Adrian's sudden rise and rumored force of 3,000 Junior Masters shock the palace, especially with news that someone who crushed Jack might be a Martial Land Immortal. The palace leadership scrambles to verify this through internal sources and investigates Lucian’s secret ties to Grand Dowager Celeste, revealing a peak Grandmaster stationed nearby. Meanwhile, the new emperor asserts control by clearing Jack’s loyalists from palace defenses and demands Adrian be brought in for questioning. In a tense late-night confrontation, Adrian hints at the immense power he wields, leaving the emperor challenged but resolute to protect Arcadia’s foundation.