The sudden defection of the three key ministers undoubtedly dealt Jiaren another devastating blow. He immediately spat out a mouthful of blood.
His vision went black, and his soul wavered as though it might disperse at any moment. He could only hold himself together through sheer willpower.
Blankly watching the indescribable Shion and the other two loyal ministers as they absorbed the troops, Jiaren felt waves of debilitating dizziness rising in his mind.
Grief and indignation? No...
Anger? No...
There was only bewilderment and numbness.
It seemed like it was no big deal. Nothing really mattered anymore.
Why was he so practiced at this?
Even vomiting blood felt strangely familiar.
Not bad. Although he had lost—lost miserably—his mindset was unexpectedly stable. Forget it, forget it. He might as well surrender. As someone about to break through the heavens and capable of withstanding military formations head-on, surely no one would refuse his allegiance...
"I refuse. You were given a chance, but you failed to cherish it. Naturally, there will not be a second one."
Although Jiaren had not said a word, Xu Yue spoke first.
"Besides, investing legion resources in you would be far too wasteful. They'll be mine soon enough anyway, so naturally I can't allow that extra expenditure."
Xu Yue's words left Jiaren stunned. He had never imagined that someone could refuse the loyalty of someone like him.
"Y-you want to annex us without losses?"
"How is that possible? Father Emperor will never agree! When the time comes, we will fight to the very last man, and all our resources will become your losses!"
"So what if you're stronger? You can only enter one mission at a time!"
"We can concentrate all our efforts on crushing your other forces!"
"Show mercy where possible. Give us a chance."
Jiaren pleaded