Chapter 156

They had never anticipated that in this remote place, utterly beneath their notice, a swordsman of such power could emerge.

Such a person would be rare even in our Tiandou Tang family—certainly at least an Elder's level.

Yet, what shocked the crowd went far beyond this.

When they heard Gu Xingjian had become a Jiang family patron.

The three exchanged glances, their eyes filled with astonishment.

Because Gu Xingjian frequently sought out sword masters in the Tiandou Prefecture to duel.

So even they had heard whispers of him.

This swordsman, who wields sword intent, has reached the ninth layer of the Ocean Realm, just one step from the Star Wheel Realm—could he truly be a Jiang family patron? Just what is the Jiang family's origin?!

The crowd grew tense, involuntarily swallowing.

At this point, they finally realized the danger posed by the Cangwu Jiang family—such a formidable enemy was far beyond their ability to handle, let alone interfere with!

Thinking this through, the three Tang family members made their decision immediately.

After thanking Ding Xuan, they left the governor's mansion without a single hesitation.

With such a powerful enemy present, they needed to return to the Tiandou Tang family as soon as possible and report this news to the clan's Elders.

After the three Tang family members departed.

Ding Xuan's brow relaxed, and he exhaled in relief.

He had feared these men might rely on their Tiandou Tang family status, look down on Jiang Daoxuan, and then march together to their deaths at Cangwu Mountain.

But the Tiandou Tang family cannot be offended, nor can the Jiang family.

Thinking of Jiang Daoxuan's uncanny nature, Ding Xuan dared not grow careless.

Once he steadied his mind, he lightly tapped his toe and instantly vanished into the air, flying swiftly toward Cangwu Mountain.

He needed to report the arrival of the Tiandou Prefecture Tang family members so that the Jiang clan leader could prepare in advance.

Moments later.

Ding Xuan entered the Cangwu Mountain range.

He made no pause, swiftly passing through the marketplace and arriving directly at the Jiang family Shanmen.

Gazing at the four Jiang family members guarding the Shanmen, he unconsciously activated his spiritual sense to scan them.

Immediately, upon discerning their cultivation bases, Ding Xuan froze, his eyes flickering with surprise.

These people are all... Postnatal Realm?

He had never imagined that in just a few months, the Jiang family had undergone such a transformative, astonishing change.

Before the Jiang family relocated, he had visited twice—he knew well the cultivation levels of these Jiang clan members.

Back then, counting all age groups, there were barely thirty Postnatal Realm members in total.

Yet now, just the gate guards alone numbered four!

Not to mention these four appeared to be under twenty—already possessing considerable talent.

Such talented clan members are not sent to cultivate properly, but instead assigned to guard the Shanmen.

Seeing one scale reveals the whole leopard—how profound and terrifying the Jiang family's current depth must be!

As he stood stunned.

The four Jiang family disciples guarding the Shanmen also simultaneously noticed Ding Xuan.

One of them, a former main house disciple, recognized the familiar face and immediately said: "Governor Ding?"

Hearing the voice, Ding Xuan snapped back to awareness.

Remembering his mission, he immediately looked at the four and said sternly: "I come with urgent business—I must meet Jiang Jianzong. Please inform him on my behalf..."

Hearing this, they understood the gravity. After exchanging glances, they immediately dispatched one man to ascend the mountain and report.

Because all the tedious affairs are now handled by the Elder Council.

So news of Governor Ding Xuan of Wudan City's visit reached Grand Elder Jiang Hongguang swiftly.

Listening to the guard's detailed report, Jiang Hongguang's eyes grew thoughtful.

This governor visited our Jiang family twice before—and both times lost face before the Clan Leader.

Now he dares to visit a third time—clearly, this matter is no small thing.

Thinking this through, Jiang Hongguang immediately set out, descending the mountain.

Shortly after.

As Jiang Hongguang's figure gradually came into Ding Xuan's view.

Ding Xuan's expression remained calm, indifferent.

After all, in his mind, this Jiang family Grand Elder was merely newly ascended to the Purple Mansion Realm.

Facing an opponent merely at this level, he was supremely confident—and not exaggerating—he could defeat him easily even if he gave up one hand.

From start to finish, in his eyes, only Jiang Daoxuan and Gu Xingjian on the entire Cangwu Mountain could make him feel caution!

Yet his naive thought did not last long.

As the two drew closer.

Ding Xuan, through his spiritual sense, suddenly sensed something amiss.

"This old man's aura... is strange..."

His eyes narrowed, and his expression had grown grim without him noticing.

Noticing Ding Xuan's probing, Jiang Hongguang smiled faintly, made no attempt to conceal himself, and immediately unleashed a powerful aura unique to the Ocean Realm!

The instant Ding Xuan's spiritual sense collided with that aura.

Ding Xuan was struck as if by lightning, his body stiffening.

His face was now filled with horror, his pupils brimming with disbelief.

Immediately after, he stared at Jiang Hongguang as if he'd seen a ghost, stretched out a trembling finger, and cried out in a shaking voice, "You... you've broken through to the Yuanhai realm?!"

Seeing Ding Xuan's reaction, Jiang Hongguang smiled and said, "Thanks to the clan leader's assistance, this old man was fortunate enough to break through."

Boom!

As the words fell, it was as if a bolt from clear sky exploded in his heart!

Ding Xuan's pupils contracted, and the immense shock made his heartbeat skip half a beat.

I clearly remember it's only been less than three months, right? How did this old fellow already break through to the Yuanhai realm?

Is this really the world I'm familiar with?

At this moment, Ding Xuan suddenly felt utterly exhausted at heart.

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PS: I didn't rest well today, my condition is a bit off, so just two updates for now, I'll try to get back to three updates tomorrow!

Also, (bow) thank you all dear readers for your support!