"Three Dukes of One Family?" The corners of Lu Xingkong's mouth curled with mockery. "The Peacock King has certainly offered a fine price."
"I know Duke Lu dislikes empty titles. But your son Lu Qingming, your grandson Lu Tianyu, and the youth named Li Mu Yang—three Dukes from one family. What glory! Even if Shenzhou were unified and the Nine Nations became one, the Lu clan would still be one of the foremost great families in the world. Surely Duke Lu will consider it?"
"My son Qingming is loyal and steady, somewhat versed in military affairs, but only average at administrative matters. My grandson Tianyu is lazy by nature; he is better suited to living as a wealthy idler. Putting him in a high position would only harm him. As for my other grandson, Mu Yang—everyone in the world knows about him. He seeks only freedom and immortality. What use would he have for a duke's title?"
After a pause, the Black Robed Elder continued, "Besides, the Peacock King should know that as long as I am alive, I have the final say in Xifeng Country, and no one dares oppose me. Though submitting to the Peacock King would place me below one person and above ten thousand, here in Xifeng Country, my Lu clan is no different from the imperial family. Master is master, servant is servant. No matter how high a servant's position, he is still a servant. Why not be a carefree king here in Xifeng Country?"
"Hahaha!" The Peacock King laughed aloud. Looking at the Black Robed Elder Lu Xingkong before him, he said, "Does Duke Lu truly think so?"
"Why not?"
"If this had been before, there would have been nothing wrong with Duke Lu becoming a wealthy, carefree king in Xifeng Country. But the