High Martial Arts: Starting with a Martial Saint Peak Cultivation

The villa gate slowly opened.

Chen Yuan stood inside the door, followed by Chen Tianling and You Ying.

He glanced at Xiao Yuanshan outside the door and nodded slightly.

"Envoy Xiao, please come in."

Xiao Yuanshan was also sizing up Chen Yuan.

He wore a white robe, his face was unusually young, and his aura was as deep as an abyss.

Although both were at the mid-stage of Eternal True God, the other party gave him a feeling of unfathomable depth.

Xiao Yuanshan was secretly surprised.

He has lived for tens of thousands of years and has seen many powerful beings of the same level.

But the aura of Chen Yuan before him was far more profound than any mid-stage Eternal True God he had ever seen!

If the two were to fight, he would most likely be no match for him.

However, he wasn't without any trump cards.

His natal beast is also at the mid-stage of the Eternal True God realm.

If the tamed beasts join the battle... it won't be easy for the opponent to defeat him.

Xiao Yuanshan suppressed his shock and put on a polite smile.

"I apologize for my intrusion and for disturbing Fellow Daoist Chen's peace and quiet."

Chen Yuan turned to the side and gestured for them to proceed.

"You're too kind, Envoy Xiao. Please come in."

The group walked through the courtyard and arrived at the villa's reception room.

The reception room is decorated in a simple yet elegant style, with a full-length window facing the lake outside.

Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the entire room.

Chen Yuan and Xiao Yuanshan sat down on either side of the coffee table.

Chen Yi, who was acting as a servant, came over carrying a tea tray.

A set of exquisite tea utensils was placed on the tea tray, and wisps of white steam rose from the spout of the teapot.

As the aroma of tea spread, the entire reception room was filled with a refreshing and pleasant fragrance.

Xiao Yuanshan's nostrils twitched slightly as his gaze fell on the cup of tea.

The tea was emerald green, with a thin layer of mist floating on its surface.

"Excellent tea!"

He couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

The spiritual energy contained in the aroma of this tea was so delightful that even he, the eternal god, felt refreshed and invigorated.

Chen Yuan smiled.

It's naturally good tea; he stole it from the Jade Purity Continent.

"This tea is from my hometown. If you like it, I'll have someone pack some for you to take back with you later."

Xiao Yuanshan quickly waved his hand.

"No need for that. A gentleman does not take what others cherish."

He picked up the teacup and took a sip. The aroma of the tea spread between his lips and teeth, and a warm current flowed into his limbs and bones.

"It is indeed a rare and excellent tea."

The two chatted while drinking tea.

Xiao Yuanshan spoke with great tact and did not start asking questions right away.

He first praised the environment of Ziyun Star Garden, and then said that the Eastern Star Region had been very peaceful in recent years.

Then, the conversation shifted naturally, and the topic was brought up to Chen Yuan.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, you have such cultivation at such a young age, it is truly admirable."

"I have cultivated for tens of thousands of years and have seen many geniuses, but I have never met one as unfathomable as you, fellow Daoist."

Chen Yuan smiled but didn't reply.

He already guessed what the other person was going to say next.

This was the same tactic Zhou Qing used when he tried to win him over.

First, I'll praise you, then I'll extend an olive branch.

Xiao Yuanshan wasn't embarrassed that Chen Yuan didn't initiate a conversation.

He picked up the teacup again, took a sip, and then put the teacup down.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, I am here on the orders of His Highness the Prince of Zhen Dong."

Chen Yuan nodded slightly, indicating that she was listening.

Xiao Yuanshan said solemnly.

"His Highness heard that you have registered your household on Minglan Star, so he specially sent me to meet you."

"Fellow Daoist, you are so young yet you have the cultivation of a mid-stage Eternal True God, and you also have a rare mount like a Void Beast. You are truly a rare talent."

"Your Highness means that you wish to invite you to serve as the Honorary Garrison Commander of my Canglan Empire."

Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Honorary Garrison Commander?"

