In the mortal world, Great Jing's capital, Imperial Pole Hall.
Upon the coiled-dragon imperial throne.
The current Jing Emperor, Chen Shude, reclined sideways. The bead tassels hanging from his crown swayed as his eyes narrowed slightly, his knuckles lightly tapping the gilded armrest.
Tap, tap, tap...
It seemed to strike directly upon people's hearts, carrying immense pressure!
In the grand hall.
Bai Li, dressed in a dark purple duke's robe embroidered with pythons, stood solemnly with a bow. His face bore the marks of hardship, and his heart churned with unease.
These past days.
Bai Li had not been having an easy time.
A few days ago, at the Spirit Testing Assembly.
The Bai Clan's descendants had once again been barred by the Chen Clan's immortal masters from taking the spirit test, including several children recorded in the clan register.
Though Bai Li was a duke, he had no recourse when facing immortal masters from the Chen Clan Main Line.
Chen Shude had summoned him into the hall. The bead tassels swayed slightly as he spoke in a tone that was almost a sigh.
"Bai, it is not that I do not sympathize."
"Your elder brother has deeply offended a Foundation Establishment elder of the main line."
"The spirit testing matter has its own rules. It has always been overseen by people sent by the main line."
"Even I have no authority to interfere."
At those words, bitterness immediately filled Bai Li's face, along with the helplessness of being implicated.
Chen Shude abruptly changed his tone, adding a hint of gentle persuasion.
"Perhaps you could contact that elder brother of yours and think of a solution."
"Perhaps a single word from him would make the immortal masters of the main line willing to grant some face?"
Bai Li immediately understood.