407: Successful control

"Yes, Master."

Li Zhong stood up and waited with his hands at his sides, his posture incredibly respectful, not daring to overstep in the slightest.

He then recounted all his findings at the Xuan Yin Sect without reservation, including his speculations about the conflict between Elder Yin Gu and Village Elder Gongsun, the cause of the Immortal Cave's collapse, and his own theories regarding the person Undergoing Tribulation at Nether Crow Ridge.

"Hmm, you are quite sharp. You truly live up to your title as a commander of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty's Heaven-Patrolling Iron Cavalry."

Situ Jun nodded slowly and continued:

"However, this matter ends here. There is no need for further investigation. Publicly, you are only to declare that Elder Yin Gu died in the spatial turbulence caused by the Immortal Cave's collapse and that it had nothing to do with anyone else. The account given by Mysterious Clarity Master and the others is the truth of the matter. Do you understand?"

"Your Subordinate understands!"

Li Zhong replied without hesitation:

"It was my own suspicious nature that led me to misunderstand the statements of State Preceptor Xuan Qingzi and the others. The incident at Nether Crow Ridge was indeed caused by the greedy struggle between Yin Gu and Village Elder Gongsun. The Immortal Cave's collapse was an accident, and the other Cultivators only broke the seals to protect themselves; there are no other hidden details. As for those so-called tribulation fluctuations... perhaps the collapse of the Immortal Cave stirred the earth vein's Spiritual Qi, creating a natural phenomenon or some unknown residual effect of the Immortal Cave's Restriction, rather than an actual Cultivator Undergoing Tribulation here."

His words were smooth and natural, his logic clear, as if this were a conclusion he had reached through his own investigation and firmly believed in. There were no flaws, making it impossible for anyone to find fault with it.

"Very good. It seems you already understand how to handle things."

Situ Jun smiled with satisfaction, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes:

"You no longer need to go to Northern Border City. Turn around immediately and return to the Royal Capital. Once you are back, you should know how to close the case and what to say to Li Xuan and the Qintian Division, right?"

"Your Subordinate knows."

Li Zhong paused before continuing:

"I will return to the Royal Capital immediately and inform Mysterious Clarity Master and the others that the investigation is complete and their words have been verified. Afterward, I will re-apply the Imperial Dynasty's standard 'Star Spirit-Locking Seal' to Withered Bone Ascetic, Mo Chenggui, Bai Qingtian, and the others, giving them a brief reprimand as a warning for the future. With that, the case can be closed. As for the Tianqi Dynasty, I will cite 'insufficient internal supervision leading to a private brawl between Nascent Soul Cultivators and disturbing local peace' as the reason to fine them one hundred thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones. Simultaneously, the Tianqi Imperial Family will be ordered to strengthen their management of Cultivators within their borders, reporting the movements of high-level Cultivators to the Qintian Division regularly and increasing their supervision efforts."

Situ Jun listened quietly and nodded slowly. Li Zhong's plan was thorough and appropriate; it covered the truth without raising suspicion, exactly as he desired:

"Very good, do as you've said. Be sure to tie up all loose ends and leave no traces behind. When you take your men back to the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty to report, ensure your explanation is appropriate. If there is any important news in the Royal Capital in the future—especially regarding the Tianqi Imperial Family or matters related to me—you know what to do."

"Your Subordinate obeys Master's command. In the future, should there be any important news, I will certainly transmit it to Master immediately. I would never dare to hide or delay anything."

Li Zhong bowed and accepted the order, his attitude respectful to the extreme.

Situ Jun looked at him no longer. His figure shifted slightly, rippling like water as he vanished silently from the cabin, as if he had never been there.

The light in the cabin gradually returned to normal, and the spatial ripples dissipated, leaving only the cold metallic scent and Li Zhong standing where he was.

Li Zhong stood there in silence for a moment.

His gaze gradually regained the coldness and sharpness belonging to a commander of the Heaven-Patrolling Iron Cavalry. The aura around him became majestic once more, as if the person who had just knelt respectfully and called Situ Jun 'Master' was not him at all.

But only he knew that deep within his Soul, absolute loyalty and obedience to Situ Jun had become his new instinct, woven into his very bones and blood, unchangeable for eternity.

He straightened his dark silver battle armor, wiped away a trace of blood from the corner of his mouth, and then stepped out of his cultivation chamber.

Outside the chamber, four Xuntian Iron Guards in black armor stood tall, waiting respectfully to the side.

When they saw Li Zhong exit the cabin, his expression was still cold, but the aura around him seemed slightly softer than before, filling them with doubt.

Just now, they had clearly sensed abnormal spiritual energy fluctuations within the cabin, as well as a muffled groan from Commander Li. However, when they tried to enter and investigate, they were blocked by an invisible force, unable to get close.

Now, seeing Commander Li unharmed, though his attitude seemed to have changed slightly, none dared to step forward and ask despite their confusion. After all, Li Zhong's authority was not something they could challenge.

"Pass down the order! Turn the ship around immediately and return to the Tianqi Royal Capital."

Li Zhong's voice was cold, carrying an unquestionable authority as he continued:

"The matter at Nether Crow Ridge has been investigated thoroughly. There is no longer any need to go to the Northern Border."

"Yes, Commander!"

Though the four were confused, not understanding why the commander had suddenly changed the itinerary.

Only the day before, he had been so solemn about going to the Northern Border to verify things, yet today he suddenly wanted to return to the Royal Capital.

But the Heaven-Patrolling Iron Cavalry had strict discipline, and no one dared to question the commander's orders. They quickly bowed in agreement and turned to relay the command.

The sky patrol warship slowed down and slowly turned around.

The runes on the ship's hull lit up again, turning it into a streak of black light that sped toward the Tianqi Royal Capital, vanishing into the horizon in an instant.

Standing on the warship's deck, Li Zhong looked toward Northern Border City. A look of realization flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by coldness.

He knew that from now on, his life had undergone an earth-shattering change.

He was still a commander of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty's Heaven-Patrolling Iron Cavalry and still held great power, but in his heart, there was now a single master—Situ Jun.

No matter what happened in the future, he would prioritize Situ Jun's instructions and protect Situ Jun's interests, even if it meant betraying the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty or paying with his life.

Three days later, in the main hall of the Imperial Palace in the Tianqi Royal Capital.

The hall was solemn and the atmosphere heavy.

On the bright yellow dragon throne, Li Xuan sat in his imperial robes, his expression majestic. His gaze calmly swept over everyone in the hall, though a hint of imperceptible anticipation and tension was hidden deep in his eyes.

Beside him, State Preceptor Xuan Qingzi wore a gray Daoist robe. His face was lean and his expression calm, with his hands behind his back, yet there was a touch of trepidation and unease in his eyes.

On either side of the hall stood Withered Bone Ascetic, Mo Chenggui, Bai Qingtian, and others.

Withered Bone Ascetic wore a black monk's robe. He was burly with a fleshy face, his expression solemn as he remained silent.

Mo Chenggui wore a cyan brocade robe. His face was calm and his eyes as still as an ancient well, though his brows were slightly furrowed.

Bai Qingtian's face was pale; he had just arrived from the Southern Border, and his injuries still lingered.

Outside the hall, the sun shone brightly, casting golden light over the land, but the atmosphere inside was so oppressive it was suffocating.

Everyone's eyes were focused on the hall's entrance, waiting for Li Zhong's arrival.