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Chapter 11 - The Newly Appointed Imperial Preceptor

TRUE to Lily's words, the emperor had indeed forgotten about the competition—until Elder Leo brought it to his attention.

"Please accept my apologies, Elder," Emperor Jun said with an embarrassed sigh. "This Emperor has had many matters to attend to recently and… simply forgot about the competition."

Elder Leo waved a hand dismissively, signaling that he took no offense. "There is no need for apology. Your Majesty governs an empire. It is only natural that Your Majesty must remain focused on the welfare of your people." He smiled calmly and added, "Now that I am here, Your Majesty need only concern yourself with matters of the state. Leave the rest to your Imperial Preceptor."

At the mention of that title, Emperor Jun's expression brightened. Just yesterday, he had issued an official decree appointing Elder Leo—an elder from the prestigious Medicine Sect—as the new Imperial Preceptor. Knowing that a powerful figure like Elder Leo now stood by his side, Emperor Jun could not help but feel pleased.

However, the moment of joy was interrupted by a long, deliberate sigh.

Both men turned their heads toward the sound. The source was none other than Prime Minister Carna. The three were seated in the Imperial Study, discussing both internal affairs and the empire's external threats.

"What troubles you, Prime Minister Carna?" Emperor Jun asked, his tone warm and inquisitive.

Prime Minister Carna's eye twitched. The emperor had been treating him much more kindly than usual lately. He suspected it had everything to do with Elder Leo's presence. Still, it was a welcome change, and he bowed respectfully before replying.

"This humble servant only hopes that the Pei Family will not object to Your Majesty's recent decree," Carna said cautiously. "The decree was issued last night, yet we have not heard a word from the Pei household."

Emperor Jun's brows furrowed at the mention of the Pei Family. He turned to look at Elder Leo, his tone shifting as he spoke. "About the Pei Family…" he began, his voice tinged with hesitation, "This Emperor does not wish to appear ungrateful. However…" He paused and sighed, his expression turning regretful.

"What is it, Your Majesty?" Elder Leo asked, playing the part of the curious confidant. Though he could guess where this conversation was headed, he chose to act as though he had no idea.

"As you all know," the emperor began, "the Pei Family has supported this empire since my grandfather's reign. Their service and loyalty have been nothing short of invaluable. However, in recent years, they have become… a constant source of trouble for this Emperor. To the extent that I cannot even focus properly on governing the nation."

He sighed again and shook his head in visible frustration.

Elder Leo nodded slowly, understanding the true implications behind the emperor's words. Truthfully, he had never liked the Pei Family. He found them stubborn and too deeply entrenched in the empire's core to be easily controlled. Now, with Hugo—Fifth Imperial Uncle—closely associated with them, the Pei Family had become more than a nuisance. They were a liability. And Hugo's absence provided the perfect opportunity.

"I understand Your Majesty's predicament," Elder Leo said with a calm nod. "Even during the banquet, the Pei girl's behavior toward me was enough to make me question their upbringing and integrity. Clearly, they are not the kind of people fit to serve the throne."

Emperor Jun let out a sigh of relief, as if a burden had been lifted. "Then… what should we do? How do we get rid of them?" His voice was hushed but urgent. He was desperate now—desperate to free himself from the shadow of the Pei Family.

"Do not be hasty, Your Majesty," Elder Leo said, sipping his tea with practiced calm. "As you mentioned earlier, the Pei Family has long been the empire's backbone. In the eyes of the people, they are heroes. They have fought wars and protected the borders. As such, the imperial family appears indebted to them. Any move against them must be made with caution."

The emperor's expression darkened, but he nodded slowly. It was true. Otherwise, would Lily Pei—the youngest of the Pei clan—continue to speak to him with such impudence? Never addressing him with the proper deference, never treating him as a monarch should be treated? The very thought of her insolence made his blood boil.

Seeing that Emperor Jun understood, Elder Leo gave a nod of satisfaction.

"There is no need to rush. The Pei Family's downfall is already sealed," he said confidently. "But for now, we should focus on more pressing matters."

His tone sharpened slightly as he continued, "I will personally oversee the assessment of those who wish to participate in the Earth Realm competition. The evaluation will last two weeks. Afterward, we shall hold a match to determine the strongest top three candidates."

He took another measured sip of tea before adding, "Furthermore, I will speak with the Spirit Sword Sect. This year's competition shall be hosted in our empire."

At that announcement, Emperor Jun and Prime Minister Carna both gasped audibly.

To host the competition—an event that occurred only once every ten years—would elevate the Immortal Dragon Empire's status in the eyes of the world!

They exchanged stunned glances before Emperor Jun leaned forward, eyes wide with hope. "Do you believe the Spirit Sword Sect will agree?"

"Though the four great sects often compete with one another in the Earth Realm," Elder Leo said as he set his cup down gently, "we have a long-standing unspoken rule—when dealing with outsiders, we set aside our rivalries. So yes, I am confident they will not object if I suggest a change of venue."

"Excellent! Excellent!" Emperor Jun exclaimed, rising from his seat in excitement. "Whatever you need for the preparations—just say the word, and I will provide it!"

"I am grateful for Your Majesty's full support," Elder Leo said with a slight bow of acknowledgment.

"Nonsense," Emperor Jun replied, waving his hand dismissively. "You're the one aiding the empire—far better than that Pei Family ever has!"

He sighed again, this time with a touch of resentment. If only he had met Elder Leo earlier, perhaps he wouldn't have had to endure the Pei Family's arrogance for so long. But no matter. He had the elder now. And soon, the Pei Family would be nothing but dust in the empire's history.

---

Meanwhile, over at the Pei estate, Duke Pei was searching high and low for his granddaughter.

He paced the corridors, checking the courtyards and garden paths. When he finally reached her chamber and found it empty, he was about to summon the guards to organize a search—when suddenly, Ji Lei burst out of the room in a flurry of motion.

"Ji Lei!" the duke called, startled.

Ji Lei immediately lowered her head in a respectful bow. "Greetings, Duke Pei."

"Where is your mistress? Where has she gone off to this time?" he asked, sighing heavily. "Why does she keep leaving the estate without even informing me? Does she think I'm already dead and buried? Does she believe she's all alone in this world, with no one to care for her well-being?"

The more he spoke, the more despondent he became—feeling increasingly like the world was conspiring to leave him behind. Duke Pei, in that moment, looked thoroughly dejected.

Ji Lei's eye twitched. The young miss had only been gone for an hour. Yet the duke was acting like she'd vanished for days. He truly was treating Lily as if she were still a child in need of constant supervision.

"Young Miss Lily is merely out for a stroll," Ji Lei said carefully after clearing her throat. "She instructed this servant to inform the Duke that she will be home late."

Duke Pei frowned deeply. "How late? And why is she wandering the streets at night?"

"This servant does not know," Ji Lei replied blandly, keeping her tone neutral. She didn't dare reveal the truth: Lily wasn't just taking a walk—she was on her way to the palace.

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