He Shenglai sat at the head of the table. The cultivators of the Yang Family rose to bow and greet him.

“Greetings, Lord He.”

“At ease. Sit.”

He Shenglai motioned for the group to settle before discussing the aftermath of the Sanglu Valley incident. He reviewed each person’s contributions and mistakes.

Most remained composed, but Tian Yu sat drenched in cold sweat, his nerves frayed as if balanced on a blade’s edge.

“Tian Yu!”

“Y-yes! I’m here!”

Tian Yu nearly jumped when his name was called.

“Hand it over.”

“Uh…”

Tian Yu blinked, hesitant. “Lord He… what item?”

“The cleansing elixir!” He Shenglai snapped. “What else of value could a fool like you possess?”

“Ah! Right!”

Tian Yu scrambled to produce the elixir. Instead of taking it, He Shenglai flicked his finger, sending the small box soaring into Old Yu’s grasp.

“Tian Yu’s blunder nearly cost us dearly. Since your family rectified it, this compensates you on his behalf. Keep it.”

“My thanks, Lord He!” Old Yu bowed.

He Shenglai turned abruptly to Yang Lingrui, studying him with approval.

“With spirit liquid aiding you, stop gorging on low-grade elixirs. Overusing shortcuts now will cripple your future breakthroughs.”

He pulled out a document. “You show promise. Take this letter of recommendation. Present it to any Immortal Patrol Office if you ever seek service under the dynasty.”

Tian Yu and Gao Hui exchanged envious glances.

A He Family recommendation!

A treasure coveted by every dynasty cultivator!

It practically guaranteed entry into Chongtian City!

Yang Lingrui’s eyes flickered, but he accepted the letter with a respectful bow.

He Shenglai noted his hesitation and smirked.

“I know your doubts—fearing constraints on your Path of Cultivation. Some truths stay hidden, but consider this: why do sects fear the dynasty? Why surrender rare treasures yearly to curb its growth? Ponder that.”

His voice lowered. “The dynasty’s true strength… outsiders grasp none of it.”

“This one is enlightened. Thank you, Lord He.”

“The dynasty’s rewards will arrive in a month. Until then, return home.”

He Shenglai waved dismissively. Old Yu and the Yang Family cultivators rose and departed.

After the Yang Family members left, only He Shenglai and Tian Yu remained in the room.

Tian Yu noticed He Shenglai’s gaze falling upon him again and knew disaster approached.

True to expectation, He Shenglai’s foot slammed into his face in the next instant.

Bang!

Tian Yu’s body flew backward and smashed against the wall.

“Not only did you fail to report this major incident beforehand, but you tried to hide it! Had the Yang Family and Gao Hui not intervened today, would you have abandoned Baishi Town and fled?”

Ignoring the burning pain on his face, Tian Yu scrambled to his knees.

“Mercy, Lord He! I beg forgiveness! I recognize my fault!”

“You crave promotion? Very well. I’ll grant your wish.”

He Shenglai produced a roster from his pocket, marked several entries, and flung it at Tian Yu’s feet.

Through swollen eyelids, Tian Yu read the designation:

Chongtian City – Prison!

His heart sank like a stone in water. Serving in such cursed place would be worse than death itself.

“Displeased?”

“No! No objections! I accept Lord He’s decree without question!”

“Then remove yourself from my sight!”

Tian Yu bobbed his head frantically before scrambling out like a beaten dog.

With his exit, only He Shenglai and Gao Hui remained.

He Shenglai activated a magic disc, drawing a glowing circle that erected a soundproof barrier.

Gao Hui straightened instinctively, sensing grave matters ahead.

“Let’s speak plainly, Gao Hui. The dynasty’s eastern and northern borders have stabilized. Attention now turns inward.”

After brief consideration, Gao Hui ventured: “The court plans to curb sect influences domestically?”

“Precisely.” He Shenglai unfurled a map of Moon Watching City’s territories. “Song Kaiyang’s duplicitous acts were tolerated until now. But his manipulation of the Li Family crossed lines.”

“Though we initially backed the Li Family’s rise, Song Kaiyang redirected them toward Solitary Moon Mountain. He never expected Li Yuande would choose performance of Gathering Qi to Condensing Essence over submission.”

“This overreach has angered powerful figures.”

Gao Hui’s mind reeled. These secrets involved figures far beyond his station – Moon Watching City’s lord Song Kaiyang and Li Family Elder Li Yuande.

“What would you have me do, Lord He?”

“Due to our pact with Lanyue Sect, the dynasty can’t strike Solitary Moon Mountain directly. Local families must act as proxies in this chess game.”

“But the Yang Family lacks strength to oppose…”

“This is long-term strategy involving multiple players. Including you.”

“Me?” Gao Hui blinked. A mere sixth level of Gathering Qi cultivator seemed insignificant in this power struggle.

“Your clean record and loyalty make you ideal for Tiger-Chasing.” He Shenglai produced a jade slip containing an unnamed cultivation method. “This Dynasty’s Secret Method will elevate your capabilities beyond current constraints.”

His eyes gleamed with pride as he gestured at the map. “The dynasty’s might surpasses imagination. Moon Watching City could become Moon Watching Town overnight. Your Baishi Town might rise to Baishi City by dawn.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep