Neither Dai Mubai nor Zhu Zhuqing had expected the Golden Roc Duke to appear so openly.
Dai Mubai nervously glanced around, afraid that word of his private meeting with the Golden Roc Duke would reach Dai Weisi.
The Golden Roc Duke gave them a reassuring smile. "Rest assured, Third Prince. I've already brought all the First Prince's people under control with a special Genjutsu, so only the three of us will know what happens today."
"That's excellent." Dai Mubai breathed a sigh of relief, then gave the Golden Roc Duke a sheepish smile. "Senior Golden Roc, Zhu Zhuqing told me you wanted to help me ascend the Star Luo throne. Is that true?"
"Of course." The Golden Roc Duke, who was Bai Ranmo's clone, nodded slightly.
Dai Mubai could no longer suppress his smile. His body trembled with excitement, his mind filled with visions of becoming emperor and executing Dai Weisi.
"Why do you want to help us, Golden Roc Duke?" Dai Mubai was already lost in his fantasies, but Zhu Zhuqing retained her basic sense of reason and asked with a frown.
"The First Prince's succession is practically settled now. Why would you choose to support Mubai and me?"
The Golden Roc Duke sat down expressionlessly, propped up his chin, and said, "Because His Majesty fears me. I'm already a rank eighty-eight Soul Douluo, and breaking through to Titled Douluo wouldn't be difficult. But lately, I've found myself receiving fewer and fewer resources. Even my everyday meals have been laced with drugs that hinder cultivation, and my military authority has come under attack as well. At first, I thought the Nether Duke's Mansion was suppressing me. I never expected His Majesty to be acting personally to prevent me from becoming a Titled Douluo."
"The Golden Roc Martial Soul is