Retreat into Seclusion

Once the decree had been read aloud, the council hall was so silent one could hear a pin drop.

Wang Zhenyue, Lin Moxuan, Zhao Gan, and the others stared wide-eyed, scarcely daring to believe their ears. A permanent fief, hereditary succession, autonomous governance!

What did this mean? It meant that from this day onward, Clear Sand River was no longer a territory temporarily assigned for Jade Dragon City to administer. It had truly become Xu Yuan's private domain.

So long as Xu Yuan and his descendants committed no acts of rebellion, Jade Dragon City would recognize their perpetual right to rule Clear Sand River. What immense trust and favor that was.

One had to know that across the vast territories governed by Jade Dragon City, the number of Consecrated cultivators granted permanent fiefs could be counted on one's fingers. Every one of them was an exceptional figure who had rendered Jade Dragon City tremendous service and whose strength and potential had earned the highest level's recognition.

Xu Yuan drew a quiet breath and suppressed the surging emotions in his heart. Stepping forward, he accepted the decree with both hands. "Xu Yuan accepts the decree and gives thanks for this grace. I shall faithfully fulfill my duties and safeguard this fief."

Chen Xinghe personally handed the decree to Xu Yuan and smiled. "Consecrated Xu—no, perhaps I should call you Lord Xu now. Congratulations. From this day forth, Clear Sand River shall be the foundation beneath your feet. Manage it well, and do not disappoint the expectations of the three Palace Lords. Remember: if your heart remains with Jade Dragon City, then Jade Dragon City shall forever be your strongest support."

"Thank you, Director Chen, for your support," Xu Yuan said sincerely. He knew that Chen Xinghe, as Director of the Consecrated