Chaoge City.
Nine Chamber Hall.
The great hall was utterly silent.
Wu, seated high upon the throne, calmly gazed at the familiar yet somewhat strange figure standing below.
There was little emotion on Wu's face as he spoke softly.
"Grand Tutor, you still came back."
Wen Zhong raised his head. His weathered face was filled with determination.
"Your Majesty, the Interception Sect is in peril, and my master's sect stands on the brink of destruction. As a disciple of the Interception Sect, I cannot refuse to return."
His voice was sonorous and forceful, without the slightest hesitation.
Di Xin fell silent.
He looked at the stubborn old man before him.
He could have stayed in Chaoge and enjoyed glory and wealth. With the Human Emperor's Destiny protecting him, even a Sage would not dare move against him lightly.
Yet this old man had chosen a path with barely any chance of survival.
"How are things in the North Sea?"
Wen Zhong respectfully replied,
"The North Sea has now been mostly pacified. Yuan Futong and the other seventy-two vassals have all been executed, and the forces under their command have collapsed."
"Although it has not yet fully reached the state Your Majesty requires—'no more rebellion, and the people devoted in their hearts'—it is not far off."
"I have ordered the deputy generals Ji Li and Yu Qing to lead the army and garrison the North Sea, implementing the King's rule. They will not return until Your Majesty's requirements have been completely fulfilled."
"Grand Tutor, you have worked hard."
"You pacified the North Sea and expanded the territory of the Great Shang Dynasty. I, on behalf of the countless people of Great Shang, thank you, Grand Tutor."
Wen Zhong bowed, a trace of guilt in his voice.
"I dare not accept such