Starting with the creation of the Immortal Clan through the compilation of the family genealogy.

Chapter 141 The Prefectural Governor's Residence, Zhou Kangnian

Qingzhou Prefecture, the Prefectural Governor's Office.

In front of the government office, two stone lions with bronze rings in their mouths stand majestically and solemnly.

Eight guards clad in black iron armor and holding rune-inscribed halberds stood still as pine trees.

The iron-blooded aura of the military and the dragon-like energy bestowed upon them by the dynasty merged into one, forming an invisible pressure.

Ordinary passersby feel depressed and have difficulty breathing; even some rogue cultivators with some cultivation will feel their spiritual energy flow becomes obscured once they get within three zhang, and dare not linger.

Meng Xihong was dressed in a black long robe, and beside him was an old Taoist priest in a simple Taoist robe with sleepy eyes, who was none other than Yun Songzi.

The two walked slowly up the steps.

"Halt! Who dares to trespass into the governor's mansion?" The leading guard brandished his halberd, blocking the way. His voice was stern, and his cultivation level was clearly at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

Meng Xihong didn't stop walking; he merely glanced at him indifferently.

The captain of the guards instinctively straightened his back, attempting to resist the authority of the government with his own cultivation.

However, the moment that gaze met his, everything he was so proud of seemed as fragile as paper.

That was not simply the suppression of spiritual power, but a killing intent refined to its extreme through martial arts cultivation.

That was the unique aura he had cultivated step by step, from an ordinary constable to a master of internal energy, and then to the leader of a sect.

The captain of the guards felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were being watched by a lurking tiger, and even the circulation of his spiritual energy slowed down.

"Meng Xihong of the Tianyan Sect has come to pay his respects to Lord Zhou."

The sound wasn't loud, but it clearly reached inside the government office.

In the main hall of the governor's mansion, Zhou Kangnian, the governor of Qingzhou, was discussing with several advisors how to deal with the aftermath of the "Tianyan Sect Daoist Grand Ceremony" when he heard this name, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light.

"Quickly, please come in!" Zhou Kangnian waved away his advisors, put on a perfectly timed smile, and personally strode out to greet them.

His gaze swept over Meng Xihong, then fell on the seemingly ordinary old Taoist priest behind him, who instinctively made him feel a little uneasy.

He knew very well that this Master Meng was no longer the ignorant fool he once was.

Inside the main hall, guests and hosts took their seats, and maids served the finest "Azure Fairy Sprouts".

"Sect Leader Meng, it is an honor to have you here. I am so sorry for not welcoming you properly." Zhou Kangnian had a perfect smile on his face. He first glanced at Yun Songzi before turning to Meng Xihong.

"After our parting at Yunmeng Great Swamp, I knew that Sect Master Meng was no ordinary person. I just didn't expect that the people of Qinglan Sect would be so shameless."

He subtly revealed a hint of shame and sighed, "To my shame, the Qinglan Sect sent me an invitation that day, inviting me to 'attend the ceremony'..."
I thought it was just a normal sect discussion, but who would have thought they would be so shameless.

In full view of the public, when they failed to seize by force, they arbitrarily slaughtered ordinary people to establish their authority!
Although I tried to stop them with my words and attempted to restrain them with the "Immortal and Mortal Laws," my words carried little weight. In front of local tyrants like the Qinglan Sect, I only made myself a laughingstock.

"If it weren't for His Highness the Prince of Zhenbei's timely arrival and swift strike, I... would have failed the people of Qingzhou, and even more so, Sect Leader Meng!"

Then, Zhou Kangnian changed the subject, sighed, and said with a hint of helplessness and self-deprecation: "Sect Leader Meng may not know that in recent years, the court has been appeasing the people, which has led to the sects and families in Qingzhou becoming increasingly arrogant."

They regard our celestial officials' restraint as weakness, and the laws of the court as nothing.

This prefectural governor's office of mine, though seemingly imposing, is in their eyes nothing more than a larger county government office.

"A single hair can move the whole body. If I were to break ties with the Qinglan Sect over this matter, they could easily rally all the sects, large and small, in the prefecture to fight against them."

When war breaks out, it will be the millions of people of Qingzhou who suffer. This responsibility is one I cannot bear.

“However,” Zhou Kangnian’s eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light, “His Highness the Prince of Zhenbei’s thunderous attack in the Yunmeng Marsh was like a wake-up call!”

This blow not only woke up the Qinglan Sect, but also all the self-righteous 'local bullies' in Qingzhou.

Let them understand that the fate of this Great Li ultimately belongs to the Xiao family! Your Highness's move is more effective than my own ten years of decrees.

Meng Xihong picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and savored the refreshing aroma of the tea. He remained noncommittal, simply saying slowly, "Lord Zhou, you are too kind. I understand your difficulties."

However, I have come today not to reminisce, but solely for official business.

