Qin An had planned to start training his Formation Master Profession and Alchemist Profession at once, raising both to Level Twenty-Seven and triggering their next transformation.
But when he heard the cultivator's voice, he frowned slightly. He set that plan aside and turned toward the cultivator entering the room.
"What happened? Why are you so alarmed?"
The cultivator kept his hands clasped and spoke with utmost respect. "I don't know exactly what happened, either. His Majesty seemed to be in a hurry, so he sent me to ask Lord Qin to come and see him."
Qin An stroked his chin and nodded. "All right. I understand. You may go."
The cultivator said nothing more and left the room.
Silence settled over the room, so complete that a falling needle could have been heard.
Qin An took a small sip of tea, set down his cup, and sank into thought.
Emperor Xuanwu knew he was busy here. He would never summon him unless something particularly important had happened.
So Qin An knew something serious might have happened on Emperor Xuanwu's end—something very serious indeed.
And the only matter serious enough to call him over now was probably the Heavenly Demon.
After thinking it over for a moment, Qin An hesitated no longer. He left the room and headed for the Imperial Study.
The Imperial Study was exceptionally quiet.
Emperor Xuanwu sat in his chair, lightly tapping his fingertips against the desk.
A memorial lay before him. He had closed it, but the pages bore the marks of being turned many times.
He had read it several times already and knew its contents by heart, yet he had gone through it once more.
He wanted to see whether he could find some way to resolve the matter.
Just as he was