Staying Alive Cautiously in the Celestial Realm and Becoming the Strongest

Wang Chen's understanding of the Cangqing Domain was primarily based on the memories of Ling Zhiyuan.

But since Ling Zhiyuan came from a noble clan and was overly protected by his father, he lived a secluded life within the estate and knew very little about the outside world, including the court and the Martial World.

Thus, he was unaware that joining the Blood Cloak Guard was not an easy feat!

Like most violent organizations, the Blood Cloak Guard needed to constantly recruit new blood to maintain their power structure.

However, due to the Blood Cloak Guard's unique nature, they had strict requirements for their recruits.

Firstly, candidates must come from a reputable family and cannot be of too lowly a birth, at least from a humble scholarly background. Commoners and low-castes, unless they possessed extraordinary talent, should not even dream of entering this system.

As for those with unknown origins, no matter how talented, they were not welcome.

In this regard, Ling Zhiyuan met the criteria perfectly. Though the Ling Family of Anyang in Jingnan was not among the rich families, they were still considered a local noble clan. His identity was crystal clear and could be verified at any time.

Secondly, those with mediocre abilities and weak character stood no chance of becoming a member of the Blood Cloak Guard.

The Blood Cloak Guard were entrusted with great responsibilities; often their enemies were the most heinous and ruthless. Without sufficient strength and an unwavering will, how could they accomplish their tasks?

Earlier, Zhang Weiran had provided guidance to Wang Chen and even gave him a valuable recommendation token, not because he had high hopes for Wang Chen, but because he had some unfinished business with Ling Hongyun and sought to resolve it through this gesture.

As to whether Wang Chen could seize the opportunity, Zhang Weiran definitely would not involve himself further—after all, he was merely a Junior Flag.

But Zhang Weiran could have never imagined that Wang Chen would encounter Wei Zhengxiong outside the Capital Guard Yamen!

Wei Zhengxiong was the superior of Zhang Weiran's superior. Although one level removed, this Head of the Hundred Households had a good impression of the latter. Learning of Wang Chen's purpose, he became interested in nurturing talent.

What Wang Chen didn't realize was that the appearance of his current body played a significant role in this!

It wasn't that Wei Zhengxiong had any particular predilection; rather, upon seeing Wang Chen, he felt that the latter could serve as the face of the Blood Cloak Guard, bringing prestige when presented to higher officials.

This inclination was extremely evident in Confucianism; among scholars, the handsome ones definitely won more favor from officials than their less attractive counterparts.

It was said that once, a scholar of exceptional talent had passed the imperial exams and then became the top scholar.

However, upon appearing in Jinluan Hall, the emperor thought the scholar's appearance too unsightly to hold the title of top scholar and thus, with an imperial brushstroke, annulled his status.

Unable to bear the humiliation, the scholar dashed his head against a pillar and died on the spot!

Even though this was merely a folk tale, it demonstrated the importance of appearance.

Wang Chen, or rather, Ling Zhiyuan, had an exceptionally high face value. Additionally, having advanced to the Third Order at a young age, Wei Zhengxiong took him directly to his own residence.

Such treatment was not even guaranteed for family members.

Of course, enlisting for the Blood Cloak Guard was a serious matter and even Wei Zhengxiong, being a Head of the Hundred Households, would not dare to vouch for a mediocrity entering the system.

That would be both harmful and unhelpful.

Therefore, he had to personally test whether Wang Chen's strength truly reached the Martial Master Tier!

The Blood Cloak Guard stood solemnly in the middle of the courtyard, his expression grave and imbued with an aura both profound and towering.

"I beg your forgiveness, elder..."

Wang Chen was clearly aware that this was a test from the other party, so he immediately clasped his fists in salute and said, "Please enlighten me, sir!"

No sooner had these words left his lips than he suddenly stepped forward, his body like a drawing bow and his right arm thrusting forward, as he launched a punch at Wei Zhengxiong.

