Chapter 26

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Yan Xu stared at Yan Zhaoge, who smiled slightly and remained silent, no longer speaking.

The law enforcement elder looked at the two of them and sighed, "I have never known such a secret, nor is it recorded in the sect's documents."

"Perhaps you, Nephew Yan, have set a precedent. Regardless, your contribution should be recognized first."

"As for whether the Lingfeng Valley steward elder is aware, we must summon him and the relevant personnel for questioning before making a conclusion."

Yan Zhaoge smiled, "The secret of the jade essence should be kept within a certain scope for now. After all, this method of obtaining it is actually very easy."

"Besides Lingfeng Valley, the world is vast, and there are other places where cloud-patterned stones are produced. This thing is far from as precious as jade essence."

"Our sect certainly needs a large amount of jade essence, but ultimately, rarity is what makes things valuable. To gain the upper hand, we need to keep the information confidential."

"Extraction should also be gradual to avoid drawing attention. I believe the elders of our sect will have a comprehensive plan, so I won't comment further here."

The law enforcement elder said, "Of course."

He glanced at Yan Xu and slowly said, "This matter is significant, it's not just an issue for Dongtang, or even within the jurisdiction of Tiandongzhou. It needs to be decided by the sect."

Yan Xu's face darkened, and he nodded, "I agree."

Yan Zhaoge continued, "However, the current importance of Lingfeng Valley is not what it used to be. Before the sect makes a formal decision, stability is needed. Is it appropriate for a steward elder under investigation to still be in charge there?"

The law enforcement elder fell silent for a moment, while Yan Xu narrowed his eyes, a cold light flashing in them.

"Yan Zhaoge, is this something you should comment on?"

"You have indeed made a contribution regarding the cloud-patterned stones, but the appointment and dismissal of a steward elder is not something you can be involved in."

"Don't get too carried away!"

Yan Zhaoge said calmly, "Wen Ningzhi is your confidant, Elder Yan. You know him better than I do."

Yan Xu's eyes grew even colder. How could he not understand Yan Zhaoge's implication?

Your confidant might be colluding with the enemy, so what about you?

The law enforcement elder looked at Yan Zhaoge and sighed.

He truly has a character that doesn't back down, and he is indeed very domineering, even daring to stand up to a chief elder.

But this time, he came to question Yan Zhaoge without concrete evidence, just suspicion. Now, even though there is no solid proof that Wen Ningzhi knew about the secret of the cloud-patterned stones, how could he not investigate?

He knew that Yan Zhaoge was counterattacking, but who could guarantee that Wen Ningzhi was truly unaware?

Though ignorance is not a crime, just thinking about the massive amount of cloud-patterned stones that had been leaking out every year made the law enforcement elder feel very pained.

As for Wen Ningzhi reporting Yan Zhaoge, it was more likely due to factional struggles and personal grudges from the incident with Elder Cui.

The Emperor of Dongtang then said slowly, "Although Lingfeng Valley is in Dongtang territory, it is the private property of Guangcheng Mountain. I cannot say much, but I hope that when the jade essence is mined, some will be reserved for Dongtang. We will not let Guangcheng Mountain suffer financially, and everything will be done according to the rules."

"In recent years, the production of jade essence in the mountain and wind regions seems to have become tight and scarce. Dongtang is in dire need, so we hope for more support from Guangcheng Mountain."

Although he did not express it, the fact that Lingfeng Valley was on Dongtang territory made the Emperor's dissatisfaction with Wen Ningzhi evident without him having to say it.

Yan Xu closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and his face returned to calmness.

He opened his eyes again, his gaze now peaceful, and turned to look at Xu Chuan on the other side, "Although I believe Ningzhi is indeed unaware, since he is now under investigation and Lingfeng Valley needs to be quickly reorganized and calmed, he is indeed not suitable to continue as the steward elder of that place."

"Bringing someone from elsewhere to take over will take time to familiarize themselves with the situation. The matter of the cloud-patterned stones needs to be handled with caution and urgency. Xu Chuan, you are the steward of Linyuan City, closest to Lingfeng Valley, and have the most contact with it. You will temporarily take charge of Lingfeng Valley until the sect makes a formal decision."

"Taking on two roles is a heavy responsibility, so you must be vigilant."

Xu Chuan composed himself, the fawning and slick demeanor he showed when alone with Yan Zhaoge completely gone. He answered solemnly, "By the order of the sect, I will do my utmost and spare no effort."

Yan Xu glanced at Yan Zhaoge but said nothing, nodding to the law enforcement elder and the Emperor of Dongtang, "Old Monster Han is related to the Longyuan anomaly. This is a serious matter, so I will try to find him again."

After bidding farewell, Yan Xu did not say more, stood up, and walked out of the hall.

The Emperor of Dongtang also stood up and said to the law enforcement elder, "The Longyuan anomaly is a serious matter. The issue of jade essence can be discussed later. I will also go to Longyuan to take a look. Elder, please do as you see fit, and Dongtang will cooperate."

The law enforcement elder nodded, "I thank Your Majesty in advance. The Great Sun Holy Sect will not make things difficult for Your Majesty. Our sect will negotiate with them."

Yan Zhaoge also smiled, "Uncle, take your time. I will visit again later."

The Emperor of Dongtang's stern face showed a hint of a smile, and he lightly patted Yan Zhaoge's shoulder before walking out.

The law enforcement elder cleared his throat and looked at Yan Zhaoge, saying slowly, "Let's not talk about Wen Ningzhi for now."

"Nephew Yan, you led the disciples of Houjin to Longyuan for training, and one disciple's fate is unknown, even though it was not your fault. As the leading master, you bear some responsibility."

"You found a method to further enhance the internal crystal furnace, which is a contribution."

"Defeating the direct descendant genius of the Great Sun Holy Sect, Chao Yuanlong, and enhancing our sect's reputation, is also worthy of praise."

"Discovering the secret of the cloud-patterned stones is a great achievement."

"Merits do not offset faults, and faults do not offset merits. Our sect is clear about rewards and punishments. Your final rewards and some punishments will be formally announced soon. Some matters involve secrets, so your rewards will not be made public. I believe you understand."

This punishment is merely symbolic, part of the sect's regulations, which even the sect leader must follow, but it is trivial.

The rewards, however, are clearly much more substantial.

Yan Zhaoge naturally understood the reasoning and smiled, nodding, "I understand."

After leaving the hall, Yan Zhaoge saw the young disciples who had entered Longyuan with him gather around, "Brother Yan, how did it go? Is everything okay?"

Yan Zhaoge smiled, "There was never any problem. Once I explained everything to the elders, what could go wrong?"

"But some people will have problems."

That day, the steward elder of Lingfeng Valley, Wen Ningzhi, was temporarily relieved of his duties and summoned for questioning by the law enforcement elder of Dongzhou.

Not long after, the formal commendation for Yan Zhaoge was also implemented.

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