Mo Han looked up, seeing three gilded characters emblazoned above the main entrance of the building: Hall of Counsel.

The entryway was flanked by numerous Imperial Guards standing watch, and the patrol detail seemed to have doubled. This must surely be where the Emperor resided, given the intensity of the security.

Murong Tian approached the center of the main gate and addressed a general in yellow regalia: "Commander Liu, is His Majesty still within?" Upon recognizing Murong Tian, the stern-faced Commander Liu immediately performed a respectful salute. "Reporting to General Murong, His Majesty is currently discussing matters with several dignitaries inside. Shall I announce your arrival?" Murong Tian smiled faintly. "Then I trouble the Commander to convey a message to the Emperor: I have brought the person he wished to see."

Hearing Murong Tian's reply, Commander Liu nodded. "Then please grant me a moment, General Murong. I shall report immediately."

With that, he turned and entered through the massive doors.

At this moment, Murong Tian turned to Mo Han and smiled. "That was Commander Liu Chengde, the head of the Imperial Guard. Do not let his youthful appearance fool you; his mastery of Dou Qi is formidable, and he is known for his absolute integrity, earning the deep trust of the Emperor."

Mo Han, upon hearing Murong Tian’s explanation, finally understood the source of the General’s evident respect for the man.

Mo Han remarked, "Heh, anyone praised by General Murong must be extraordinary. I estimate his cultivation has reached the bottleneck of a High Sword Master?" Murong Tian looked genuinely surprised. "Young friend, your perception is astonishing! To discern his level just like that—indeed, Commander Liu achieved the rank of High Sword Master five years ago."

Murong Tian then slapped his forehead lightly. "Blast, my memory! With your own cultivation, Brother Mo Han, of course you can gauge Commander Liu's strength. I completely forgot—Brother Mo Han is a Great Sword Master himself!"

Mo Han simply offered a slight smile. "Heh, I was merely guessing. Ah, Commander Liu returns."

Indeed, Liu Chengde trotted back to Murong Tian and announced, "The Emperor has decreed that General Murong and this young brother are to enter immediately for an audience. Please, follow me."

As he spoke, Liu Chengde spared Mo Han another lingering glance, curious as to why this unassuming young man had commanded such urgent attention from the Emperor—something he hadn't witnessed in all his years serving the throne, especially concerning someone so young.

Murong Tian inclined his head gratefully toward Liu Chengde, saying no more, and immediately led Mo Han inside.

Mo Han followed Murong Tian to the entrance of the grand hall situated in the center of the complex. As they approached, Murong Tian bowed respectfully at the threshold. "Your subject, Murong Tian, presents Mo Han, the Priest, as commanded, to pay respects to His Majesty."

Before the words had fully faded, a voice filled with imperial authority boomed from within. "General Murong, you have exerted yourself greatly. Enter swiftly."

Murong Tian tugged lightly at Mo Han’s sleeve as a signal, then took the lead into the hall.

The moment Mo Han entered the hall behind Murong Tian, he noted several figures already present. Two were familiar: one was Gongsun Wuji, the patriarch of the Gongsun family, standing at the premier position on the hall's left side. Standing just behind him was the general named Han Yu. The remaining two on the left were strangers to Mo Han, both appearing to be around forty years of age.

On the right side stood four individuals—two civil officials and two military commanders. The last man on the right, wearing blue military attire, offered Mo Han and Murong Tian a faint smile upon their entry, which puzzled Mo Han, as he was certain he had never encountered this man before. Ahead of the man in blue stood two elderly figures clad in scarlet official robes, whose exact rank Mo Han couldn't decipher, given his unfamiliarity with the era's court structure.

Before these two officials stood an older gentleman in green military uniform, who greeted them with an expression of gentle kindness.

Murong Tian moved to the center of the hall, bowed deeply, and announced with utmost deference, "Your subject, Murong Tian, greets His Majesty."

The Emperor smiled. "General Murong, rise."

Simultaneously, Mo Han, standing just behind, offered a relaxed smile and spoke, "This junior, Mo Han, pays respects to His Majesty."

As soon as Mo Han finished speaking, a civil official standing behind Han Yu on the left side erupted in anger. "Who is this insolent ruffian, addressing the Emperor with such casual self-reference? It is blatant disregard for the law! Are you courting death?" Murong Tian’s eyebrow twitched, poised to intervene, but Mo Han coldly addressed the accuser first. "And who are you?" The middle-aged official pointed proudly at the insignia on his robe. "I am Chen Fu, the current Minister of Rites. Who are you, upstart?"

Mo Han ignored the question and pressed on. "Then I must ask you: whose rank is greater, yours or the Emperor's? Between you and the Emperor, who holds the final authority?"

Chen Fu visibly recoiled at Mo Han's treasonous words, then hurriedly clasped his hands toward the Emperor. "Naturally, His Majesty holds the highest authority! The Emperor is the True Son of Heaven, equal to the heavens themselves! How dare this lowlife speak so!"

Mo Han remained utterly calm. "Since you acknowledge the Emperor's supreme position, yet you jumped to shout before His Majesty even offered a word, does that not show even less regard for the Emperor?" Chen Fu, flustered by Mo Han's sharp rebuttal, broke out in a cold sweat. Seeing that the Emperor’s expression had darkened, his legs gave way, and he immediately knelt down. "Your Majesty, do not heed this rogue's nonsense! I was momentarily careless and meant no disrespect. I beg Your Majesty's pardon."

The Emperor, maintaining his impassive expression, stated, "You may rise. I do not blame you."

Chen Fu felt instantly absolved, quickly offering profuse thanks before returning to his spot, daring not to speak again, though his eyes fixed on Mo Han with simmering resentment.

Mo Han shook his head repeatedly at the display, wondering why the Tian Long Emperor would appoint such a man to a ministerial post. Then, the Emperor’s voice turned warm as he addressed Mo Han directly. "I heard you were injured some days ago and confined to recovery. How fares your condition now? Have you seen improvement? I have several excellent Imperial Physicians here; if you require their expertise, you only need to mention it to me."

This declaration stunned most in the hall. The Emperor's personal physicians were typically reserved only for direct imperial relatives or high officials who had rendered monumental service. The realization that Mo Han, despite his youth, commanded such personal concern from the throne caused everyone present to regard him with suddenly intense scrutiny.

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