Chapter 464 : Loyalty

Chapter 464: Loyalty! Devotion!

Jiangdong, Tianwu City.

This place was the Dao Capital of the Dao Court, the residence of the Tian Wu Royal House. Its vast expanse alone could rival that of an entire mortal nation in other regions.

Its subordinate population exceeded one hundred million.

At a glance, tiered pavilions and layered palaces surrounded a grand hall that rose along the mountain’s slope, stacking in nine tiers, piercing straight into the heavens.

From the entrance of the Xuanwu Gate, jade steps stretched high as a thousand fathoms, coiling dragons and crouching chi serpents meandered upward from the cinnabar platform below, like a reverse-flowing celestial river, reaching directly to the majestic palace. On either side of the cinnabar platform, along the jade steps, auspicious beasts stood in rows—some lifting their heads in disdain, others glaring with fury—all exquisitely carved from profound stone. Weathered by wind and rain, their divine might remained undiminished.

Occasionally, a few cold crows would sweep past in flight.

Whenever the twilight drum echoed, its deep, muffled waves spread out from the depths of the palace complex, reverberating through the jade towers and celestial halls, casting a feeling of desolate solemnity.

【Tianwu Hall】

This was the residence of the Son of Heaven. At all hours, hundreds to thousands of inner court guards, eunuchs, and palace maids either stood vigil or bustled about.

Suddenly, a eunuch stepped briskly out from the crowd.

He clutched a jade slip in his hand, looking frantic and in haste, hurrying into 【Tianwu Hall】. As he approached, he dropped into a sliding kneel:

“Your Majesty! An urgent message has arrived from the Southern Suppression King’s Estate.”

After speaking, the eunuch respectfully waited for a moment. At length, a voice came from behind the heavy curtains, carrying a hint of curiosity:

“Sent by Taian?”

“Present it.”

Only then did the eunuch breathe a sigh of relief. With a thread of divine sense, he levitated the jade slip, carefully delivering it beyond the curtain, where it was gently grasped by a slender hand.

It belonged to a young man, tall and elegant in appearance. As the Son of Heaven of the Dao Court, he was not adorned in a regal dragon robe but wore a simple Daoist garment. Behind the curtain was not a dragon throne but a Dao altar, surrounded by curling sandalwood incense.

“Hmm?”

Soon, a faint grunt of surprise escaped his nose. Holding the jade slip, he pinched his fingers in calculation, then revealed a calm and composed smile.

“Not bad, not bad.”

“It truly was discovered by the True Dragon Clan. It really is a grand gift. I initially thought the Dragon Monarch agreed to cooperate out of ulterior motives, scheming rebellion.”

But now it seemed... perhaps he had overthought it?

At the very least, this 『Xianghuo Shendao』 was of immense value to the Dao Court.

If he could locate a corresponding Realm Heaven, even if it were only a budding Fruition Position, he would spare no effort in carefully nurturing it to perfection!

“However... this Fruition must remain in my hands.”

“If the Fruition stayed with the True Dragon Clan, then in developing the Xianghuo Shendao, I’d merely be sewing a wedding dress for them.”

“An audience request?”

The Dao Court Son of Heaven smiled meaningfully, unsurprised. To him, this was no more than the True Dragon Clan bargaining for more benefits.

At this thought, he frowned slightly.

Because in Wu Taian’s report, the matter of the 【Dongting Dragon King】’s official position had also been raised. It wasn’t exactly trivial—nor was it insignificant.

Especially at such a sensitive juncture, it clearly provided the True Dragon Clan additional bargaining leverage.

“.Nonsense.”

The Dao Court Son of Heaven lightly rebuked. Although he had indeed hinted at pressing the True Dragon Clan a bit, he had not specified how.

Clearly, someone below had misinterpreted his intent.

But it was easily resolved—whoever acted wrongly would be dealt with. The Dao Court never lacked people. If one failed, another could easily replace them.

“By decree, the Left Pacification Commissioner of the Dutian Division—dismissed from office.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, the 【Immortal Nation Dao Law】 shuddered. At that very moment, a burly middle-aged man far away in the Dutian Division office suddenly widened his eyes.

“Impossible!?”

