I have a martial arts panel.

Chapter 252 The Prince's Retainers

Seeing Xu Ning approaching with Cheng Zengtao, Duan Chaofeng and Zhang He also scrutinized him.

Although they did not know Xu Ning and Cheng Zengtao, they could sense that Cheng Zengtao, who was in the Origin Realm, was led by Xu Ning, who was in the Qi Refining Realm.

"I am Xu Ning, the sect leader of the Yanlu Sect. Greetings to both of you."

Xu Ning directly revealed his identity.

Now that the other party has discovered that this place is the territory of the Yanlu Sect, there is no need to hide it anymore.

"These two weren't even within my perception range. If I couldn't see them, it would be as if they didn't exist..."

The last time Xu Ning felt such a huge gap was when he was in the Void Realm, when he met Wan Ye, who was in the Dao Realm.

When Cheng Zengtao saw the two, he also realized that they were not ordinary people.

He had never met Duan Chaofeng before, so he did not know Duan Chaofeng's identity.

"I am Duan Chaofeng, the heir of Prince Ye."

Duan Chaofeng was equally straightforward, revealing his identity.

"Prince Ye?"

Xu Ning and Cheng Zengtao were immediately taken aback.

Although this person had a unique air about him, they never expected that he would be the heir of Prince Ye.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Xu Ning and Cheng Zengtao greeted each other.

Although Duan Chaofeng did not produce any identification, neither of them doubted his identity.

Xu Ning and Cheng Zengtao both knew that Duan Chaofeng had just arrived at the prefectural governor's mansion.

Moreover, his unique aura cannot be easily faked.

"The Yanlu Sect has been destroyed for a century, and its reconstruction is now extremely rare."

Duan Chaofeng said, "May we go in and have a look?"

"certainly."

Xu Ning said, "Please, Your Highness."

Duan Chaofeng didn't stand on ceremony and strode into the villa.

Xu Ning and Cheng Zengtao exchanged a glance and then followed suit.

"This Prince Ye has clearly paid attention to the Yanlu Sect... Given his status, the rise and fall of a small sect like the Yanlu Sect shouldn't even be of concern to him..."

Xu Ning followed behind Duan Chaofeng, pondering to himself.

Duan Chaofeng walked around the entire resort like a tourist.

As Duan Chaofeng turned the corner, only one thought occupied his mind.

The reconstruction of Yanlu Temple was extremely rudimentary.

As the heir of the Ye family, he had entered many major sects. In front of them, the Yanlu Sect was as insignificant as a shrimp.

However, although he felt that the current state of the Yanlu Sect was unremarkable, Duan Chaofeng still had some expectations for its future growth.

After a brief encounter, Duan Chaofeng had already realized that the current sect leader of the Yanlu Sect was no ordinary person.

He could sense that Xu Ning had the foundation of six attribute seeds, and had already absorbed four attribute true sources.

Furthermore, while passing through the backyard, he discovered that this Qi Refining Realm sect master actually possessed two demonic beasts with extremely high bloodline levels.

A Void Beast, a Blood Blue Wolf.

This is truly rare.

After touring the entire resort, Xu Ning led Duan Chaofeng into the reception room.

"You were the one who found my secret treasure a few days ago?"

Duan Chaofeng sat down in the seat of honor, with Zhang Tong standing beside him.

"Yes."

Although Xu Ning still hasn't figured out Duan Chaofeng's intentions, he's basically certain that the man has no ill intentions.

"You punished those two thieves and even recovered two precious treasures, which can be considered a meritorious service for me. Tell me, what reward do you want? I can give it to you."

Duan Chaofeng stared at Xu Ning with great interest.

Xu Ning frowned slightly.

Cheng Zengtao, who was standing to the side, felt a sudden jolt in his heart.

He was thinking that it would be great if Prince Duan Chaofeng could support the reconstruction of Yanlu Sect.

If that were the case, the Yanlu Sect would no longer need to conceal itself and could proceed with its construction in a grand manner, without having to worry about the Fengwu Pavilion and the Qingfeng Sect.

Although he had high hopes for it, Cheng Zengtao only thought about it.

"It is my honor to share the Crown Prince's burdens; what reward is there to speak of?"

Xu Ning couldn't figure out Duan Chaofeng's temperament either, so she gave a cautious answer.

Upon hearing this, Duan Chaofeng burst into laughter.

"I've never been one to owe favors to others."

Duan Chaofeng flipped his palm over, and two streams of air appeared between his hands.

One red and one blue, slowly spinning in his palm.

"The True Source of Water and Fire Attributes!"

Xu Ning instantly sensed the essence of those two streams of air.

Duan Chaofeng didn't give Xu Ning a chance to refuse, and waved his hand.

The two streams of true source energy, which Xu Ning could not resist at all, entered his body directly.

Swish!

Almost instantly, Xu Ning absorbed the two streams of true source energy and integrated them into the embryonic form of his inner core.

"This absorption rate..."

Xu Ning knew that the reason he was able to absorb these two elemental sources so quickly was because...

One reason is the unique form of these two elemental sources; another reason is Duan Chaofeng's assistance and catalysis.

Now that the true essence of the attributes has been gathered, Xu Ning can absorb energy at any time and advance to the third level of the Dao Realm, the Origin Return Realm.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Xu Ning clasped his hands in a fist salute and said.

"The Yanlu Sect was ambushed and destroyed by the Fengwu Pavilion and the Qingfeng Sect back then. When I heard about it, I felt extremely sorry. Now that I see the Yanlu Sect being rebuilt, I am quite gratified."

