Returning to the Heavenly Palace

Within the Heavenly Palace.

Wu Neng respectfully bowed in the center of Phoenix Ceremony Hall. Before him sat Wenren Xianyi upon the phoenix throne, her dark brows tightly drawn. The palace maids and eunuch attendants had all used spells to conceal their sight and hearing.

Wu Neng bent slightly at the waist, his voice steady. "With the Immortal Court gaining the south, it is no longer restrained. But this does not come without drawbacks. Upon learning the news, the witch and demon clans have become deeply concerned over the Immortal Court's expansion. Yet the Immortal Court has operated in secret for countless years and has many immortals' hidden schemes at its disposal. Thus, conflicts large and small have continued without end throughout the world."

"Your subordinate has already determined that the Ning Family, rulers of New Assembly Prefecture, and the Dark Sect are both controlled by the Immortal Court. Even the elders, disciples, and mighty figures who have lived tens of thousands of years beneath them do not know that they themselves are being manipulated by the Immortal Court. The witch and demon clans, and even hidden forces in the sea regions, are in the same situation."

"The imperial dynasty is beset by dangers on every side. Your subordinate ordered the Immortal Suppression Bureau to seek out assistance."

Only at the mention of assistance did Wenren Xianyi's brows ease somewhat. Wu Neng's name as the 'imperial family's fangs and claws' was known to all. Though he did not submit to her, so long as she bore no children for the rest of her life, remained Empress for the rest of her life, and preserved the bloodline of the Zishu Family, Wu Neng would resolve many of her most pressing troubles.

Wu Neng continued, "This humble servant merely employed a small