"Emperor Su Tao, you are too courteous. May I ask what brings you here this time...?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Zhu Xiao finally asked Su Tao about his purpose.
"Between men of understanding, there is no need for veiled words. I, Su Tao, do not like all those twists and turns either."
"One battle in the south settled the realm; now, only the north remains unconquered."
"I have come this time in hopes of gaining Venerable Black Tortoise's recognition. The Venerable holds an extraordinary position in the Southern Region and is revered by countless mighty experts. If I can obtain Venerable Black Tortoise's recognition, Su Tao will be endlessly grateful."
Su Tao spoke flawlessly.
First, he laid out the current situation, then lavishly praised Venerable Black Tortoise.
Yet Zhu Xiao did not respond. He merely watched Su Tao with a smile.
He was waiting—waiting for Su Tao's true purpose.
Sure enough, the next moment, Su Tao drew a golden scroll from his robes.
"Saint Zhu Xiao, please imprint Venerable Black Tortoise's great seal upon this scroll. Su Tao will be endlessly grateful."
The scroll was slowly unfurled, densely covered in writing.
Its contents had been prepared by Su Tao long before he began his campaign.
Looking at the handwriting that had long since dried, Zhu Xiao sighed inwardly.
By his estimate, ten thousand years had already passed. Ten thousand years ago, Su Tao had already begun plotting for the entire Southern Region.
Truly...
He did not even know what to say about Su Tao.
"Very well."
Zhu Xiao merely gave it a brief glance before nodding lightly.
The contents were simple: Venerable Black Tortoise publicly acknowledged Su Tao as the next lord of the Imperial Dynasty.
That was roughly what it said.
There was no problem with it.
Then, with a