Chapter 492 - 247: Madam, Would You Be Willing to... With Me

Chapter 492: Chapter 247: Madam, Would You Be Willing to... With Me

Nanzhao Prefecture bordered Ning’an Prefecture, so the distance was not great.

Nie Xiangjun’s mount, the Cyan Bird, was a creature of myth. It moved like lightning, and in less than a day, the trio had crossed from one prefecture to the other.

They had arrived at the edge of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect’s sphere of influence.

As they had planned, the three of them temporarily went their separate ways.

After a few words of parting advice, Nie Xiangjun’s figure flickered, and she vanished silently into the misty mountain forest.

Chen Sheng and Sun Yuzhi, meanwhile, straightened their attire and headed directly for the mountain gate of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

As the foremost Major Sect of Nanzhao Prefecture in name, its mountain gate was not difficult to find.

Upon arriving before the impressive mountain gate, which bore the distinct and somewhat unsettling style of the Southern Border, Chen Sheng announced his identity.

Hearing this, the disciples guarding the gate dared not show the slightest delay and hastily sent word inside.

Before long, the sound of hurried, almost joyful footsteps approached from within.

"Chen, it really is you! Haha, I was overjoyed when I heard the news!"

Ouyang Ke approached with a beaming face, quickening his pace. The moment he saw Chen Sheng, he came forward enthusiastically with his hands clasped in greeting.

Although they had only briefly interacted at the Nie Family home, Chen Sheng had left a deep impression on him.

Furthermore, with Chen Sheng’s status and power now soaring, he was naturally eager to deepen their connection.

More importantly, Ouyang Ke harbored the hope of leveraging his connection with Chen Sheng, his future brother-in-law, to facilitate his marriage to Nie Lingshan.

He had originally planned to travel to Ning’an to ask for help in person after dealing with urgent matters within the sect.

He never expected Chen Sheng to take the initiative and visit him.

’Isn’t this a godsend?’

"Ouyang, I trust you’ve been well." Chen Sheng returned the greeting with a smile.

Ouyang Ke’s eyes were filled with amazement and admiration.

"Though I am here in remote Nanzhao, your great renown in Ning’an has reached my ears, Chen."

"Wiping out both the Golden Spring and Qingfeng sects, slaying a peak Profound Mastery expert, taking command of an entire prefecture..."

"You are truly a hero of our time! I am thoroughly impressed!"

Although this flattery had an element of courtesy, it also carried genuine sentiment.

Chen Sheng’s rapid rise and ruthless methods were truly the stuff of legend.

"Ouyang, you flatter me."

Chen Sheng gave a faint smile and turned to make an introduction.

"This is the Vice Governor of the Ning’an Jingwu Bureau, Sun Yuzhi."

"Sun Zhenfu, it’s an honor. I’ve heard much about you."

Ouyang Ke quickly turned to Sun Yuzhi and offered a respectful salute.

He’d also heard the rumors about Chen Sheng’s romantic escapades and knew this heroic female Vice Governor shared a close relationship with him.

He admired Chen Sheng all the more for it.

’To be surrounded by beautiful confidantes and still manage to secure the hand of the Nie Family’s legitimate daughter...’

’That’s a skill I can only dream of.’

He recalled how, in order to show his sincerity for the marriage alliance with the Nie Family, he had dismissed all the women in his company, yet he had failed to earn even a single kind glance from Nie Lingshan.

After the exchange of pleasantries, Ouyang Ke eagerly led Chen Sheng and Sun Yuzhi into the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

As the leading power in Nanzhao, the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect’s heritage was truly remarkable.

Passing through the heavily guarded yet exquisite mountain gate, the scene before them suddenly opened up.

Pavilions, terraces, and towers were built into the mountainside in a picturesque arrangement. The flying eaves and bracket sets displayed a distinct Southern Border flair, their colors far more vivid and daring than the architecture of the Central Plains.

Winding corridors connected halls of all sizes, and exotic flowers and plants thrived everywhere, many of them species rarely seen in the outside world.

The air was suffused with a faint, sweet aroma—a mixture of vegetation and exotic spices.

If not for one’s prior knowledge of the name "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect," it looked more like a hidden Immortal Blessed Land at first glance.

Or a Great Cultivation Sect with profound heritage, a stark contrast to its venomous reputation.

"Chen, I was wondering, is your visit to Nanzhao this time an official inspection, or are you here on private matters to see a friend?"

Ouyang Ke asked with concern as he led the way.

"If there’s anything I can help with, please don’t hesitate to ask. On my home turf here in Nanzhao, my words still carry some weight."

Ouyang Ke was now desperate to get closer to him. As long as Chen Sheng’s requests weren’t too outrageous, he was prepared to fulfill them completely,

all in exchange for a few good words to the Nie Family regarding his marriage.

Chen Sheng smiled slightly.

"Let’s call it a private matter. I have long heard of Sect Leader Lan’s great name and have come specifically to pay her a visit. I was hoping you could make the introduction for me, Ouyang."

"Haha, Chen, you’re being too formal! That’s no trouble at all!"

Ouyang Ke laughed heartily.

"My mother is already aware of your arrival, Chen. She is waiting in the Hundred Poison Hall as we speak. Chen, Sun Zhenfu, please, follow me!"

Chen Sheng’s current status was nothing to scoff at. He was a powerful governor holding real authority, a young talent whose fame had spread throughout Yunzhou.

His personal visit was a sign of recognition and respect for the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

If his mother had not been feeling slightly unwell just moments ago, needing to regulate her energy, he would not have been the only one to come out and greet them personally.

After all, Nanzhao and Ning’an were adjacent, and the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect would inevitably have dealings with Ning’an in the future.

Establishing a good relationship with a powerful neighboring governor like Chen Sheng could only benefit the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

Besides, Chen Sheng himself possessed exceptional talent and limitless potential. He had long since been recognized on the Dragon and Tiger List, drawing the attention of the entire realm.

Who wouldn’t want to befriend such a figure, provided there was no prior enmity between them?

...

Led by Ouyang Ke, Chen Sheng and Sun Yuzhi walked up the winding mountain path.

Before they had even reached the main complex of halls on the mountainside, they saw several figures up ahead hurrying to greet them.

The woman in the lead had her dark hair coiled high, held in place by a single, green jade hairpin.

She wore an aqua-blue, palace-style gown, its hem embroidered with intricate silver patterns that swayed gently with her every step.

Her figure was full and graceful, and she moved with a mature, captivating charm. Yet, her expression held the dignity of one long accustomed to authority, tinged with a subtle, hidden worry.

This created a unique and utterly captivating aura.