Thank You for Your Great Grace, Your Majesty!

Liu Hongyan walked to the bedside and spoke softly to Li Yuan.

"An edict has just arrived from the palace. His Majesty wishes to see you. Once your injuries have recovered somewhat, you are to enter the palace at once for an audience."

"His Majesty wishes to see me!"

Li Yuan's heart jolted, and he became fully awake.

The Son of Heaven's majesty was still far beyond his reach. He looked at Liu Hongyan, suspicion showing in his eyes.

Liu Hongyan seemed to see through his thoughts and smiled reassuringly. "There is no need to worry. His Majesty holds you in high regard. This summons is likely meant to commend and reward you."

"When the time comes, simply respond according to etiquette and answer truthfully. There is no need to be overly restrained."

After a pause, she added, "I will accompany you into the palace."

Hearing that Instructor Liu would be accompanying him, Li Yuan felt somewhat relieved and nodded. "This student understands. I will certainly be cautious in my words and conduct."

Over the following days, Li Yuan focused on recovering. After devouring Shadow Thirteen's demon core, some of its power had remained stored within his body. Now, together with the medicinal effects, it nourished him in return, allowing his injuries to heal at astonishing speed.

In only five or six days, his external wounds had basically healed, and his damaged meridians had recovered. He had even turned misfortune into a blessing, his meridians becoming tougher than before.

What delighted him even more was that his cultivation had broken through once again, firmly entering the late stage of the Heart Inquiry Realm.

In particular, his understanding of the power of time had deepened as well. He believed that next time, he would be able to use it successfully without driving himself into a desperate corner.

Thinking of Shadow Thirteen's arrogant taunt—"Who told you to be so gifted, yet not know how to hide your brilliance..."—

He became even more vigilant and immediately circulated the secret aura-concealing technique, suppressing his outward aura to the level of the early Heart Inquiry Realm.

That morning, Liu Hongyan came carrying a set of clothes.

"Put these on. You will have an audience at the hour of the Snake today."

Li Yuan changed as instructed. It was a set of indigo, narrow-sleeved martial attire, with simple drifting-cloud patterns embroidered along the cuffs and lapels in thread of the same color, along with a soft-footed headwrap of matching color.

The clothes fit him perfectly, making his figure appear tall and straight.

Liu Hongyan looked him over from top to bottom, her expression satisfied. "Not bad. Let's go."

The two left the academy. Their carriage passed through the heavily guarded imperial city and stopped before a magnificent palace.

Liu Hongyan presented her token and led Li Yuan, following an eunuch through layer upon layer of palace halls until they arrived outside a side hall of the Hall of Literary Splendor.

The eunuch stepped forward and announced them in a low voice. A moment later, the chief eunuch's voice came from within. "Summon them."

Liu Hongyan gave Li Yuan a meaningful look, signaling him to follow. One after the other, they entered the hall with bowed backs.

The hall was elegantly furnished, permeated by a faint scent of sandalwood. Behind the imperial desk sat a young man dressed in a bright yellow casual robe and wearing a Winged Virtue Crown.

He looked only a little over twenty, with refined features, gentle eyes, and a faint smile lingering at the corners of his mouth.

Yet the bearing of one long accustomed to standing above all others made it impossible for anyone to slight him in the least. This was the current Son of Heaven, Li Yan.

Below the imperial desk sat none other than Mr. Mo. He was still dressed in that gray robe, holding his wine gourd with his eyes half closed, as though dozing. Li Yuan's arrival drew no reaction from him.

"This subject, Liu Hongyan, pays respects to Your Majesty."

"This student, Li Yuan, pays respects to Your Majesty."

The two paid their respects according to protocol.

"Rise. Be seated."

Li Yan's voice was gentle.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The two rose and sat sideways upon embroidered stools.

"Li Yuan." Li Yan's gaze fell upon Li Yuan, carrying a trace of curiosity. "Have your injuries largely recovered?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, there is no longer any serious problem. Thank you for Your Majesty's concern." Li Yuan lowered his head as he replied.

"Mm, that is good." The Emperor nodded slightly. "I have heard of what you did. At such a young age, you remained calm in the face of danger and slew a powerful enemy in a desperate situation. More rare still, you are loyal and righteous, willing to place yourself in peril to save your friend."

"Such character is truly the fortune of our Great Tang and a blessing to the realm."

Rather than praising Li Yuan's talent, he lavishly praised his character, which made it easy for one to feel moved.

