The news of Chen Ping'an breaking into the Inner Qi Realm and preparing for his transfer to Baishi City as Deputy Commander reached the higher echelons of the Mu Family at an extremely fast pace.
"Inner Qi Realm? Breaking through so quickly!?
"Just a few days ago, he was in the Qi Blood Realm, and now, in just a few days, he's in the Inner Qi Realm. How did he do it!?
"Does he not have a Bottleneck when breaking through!"
"Regarding his Aptitude, we might really need to re-evaluate it!"
"......"
The Mu Family's higher-ups no longer had any previous suspicions or uncertainties about Chen Ping'an's Aptitude. To enter the Inner Qi Realm shortly after reaching adulthood, such Aptitude was enough to be called a Genius!
"Only in his early twenties, and he's already in the Inner Qi Realm! He still has over nine years until he turns thirty!"
"Perhaps... Wanjun was right; he really does have a chance to make it onto the New Talent Rankings!"
"......"
The Mu Family's higher-ups all updated their perception of Chen Ping'an.
"Should we send someone to win him over!"
A Family elder cautiously suggested, looking as if he was slapping himself in the face.
"We can try. But let Wanjun go talk to him first! If it's suitable, the matter of a marriage alliance can be put back on the agenda. Gentlemen, what do you think?"
"Well said, I agree."
"Agree!"
"Agree!"
"......"
......
The Mu Family was very efficient and quickly approached Mu Wanjun, hoping she could represent the Family in formally winning him over and re-advancing the previous marriage alliance.
Mu Wanjun felt a bit disheartened by the Family's fickleness.
However, as it was her Family, Mu Wanjun ultimately went to see Chen Ping'an once and expressed the Mu Family's intention to win him over.
"Wanjun, I am still young now and temporarily have no intention of relying on a noble Family."
Chen Ping'an replied earnestly.
"Mm, I understand."
Mu Wanjun understood Chen Ping'an's choice very well. Combining his previous experiences with the Mu Family's reaction, if she were Chen Ping'an, she would probably also be disappointed in the Mu Family.
"If your thoughts change later, you can tell me."
After all, blood is thicker than water; for the sake of her Family, Mu Wanjun ultimately left him with that one sentence.
After Mu Wanjun relayed Chen Ping'an's response to the Family elders, their reactions varied.
Just as the Mu Family elders were discussing whether to increase their efforts and continue to win over Chen Ping'an, a major event occurred in the Mu Family.
As soon as this news broke, Wei River was shaken!
Mu Feiyu of the Mu Family successfully broke through, directly entering the Inner Qi Third Level, the Realm of Tianlin Descends Peak!
Given Mu Feiyu's age, entering the Realm of Tianlin Descends Peak meant he had a great chance of making it onto the New Talent Rankings.
Weishui County City might, after Liu Ziming, produce another Prodigy on the New Talent Rankings.
Mu Feiyu's Breakthrough allowed the Mu Family to sweep away its previous decline, and its influence subtly began to approach that of the Liu Family.
Canglong Prefecture, New Talent Rankings, updated once every three months.
There was less than two months until the release of the latest New Talent Rankings.
Whether Mu Feiyu could achieve sufficient combat achievements and notable deeds before the release of the new rankings was the Mu Family's most pressing concern.
The Mu Family's attention on Chen Ping'an quickly vanished, and the matter of winning him over was no longer mentioned.
Genius was common; though rare, it was not impossible for their Mu Family to expend great effort to win someone over. But a Prodigy like Mu Feiyu, who could make it onto the New Talent Rankings, was truly a rare find.
Furthermore, there was the blood relation.
The importance of the two was clear at a glance.
......
"Tianlin Descends Peak! Mu Feiyu broke through? This Mu Family is quite something."
Chen Ping'an rarely had such leisure, sitting on the second floor of a restaurant, leaning by the window and enjoying the street view.
He had basically completed the handover of the Nancheng Prison affairs. Since his transfer was confirmed, the Nancheng Suppression Office had sent a Deputy Supervisor from the Errand Office to take over his position. For that Deputy Supervisor, being promoted from a subordinate to the head of an institution was an extremely rare opportunity.
