The defenses of the Kuxia Family palace could not exactly be called lax. Even with the infrastructure nearly paralyzed, quite a few sentries were still posted.
That side gate truly did not receive much attention, but things were different once inside. Along the way, Lieutenant Xu was subjected to at least three inspections—
However, since they had come under the family head's orders, and Lieutenant Xu had said before that he had always been good at handling people and was loyal and dependable, they were allowed through after no problems were found.
Before long, the group arrived at the very heart of the palace.
This place had been specially reinforced, with a dense array of protective spells set up all around. At a glance, there were no fewer than ten types he could identify, and the guards at the entrance were not ordinary city defense soldiers, but elite Kuxia Family guards.
There was nothing to be said this time. Several incantations were cast, and only after confirming there was no magical concealment did they wave a hand and allow Lieutenant Xu to lead his people inside.
The hall was brightly lit.
The Kuxia Family's new head, along with all the principal retainers, had gathered here.
Upon entering, Lieutenant Xu hurriedly lowered his head, his manner becoming even humbler. Though he was still dozens of meters away, he had already bent deeply at the waist and reported.
"Family Head, City Defense Lieutenant Xu Qing has something to report...
The retainers' gazes focused on him, though most did not pay much attention. Only Bilal looked at him with what seemed to be an inexplicable interest in his eyes.
"I already heard the report. You brought those people from the merchants' association here to surrender this time?"
Lieutenant Xu kept his head lowered,