Since Su Chengyu’s return, the mornings at Qilong Courtyard have been livelier than before.
While not everyone would be present, there were always a couple of people gathered in the outer courtyard, chatting about trivial matters.
It was the first time Su Chengyu, after finishing a night of cultivation, joined such an occasion, conversing about topics unrelated to the world’s major events and feeling a rare sense of ease.
However, he knew that such days would inevitably be short-lived.
With the imperial summons delivered to the Demon Slayer Department, the crowd’s gaze upon Su Chengyu naturally carried a hint of concern.
Su Chengyu responded with a smile, "What are you worried about? It’s not like I’m going to war; it’s just that the appointment is about to be settled."
"The Demon Slayer Department or the Heavenly Punishment Department?"
The one asking was Yang Junmo, who understood more than anyone the significant differences between the two departments.
Su Chengyu smiled, "Is it really that important? But I think either way, it will be one of them, maybe even..."
Su Chengyu didn’t continue, knowing that the best possibility was minuscule, though not impossible.
Handling both departments simultaneously was something only his grandfather, Su Linyuan, managed before the Two Bureaus and Three Departments system was fully established.
At that time, even Su Linyuan only took charge of the Demon Slayer Department and temporarily managed the nascent Imperial Academy. Check latest chapters at novel·fire·net
"I’ll head out first. Also, Nan Zhi, could you please take this item to the flower and bird shop for me?"
Xu Nanzhi hesitated, looking at the storage magical artifact that Su Chengyu handed over, saying, "ChengYu, have you really decided to..."
"There’s news from Aunt Ye in Southern Xinjiang today, so there’s no reason to delay this matter any longer."
Upon hearing this from Su Chengyu, Xu Nanzhi stopped asking further questions and nodded in agreement.
After arranging everything, Su Chengyu then proceeded to the Capital Royal Palace.
"Demon Slayer Department’s Tian Heng Saint Envoy, greets Your Majesty."
Su Chengyu bowed to Zhao Xuanzhen, and his thunderous voice dispelled the last hope in the hearts of those who wished Su Chengyu’s injuries had not yet healed.
"It seems Su Saint Envoy has completely recovered from his wounds?"
Su Chengyu nodded, "Thank Your Majesty for your concern, the minister’s injuries are no longer a hindrance. Moreover, I am now preparing to advance to the Earth Immortal Realm."
"Oh, is that so? Coincidentally, Princess Lin An, who returned not long ago, told me the same thing."
The ordinary words made Su Chengyu feel tremendous pressure.
Lin An would never speak such words without a purpose, and since Zhao Xuanzhen brought it up himself, it is highly likely this was the chip Lin An offered.
It’s just not clear what else Lin An gave and what she "got" in return.
"Some time ago, there was a joint petition hoping you would take over the Demon Slayer Department, and I have seen it. Su Saint Envoy, what do you think?"
"Thanks to Your Majesty and the previous Sect Master Qiu Tianlin of the Demon Slayer Department, the minister... is confident in taking over the position of Sect Master of the Heavenly Punishment Department and will certainly fulfill the duties of the Heavenly Punishment perfectly."
Zhao Xuanzhen couldn’t help but laugh at this word, and all the officials in the hall instantly became tense.
What exactly are the duties of the Heavenly Punishment? How could Su Chengyu, who took over the Heavenly Punishment Department, not know? His words clearly implied that he would supervise Your Majesty well, which was incredibly bold.
"Su Saint Envoy, you do realize that the word ’perfect’ is not so easily achieved?"
"Even Lord Chou, acknowledged by the late emperor, could be counted as derelict in duty for these decades."
"The unexpected chaos should be acknowledged objectively that Lord Chou indeed did not fulfill the Heavenly Punishment duties perfectly, but I do not believe he disgraced the term ’Heavenly Punishment’. Rather, I am quite disappointed by the current Heavenly Punishment Department, which is why I hope to take over the role of Sect Master."
Zhao Xuanzhen sneered silently, and the atmosphere in the grand hall reached a climactic tension.
If it were anyone else saying these words in front of Zhao Xuanzhen, even an Earth Immortal would weigh whether they could bear the aftermath.
No one understood; was Su Chengyu really courting death?
"Even with Lin An backing you, are you truly unafraid?"
Without any further hidden meanings, Zhao Xuanzhen openly expressed his inner thoughts directly for the first time.
Yet, Su Chengyu remained unperturbed, calmly saying.
"The teacher once said that the Heavenly Punishment Department is unlike any other department. Since I supervise Your Majesty, naturally I must not fear Your Majesty. Respect without fear—this is the principle that every person in the Heavenly Punishment Department should understand."
"Excellent, excellent, excellent! No wonder Lord Chou favored you; this courage indeed qualifies you to be the Sect Master of the Heavenly Punishment Department. Saint Envoy Tian Heng!"
"I hereby appoint you today as the new Sect Master of the Heavenly Punishment Department, supervising the world, overseeing the Heavenly Son, with authority surpassing the emperor’s command!"
Zhao Xuanzhen’s announcement exploded in everyone’s minds; they all had thought Zhao Xuanzhen might appoint Su Chengyu as the Sect Master of the Heavenly Punishment Department, but they assumed it would be for the now vastly different department, never expecting the full authority to be handed to Su Chengyu.
"I accept the order."
Su Chengyu spoke without changing his expression; he was not surprised by this outcome at all.
Every matter comes with a price; Su Chengyu understood this early on.
The Heavenly Son, though not omnipotent, still holds methods for exchange.
At this moment, Su Chengyu laid out his chips, including Lin An’s, to achieve all of this.
"Having someone elected as the Sect Master of the Heavenly Punishment is a good thing, but likewise, the Demon Slayer Department can’t go a day without a Sect Master. Zijing."
Zhao Xuanzhen spoke again, and Xu Zijing slowly stepped onto the stage.
"How about you take this position?"
The answer was not unexpected; Xu Zijing was already the most popular candidate for the position of Sect Master of the Demon Slayer Department besides Su Chengyu. Since Su Chengyu aimed for the Heavenly Punishment Department, everyone assumed Xu Zijing would naturally inherit the Demon Slayer Department. However...
"I am confident in assuming this role, but given my talents, I am not as gifted as the Tian Heng... Sect Master. At the critical moment of advancing to the Earth Immortal Realm, I fear I cannot fulfill this duty. But Your Majesty, regarding the position of the Sect Master of the Demon Slayer Department, I do have a candidate in mind."
Xu Zijing’s evasion surprised everyone. However, if it were Ye Qingci, she indeed would be qualified to take the position; it just worried others that the Ye Family might monopolize power. The next moment, Xu Zijing’s words took everyone by surprise.
"In my view, Princess Lin An, who recently incorporated the remnants of the United and has already stepped halfway into the Earth Immortal Realm, is more suitable for this position than I am."