Mountain Patrol Military Officer

Chen Yuan's words were very clear.

If he were still just a mere Martial Vault practitioner, the Court would definitely resort to harsh measures, just like this time when they sent people to kill or imprison those involved.

But now, as he holds the rank of Dragon and Tiger, he's no longer fish on the chopping block, left for others to slaughter. Even if he killed the Patrol Angel and the Court is furious, they will have to weigh the pros and cons this time.

The ambitions of the world are all for profit.

He doesn't believe the Court is made up of fools; you can see from the Imperial Three Families' desire to divide the Shu territory that those people are all shrewd schemers. They might not necessarily fight him to the death.

But, of course, this matter won't end easily. Having openly killed the Court's Patrol Angel, there will inevitably be some trouble.

Therefore, he must prepare his contingencies early!

After Chen Yuan finished speaking, the eight people present understood the implications, wearing contemplative expressions. This incident would surely ignite a storm, and since they were involved, it equated to being in the same boat as Chen Yuan, naturally incapable of detaching themselves. That's why they came together to gauge Chen Yuan's intentions.

Yangshan nodded, stroked his beard, eyes flickering with obscure light, "General Chen, I roughly understand your intention, but I must say, this matter could very well be the fuse. In these unstable times, countless eyes will gather on the General, and some might push the tide, raising it to a level beyond your control."

This Mountain Man sees things more long-term; the Court's wrath can be postponed, but sometimes events spiral beyond personal control. It's foreseeable this matter will spread far and wide, falling into the eyes of those with intentions, who will fan the flames and escalate it, beyond one's own ability to manage, thereby causing even bigger troubles.

Just like at the close of a dynasty, someone trying to survive would shout a slogan, rallying three or five men unwilling to perform corvée labor to rise in rebellion — they killed a foreman, thus garnering support from all sides, pushing this person to the forefront, with no choice but to persist. However, the original intent was simply to fight for a meal to eat.

Once branded a "rebel," that name becomes a murderous knife!

Others hearing the words of this Enlightenment Mountain Mountain Man showed varied expressions, glancing at each other, realizing that this possibility indeed existed.

Chen Yuan's eyes also flashed with a sharp light, his brows furrowed, leaning forward slightly, body inclined like a fierce tiger descending the mountain, enunciating plainly,

"Then it depends on how it's played!"

As he said this, the temperature in the hall suddenly dropped, all eight Martial Vault practitioners feeling a chill, raising goosebumps all over.

However, this oppressive aura quickly dissipated, as Chen Yuan shifted his tone, relaxing his brows,

"But I do owe Yangshan a thank you for the reminder, I'll prepare in advance."

"With internal and external troubles looming, the Ninth Mountain must prepare rigorously, increasing chips for our forces."

"Moreover,"

At this point, he paused, his gaze sweeping across those present, his tone growing a bit more serious, "All of you hold noble virtues, aiding me in the campaign through the Ten Thousand Mountains, without which Chen could not have reached today."

"Now, I possess another Dragon Tiger Secret Realm, intending to forge it into a Grotto Heaven, where you may later cultivate, possibly gaining some fortuitous insights."

These words served both as repayment to the Martial Vaults and as an intention to draw them closer. He knew some were compelled by circumstances, like the three Grand Protectors, while others held great righteousness, like Enlightenment Mountain and the two Sword Sect leaders, who stood with him. Once the matters concluded though, there's a chance they'd part ways.

Currently, the Ninth Mountain is solely carried by him, with the forces below inadequately matched, which naturally wouldn't do.

Therefore, he needs these Martial Vault practitioners to remain as aides, but empty promises are unappealing; some rewards are necessary.

There are no eternal friends in the world, only eternal interests, and though this saying might sting these righteous people, it's an unbreakable truth.

Fortunately, he held a chip — the Dragon Tiger Secret Realm aboard the Xuanwu Treasure Ship!

Now, equipped with the Yin Mountain Holy Tree and this item, it's apt to create a Grotto Heaven.

Firstly, this elevates the Ninth Mountain to the status of a Cave Heaven Blessed Land, secondly, the Dragon Tiger Secret Realm holds immense allure for Martial Vault practitioners because of the opportunities it offers.

Initially, Old Man Dong and the three Grand Protectors were very eager, yet due to the pollution within the Dragon Tiger Secret Realm, they could only sigh regrettably.

But now, with Chen Yuan holding a Dragon and Tiger position, cleansing those malevolent contaminations requires little effort!

Finishing these words, he looked over the crowd, observing the expressions of the eight Martial Vault practitioners.

Evidently, hearing about the Dragon Tiger Secret Realm, their expressions showed some change, their eyes revealing hints of interest and doubt.

The Nine Colonels actually had another Dragon Tiger Secret Realm?

Among the three Grand Protectors, Shaking Mountain Tiger Hu Yanqing immediately spoke to explain to the others, "General Chen indeed has another Dragon Tiger Secret Realm in his hands, acquired by chance. Back then, we entered, but it was polluted inside, making the three of us feel regretful. Now it seems General has already solved the issue within."

Chen Yuan was satisfied with Hu Yanqing's explanation, nodding with a smile, "That's right."

"I will soon handle this matter, establishing a Grotto Heaven, which could add leverage, and you could rejuvenate there, possibly gaining insights, which would be a fortunate event for Chen."

His words were indeed spoken sincerely.

"That's wonderful, I'd happily accept," Old Man Dong was the first to respond, cheerfully echoing the sentiment.

He vaguely grasped Chen Yuan's intentions but didn't expose them, quite readily supporting them. The first reason being he was already bound with Chen Yuan due to the Dragon Girl matter, having followed along and fought up this path; the second, of course, was because the Dragon Tiger Secret Realm was important to him, hence he wouldn't refuse. Being a Half-step Dragon and Tiger, just shy of the final step, how could he pass up such a good opportunity?