The Star Luo Empire.
Duke's Mansion of Parsak Province.
A group of dukes dressed in luxurious clothes appeared to be holding a meeting.
Among them were Salokai, the renowned leader of the Star Luo Empire's Old Nobles; Duke Robin'er, who commanded a powerful army; and Lingwen, Sect Master of the Spirit Bird Sect, the strongest of the empire's secluded families in overall strength.
"Gentlemen, aren't we going a little too far?"
Robin'er looked displeased.
As things stood, Xu Jiawei was the one carrying the Star Luo Empire's banner in public. He had to shoulder the rot throughout the country and invasions from foreign enemies. His situation was already miserable enough.
If they piled on more pressure, what if that kid snapped?
He had already advised them not to force the emperor's hand. The man was an emperor, after all. If he threw down his responsibilities and quit, could they really shoulder the entire Star Luo Empire?
None of them wanted to see that happen.
"Heh, don't tell me Duke Par is scared?" Salok thrust out his bloated belly and gave him a disdainful glance.
Nobles were gluttonous, lazy, and mostly mediocre in strength, lying on their ancestors' laurels and enjoying the rewards. That was most people's stereotype of them, but in truth... it really was the case. After all, why else would it have become a stereotype?
A trace of greed showed in Salok's narrowed little eyes. "I won't take a single gold coin less. Unless you can make up the difference? Then I wouldn't have to trouble Xu Jiawei."
"You..." Robin'er's eyes widened.
"Now, now, let's not damage our friendship over this." Lingwen stroked his snow-white beard with a genial smile.
"Your Grace, more than half the Worship Hall's elders are dead or wounded, and the Star Luo Empire