You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

Chen Yang took out a jade bottle from his bosom and poured out two pills the size of longan, emitting a rich medicinal fragrance and spiritual energy. One was pure white, and the other was pale green with golden patterns.

"This 'White Jade Muscle Regenerating Pill' has a miraculous effect on healing external injuries, and this 'Rejuvenating and Strengthening Pill' can quickly replenish magical power and stabilize the internal organs. Take them quickly."

Chen Yang handed the pill to Liu Yu.

Liu Yu took the pill, her fingertips touching its warm, smooth texture. She felt the pure and powerful medicinal energy contained within, and her eyes couldn't help but reveal a deep sense of surprise.

She was skilled in general affairs and knowledgeable about elixirs. She could tell at a glance that these two elixirs were no ordinary items. The exquisite craftsmanship, the precious medicinal materials, and the purity of the spiritual energy they contained were probably even better than the top-grade elixirs in the Qingwei Sect's current collection!

She looked up at Chen Yang with a complicated expression, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty and inquiry.

"Sect Leader, these pills... if I'm not mistaken, both the 'White Jade Muscle Regeneration Pill' and the 'Rejuvenation and Vitality Strengthening Pill' are top-grade spiritual pills recorded in ancient books, with effects that are said to be heaven-defying. It is rumored that the method of refining them has long been lost, and the main ingredients required are extremely rare. How... did you obtain them?"

Her words carried concern, but also a hint of scrutiny that was barely perceptible.

Such a precious elixir, yet the sect leader casually took it out and gave it to her to heal her injuries. This trust touched her, but its origin also made her suspicious, especially in these turbulent times, where any unusual occurrence could have far-reaching implications.

Chen Yang remained calm, as if he had anticipated Liu Yu's question. After a moment's thought, he spoke.

"No need to worry."

"This elixir was something I obtained by chance when exploring an ancient immortal site years ago, and I've kept it until now. I originally intended to use it in a critical moment, but today the situation is urgent, and your injuries are quite severe, so it's just what I need."

His statement was half true and half false. The pills came from Li Rou, but it was clearly not the right time to reveal Li Rou's existence and the secrets of the Azure Immortal Ruins to Liu Yu.

Using "obtained from a celestial site" as an explanation avoids exposing Li Rou and also fits the background of the extraordinary encounters that he might have as the leader of the Qingwei Sect, making it relatively reasonable.

Upon hearing this, Liu Yu's doubts lessened slightly, but looking at the two shimmering pills in her palm, she still felt they were too precious and hesitated.

"I see... However, this pill is far too precious. Using it on me would be a terrible waste. My injuries can heal in a few days. It would be better if you, Sect Leader, kept it for someone who needs it more..."

Elder Liu.

Chen Yang interrupted her, his tone gentle yet unquestionable.

"No matter how precious the pills are, they are only for emergency treatment and healing. You are a pillar of our Qingwei Sect, and you were injured in the line of duty today. What are two mere pills? Don't refuse them. Take them quickly and recover as soon as possible. Besides... I still have some of these pills in reserve. You can use them without worry."

Chen Yang's last sentence, "There are still some reserves," was spoken calmly, yet it conveyed a reassuring sense of confidence.

Looking into his sincere and determined gaze, Liu Yu's last trace of hesitation vanished.

She understood that this was not the time to be sentimental; the best way to repay the sect leader and the sect was to quickly restore their fighting strength and cope with the upcoming changes.

"Thank you so much, Sect Leader! Your subordinate is deeply grateful!"

Liu Yu said no more, solemnly bowed to Chen Yang, and then put the two pills into her mouth without hesitation.

The elixir melted upon entering the mouth, transforming into two distinct yet equally pure and gentle warm currents that rapidly flowed into the limbs and bones.

A cool and soothing sensation flowed over the wounds on her body. Liu Yu could clearly feel a tingling and itchy sensation coming from the torn flesh and the wounds. The flesh and blood moved and healed at a speed visible to the naked eye, scabs formed and fell off, and in a moment it was completely restored, without even leaving a scar.

Another warm and powerful current surged into the meridians and dantian, nourishing the nearly depleted source of magical power and soothing the trembling internal organs.

In just over ten minutes, Liu Yu's pale complexion returned to its rosy hue, and her aura became full and harmonious again, even seemingly more refined and concentrated than before she was injured. The hidden injuries and pains left by the previous fierce battle were also swept away.

She opened her eyes, a flash of brilliance in them. Feeling the abundant power within her body and her unharmed state, she was even more amazed by the miraculous effects of the two pills.

She stood up and bowed to Chen Yang again.

"Thank you for the elixir, Sect Leader. I am now perfectly fine."

"You'll recover soon."