Therefore, he was dedicated and meticulous in assisting with Chen Ping'an's handover. Coupled with Chen Ping'an's future rank, he was extremely polite to him during the handover.
As his transfer was imminent, Chen Ping'an had also taken some time a few days ago to gather with some old friends.
Such as Shen Shikang, Tian Fuliang, and others.
From temporary Yamen Runner, to registered official Yamen Runner, to prospective Chief Constable, Chief Constable, then Squad Leader, Total Affairs Office Candidate, Deputy Commander...
Their shock at Chen Ping'an's rocket-like promotion speed was beyond description.
A Deputy Commander in his early twenties was simply unimaginable!
Who could have imagined that their former subordinate had become someone they needed to look up to!
"Lord Chen, if you ever find time to return to Weishui County City in the future, you must call upon me, Shen, and we shall have another good gathering!"
Shen Shikang spoke respectfully, raising his wine cup, his tone humble as he addressed Chen Ping'an.
Chen Ping'an did not put on airs, smiling as he returned the toast.
When it came to Tian Fuliang, Chen Ping'an also smiled and chatted a few words.
The once 'Lord Tian, Lord Tian' now felt honored beyond measure just to be called 'Fuliang.'
"Lord Chen, I wish you a smooth journey! And a prosperous official career!"
Tian Fuliang congratulated him respectfully, his brows filled with gentleness.
"Same to you, same to you! Hahahaha..."
Chen Ping'an said with a laugh.
Besides Shen Shikang and Tian Fuliang, Chen Ping'an also gathered with some of the core management of the Nancheng Prison. Individuals like Min Catch Head were extremely respectful to him, offering congratulations and flattery throughout the banquet.
People like them, who had mingled within the Zhenfu Division system, were all shrewd individuals. Although Chen Ping'an was transferred away from the Nancheng Prison, he was directly under the jurisdiction of the Weishui Town Pacification Bureau. He was going to serve as a high-ranking official in a small city.
Given Chen Ping'an's current age, holding such a position, his future prospects were simply unimaginable.
In due time, if Chen Ping'an were to take the position of Deputy Commander of the Outer Town Envoyship, they would not find it strange at all.
Since they had the good fortune to have served under such a prison head, how could they give up such an opportunity to leave an impression!
Perhaps... on a certain day in the future, this connection would become their leverage for promotion.
Chen Ping'an also made a special trip back to Nanquan Lane to meet Monkey Head Da Shan, Old Qin Tou, and others. Naturally, Chen Ping'an would take care of his old acquaintances.
For individuals like Monkey Head Da Shan, he had already pulled strings long ago to get them registered as official Yamen Runner, and they were currently both official Squad Leaders.
However, their martial Dao Aptitude was limited. Even with his help, they had luckily entered martial Dao cultivation, but their future achievements would be limited. Therefore, Chen Ping'an did not intend to take them with him to Baishi City.
Perhaps, staying here was the best arrangement for them!
Being registered as a Yamen Runner was enough to bring glory to their families.
Regarding the two of them, Chen Ping'an specifically asked Mu Wanjun to look after them. Mu Wanjun readily agreed to this.
Later, when the time was right, they would be transferred to the Nancheng Suppression Office and cultivated.
Besides asking Mu Wanjun to look after the two, Chen Ping'an also specially prepared a farewell gift for Qin Tou.
After evaluation by the Nancheng Suppression Office, Qin Tou was promoted to the position of Prospective Chief Constable!
This Prospective Chief Constable was not a substantive position; it was merely a nominal one. It might have the title but no actual power.
But for Qin Tou, it was just right. He was getting old and would soon retire. Retiring from the position of Prospective Chief Constable and retiring from the position of an ordinary official Yamen Runner, the treatment between the two was completely incomparable.
Moreover, with the connection of being a Prospective Chief Constable, it would likely bring Qin Tou more smoothness in his future days.
As an experienced Yamen Runner for many years, Qin Tou's martial Dao Realm and merits were already sufficient. Chen Ping'an merely played a role in facilitating this matter and did not expend too much effort.
However... sometimes, it's just that last little bit that makes a difference. With that little bit added, the subsequent fate and outcome will undergo a world-shattering change.