Fortunately, the Guo Family had established close connections with various major families by selling the Spirit Jade Elixir, which made them feel justified and at ease.

However, all of this was of little importance to Chen Zheng. He and Wei Zixuan returned to the garden villa. After bathing, the two embraced and fell asleep. They were utterly exhausted after the day's overwhelming events.

Wu accompanied Guo Xiancheng to the Sun Family, where he not only obtained the secret recipe for the Spirit Jade Elixir but also personally concocted a batch, succeeding on his very first try. His heart pounding with excitement, he quickly left the Guo Family and returned to Dragon's Dive Pavilion.

「The next day」

A helicopter flew through the Imperial Capital, steadily descending in front of Chen Zheng's villa.

"What's this?" Chen Zheng murmured, gazing at the helicopter in confusion.

Like a massive bird, the helicopter touched down elegantly on the open space in front of the villa. The area was vast, as if prepared just for its arrival.

Wu leaped down. In the sunlight, his figure seemed particularly tall as he bowed respectfully to Chen Zheng. "Grandmaster Chen," he boomed, "the Pavilion Master has sent for you!"

"What's the matter?" Chen Zheng asked curiously.

"I'm not sure myself. I'm just here to relay the message," Wu said, scratching the back of his head.

"In that case, let's go," Chen Zheng said with a nod of resignation, heading straight for the helicopter. It was his first time flying in such an incredible machine, and his heart filled with a mix of novelty and anticipation.

Seeing this, Wu was overjoyed and followed close behind, boarding the helicopter as well. The roar of the helicopter, like a powerful symphony, quickly faded into the air.

Wei Zixuan pursed her lips lightly but said nothing.

Moments later, the helicopter traversed the bustling Imperial Capital and entered a serene mountainous area.

Chen Zheng asked curiously, "Is Dragon's Dive Pavilion really in the mountains?"

"Yes, Grandmaster Chen," Wu immediately responded. "Dragon's Dive Pavilion is a secret organization, nestled in the heart of the mountains."

He added, "There's only one hidden path that leads there, and not just anyone can take it. At the start of the path, there's a military base."

Chen Zheng nodded, asking no more questions.

Before long, the helicopter began its descent as a section of the mountain split open, revealing a platform. The helicopter landed, and Chen Zheng and Wu leaped out, walking deeper into the mountain's interior.

"Salute!"

Wu's voice thundered through the hall. Soldiers raised their hands in salute, their sharp gestures illuminating the hall like flashes of lightning. Afterward, he led Chen Zheng deeper into the mountain.

Soon, they arrived at a mythical-looking hall where the Pavilion Master was already waiting.

"Pavilion Master, the mission is accomplished," Wu said, bowing respectfully like a returning warrior.

"Good, you may leave," the Pavilion Master said to Wu with a wave of his hand. He then turned to Chen Zheng, his gaze as benevolent as the stars.

"Sir," Chen Zheng greeted him with a bow.

The Pavilion Master smiled and shook his head. "You call me 'Sir'? If I'm not mistaken, you've broken through to the Fusion Sky Realm, have you not?"

His gaze was like the dawn, piercing through all mist. He could see the mysterious aura about Chen Zheng, one that resonated with heaven and earth—an aura only possessed by those at the pinnacle of the world, the masters of the Fusion Sky Realm.

Chen Zheng did not deny it, only offering a faint smile.

"Excellent! A Fusion Sky Realm powerhouse this young… how long has it been since our nation has seen one!" the Pavilion Master said with a satisfied smile. Before Chen Zheng could speak, he continued, "Chen Zheng, your contribution isn't just the formula for the Spirit Jade Elixir, but also your loyalty and love for the nation. And you yourself have reached the Fusion Sky Realm."

"After a resolution by the high council, we have decided to confer upon you an honorary military rank. Do you accept?" the Pavilion Master asked.

Chen Zheng was taken aback. He hadn't expected the Pavilion Master had summoned him just to bestow such an honor. He began to feel conflicted, knowing that to gain often meant to lose. I'm a legendary cheat-level powerhouse, how can I tolerate being shackled?

Observing Chen Zheng's conflicted expression, the Pavilion Master couldn't help but rub his forehead. Ah, a military rank… an honor earned by countless brave souls with their blood and lives. Yet before this young man, it seems to hold no weight.

The Pavilion Master sighed to himself and slowly said, "Don't worry, this honor carries no real authority, nor does it require you to fulfill any duties. It's merely a symbolic status."

"Of course, if one day the border is in dire straits and needs your support, you must go without hesitation. Now, will you accept or refuse? All I need is one word."

Just as Chen Zheng was about to sigh in relief and respond, the system's voice rang out.

[DING! Congratulations to the Host for successfully triggering a choice mission.]

[Option One: Accept. Reward: Ancient Martial Arts Tome, Power of Time.]

[Option Two: Refuse. Reward: None.]

Hearing this, Chen Zheng unhesitatingly chose option one. This is an absolute freebie of a mission.

"Alright, I agree!"

[DING! Congratulations to the Host for successfully completing the mission. Rewards received: Ancient Martial Arts Tome, Power of Time.]

A powerful flood of information overwhelmed Chen Zheng's mind. He was astonished by the sheer force of this new power, feeling as if the very passage of time was unfolding before his eyes.

Yet before his amazement could fade, the Pavilion Master waved his arm, and a metal badge flew toward him.

Chen Zheng quickly raised a hand and caught it. He examined it closely. On the badge was the national emblem, with four distinct characters engraved in the middle: "Honorary Officer!"

"As an Honorary Officer, you will be able to travel unimpeded throughout the country. Of course, I hope you will use this status for good, not for evil. Otherwise," the Pavilion Master's voice turned stern, "neither Dragon's Dive Pavilion nor the whole of Huaxia will have a place for you."

"Please rest assured, Pavilion Master!" Chen Zheng said as he put the badge away safely.

"Very good. If you have free time in the future, feel free to visit Dragon's Dive Pavilion and share a cup of tea with me. There is also a branch of Dragon's Dive Pavilion in your home of Yun City. When you return, you may find it hard to tear yourself away." The Pavilion Master nodded in acknowledgment.

"Is that all?"

Something feels off, Chen Zheng thought, a sense of unease rising within him. It's like I've gained nothing tangible from all this.

"What else are you looking for?" the Pavilion Master asked, a cunning look in his eyes.

Chen Zheng shook his head without hesitation.

The Pavilion Master's crafty intentions were clear. Chen Zheng keenly sensed that this Pavilion Master was far from a benevolent man. The moment he shook his head in refusal, the Pavilion Master's face fell with disappointment.

"A pity… I had thought of entrusting you with the management of the Yun City branch, giving you real power!" the Pavilion Master said with a sigh.

Chen Zheng's eyes widened as he cursed silently. I knew it, this old fox is up to no good! He knows I hate dealing with tedious matters. If I were given a branch to manage, I'd have to be there every day. That's just asking for trouble!

"Don't make that face," the Pavilion Master said. "If you don't want it, I won't force you."

"But you must remember, if the nation truly faces a perilous crisis in the future, you cannot shirk your duty!"

"Of course!" Chen Zheng nodded.

"You are free to go. I have other matters to attend to."

The Pavilion Master's words still echoed in the air as he vanished down the hall.

Chen Zheng paid it no mind, strolling through Dragon's Dive Pavilion with a curious gaze, taking in every corner. Of course, he didn't forget to pin the "Honorary Officer" badge to his chest to avoid any misunderstandings.

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