At the age of seven, he became a Mage; it’s absolutely no problem for him to become a Great Mage before the age of thirty.

Attaining the status of a Master,

is also highly likely!

"My lord."

During the casual conversation, Shangguan Duo spoke up:

"The Third Prince is about to ascend the throne, and yet Jinzhou Prefecture is in turmoil. The Prince will likely order the entire Prefecture City to suppress it."

"Just like..."

"the past encirclement and extermination of the Cyan Wolf Gang!"

"Jinzhou Prefecture has forces like the Beggar Gang and the Exclusion Sect. These factions are not something the Cyan Wolf Gang can compare to." Fang Zheng shook his head:

"We better not get involved in such excitement."

"My lord."

Shangguan Duo raised his head, showing a look of difficulty:

"The Commandery Princess might not agree."

The Fang Mansion has its own sources of intelligence, and this conscription is set. It’s said the Prince’s wording is much harsher than during the encirclement of the Cyan Wolf Gang.

Not going is not an option.

"When the time comes, I’ll ask the Commandery Princess. If it’s something that can be resolved with money, then let’s spend a bit more silver."

Fang Zheng lightly rubbed his forehead, sighed, and said:

"If it really doesn’t work, let Yang Meng lead a thousand men to go. Jinzhou Prefecture is in turmoil; self-preservation should come first."

"Yes!"

Yang Meng’s beautiful eyes lit up, and she cupped her hands and saluted:

"This subordinate will not fail the master!"

Although she is a woman, she is also a warrior. The martial arts she learned can only be truly tested on the battlefield.

Unfortunately,

her master does not have much ambition, leaving Yang Meng with fervent passion yet nowhere to unleash it.

"Even if we are to go, it will merely be for show, and unless absolutely necessary, do not use force."

Fang Zheng’s expression was solemn:

"This point, you must remember!"

"..." Yang Meng opened her mouth:

"Yes."

Though unwilling in her heart, she also knew she couldn’t leave Fang Zheng.

The army,

firstly requires money and food, which Fang Zheng has always controlled closely, and the private soldiers of the Fang Mansion only recognize Fang Zheng.

Though Yang Meng is the commander, she hasn’t captured people’s hearts.

Besides,

her identity is also problematic. If she were to leave Gu’an County, it’s feared enemies from the Imperial Court would come knocking right away.

"My lord."

Lu Zhi spoke in a muffled voice:

"Yuan Zhongdao has already taken eight hundred private soldiers of the Pan Family to the Prefecture City, saying he wants to seek a future."

"Before leaving, he had his son come to me, saying that in case of trouble, the Pan family could still preserve their bloodline."

"Eight hundred private soldiers?" Shangguan Duo raised an eyebrow:

"That’s essentially emptying out San’an County. The Pan Family’s gambling nature is strong. Have they forgotten the lesson from last time?"

Last time during the encirclement of the Cyan Wolf Gang, the Pan Family nearly faced extermination and only stabilized their family status with Yuan Zhongdao’s help.

Now,

they want to do it again?

Shangguan Duo repeatedly shook his head, expressing doubt.

"Oh!"

Fang Zheng stroked his chin.

Regarding Yuan Zhongdao, he bore no malice; after all, he was a child he raised by himself and has always been very honest.

However, in the eyes of others, Yuan Zhongdao betrayed Fang Zheng, and everyone in the Fang Mansion treats him like an enemy.

Only Lu Zhi still has some ties with him.

"This child."

Thinking for a moment, Fang Zheng slowly spoke:

"Since he came to Gu’an County, there’s no need to be so distant. Send that kid to Fang Mansion to keep Lu Xiang company."

"Yuan Shan’s brother is coming?" Fang Luxiang clapped her hands happily:

"Good, good!"

"Yes."

Lu Zhi assented, feeling even more relieved.

Yuan Zhongdao originally planned to place the child at Fang Mansion, but was embarrassed and temporarily arranged elsewhere by him.

Now it’s fine,

this trouble is finally off his hands.

"By the way, isn’t Yuan Zhongdao close to becoming Flawless?"

Fang Zheng opened his mouth:

"At his age and with that cultivation base, if it were twenty years earlier, he would certainly be famous in Zhaonan Prefecture."

Back then, when Linghu An moved the Ling Family to the Prefecture City, his cultivation base was nothing more than this, and he was already able to establish a foothold.

But now,

they say achieving Great Perfection, without connections, it’s hard for even a Flawless Martial Artist to stand out in the Prefecture City.

The situation has changed drastically!

"It’s still not bad nowadays." Shangguan Duo replied:

"Someone in the Prefecture City compiled a list of young talents, listing outstanding figures under thirty in Zhaonan Prefecture."

"Shangguan Dao is ranked ninth, known as the Flying Crane Sprightly Hand!"

"The Heavenly Talents List?" Fang Zheng became interested, placing Fang Luxiang, who was playing with his sleeve, on his lap, laughing:

"Tell me, who are on the list?"

"Ranked first is Qian Wentian of the Qian Family at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, just twenty-four, and already a Flawless Martial Artist." Shangguan Duo said:

"Ranked second is Fairy Luoxian of the Pure Yang Palace, ranked third is Mu Tianyi of the Commandery Princess’s Mansion."

"..."

"Ranked sixth is Linghu Changping of the Ling Family."

"Linghu Changping?" Fang Zheng lightly tapped the armrest:

"That couple actually occupies two spots in the top ten, sixth... Has Changping become Flawless?"

"Yes."

Shangguan Duo nodded:

"The list details many young experts in the Prefecture City, even recording the cultivation methods they practice."

"It’s said to be an idea from the Commandery Princess’s Mansion, so it holds high credibility."

"Is that so?"

Fang Zheng chuckled softly, neither affirming nor denying it.

Although these people are undoubtedly young talents, he knew a few others who are not lacking yet weren’t listed.

Those few people followed the Commandery Princess and are descendants of noble families.

The list didn’t include them.

"The Heavenly Talents List?"

Fang Zheng inquired:

"No rankings for long-established experts?"

"That doesn’t seem to be the case." Shangguan Duo shook his head, then flattered:

"If there were, my lord would certainly take the top spot, the first under the Martial Sect, deservedly so."

"Haha..." Fang Zheng laughed heartily:

"This kind of self-praise is only here among us. If outsiders heard it, they’d likely die of laughter."

"Not necessarily." Yang Meng interjected:

"Besides Princess Qingyuan, under the Martial Sect and Master, I can’t think of anyone stronger than the master."

Fang Zheng shook his head.

He had confidence in himself but also knew there were many hidden experts in the world and not to underestimate others.