At the age of eight, he impersonated the orphan of a military officer and went to the martial world.

Chapter 96 Luyang Prefecture, Li Jinyuan

Manager Lin was at this moment flipping through the "book" in his hands with great interest.

It wasn't a real book, but rather the "Hidden Abyss Register," an internal record of information and evaluations of key personnel within the Zhenwu Guard.

As he turned to Zhang Yuan's page, he clicked his tongue in amazement: "No wonder Wang Wei went to such lengths to have him deliver this 'Hidden Abyss Record'—it turns out he'd already 'registered' this kid in the Earth Network Guard's register."

"Hey, this kid is good material for a mole. He's shrewd, ruthless, and patient."

Upon hearing this, Xing Daorong chuckled lightly, saying with a hint of disdain, "His father, Zhang Zhenshan, came from the Black Scale Army and had distinguished military achievements. According to the rules of Zhenwu Guard, if the descendants of loyal martyrs want to join the guard, their first choice is to inherit their father's will and serve in the Black Scale Army."

"If Zhang Qingyang wants to join Zhenwu Guard, he'll first have to pass the Black Scale Army's selection process. Whether he can even join your Earthly Net Guard's secret network—that's still uncertain."

His words clearly indicated a greater affinity for the Black Scale Army as a front.

After he finished speaking, his expression turned serious as he looked at Manager Lin: "The Old Demon of the Overturning Sea had one of his essences destroyed. Although it did not damage his foundation, it will still be enough to make him feel the pinch for several years. For the time being, he will not be able to cause any major trouble in Falling Star Marsh."

"My mission in Luyang Prefecture has come to an end, and I will be leaving soon."

Manager Lin closed the Book of Hidden Abyss, and the shrewdness on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a serious and sharp look in his eyes.

This is the demeanor he should have as the highest-ranking person in charge of the secret operations of the Zhenwuwei in Luyang Prefecture.

"Hmm, the two prefectures of Yanggu and Qianyang in the north have been rather restless lately, with signs of collusion between remnants of the previous dynasty and evil sects of the martial arts world. The situation is very tense, and the main force of the Black Scale Army definitely needs to be moved there as soon as possible to suppress the unrest. When will you depart?"

Xing Daorong said in a deep voice, "I have discussed it with the Prefect. Once the final list of the Qingyun Ranking is announced, we will select a few truly outstanding individuals from among these promising talents to bring back and replenish the ranks with fresh blood, and then we will set off immediately."

"Oh?" Manager Lin's eyes lit up instantly, his previous seriousness replaced by intense curiosity. He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and his shrewd businessman's smile returned: "Old Xing, can you reveal some inside information? What's the procedure for this trial? Is it in Black Stone Mountain or Sunken Sand River? Is it demon hunting or bandit suppression?"

"Or—how about we go explore that newly discovered ancient cultivation cave? This news—hehe, it's valuable! Shall we split it 50/50? No, 30/70! 20/80 is fine too!"

He rubbed his hands together, looking eager to discuss business, as if the deep-thinking intelligence chief from before was just an illusion.

Xing Daorong was already used to his "money-grubbing" behavior, knowing that it was just a habit of him to conceal his identity and blend into the crowd, and that he would never really sell the secrets of the Imperial Guard for money.

He ignored them, merely snorted irritably, and strode towards the back door, leaving behind only the words, "Stop asking questions! Mind your own bookstore!"

"Hey! Old Xing! Xing Heizi! You're such a jerk! At least give me some direction—46! 46, is that alright?"

Manager Lin's frustrated voice rang out behind Xing Daorong, accompanied by a deliberately exaggerated stomp, but all he got in return was a wave of his hand without turning his head, and his figure had already disappeared behind the curtain.

Manager Lin looked at the swaying curtain, shook his head helplessly, and the "greedy" expression on his face slowly disappeared, returning to a calm and still expression, with only a glint of shrewdness in the depths of his eyes.

"Nine out of ten times it's about exterminating demons, should we start a betting pool?"

Zhang Yuan walked along Zhuque Street in Luyang Prefecture.

