Two People With Their Own Agendas

On the streets of Beifei City, several young men and women walked with expressions of annoyance, looking as if they had been infuriated by someone "guilty of a heinous crime."

"Just a mere city lord's son! That divine artifact was clearly seen by us 'first.' I demanded he hand it over, and he actually dared to refuse our request. I'm going to tell Elder Emmanuel when we get back." A young man from the Azure Dragon Clan complained, unable to contain his frustration.

"Alright, stop complaining. That guy is going to die soon anyway, so it's not worth getting angry over him." A white-haired youth beside him patted his shoulder to comfort him.

Alfred did not rashly interrupt, instead following them quietly from behind until he saw the group enter a magnificent palace.

Did they just say Elder Emmanuel? I think I've heard of this person. He is an elder of the Azure Dragon Clan within the Four Divine Beasts Clan, a Seven-Star Demon in strength, and most importantly, he is a fourth-generation disciple of the Four Divine Beasts Clan. Rumor has it he might have even met a Sovereign.

Alfred stroked his chin in thought, the information regarding Emmanuel surfacing rapidly in his mind, and he felt a slight surge of joy.

Originally, he had been worried that the people from the Four Divine Beasts Clan who came here were just ordinary clansmen, which would make it difficult for him to speak with the higher-ups of the clan, let alone offer his treasures. However, having a Seven-Star Demon elder present made things much easier.

This Emmanuel was rumored to have a poor reputation and was considered quite arrogant and overbearing within the Four Divine Beasts Clan. Once he piqued his interest, Ren would surely die. Thinking of this, Alfred made up his mind and walked straight to the entrance of the palace.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Alfred knocked on the door lightly and then waited quietly at the entrance, not daring to show the slightest bit of negligence. He knew clearly that even if he were still an Asura, let alone his current status as a Six-Star Demon, he had to remain respectful when facing a Seven-Star Demon elder of the Four Divine Beasts Clan. Otherwise, their unreasonable nature might lead to offense at any moment.

"Creak!"

As the heavy doors slowly opened, two blue-haired youths appeared, looking at the "bearded man" before them with some confusion.

"Who are you? How dare you come to the territory of our Four Divine Beasts Clan!" One of the young men asked with a displeased expression.

"Please, report that the former Prefect of Liang'an, Alfred, requests an audience with Elder Emmanuel."

Alfred wore a gentle smile, his tone calm, though his subconsciously clenched fists betrayed the hatred in his heart.

"Alfred? Is that the former Prefect of Liang'an who was killed by Ren?" The other youth exclaimed subconsciously.

The expression on Alfred's face stiffened slightly, but he forced a smile and said, "That's right, I am the former Prefect of Liang'an who was defeated by Ren, Alfred. Please, trouble yourself to report this; I have an urgent matter to discuss with Elder Emmanuel."

The two youths from the Azure Dragon Clan exchanged glances, surprised for a moment. Then, one of them spoke slowly, "Fine, I will go report this to the Elder, but I don't know if he will see you."

"That is fine, as it is my own presumptuous visit." Alfred did not dare to say more, trying his best to appear harmless.

On the third floor of the grand hall, a bald figure lay on a lounge chair specifically for resting, his eyes closed, his brow furrowed with hesitation.

"Elder, there is a man outside claiming to be the former Prefect of Liang'an, Alfred. He specifically requests to see you. What do you think..."

A crisp voice came from outside the door, asking cautiously.

"Whoosh!"

Emmanuel stood up abruptly, his eyes snapping open. A flash of shock crossed his expression, which then turned into confusion, and finally, a look of realization.

He had been annoyed at being disturbed, but the name Alfred surprised him. He didn't understand why the man would come to him, but he soon realized that Alfred was likely seeking protection.

After all, the new Prefect, Ren, would surely send people to hunt Alfred down to eliminate future trouble. If he didn't want to die, seeking protection was only natural. It was possible that he had happened upon members of the Four Divine Beasts Clan and was clutching at straws. Thinking of this, Emmanuel instinctively waved his hand.

"Tell him to lea... hm? Wait, let him in."

Just as Emmanuel was about to have someone chase Alfred away, he thought of something and immediately changed his mind, ordering them to bring him in.

He is the former Prefect. He might still have Sovereign's Might in his interspatial ring, and since his clone is still alive, Ren couldn't have opened the ring. This means that after I kill Ren, I can take his Sovereign's Might and give it to Kolofiel.

A satisfied smile appeared on Emmanuel's face, and he returned to his lounge chair, waiting quietly.

After a while, a youth from the Azure Dragon Clan led the brown-haired Alfred into the room.

"You may leave now." Emmanuel waved his hand, speaking casually.

"Yes, Elder." The youth did not say more, cupped his hands in salute, and exited the room.

After the youth left, only the two of them remained in the room. Emmanuel continued to lounge leisurely on his chair, eyes slightly closed, as if he hadn't seen the standing Alfred.

"Alfred, pays his respects to Elder Emmanuel." Alfred stepped forward, bowing his head with a humble attitude.

Emmanuel on the lounge chair acted as if he hadn't heard him, continuing to close his eyes and rest, leaving Alfred standing to the side.

"What is your business in coming to see me?" Emmanuel asked casually, not even sparing Alfred a glance.

Alfred couldn't help but curse inwardly. If he were still an Asura, Emmanuel wouldn't dare to ignore him like this, even with the power of the Four Divine Beasts Clan behind him.

Despite his inner rage, Alfred dared not show it on his face, speaking only with a respectful tone: "Elder Emmanuel, I have come to ask for your help. My clone was killed by the current Prefect of Liang'an, Ren. Therefore, I wish to request Elder Emmanuel's assistance in having the Four Divine Beasts Clan step in to kill Ren."

A mocking sneer appeared on the corner of Emmanuel's mouth, and he chuckled without answering. Personally, he wanted to kill Ren, but that was his own business. Who was Alfred to deserve his help? If he were still a Prefect, it might be different, but now, he was just a Six-Star Demon, a stray dog.

"Elder Emmanuel, I certainly wouldn't ask you to help for nothing. In my interspatial ring, I have two drops of Sovereign's Might of the Lightning element, as well as a rare treasure of heaven and earth I obtained by chance many years ago. I am willing to offer it all to Elder Emmanuel."

Alfred naturally knew he couldn't get something for nothing, so he gritted his teeth and spoke. By doing this, he was essentially putting all his chips on the table.

"Oh? Is that so!"

Emmanuel finally opened his eyes slowly, looking at Alfred with a look that was neither a smile nor a frown, seemingly showing "a little bit" of interest.