At dusk, Vermilion Bird Avenue lay utterly silent.
The civil and military officials emerged from the Imperial City, gazing in profound shock at the blood-robed figure at the very front.
None of them had imagined he would win-and win so openly and honorably!
The Seal-Holding Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial hurried over, suppressing his surging emotions and struggling to maintain a solemn expression:
"Lord Jia, His Majesty has convened an emergency Court Deliberation!"
Jia Huan nodded expressionlessly:
"I'll change before entering the palace."
With that, he led his men back to the Northern Commandant Office.
Upon reaching the Imperial Prison, he personally escorted Jiang Wuyuan and the other two into their cells. Then he entered the Interrogation Room, summoned his trusted subordinates, and commanded in a low voice:
"You will guard them personally!"
"Have the Kirin Office's ten thousand-plus Embroidered Uniform Guards surround the Northern Commandant Office's Imperial Prison. No one is allowed inside!"
"The Vermilion Bird Office's Embroidered Uniform Guards will hold the outer perimeter! Until I return, no one may leave their post without permission. Otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"
Thrilled and fired up, they answered with ringing conviction:
"As you command!"
The day had been like a dream. Their chief's towering figure had been cast deep into the hearts of all who witnessed him. Single-handedly, he had settled heaven and earth!
Jia Huan stared hard at his trusted subordinates and repeated in an icy voice:
"Remember, even an Imperial Edict is useless!"
"Other than me, no one is permitted to approach the Imperial Prison!"
First, he was certain to harvest a terrifying amount of Sin Value, a haul more staggering than any before. Greater strength was the foundation that would let him cow the world!
Second, the White Lotus Cult Leader, Jiang Wuji,