Xiao Yuanshan quickly explained.

"The Honorary Garrison Commander is a position that the Empire has created specifically for powerful individuals like you, Fellow Daoist."

"His rank is the same as that of a formal town envoy, and he enjoys the same treatment."

"An annual offering of one billion star coins, plus one hundred top-grade tenth-rank pills, ten true treasure-level pills, and top-grade beast-taming bloodline upgrade potions."

"However, it seems that your cultivation method is different from ours, Fellow Daoist Chen. You probably won't be able to use this. You can exchange it for other treasures of the same level."

"Furthermore, you can choose any cave in the Eastern Star Region as your cultivation place, and the Empire will cover all maintenance costs."

He paused, then added.

"If you make contributions in the future, it is not impossible for you to become a formal Territory Envoy."

"At that time, you will become the thirty-seventh official Territory Envoy of the Empire, and the benefits you enjoy will be even greater..."

After he finished speaking, he looked at Chen Yuan with anticipation.

These conditions are like a windfall for the average space wanderer.

Offerings, elixirs, and grottoes—everything is available.

Not to mention the power of a formal regional governor who wields a large army and guards a region.

However, Chen Yuan's expression remained unchanged after hearing this.

His current net worth includes over ten thousand top-grade spirit crystals.

There are over a million ninth-grade pills and over a hundred thousand tenth-grade pills.

There are several hundred True Treasure-grade pills, and ten Secret Treasure-grade pills...

The conditions offered by Xiao Yuanshan held no appeal for him.

Moreover, he joined the Canglan Empire to survive by signing in and getting stronger, just to temporarily transition into a new situation.

They're not here to work for someone else.

Chen Yuan put down his teacup and spoke in a calm tone.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. And thank you for making this special trip, Fellow Daoist Xiao."

"It's just that Mr. Chen is used to a life of leisure and doesn't like to be bound by official duties."

"We should find someone more capable to fill this honorary garrison post."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuanshan felt a slight sense of regret.

Despite such generous terms, the other party remained completely unmoved.

An ordinary space wanderer would have already gratefully agreed.

But on second thought, he realized that the other party's refusal was also reasonable.

Given Chen Yuan's strength and wealth, this amount of offering is indeed nothing.

Moreover, the fact that the other party chose to buy a villa in Ziyun Xingyuan clearly indicates that they want to live a quiet life.

He quickly offered another word of advice.

"Fellow Daoist, why don't you reconsider? We can discuss the terms further."

Chen Yuan waved his hand.

"No need to consider it anymore, Mr. Chen really has no intention of taking up an official position."

He refused decisively, without the slightest hesitation.

Seeing that the other party was determined, Xiao Yuanshan knew that it would be useless to persuade them any further.

He remembered the prince's instructions—if he couldn't win him over, he should settle for second best.

You should try to build a good relationship with the other party no matter what.

Xiao Yuanshan hesitated for a moment, then spoke again.

"Since you truly have no intention of taking an official position, I have another suggestion."

Chen Yuan glanced at him.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, please speak."

Xiao Yuanshan said solemnly.

"If you, fellow Daoist, wish to avoid the constraints of official positions, how about taking on the honorary title of Special Envoy?"

"The Honorary Envoy is one rank lower than the Honorary Garrison Commander, but has a much more relaxed and freer job."

"They do not need to participate in daily military affairs, nor do they need to follow general orders."

He paused, then explained in detail.

"Only when the empire faces a major crisis concerning its survival will it need the assistance of a special envoy."

"And this kind of situation might not happen even once in decades or even centuries."

"Normally, you can cultivate in peace without any disturbance."

"In terms of offerings, although it is not as good as the honorary garrison commander, it is still 500 million star coins, plus 50 top-grade tenth-level pills, and some beast-taming treasures that you don't need. They will all be replaced with treasures of equal value."

Chen Yuan's heart stirred slightly upon hearing this.

This honorary envoy title sounds quite fitting.

Although its rank is a bit low, the offerings are still acceptable.

