Imperial Capital.
Wu Neng's face was glowing with radiance.
Having just emerged from another court assembly, he recalled how he had stood toe-to-toe with that fellow, Min Youguo, and couldn't help but feel a surge of triumphant pride.
For years, he had stood guard around the Imperial Court.
The great powers of the world and the dignitaries filling the court had all dismissed his Immortal Suppression Department as mere "hunting dogs of the Imperial Clan."
He had served as the Human Emperor's blade, arresting cultivators who committed crimes across the world, yet he had struggled to ever gain a proper foothold within the court itself.
A hunting dog, indeed, finds it difficult to enter the Hall of Great Elegance.
But now, whether it was Crown Prince Sheng holding the reins or Crown Prince Fei Heng in power, the world knew that he, Wu Neng, was the one person in the Imperial Dynasty who was truly indispensable!
"I have guarded the Human Race for many years; from this day forth, my name shall flow fragrantly through the ages.
With me here, the Imperial Family and the Human Race can finally stand as firm as a rock."
As his voice faded, Wu Neng raised his brows slightly.
Immediately following this, a meeting was held within the Immortal Suppression Department to once again discuss the upcoming Great War against the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems.
When the meeting concluded, Wu Neng narrowed his eyes as he watched Li Chang'an leave respectfully, having remained silent throughout the entire proceeding.
Decades had passed, yet that fellow Li Chang'an was always like this—wearing that same aloof, otherworldly air, as if none of these matters had anything to do with him!
Shortly thereafter.
Inside the Immortal Suppression Department, Heavenly Lord Ning'an of the Heavenly Monarch Dao Sanctuary was seen doubling back.
He bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Commander."
"Mn."
Wu Neng nodded slightly and invited Heavenly Lord Ning'an inside.
Seeing Ning'an's respectful demeanor, he felt immense gratification in his heart.
Bringing the three most powerful factions that had emerged over the last ten thousand years under the banner of the Immortal Suppression Department was the Grand Strategy he had presented to His Highness the Crown Prince.
It was also the achievement he prided himself on the most.
The Sword Pavilion, the Heavenly Monarch Dao Sanctuary, and the Zhangsun Clan—although they had not been established for long relative to the ancient powers, they had grown to their current magnitude, which was a testament to their immense potential.
The Imperial Court was currently in turmoil, and His Majesty the Human Emperor was critically ill.
These factions had been promoted step by step by the Crown Prince, receiving his grace and favor.
In the future, they would undoubtedly become the Crown Prince's die-hard loyalists.
Furthermore, Wu Neng had made quite a few enemies within the court.
These three major powers could serve as his own political wings.
Except for the Azure Cloud Li Clan...
Whether it was Li Chang'an or the Azure Cloud Li Clan behind him, despite their seemingly mediocre strength, they acted like a proud, arrogant lion!
Inside the hall, after exchanging some pleasantries with Heavenly Lord Ning'an, the Heavenly Lord spoke up.
"Lord Commander, the day of the attack on the Mountain of Esoteric Stratagems is imminent. I wonder if you summoned me here today regarding this matter?"
"Let us set that aside for the moment."
Wu Neng smiled faintly. "Let me ask you: how do you view the Li Clan?"
"The Li Clan?" Heavenly Lord Ning'an was stunned for a moment, then spoke in a solemn voice.
"The Li Clan has not been established for long, yet they are loyal and devoted.
They have defended our Imperial Dynasty against the Wu Tribe, and their Merchant Lineage has made significant contributions to the Dynasty as well.
Years ago, the Li Clan fought a great battle against the Zhao Clan in Azure Cloud Prefecture, which shows their extraordinary potential..."
But these words of praise elicited only a sneer from Wu Neng.
"Stop saying such insincere words."
"Then this subordinate will speak frankly."
Heavenly Lord Ning'an lowered his voice.
"Their clan is indeed filled with peerless geniuses of the world, yet even so, they are not worthy to stand in our company.
It was His Highness the Crown Prince who, out of consideration for personal sentiment, granted them authority.
At the same time... they are likely placed among us as spies.
That is why, over these years, you, Lord Commander, have avoided them in every matter."
"Hahaha!"
Loud laughter rang out within the Immortal Suppression Department.
After 15 minutes, Heavenly Lord Ning'an walked out.
Next came meetings with Zhangsun Buhuo, Fang Yunyu, and He Hao.
Once he had finished meeting with all four, Wu Neng took a deep breath and headed toward the residence of the deposed Crown Prince, Sheng.
Years ago, Prince Sheng had been unable to withstand the blow of being dragged down from his position as Crown Prince by Min Youguo, and he had fallen into a state of madness.
Nevertheless, he still retained a large mansion within the Imperial Capital.
As soon as he arrived at the mansion, Wu Neng frowned.
In the courtyard, Prince Sheng was dressed in a nightrobe, his clothes in disarray and his hair draped loosely over his shoulders.
He was laughing loudly as he held a jade pot, pouring wine down his throat with a splashing sound.
He stumbled as he walked, cutting a truly desolate figure.
"Greetings, Young Master!" Wu Neng stepped inside.
While others avoided Young Master Sheng like the plague, Wu Neng remained reverent and respectful.
Nowadays, holding the power over life and death granted by Crown Prince Fei Heng, he had the authority to execute first and report later.
Yet, only he knew that the time he spent rushing about the court for Crown Prince Sheng was when he had been most heavily relied upon.
He only regretted that back then, Li Yaozu of the Li family had appeared so suddenly.
Min Youguo had plotted it all long in advance, allowing Li Yaozu to force the Crown Prince into a corner atop the Heavenly Palace, reducing Young Master Sheng to his current state!
"Hahaha! Wu Neng, you're here? Where is my Crown Princess?!!"
Young Master Sheng danced about wildly, looking utterly deranged.
He suddenly grabbed Wu Neng by the shoulders.
"Quick! Get the people from the Immortal Suppression Department here!
That Li fellow wants to kill my Crown Princess! I command you to protect us!
They are trying to harm me—the Li family is trying to harm me, Min Youguo is trying to harm me!
My Crown Princess is a woman!"
As Wu Neng's body was shaken back and forth, the Imperial Family's loyal dog wore an expression of pained pity.
His voice was filled with sorrow as he replied, "Yes, Your Highness. This subordinate has arrived to protect you!"
Night began to fall.
Wu Neng slowly walked out of Young Master Sheng's mansion.
Inside the courtyard, the madman continued to dance, clutching his jade wine pot.
Wu Neng's expression turned icy as he headed toward the Heavenly Palace.
Your Highness, this subordinate arrived too late to protect you before.
But please, rest assured. From this day forth, the Li Clan no longer possesses a Void Refining expert.
Never again will such audacious people step into the Heavenly Palace to bring disaster upon our Imperial Family!