The establishment of the Imperial City Bureau was like a pebble cast into a tranquil lake for the Dao Court, immediately stirring ripple after ripple throughout Tianwu City.
Because the Imperial City Bureau stood entirely outside the Dao Court's official position system. Without official positions, it naturally would not be restrained by the senior officials of the various departments. Moreover, bolstered by the Incense Fire Divine Path, its strongest members could reach Foundation Establishment Perfection—not weaker than First Grade officials—which made many people wary.
More importantly were the Imperial City Bureau's duties.
In a word, it was responsible for security within Tianwu City, the prohibitions governing entry into and exit from the palace city, all matters concerning the guardhouses and night watch, and the opening and closing of the palace gates.
That was no small matter.
For these had originally been the duties of the All-Heaven Department. Now that they had been handed to the Imperial City Bureau, the duties were gone, and the corresponding authority naturally vanished with them.
How could the All-Heaven Department possibly accept that?
Tianwu City, Grand Guardian's Mansion.
"His Majesty clearly does not trust the All-Heaven Department!"
The current Commander of the All-Heaven Office, Ning Haohe, slammed the table with an angry expression. "What Imperial City Bureau? Those stinking overseas people have come to Jiangdong to beg for food!"
"That Du Huan relied on fawning and flattery, rendered a few minor services, and pleased His Majesty. That was how he begged this assignment from His Majesty. Grand Guardian, we cannot ignore this matter! How can the Jiangdong Dao capital be occupied by Demon Cultivators from overseas? When that time comes, the state will no longer be a state!"
At the seat of honor, an old man sat with his eyes closed, saying nothing.
At first