The atmosphere in the hall suddenly turned frigid.
The officials prostrating on the floor pressed their foreheads against the cold tiles, the backs of their robes already soaked with cold sweat.
The leading Elder's Adam's apple bobbed, his white beard trembling uncontrollably. "Your- Your Majesty, please forgive us... That white-robed Swordsman's martial arts are too powerful..."
SLAM!
The Celestial Emperor slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet, the strings of beads on his crown shaking violently. "Right under my nose, in my Imperial City, you let some rogue from the Jianghu rescue her!
It seems to me you were all too busy lining your pockets at Prince Ning's Mansion! You can't even watch over a single person. What a bunch of useless oafs!"
He leaned forward, staring down at his officials, his eyes burning with furious flames. "Five days! If I don't see her..."
