Da Xuan Martial Saint

Thud, thud,

Just as silence had taken hold of the main hall, footsteps began to echo from outside, gradually drawing closer.

Clad in simple commoner's clothes, Chen Mu entered the hall with no air of importance, just like any other ordinary citizen. However, upon his arrival, Qi Zhiyuan, the court eunuch, and several officials who were seated inside all rose to their feet almost simultaneously.

"This humble servant Wei Sheng pays his respects to Inspector Chen."

Wei Sheng bowed to Chen Mu with a soft, measured voice, addressing him not as the 'Peak Master' of the Seven Profound Sect but by the title he had previously been promoted to, the third-grade 'Inspector' of Yu State. In fact, if Wei Sheng hadn't mentioned it, Chen Mu would have long forgotten about his official position.

After all, the Cold North and Yu State were too remote, and amid the current chaos, the reach of the Imperial Court's law was limited. An official title was nothing more than a nominal designation, as martial arts realm and strength were the true measure of worth. Compared to Jingji Road or even Central Prefecture, it was purely a world of martial artists.

The other officials also bowed and paid their respects to Chen Mu one by one.

"What brings you all here?"

Chen Mu asked directly, without wasting words.

Wei Sheng replied with respectful composure, "Lord Chen is straightforward, so I'll dispense with pleasantries. I am here by the will of the higher-ups, hoping to invite Lord Chen to transfer to Central Prefecture. You may choose any deputy position in the three Chief Offices of the Imperial Court..."

The Inspectorate, the Demon-Slaying Office, the Penal Division.

These were the three Chief Offices of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, second in concentration of martial artists only to the armies of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger. In these offices, strength was held in the highest regard. The Bureau Heads of the Chief Offices were all in the Blood Exchange Realm, and each was one of the top powerhouses of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court.

Nominally, the Bureau Head position was of the first-grade, but in the court where first-grade titles were usually nominal, it was effectively the pinnacle of official ranks, granting both high status and tremendous influence. Even The Eight Princes had to show them respect and attempt to win them over.

The Imperial Court's wish to transfer Chen Mu to Central Prefecture was clearly twofold. First, they hoped that Chen Mu would not oppose the Da Xuan Dynasty Court and would stand with the Court, even if he were to one day reach the pinnacle of martial arts and possess the ability to direct nations. As long as he harbored no thoughts of overturning the existing order, the Court couldn't realistically inhibit the world of martial arts. Over thousands of years, it was normal for a universally unmatched Martial Saint to emerge.

Though no one has matched the renown of the Da Xuan Martial Emperor in a thousand years, there were still a few who were nearly invincible. They commanded respect from the Court solely through personal strength. Reaching such heights, they typically viewed the world differently from ordinary people, seeking the ultimate pinnacle of martial arts and wondering if there was more beyond its current limits. Few had any interest in the Court or the throne.

The founding Martial Emperor established his reign in an era when Ninety-Nine States were fraught with countless sects, turbulent nations, and endless wars. The entire world yearned for a dynasty that could unite all under one banner, and his rise conformed to the collective will of the time.

Today, the world is already unified. The only issues stem from problems within the Royal Family and the infighting among The Eight Princes, leading to the fragmentation of power, and consequently, the disarray that makes the world seem like a troubled time. It would take mere moments for a great Martial Saint of this age to put an end to the chaos.

Secondly,

Regardless of Chen Mu's intentions, they all wished for him to be in Central Prefecture, under the watchful eye of the Court, rather than in the distant Cold North and Yu State, where he could disappear at any time, hanging over them like a menacing blade, giving an unsettling feeling of insecurity.

"You wish to transfer me to Central Prefecture, but it is not a decree—so it must not be His Majesty's intent, nor the wish of The Eight Princes."

Chen Mu looked at Wei Sheng and spoke indifferently.

Lowering his head, Wei Sheng responded, "Indeed, it is not the Emperor's decree. It is the wish of Prime Minister Han of the Cabinet and several Bureau Heads. This is not a formal order from the Cabinet, merely an invitation that the officials have asked me to convey to Lord Chen."