In an instant, magical power surged through his body, divine abilities flickered, and the official position above his head—【Left Pacification Commissioner of the Dutian Division】—trembled violently.

This was a Fourth-Rank position.

Mid-Foundation Establishment!

Yet this resistance lasted less than a breath. The middle-aged man’s expression wilted. In the end, he trembled as he removed the official hat from his head:

“Grateful to Your Majesty for stripping my rank. I accept the decree with thanks!”

“Boom!”

Even before the words had faded, his entire aura dissipated. His title was removed, his official robes fell away, and all that remained in place was a powerless mortal!

Inside 【Tianwu Hall】.

After demoting a mid-Foundation cultivator to a commoner with a single word, the Dao Court Son of Heaven’s expression remained unchanged—instead, a trace of interest flashed in his eyes.

“For the old Dragon Monarch to show such sincerity...”

“And even know how to leverage an official title to seek more benefit... seems he’s not just some savage beast. Could it be overseas demon cultivators have their own heroes?”

The next moment, a glimmer flickered in his eyes.

Those were emerald pupils—the divine anomaly of the Tian Wu Royal House’s bloodline. As they activated, the Dao Court Son of Heaven’s gaze instantly spanned millions of miles!

“I must see... who this person truly is.”

Outside the Southern Suppression King’s Estate, within an immortal's cave dwelling.

Lü Yang followed the black-robed demon cultivator into the cave, only to be met with an overwhelming surge of demonic aura—over ten demon cultivators stood within!

All were Foundation Establishment!

Yet Lü Yang quickly discerned that none of these demon cultivators had achieved this through their own cultivation. Each had a corresponding official position floating above their head.

At the sight, disappointment flickered in Lü Yang’s eyes. Demon cultivators like these—even a hundred more of them couldn’t stir up much trouble!

But soon, he noticed something amiss.

These demon cultivators’ 【Official Titles】 were unusual—most were military ranks from surrounding regions. As Fifth-Rank officials, they could be called generals!

As thoughts turned, a smile rose on Lü Yang’s face:

“.Fellow Daoists, for what reason have you invited me here?”

“Reporting to the Dragon King.”

The black-robed demon, clearly the leader, was the first to speak: “No other reason, merely to make your acquaintance, Dragon King.”

“Acquaintance?”

Lü Yang paused, then chuckled and shook his head: “I already understand your situation. From my perspective, what you need is not mere acquaintance. You need a strong and forceful leader who can tear through all enemies—hence, you came to me.”

“I must admit—you chose the right person.”

Before his voice had finished, Lü Yang struck.

【String-Pulled Puppet】!

Not one of the demon cultivators present was powerful. All were early Foundation Establishment and naturally stood no chance against 【String-Pulled Puppet】—the scene fell instantly silent.

Moments later, Lü Yang raised an eyebrow.

Within the Myriad Spirits Banner, the 【Xuandu Blessed Land】 trembled, his spiritual sense stirred—signaling that an unseen gaze was watching him from a vast distance!

‘A True Lord’s observation... The Dao Court’s Son of Heaven?’

Lü Yang was startled but not flustered—on the contrary, he felt emboldened. After all, he could now detect the surveillance of a Golden Core True Lord!

After a moment of contemplation, he spoke again:

“Rest assured, all of you—I will help. The status of demon cultivators within the Dao Court does indeed need reform. This is the True Dragon Clan’s responsibility.”

One demon cultivator quickly flattered: “Sworn loyalty to the True Dragon Clan!”

The black-robed demon glared at him at once and corrected sternly: “You fool! Loyalty to the True Dragon Clan? It's loyalty to the Dragon King!”

“You are all mistaken.”

Lü Yang shook his head, then bowed toward Tianwu City: “Loyalty should be to His Majesty... all of you must remember this well.”

“There is only one person in the Dao Court who commands wind and rain—that is His Majesty!”

As his words fell, Lü Yang stood firmly in place, facing Tianwu City. Then, clenching his right fist, he solemnly saluted:

“Loyalty! Devotion!”

The next moment, 【String-Pulled Puppet】 activated.

All the demon cultivators followed suit, saluting toward Tianwu City. In that instant, the thunderous chorus of voices echoed even beyond the cave dwelling:

“Loyalty! Devotion!”