"Since that is the case, I shall issue an order to revoke King Lan Hao's title!"
Xue Beng's smile grew increasingly radiant, as though he had picked up an enormous bargain. He then turned to Old Jack, his tone carrying a trace of condescending pity. "Sacred Soul Village, was it? Considering the hardships of your lives, I shall halve your taxes!"
Giving a little favor to mere commoners on a whim could make Tang San lose all face. This deal was truly worthwhile.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Old Jack was overjoyed. He hurriedly dropped to his knees and repeatedly knocked his head against the ground.
At that moment, another line of golden text appeared on the Heavenly Screen.
[The four of you, please answer!]
"No action."
"No action."
"No action."
"No action."
The four gave identical answers, without the slightest discrepancy.
Tens of thousands of gazes converged on the Heavenly Screen. Everyone held their breath as they waited for the answer to be revealed.
As the image shifted, a desolate corner on the western side of Sacred Soul Village slowly came into view.
Three dilapidated mud-brick houses huddled in the bleak wind, their mottled, peeling walls exposing the dark red earth beneath.
Only the blacksmith's shop in the middle seemed somewhat different.
Though dust had accumulated on its chimney, scattered iron filings could faintly be seen before its door, indicating that someone still lived there.
Old Jack led five villagers down the uneven dirt road.
"I saw myself?"
Old Jack (II) pointed at himself on the Heavenly Screen, his entire body beginning to tremble.
"I'm there too, and so is Peter. Is that us when we were young?"
Zeng Aniu's eyes widened, his face filled with fear and shock.
"What were we going there