Chapter 272: The Shocked Di Chunlei

It's only been that long!

Chen Mu's realm has advanced so quickly.

Not only has he surpassed him, he even slew Ren Dongxing, who was at the Earth Altar realm's Divine Bridge cultivation!

Di Chunlei remembered clearly that Chen Mu's ranking on the Hidden Dragon List was thirtieth.

Yet, how could the battle scene that just unfolded be something a thirtieth-ranked cultivator could accomplish?

"Huu—"

Taking a deep breath, Di Chunlei suppressed his surging qi and blood and the shock in his heart, then solemnly cupped his fists again, his voice carrying heartfelt gratitude and emotion.

"Brother Chen, great kindness needs no words of thanks! If you had not stepped in this time, Di would likely have met with more ill than good fortune. After parting for so many days, Brother Chen's strength has advanced to such a degree — truly worthy of the name of a Hidden Dragon prodigy, admirable beyond words!"

Chen Mu waved his hand. "Senior Brother Di speaks too gravely. We have known each other — how could I stand by and watch you die? It was merely a fortunate breakthrough, and my technique happened to counter that man's."

His tone was modest and warm, and he then asked with concern, "Senior Brother Di, how did you end up fighting with this man from the Jiuyou Sect here, and being chased all the way to this spot by him?"

At these words, a trace of helplessness and gloom crossed Di Chunlei's face. He sighed and said, "Sigh, it's a long story. Last year, in a mountain forest, I already clashed with this Ren Dongxing over a spiritual herb. At that time he had not yet broken through to the Earth Altar realm, and I fought him to a draw."

"I never expected that when I was exploring a newly discovered ancient site within the borders of 'Jinyang Prefecture,' I would run into him again. After that fellow broke through to the Earth Altar realm, his strength surged. Without a word he started fighting me — I was outnumbered… no, that's wrong — outmatched by him alone, so I had to fight while retreating, chased all the way here. Luckily, heaven never seals off all paths, and I ran into Brother Chen."

At this point, Di Chunlei's eyes lit up, as if he had thought of something, and he warmly invited, "Brother Chen, based on the outer restrictions and inscriptions I've already deciphered, the ancient site I discovered is very likely the ruins of an upper ancient sect that specialized in artifact-forging!"

"Inside, there is a very good chance of precious Earth Weapon remnants, or even a complete inheritance! If Brother Chen has nothing else to attend to, why don't we go explore it together? We'll split whatever we find, fifty-fifty, how about it?"

"The ruins of an upper ancient artifact-forging sect? Earth Weapon remnants?" Chen Mu's heart did stir at the words.

Earth Weapons — those were divine weapons that surpassed Mystic Weapons; even mere remnants possessed tremendous power.

However, after a slight pause, Chen Mu still shook his head and said apologetically, "Senior Brother Di's invitation, I ought not to decline. But I still have official duties — I must first escort the captured criminal to the headquarters of the Zhenwu Division of the Southeast Circuit. This matter is of great importance and cannot be delayed."

Di Chunlei heard this and said in sudden realization, "So Brother Chen has official duties — it was my Tang Tu. But no matter, my injuries this time are not light, and I happen to need a few days to rest and recover."

"Brother Chen, go attend to your duties. Once you're finished, come to Jinyang Prefecture and meet up with me, and we'll explore that ancient site together. How about it?"

Saying so, he patted his chest and declared solemnly, "I, Di Chunlei, pledge on the reputation of the Giant Spirit Sect — I will absolutely wait for Brother Chen's arrival!"

Seeing Di Chunlei so frank and sincere, Chen Mu did not decline further and agreed readily. "Then many thanks, Senior Brother Di. Once I hand over the prisoner, I'll immediately head to Jinyang Prefecture to rendezvous with you."

The two immediately agreed to meet at a spot outside Jinyang Prefecture called "Wangjiang Pavilion." After briefly exchanging a few words on how to keep in touch, Chen Mu did not delay further. He cupped his fists in farewell, his figure flashed, and he sped toward the direction where he had hidden Zhu Jiuchuan.

