An imperial guard stepped forward, armor flawless and gleaming. Untouched by war’s stain. He saluted crisply. “Welcome back, General. Tianjun awaits in Haotian Hall.”

Xuan Tian turned to Jing Xue. “Wait here.”

The great silver-white wolf nudged him before settling beside the gate. The Celestial Imperial Soldiers gave him a wide berth, wariness in their gazes.

“Lead the way.”

As he stepped through the gates, wind bells chimed softly in the still air. The scent of divine lotuses lingered, a stark contrast to the blood and steel he had left behind. And he would ensure that order remained.

He reached the foot of the white jade steps to Haotian Hall and stood tall, awaiting his summons.

Inside, an imperial soldier knelt before the throne. “The Great God of War has returned and awaits Tianjun’s command.”

From atop the white crystal jade throne, Tian Xu’s voice was calm yet commanding. “Send him in.”

The guard at the doors straightened, his voice ringing through the grand hall. “Summoning the Great General!”

Xuan Tian ascended the steps, each stride steady and disciplined. The towering doors of Haotian Hall parted, revealing a vast, gleaming interior.

Before the Emperor of the Celestials, he knelt, bowed, and saluted. “Tianjun, this General has returned.”

Tian Xu’s golden gaze rested on him, unreadable. “Welcome back, General. You have done well.”

Those words were like elixir. Exhaustion melted away. Every ache and strain vanished. Standing before the one person who mattered most, Xuan Tian felt whole again.

“No need for formalities, General. Rise.”

“Thank you, Tianjun.” Xuan Tian stood straight and unwavering.

“I have read your report, but I would hear it from you directly. Is it true?”

“Yes, Tianjun.” Xuan Tian’s tone was firm. “Five thousand troops of the Night Blood Spirit Tribe have been wiped out. Any surviving members, women, children, and elderly, are under watch.”

He added, “He Xuemo, Chieftain of the Night Blood Spirits, is dead.”

Murmurs rippled through the hall immediately, some in relief, others with veiled envy, and a few silent in quiet discontent.

Something flickered in Tian Xu’s golden eyes. His grip on the throne tightened, then loosened, though his face remained impassive. “This is excellent news, General. Ensure that no surviving member of the Night Blood Spirits poses a threat. Execute anyone who resists.”

“Consider it done, Tianjun.”

“How about casualties, General?”

Xuan Tian bowed his head. “One hundred and sixty-eight, Tianjun.”

Tian Xu’s expression turned solemn. “That is unfortunate, General.”

He turned to the Celestial on his right. “See to it that the fallen are honored as heroes and their families provided for.”

Ling Xiao, Tian Xu’s most trusted aide, bowed. “This Counselor will oversee it personally, Tianjun.”

“It was a battle. Casualties are common. No need to feel ashamed, General,” Tian Xu said.

To Xuan Tian, those words were not comfort but a lash across his back. He flinched, the reaction slight but unmistakable.

“If there is nothing else, you are all dismissed,” Tian Xu said, waving his hand to send the gathered Celestials into motion.

It was unclear if he noticed Xuan Tian’s reaction.

Ling Xiao stepped forward once more. “There is still one matter, Tianjun. This Counselor received a report this morning from the Human Realm.”

Tian Xu nodded. “Follow me to my study.” Then his golden gaze shifted to Xuan Tian. “You as well.”

---------------

Inside the Imperial Study, Ling Xiao began, “There has been a clash between Ziyu Sect and Lingxu Sect over territory in Bai Mountain.”

Tian Xu sighed, exasperation leaking through. “Another one? What is it this time? What’s in those mountains that stirs them up again?”

Ling Xiao offered a scroll. “Likely cultivation resources, Tianjun.”

Tian Xu took it, setting it aside without reading. “Understood. You’re dismissed.”

Once Ling Xiao left, Tian Xu turned to Xuan Tian. “Did He Xuemo say anything before he died?”

Xuan Tian’s mind returned to those final words.

He shook his head. “Nothing worthy of your ears, Tianjun.”

For a moment, Tian Xu’s expression didn’t change, but something in the air shifted, a flicker of tension gone as quickly as it came. He exhaled, his fists unclenching. His posture eased.

He picked up a scroll and passed it to Xuan Tian. “I know you must be weary after two weeks on the battlefield, and you deserve rest. However, this matter is also important. It should not be too taxing. You can recover while still assisting me.”

Xuan Tian bowed deeply. “There is no need for hesitation, Tianjun. I exist to serve. Command me as you see fit.”

Unrolling the scroll, his sharp eyes scanned the contents. “Tianjun… this…”

Tian Xu leaned back slightly, his voice calm. “It’s not a difficult task, General. You’re only escorting a group of doctors to ensure their safety. No war, no bloodshed. Just a simple mission.” His golden eyes softened, and for a rare moment, his expression was no longer unreadable. “I chose you for this because it’s the only way I can make sure you rest. You’ve been pushing yourself too hard.”

Then, amusement flickered in his gaze. “Don’t tell me the great God of War doesn’t need a break?”

Xuan Tian saluted. “There is no mission too easy or too hard, Tianjun. I am always at your command.”

Tian Xu chuckled, shaking his head. “Must I write an imperial decree just to make you rest? Take this chance to enjoy the scenery, drink some peach blossom wine, and let your hair down.”

Xuan Tian remained impassive, though deep down, he had no patience for such indulgences.

Then, as if the moment of levity had never existed, Tian Xu’s tone turned calm and measured once more. “I don’t need to remind you to be careful, do I? Even if the mission is simple, the Human Realm is never simple. Unlike us, they have no order. If they had discipline, would they let this happen? You heard what Ling Xiao said. If anything is amiss, I trust you to act accordingly.”

Xuan Tian exhaled silently before saluting once more. “Yes, Tianjun. Your wish is my command.”