Once taking disciples had become a reality, and some of Eastern Kingdom's higher-ups were preparing to come for a "political marriage," Lu PingAn's task of calming things down was more or less complete.
This was standard procedure. Before a war, it was basic for the nation's leadership to tour the country—not only to inspect the situation, but also to soothe Popular Sentiment and eliminate hidden dangers.
Those who needed killing were killed, those who deserved promotion were promoted, and they coordinated with those below to prepare for war, so no one would be left dumbfounded when it broke out.
"...Finally done. The gains weren't bad, either."
After taking Wu Ling as a disciple, Lu PingAn's inspection of New Tokyo went quite smoothly. He spent a week communicating with the local "Security Department," personally dealt with several destabilizing factors, and confirmed that this region and city would not let them down at a critical moment. Only then did he begin preparing to return.
After waiting another week, during which he taught and tested his new disciples, Lu PingAn was reunited with Cat Cat.
The fact that she had not returned home directly meant that this cat had found a target. Satellite tracking showed that she had chased it almost all the way to the Arctic.
"I hope Lei Huo Ren is all right."
Cat Cat had clearly had enough fun and knew to come home, but poor Cat Brother probably needed emergency treatment by now.
"...Uh, being driven north means he won't be caught up in the coming war and large-scale purge. Could this be Cat Cat's love?"
But as he watched Cat Cat excitedly tell Chris about the joy of toying with her "prey," Lu PingAn shook his head. He was probably overthinking it.
As far as Lu PingAn knew,