Like the Immortal Selection Bureau, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Works, and the other government offices of the Heavenly Court, the Heavenly Court Inspection Bureau also had its own offices above the Nine Heavens: a vast cluster of floating islands, consisting of dozens of islands of varying sizes.
Inside a secret chamber in a side hall behind the main hall of the Heavenly Court Inspection Bureau.
The chamber was imposing and solemn. Its domed ceiling was not high, but it was painted with a chart of the stars revolving through the heavens. Stars dotted with secret arts turned slowly, as if a miniature universe had been contained within the hall.
The walls were engraved with reliefs of ancient gods and demons at war, along with battles that had established the Heavenly Court. The lines were rugged and powerful, conveying the majesty and force of something that had endured countless tribulations. The floor was covered in a fine green spirit jade, polished to a mirror sheen. It reflected the star chart above, the shifting light and shadow creating an imposing scene.
And yet, the atmosphere in the side chamber was completely at odds with its solemn surroundings.
At that moment, four officials in immortal robes of different ranks were arguing heatedly inside. One of them looked ready to draw his sword at any moment, and the air was thick with hostility.
"..."
"..."
On either side of the steps inside the chamber sat the Left Inspector and the Right Inspector.
Both wore dark immortal official robes trimmed in gold, with the image of a xiezhi devouring the sun embroidered on their chests to symbolize the authority of the Inspectorate. They wore court crowns and sat with grave expressions, eyes closed and silent, like statues carved from wood and clay,