The Palace Tree's hall was incomparably vast, nearly the size of a football field. With so few people around, it looked a little desolate at first glance. Yet as Zhang Tie's most secret lair and refuge, this spacious solitude gave him an inexplicable sense of peace and tranquility.
This was entirely Zhang Tie's private space. Perhaps every man wanted a place like this, somewhere he could do whatever he pleased. Here, he did not need to pretend, did not need to be afraid, did not need to care about anyone's gazes or gossip, and did not need to wrap himself in thick armor. This could be his base, his harbor of rest, or even his playground. Nor would anyone he disliked ever appear here. If they did, they would probably be sitting in the dungeon—unless he felt like letting them out for some air, they would never show their faces before him.
Heller's smile was as it had always been: modest, polite, and refined. His black tailcoat, white shirt, golden bow tie, polished shoes, and a face comparable to that of the sun god made his appearance utterly impeccable.
Seeing Heller, Zhang Tie felt as though he had met a long-lost friend and companion. He simply could not regard a person like this as some "intelligent spirit." Unable to help himself, he gave Heller a deep embrace and firmly patted him on the back.
"You've worked hard. It's wonderful to be back again!"
Heller was somewhat unaccustomed to Zhang Tie's enthusiasm. His body stiffened slightly when Zhang Tie hugged him, only returning to normal after Zhang Tie released him. "The last time Fortress Master returned to Castle of Black Iron was before going to the Southern Frontier. If we calculate carefully, Fortress Master has gone exactly 120 days without entering