Lan Aotian said, "There's something I need you to do now."
Claude's spirits lifted. "Your Majesty, please give me your orders!"
Lan Aotian said, "You're now a Cardinal Archbishop. Within Spirit Hall, you already have certain privileges. I want you to use those privileges to secretly develop some... reliable people."
Claude froze.
Develop reliable people?
Lan Aotian's voice continued, "They don't need to be numerous, but they must be elite. Soul Kings or above, with loyalty as the first priority and ability as the second. You can look within the Branch Hall or outside. Once you find them, investigate them thoroughly. Only tell me after confirming they're usable."
"They don't need to know I exist. Just tell them that there's a powerful figure behind you. Follow him, and there'll be meat to eat."
"Understand?"
Claude drew a deep breath and suppressed the shock in his heart.
His Majesty wants to secretly cultivate a force within Spirit Hall!
And he's made me the person in charge of this Hidden Pawn!
"Your subordinate understands!" he solemnly vowed in his heart.
Lan Aotian said, "Someone will deliver the first batch of funding to you later. As for how to use it, you'll decide for yourself. Remember, it's better to have none than to settle for inferior candidates."
"Yes!"
The voice fell silent and did not speak again.
Claude stood motionless where he was.
A long time later, he raised his head, and a complicated gleam flashed through his eyes.
His Majesty really intends to accomplish something huge...
And I've already boarded this ship.
There's no getting off now.
But he did not regret it.
He walked out of the Secret Room, into the brilliant sunlight outside.
On the square of Spirit City's Branch Hall, Deacons and guards came and went. Whenever they saw