If it were someone else, they wouldn't be able to mobilize such power at all.

The news spread outwards like a hurricane swiftly, while Chen Yuan, who returned to Shuzhou, ordered people to quickly summon several members of the Shangguan Clan.

Since the whereabouts of the Ice Marrow Divine Jade were already known, naturally, it was to be obtained as quickly as possible to set one's mind at ease.

This opportunity was relatively simple, similar to when he took the opportunity from Wei Xin's hands at the Nanling Prefecture back then, hopefully, the Shangguan Clan would show some understanding.

After giving the order, Chen Yuan sat back at the head of the Heavenly Patrol Hall, beginning the routine summon of the Southern State's Golden Envoy, Cao Nianhua, and the two Green Envoys of the Blood State.

"This subordinate, Southern State Golden Envoy Cao Nianhua, greets the Divine Envoy, sir."

"This subordinate, Blood State Green Envoy...."

"This subordinate, Blood State Green Envoy...."

Their attitudes were extremely respectful, not daring to overstep in the slightest.

They had the fortune to observe the previous battle, witnessing this Divine Envoy's dominance firsthand, not giving face even to the top powers and the foremost Bodhisattvas in the world.

He was almost overwhelmingly powerful.

Although they originally dared not underestimate him, after observing that battle, they became even more respectful, fearing to anger this lord, and facing consequences.

"Golden Envoy Cao, Green Envoy Li.... please, have a seat,"

Chen Yuan pointed to the seats below.

"We dare not, sir."

"We dare not...."

They quickly declined, feeling satisfied just to stand and receive instruction.

"I said sit!"

Chen Yuan glared at the three sternly.

The three exchanged glances and quickly responded, 'As you command,' then sat honestly, not daring to even lift their heads, essentially echoing Chen Yuan's every word.

Chen Yuan unceremoniously began questioning them on some matters, focusing on the Southern State's Golden Envoy, gaining more detailed insights about Prince Zhen Nan, Nangong Lie, than his prior investigations had revealed.

This person seems still loyal to the court; although Prince Zhen Nan wields immense power, rivaling even King of Beiliang, Wei Jinfeng, they are no fools and know to preserve some face for the court.

After all, with military and political power in their grasp, leaving some insignificant rights doesn't matter much.

Seeing Chen Yuan carefully understanding matters about the Southern State, Cao Nianhua felt he found a backbone, incessantly lamenting his hardships and Nangong Lie's dominance.

The Annihilation Department, which usually instilled fear among the Jianghu Martial Artists, had to act humbly in the Southern State, which was truly humiliating.

Meeting for the first time, Chen Yuan only intended to leave an impression on him, not expecting to win him over, as long as he didn't hold him back. Currently, he hadn't even grasped control of Shuzhou, let alone the more complex Southern State.

After chatting for a while, Chen Yuan had Cao Nianhua take his leave to rest and began scrutinizing the two Blood State Green Envoys. They were unimportant personally, but their positions were crucial.

Involving the transport of Primordial Crystals to Tangshan, it had to be taken seriously.

Chen Yuan had already understood these two's backgrounds; they were in Shuzhou and Qingzhou, respectively, with little voice or strong backing, or they wouldn't have been sent to Blood State.

Facing the olive branch Chen Yuan subtly extended, they quickly pledged allegiance, eager to show loyalty, just shy of swearing fealty.

Chen Yuan subtly disclosed some matters to them, and they promised to fully secure the trading routes. As for whether it was Primordial Crystals or some other Spiritual Objects being transported, they dared not ask and didn't want to ask.

Chen Yuan now governed the Southern Three States, a mountain over all officials of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, leaving them no room to negotiate, only to follow orders.

His plan was straightforward: using Jiang He's loyal supporters over the years to gradually swap out the Green Envoys of the subordinate states in Shuzhou, and from the officials recently transferred from the Capital, select some to swear die-hard loyalty.

Total loyalty was unfeasible; Shuzhou's vast territory was not like the remote corner of Tangshan. Trying to openly control everything would inevitably reach Jingtai's ears.

Causing unpredictable consequences.

After the two Green Envoys retreated, those from the Shangguan Clan had arrived at the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, feeling somewhat perplexed. Why had Chen Yuan summoned them right after the battle?

Could he be planning to use the Shangguan Clan against the Bright Temple?

Shangguan Tiehong wore an expression of deep thought. Upon entering the Heavenly Patrol Hall, he immediately saw Chen Yuan rising to greet them, slightly bowing his hands:

"Marquis."

"Marquis."

"Marquis...."

In formal occasions, neither Shangguan Tiehong nor Shangguan Yu assumed familial postures. Especially after witnessing Chen Yuan's mighty display moments ago, smashing the Dharma Body of Manjusri Bodhisattva, their internal shock had only been recently suppressed.

"Uncle, brother Shangguan, such formal address seems rather distant." Chen Yuan smiled faintly, gesturing for them to sit, and ordered Spiritual Tea to be served.

"For what reason did the Marquis summon us suddenly?"

Shangguan Tiehong got straight to the point, not beating around the bush.

The marriage alliance was already set, so they counted as allies, not needing the former cautiousness. If Chen Yuan had something requiring their aid, they naturally wouldn't decline.

Hearing this, both Shangguan Yu and Shangguan Hong looked towards Chen Yuan.

"Since Uncle is so straightforward, I won't beat around the bush either. Today, I invited you here because there's indeed one thing for which I hope the Shangguan Family can lend me a helping hand."

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