Imperial Palace.
Within the imperial garden.
A gentle breeze swept through the garden pavilions. Huo Qubing lifted a chess piece and slowly placed it on the board.
"I understand what you mean," Emperor Wu of Han said as he made his move. "Evil Spirits are running rampant throughout the realm. We truly need an office capable of suppressing the unrest caused by Evil Spirits... I approve the establishment of the Evil Suppression Department."
Hearing this answer, Huo Qubing's expression relaxed somewhat. After a moment of silence, he spoke again.
"His Majesty, regarding the Evil Suppression Department, there is one more matter I ask Your Majesty to approve."
"What is it?"
"I hope the Evil Suppression Department can remain independent of the court, beyond anyone's command, and answer only to the Chief Official."
Emperor Wu of Han's hand, poised to place a piece, paused slightly. He frowned deeply.
"Not even I may command it?"
"No." Huo Qubing answered without hesitation.
Emperor Wu of Han stared at him for a long while, then tossed the chess piece back into the bowl and spoke coldly. "Marquis of Champion, do you know what you are saying?"
"I do." Huo Qubing drew a deep breath. "His Majesty, the Evil Suppression Department exists to suppress Evil Spirits. Its members are all Extraordinary Individuals, and the power they possess far exceeds what the common world can imagine... An office composed of such Extraordinary Individuals is destined to possess the power to change the situation of Great Han, even the entire realm.
His Majesty is wise and valiant. If the Evil Suppression Department were placed under Your Majesty's command, I would naturally be at ease...
But what if, one day, Your Majesty were no longer here?"
Huo Qubing's voice was incomparably solemn. He knew that what he was