The path to the Taiji Hall, which was situated in the direction of the Imperial Palace, was paved with anticipation.

“Huai Yu?”

As he passed by the corridor of the Six Ministries, a slightly surprised voice echoed from behind.

Huai Yu was his previous identity’s given name, and Lu Chen recognized that the person calling him was his fellow disciple from the same sect, Xiao Yi. He was a young man of similar age, dressed in the attire of a sixth-ranking official.

“Ah, it’s you, Ruo Yu.”

After exchanging simple greetings, Xiao Yi asked, “Why are you here? Didn’t they say that court officials who are unwell can take a leave of absence? You were injured by the Empress Dowager’s Ling Tian Feng’s power not long ago, and your injuries haven’t healed yet. Even if you take a leave of absence and stay at home, no one would accuse you.”

Pausing for a moment, he continued, “Moreover, with the current situation in the court being unclear, it’s better to find a way to avoid getting involved. Many court officials are using the excuse of illness to watch from the sidelines. You, who are genuinely injured, why would you come?”

Hearing this, Lu Chen sighed dramatically.

“The Cangming Holy King’s attitude is ambiguous, and I can’t rest assured about the Empress.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi was momentarily taken aback. He recalled how Lu Chen had stood before the Emperor in the Taiji Hall, even when facing the Empress Dowager’s overwhelming power. Lu Chen hadn’t yielded, despite falling unconscious.

Xiao Yi’s gaze towards Lu Chen held a trace of respect.

Recalling their days of practicing together in their sect, Lu Chen had always been upright, seemingly born with a natural aversion to injustices in the world. He had a sense of responsibility, aspiring to enter the court and serve the Emperor, ensuring peace for all generations.

This naturally gifted junior disciple was indeed such a pure-hearted individual…

Despite thinking this way, Xiao Yi couldn’t help but lower his voice and advise, “I know you’re unwaveringly loyal to the Emperor, but what’s the point of attending court? The Cangming Holy King has complete control over Luo Jing now. He has even used some mysterious technique to isolate Luo Jing from the outside world. He’s probably waiting for the Cangming Army to arrive so he can fully seize control of the city with absolute power. With such an approach, no one can stop whatever he intends to do.”

“Furthermore, he’s one of the Four Territories Kings with the legacy of the Saint Relic. His strength is already incredibly formidable…”

His words were filled with concern for his good friend.

Knowing Lu Chen’s character well, Xiao Yi was worried that Lu Chen might act recklessly again, just like when he had offended the Empress Dowager without any consideration for the consequences.

He admired Lu Chen’s unwavering loyalty, but he didn’t agree with Lu Chen’s way of acting regardless of the consequences.

Before Xiao Yi could finish, Lu Chen shook his head.

“Whether I can achieve something and whether I will go for it are two different things. Regardless, as a court official of the Shenghe Court, I can’t just stand by and watch the Emperor be humiliated. It’s said that if the Emperor is humiliated, I’d rather die. If the Emperor is humiliated, how can I face the world and continue living?”

Without waiting for Xiao Yi to respond, Lu Chen clasped his hands and confidently resumed his steps, walking resolutely towards the Taiji Hall.

…

Observing Lu Chen’s determined figure, which appeared somewhat fragile but emitted an aura that made others feel insignificant, a complex expression gradually emerged on Xiao Yi’s handsome face.