The Coward King's face darkened. "Within a hundred miles of the capital, beneath the Son of Heaven's very feet-how dare they!"
"Reporting to the Guard Commander, Daren: the site of their battle was actually more than a hundred miles away."
The Coward King's expression eased. "Since it was more than a hundred miles away, we needn't concern ourselves too much. Perhaps it was merely an accident. Still, we cannot ignore it entirely. Send someone to investigate why they fought, and make the Night Guard's position clear: this must not happen again and again."
"As you command."
Several officials lowered their heads slightly. Truly, the Coward King lived up to his name.
The Coward King suddenly frowned and took out his Communication Talisman Disc. Then he sighed. "Everyone, wait a moment. An imperial decree is on its way. Also, hurry and ascertain why the Southern Star Sect and the Mountain Fate Sect took action. If any of you know members of those two sects, ask them. Qingxian, sorry for the trouble, but please ask your contacts in the Mountain Fate Sect."
"Yes, Guard Commander."
Many officials glanced at Li Qingxian, then at the Coward King. They understood that the rumors from a few days earlier were true: the visit from Zhou Xuanshan, sect master of the Mountain Fate Sect, had forced the Coward King to bow his head to Li Qingxian... no, to thirst for talent as a parched man thirsted for water.
Li Qingxian, however, remained motionless, his mind still wandering beyond the heavens as he recited Fate Arts.
Before long, a palace eunuch arrived at the door. The officials rose and bowed to receive the decree.
The cultivators of the human race were proud and untamable; to this day, the court did not require them to kneel.
After reading