The key is the high degree of freedom; you're not bound to the empire.

Moreover, he wasn't originally aiming for promotion and wealth in the Canglan Empire.

All he wants is a stable environment where he can peacefully log in and become stronger...

Chen Yuan quickly calculated in his mind.

The honorary envoy position is merely a nominal one, with little to do on a daily basis.

With this official status, things will be much easier to do within the Canglan Empire.

More importantly, since the other party is so eager to win him over, refusing twice in a row would be too embarrassing for them.

If the other party develops the idea of ​​"if I can't have it, I'll destroy it", then they'll have to run away again.

He had only settled down a few days ago and didn't want to move so soon.

Besides, the other party was very polite from beginning to end, so we should give them face.

Chen Yuan pondered for a moment and then nodded.

"Since it is Your Highness's kind offer, it would be inappropriate for me to refuse."

"I am willing to accept the position of Honorary Envoy."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuanshan's face immediately lit up with joy.

He had initially worried that Chen Yuan wouldn't even accept this nominal position.

To my surprise, the other party agreed.

Although it was just a nominal position, it was at least a first step.

As long as the other party is willing to join the empire, there will always be opportunities to win them over as the relationship deepens over time.

"Excellent! With this fellow Daoist joining us, our Eastern Star Region is truly like a tiger with wings!"

Xiao Yuanshan's eyes narrowed as he smiled.

Chen Yuan waved his hand.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, you flatter me. It's just a nominal position, nothing to worry about."

Xiao Yuanshan said solemnly.

"Even those holding nominal positions are members of the Empire. Fellow Daoist, you have such cultivation at such a young age. Given time, you will surely advance even further."

"If you wish to become a formal Territory Envoy at that time, I will personally recommend you to the Prince."

He meant it sincerely.

In his view, a strong person like Chen Yuan would eventually show his talent.

It's never a bad thing to establish good karma in advance.

Chen Yuan smiled but didn't respond to that question.

Xiao Yuanshan said no more and took out a purple token from his spatial ring.

The token was about the size of a palm and was made entirely of an unknown crystal.

The front is engraved with the national emblem of the Canglan Empire—a giant golden eagle with outstretched wings.

The back is engraved with the four characters "Honorary Envoy", and there is also an anti-counterfeiting pattern at the bottom.

The spirit patterns shimmered faintly under the light, and one could vaguely sense the energy fluctuations contained within them.

Xiao Yuanshan handed the token to Chen Yuan with both hands.

"Special Envoy Chen, this token is your proof of identity as an honorary special envoy."

"By holding this token, one shall enjoy the following rights within the Empire."

"First, there are 500 million star coins, plus 50 top-grade tenth-tier pills. As for other items, we will replace them with star coins of equal value later."

"Secondly, they can enjoy VIP treatment on any administrative planet within the Empire."

"Third, in case of emergency, you can request support from the local garrison, which will fully cooperate."

Fourth, customers can enjoy internal discounts when purchasing real estate, shops, etc. within the empire.

Fifth, no separate permit is required when entering or leaving the Empire's major starports and military facilities.

He paused, then added.

"As for obligations, I have already stated them."

"Unless the empire faces a major crisis concerning its survival, there is no need for special envoys to be sent on missions."

"No one will ever disturb your peace and quiet, fellow Daoist."

Chen Yuan took the token; it felt slightly cool to the touch.

The token indeed contained a special spiritual rune restriction that outsiders could not replicate.

He nodded in satisfaction.

"Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Xiao."

Xiao Yuanshan quickly waved his hand.

"No, no, it's my duty."

He then took out his communication bracelet.

"Special Envoy Chen, I will report your appointment to the Prince immediately."

"The official appointment letter will be issued soon and sent directly to your wristband."

Chen Yuan nodded.

Xiao Yuanshan quickly operated the bracelet and sent out the message that Chen Yuan had accepted the appointment as honorary envoy.

The recipient was Cao Yan, the chief steward of the Prince of Zhendong's Mansion.

