I Grind to Martial Saint

Han Yuan’s journey escorting Ling Yun’s casket to Jianghe Province City was uneventful. Everything went smoothly.

The world may be in chaos, but no one would dare provoke several hundred heavily armed and armored soldiers.

After more than half a month, they finally arrived at Jianghe Province City.

This was Han Yuan’s first time seeing Jianghe Province City.

In the distance, the city walls were majestic and ancient, rising from the plains like a natural chasm.

”Director Han, you’ve never been to Jianghe Province City before, have you?”

Song Guang asked with a smile, standing beside Han Yuan.

”Indeed, this is my first time.”

”Judging by the walls alone, this Jianghe Province City is far grander than any County Town.”

Han Yuan nodded lightly.

”It’s a shame about this last expedition... So many of our brothers won’t be coming back.”

Song Guang suddenly sighed, his tone tinged with sorrow.

Han Yuan didn’t know how to comfort him, so he simply remained silent.

The procession continued forward.

When they reached the city gate, they saw numerous officials lined up in two rows, having waited for quite some time.

A man in a red official’s robe stood at the very front. He had a refined appearance and a graying goatee.

”Director Han, the one standing at the front is the Inspector of Jianghe Province, Yang Wanli.”

Song Guang explained to Han Yuan.

Han Yuan nodded.

The two dismounted and walked toward Yang Wanli together.

”I am Han Yuan, Director of the Cangshui Celestial Observation Bureau.”

”Song Guang, Military Assistant General of the Jianghe Province Soldiers.”

”Greetings, Governor Yang.”

Han Yuan and Song Guang said, cupping their fists in salute.

”You have both worked hard.”

”Especially you, Director Han... Your contribution to exterminating the Wangling Sect and retaking Tongming County was indispensable.”

”Seeing you today, you truly are a young hero, full of vigor!”

Yang Wanli laughed heartily, his words filled with admiration for Han Yuan.

After all, the matter of the Wangling Sect had cost him months of sleep.

Now that Han Yuan had resolved it, Yang Wanli naturally held him in high regard.

”Governor Yang, you flatter me. The credit truly belongs to Director Zhao and General Ling.”

”Especially General Ling...”

Han Yuan said softly.

”Ling Yun’s death is a great loss... I have already submitted a report on his deeds to the Court overnight... A commendation should be issued soon.”

Yang Wanli’s expression turned solemn.

Then, he summoned several officials to personally carry Ling Yun’s casket into Jianghe Province City.

Inside the city, commoners had long been waiting to see Ling Yun off on his final journey.

Han Yuan walked at the back of the procession.

Ling Yun’s casket would first be placed in the Province Yamen.

In the past few days, Yang Wanli had already found a place with good feng shui and was just waiting for an auspicious day for the burial.

After everything was done, Han Yuan prepared to take his leave.

His destination, of course, was the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau.

The location of the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau wasn’t hard to find; one could locate it just by asking around.

Han Yuan weaved through the streets and alleys until he finally saw a magnificent and solemn complex of buildings.

On the stone archway at the very front, the single word ”Observatory” was written in large characters.

However, unlike the Cangshui Celestial Observation Bureau, there was no one standing guard here.

Han Yuan paid it no mind and stepped directly into the Observatory by himself.

He had barely stepped inside when a figure appeared before him.

”I am Zhou Qing. I have come to guide Director Han on the orders of Vice Director Jiang.”

The man, who had burn scars on his face, said with a cupped-fist salute.

Previously, Han Yuan’s reputation was only known within Cangshui County.

But now, after the battle at Tongming County Town, his fame had begun to spread throughout Jianghe Province.

Within the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau, he was known by all.

”Thank you for your trouble, brother.” Han Yuan returned the salute.

Zhou Qing said no more and began to lead the way for Han Yuan.

The buildings of the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau were mostly constructed from stone, giving them a simple and solemn appearance. The complex covered an area far larger than Han Yuan had imagined, resembling a massive, natural labyrinth.

Han Yuan finally understood why Jiang Henian had sent someone to receive him.

’If I’d had to find my own way, I’m afraid I would have wasted quite some time.’

After leading Han Yuan to a large hall, Zhou Qing took his leave.

When Han Yuan walked into the hall, a heroic figure was already waiting for him.

”Haha.”

”Han Yuan, this is our first time meeting, isn’t it?”

Jiang Henian said with great enthusiasm.

”It is indeed the first time.”

”Greetings, Vice Director Jiang.”

Han Yuan said with a cupped fist.

”None of that... In our Observatory, strength is what matters.”

”I can’t accept such a formal greeting from you.”

Jiang Henian said, waving his hand dismissively.

Hearing this, Han Yuan didn’t stand on ceremony.

He got straight to the point: ”Vice Director Jiang, do you know when the Spiritual Land will open?”

Jiang Henian smiled slightly. He invited Han Yuan to sit and poured him a cup of tea.

”The Spiritual Land will open in about ten days.”

”For now, you can stay here at the Observatory.”

”How does that sound?”

Han Yuan had no friends or family in Jianghe Province City and didn’t want to waste time finding lodging, so he replied softly, ”That was my intention.”

”Good... We have you to thank for what happened in Tongming County.”

”As per our original agreement, in addition to the right to enter the Spiritual Land, we will also reward you with thirty thousand Contribution Points.”

”What do you think?”

Jiang Henian said with a smile.

Han Yuan had indeed contributed a great deal this time. It wouldn’t be right to only grant him access to the Spiritual Land with no other reward.

”Then I’ll gladly accept.”

Han Yuan certainly wasn’t one to be overly polite. He picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

”Then it’s settled.”

”You can also take these ten days to explore the city.”

Jiang Henian said with a laugh.

But Han Yuan had no interest in that. He asked, ”Vice Director Jiang, can I use my Contribution Points at the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau?”

Jiang Henian nodded. ”Of course, you can.”

”You can exchange them for anything you want.”

”Besides, this is a Province-level Observatory, after all. We have far more to offer than the Cangshui Celestial Observation Bureau.”

Han Yuan smiled. ”That’s good to hear.”

After chatting for a while longer about the situation in Jianghe Province City, Han Yuan took his leave.

After all, with Zhao Mengtian still in Tongming County, Jiang Henian was handling all matters by himself.

He first made a trip to the Feiying Tribe, showed his Token, and had them send a letter to the Cangshui Celestial Observation Bureau.

It was a simple message, stating that he would be staying in Jianghe Province City for a while and telling Zhai Mu, Zhou Yuanhu, and the others not to worry.

After sending the message, he headed to the Martial Arts Pavilion of the Jianghe Celestial Observation Bureau.

Compared to the one at the Cangshui Celestial Observation Bureau, this Martial Arts Pavilion was an ancient, five-story stone building.

After walking inside, Han Yuan went straight to the fifth floor.

Of course, at the entrance to the stairs, he had to present his Demon Extermination Token to be allowed entry.

The fifth floor housed numerous Innate Secret Manuals.

There were even some Cultivation Techniques for Abnormal People.

In addition, there were also books on Martial Dao experience and the like.

These were not Martial Arts Secret Manuals, but rather the personal insights of many Innate Grandmasters and their understanding of the Martial Dao.

Han Yuan wasn’t particularly interested in these.

His understanding of the Martial Dao was very simple.

Use the most extreme power to crush all monsters and demons!