When the steward came to report to Tang Biao, a beautiful maid was nestled in his embrace.

Her clothes were disheveled, and Tang Biao’s chest was exposed.

Upon seeing the steward enter, the maid blushed with embarrassment and tried to retreat into Tang Biao’s embrace.

Tang Biao waved his hand to dismiss her.

The steward stood stoically without averting his gaze, clearly accustomed to such scenes.

“What does the scout report?” Another young servant began pouring wine for Tang Biao.

The steward replied, “The scout has been disabled. Limbs severed, veins cut by blades, and his throat wounded by a sharp weapon. He can’t speak. Strangely, with such a severe throat injury, he should have died soon, but he was found alive lying at the Tang family’s doorstep, as if… intentionally kept alive with life-prolonging medicine and deliberately left there.”

Tang Biao held his wine cup firmly, his eyes narrowed. “Are you saying that they found our scout, spared his life, and left him at our doorstep as a provocation?”

In a cold tone, the steward tightened his grip within his long sleeves and replied calmly, “It seems so.”

“Hmph!” The silver wine cup was fiercely thrown to the ground, bouncing far away from the steward’s feet and rolling out the door.

The nearby young servant was so frightened that he collapsed at the table, only to be lifted and pulled into Tang Biao’s arms.

Witnessing this vulgar display, the steward smirked inwardly.

This debauched scene of disregarding norms and indulging in all pleasures—this was supposed to be the renowned genius artificer of the outside world?

He wondered whose unfortunate fame Tang Biao had borrowed.

As Tang Biao’s trusted steward and confidant, he knew more than outsiders.

For most of the year, his master indulged in revelry, spent another portion in fierce competition for fame and fortune, and the remaining time deceiving the clan leader and participating in forging contests to maintain his reputation among outsiders.

Having toyed with the young servant for a while, Tang Biao at the head of the table nonchalantly said, “Since he’s been disabled and brought shame upon our Tang clan, there’s no need to keep him alive.”

After casually deciding the fate of a life, Tang Biao continued, “Furthermore, send two more scouts with higher cultivation levels…”

The steward hesitated slightly but cautiously interrupted, “Young Master, the scout sent previously had attained the sixth level of Qi Refinement, yet he was easily disabled. It suggests that the mysterious family harbors cultivators of higher levels, possibly even Foundation Establishment. Sending scouts with higher cultivation may prove futile!”

Could they even send someone at the Foundation Establishment stage as a scout? Even among the Silver Grade families, Foundation Establishment cultivators were at the pinnacle.

Tang Biao himself was stuck at the ninth level of Qi Refinement.

Tang Biao fell silent.

The solemn atmosphere made the steward uneasy, wondering if he might be the next one dragged out for punishment.

Before long, Tang Biao erupted into furious curses against the Yang family, berating their headstrong stance in withholding information about the Vitality Pills and their inexplicable choice to collaborate with the struggling Yang family instead of the Tangs.

He insinuated that his own family might be deemed useless.

The steward tuned out the tirade, thinking Tang Biao must have been drinking counterfeit liquor again, prone to such outbursts for no apparent reason.

Before Tang Biao could finish his rant, another report arrived—this time summoning him to meet with the clan leader.

Tang Biao instantly quieted down, his demeanor abruptly changing.

Gathering himself, Tang Biao stood up, transforming from a madman into a composed figure.

Pushing aside the young servant, Tang Biao spoke coldly to the steward, “Keep an eye on the Yang family, watch the auction house closely. I want you to find out where exactly the Yang family’s Vitality Pills are coming from!”

The steward acknowledged the command, and Tang Biao cleared the scent of alcohol from his body, striding purposefully out the door.

The Clan Leader of the Tang clan, Tang Chen, waved as he saw Tang Biao approach.

Tang Biao’s demeanor had shifted from his earlier frenzied state.

His complexion was extremely pale, his features finely chiseled—a rare refined appearance amidst the robust and sturdy cultivators of the Western Mountains.

If he didn’t lose his temper and acted a bit more convincingly, he could easily win favor among Western Mountain cultivators with his acting skills alone.

Tang Chen had always seen his younger brother as quiet and solitary, focused solely on the study of artifact refinement.

“Tang Biao,” Tang Chen began, “I’ve had the Vitality Pills you acquired researched. They are indeed remarkable and well-suited for Western Mountain cultivators.

However, our Tang family lacks expertise in pill refining.

We must uncover the source of these pills provided to the Yang family. When you returned from the Yang family’s auction, did you gather any information?”

