Danxiu Mountain was the Jade Capital of the Western Daoist Order, and it was not located in New Paititi. Just as Jade Capital was not located in the Imperial Capital. This was to demonstrate its transcendent status. If both were in the same capital, regardless of who led or followed, outsiders might think the Daoist Order was subordinate to the Imperial Court.

The Western Daoist Order held the same view. It was they who had supported the rise of Tawantin, not the other way around. They were not sycophants flattering the royals but a divine authority that stood above them.

Though the matter would be reported upward, Tantai Zhenxiao would not personally intervene. Once approved, it would still be left to the two of them to handle.

Qi Xuansu and Huangfu Ji took the lead in this matter, and the overall tone was set through their joint deliberation.

As for how the case would be tried and what sentence would be passed, it would be based on this established tone.

Minor cases could rely on the law, while major cases had to follow politics.

Law had always been a tool to maintain rule, not an ultimate principle or end in itself.

From interrogation to sentencing, there was still a process to follow, which required time. Meanwhile, other measures could be implemented in advance.

Qi Xuansu, representing Beichen Hall, and Huangfu Ji, representing Juesheng Hall, jointly issued an internal announcement in the name of the Western Daoist Order.

They confirmed Hun Chowen’s crimes with conclusive and sufficient evidence. The Western Fengxian Hall and Military Law Division had commenced a thorough interrogation and investigation.

To prevent further rebellion, assist Great Sage Gong in stabilizing the frontlines, and strike against internal traitors, everyone was to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities in a top-down inspection.

The current situation has reached a critical stage in which the overall interest must take precedence. All halls, Daoist Mansions, palaces, and divisions must coordinate effectively, ensuring that all efforts yield to the comprehensive inspection. Priority shall be given to higher-level inspections, supplemented by self-examination and correction.

To maintain stability, they would strive to break through long-standing internal issues in one decisive effort and win the difficult campaign.

At present, the Holy Court was eyeing the borders. Under such circumstances, there were two key priorities—stability at the frontlines and stability in the rear. Thus, all measures must be considered from the perspective of overall stability and balance.

All institutions must direct their efforts and concentrate their strengths to eliminate the principal offenders and hidden threats at the mid-to-high levels. One must not lose the big picture for small gains. To do so, one must adapt to circumstances, make timely decisions, distinguish priorities, and effectively resolve issues arising during the inspection. They were to root out the black sheep, cleanse corruption and disorder, and restore clarity and order.

All authorities were to implement all directives faithfully without compromise. Reckless action was forbidden, and execution must be strategic. There would be no brute force or blind effort, only skillful application. They would strive to achieve the greatest results at the smallest cost.

The final signature bore the name of the Western Daoist Order’s highest decision-making body—the Gold Council.

Since Paititi was known as the City of Gold, the Western Daoist Order adopted the name Gold Council to distinguish it from the Daoist Order’s Golden Tower Council.

However, due to the similarity, the Daoist Order often called them the Silver Council because the New Continent was rich in silver mines. The term became so widespread that even the Western Daoist Order used it in daily speech. But in formal documents, they still signed off with “Gold Council.”

Since the decree was issued in the name of the Silver Council, Great Sage Tantai, Great Sage Gong, and Huangfu Zhao had undoubtedly approved it.

Even if they wished otherwise, they had no choice. Qi Xuansu had already reported the situation to Sage Qingwei, who brought it before the Golden Tower Council for formal discussion.

At present, the Imperial Preceptor was serving as the Great Sage Lunzhi, so he expressed the Daoist Order’s concern over the matter.

The Western Daoist Order had no choice but to provide a clear stance, which was the fundamental reason the resolution passed so swiftly.

At this point, Qi Xuansu’s mission was partly accomplished.

Qi Xuansu had effectively submitted half a satisfactory answer, and Sage Qingwei commended him on behalf of the Golden Tower Council.

But since it was only half an answer, it meant his task was not yet complete. The Daoist Order needed to prevent escalation and ensure the safety of the Southern Continent.

At present, the Holy Court had initiated the offensive. Whether or not the conflict escalated, they had to respond. This battle could not be lost. If the Holy Court were allowed to sweep through unopposed, it would be a disastrous and humiliating outcome.

The prerequisite for preventing escalation was stability, so how to bring the war to a stable conclusion would be the second half of Qi Xuansu’s answer.

In other words, Qi Xuansu would once again take to the battlefield.

However, he did not need to fight on the front lines or personally command troops. Instead, he would be responsible for another front. Regardless of whether he was capable of commanding armies, the Western Daoist Order would never hand over military authority to an outsider.

Since Qi Xuansu represented the Beichen Hall, his main responsibility lay in intelligence. Huangfu Ji was originally meant for the front lines, but due to consecutive injuries, he was reassigned here to oversee the Juesheng Hall.

Thus, Qi Xuansu and Huangfu Ji became partners once more. Neither outranked the other, and each managed its own domain. Major matters were settled in small meetings, so any issue was typically resolved through discussion between the two.

......

San Antonio was the city closest to the border, so it had become the headquarters of the Holy Court’s army.

Previously, the Evangelical Ministry had organized a second line of defense. They now used it as a base for operations, focusing on infiltration and intelligence gathering toward the south.

This temporary headquarters was in the San Antonio Tower on Riverside Avenue. Countless attendants were busily preparing for an upcoming cocktail party inside the banquet hall.

A cocktail party was a new type of gathering originating from the New Continent. It was more relaxed in form. Compared to the Old Continent’s banquets, cocktail parties did not require formal attire and allowed for greater freedom.

Except for very small gatherings, guests typically stood, though some chairs were provided for elderly attendees.

Milton and Sophia entered the banquet hall from outside.

“So what brings the Chairman of St. York all the way to San Antonio?” Milton asked.

Sophia’s expression was grim. “Audrey has fled to the Southern Continent. I swear I will bring her back. This time, I obtained permission from the Cardinal Bishop to come to San Antonio, not as the Chairman of St. York’s City Council, but in a private capacity.”

Milton smiled. The Holy Court had once swept across both the Northern and Southern Continents. If not for internal strife, the Southern Continent would never have been lost. This sense of superiority ran deep, and they also held a formidable trump card. Thus, he believed the Holy Court army held an overwhelming advantage and paid little regard to the Tawantin forces, appearing rather self-satisfied.

He said, “Don’t worry, Chairman August. We’ll help you capture that disobedient Miss Ale or make those natives and heretics hand her over themselves. As long as we win on the battlefield, every negotiation is a victory.”