I Can Strengthen Everything

"I am honored by Lord Hong's favor. I owe my current position to his care. In the future, I will do my utmost to lead by example, assist you, my lord, and quell the chaos in Cang Province."

Fang Xing's expression was solemn.

Yuan Tiangang nodded. "Mm, you have spirit. Young people should be daring and bold. The future will belong to your generation."

Fang Xing cupped his fists. "My lord, may you live a long and prosperous life. You are the pillar that stabilizes Cang Province. I will be sure to follow your lead to slay demons, vanquish evil, and maintain order in Cang Province!"

'Although I don't know why Yuan Tiangang summoned me... still...'

'You can never go wrong with a bit of flattery!'

'He rarely resorted to such sycophancy, but that wasn't because he was incapable—it was just usually unnecessary. When the situation called for it, he knew he had to lay it on thick.'

'He was both my superior and a Celestial Martial Saint!'

'There was no shame in it.'

Hearing Fang Xing's words, Yuan Tiangang couldn't help but smile. "You certainly know how to talk. But my judgment of character is sharp, and I'm certain you will have a place in this world in the future. Who knows, perhaps even I, the Commander, will have to make way for you."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xing stood and bowed. "This subordinate would never dare be so presumptuous."

"Sit, sit. This is just a private conversation. Don't be so serious. Relax." Yuan Tiangang gestured with his hand.

Fang Xing: "..."

'Relax? I'd love to, but I'm not nearly powerful enough for that.'

He sat down primly and took a sip of tea to calm his nerves.

Yuan Tiangang looked at him and smiled faintly. "I see your Essence, Qi, and Spirit are full and vibrant. Could it be that your Divine Soul has improved?"

Hearing this seemingly casual question, Fang Xing's heart skipped a beat. He quickly composed himself and answered truthfully, "Replying to my lord, my Divine Soul has indeed improved. I was fortunate enough to form a Primordial Spirit."

Fang Xing didn't hide it, nor could he.

Before someone in the Celestial Human Realm, his Cultivation could be seen through with a single glance.

"Manifesting a Primordial Spirit... Not bad. You've essentially stepped into the Celestial realm ahead of time. Such talent is a rare sight in all of the Celestial South."

Yuan Tiangang sighed in admiration.

"The world is full of geniuses as numerous as fish in a river. I am merely one among them," Fang Xing said with a sincere expression.

'This kid... the more I look at him, the more I like him.'

Yuan Tiangang sighed internally.

Once again, he felt the urge to take Fang Xing as his disciple.

If he were to accept such a talent as his disciple and forge a karmic bond, the return would surely be immense!

But the thought of Hong Xuanji forced him to suppress the idea.

Yuan Tiangang knew very well just how terrifying his direct superior was.

An absolute pillar of the Great Jing, at the National Guardian Level!

With his power alone, he could make the Demon Alliance afraid to set foot in Great Jing.

Even in the Southern Border, the Demon Alliance could only operate from the shadows. Although they made moves, they never dared to act without restraint!

It was no exaggeration to say that he alone could guard the entire nation!

And he was the most powerful Director in countless years!

'What on earth is he trying to do...?' Watching the pensive Yuan Tiangang, Fang Xing was completely baffled.

He really couldn't guess Yuan Tiangang's intentions.

'He was completely in the dark!'

"My lord, you summoned me. Is there something you need this subordinate to do?" Fang Xing broke the silence.

Yuan Tiangang snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Fang Xing. "Don't overthink it. With the year's end approaching, I just called you in for a chat."

"..."

'Fine, I won't ask anymore. It's pointless anyway!'

Fang Xing accepted it calmly, his mind relaxing a little.

"In a few days, you should be heading to Jade Capital City with that girl, Miaojin, right?" Yuan Tiangang asked, looking at him.

Fang Xing nodded. "Yes. Lord Hong said he's taking me to Jade Capital, I suppose to let me see the world a bit."

"Heh, in that case, you'll need to be careful of a certain person. If you're not, I'm afraid trouble will find you."

Yuan Tiangang said with a smile, offering a piece of advice.

Fang Xing: "?"

Hearing Yuan Tiangang's words, Fang Xing was taken aback.

'Be careful of someone?'

'This is my first time going to Jade Capital. I don't have any enemies there, do I?'

'Could it be someone from a Martial Dao Upper Sect?'

'No, that can't be right. I'm a Vice Marshal now. Jade Capital is the heart of the Imperial City. Would someone from a Martial Dao Upper Sect dare to cause trouble there?'

'They wouldn't have the guts.'

'But for Yuan Tiangang to mention them, what kind of person must this be?'

Looking at Yuan Tiangang, Fang Xing was a bit dazed. "My lord, who is this person you're talking about?"

"This person is His Majesty's ninth son, the Ninth Prince, Zhao Taiji!"

Yuan Tiangang said.

"The Ninth Prince... Zhao Taiji??"

Hearing this, Fang Xing was even more bewildered.

'I'm a Vice Marshal. What do I have to do with some damn Prince??'

'But why does that name sound so familiar?'

"Zhao Taiji..."

"Zhao Taiji..."

'The one who's ninth on the Hidden Dragon List?'

After repeating the name to himself, something suddenly clicked for Fang Xing.

'If I'm not mistaken, the ninth person on the Hidden Dragon List is named Zhao Taiji.'

'Could this Zhao Taiji be the Ninth Prince Yuan Tiangang is talking about?'

"My lord, this person you mentioned... is he the one ranked ninth on the Hidden Dragon List?" Fang Xing asked, looking at Yuan Tiangang.

Yuan Tiangang nodded lightly. "Yes, that's him. Ninth on the Hidden Dragon List, and also the Holy Emperor's ninth son."

"I see..." Fang Xing fell into thought, his brow deeply furrowed.

'Be careful of the Ninth Prince...'

'But I don't have any connection to the Great Jing Royal Family, do I?'

'Wait, could it be related to Hong Miaojin?' Suddenly, a flash of insight struck him, and Fang Xing instantly understood.

'If it's not about me, it must be about Hong Miaojin.'

"My lord... is there more to this story?"

Fang Xing asked, looking at Yuan Tiangang.

Yuan Tiangang gave him a meaningful look. "You've guessed correctly. There is indeed more to it."

"The Ninth Prince once declared that in this life, he would marry no one but Hong Miaojin."

"He pursued that girl, Miaojin, with extreme passion. However, she never agreed and even rejected him quite sternly. The matter was once even brought before the Holy Emperor himself."