Tang Biao shook his head respectfully. “The Yang family’s elder remained evasive, unwilling to disclose any substantial information. It seems they harbor considerable apprehension towards whoever is behind the Vitality Pills.”

Tang Chen nodded thoughtfully, puzzled. “But if the person collaborating with the Yang family is so formidable that even their elder fears offending them, why would they remain silent?”

A faint smirk played at the corner of Tang Biao’s mouth, indicating disdain.

Yet his expression remained respectful as he replied, “It’s possible. It could also be that the Yang family is fabricating support behind the scenes. After all, they have been declining for a long time. Creating an imaginary patron might not be beyond their capabilities.”

“That’s true,” Tang Chen nodded. “You were initially tasked with this matter, and you shall continue to pursue it. However, I called you here today for another reason.”

Tang Biao assumed an attentive stance, indicating readiness to listen.

“The Celestial Bureau has finally decided to break the isolation of the Western Mountains.

They have issued a decree to recruit noble families to collaborate in opening the Mountain Veins!” Tang Chen’s expression hinted at excitement. “This is a monumental project. If the Tang clan secures this, not only will our clan’s performance be assured for years to come, but we could also legitimately ascend alongside the Celestial Bureau.

Therefore, I and the other elders will be fully focused on this. We may not have the capacity to attend to other matters within the clan, so I rely on you to remain vigilant.”

Tang Biao furrowed his brow immediately.

The Celestial Bureau was determined to recruit noble families to open the Mountainous Vein?

This news would shake the entire Western Mountains and possibly extend its repercussions throughout the Southern Domain.

Setting aside the impact for now, these noble families couldn’t influence the Celestial Bureau’s decision.

What concerned him more was this clearly lucrative opportunity.

It involved the clan’s future for the next decade or more.

Yet, this old fool was considering excluding himself?

Tang Biao was about to voice his concerns when Tang Chen calmly mentioned a second matter.

Tang Biao held his tongue.

“Opening the Mountainous Vein is just the beginning. It’s a daunting task requiring heavy spiritual artifacts and carries great risk of disturbing high-level demonic beasts within the mountains.

Therefore, the Celestial Bureau plans to approach it from both ends. If opening the mountain proves impossible, they will buildA gigantic airship capable of crossing the Mountainous Vein.”

Summoning master artificers to collaborate on constructing an airship capable of crossing the Mountainous Vein?

Tang Biao’s heart skipped a beat.

Finally, he understood why Tang Chen had come to him today.

He asked, “How do they plan to summon them?”

An airship capable of crossing the Mountainous Vein would be a massive creation, far beyond the capabilities of ordinary artificers.

Tang Chen replied, “The Celestial Bureau has decided to hold a grand artificer competition, inviting high-level artificers from the Western Mountains and even beyond to participate in this project.

Those selected to join the core team will be generously rewarded by the Celestial Bureau.

If they play a crucial role in the construction of the airship, there’s even talk of the Bureau awarding them diagrams for divine artifacts!”

Tang Chen clicked his tongue twice.

Diagrams for divine artifacts—having the diagrams didn’t guarantee the creation of a divine artifact, but it was a dream come true for many artificers.

If this news were true, artificers from beyond the domain would be scrambling to find ways to participate.

After pondering for a moment, Tang Chen’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Tang Biao. “The bidding project is one thing, and selecting master artificers is another. Either way, being chosen means hitching a ride with the Immortal Goods Bureau and the noble families associated with it. That’s an opportunity of a lifetime!”

“With your talent, why not try your luck at this artificer competition?”

While Tang Chen was excited about the possibilities, Tang Biao felt a pang of bitterness in his heart.

He knew well enough how much weight he carried and whether he could be selected for such a prestigious project.

Even hearing about diagrams for divine artifacts didn’t stir much in Tang Biao’s heart.

It was akin to seeing someone ascend to immortality—enviable, perhaps, but with no personal relevance.

It was a level of achievement so distant that no amount of effort in this lifetime would touch upon it.

Of course, Tang Biao wanted to refuse.

But a grand artificer competition of this magnitude would inevitably reflect upon the entire clan’s honor.

The Tangs were the only Silver Grade family in the Western Ridge, and declining participation was not an option.

Thus, he clenched his fist and presented himself willing to brave any challenge for the sake of the Tang family, declaring loudly, “Tang Biao will definitely not shirk his duty!”

Tang Chen was visibly pleased, repeating three hearty “good” in response.