With his punch, Wang Chen channeled the power of the Evil Wheel threefold. Though not unleashed to its utmost, the formidable force of his fist surged like the raging waves of a vast ocean, striking heavily against Wei Zhengxiong's chest.

"Good!"

Wei Zhengxiong's eyes immediately lit up.

As a Head of the Hundred Households of the Blood Cloak Guard, his strength was naturally formidable. He had reached the pinnacle of the Fourth Order Martial General three years prior.

The reason he had not broken through since was that Wei Zhengxiong felt his accumulation was still not sufficient, and forcing a Breaking Threshold would bring endless troubles.

Previously, Wei Zhengxiong had considered that Wang Chen, at such a young age, had reached the Third Order—a result of the Ling Family's all-out cultivation, pouring in a massive amount of resources.

This was actually quite normal, as Noble Clans often spared no cost or consequence in nurturing their direct descendants.

However, martial artists who were propped up by a large number of resources inevitably had unstable foundations, and usually fell short when compared to those of the same tier who relied on their own hard work to rise up.

But because Wang Chen was attractive enough, Wei Zhengxiong thought that as long as his performance was passable, he would personally vouch for his qualification as a Blood Cloak Guard.

Unexpectedly, Wang Chen gave him a very pleasant surprise.

Wang Chen's punch seemed simple, but it was powerful and full of momentum. It demonstrated that his boxing skill had truly reached the beginner level, something that could not be honed without at least a decade of hard work.

Given Wang Chen's age, one could only say his talent was astonishing!

Slap!

Wei Zhengxiong raised his palm to catch Wang Chen's fist.

The Head of the Hundred Households didn't move an inch while Wang Chen was forced to take a half step back, his complexion suddenly changing.

It was the rebounding force that had affected his Qi-Blood.

"Ah!"

A shout of surprise sounded, reaching the ears of both men simultaneously.

Under the gallery edge, a graceful figure quickly hid behind a pillar, then like a frightened rabbit, darted into a side room.

But even with her swift movement, how could she possibly escape the notice of Wei Zhengxiong and Wang Chen!

The one who had been spying on their sparring session was none other than Wei Zhengxiong's eldest daughter, Wei Cailian!

Wei Cailian was around the same age as Wang Chen, blooming into a tall and slender beauty that captivated the eye, and at the age when a young girl's heart first stirs with romance—having seen Wang Chen yesterday, she couldn't get him out of her mind.

Wei Zhengxiong couldn't help but give a muted laugh, retracting his hand as he said, "That's enough."

Wang Chen's punch had already proven his strength, and there was no need to continue the fight, especially with his own daughter peeking around the corner.

If it had been anyone else, the Head of the Hundred Households would have surely scolded them sharply and told his wife to discipline their child properly.

How could a lady from a Rich Family act so casually!

But in the case of Wang Chen...

Forget it!

The more Wei Zhengxiong looked at Wang Chen, the more pleased he became. With his hands behind his back, he said, "Zhiyuan, I am fully aware of what happened to your family. In principle, I should stand up for you and demand justice, but as a Head of the Hundred Households of the Blood Cloak Guard, I should not lightly intervene in local family affairs."

Wang Chen spoke gravely, " My lord, the vendetta of my father's murder is irreconcilable. I must avenge this feud myself to comfort my father's spirit in heaven!"

"Very good!"

In the look Wei Zhengxiong gave Wang Chen, there was an added trace of admiration.

In fact, with his status and power, it wouldn't be difficult for him to help Wang Chen reclaim the Ling Family.

But as they were neither related nor particularly close, Wei Zhengxiong did not feel that such intervention would be beneficial to Wang Chen's growth.

And the attitude Wang Chen had shown was exactly what he had hoped to see.

You may rely on mountains, mountains fall, waters flow, but only self-reliance is dependable!

Wei Zhengxiong hoped that Wang Chen would one day rely solely on his own strength to return to Anyang City and reclaim everything.

By then, he would truly be a real man!

"Don't worry. Although I can't help you, anyone who wants to mess with you will have to ask if I agree first!"

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Here is the first update.