Chapter 402 - 213: Nie Xiangjun, Dragon and Tiger List

Chapter 402: Chapter 213: Nie Xiangjun, Dragon and Tiger List

As the thought crossed his mind, a wave of bitterness and unease washed over him.

"Governor, who exactly was that Daoist Nie we just met...?"

Even though the Celestial Book had already revealed Nie Xiangjun’s identity, Chen Sheng had to feign complete ignorance.

"She is a truly formidable figure."

Nie Xuanfeng’s expression grew solemn, his voice tinged with clear reverence.

"She is of the Nie Family’s Direct Lineage, the biological younger sister of the current Patriarch. What’s more, eighteen years ago, she entered a Daoist Sacred Land to pursue her cultivation..."

Nie Xiangjun’s status in the Nie Family was far beyond what the likes of him, a scion from a branch family, could ever compare to.

Although she was slightly younger, he would never dare presume to be her elder.

Nie Xuanfeng also clarified the twofold purpose of Nie Xiangjun’s visit.

First, to support Chen Sheng and intimidate the Vast Sea Sect.

And second, to genuinely assess him.

He urged Chen Sheng to be on his best behavior. If he could win her favor, he would gain immeasurable benefits in the future, not only within the Nie Family but in the wider world as well.

"Does the Nie Family really go to such lengths, sending someone to personally assess a potential son-in-law?"

Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow.

"For an ordinary person, of course not."

Nie Xuanfeng shook his head. He looked at Chen Sheng, his eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions.

"But you... are different."

"How am I different?"

"You have made it onto the Dragon and Tiger List."

Nie Xuanfeng said, enunciating each word, as he observed Chen Sheng’s reaction.

"On this point alone, the Nie Family’s assessment of your potential is completely different from that of an ordinary genius. In my opinion, the person they intend for you to marry is likely not just any legitimate daughter, but... one of the Nie Family’s Three Beauties.

Otherwise, there is no way they would have a Zhenren personally make this trip."

If this were a marriage to an ordinary legitimate daughter of the Nie Family, there would be established procedures. Why would a Pill Realm Grandmaster need to personally come and conduct an assessment?

Nie Xiangjun’s arrival was proof in itself that the name Chen Sheng had reached the ears of the Nie Family’s highest echelons.

"The Dragon and Tiger List?"

Chen Sheng looked puzzled.

"When did this happen? And what’s my rank?"

He wasn’t entirely feigning his surprise.

Ning’an Prefecture was a remote region. It had been decades since a prodigy capable of ascending the Dragon and Tiger List had emerged from there.

As a result, news of this sort traveled slowly and didn’t generate much buzz within the Prefecture City.

"It was shortly after you slew Zhou Kuohai in battle and quelled the Cyan Flood Dragon Pirates’ uprising. The Dragon and Tiger List features one hundred and eight of the most outstanding Martial Dao prodigies from the Twelve Provinces of the Central Plains. On your first appearance, you were ranked eighty-second," Nie Xuanfeng explained in detail, his voice tinged with wistful admiration.

He himself had only just learned this from Nie Xiangjun, and the shock he’d felt was indescribable.

Chen Sheng gave a slight nod. His face remained calm, and he felt no great stirrings in his heart.

"Kid, you shouldn’t underestimate this Dragon and Tiger List."

Seeing his placid reaction, Nie Xuanfeng assumed he didn’t understand the list’s significance and said gravely,

"This list is nothing like the Ning’an Ten Heroes you’re familiar with. It represents the true chosen ones, selected from hundreds of millions of Martial Artists across the vast Central Plains. Once you’re on it,

it’s like a carp leaping over the dragon gate. Not only will your name shake the world, but you will also truly enter the sights of the imperial court and receive an unimaginable amount of resources."

"What’s more, your cultivation is still nascent and you’re still young. According to the clan elders’ assessment, with time, you even have the potential to challenge for the top thirty. If that weren’t the case, why else do you think a Zhenren would make a special trip just for you?"

To break into the top thirty of the Dragon and Tiger List.

This was the startling assessment the Nie Family had made, based on Chen Sheng’s terrifying rate of growth in the past.

And it was precisely this assessment that prompted a high-ranking member of the Nie Family of no small importance to personally visit Ning’an Prefecture City.

"I understand."

Chen Sheng nodded seriously this time, taking Nie Xuanfeng’s words to heart.

The three of them fell silent.

A moment later, Sun Yuzhi lifted her head. Some of her usual composure had returned to her face, but a lingering shadow of sorrow remained deep in her eyes. In a low voice, she said,

"Later... if that Daoist Nie asks about us, you... just be honest with her. Don’t let me stand in the way of your future.

The Nie Family thinks so highly of you. You mustn’t... lose a great opportunity over a small matter."

Sun Yuzhi spoke with difficulty, but every word was distinct.

Her tone was a complex mix of happiness for him and sorrow for herself.

Nie Xuanfeng glanced at Sun Yuzhi. His expression flickered, as if moved, but he ultimately remained silent.

He knew full well that Nie Xiangjun’s Divine Sense was likely still blanketing the area, observing their every word and deed.

Chen Sheng stopped in his tracks.

He turned to face Sun Yuzhi. Without a word, he reached out, took her cool, slender hand in his, and gave it a firm squeeze.

The warmth and firm pressure from his palm felt like a silent promise, more reassuring than a thousand words.

Sun Yuzhi’s fingertips trembled. She lowered her gaze, and after a moment’s hesitation, she pulled her hand away.

But the tight line of her lips softened ever so slightly.

Nie Xuanfeng said no more and turned to lead the way.

「Meanwhile.」

In front of the Jingwu Bureau in Ning’an Prefecture City, rumors of a suspected heaven-shaking battle between two Pill Realm Grandmasters had exploded like ice dropped into hot oil, spreading throughout Ning’an Prefecture at an astonishing speed.

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