"Your Majesty overpraises me. This student is ashamed and does not dare accept such praise. My escape this time was entirely thanks to the timely aid of seniors such as Mr. Mo, as well as the support of the Demon Suppression Bureau and the academy."

Li Yuan quickly leaned forward in salute, his words utterly sincere.

A flicker of approval passed through the Emperor's eyes. He was clearly quite satisfied. This boy possessed not only astonishing talent, but, more importantly, neither arrogance nor impetuosity. He knew when to advance and when to retreat.

"You need not be so modest. Merit is merit." The Emperor smiled, then shifted the subject and asked, "Li Yuan, I see that you possess extraordinary talent and a resolute will. Are you willing to serve Great Tang, slay demons and vanquish evil, and protect the common people?"

Li Yuan's heart stirred. Though he did not know what this meant, he understood that his answer was of utmost importance.

He did not answer immediately, instead instinctively glancing at Mr. Mo beside him.

Mr. Mo yawned, lifted his wine gourd for a drink, and said casually to Li Yuan, "His Majesty is asking you a question. Why are you looking at me? Just think it through for yourself."

Though the words sounded casual, they actually gave Li Yuan the freedom to choose. They also implied that the Emperor would not force any arrangement upon him.

Li Yuan no longer hesitated. He rose and bowed once more. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this is precisely this student's aspiration! I am willing to use this insignificant body to share Your Majesty's burdens, rid the people of harm, and with the blade in my hand, suppress the demons of this world!"

"Good!"

The Emperor clapped his hands and laughed, clearly pleased with Li Yuan's answer. "Since you possess such ambition, I shall make an exception and grant you permission to join the Demon Suppression Bureau ahead of schedule. What do you say?"

"This student thanks Your Majesty for Your great grace!"

Li Yuan was overjoyed. The Demon Suppression Bureau slew demons and vanquished evil; it was a pillar supporting Great Tang's realm. Ordinary cultivators considered it an honor to join.

Moreover, this was a special permission personally granted by the Emperor. It meant that from now on, he would directly pledge loyalty to His Majesty and become a disciple of the Son of Heaven. He would no longer need to worry about recruitment from any other faction.

The Emperor nodded, then looked toward Liu Hongyan, his tone quite familiar. "Hongyan, I'll leave this boy to you. As for the Demon Suppression Bureau, I will instruct them to make the proper arrangements."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. This subject will certainly do her utmost." Liu Hongyan drew in her sleeves and offered a salute. Though her tone was respectful, her manner was not overly restrained.

Li Yuan was secretly surprised. It seemed Instructor Liu's relationship with the Emperor was far from that of ordinary sovereign and subject.

However, he did not dare reveal the slightest hint of it on his face and merely lowered his head to listen quietly.

"Very well. If there is nothing else, you may withdraw for now. Hongyan, remain behind. I still have some matters to ask you about."

The Emperor waved his hand.

"This student takes his leave."

Li Yuan saluted and withdrew. Once outside the Hall of Literary Splendor, Mr. Mo instructed him, "Go report to the Demon Suppression Bureau first. I will come find you later."

He pointed to a colonel waiting outside the hall. The man wore the black martial attire of the Demon Suppression Bureau and had a capable, sharp-featured face.

"Yes, Mr. Mo."

"Young Master Li, I am Lu Anfeng, a sixth-rank colonel of the Demon Suppression Bureau. Please follow me."

Colonel Lu stepped forward, his attitude quite courteous.

"Thank you for the trouble, Colonel Lu." Li Yuan clasped his hands in salute and followed him toward the palace gates.

Along the way, Colonel Lu took the initiative to chat with Li Yuan. Most of his words introduced the structure and rules of the Demon Suppression Bureau, and his attitude was warm.

Li Yuan was also happy to learn more information from him, and the two conversed pleasantly.

After leaving the imperial city, they soon arrived at the Demon Suppression Bureau headquarters. Colonel Lu led Li Yuan through several corridors and came to a relatively secluded courtyard.

"This is where Deputy Commander Chu handles confidential affairs. Young Master Li, please go in." Colonel Lu gestured for Li Yuan to enter alone.

Li Yuan steadied himself and pushed open the courtyard gate.

The courtyard was quiet and secluded, with several lush bamboo stalks planted within. The door to the main house stood open, and someone was standing by the window with his hands behind his back. Hearing the footsteps, he turned around.