Northern Sun Moon Empire.
Grand Duke Huihuang's province.
Inside a lavish Duke's Mansion.
"Father, a letter from Mingdu orders all the grand dukes to bring their families to Mingdu for an assembly. Surely you can see what this means?" Zhao Yang said angrily.
"Of course I can, but Mingdu commands powerful forces. If they send troops to conquer us when the time comes, I fear..." Grand Duke Huihuang toyed with a luminous pearl in his hand, hesitation on his face.
"Father, Huihuang Province has complex terrain and tens of thousands of troops. Even if Xu Cheng sends an army, wiping us out won't be easy. Besides, we aren't determined to rebel. As long as he recognizes our independence, he can receive several times last year's tribute. Why waste time and effort conquering us?" Zhao Yang earnestly pleaded.
"Well..." Grand Duke Huihuang hesitated.
In truth, this idea of "rebellion" had only gradually taken root because his son kept egging him on. But now, as he repeatedly heard how formidable Mingdu's Military Headquarters was, how it had beaten the people across the Mingdou Mountain Range until they pissed and shat themselves, those little ambitions were gradually fading.
He glanced at his son with a complicated expression.
A Soul Emperor at only thirty-two, with the rare and powerful Violent Gold Bear martial soul inherited from his first wife, his son had always been his first heir-the future Grand Duke Huihuang.
Thus, his son held an extremely important place in his heart.
"Besides, how could those sham Soul Engineers, who crumble at the first touch in close combat, possibly rival traditional Soul Masters?" Zhao Yang said confidently.
From birth until now, he had lived in Huihuang Province and received a traditional Soul Master's education, so "honor" was deeply ingrained in him.
"Father, this is