Duan Chaofeng's words took Xu Ning and Cheng Zengtao, who was standing next to him, by surprise.

Cheng Zengtao suddenly remembered a rumor that the heir of the Prince of Ye in Guqing Prefecture and the Princess of Nuo in Luzhi Prefecture had a grudge against each other.

The destruction of the Yanlu Sect was orchestrated by the Fengwu Pavilion and the Qingfeng Sect, and behind them stood Princess Molan, the daughter of the King of Nuo.

Cheng Zengtao's heart skipped a beat.

He suddenly realized that Duan Chaofeng's words just now did not seem to be said casually.

Duan Chaofeng seemed to be expressing support.

Xu Ning was also aware of this.

He had known Cheng Zengtao for a long time and was familiar with some things about Guqingzhou.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

Xu Ning responded prudently to Duan Chaofeng's attitude.

"Take this."

Duan Chaofeng stopped beating around the bush and directly tossed a token to Xu Ning.

Xu Ning took it and glanced at it from both sides.

"This is the Crown Prince's retainer's token."

At this moment, it was Zhang He, who was standing next to Duan Chaofeng, who spoke: "Once you accept this guest token, you will be considered one of the young master's people."

"Guest Order..."

Xu Ning was completely unprepared for Duan Chaofeng's sudden recruitment.

Xu Ning realized that he couldn't refuse this invitation to become a guest.

Duan Chaofeng clearly had no intention of consulting with him, and his actions were extremely domineering.

If she refused, it would be a direct slap in the face to the Crown Prince.

"By accepting this guest order, you are now considered half a member of the Prince's household."

Duan Chaofeng explained, "However, I don't require you to enter the Prince's Palace. You can continue to rebuild your Yanlu Sect outside. But if you encounter any danger or trouble, you can reveal your identity to protect yourself and your sect. You can also notify the Prince's Palace and ask me for help."

Duan Chaofeng's words clearly stated that he wanted to be Xu Ning's backer and support Xu Ning in rebuilding the Yanlu Sect.

Xu Ning knew that she had to make a statement.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Xu Ning's words can be seen as confirming his status as a retainer of the Crown Prince.

Xu Ning knew very well that with his current level, he was definitely far from becoming a retainer of the Crown Prince.

It was only because she had found the secret treasure for Duan Chaofeng and displayed her talent. Most importantly, Duan Chaofeng saw her rebuilding the Yanlu Sect as one of the means to fight against Princess Molan.

Taking all factors into account, I obtained this retainer's token.

Cheng Zengtao, standing to the side, was already experiencing a surge of emotions.

The reconstruction of Yanlu Sect will become much easier after receiving the support of Prince Ye.

Fengwu Pavilion and Qingfeng Sect certainly wouldn't dare to launch any more open or covert attacks against Yanlu Sect.

The Yanlu Sect can now openly and legitimately develop resources and recruit disciples without having to be so cautious.

Although Yanlu Sect may be a tool for Duan Chaofeng, it can bring real benefits.

"Your Yanlu Sect is too small now."

Duan Chaofeng offered a suggestion: "It would be best to expand the sect's territory first, instead of being confined to such a small place. Your original sect's old location is excellent. If you have the opportunity, remember to move back."

"Move it back..."

The original site of Yanlu Sect was located in the Chuiyun Mountains in the western part of Guqing Prefecture, a place rich in resources.

However, after the sect was disbanded, the territory was occupied by the Fengwu Pavilion and became an important sect stronghold.

Duan Chaofeng was clearly encouraging him to take that territory back from Fengwu Pavilion.

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness."

Xu Ning understood immediately.

Once I advance to the Origin Returning Realm, my combat strength will be comparable to that of the Core Formation Realm.

Furthermore, by leveraging his status as the heir apparent, he could certainly attempt to reclaim the sect's former territory.

Seeing that Xu Ning understood his meaning, Duan Chaofeng smiled faintly.

"Once you reclaim your sect's former territory, I will personally come to congratulate you."

Duan Chaofeng stood up: "There will be a big gift for you then."

"I'm gone."

Duan Chaofeng flung his hand away and strode off.

Zhang Tong followed closely behind.

"Congratulations to the Crown Prince."

Xu Ning and Cheng Zengtao personally saw Duan Chaofeng out the door.

"metropolitan!"

As Duan Chaofeng departed, Cheng Zengtao could no longer conceal his excitement: "The sect is about to rise!"

This turn of events was something Cheng Zengtao had never anticipated.

Although being used as a pawn was partly the reason, Cheng Zengtao also knew that Xu Ning was the key factor.

"Go and inform the three elders of this news."

Xu Ning remained remarkably calm: "The changes were sudden. Now that things have come to this, there's no need to hide anything. Didn't you want to expand your sect and recruit disciples? Go ahead and do it."

"Yes, Sect Master!"

Having received Xu Ning's confirmation, Cheng Zengtao hurriedly went to find Shao Xun and the other two, ready to share this good news as soon as possible.

Xu Ning stood still, pondering Duan Chaofeng's words before he left.

"Duan Chaofeng said he would come to congratulate us on reclaiming our sect's former territory..."

Xu Ning pondered, "This is clearly a test for me... Reclaiming the sect's former territory from Fengwu Pavilion proves my worth. His subsequent visit with gifts is an affirmation of my abilities."

"If I can't do it, then I'm of no value..."

Xu Ning could see it clearly as well.

"Very well, since that's the case, then let's hurry up and break through to the Origin Realm..."

Today, obtaining the last two elemental sources I needed from Duan Chaofeng saved me a lot of trouble.

(End of this chapter)