Xuan Tian stood before the palace gates. Towering five meters tall, the black jade gates gleamed beneath the divine glow of the Celestial Realm's eternal sky. Carvings of celestial beasts—dragons coiled in battle, phoenixes in flight—adorned their surface, shimmering as though poised between life and legend.
With a low, resonant groan, the gates parted. Yuxu Palace unfolded beyond—a vision of divine majesty. White jade pillars pierced the heavens, crowned by golden eaves that caught the eternal light. A sacred river wound through the courtyard, its crystal waters reflecting celestial splendor—untouched by blood, by ruin, by war.
Maintaining this peace was his purpose.
An imperial guard stepped forward, armor polished to a gleam. He saluted crisply. "Welcome back, General. Tianjun awaits in Haotian Hall."
Xuan Tian turned to Jing Xue. "Wait here, as usual."
The great silver-white wolf nudged him with his snout before settling beside the gate. The Celestial Imperial soldiers gave him a wide berth, wariness etched into their posture.
Xuan Tian adjusted his armor—flawless, gleaming, as if untouched by war.
He gave a nod. "Lead the way."
As he stepped through the gates, the soft chime of wind bells echoed in the still air. The scent of divine lotuses lingered—a stark contrast to the stench of blood and steel he had left behind on the battlefield. But this was the natural order: war beyond these walls, so peace could exist within them.
And he would ensure that order remained.
Xuan Tian arrived at the foot of the white jade steps leading to Haotian Hall, standing tall as he awaited his summons.
Inside, an imperial soldier knelt before the throne and announced, "The Great God of War has returned and awaits Tianjun's command."
From atop the white crystal jade throne, Tian Xu spoke, voice calm and commanding. "Send him in."
The imperial guard at the doors straightened, then called out, voice ringing through the grand hall. "Summoning the Great General!"
Xuan Tian ascended the steps, each stride firm, measured, and disciplined. The towering doors of Haotian Hall parted before him, revealing the vast, gleaming interior.
Before the Emperor of the Celestials, he knelt, pressing a fist to his chest in salute. "Tianjun, this General has returned."
Tian Xu's golden gaze settled on him—unreadable, yet commanding. "Welcome back, General. You have done well."
Those words were an elixir. In that instant, exhaustion melted away—every ache and strain from battle vanishing, as if they had never existed. Standing before the one person who mattered most, Xuan Tian felt whole again.
Tian Xu's voice was calm but absolute. "No need for formalities, General. Rise."
"Thank you, Tianjun." Xuan Tian stood, posture straight, resolve unwavering.
The Emperor regarded him. "I have read your report, but I would hear it from you directly. Is it true?"
"Yes, Tianjun." Xuan Tian's tone was firm and steady—disciplined, yet proud. "Five thousand troops of the Night Blood Spirit Tribe have been wiped out. They no longer pose a threat. Any surviving members—women, children, and elderly—are under watch."
He stepped forward, precise and deliberate, then lifted his hand. "He Xuemo, Chieftain of the Night Blood Spirits, is dead."
As his words fell, murmurs rippled through the hall. Celestials whispered among themselves—some in relief, others with veiled envy, and a few in silence, their expressions steeped in quiet discontent.
Something flickered in Tian Xu's golden gaze, and though his grip on the throne loosened, his expression remained impassive. "This is excellent news, General." He exhaled slowly. "Ensure that not a single surviving member of the Night Blood Spirits poses a threat. Any who resist—execute them on the spot."
Xuan Tian's voice was unwavering. "Consider it done, Tianjun."
"See to it that the fallen are honored as heroes and their families provided for," Tian Xu added, turning to the Celestial at his right.
Ling Xiao, Tian Xu's most trusted aide, bowed deeply. "This Counselor will oversee it personally, Tianjun."
"If there is nothing else, you are all dismissed," Tian Xu said, a wave of his hand sending the gathered Celestials into motion.
Ling Xiao stepped forward once more. "There is still one matter, Tianjun. This Counselor received a report this morning from the Human Realm."
Tian Xu nodded. "Follow me to my study." Then, his golden gaze shifted to Xuan Tian. "You as well."
Inside the Imperial Study, Ling Xiao began, "There has been a clash between Ziyu Sect and Lingxu Sect over territory in Bai Mountain."
Tian Xu sighed, exasperation leaking through. "Another one? What is it this time? What's in those mountains that stirs them up again?"
Ling Xiao offered a scroll. "Likely cultivation resources, Tianjun."
Tian Xu took it, setting it aside without reading. "Understood. You're dismissed."
Once Ling Xiao left, Tian Xu turned to Xuan Tian. "Did He Xuemo say anything before he died?"
Xuan Tian's mind returned to those final words.
He shook his head. "Nothing worthy of your ears, Tianjun."
For a moment, Tian Xu's expression didn't change—but something in the air shifted, a flicker of tension gone as quickly as it came. He exhaled again, his fists finally unclenching. His posture eased.
He picked up a scroll and handed it to Xuan Tian. "I know you must be weary after two weeks on the battlefield, and you deserve rest. However, this matter is also important. It should not be too taxing—you can recover while still assisting me."
Xuan Tian bowed deeply. "There is no need for hesitation, Tianjun. I exist to serve. Command me as you see fit."
Unrolling the scroll, his sharp eyes scanned the contents. "Tianjun… this…"
Tian Xu leaned back slightly, his voice calm. "It's not a difficult task, Xuan Tian. You're only escorting a group of doctors to ensure their safety. No war, no bloodshed, no endless battles. Just a simple mission." His golden eyes softened, and for a rare moment, his expression was no longer unreadable. "I chose you for this because it's the only way I can make sure you rest. You've been pushing yourself too hard."
Then, amusement flickered in his gaze. "Don't tell me the great God of War doesn't need a break?"
Xuan Tian saluted. "There is no mission too easy or too hard, Tianjun. I am always at your command."
Tian Xu chuckled, shaking his head. "Must I write an imperial decree just to make you rest? Take this chance to enjoy the scenery, drink some peach blossom wine, and let your hair down."
Xuan Tian remained impassive, though deep down, he had no patience for such indulgences. They were for those without purpose.
Then, as if the moment of levity had never existed, Tian Xu's tone turned calm and measured once more. "I don't need to remind you to be careful, do I? Even if the mission is simple, the Human Realm is never simple. Unlike us, they have no order. If they had discipline, would they let this happen? You heard what Ling Xiao said. If anything is amiss, I trust you to act accordingly."
Xuan Tian exhaled silently before saluting once more. "Yes, Tianjun. Your wish is my command."