Lin Feng recognized that treasure; it was a Divine Axe. This Divine Axe carried the darkest energy in heaven and earth, seemingly imbued with a potent Dark Power. It was likely not a legitimate treasure.

It seems the Court intends to make a move against me, but at this moment, it’s only speculation.

"Lin Feng, the Emperor acknowledges your outstanding military achievements and your dedication over these ten-plus years in leading the people of Peace City out of hardship. He exempts you from kneeling to receive the decree."

Lin Feng certainly wouldn’t kneel, and the Emperor could guess that. To save face, he allowed the messenger to announce in front of everyone that he could stand to receive the decree.

"Lin Feng, receive the decree." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

The messenger’s general meaning was that Lin Feng was formidable. The Court had a wanted criminal who had defected over twenty years ago and was now hiding in the Qingling Realm, causing trouble. He was a significant threat to the Human Realm. I am now sending a fierce general, and you must do everything possible to assist him in capturing Wu Tian. If he resists, kill him on the spot. This will eliminate a great scourge for the Human Realm.

Lin Feng saw the messenger spoke comprehensively, and since Wu Tian was indeed guilty and once his subordinate, he naturally felt responsible for bringing him back for punishment.

So, he accepted the imperial decree in front of everyone.

Soon, this matter was conveyed by Jing’er into Wu Ping’s ears.

"Is what you said true? Did the Court really send someone to capture that person?"

In fact, Wu Ping had not told Jing’er about her grandfather. Jing’er, through the candlelight, saw her mother’s face, filled with panic, and was puzzled.

"Mother, what’s wrong?"

Wu Ping wiped her eyes with her sleeve, calmed her emotions, and said to Jing’er: "Nothing, go to sleep early, you have to go to school tomorrow."

The person carrying the black giant axe on his back was General Xue.

He was the first warrior of the Human Realm, famed for being undefeated throughout the Capital City.

Legend had it that every year, the Emperor held large and small fighting tournaments in Beijing.

On the surface, he said it was to strengthen the people’s physique and increase their cultivation. In reality, he only wanted to consolidate his imperial power. The generals sent by the various vassals died one by one in the Emperor’s arena, and the vassals could only dare to be angry and not speak. After all, in the arena, weapons are blind.

And those who killed the vassals’ generals grew increasingly famous. Finally, when facing a thousand opponents, the Emperor personally bestowed this person with the title of the first warrior of the Human Realm.

This person was Xue Nian, also the Great General who came to announce the imperial edict.

Long ago, the old Emperor accidentally obtained a Magical Treasure from a minister.

This Magical Treasure contained Dark Power, said to be relics left in the Human Realm after the Demon Clan was defeated in the immortal demon war.

The old Emperor saw this treasure was entirely black, seemingly darker than the night. All light shone upon the treasure instantly turned to nothingness, completely absorbed by it.

The old Emperor searched for knowledgeable individuals across the world, but no one recognized this treasure, only saying it was extraordinary.

Later, hearing that the Star-Gazing Pavilion had a wide reach, he sent someone to inquire about the Sect Leader.

After returning, the messenger conveyed to the Emperor: "This treasure is a relic of the Demon Clan. It is advisable for the Emperor to destroy it. If it falls into the hands of demonic individuals, it might bring another bloodbath."

The old Emperor became furious at that time, aiming to have someone eliminate the Sect Leader of the Star-Gazing Pavilion.

Later, after bribing the Vice Sect Leader, they finally eliminated the Sect Leader.

Only then did the Emperor quell his anger.

Later, a capable person emerged in the Court, known for recognizing all treasures in the world, able to see through their properties, functions, and origins.

The Emperor showed this person the treasure. Upon seeing it, the man immediately dismissed those around. The two spoke in the room for a long time; no one knew what was said.

Later, it was rumored that the item was a piece of black mysterious iron, containing the Essence Blood of the Demon Lord, hence its deeply dark nature like covering the sky.

There was also a legend that if the mysterious iron remained in its original shape, the residual soul of the Demon Lord could one day awaken, bringing great disaster to the Human Realm.

Then skilled craftsmen were sent to merge this black iron with the fresh blood of a Black Dragon, eventually forging it into a giant axe.

In the era of the current Emperor, he handed this axe to Xue Nian.

Xue Nian, receiving the Black Shining Giant Axe, became extremely arrogant, first using it to slice off the Prime Minister’s head alive in front of all the ministers in the royal court.

Now, the man in white became the Emperor’s left Prime Minister.

"Why have you come?"

Wu Fa, in his own home, watched Wu Ping returning to her natal home.

"Uncle, I want to see my father."

Wu Fa was greatly shocked!

"Are you crazy? Wu Tian is now the State Preceptor of Qingling. How can you see him at will? He is no longer the Wu Tian he once was."

Wu Ping, however, burst into tears and sat down on the bench.

"I don’t care; I just want to see him."

Wu Fa knew he couldn’t resist his niece’s stubbornness, so he could only sigh: "Alas. So be it. Your father-daughter matters should have a resolution."

"So you agree?" Wu Ping looked at Wu Fa expectantly.

Wu Fa sat down and explained gently: "Since you’re back, have a meal before you leave. Tomorrow, I’ll talk to Geng Linfeng, have him take you along as well. But remember not to be persistent; you have a daughter waiting for you at home. I don’t think you want her to become an orphan too."