That day, Huo Yuanhong learned that someone had come looking for him.
She was a beautiful Western woman with golden curls and a tall figure. Calling herself Heather, she claimed to be the daughter of a Grand Duke and had come on behalf of the ruler of the grand duchy behind her.
Outside the Pass relied mainly on the money of foreign powers for development, so it maintained good relations with quite a few overseas forces—at least on the surface.
The lender was the patron, while the debtor was the uncle. So long as neither side completely tore off the other's face, their relationship would naturally remain quite harmonious. Foreigners also came and went from the various factions often enough.
"Mr. Huo, I am Heather, here on behalf of Grand Duke Garfield. Don't misunderstand—we are the World-Creation Faction within the Research Institute, unlike the lunatics of the Pro-War Faction. We are happy to take in all outstanding talents devoted to the great cause of immortality, and we have high hopes for your potential..."
Miss Heather's voice was soft and gentle, like a furry cat's paw scratching at one's heart. It was utterly bewitching, yet carried an air of purity and noble grace.
Grand Duke Garfield!
Huo Yuanhong's expression shifted. He had heard of that resounding name before.
Wherever there were people, there were hills to stake out.
Just as the Celestial Empire was riddled with factions, the foreigners too had split into all manner of factions and cliques over differing interests and goals.
Grand Duke Garfield was the leader of the World-Creation Faction within the Research Institute. He pursued immortality and hoped to gather the strength of the entire world to uncover its secret.
On the Western Continent, a Grand Duke was the highest rank among hereditary nobles, and their