he wouldn't have had so many opportunities to refine his skills and quickly increase his strength.
What's more, he had a good relationship with Qingyang Zi and had received a lot of care during his two years at the Martial Academy, so he naturally couldn't betray him.
The most important point was that Pei Xuanjing was more than happy to see the martial classics being compiled, so he wouldn't want to sabotage it.
After all, most of the people who wanted to sabotage this were his enemies now.
"In that case, it wouldn't hurt for me to go." Pei Xuanjing nodded.
Hearing Pei Xuanjing agree, Qingyang Zi was overjoyed, but then he heard Pei Xuanjing make a request..
"However, I still have one more favor to ask of you, the Dean." Pei Xuanjing said, wearing a slight smile.
Qingyang Zi looked taken aback and asked, "What kind of favor?"
"After this trip is over, and some time has passed, I would like to visit Taihe Mountain to browse the True Martial Sect Scripture Pavilion," Pei Xuanjing declared his intention.
In stillness there is movement; he envisioned a trip to the Taihe Mountain True Martial Sect.
For Pei Xuanjing, his mission to the Tiandu Martial Academy was nearly complete. In about a year and a half or so, the help offered to him by the Martial Academy would be inconsequential.
The next step for him was naturally to find the next place that could help him enhance his power.
The Taihe Mountain True Martial Sect, where the dean was born, was an extremely commendable destination.
Let's not mention his brief acquaintance with Qingyang Zi. The True Martial Sect had shown goodwill in their previous exchange.
Once he had broken through to the rank of a first-grade martial artist, naturally, he would want to uncover the world's true secrets. The True Martial Sect, with its long-standing influence, was the most appropriate point of entry.
Hearing Pei Xuanjing's request, Qingyang Zi was startled, then burst into hearty laughter, "Ha ha ha…"
Pei Xuanjing found it odd. Why was he laughing? He then heard Qingyang Zi say, "It seems you really are destined to be connected to my Taihe Mountain."
"Not long ago, I received a message from the Sect leader inviting you to visit Taihe Mountain if you had the chance. But I never expected you to take the initiative and bring this up yourself before I even had to," Qingyang Zi said.
The leader of the True Martial Sect personally invited him to Taihe Mountain.
Pei Xuanjing was surprised.
The sect's leader was indeed a first-grade martial artist and was amongst the strongest of the first-grade martial artists to hold such a high position within the top-tier organization, the True Martial Sect.
Even after Pei Xuanjing had broken through to a second-grade martial artist, it was still incredibly difficult for average first-grade martial artists to receive such an invitation.
What was even more surprising was that the invitation was sent at a time when he had not yet broken through, so he was just an inconsequential third-grade martial artist.
The fact that even a third-grade martial artist could receive an invitation from the sect leader of the True Martial Sect would be incredibly shocking to many if the news were to get out.
"Why does he want to invite me?" Xuanjing asked.
Qingyang Zi shook his head, "I don't know. The actions of my brother Sect Leader have always been secretive, and I can never second-guess his motives."
Having finished speaking, Qingyang Zi got up, "Alright, it's getting late. I should head back."
After seeing Qingyang Zi off, Xuanjing returned to his place.
"Master." Pang Hong came in, his face flushed, his expression excited.
He had heard about Pei Xuanjing's exploits from the others and was extremely happy.
Seeing the youth who had been under his guidance for almost two years, Pei Xuanjing also smiled, "How's your training going? When do you think you'll break through?"
Just as all students fear being asked about their grades by their parents, upon hearing Xuanjing's inquiry, Pang Hong looked dejected and replied with a hint of disappointment, "I feel as though I am still lacking some necessary readiness."
As a young kid, Pang Hong had experienced hardships, and his daily training was quite rigorous. However, due to his insufficient talent, even with diligent cultivation, his progress could only be considered average.
Pei Xuanjing had noticed the boy'S slow progress. Seeing his disappointment, he smiled, "Wait here." After speaking, Xuanjing went into his room and came out quickly with a porcelain bottle in his hand.
"Here." He passed the porcelain bottle to Pang Hong.
"Master!" Pang Hong appeared hesitant.
With a desire to accept the gift yet a reluctance to do so, his reaction reminded Xuanjing of how he used to receive red envelopes during Chinese New Year in his previous life.
"Heh heh, just take it. This thing is only useful to you." Xuanjing placed the porcelain bottle in Pang Hong's hands.
Pang Hong clenched the bottle tightly, as if afraid it would disappear. He asked somewhat awkwardly, "Master, what is this?"
Pei Xuanjing smiled and replied, "You would know if you open it."
The boy listened, uncorked the porcelain bottle, and immediately a fragrance of elixir filled the air. He widened his eyes and exclaimed in surprise, "Human Yuan Pill."
"Master, this is too valuable. I can't accept it," Pang Hong said hurriedly, capping the bottle and trying to give it back.
Xuanjing shook his head, "This is of no use to me."
"But, Master, for taking me in and teaching me martial arts, I am already very grateful. This elixir is too precious," Pang Hong denied.
This boy knew how to be content. Pei Xuanjing had already been so kind to him. Many janitors in the Academy were in the same position as Hong, but few were fortunate enough to receive guidance from martial arts experts; only Xuanjing was so kind to him.
"This is my gift to you. If you don't take it, throw it away," Pei Xuanjing threatened.
He had acquired this item from the Yinshi Assassins earlier in the day. Initially, he didn't even bother to pick it up, since such a thing was not of much value to him.
But later he realized that Pang Hong might find it useful, so he decided to bring it back.
"Ah!"
"So just keep it, train well, and don't let me down," Xuanjing said.
"Master, I will train diligently and not let you down," Pang Hong firmly and earnestly answered.
Seeing the youth's determined gaze, Xuanjing grinned and said, "It's getting late. You should go back and get some rest."
After sending Pang Hong off to rest, Xuanjing returned to the training room to continue his own cultivation.
Cycling the True Qi within his body, he continued purifying his Blood Qi.
Meanwhile, within the Xi Factory, Zha Xiaobo was reporting the day's events to the supervisor.
Gu Dayong, the Supervisor of the Xi Factory.
Despite being nominally on par with the Dong Factory Brocade Guards, Gu Dayong knew well that his position as the supervisor of the Xi Factory was not comparable to the Dong Factory or the Brocade Guards.
Since he had previously joined the wrong faction and was subordinate to the former supervisor of the Xi Factory.
If not for the emperor's mercy, considering his many years of service, he not only wouldn't be sitting in the position of the supervisor, but he also might have lost his life.
However, even so, Gu Dayong had been treading on thin ice over the years, being extremely careful not to allow any slip-ups.
Because he Imew, not only were many people coveting his position, there were also people who would love to see the emperor deem the Xi Factory redundant and absorb its power.
Because ultimately, the Xi Factory, having been established not too long ago, lacked a strong foundation compared to the Brocade Guards, the Dong Factory, or even the Six Gates.
The current Xi Factory was in quite an awkward situation, with overlapping jurisdictions with the Dong Factory and Brocade Guards, often facing the squeeze from both sides.
However, after hearing Zha Xiaobo•s report, he suddenly had an idea. If he handled it well, it could turn the tides for the Xi Factory, which was currently in a precarious situation.
Thinking about this, Gu Dayong said, "Come closer!"
He whispered something into Zha Xiaobo's ear. Xiaobo nodded in understanding and left to carry out his orders..