In the Garden of the Imperial Palace.
Apricot groves stretched in swathes beneath towering pavilions. Atop one stood a figure clad in a vermilion Heavenly Sparrow imperial robe, his crimson eyes gleaming as he gazed into the distance.
"Is Heavenly Poison Mountain in Shu now?"
Heavenly Sparrow spoke, his tone slightly cold.
The white-robed scholar behind him promptly answered, "Your Majesty, that lineage now occupies the territory near Longyang Commandery, the former Insect Valley. However... the Calamity Department still has people maintaining it. Yuanchai has not abandoned the Divine Dao."
Before Xie Kuo could continue, he said, "That is enough. As long as the Divine Department remains intact, that is sufficient."
There seemed to be another meaning beneath Heavenly Sparrow's words.
"Witchcraft borrows the Dao, with its fruit positions high above. It is exceedingly difficult to interfere with the mortal world. If they act recklessly and undergo Dao transformation, they truly will become formless ghost gods."
"Your Majesty, I have a question."
Xie Kuo paused briefly before continuing, "As for Imperial Preceptor Qi..."
"Let him be."
Heavenly Sparrow's tone was level and unconcerned. "What the Song Clan wants is a change in calamity and fortune. Success or failure does not matter. Fortune is somewhat better than calamity blessing, but it is hardly a position of freedom either. It changes little about the situation."
"How has Qingci been lately?"
He asked quietly, turning to that matter.
"The Princess met Sword Immortal Xu's son and was quite satisfied. The marriage arrangement has been settled."
"Mm."
Heavenly Sparrow was exceedingly indifferent, seemingly little concerned about this legitimate daughter. He merely continued, "In the coming Liao Campaign, the Heavenly Altar Marquis will be crucial. The three calamities are the key to restraining the Pure Land. We must not alienate him. Once Xu Ming reaches