Chapter 94: Visiting the County Governor

Three days later, Old Beggar, in high spirits, arrived in the courtyard.

Although he had not fully recovered to his previous mid-Nascent Soul cultivation, his early-stage peak strength was solidified.

He would likely regain his former glory in a few years.

The former Fang Family residence had also changed its appearance, with the gate plaque now reading "Three Talismans Sect Branch."

This event quickly spread in Yongning County, attracting various forces to investigate.

"Have you heard? All the Fang Family members have been imprisoned; not a single person escaped."

"I heard that the Fang Family has been completely wiped out and no longer exists."

Due to the ransom incident, Lu An had kept his promise. Those who paid the ransom were safely released.

Thus, news of the Fang Family's fate gradually spread.

Except for one person—the county governor's nephew. Lu An did not ask him to notify his family for ransom but intended to return him personally.

Initially, the nephew was worried, but seeing that Lu An seemed trustworthy and treated him well, he gradually felt at ease.

"Master, the three days are up. Today, we should visit the county governor."

Old Beggar nodded. His injuries had fully healed, and his strength had significantly increased.

Since the county governor was severely injured after their battle, he would not have recovered in just a few days.

In this case, it was better to take the initiative. There was no need to fear the county governor.

"Let's go. We'll visit openly and also spread the name of the Three Talismans Sect."

He and Lu An did not use flying techniques but instead, led a group of guards in a grand procession toward the county governor's residence.

Passersby were naturally drawn to the scene, following them to witness the event.

The spies of various major families were highly alert, and communication jade slips flickered constantly, with news spreading everywhere.

No one knew if the two would engage in another Nascent Soul battle like before.

However, even if they did fight, it would not take place within the city, so their safety was not a concern.

Soon, Lu An and his group arrived at the City Lord's Mansion.

The mansion's guards were fully armed, as if facing a major threat, clearly having received prior notice.

In contrast, the new guards recruited by Lu An were lacking in both momentum and strength.

Old Beggar, however, did not pay attention to this. His purpose for coming was to secure a spot in the Extreme Secret Realm and the status of the Three Talismans Sect, not to show off or fight.

Besides, even if there were a major battle, he would not regard these Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cannon fodder as a threat.

"Friend of the County Governor, the Three Talismans Sect is here to visit!"

The voice reverberated throughout the area, its volume not diminishing until everyone in Yongning County City could hear it clearly.

Confused cultivators in the city gathered on the streets, discussing the event.

"The Three Talismans Sect? What is that?"

"This voice is coming from the City Lord's Mansion and hasn't weakened at all. Only a Nascent Soul cultivator could achieve this. Could it be an elder of the Nascent Soul stage?"

"A new sect with a Nascent Soul cultivator overseeing it. Do we have a chance to join?"

…

Just as Old Beggar finished speaking, a response came from within the City Lord's Mansion.

A massive Kunpeng (mythical bird) illusion appeared in the sky, its wings covering the sun and casting dark clouds over Yongning County City, making the air heavy and suffocating.

Old Beggar chuckled and his aura suddenly erupted.

A gigantic yellow earth ape rose from the ground, growing to dozens of meters in height, confronting the Kunpeng illusion.

The sky behind the giant ape also turned to swirling yellow sand, forming a stark yellow-black line where the two met.

Everyone was greatly shocked; these two entities could easily crush them with a mere flick of their fingers.

This was the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator?

What they witnessed today was truly eye-opening and would make for lively future conversations.

At the same time, their understanding of the Three Talismans Sect grew.

A sect with a Nascent Soul cultivator in charge was indeed terrifying!

Just as everyone thought a major battle was about to ensue, the Kunpeng illusion suddenly dissipated.

A clear and cheerful voice then broke the standoff.

"Friend, your skills are impressive. Congratulations on your full recovery. Yongning County City now has an additional Nascent Soul cultivator. Truly a joyous occasion!"

Previously, this was merely a test. Despite the rumors, he needed to verify the truth personally.

Since Old Beggar's cultivation had recovered, he was now qualified to stand on equal footing with him.

Cultivators of his level wouldn't unnecessarily engage in a deathmatch with someone of the same realm.

Old Beggar withdrew his divine powers, and the sky cleared up immediately.

"Friend Governor, I admire how solidified your Kunpeng power has become."

"We are peers. Titles like 'Governor' don't matter. My surname is Meng, and my given name is Li. You can call me Meng Li."

"Very well. Greetings, Daoist Meng."

Old Beggar clasped his fists and, with Lu An in tow, followed Meng Li into the mansion.

The crowd, now deprived of excitement, did not disperse but gathered even more.

A meeting between two Nascent Soul cultivators and the emergence of the Three Talismans Sect were significant events.

As such, everyone wanted to witness the ongoing developments to avoid missing any thrilling parts.

Some even sat on the ground discussing how to join the Three Talismans Sect.

"I've seen the Three Talismans Sect near Guyang County during their recruitment."

"Oh? Friend, you had such an opportunity. Please elaborate."

Soon, a large group of rogue cultivators gathered around him.

…

City Lord's Mansion, Reception Hall.

Meng Li sat in the main seat, while Lu An and Old Beggar took seats to the side.

Several attractive maidservants served them spirit tea and then withdrew.

"May I ask how this friend is called? Are you from Yongning County?"

"I'm surnamed Yue and not from the vicinity. I came here because my disciple is in Guyang County."

Old Beggar took a sip of tea and spoke.

Meng Li glanced at Lu An, who was young yet at the early Foundation Establishment stage, and praised:

"Indeed, a talented disciple nurtured by a great master. I doubt there are many in the same realm who can compare."

Old Beggar chuckled but did not respond.

Lu An enjoyed the tea quietly.

As soon as the tea entered his stomach, he felt a warm flow in his dantian, and his spiritual energy seemed to increase slightly.

He marveled and couldn't help but say, "Excellent tea."

Meng Li was pleased with his reaction and said:

"You have a good eye. This tea is harvested from the center of the Earth Abyss, cured daily with fire from the earth. Only tea that remains fresh for forty-nine days can be considered."

"Drinking it daily has a modest effect on enhancing cultivation, though not much, it is better than nothing."

"If you like it, I can have someone prepare two packages for you to take later."

Grateful for the gesture, Lu An responded promptly:

"Thank you, Senior."

Meng Li waved his hand casually and then turned to Old Beggar, addressing the main topic.

"May I ask what brings you here today?"

Old Beggar did not answer directly but said:

"Not in a hurry. Please see who this person is."

He then cast a spell, and a glowing circle appeared in the air. A figure fell out from it and landed on the ground.

Meng Li focused on the figure and suddenly stood up.

"Nephew, how did you end up here?"