The streets were wide, lined with silk shops, restaurants, teahouses, and pawnshops.

Among the crowd were many skilled martial artists, demonstrating the city's rich heritage and martial spirit.

Before long, a magnificent mansion came into view.

The gate is painted in vermilion, the stone lions are majestic, and a plaque with the words "Li Mansion" hangs above the gate, exuding the air of a dignified and established family.

Zhang Yuan stepped forward and handed his name card to the gatekeeper.

The gatekeeper dared not delay and immediately went in to inform them.

A moment later, a young man in his thirties dressed in a pale white scholar's robe strode out to greet them.

He had a refined and elegant appearance, a tall and slender figure, and eyes as warm and gentle as ancient jade. He habitually held a half-open book in his hand. Upon seeing Zhang Yuan, his eyes shone with sincere and eager light, and he laughed loudly, "Let me see what this young prodigy from Fengming County, whom Jintang praised endlessly after returning home, practically calling him a monster, really looks like!"

The young man sized Zhang Yuan up and down. Although his face still held a touch of childishness, his posture was upright, and his eyes were calm and deep, devoid of the usual childish exuberance. He couldn't help but nod in approval, saying, "Indeed, you possess extraordinary bearing and composure. No wonder you could make that arrogant young man Jintang submit. I am Li Jinyuan, Jintang's elder brother. Young friend Qingyang, please come into the mansion!"

Li Jinyuan warmly ushered Zhang Yuan into the mansion.

He walked with a leisurely pace, introducing himself as he went, his words carrying a scholarly gentleness and focus.

He led Zhang Yuan through the screen wall and into an exquisite garden.

As Zhang Yuan walked forward, he saw that the garden had winding paths leading to secluded spots, and the artificial hills were exquisite and translucent, subtly embodying the charm of "lean, wrinkled, leaky, and transparent".

A pool of clear water reflects the sunlight, several clumps of green bamboo grow against the wall with graceful postures, and a few peach trees dot the landscape, their pink and white petals falling gently in the wind, their fragrance wafting in the air.

Although he didn't know much about such elegance, he could still appreciate its charm.

"This old plum tree was planted by my grandfather, and it stands out even more formidable in the winter snow—" Li Jinyuan recounted with great familiarity, his words filled with love and understanding for every plant, tree, stone, and stream in the garden.

Zhang Yuan listened intently.

[A preliminary form of the "Mountain and Rock Visualization Method" has been detected; it is estimated that reaching its full potential requires a lifespan of three hundred years.]

Zhang Yuan chuckled inwardly: A stone with a lifespan of three hundred years? The threshold for Confucianism and Taoism is truly exorbitant.

He remained expressionless, only following Li Jinyuan's gaze to examine the holes in the artificial rockery, and said softly, "Though the stone is silent, the holes allow air to pass through, subtly aligning with the mechanism of breathing. When I look at this stone, I feel as if I can see the breath of heaven and earth."

Upon hearing this, a strange light instantly shone in Li Jinyuan's eyes.

This kid actually managed to comprehend the principles of the flow of primordial energy in the universe from the shape of a stone?

This level of understanding is far beyond what beginners can possess!

Immediately, his face lit up with even greater joy.

"Come, come, Brother Qingyang, follow me this way."

Without saying a word, he grabbed Zhang Yuan's sleeve and walked straight into the garden.

Li Jinyuan admired the bamboo for its resilience and humility; looking at the fallen flowers, he could also compose a few lines of poetry to suit the occasion.

He seemed completely immersed in this world of books and books.

His heartfelt passion and focus gave him a serene and gentle glow.

Zhang Yuan keenly sensed that with Li Jinyuan's steps and words, an extremely pure, powerful yet exceptionally gentle and restrained aura, like a gentle stream or an invisible spring breeze, naturally surrounded him, blending harmoniously with the scenery of the garden, the book in his hand, and even his own aura.

This power was not deliberately activated, but rather a natural expression of his character, knowledge, and cultivation after they reached a state of perfection, as natural as breathing.

This embodies the Confucian and Taoist practice of "great wisdom appearing as foolishness."

The realm of "Tao follows nature"!