……

Returning to that dense forest, he brushed aside the covering fallen leaves and dead branches, revealing Zhu Jiuchuan — bound tightly and still unconscious.

Chen Mu checked the ropes, confirmed all was in order, then once again lifted Zhu Jiuchuan as if carrying a bundle, and continued on toward the Southeast Circuit's circuit city.

Along the way, Zhu Jiuchuan slowly regained consciousness.

Feeling the stinging pain and restraints on his body, as well as the increasingly familiar surroundings, the panic in his heart reached its peak.

During one brief pause when Chen Mu stopped to let him drink water, ignoring the dryness and pain in his throat, he once again pleaded desperately.

"My lord, spare me! I beg you, let me go… I know I was wrong, I truly know I was wrong!"

"I'll tell you right away where the list is, and I'll give you all my savings too… I only beg you to leave me a way to live…"

Chen Mu expressionlessly tucked away the waterskin, turned a deaf ear to Zhu Jiuchuan's pleas, and continued on his way.

Seeing that begging was useless, Zhu Jiuchuan's emotions, in despair, once again became hysterical.

At times he made incoherent threats, claiming there were still important figures behind him, and that killing him would bring retribution.

At other times, driven by extreme fear, he burst into foul abuse, his words filthy beyond bearing.

……

Through all of this, Chen Mu remained like a boulder, unmoved.

Whether Zhu Jiuchuan wailed, tempted, or cursed, he ignored it all, stuffed a cloth gag into his mouth, and then continued onward toward his destination.

Three days later, the two finally arrived at the Southeast Circuit's circuit city.

Passing through the bustling, noisy streets, they went straight to the heavily guarded, imposing Zhenwu Division headquarters.

After reporting his identity, Chen Mu, carrying Zhu Jiuchuan, was led by a guiding Division Guard into a solemn, austere hall.

Inside the hall, two people were already waiting.

At the head sat a man in a purple robe, with a thin, gaunt face, whose eyes, as they opened and closed, faintly glinted with sharp light, his aura unfathomably deep — it was the Vice Commander of the Southeast Circuit Zhenwu Division, Zhao Wencen.

Below him sat a man in a dark-black Division Clerk's uniform, with a sharp, capable face and eyes as keen as an eagle's — the Day-Handling Division Clerk in charge of arrest affairs, Yi Zheng.

"Your subordinate Chen Mu pays respects to Lord Zhao, Lord Yi!" Chen Mu set Zhu Jiuchuan down and bowed.

"Inspector Chen, you've worked hard." Zhao Wencen gave a slight nod, his voice calm yet carrying an innate authority.

Yi Zheng stepped forward, carefully verified Zhu Jiuchuan's identity, and confirmed all was in order.

Chen Mu then reported, "My lords, Zhu Jiuchuan has been captured. According to his initial confession, the list of our Division's secret agents that he stole is currently hidden within Bai Yun City, but he refuses to disclose the specific location — your subordinate was unable to extract it."

At these words, a cold glint flashed in Yi Zheng's eyes. He looked at Zhu Jiuchuan, sprawled on the ground like a dead dog, and said coldly, "Inspector Chen, rest assured. Since the man has been brought here, leave what remains to me. I have my own methods to make him talk."

Zhao Wencen also spoke gently, "Chen Mu, you have completed this mission extremely well, earning great merit for our Zhenwu Division and averting incalculable losses. On behalf of the Southeast Circuit Zhenwu Division, I thank you."

After a pause, his tone carried a touch of elder-like concern as he asked, "By the way, after going to Bai Yun City, did you encounter any danger? Did anyone target you?"

Chen Mu, maintaining a respectful posture, replied, "Thank you for your concern, my lord. After your subordinate arrived at Bai Yun City, everything went smoothly."

His heart stirred slightly, and he asked tentatively.

"Forgive your subordinate's boldness, but I wonder — does my lord happen to know Zhao Fuzhou?"