"Oh? What business is it that troubles Sect Leader Meng to make this trip in person?" Zhou Kangnian's heart skipped a beat, knowing that the real topic was coming.

"To eradicate the remnants of the evil cultivators led by the Blood God Cult." Meng Xihong put down his teacup and looked directly at him.

"This sect has poisoned the lives of countless people and committed heinous crimes. Since our Tianyan Sect is based in Qingzhou, it is our duty to rid the people of this scourge. However, this matter is of great importance and we may need the assistance of the prefecture government."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Kangnian not only did not show any sign of difficulty, but a barely perceptible glint appeared in his eyes.

He clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Sect Leader Meng is indeed a man of few words!"

"To be honest, I have long wanted to clean up the 'dust' of the Blood God Sect!"
"Unfortunately, I have no sword in my hand, only a diagram of a sharp blade, yet I cannot slay demons." Having said this, he summoned his trusted aide: "Go, fetch my copy of 'The Strange Tales of Qingzhou' from my study."

A moment later, a thick file was presented.

Zhou Kangnian personally unfolded it and laid it on the table in front of the two of them.

It wasn't some kind of local gazetteer, but a detailed map of Qingzhou, marked with dozens of red dots in vermilion.

"Sect Leader Meng and this Taoist priest, please take a look," Zhou Kangnian said, pointing to the map in a deep voice.

"I am deeply grateful for the Emperor's boundless grace, having been granted orthodox immortal techniques and blessed by the dynasty's fortune. Although I dare not say that my cultivation has reached its peak, it is by no means mediocre."

However, the cultivation of us celestial officials is closely related to the livelihood of the people under our jurisdiction and the fortune of the prefecture.

The Blood God Cult is deeply entrenched and has long been connected with many local forces in Qingzhou. Without a foolproof plan, once it takes action, it will be a raging inferno.

That would result in widespread suffering, turmoil in the prefecture, and damage to the region's fortunes. It would be of no benefit to my cultivation, and would be a great calamity for the people of Qingzhou. I dare not act rashly.”

This move surprised Meng Xihong.

He had thought he would have to use his words, but he didn't expect that this Prefect Zhou was a clever man who had already sharpened his knife and was just waiting for the right opportunity.

Meng Xihong smiled, looking at the powerful regional official before him who possessed both acting skills and strength, and slowly said, "It seems that I underestimated Lord Zhou."

Now that the painting for the master is ready, the prince has also delivered this 'sword'.

He slowly took out the complete black jade token from his bosom, no longer concealing it, and placed it directly on the map covered with vermilion dots.

The King of Zhenbei's Decree!

Zhou Kangnian stared at the token, his gaze hardening, and all expressions on his face vanished, replaced by solemnity and gravity.

He exhaled a long, slow breath, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

He showed neither elation nor flattery; he simply straightened his clothes, and solemnly bowed deeply to the royal decree and to Meng Xihong.

"Your Highness is wise!"

"Your humble servant obeys the decree!"

This bow was not out of fear, but because he had found his backbone; it was the long-awaited final move in a game of chess, the most crucial piece finally being played.

Meng Xihong nodded in satisfaction and stood up: "In that case, I will trouble Lord Zhou. My sect will soon send over a more detailed list to verify yours."

"At that time, I hope that your troops will arrive at their designated locations on time."

After saying that, he and Yun Songzi turned around and left calmly.

……

Once Meng Xihong and his companion had completely disappeared outside the government office, a trusted advisor emerged from behind the screen, a hint of worry on his face.

"My lord, are you really going to hand over the military power of Qingzhou Prefecture to the Tianyan Sect? This is tantamount to negotiating with a tiger for its skin. What if..."

Zhou Kangnian slowly sat back in his armchair, picked up the slightly cooled cup of tea, and took a small sip.
Only then did a genuine smile appear on his face, a smile that carried the confidence of someone in control and a hint of barely concealed excitement.

"To seek the skin of a tiger?"

“No.” Zhou Kangnian shook his head, his eyes gleaming.

"It's like using one tiger to devour another! Do you really think I've been just drawing maps for the past three years?"

"This is exactly the opportunity I've been waiting for! An 'ally' who has both strength and royal backing, and who can also bear the main risks for us."

The Prince of Zhenbei needs a sword to carry out his duties in the south, and I, this official, need a monumental achievement to reach the Emperor's ears.

As for Meng Xihong, he needed a legitimate stage to solidify the Tianyan Sect's position. We were simply getting what we needed.

He put down his teacup, his voice becoming deep and powerful: "Now, this knife is finally in my hands."
Tell me, how could I not answer?

"Send the order down to all counties and prefectures to prepare. This time, I will ensure that the skies over Qingzhou are completely clear!"

Upon hearing this, the staff member was shocked and suddenly realized what was happening. His eyes were filled with awe as he looked at Zhou Kangnian.

　There are two recommended content packages tonight, dear readers. Please remember to check out the author's notes in the next chapter.

(End of this chapter)