The Heavenly Court's cycles continued as usual, no matter how the immortals fought one another openly or schemed in secret.
The Sun Star Lord still reported for duty each day, and the waters of the Celestial River still rose and fell at their appointed hours.
Life went on as it always had.
Recently, however, the winds in the Heavenly Court had indeed shifted.
The most obvious sign was that even the footsteps at the Lunar Mansions Government Office had grown quieter.
Ever since Chen Wei's successive moves, Southern Dipper, Big Dipper, and the Star Lords under their command had kept a low profile-in every possible respect.
They had no choice.
Losing Lian Zhen Star and the Star of Literary Excellence in succession had dealt them a grievous blow.
Beat a dog while it was drowning; take its life while it was sick. That was standard procedure.
Chen Wei had thought this was the perfect time to press his advantage, but Taibai Jinxing had called a halt.
For one reason alone: balance!
Southern Dipper and Big Dipper governed the Stars of the Celestial Circuit. Their office did real work; without them, the constellations in the Mortal Realm would fall into chaos. What the Great Heavenly Venerable wanted was to give them a warning, to make them understand who truly had the final say in the Heavenly Court.
What the Great Heavenly Venerable had always wanted was balance.
The Discipline Inspection Court was a sharp blade. A keen edge was a good thing, but if one faction became all-powerful, the Heavenly Court would become a pool of stagnant water.
Water that was too clear held no fish.
After giving it a little thought, Chen Wei understood and put his mind at ease. He could establish his authority and make arrests, but he