They are unwilling to see such a situation occur.

Three people engage in a fierce debate over the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy.

Yet Chen Yuan remains composed, sitting with calm eyes, as if the dispute has nothing to do with him. Wen Liang and Ying Hong say little, but their gazes frequently meet, finally settling on Chen Yuan.

Xiao Jing is the same.

Chen Yuan can feel it; although others discreetly observe the whole scene, their gaze lingers on him more intensely, for reasons unknown.

It seems that ever since he returned from Liangzhou, it has been this way.

Could it be because of Gu Tianqiong?

Thoughts run through Chen Yuan's mind.

The hall is filled with constant confrontation, with Zhang Yantong, Zuo Tiancheng, and Wu Tianxi clearly divided, discussing the respective strengths of Chen Yuan, Wen Liang, and Ying Hong.

For a moment, it's impossible to determine superiority.

Chen Yuan has outstanding merit but is still young.

Wen Liang has notable achievements but is not on par with Chen Yuan.

Ying Hong has worked hard but does not have as much hard merit as the other two.

Each has strengths and weaknesses, evenly matched.

No, even if someone is slightly superior or more suitable, the others will refute it.

For instance, Wen Liang, while stationed in the outer province, once nearly failed to suppress unrest, causing martial artists from Jianghu to riot, prompting assistance from the Heavenly Patrol Bureau headquarters, indicating his insufficient skills.

While stationed in the Heavenly Prison, Ying Hong's presence was not strong, with most achievements belonging to Xiao Jing; he was merely an assistant, and an accident occurred.

Resulting in a major criminal not being well guarded and being saved by others.

Chen Yuan, on the other hand, acts ruthlessly, showing no mercy. Previously in Liangzhou, he defied orders and resisted the saintly will, which is also an indelible mistake.

"Enough."

Xiao Jing saw the three unable to persuade each other and immediately spoke to stop them.

The Heavenly Patrol Hall instantly quieted, and eyes turned to him.

"The position of Heavenly Divine Envoy indeed holds high power and authority, but the greater the office, the heavier the responsibility. Do you three feel capable of undertaking this great task?"

Xiao Jing spoke faintly.

Ying Hong moved his eyes and saluted:

"Great Governor, this humble servant has been following the Governor for many years, this...."

He said a lot of formalities, but the core point was clear: he wants the position and expresses his stance on how he will proceed if he becomes the Heavenly Divine Envoy.

After he finished speaking, Wen Liang immediately followed.

The general idea was similar, though expressed more tactfully to highlight his strengths and conceal weaknesses, suggesting that if he becomes the Heavenly Divine Envoy, the Heavenly Patrol Bureau will develop better.

Of course, it also included praising Xiao Jing.

He stated that the Great Governor is his goal and vowed not to let the name of Heavenly Divine Envoy be sullied.

"Chen Yuan, do you think you can?"

Xiao Jing nodded upon hearing Wen Liang's statement, then turned toward Chen Yuan.

The others did the same, eager to see how Chen Yuan would express his intentions.

He glanced at Ying Hong and Wen Liang, responded stoically:

"I can."

Only this one word, nothing else, yet this lone word left a profound impression on everyone, revealing Chen Yuan's deep-seated confidence.

Heavenly Divine Envoy, I can bear this great responsibility!

The Heavenly Patrol Hall was silent for a moment, seemingly taken aback by his single word; Ying Hong and Wen Liang felt a slight unease and awkwardness.

Despite their eloquence and extensive expressions, they fell short compared to this simple expression.

"Such courage."

Xiao Jing nodded.

He then turned to Ying Hong and Wen Liang, saying:

"Do you two think you can surpass Chen Yuan?"

"This humble servant...."

"This humble servant....."

Both hesitated slightly, as Xiao Jing's tone implied a preference for Chen Yuan ascending to the position of envoy. Wu Tianxi and Zuo Tiancheng frowned at that moment.

However, they did not dare interrupt.

Xiao Jing was no longer the Heavenly Divine Envoy who was once their peer; his status now far exceeded theirs. Angering the Great Governor would mean hardships in the future for them.

"This humble servant does not feel inferior to the Marshal of Wu'an."

Wen Liang gritted his teeth, saluting:

"I am the same, there's no first in literature, no second in martial arts. While the Marshal of Wu'an is renowned, Ying Hong respects him but cannot back down. Please, Great Governor, be discerning."

Chen Yuan chuckled, saluting Xiao Jing:

"Great Governor, both Brother Ying and Brother Wen are outstanding; simply comparing merits might be too biased."

"Then what do you propose?"

Xiao Jing asked in a level voice.

"Brother Wen's words were quite accurate earlier: 'there's no first in literature, no second in martial arts.' Given that the Heavenly Patrol Bureau always respects martial skills above all, rather than comparing repute, we three should have a contest, with the victor taking precedence, and the losers behind, deciding the position of Heavenly Divine Envoy."

Chen Yuan realized Xiao Jing intended for him to take over the role of Heavenly Divine Envoy, but Ying Hong, Wen Liang, along with Wu Tianxi and Zuo Tiancheng—two divine envoys—would not be content.

Instead of prolonging the bickering, it would be better to directly determine victory or defeat.

Furthermore, a significant reason for his decision is that Jingtai might use the role of Heavenly Divine Envoy against him.

Relying solely on the support of Zhang Yantong and Xiao Jing might not change Jingtai's mind.

However, if Ying Hong and Wen Liang were openly defeated, there would be no hidden threat. Being men of high status and weight, as losers, they would have no face to contend further.

Moreover, since his breakthrough at Wudang Mountain, it's been over half a month without action, providing a perfect opportunity to validate and demonstrate his strength through these two foes.

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