Tang Dynasty Demon Suppression Division

Liu Hongyan walked to the bedside and whispered to Li Yuan.

"A decree has just arrived from the palace that His Majesty wishes to see you. Once your injuries have healed somewhat, you are to enter the palace for an audience."

"His Majesty summons you!"

Li Yuan was jolted awake and completely sobered up.

The emperor's power was still beyond his reach, and he looked at Liu Hongyan with doubt in his eyes.

Liu Hongyan seemed to see through his thoughts and smiled reassuringly: "There's no need to worry. His Majesty greatly admires you. This summons is likely an encouragement and reward."

"At that time, you only need to respond politely and truthfully; there's no need to be overly reserved."

He paused for a moment, then added, "I will accompany you to the palace."

Hearing that Instructor Liu was accompanying him, Li Yuan felt somewhat relieved and nodded: "I understand, and I will certainly be careful with my words and actions."

In the days that followed, Li Yuan focused on recuperating. Having previously absorbed Shadow Thirteen's demon core, some of the power had been accumulating within his body. Now, along with the medicinal effects, it nourished him, allowing his injuries to heal extremely quickly.

In just five or six days, the external injuries had basically healed, the damaged meridians had recovered, and it even turned out to be a blessing in disguise, becoming more resilient than before.

To his even greater surprise, his cultivation level broke through again, and he steadily entered the late stage of the Mind-Seeking Realm.

In particular, his understanding of the power of time has deepened, and he believes that next time, he will be able to use it smoothly without having to put himself in a desperate situation.

Thinking of Shadow Thirteen's arrogant boast: "Who told you to be so talented and not know how to hide your abilities..."

He became increasingly alert and immediately activated the Breath Concealment Technique, suppressing his outward aura to the level of the early stage of the Mind-Questioning Realm.

That morning, Liu Hongyan came over carrying a set of clothes.

"Change into your new clothes; you will have an audience at 9:00 AM today."

Li Yuan changed as instructed. It was a set of indigo-blue, narrow-sleeved, fitted clothes. The cuffs and collar were embroidered with simple flowing cloud patterns in the same color silk thread. He also wore a soft-brimmed turban of the same color.

The clothes fit him perfectly, making him look tall and straight.

Liu Hongyan looked her up and down, then revealed a satisfied expression: "Not bad, let's go."

The two left the academy, and the carriage passed through the heavily guarded imperial city, stopping in front of a magnificent palace.

Liu Hongyan presented her token and, accompanied by Li Yuan, led by an eunuch, passed through numerous palaces and arrived at the side hall of the Wenhua Hall.

The eunuch stepped forward and announced in a low voice. A moment later, the chief eunuch's voice came: "Summon him."

Liu Hongyan gave Li Yuan a wink, signaling him to follow. The two of them entered the hall one after the other, bowing respectfully.

The hall was elegantly furnished and filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. Behind the imperial desk sat a young man dressed in bright yellow casual clothes and wearing a winged crown.

He looked to be in his early twenties, with a handsome face, gentle eyes, and a faint smile on his lips.

But the air of authority he possessed, which had long been associated with those in power, commanded respect and prevented anyone from taking him lightly. This was none other than the current emperor, Li Yan.

Below the imperial desk sat Mr. Mo, still wearing his gray robe, holding a wine gourd, his eyes slightly closed as if he were dozing off, showing no reaction to Li Yuan's arrival.

"Your subject Liu Hongyan pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Student Li Yuan greets Your Majesty."

The two greeted each other according to the proper etiquette.

"Rise and take a seat."

Li Yan's voice was gentle.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The two rose and sat down sideways on the embroidered stool.

"Li Yuan," Li Yan's gaze fell on Li Yuan, filled with curiosity, "Is your injury fully healed?"

"Your Majesty, I am now out of danger. Thank you for your concern," Li Yuan replied, bowing his head.

"Hmm, that's good." The emperor nodded slightly. "I have heard about your story. At such a young age, you remained calm in the face of danger and turned the tide against a powerful enemy in a desperate situation. What's even more commendable is your loyalty and righteousness; you risked your life to save your friend."

