The crowd walked out from the main hall of Ghost Ridge Palace and immediately saw the defiant man hovering above the Mountain Protection Array.

"Who is this person!"

The crowd was bewildered, having initially thought he was a powerhouse from Guan Chao Pavilion. However, this person didn't match anyone from Guan Chao Pavilion and also wasn't a notable master from the nearby states, otherwise, with so many people present, someone should have recognized him.

"Who dares to cause trouble at my Ghost Ridge Palace."

Su Jie snorted coldly, his eyes indifferent.

The fact that the man chose this time to arrive was a clear sign of intentional provocation, showing no respect for Ghost Ridge Palace.

"I am Meng Hui, the Commander of the White Tiger Hall of the Heavenly Patrol Department of the Da Li Dynasty. Who is Su Jie?"

The man stated his identity arrogantly.

"What, he's from the Heavenly Patrol Department?"

"I've heard news that a new commander of the Heavenly Patrol Department was assigned to Qingzhou this month, so he's the one!"

"Why has he come here?"

"Probably related to the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit."

Within Ghost Ridge Palace, representatives from various factions revealed shocked expressions upon hearing this.

The Heavenly Patrol Department is a special institution officially established by the Da Li Dynasty, dedicated to patrolling and eliminating demons and evils, cleansing those disruptive entities, ghosts, demons, and even righteous sects. It can be said that this institution was specifically set up by the Da Li Dynasty to deal with cultivators.

Most who enter the Heavenly Patrol Department have excellent talent for cultivation, nurtured by the Da Li Dynasty from a young age. Others are renowned masters who willingly offer their service to the department in exchange for resources and cultivation techniques.

Though the Da Li Dynasty is declining, it has the appearance of a dynasty at its end, but its structure remains. As long as it doesn't collapse, it remains the legitimate ruler of the world.

Regarding resources, it surpasses most sects, although it is unable to maintain such a large territory.

For instance, the south is a place where the foundation of the Heavenly Patrol Department's power is relatively weak. The Da Li Dynasty's center is in the north, and the true strength of the Heavenly Patrol Department is also in the north, hence the southern four states rarely see the presence of the department.

But this doesn't mean the Heavenly Patrol Department is weak. The director of the department is a Great Power of the Purple Mansion Realm recognized officially by the Da Li Dynasty. Underneath are the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Xuanwu Halls, each with numerous masters. The hall masters of each hall are top-tier experts at the Daoist Platform Realm.

This Meng Hui, who claims to be the Commander of White Tiger Hall, clearly has the cultivation of the Daoist Platform Realm. Commanders usually manage affairs of a single state, and Meng Hui is the highest official of the Heavenly Patrol Department in Qingzhou.

"You are Su Jie?"

Meng Hui crossed his arms, having evidently seen Su Jie's portrait, recognized him as the person he sought.

Upon confirming Su Jie's identity, Meng Hui's expression turned solemn as he shouted, "Su Jie, you dare to seize the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit of the Da Li Royal Family. Unless you hand it over promptly, Ghost Ridge Palace awaits the sanctions of our Heavenly Patrol Department."

Indeed, it's about the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit.

Many present reacted differently; back then, Su Jie seized a portion of the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit from the Sixth Prince of the Da Li Dynasty, while the other portion was taken by Dong Yu, the Great Elder of Guan Chao Pavilion, and Li Yuze, the Sect Master of Ten Thousand Sword Alliance.

The Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit carries significant value for the royal family of the Da Li Dynasty. The royal family practices the "Dragon Suppressing Heavenly Net Divine Scripture," which inherently relies on the cultivation with the Dragon Vein and the Imperial Dynasty Fortune. This cultivation technique is exceptionally dominant, unparalleled. If one possesses the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit, they can practice the scripture with doubled efficacy, advancing rapidly.

Thus, Meng Hui came with this excuse, a move not surprising to many present.

Facing Meng Hui's accusation, Su Jie remained calm, slowly responding, "Who sent you here, Dong Yu from Guan Chao Pavilion? Or Chu Yangang from Fire Cloud Palace? What benefits did they provide to make you work so hard?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Hui's expression drastically changed, erupting angrily: "Nonsense, you devil, how dare you spew falsehoods."

Seeing Meng Hui's agitation, Su Jie said, "Nonsense? I've held the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit for over three years; it's already integrated into Ghost Ridge Palace's Spirit Vein. I doubt your Heavenly Patrol Department is unaware of this.

Your department didn't come sooner nor later, but chooses to come at this time to demand it. If you didn't receive someone's benefits, do you think I'd believe this?"

Although the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit is important, the Da Li Dynasty made no move to reclaim it three years ago, clearly intending to accept the loss. After all, the dynasty's power indeed waned significantly, and venturing into the already weak foundation of the south to clash with a great demon wouldn't be a wise choice.

Since the Da Li Dynasty didn't act three years ago, stirring the issue again three years later seems unreasonable.

This is why Su Jie asked; because the Heavenly Patrol Department is the department, and individuals are individuals.

"Stop this unnecessary talk, will you hand over the Dragon Vein Crystal Fruit or not?"

Meng Hui appeared as if his hidden secret was exposed, enraged, loudly berating Su Jie, relying on his status and background with the Heavenly Patrol Department, knowing even those on the Demon Path would have to show him some courtesy.

After all, he represented the Heavenly Patrol Department, representing the Da Li Royal Family.

Su Jie snickered disdainfully, "Do you think you're worthy of making me hand over anything? Once something enters my pocket, it won't come back out; not even if your Director were here."

"Fine, fine, such an arrogant devil, this is my first time encountering one. You're courting death, wait for our Heavenly Patrol Department's response."

Meng Hui, seeing that Su Jie wouldn't give in to either hard or soft tactics, without a trace of courtesy, left harsh words and was ready to turn and leave.

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