You call this the way of the sword?

The newcomer's voice was booming, carrying an invisible pressure that enveloped even the small Qiao siblings, who immediately turned pale and were overwhelmed.

The gentlemen immediately frowned and were about to make trouble when they saw the other party produce a token.

This token is dazzlingly golden, small yet comparable to the blazing sun, exuding an incomparably divine aura.

The gentlemen's expressions changed drastically when they saw the words on the token.

"cabinet!?"

"How could it be the cabinet..."

"Old Chang, you've been keeping this a secret!"

As everyone's gaze fell upon him, the newcomers turned to Chang Maofu and said in a deep voice, "You must be Mr. Chang Maofu. Please come with us."

As he spoke, an invisible pressure descended once more, while a barrier rose from the ground, surrounding everyone from all directions.

It was as if to say, "The cabinet is in charge of its affairs, and those who are not involved should not act recklessly. But you, Chang Maofu, are not going to get away with this."

But in reality, Chang Maofu didn't move at all; he was just protecting the Qiao siblings and comforting them.

Just then, a cold snort came from the front of the canyon: "You're quite the big shot."

The mountain guardian opened his eyes, and an even more terrifying aura erupted from his body.

With a crisp crack, the newly formed barrier shattered inch by inch, then exploded with a deafening roar.

The newcomers all showed surprise. The leader quickly landed in front of the canyon and bowed to the mountain guardian, saying, "So it is General Lin Pinghai here. My cultivation is insufficient and my spiritual sense is dulled. Please forgive me, General."

The mountain guardian sat on a large rock, looking impatient. Although he didn't speak again, he had already firmly controlled everyone present.

The well-informed gentlemen exchanged glances, each seeing the astonishment in the other's eyes.

Pillar of State...General?

Could this Pillar of State be the Pillar of State I understand?

It's true what they say, "A big forest has all kinds of birds," even a roc that can blot out the sky is nestling here to incubate its eggs?

Who would have thought of this?

Let's wait a moment. We can discuss the matter of the Pillar of State General and the weight of the cabinet later. The key is Old Chang, who is caught in the middle. What is his background?

After exchanging glances several times, the gentlemen looked at Chang Maofu again, their expressions incredibly complex.

They meet here every year, and every year they argue fiercely over saving face. Not long ago, Chang Maofu even had a smug look on his face, showing that he was down-to-earth and just like any other ordinary person.

But how did such an ordinary-looking Mr. Fuchi manage to attract the cabinet?

"I apologize for disturbing General Zhuguo."

"We are following orders and will leave immediately."

The cultivator who called himself Lin Pinghai bowed to the mountain guardian again, then turned to Chang Maofu and said, "Mr. Chang, do you know why we are here? We don't want to take action unless absolutely necessary. Please."

Chang Maofu had already regained his usual humble demeanor, and said calmly and respectfully, "The Cabinet has invited me, and I dare not refuse. However, since my two students are here, please allow me to see them off."

"gentlemen…"

Qiao Wanyi's eyes reddened with anxiety. At this moment, she realized that the reason why her husband had been so unusually rambling was because he had long anticipated that someone would come to take him away.

But why?

The gentleman spends all year teaching in the town; how could he have time to do anything bad, let alone alarm the cabinet?

Suddenly, Qiao Wanyi's eyes widened as she thought of the Talent Secret Realm.

"Shhh."

Chang Maofu looked at Qiao Wanyi and gestured to her, as if no one else was around, not to say anything.

Then, looking at Qiao Lie with a smile in her eyes, she said, "If we both get perfect scores in all six areas, then you don't lose, right?"

At this moment, Qiao Lie realized things were going badly and was thinking about how to deal with it when he suddenly heard his master's meaningful words. His heart tightened involuntarily. "Master... what are you saying? I don't understand. Could you explain it again in more detail?"

"You know everything."

Chang Maofu tapped him on the head, then turned him and Qiao Wanyi around and pushed them toward the Void Mist Valley. "You don't need to worry about my affairs. They came to invite me in public, so naturally they won't make things difficult for me. You shouldn't be distracted by this; you should focus all your attention on the big exam."

"Qiao Lie, take good care of your sister."

"Wanyi, even the smartest person makes mistakes sometimes. You need to listen to your brother more often."

After saying this, Chang Maofu waved his hand and created a gentle breeze that carried them through the narrow passage and directly into the canyon.

Turning around, Chong Shoushanren smiled and said, "Please take the matter you promised to do to heart."

The mountain guardian raised an eyebrow slightly, realizing that the matter might be related to Yang Qingfeng.

He nodded in agreement and said, "Go ahead and don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things."

"Very good."

Chang Maofu bowed respectfully, then turned to the gentlemen and said, "My old friends, I entrust my worthless students to your care. We'll meet again someday!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Lin Pinghai impatiently waved a golden light, and all his men disappeared.

In the canyon.

The Qiao siblings are still dreaming.

Looking at the narrow passage behind her, Qiao Wanyi was stunned for a while. She hurriedly took out her communication talisman, but Qiao Lie pressed it down on her hand.

"What are you going to do?"

"The master is in trouble, we must tell Brother Qingfeng!"

"Nonsense!"

Qiao Lie, unusually so, scolded his sister: "Who is Yang Qingfeng? How dare he interfere in cabinet affairs?"

Qiao Wanyi bristled like a wildcat, about to retaliate, when Qiao Lie quickly said, "Telling him now won't do any good. It will only make him worry and interfere with his leveling!"

Nothing else mattered. Realizing that it concerned Yang Qingfeng's future, Qiao Wanyi calmed down instantly, though her brows were still furrowed. "But Mr. Yang, he... he treats us extremely well..."

Qiao Lie quickly interrupted her, "This isn't a matter of good or bad. Don't forget what the master said; we should focus on the big exam now. Regardless of what the master did wrong, we are just ordinary people with little influence, and even if we wanted to do something, it would be in vain."

"But don't worry, once we pass the imperial academy entrance exam and return to the capital, you can coax your father to make a trip to the cabinet, and everything will be clear."

Seeing that Qiao Wanyi remained silent and pondered, Qiao Lie secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that it was fortunate that his master had given him instructions beforehand, otherwise this brat might not have listened to him.

Taking this opportunity, he whispered, "It's only been a few days, and the master has said he'll be fine. We should remain calm and not cause him any trouble. Also, you need to reconsider your relationship with Yang Qingfeng..."

Before Qiao Lie could finish speaking, Qiao Wanyi's face darkened, and she coldly uttered a single word: "Get lost."

Clearly, the gentleman's face was limited, and Qiao Lie awkwardly withdrew his mouth. When he turned to look at the secluded forest in front of him, his eyes became even more fierce.

It was as if they couldn't wait to catch up with Yang Qingfeng and nip him in the bud.

Little did they know, Yang Qingfeng was getting further and further away from them, and had even started running out of the outer secluded forest, heading straight for level 10.