Across the ravaged, desolate land, countless black gashes still streaked the sky like centipedes.
Inside an intact pavilion, Qin Jun sat in a chair holding a teacup, while Xing Tian and the others sat beside him. Across from them sat Ji Ruyi and the elders.
"Well? Will you accept my proposal?"
Qin Jun took a light sip of tea and asked with a smile. Under his gaze, neither Ji Ruyi nor the others dared meet his eyes directly.
Ji Ruyi clenched his hands within his sleeves, torn with conflict. Qin Jun's proposal was for the Ji Family to join the Great Qin Heavenly Court, though it could not be publicly announced. If they agreed, Qin Jun would help Ji Ruyi become one of the Nine Emperors of the World.
In other words, Qin Jun wanted to turn him into a puppet.
But the temptation of becoming one of the Nine Emperors was simply too great for Ji Ruyi to refuse.
Moreover, if he refused, Qin Jun would certainly fly into a rage. The consequences would be unimaginable.
"If our Ji Family pledges allegiance to you, will you treat us well in the future?"
Ji Ruyi asked cautiously, a sense of sorrow rising within him. Why had their ancestor treated them this way?
Qin Jun shot him an annoyed glare. "Among all the factions that have pledged allegiance to the Great Qin Heavenly Court, who has lived poorly?"
That was indeed true. So long as they did not make mistakes, Qin Jun held no prejudice even against surrendered armies.
Ji Ruyi had investigated the Great Qin Heavenly Court before and knew Qin Jun spoke the truth.
In the end, he exchanged glances with the elders. Then they stood, lined up, and dropped to one knee, shouting in unison, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"