Chapter 222: On the Court
At dawn the next day, the Shrek team, carrying their luggage, rode the blood-red unicorn and smoothly left Star Luo City through the city gates.
The moment the gates closed, a man dressed in black slowly emerged from the shadows beneath them. As soon as he appeared, he shot off like an arrow, swiftly heading toward the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
...
Inside the palace, the morning court session was underway. Ministers were debating and discussing state affairs, but they were mostly trivial matters, many of which were related to the recently concluded Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament.
Star Luo Empire's Emperor, Dai Yuansheng, lounged lazily on the throne inlaid with countless gems, his right hand rhythmically tapping the armrest. His dark eyes gleamed with an inexplicable light.
Suddenly, his ear twitched slightly as if he heard something coming from an unknown direction. His eyes brightened, and he abruptly stood up.
At that moment, the discussions and arguments in the palace suddenly halted. Everyone turned their heads, collectively staring at Dai Yuansheng, wondering why the esteemed emperor had suddenly risen.
"Heh," Dai Yuansheng chuckled softly before slowly speaking, "I have an idea."
"Recently, there has been some unrest at the border of the Heaven Dou Empire, particularly around the Eastern Pole Town. I am concerned that some of Heaven Dou's old figures have set their sights on our vast Star Luo territory. Therefore, I plan to temporarily dispatch the Eastern Army to the Eastern Pole Town to intimidate the Heaven Dou Empire and safeguard the stability of Star Luo. What do you all think?"
This...
The ministers exchanged glances. Soon, one of them stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, I believe this is feasible."
Following him, many ministers nodded in agreement.
It was no surprise. First, there had indeed been some unrest at the border of the Heaven Dou Empire recently. However, since the Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament was about to begin, the issue had been temporarily put on hold to ensure the smooth running of the competition. Now that the tournament was over, Dai Yuansheng bringing it up seemed perfectly reasonable.
Furthermore, among the forces stationed on the eastern border, the Eastern Army was the closest and strongest to the Eastern Pole Town. Sending them was only natural.
Even if Dai Yuansheng hadn't mentioned it, other ministers would have suggested sending the Eastern Army.
However, a few ministers did not follow suit in agreeing. Instead, a strange look flickered in their eyes.
These few ministers had one thing in common: they were all close confidants of Prime Minister Xu Changling.
And the other ministers who had voiced their agreement also began to sense that something was amiss.
All of Xu Changling's faction had remained silent.
This matter wasn't as simple as it seemed!
Xu Changling slightly lowered his head, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.
After enduring for so long, you can't hold back any longer?
Ten days ago, he had already learned of Dai Yuansheng's plot, but Dai Yuansheng had delayed making a move, probably because he wanted to wait until after the Advanced Spirit Master Academy Tournament concluded before striking.
Clearly, Dai Yuansheng wasn't holding back to ensure the tournament's success. He was afraid of something.
Xu Changling raised his head and glanced in the direction of Shrek City.
By now, the Shrek Academy team should have left the city, right?
Afraid of Shrek Academy getting involved and causing complications?
A look of disdain appeared in Xu Changling's eyes.
"What does the Prime Minister think?" Dai Yuansheng's smile was insincere, but the killing intent in his eyes was very real.
Xu Changling smiled faintly, "Your Majesty, I too believe this is a good idea. Please issue the decree, and I will add the seal of the Ministry of Governance before sending it to the Eastern Army."
Ten days ago, Xu Changling had secretly sent a letter out of Star Luo City. By now, the Eastern Army must have received it, so he wasn't worried about Dai Youyuan falling into Dai Yuansheng's trap.
After all, Dai Youyuan had always been both brave and wise. Although they hadn't seen each other in years, Xu Changling still had confidence in him.
Unfortunately, with the royal spies watching closely, Xu Changling couldn't send another message without raising suspicion.
Xu Changling agreed?
Shouldn't he have outright refused?
Dai Yuansheng was momentarily stunned by Xu Changling's response. Subconsciously, he glanced towards Zhao Qu on the other side.
"Your Majesty, please issue the decree quickly," Zhao Qu interjected.
Though surprised by Xu Changling's reaction, Zhao Qu was an experienced strategist. He quickly adapted and reminded Dai Yuansheng to continue the plan.
Even though they didn't understand why Xu Changling agreed, the plan needed to proceed.
"Very well. I will issue the decree. This concludes the morning court." With Zhao Qu's words, Dai Yuansheng regained his composure and nodded quickly, ending the session.
...
"Dai Yuansheng has made his move. When will you make yours?" A low voice sounded in the Prime Minister's study, coming from a man hidden beneath a black hood.
Xu Changling stood with his hands behind his back, gazing quietly out the window, his eyes reflecting hesitation and struggle.
A graceful figure appeared in his line of sight. His daughter was joyfully playing on the swing in the courtyard. As he watched her, the conflict in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a determined light.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!" The hooded man, frustrated by Xu Changling's lack of response, grew impatient.
"Noon."
"What?" The man asked in confusion, only to be stunned by the sudden, commanding aura that radiated from Xu Changling as he turned around.
A mere seven-ring Spirit Sage, able to intimidate me?
Annoyance flashed in the man's heart, but just then, Xu Changling's low voice reached his ears.
"Show me your power by noon today."
The hooded man grinned beneath his cloak. "Fine."
"Restrain them. They must not harm the citizens."
"I can't control that. You know what evil spirit masters are like. They—"
"I wasn't asking for your opinion!" Xu Changling suddenly interrupted, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "If you can't control them, then we can forget about this cooperation."
"This..." For some reason, the nine-ringed Titled Douluo felt somewhat subdued. "Fine, I'll tell them to be more careful."
"No. It's a must!" Xu Changling stared the man down, his gaze sharp as a blade. The hooded man found himself momentarily dazed.
"...Alright."
The man's sense of humiliation grew.
A mere Spirit Sage dares to scold me?
Once we get what we want, I'll make sure you're the first to die!
Sitting down, Xu Changling massaged his temples. "At the time, I will have my trusted aides in the Law Enforcement Hall lock down the city gates and temporarily impose martial law. But with the recent end of the tournament, there are too many eyes in Star Luo City, so the lockdown won't last long. You know what to do, right?"
"Killing an eight-ringed insect is nothing." The man sneered, casting a meaningful glance at Xu Changling.
An eight-ring Spirit Douluo is but an insect to me, and you, a mere seven-ringed Spirit Sage?
Without acknowledging the man's veiled threat, Xu Changling said softly, "But this insect is guarded by at least one Hyper Douluo and two Titled Douluo."
"No problem!" The man threw back his hood, arrogance and disdain returning to his face. "I'll kill them all just the same!"
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