CHAPTER 507: CHAPTER 504 TROUBLE

Although the Literary Selections Department is leisurely, it also has real work to do.

He wasn’t in a hurry to start; being new here, the best way was, like in the Ministry of Rites, to first observe without intervention.

Let the people below handle the tasks first.

Once familiarized, it’s not too late to decide on actions.

Chu Zhiyuan sat quietly behind the desk, listening intently to Ouyang Xun’s report.

The duties of the Literary Selections Department were explained clearly and orderly.

Chu Zhiyuan nodded occasionally at Ouyang Xun’s words, refraining from speaking rashly.

After Ouyang Xun finished speaking, Chu Zhiyuan nodded: "Lord Ouyang, proceed according to the usual practice."

"Yes, my lord."

"I will rarely come by here, so Lord Ouyang, do bear with it."

"Yes."

"If there’s truly an urgent matter, you can directly find me at the Prince Mansion."

"Yes."

Chu Zhiyuan waved his hand.

Ouyang Xun returned to the first desk on the left side and began working intently.

Chu Zhiyuan reviewed a stack of files on the desk.

For the aspects he didn’t understand, he inquired with Ouyang Xun, showing a willingness to seek advice from those less informed than himself.

To truly become an Emperor, one must understand how the Six Ministries operate and have a clear understanding of the situation across the empire. Otherwise, one would be a muddled emperor.

Without proper understanding, becoming an Emperor would too easily lead to blunders with significant implications.

The Emperor isn’t just a warrior wielding the Emperor’s Sword to slay, but one who governs the nation and wins the people’s hearts.

Currently alert and perpetually energetic, he doesn’t fear state governance but lacks confidence and wishes to learn more.

The first step is to understand the operation of the Six Ministries and the rules governing the Court.

The second step is to uncover Da Jing’s current true situation.

These two areas cannot be grasped merely through Super Sense.

They require genuine study and earnest research, also a form of cultivation.

During this period, he also needs to recruit competent officials as capable aides and confidants.

Gao Lingfeng counts as one, and Ouyang Xun seems shrewd and capable but needs further observation.

More capable officials need to be discovered.

The Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs is the best position to understand how officials perform nationwide.

Although superficial, it is far better than knowing nothing.

With his current photographic memory, gathering the performance of officials at all levels nationwide in his mind is not difficult.

Thinking of this, he inexplicably thought of Huang Shiron.

Huang Shiron possesses a photographic memory and can effortlessly manage inner hall affairs. Not only is her martial prowess formidable, but her administrative talent is equally impressive.

Compared to the Military Suppression Department, she is more suited for officialdom, yet, unfortunately, she is a woman.

He shook his head at this thought.

——

Flying Sky Sect

Not far from the Heavenly Blade Pavilion stands the Sect Master Hall.

Currently, the hall is shrouded in a gloomy haze, with an extremely oppressive atmosphere.

Lu Donghu sat at the main seat, stroking his beard in silence, his handsome face clouded with gloom.

In the rows of Taishi Chairs to his left and right sat two elders and four middle-aged men.

The four middle-aged men hung their heads in silence, while the two elders stroked their beards, furrowing their brows and glaring fiercely.

A silver-faced elder said in a deep voice, "Sect Master, we can’t go in anymore. Going in more times will result in the same outcome!"

"Brother Qu," the square-faced elder opposite furrowed his brows, "What should we do if we don’t go in? Are we just going to abandon exploring the Secret Land?"

"But going in is just courting death!" the silver-faced elder said grumpily. "Who dares to go in now? I’m certainly not bold enough!"

"If we don’t figure out how to counteract it, are we going to continue delaying? These demon beasts won’t die on their own!"

"But you can’t just rush in recklessly!"

"Uncle Qu, Uncle Liu." Lu Donghu waved his hand.

The two elders, staring daggers at each other like roosters about to fight, turned their gazes back to Lu Donghu.

Lu Donghu said, "Let’s hold off for now and enlist outside help."

"The Court?" a gaunt elder asked gravely. "We can’t rely on the Court."

The silver-faced elder said coldly, "The Court is truly cunning. They knew about this Secret Land but didn’t hastily send people to explore it. Now we finally understand why they weren’t in a rush."