After doing all this, Xiao Yuanshan stood up.

"Special Envoy Chen, now that the official business is finished, I won't bother you any longer."

Chen Yuan also stood up.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, please take care. We'll have tea again another time."

Xiao Yuanshan nodded with a smile.

"Of course, of course, Special Envoy Chen, I haven't had enough of this tea yet."

Chen Yuan escorted Xiao Yuanshan to the villa entrance.

Before leaving, he took out a small packet of tea from his storage space.

"This packet of tea is from my hometown, Fellow Daoist Xiao, please take it."

Xiao Yuanshan wanted to say no, but seeing Chen Yuan's sincere eyes, he accepted it anyway.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony. Thank you, Special Envoy Chen."

He carefully put away the tea leaves and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Chen Yuan.

"Until we meet again, Special Envoy Chen."

Chen Yuan returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute.

Until we meet again.

Xiao Yuanshan turned around, boarded the spaceship, and slowly ascended into the sky and left.

Chen Yuan stood at the villa entrance, watching the spaceship disappear into the clouds.

A shadowy figure peeked out from the reception room.

"Boss, is that all?"

Chen Yuan turned and walked back to the villa.

"It's settled. Honorary envoy, a nominal position, won't affect our ability to continue hiding."

The shadow flicked its tail.

"That's good. I thought we were going to have to move again."

Chen Tianling walked out of the cultivation room; he had heard the entire conversation.

"Boss, this Xiao Yuanshan is quite polite. He didn't bully anyone from beginning to end."

Chen Yuan nodded.

"Indeed, they are far superior to those people from the Yunlan Star Region."

"The Canglan Empire's attitude is indeed quite good; at least for now, there seems to be no malice on their part."

He sat down on the sofa and examined the purple token in his hand again.

The token is made of a special material; it feels warm and smooth like jade.

The anti-counterfeiting rune on the back is incredibly detailed, clearly the work of a master craftsman.

"Honorary Envoy, a nominal position."

"The offerings may be small, but it's never too bad to accept something for free."

Chen Yuan put the token away and leaned back on the sofa.

"Most importantly, with this official status, it will be much easier to move around within the Canglan Empire in the future."

Chen nodded.

"The boss is right. At least we don't have to worry about being treated as an enemy anymore."

Shadow added from the side.

"Moreover, there are annual offerings, and those star coins can be exchanged for some spirit crystals, although it's not as good as what we robbed on the Jade Purity Continent."

Chen Yuan smiled.

Even a mosquito's leg is still meat; little by little, it adds up.

He stood up and stretched.

"From now on, I'll just stay here and wait for the system to check in."

"With those three major formations in place, there's no need to worry about safety for the time being."

Chen Tianling also stood up.

"Boss, I'm going to the cultivation room to continue refining the pills."

Chen Yuan nodded.

The shadowy creature then ran to the beast-taming arena and continued to roll around.

Chen Yi tidied up the tea set and retreated to a side hall to continue his vigilance.

Chen Yuan walked to the French windows and looked out at the emerald green lake.

The blue sky and white clouds are reflected on the lake, and occasionally a few water birds fly by.

Everything was quiet and peaceful.

Xiao Yuanshan's attitude was indeed very good; he was polite from beginning to end.

It seems that the higher-ups of the Canglan Empire have no ill intentions towards him.

But that's not surprising.

One mid-stage Eternal True God, plus two late-stage True Gods and ten mid-stage True Gods as guards.

This force would not be easily offended by any other power.

Not to mention that he also demonstrated a Dao-level mastery of formations.

Chen Yuan saw the shocked expression on Xiao Yuanshan's face when he saw the three-fold formation outside the door.

This kind of deterrence is more effective than any harsh words.

He snapped out of his thoughts and sat down on the sofa.

Next, we'll just wait for the system to check in and see what good stuff we can get.

As for the Canglan Empire, it's just a nominal position, so dealing with it won't be too troublesome.