Five Hundred and Seventy-Five Years Old

Great Qian Capital, Demon Suppression Division.

Su Bai had changed into the dark official robes of the Demon Suppression Division commander, with the commander's token—representing his authority and status—hanging from his waist. He walked leisurely through the solemn, heavily guarded corridors of the division.

The Demon Queller Envoys he encountered along the way sensed the Deity Transformation Stage aura he had not deliberately concealed, as well as his commander's robes. All of them became solemn, bowing and stepping aside to salute, while those familiar with him even offered their congratulations.

Su Bai remained calm and made his way unobstructed straight to the study outside where the Celestial Master, Xuanyuan Ningxin, handled official affairs.

"Come in." Xuanyuan Ningxin's voice reached him.

Su Bai stepped inside and saw Xuanyuan Ningxin holding a Jade Slip, seemingly reviewing something.

Sensing Su Bai enter, he did not look up. He merely spoke calmly, his voice betraying neither joy nor anger:

"You brat, you took quite a while this time while traveling and cultivating in seclusion. By my calculation, it was far beyond a year's time."

Su Bai had prepared his explanation long ago, so he remained unhurried.

He stepped forward, clasped his hands, and bowed respectfully. "Reporting to the Celestial Master, thanks to your blessings, this junior's attempt to break through to the Spirit Transformation realm went quite smoothly and did not take too much time."

"However, after I successfully advanced, my master sensed that my realm had stabilized, so he kept me for a while longer and personally instructed me in some of the key points concerning the comprehension and application of the Sword Dao Law. A master's command cannot be disobeyed, which was why I returned a little late. I hope the Celestial Master will forgive me."

Once again, he brought out his