His expression was calm, but there was a trace of barely perceptible gravity in his eyes.
Yu Yuanzhen sat beside him, brows knitted, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.
Meng Shenji leaned on his cane, squinting at the approaching procession. The wrinkles on his face deepened.
A faint, enigmatic smile played at the corner of Huyan Zhen's mouth as he waited for the show to begin.
Ning Fengzhi set down his teacup and tapped his knee twice with his fingers.
He recalled the scene from a few days ago, when Poison Douluo Dugu Bo had personally come to call. The old poison had worn a long, emerald-green robe, and his emerald-green snake pupils had glinted with a cold light in the candlelight. His tone had been neither servile nor overbearing.
"Sect Master Ning, I have come on the orders of Emperor Frost Extreme to discuss your sect's submission."
At the time, Ning Fengzhi had merely smiled and deflected the matter.
"The Frost Extreme Empire is newly established. Naturally, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect should offer its congratulations. But submission is a serious matter. Allow me some time to consider it."
Dugu Bo had said no more. He had simply left after saying, "Sect Master Ning, do give it some thought. I'll return in a few days."
At the time, Ning Fengzhi had thought Emperor Frost Extreme was merely trying to win over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. After all, a newly founded empire needed the support of various powers.
But now, she saw Emperor Frost Extreme's procession at Spirit Hall's papal succession ceremony. She saw the three hundred Northern Territory Iron Cavalry standing shoulder to shoulder with Spirit Hall's guards.
It suddenly dawned on her that things were not so simple.
"Uncle Sword." Ning Fengzhi lowered her voice.