I Can Strengthen Everything

If Baili Yanran chose this mission, she must be reasonably confident about it.

After all, if the target was too strong, it would be a suicide mission.

’All things considered, this should be worth it.’

Thinking of this, Fang Xing nodded lightly. "Alright, I’m in."

Baili Yanran had helped them with their assessment mission last time. This would be a good way to repay the favor.

"You really agree?" Baili Yanran looked at Fang Xing, a delighted look on her face.

Fang Xing nodded. "Of course."

"Do you want my help?" Shen Ye asked, looking at Baili Yanran.

Baili Yanran smiled. "That would be even better."

Shen Ye nodded slightly and said no more.

"After the birthday banquet ends, I’ll give you the files."

"We’ll probably set off tomorrow," Baili Yanran said.

Fang Xing nodded lightly. "Fine."

"Well now. I didn’t expect we’d meet again, friend." Just then, a voice suddenly spoke up.

The three of them turned to look in unison.

A young Daoist walked into the pavilion, Duster in hand.

’It’s him.’

Fang Xing was momentarily stunned as he looked at the young Daoist, but he quickly recognized him.

This was the very same young Daoist he had met on a previous mission.

Although he didn’t know the man’s name, he had left a deep impression on Fang Xing.

’A disciple of the Supreme Dao Sect... That title carries a lot of weight!’

Besides, the young Daoist’s own strength was formidable.

Even after breaking through to the True Qi Third Layer, Fang Xing couldn’t fully sense his aura.

It seemed a special Magical Treasure was concealing his Cultivation.

"Daoist Master, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to run into you here." Fang Xing quickly snapped out of it and greeted him with a smile.

"You two know each other?" Shen Ye asked from the side, surprised.

Fang Xing nodded slightly. "We’ve crossed paths once before."

The young Daoist looked toward Shen Ye and Baili Yanran, a friendly smile on his face. "This humble Daoist is Dao Yan, disciple of the Celestial Secret Daoist. Greetings to you both."

"What? You’re the Celestial Secret Daoist’s disciple?!" At these words, Shen Ye shot to his feet, staring at the young Daoist in utter disbelief.

Even Baili Yanran by his side wore a look of disbelief.

Seeing their reactions, Fang Xing was taken aback.

From their expressions, it wasn’t hard to guess that this Celestial Secret Daoist must be an incredibly formidable figure.

’A Daoist title like Celestial Secret... Not just anyone could bear a name like that!’

"I am." Dao Yan nodded lightly.

The two came to their senses, but still stared at the young Daoist before them, finding it hard to believe.

"Daoist Master, is the Celestial Secret Daoist here as well?" Baili Yanran asked Dao Yan.

Dao Yan nodded slightly. "My master was invited by Elder Duan. He should be speaking with him now."

!!!

’He really is someone special,’ Fang Xing thought, his heart skipping a beat.

To be treated with such respect by Commander Duan, a Celestial Level Martial Dao Giant...

This just went to show how extraordinary the Celestial Secret Daoist was.

"Daoist Master, please, have a seat," Shen Ye said with a beaming smile.

"My thanks." Dao Yan smiled slightly and took a seat.

"Friend, since fate has brought us together, may I be so bold as to ask your name?"

Dao Yan asked, looking at Fang Xing.

"I am Fang Xing, Vice Commander of the Observatory." Fang Xing didn’t put on any airs and stated his name and title.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Ye and Baili Yanran also introduced themselves, and acquaintances were made.

Fang Xing was a little surprised to see how enthusiastic Shen Ye and Baili Yanran were.

He didn’t say anything, though, just found it surprising.

The group chatted freely, the atmosphere harmonious. Fang Xing would chime in from time to time.

After chatting for a while, Dao Yan suddenly rose to his feet. Looking at the three of them, he said, "My apologies, but my master is summoning me. I must take my leave."

The three nodded.

Dao Yan then turned and left the pavilion.

As he watched Dao Yan’s retreating figure, Fang Xing finally turned his gaze to his two companions.

"Is this Celestial Secret Daoist really that amazing?" Fang Xing asked.

They both nodded.

"’Amazing’ doesn’t even begin to cover it. He’s a legendary figure for the ages, one who is said to be able to divine a thousand years into the future."

Shen Ye said with a sigh of admiration.

A legendary figure for the ages, able to divine a thousand years!

The light in Fang Xing’s eyes flickered as he listened to Shen Ye.

"The Celestial Secret Daoist’s Celestial Secret Dao is considered unparalleled in history. Every single one of his divinations has come true."

"On top of that, his personal strength is unmatched, and he even founded his own unique Celestial Secret Dao within the Supreme Dao Sect."

"The Holy Emperor himself once intended to appoint him as the Great Jing National Preceptor, but the Celestial Secret Daoist declined, stating that the Taoist Sect does not meddle in worldly affairs. Despite this, the Holy Emperor continues to treat him with the utmost courtesy."

Hearing Shen Ye’s explanation, Fang Xing was inwardly shaken.

’The Celestial Secret Inference Technique, peerless strength, the ability to refuse even the reigning Emperor Jing and still be treated with such respect... this man is truly incredible.’

"Fang Xing, you’re really in luck," Baili Yanran remarked with a sigh.

Fang Xing was confused.

He looked at Baili Yanran. "What do you mean by that?"

Baili Yanran smiled. "I can tell that Dao Yan has a good impression of you. If you become friends with him, your future could be extraordinary."

Fang Xing was speechless.

He was unconvinced by Baili Yanran’s words.

’Friends.’

’I’d rather be friends with you two.’

’The Celestial Secret Daoist might be extraordinary, and as his disciple, Dao Yan is surely remarkable too, but in my opinion, that’s all there is to it.’

’One’s own strength is the only true guarantee!’

’Even relationships require strength to be acknowledged.’

---

「Time passed, and soon it was noon.」

The birthday banquet officially began.

Fang Xing and his companions arrived in a spacious inner courtyard of the manor.

The place was teeming with masters.

And there, on the host’s seat, sat a man in a purple robe. He was none other than the Jiang Province Commander, Duan Tianya!