Several days later.
Su Bai gave Zhou Lan ample time to prepare—five full days.
During those five days, he remained in his private residence cultivating as usual, occasionally stopping by the Demon Suppression Division to check in, as though the affairs of the Misty Sword Sect had nothing to do with him.
Zhou Lan needed time to stabilize the sect and gather its people's hearts.
Since they were going to put on a show of a thorough investigation, they had to let the investigated side memorize their lines first.
Five days later, early morning.
Su Bai emerged from the Cultivation Room and changed into the black ceremonial robes of a Commander.
He rarely wore this attire in ordinary times, but this was official business. None of the proper pomp could be lacking.
Outside the private residence, a squad of Demon Queller Envoys stood ready to depart.
The burly Cultivator at their head was Dragon Pattern, one of Su Bai's most capable commanders.
He had been recruited from the Night Watch Palace before its destruction. Over the past several centuries, he had become one of Su Bai's direct lineage. With Mid Deity Transformation cultivation, he was utterly loyal to Su Bai and had always handled matters reliably.
"My lord."
Seeing Su Bai emerge, Dragon Pattern immediately stepped forward and cupped his fists in salute. "The men are assembled. We can depart at any time."
Su Bai gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over the more than twenty Demon Queller Envoys behind Dragon Pattern.
All were Nascent Soul Middle Stage or above—seasoned, capable men. Their auras were restrained and their gazes sharp; at a glance, one could tell they were the elite among the Demon Suppression Division's elite.
"This is official business."
Su Bai said flatly, "The Nine Prefectures' upper sects