As it turned out, the Wu Sect had already been deeply dissatisfied with the disruption of its supply channels for gengjing ore. Then the Central Army Prefecture, which had been close to it, had been wiped out, followed by the turmoil at Baijun Mountain. This had thoroughly rattled the Wu Sect's upper ranks, finally prompting them to transfer personnel officially. The spies planted by Shanmen had discovered this, which was why Li Chuping had come rushing over.
Hou Niao was curious. "Where have the Wu Sect cultivators gathered this time?"
Li Chuping felt rather defeated. "What, you want to find out so you can launch another surprise attack?"
Hou Niao took it for granted. "Why not? The disciples can handle the Three Heavens Realms cultivators, and you, Commandant, can deal with the Golden Core upper cultivators. We'll work together and scoop up the whole lot in one pot!"
Li Chuping said meaningfully, "Don't rush. There'll be opportunities. I can't speak for the others, but you-the chief culprit behind the provocation-won't be left out."
Hou Niao did not particularly care. He knew why he had been stripped of his position. It was a gesture, one Shanmen had deliberately made: we've already punished the man, so everyone should know when to stop.
Being without a position was better anyway. It saved him trouble. His temperament made him impatient with paperwork; it could grind a man to death.
After entering the city, Li Chuping plunged into another round of work, adjusting the personnel of the various prefectures and consolidating their strength. The Central Army Prefecture was easiest to handle. Its members were all experienced hands newly transferred in, every one from the Minister of Works Prefecture, so there was nothing to worry about.
The Minister of Justice Prefecture was somewhat more troublesome. Its