Zhao Xiangshan stared at the Secret Mansion steward. Without wasting a single empty word, he gave his orders directly: "I grant you every authority within the Secret Mansion. Half a quarter-hour. Destroy that Water Virtue Star Lord, then report back with a recording."
Remembering the Water Virtue Star Lord's divine might from before, the Secret Mansion steward's vision went black. But he had followed Zhao Xiangshan for many years and knew there was absolutely no room for reason.
"Destroy the Star Lord"—at least he still had the Secret Mansion's formations and mechanisms to rely on.
What right did he have to bargain with Zhao Xiangshan?
He did not even dare show difficulty on his face, only answered loudly in acceptance.
Zhao Xiangshan did not spare him another glance. He turned and strode out of the central hub. His personal guards and the many experts specifically stationed here all followed behind him.
Once he left the hub, Zhao Xiangshan no longer concerned himself with how the Secret Mansion steward would handle matters inside. Nor did he believe the steward could handle them.
That man had been a specially selected unlucky bastard, a scapegoat.
At a time like this, no method of calming people's hearts would work. It was better to use his habitual strength and intimidation; that would be more effective.
Sure enough, as he had expected, under the weight of his long-established authority, caution and vigilance rose within his subordinates. For the moment, it suppressed their bewilderment and unease. Instinctively relying on his commands, they followed in his footsteps like elite soldiers tempered through harsh training, obeying every order.
Zhao Xiangshan did not demand that it last long. So long as it kept the disturbance from bothering him for now, that was enough.
At this moment, thoughts surged through his