Chen Yang nodded and looked around at the messy valley.

"We should leave as soon as possible; this is not a safe place to stay."

Liu Yu also composed herself and asked.

"Sect Leader, the black-clad men who ambushed us just now were incredibly strong and coordinated perfectly, far superior to the scattered rabble we encountered before."

Are they the assassins raised by the 'Heavenly Dao Alliance'? Or are they elite troops dispatched by the 'Heavenly Dao Alliance' in cooperation with the 'Dark Star'?

Chen Yang's gaze turned slightly cold.

"pretty close.

Even if it is not directly under the 'Heavenly Alliance', it must be a force driven by it or closely cooperating with it.

Their objective was clear: to intercept and kill us, and prevent us from reaching the Special Administration Bureau.

This indicates that our information regarding our possession of evidence against the 'Heavenly Alliance' and our intention to collaborate with the Special Administration Bureau has likely been leaked, or at least the other side has become highly alert and taken targeted measures.

Liu Yu's expression turned solemn.

"It seems the situation is more urgent than we anticipated. The power and speed of the 'Heavenly Alliance' are beyond our imagination. Sect Leader, should we immediately head to the Special Administration Bureau, submit the evidence, and urge Minister Jianghe to take action as soon as possible? We, the Qingwei Sect, are probably not capable of confronting such a deeply entrenched behemoth on our own."

Chen Yang shook his head, his gaze lingering on the direction of Yanjing, then turning to look at the location of the Qingwei Sect, and said in a deep voice.

"Joint special management of the situation is imperative, but the plan needs to be adjusted slightly."

Elder Liu, you must return to the sect immediately.

"I'll go back?"

Liu Yu was taken aback, then said urgently.

"Sect Leader, are you going to the Special Administration Bureau alone? That's too dangerous! Since they can set up an ambush here, there's no guarantee that there won't be more ambushes along the way to Yanjing or even near the Special Administration Bureau! Besides, negotiating with the Special Administration Bureau involves many details and strategic maneuvering, so having another person means having more protection!"

Chen Yang raised his hand to stop her from speaking and calmly analyzed the situation.

"Because they expect us to head straight for the Special Administration Bureau, the area along the way will be heavily fortified. My solo operation makes me a smaller, more agile target, allowing me to either fly away or hide, making it easier for me to break through the blockade."

There are a few reasons why I want you to go back.

First, your safety.

The other side's main target is me. If you return alone, taking them by surprise, the risk of being intercepted is relatively low.

Secondly, and more importantly, the sect needs someone to oversee and remind them. We destroyed their stronghold, killed their people, and seized their evidence; the 'Heavenly Alliance' will surely launch a furious counterattack. With Senior Gu and Uncle Li at the Mountain God Temple, there's no need to worry for now.

However, our Qingwei Sect's main branch, especially those new projects currently underway—the new mountain-protecting array nodes, the weapon-refining workshop, and the spiritual herb cultivation base—these are the foundation of our future. Once the enemy finds out, they will certainly not sit idly by and watch us complete them smoothly; they will definitely try every means to sabotage and obstruct them!"

He paused, then emphasized his words.

"You must go back immediately and inform Elder Huang and Elder Li of the news that the 'Heavenly Alliance' may launch an attack. Tell them to raise the alert level immediately, especially the protection of projects under construction. Make sure to be relaxed on the outside but tight on the inside to ensure that nothing goes wrong!"
At the same time, internal investigations must be intensified covertly to uncover any potential informants, otherwise we will never have peace!

As Liu Yu listened to Chen Yang's clear and logical analysis, especially his mention of the potential threats to the new project, her heart tightened.

Those projects have consumed a great deal of resources and effort from the sect and are key to whether Qingwei Sect can seize the initiative and truly rise in the wave of spiritual energy revival. They must not be lost.

"But Sect Leader, you're all alone..."

Liu Yu was still worried.

Chen Yang smiled and patted his waist.

"Don't worry, I have my own ways to protect myself and deal with things. You saw the battle just now."

Moreover, I've had several dealings with Minister Jianghe and know his character and stance; a one-on-one meeting might be more efficient. Your return to stabilize the rear is the greatest support you can give me.”

Looking at Chen Yang's calm and confident gaze, Liu Yu knew that he had made up his mind and that his arrangements were indeed reasonable.

She bit her lower lip, but finally nodded emphatically.

"Understood, Sect Leader! Please be careful!"
If anything changes or you require support, please be sure to send a message promptly!

“I will. Be careful on your journey, keep your tracks hidden, and head straight back to the mountain.”

Chen Yang gave instructions.

After a brief exchange about the details of the sect's defense, Liu Yu stopped hesitating, bowed deeply to Chen Yang, and then transformed into a faint blue light, skimming along the mountain ridge and forest, quickly disappearing into the vast mountains.

