Dai Hao's heart lurched. This new Marshal really has come with ill intent.
Still, they were all colleagues serving the Empire, and their ranks were not far apart. Even if Huo Yuhao wanted to make an example of him to establish his authority, surely he could not go too far.
Besides, Dai Hao had worked tirelessly and rendered great service over the years, handling everything without leaving a single crack exposed and making the Empire's west as impregnable as a fortress of iron. This time, he had even invaded the Sun Moon Empire and won a great victory. There was nothing for this Marshal to find fault with.
"Marshal, isn't this conduct of yours rather overbearing? We are all soldiers of the Empire, and everyone here is a brother-in-arms. Yet you use force to browbeat us. Won't that chill the hearts of those who have rendered meritorious service?"
"Meritorious service? You are all guilty officials. What merits do you have to speak of?" Seeing the old fox Dai Hao deflecting him with Tai Chi, Huo Yuhao issued another warning.
"What crimes have we committed?" Dai Hao held immense power and status, and being treated this way kindled anger in his heart. He could clearly sense that this new Marshal seemed to harbor some inexplicable hostility toward him, but he was certain this was their first meeting.
"White Tiger Duke, let me ask you this: the position of the Empire's Grand Marshal belongs to the capable. Does my strength qualify me?"
As Huo Yuhao spoke, he intensified the pressure on Dai Hao. Dai Hao had already unleashed all nine soul rings, yet he still could not withstand that terrifying pressure. His veins were bulging now, and his breathing came in rapid gasps.
"Your strength naturally qualifies you, Marshal."
After gritting his