Just as Man Gu stood there in a daze, an old farmer carrying a hoe on his shoulder sauntered over and looked at him with a wide smile.

“So you are Man Gu?”

Man Gu knew that everyone standing in the Zhongshan crater was a big shot and dared not be remiss in his etiquette. “May I ask who you are?”

Jiang Ping’an didn’t answer directly. Instead, he sized Man Gu up. “Not bad, not bad. It’s been a while since anyone from the Dao-Seeking Sect took up an official post, especially someone who’s risen through the ranks so quickly.

“The imperial court has been a pool of stagnant water for too long. It needs talents like you to breathe some life into it.

“Keep up the good work. I have high hopes for you.” With that, Jiang Ping’an vanished on the spot, leaving behind an air of mystery.

“Ah? Oh.” Man Gu felt utterly flummoxed by the old farmer’s words.

“Senior Brother, who was that?” Man Gu sought clarification from...