Dai Mubai left the academy and headed straight for the Three Clans' new estate.
The eastern district of the city had undergone a complete transformation.
What had been an empty, weed-choked lot only a few months earlier now held an imposing complex of considerable size.
Although scaffolding still covered most of the buildings, the outline of the grandest structure, the council hall, was already clearly visible.
The Defense Clan truly deserved its reputation as unrivaled master builders. Their plans covered every detail, and all the building materials consisted of hard, heavy blue-black stone transported from nearby Bluestone Mountain.
Several advance groups of young, able-bodied clan members had already arrived and were moving supplies, filling the grounds with bustling activity.
This would be his base of operations.
Dai Mubai passed through the front gate and headed straight for the temporary office in the rear courtyard. Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He were discussing matters inside. They all rose when they saw him.
"Your Highness, perfect timing." Yang Wudi came forward to greet him. "The estate has already taken shape. In another few months, everything will be ready."
Dai Mubai nodded and took the seat of honor in the hall, getting straight to the point. "Seniors, I'll be traveling far from here. My imperial father has ordered me to lead troops to the northwestern border to wipe out the Wolf Bandits."
Yang Wudi raised an eyebrow. "Leading troops against the Wolf Bandits? That's a rare opportunity to establish your standing in the army."
"Exactly." Dai Mubai's expression grew solemn. "The Wolf Bandits occupy the mountains along the western coast, raiding villages and towns. I've heard that some have even reached tens of thousands of years of cultivation. Ordinary garrison troops can't handle them. This time, the Star Luo Empire and Heaven