Become a king right from the start, beginning with receiving rewards from all the heavens.

"What does this Mangshan Sect mean?" The governor of Xialin County slammed his fist on the table in front of him and smashed it.

He angrily lashed out at the people in front of him.

At this moment, no one in the prefectural governor's mansion dared to utter a sound.

"Who does he think he is, daring to ask the prefectural governor's office for their assistance?"

"What did the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Six Doors say?"

Someone below stepped forward, "Sir, they said they have nothing to do with them?"

These words made the prefect even angrier.

What do you mean it doesn't matter? Both of them are organizations that deal with the underworld, and now they are just watching as a force from the underworld forces forces the imperial court and the prefectural governor's office.

"My lord, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Six Doors are also searching for traces of the Underworld."

"They want to use the Mangshan Sect to uncover the power of the Underworld in one fell swoop."

"That's why we tolerate the Mangshan Sect's actions!"

"Furthermore, even the Imperial Guards and the Six Doors of Xialin County are powerless against the Mangshan Sect!"

Aside from the military, the most powerful official forces in a prefecture are the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Prefectural Governor's Office, and the Six Doors.

Of course, there are strong officers among the troops stationed here.

However, the military rarely intervenes in local affairs unless there is a major upheaval.

Moreover, in the Great Xia Dynasty, under special circumstances, even a prefect cannot mobilize local troops.

The prefect was nominally the highest official in a prefecture, but in reality, he did not hold military power over the prefecture.

At the county level, the highest-ranking martial artists in organizations like the Embroidered Uniform Guard are only at the Purple Mansion Realm.

Of course, it's impossible to completely suppress a sect with a Grandmaster level expert who also has unclear ties to the government.

This is the current situation in the Great Xia region. With the indulgence of some people with ulterior motives, the Jianghu forces are becoming increasingly unscrupulous.

They completely disregarded the government officials who represented the court and the royal family.

To put it bluntly, this world is one where whoever is stronger calls the shots.

Imperial power can no longer directly reach local cities, as it is blocked by layers of official forces, martial arts forces, and noble forces.

At this moment, the prefectural magistrate of Xialin County spoke up.

"My lord, the Mangshan Sect's grand display is nothing more than a pretense of saving face."

"Furthermore, with an unfamiliar force emerging in our jurisdiction, we need to find out the situation as soon as possible."

"Therefore, sending constables from the prefectural governor's office to assist them is not a bad move."

The prefect was furious simply because the Mangshan Sect had made him lose face.

However, thinking about it from another perspective, he felt that the prefect was also right.

The government did indeed want to investigate this force that rose to prominence overnight and firmly established itself in the jurisdiction.

"Then let's cooperate with them. But tell the Mangshan Sect that if they can't find the underworld, I will definitely report to the court and punish them for their serious crimes of disrespecting the court and attempting rebellion."

"Hmph, do they really think they can do whatever they want just because they have connections in the martial arts world!"

"Our Great Xia Dynasty is not yet at the end of its reign!"

...

Meanwhile, in the neighboring northern state, the underworld was stirring up some turmoil.

The Great Xia Dynasty convened its court assembly.

As Xia Zhaoyan arrived outside the Chaotian Hall, some people among the crowd intentionally or unintentionally distanced themselves from him.

Two days ago, King Ren and King Dong had a conflict, but the specifics of the matter were not clear to everyone.

But it's enough to know that the two don't get along.

No one wanted to get involved with Renwang at this time; they knew what kind of person Dongwang was.

They are vindictive and arrogant!

"Brother, wait!"

A shout reached Xia Zhaoyan's ears, and he stopped and looked at the person who had come.

Two figures stepped forward; they were none other than King Wu and King Ling.

Before Xia Zhaoyan could speak first, Xia Lingxiao asked directly.

"Brother, I heard you had a conflict with the Eastern Prince the other day?"

Did this news spread so quickly? It seems Xia Donghai deliberately spread it.

It's highly likely that they're trying to make it impossible for me to move an inch in the court, relying on their own strength and background to completely isolate me.

Xia Zhaoyan immediately understood the problem, but he didn't pay it any mind.

Currently, he has no indigenous influence in either the imperial court or the martial arts world.

That's good now; I won't feel guilty about taking action in the future.

"You two imperial brothers are quite well-informed!"

Seeing that Xia Zhaoyan did not deny it, King Wu and King Ling exchanged a glance, and they could both see the joy in each other's eyes.

"Brother, the Eastern King is notorious for being vengeful."

"Moreover, the Demon Suppression Mansion behind him is notoriously powerful and domineering."

"Don't worry, we're on your side in this matter."

"If Your Majesty would like, how about we get together after court?"

Just then, the sound of the court session began.

Xia Zhaoyan didn't say whether he agreed or not; he knew their unspoken thoughts better than anyone else.

...

"Greetings, Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live as long as the heavens!"

"Rise!" The Xia Emperor's majestic voice resounded throughout the hall.

"Your Majesty, the imperial court's tax revenue is decreasing year by year. I suggest that the preferential tax treatment for martial arts factions be abolished!"

...

"Your Majesty, the surrounding vassal states have already set off to pay tribute..."

After each matter was reported, resolved, or shelved, Emperor Xia, seated on the dragon throne, finally asked a question.

"My esteemed ministers, is there anything else you wish to report?"

Just when everyone thought no one was there, a voice came from below.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report!"

Then, the Eastern King stepped forward with a serious expression.

In that instant, everyone perked up, even the princes and dukes at the front of the procession were now on high alert.

After all, a report from a prince could potentially cause a huge uproar in the Great Xia Dynasty.

"Granted!"

After bowing, the Eastern King slowly began to speak.

"Father, the Heavenly Punishment Division has been in decline for so many years. Many of its capable members have either left or been transferred."

"Now that we have suddenly gained power, we are short of manpower."

"Therefore, I believe the court should increase the number of personnel in the Heavenly Punishment Bureau!"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone felt a sense of certainty.

It is said that the Eastern King is vindictive and arrogant. He just had a conflict with the Benevolent King, and today he has chosen to retaliate directly.

Many people turned their gaze to Xia Zhaoyan, wanting to see his reaction.

However, Xia Zhaoyan showed no emotion whatsoever at this moment.

It was as if everything about the Heavenly Punishment Division had nothing to do with him.

The next moment, more than a dozen ministers stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I agree with the Eastern King's suggestion."

...

"Your Majesty, the Heavenly Punishment Division is indeed short-staffed..."

Anyone with eyes can see that these people are the Eastern King's forces in the court.

Of course they would follow the Eastern King into battle.

At this moment, Xia Zhaoyan felt for the first time how isolated he was, having no trusted confidants in the imperial court.

In his heart, he thought, it seems I can't rely entirely on the system anymore; I need to find a way to cultivate my own people in the imperial court.

"Minister Mu, Prince Ren, what do you two think?" Unexpectedly, the Xia Emperor asked for their opinions.

This caused the Eastern King's expression to change slightly.

In his mind, the script didn't go like this.

Shouldn't it be the Emperor who asks the officials in court?