Lu Donghu said calmly, "Because they are aware of the dangers."

After discovering the Secret Land, they were extremely excited and sealed the information tightly, fearing the Court would learn of it, fearing others would find out.

As a result, they did acquire some good things, even obtained a few Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.

But the cost was the loss of numerous skilled practitioners from within the sect.

The Secret Land contained Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, but also concealed enormous dangers.

Even with the Great Grandmaster escorting them, the Great Grandmaster couldn’t guarantee complete protection from those demon beasts.

These demon beasts had strange and unpredictable skills, impossible to guard against.

Over the years, the loss of skilled practitioners far exceeded those in the Military Suppression Department.

The overall strength of the Flying Sky Sect has not improved much, and it was even less effective than wholly focusing on developing the Military Suppression Department.

Recently, the Court learned about the existence of this Secret Land.

They were instantly alarmed, thinking the Court would shamelessly seize this Secret Land.

However, the Court only sent two Great Grandmasters to take a look and then did nothing further.

Lu Donghu now understands the reason.

The Court is experienced and knew new Secret Lands were full of danger, thus letting the Flying Sky Sect spearhead the exploration while they stayed behind.

Originally thinking that Flying Sky Sect could withstand such danger, now it appears they overestimated themselves.

A newly emerged type of demon beast was invisible and untraceable, even the Great Grandmaster couldn’t detect their presence or avoid them.

Both Liu Qu and another Great Grandmaster nearly lost their lives.

Several Grandmasters and Innate Masters were completely wiped out, significantly impacting the strength of the Flying Sky Sect.

The two Great Grandmasters, undeterred, healed their injuries and went in again, but were severely injured once more, nearly losing their lives.

One advocated for another attempt, while the other recommended against rash actions.

Even Great Grandmasters feared death; Liu Ruixiang, who advocated another entry, wasn’t unafraid of dying but was driven by the fact that his son perished there.

He was in a rage, seeking revenge.

The white-faced elder, Qu Qianbi, said gravely, "Actually, even if the Court sends Great Grandmasters, the result would be the same."

He looked at Liu Ruixiang, "Junior Liu, do you think we’re inferior to the Court’s Great Grandmasters?"

Liu Ruixiang snorted, "Six of one, half a dozen of the other."

Qu Qianbi said, "So if we can’t handle these demon beasts, neither can the Court. No need to seek assistance from them, which would only result in their ridicule."

The Court is likely waiting to see the Flying Sky Sect’s misfortune now.

They will mock the Flying Sky Sect’s incompetence, unable to seize a windfall opportunity despite it falling into their laps.

"Uncle Qu, Uncle Liu," Lu Donghu said, "There are skilled individuals in the Court."

"What skilled individuals?!" Qu Qianbi said disdainfully, "They would be just as bewildered when encountering those demon beasts, possibly unable to even notice them, and lose their lives!"

"Brother Qu!" Liu Ruixiang said coldly, "Are we to never enter the Secret Land again, just watching as their bodies are exposed to the wild?"

"..." Lu Donghu remained silent.

How he wished to retrieve the deceased disciples’ remains and give them a proper burial.

But risking the lives of Great Grandmasters for such a task is truly not worth it.

"Sect Master, Qu Ying requests an audience!" came a crisp, pleasant voice from outside.

"Qu Ying, come in and speak!" Lu Donghu immediately smiled.

He looked at Qu Qianbi with a smile, "Uncle Qu, Little Ying is finally back, don’t scold her."

Qu Qianbi immediately smiled, quickly reigning it in, suppressing his joy, and, stroking his beard, he huffed, "So rash, I told her to hurry back, and she dawdled for so long before returning. Who shouldn’t I scold!"

Qu Ying lifted the curtain and strode into the hall.

She wore a blue robe, dressed as a man, her tall frame carrying a verdant long saber, exuding a swordsman’s demeanor, full of vigor and radiance.

Upon entering, she clasped her hands and greeted everyone with respect, addressing them one by one.

Qu Qianbi grumbled, "You still know to come back!"

"Grandfather, this time I’ve really broadened my horizons!"

Qu Ying couldn’t wait to share her experiences from the journey, speaking candidly to those who watched her grow up, recounting everything in detail.