Difficult Choices, the Balance of Power!

"Rebellion?"

Upon hearing Ning Chao's blunt, foolishly straightforward words, the dozen or so people present burst into even louder laughter.

To the Chinese, this was hardly an unfamiliar concept—one that was practically rooted in their blood.

Whether it was "When will Heaven perish? Let me and you perish together," "Are kings and nobles born to their stations?" or the famous "Heaven is dead; the Yellow Heaven shall rise,"

A glance through the history books revealed stories of the people rising up in resistance in nearly every dynasty.

However.

For a tiny Dragon Phoenix Territory, those two words were still far too heavy—or, more accurately, exaggerated.

"We're not rebelling. We're making Dragon Dog fulfill his promise and leading the refugees to better lives!"

Ge Jian'an cleared his throat and explained the purpose of their gathering in a relaxed tone.

"When Long Zhengchu decided to establish the Dragon Phoenix Territory and recruit us as the first-generation residents to make up the numbers, he personally promised that no matter when, he would always put the residents' living conditions first. If he ever violated that promise, he was willing to automatically step down as lord."

"But what about now?"

"He reached an agreement with Wuya Territory to turn the Dragon Phoenix Territory into a commercial-route fortress lodged at Tian Yuan Territory's throat, all to achieve some ulterior strategic goal. Once the agreement is complete, he can simply pat his rear and leave, but we residents will be the ones to suffer. Not only will he use such high-pressure methods to force us to work here, but in the future, we'll also bear the name of aiding a tyrant."

"Besides, Tian Yuan Territory isn't merciful. Once they discover this and retaliate, all of us will die without a doubt!"

After speaking, Ge Jian'an pulled a