The morning court was unusually tense.
Before the first bell had even finished ringing, ministers had already gathered beneath the towering gates of the imperial court.
Their faces were grim.
Their whispers were sharper than usual.
Something had changed.
For days, rumors had circulated throughout the capital.
A strange black altar had been discovered in the Empress's courtyard.
Something connected to forbidden arts.
Something powerful enough to frighten even experienced cultivators.
Yet the Emperor had not announced an arrest.
He had not ordered an execution.
He had not even publicly condemned the Empress.
To the ministers—
That silence was becoming unbearable.
When the Emperor finally entered the hall, every official bowed.
"Long live Your Majesty."
The Emperor took his seat.
His gaze swept across the assembled court.
He immediately noticed the unusual expressions.
Too many people were prepared to speak.
He leaned back slightly.
"Rise."
The ministers stood.
