Lan Aotian finished reading and set down the list.
Claude hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, I've carefully investigated all four of them. Their backgrounds are clean, and there's no sign that they're colluding with other factions. Jason in particular has lived and died alongside me for many years. He's absolutely trustworthy."
Lan Aotian nodded. "Well done."
After a pause, he asked, "Are the funds enough?"
Claude's heart leaped, and he hurriedly replied, "They're enough, they're enough! I haven't used much of the batch of Gold Soul Coins Your Majesty gave me last time. However..."
He hesitated before saying, "If we want to maintain this in the long term, we'll still need a stable source."
Lan Aotian said, "You don't need to worry about that. In a few days, I'll give you a batch of things. It'll be enough to last you several years."
Claude's eyes lit up, and he repeatedly agreed.
Lan Aotian waved his hand. "Go. Continue observing them. If you find any suitable candidates, add them at any time."
Claude bowed and took his leave.
The courtyard fell silent again.
Lan Aotian gazed out the window, his eyes deep and unfathomable.
The four Hidden Pawns were only Soul King and Soul Ancestor level, but placed in the right positions, they could have unexpected effects.
Moreover, this was only the beginning.
As time passed, this seed would slowly sprout, take root, and eventually grow into a towering tree.
Only then would his foundation in the Human World truly be established.
He rose and walked out of the main room.
The sunlight was just right in the courtyard. Birds chirped noisily in the flowering tree, making the place lively.
Lan Aotian stood with his hands behind his back and gazed at the distant sky.
The finals were still underway.
Shrek Academy