Watching Liu Yu leave, until her presence completely disappeared from his perception range, Chen Yang's relaxed expression slowly faded, replaced by a solemn look.

He carefully inspected the battlefield once more, confirming that he had left no trace that could reveal Li Rou's presence or his own special abilities. Then, he rose from the ground, transforming into a faint golden streak of light that was barely perceptible to the naked eye. He rushed into the clouds, determined his direction, and sped towards Yanjing at lightning speed.

To avoid being easily captured by potential surveillance methods, he did not fly in a straight line, but changed his altitude and direction from time to time, and even occasionally used escape techniques to briefly blend into the clouds.

About an hour later, the outline of the vast city of Yanjing began to appear faintly on the horizon.

Chen Yang did not fly directly into the city, but instead quietly landed in a remote mountain forest on the outskirts of the city.

He changed into a plain dark coat, adjusted his breathing slightly to make himself look more like an ordinary cultivator, and then used his movement technique to head towards the location of the Special Administration Bureau headquarters.

The headquarters of the Special Administration Bureau is not located in the bustling city center, but in a seemingly ordinary office park in the western suburbs. However, the perimeter is heavily guarded and the array formations are hidden, making it difficult for ordinary people to detect its special nature.

Chen Yang arrived at the park entrance with ease. The gatekeeper clearly recognized him as the Qingwei Sect leader who had once cooperated with his minister and made great contributions in the Northwest. Although surprised by his sudden visit, he did not stop him but immediately reported to his superiors through internal communication.

Chen Yang was quickly allowed to pass and, led by a staff member, arrived at the detached building where the Minister of Rivers' office was located.

Jiang He's office was spacious and bright, decorated in a simple yet modern style, yet dignified. Jiang He himself was sitting behind a large desk processing documents. When he saw Chen Yang enter, he put down his pen and put on his usual gentle, enigmatic smile.

"Sect Leader Chen? What a rare guest! What brings you here all of a sudden? Please have a seat."

Jiang He stood up to greet Chen Yang, gesturing for him to sit on the sofa in the reception area, and then gave instructions to the assistant who had followed him in.

"Xiao Liu, make Master Chen a cup of coffee, using the beans I brought back last time."

"Minister Jianghe, I apologize for disturbing you."

Chen Yang sat down on the sofa, his posture relaxed, but his eyes sharp.

"Not at all, I would be more than happy to welcome Sect Leader Chen."

Jiang He sat down opposite him. After his assistant brought him coffee, left, and closed the door, he picked up his teacup, blew on it gently, and asked casually.

"Sect Leader Chen, is there some important matter on your trip? Could it be... that there's been new progress in the Northwest? Or perhaps, what about the Mountain God Temple..."

Chen Yang didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.

"Minister Jianghe, please understand. My visit today is indeed related to those men in black who have been frequently launching attacks."

After some investigation, I have basically figured out where they came from and the organization behind them.

"Oh?"

Jiang He raised an eyebrow, put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and pretended to listen.

"I'd like to hear more details. In fact, our Special Administration Bureau has recently obtained some new leads regarding these men in black."

Chen Yang's heart stirred, but his face remained expressionless.

"It seems we've reached the same conclusion. According to my investigation, these men in black are not isolated; they belong to a secret organization called the 'Heavenly Alliance.'"

This "Heavenly Alliance" is not a single family or sect, but an alliance secretly formed by multiple forces within the country!

They cooperated deeply with the overseas "Dark Star" organization, each seeking their own gain, posing a significant threat.

He spoke while observing the river's reaction.

After listening, Jiang He didn't show much surprise on his face. Instead, he nodded and calmly replied.

"'Heavenly Alliance'... We've heard of this name before. According to the intelligence we currently have, this alliance does exist, and its members are diverse, encompassing some local families, small sects, and even some forces in the gray area."

They collude with foreign supernatural forces such as 'Dark Star,' utilizing technology and resources provided abroad to conduct various illegal activities within the country, seizing profits and undermining stability. Their shadow is behind most of the recent frequent attacks.

Chen Yang's eyes narrowed slightly.

Jiang He's response was too calm, and he even mentioned the name "Heavenly Alliance" on his own initiative, which meant that the Special Administration Bureau might have more information and earlier information than he had expected.

"It seems the Special Administration Bureau is indeed well-informed."

Chen Yang asked the question as he went along with it.

"I wonder if Minister Jianghe is aware that the 'Heavenly Dao Alliance' is so rampant, and whether there are deeper layers of support behind it? The cooperation between these domestic forces and 'Dark Star' alone probably wouldn't give them such confidence, and their actions wouldn't be so secretive and thorough." (End of Chapter)