"Such a mindset is truly a blessing for our Great Tang Dynasty and a boon to our nation."

Instead of praising Li Yuan's talent, he lauded his extraordinary character, which made him very easy to move people's hearts.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise. My escape from danger was entirely due to the timely assistance of seniors like Mr. Mo, as well as the support of the Demon Suppression Bureau and the Academy."

Li Yuan quickly bowed and spoke earnestly.

A hint of appreciation flashed in the emperor's eyes, clearly quite satisfied. This young man not only possessed amazing talent, but most importantly, he was neither arrogant nor impatient, and knew when to advance and retreat.

"You need not be so modest; merit is merit." The emperor smiled, then changed the subject, asking, "Li Yuan, I see that you are exceptionally talented and resolute. Are you willing to serve my Great Tang, slaying demons and protecting the people?"

Li Yuan's heart stirred. Although he didn't know what it meant, he understood that the answer was crucial.

He didn't answer immediately, but subconsciously glanced at Mr. Mo next to him.

Mr. Mo yawned, picked up his wine gourd, took a sip, and casually said to Li Yuan, "His Majesty is asking you a question, why are you looking at me? Think it through yourself."

These words, though seemingly casual, actually gave Li Yuan the freedom to choose and also implied that the emperor would not force him to make arrangements.

Without further hesitation, Li Yuan rose and bowed again, saying, "Your Majesty, this is my ambition! I am willing to use my humble body to share Your Majesty's burdens, rid the people of scourges, and use my sword to subdue the demons of the world!"

"good!"

The emperor clapped his hands and laughed, clearly quite satisfied with Li Yuan's answer. "Since you have such ambition, I will make an exception and grant you permission to join the Demon Suppression Division ahead of schedule. What do you say?"

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"

Li Yuan was overjoyed. The Demon Suppression Division was a pillar of the Tang Dynasty, responsible for slaying demons and monsters, and most cultivators considered it an honor to join.

Moreover, this time he was granted special permission by the emperor, which means that he will directly pledge allegiance to His Majesty and become a disciple of the emperor, without having to worry about being recruited by any other forces.

The emperor nodded, then looked at Liu Hongyan, his tone quite familiar: "Hongyan, I'm leaving this kid in your hands. As for the Demon Suppression Division, I will make proper arrangements."

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I will do my best." Liu Hongyan curtsied, her tone respectful but her demeanor not overly reserved.

Li Yuan was slightly surprised. It seemed that the relationship between Instructor Liu and the emperor was far more than just that of an ordinary ruler and his subject.

But he dared not show it on his face, and simply listened with his head down.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, you may leave now. Hongyan, stay a moment, I have some questions for you."

The emperor waved his hand.

"Students take their leave."

Li Yuan bowed and withdrew. After leaving the Wenhua Hall, Mr. Mo instructed him, "Go and report to the Demon Suppression Division first. I will come to find you later."

He pointed to a captain waiting outside the hall. The man was dressed in the black uniform of the Demon Suppression Division and had a capable-looking face.

"Yes, sir."

"Young Master Li, I am Lu Anfeng, a sixth-rank captain of the Demon Suppression Division. Please follow me."

Lieutenant Lu stepped forward, his attitude quite polite.

"Thank you for your trouble, Commandant Lu." Li Yuan cupped his hands and followed him out of the palace.

Along the way, Commandant Lu took the initiative to chat with Li Yuan, mostly introducing the structure and rules of the Demon Suppression Division, and his attitude was very warm.

Li Yuan was happy to learn more information from him, and the two got along well.

After leaving the imperial city, they soon arrived at the headquarters of the Demon Suppression Bureau. Commander Lu led Li Yuan through several corridors to a relatively independent courtyard.

"This is where Deputy Commander Chu handles confidential matters. Young Master Li, please come in." Lieutenant Lu gestured for Li Yuan to enter.

Li Yuan composed himself and pushed open the courtyard gate.

The courtyard was very quiet and secluded, with several green bamboos planted inside. The door of the main house was open, and a person was standing with his hands behind his back in front of the window. Hearing footsteps, he turned around.