“Young indeed, but the pressure he exudes is even stronger than Vice Lord Duffy,” said the captain of the Black Armored Guard in a deep voice.
“Captain, our Spirit Stones have been significantly reduced these days. Vice Lord Duffy claims it’s by the new lord’s order. Now that the new lord has arrived, our treatment will likely worsen,” sighed another Black Armored Guard.
“Although we’ve been shortchanged, our current treatment is still acceptable. We just need to do our duties and not worry about other matters,” the captain of the Black Armored Guard waved his hand dismissively.
In the main hall of the Lord’s Manor, a middle-aged man dressed in luxurious purple and gold robes sat in the central seat. The man had a somewhat chubby face with well-maintained skin like a baby’s. He wore a string of golden beads around his neck and several gem-studded rings on his fingers, exuding an air of wealth.
Beside him were four beautiful maids. Two knelt down to massage his legs, while the other two worked on his shoulders. The middle-aged man squinted his small eyes in comfort.
Two elders sat in the guest seats below. One wore a green robe, and the other a red robe. They were Elder Noah and Elder Archie, the Honored Elders of the Lord’s Manor.
“Vice Lord Duffy, we’ve raised the entrance fee to five Low-Quality Spirit Stones and increased the stall fees in the square by ten percent. We’ve also cut the manor guards’ Spirit Stones by thirty percent, which has caused much discontent,” Elder Noah said after a moment’s hesitation, looking at the middle-aged man in the main seat.
Elder Noah spoke tactfully, but there was more than just discontent outside; there was outright cursing. Most of the anger was directed at the new lord since it was said that all changes were by his decree.
“Oh? Discontent? It’s been over a month, and nothing has happened. On the contrary, our treasury has seen a significant increase,” Vice Lord Duffy said with a smile, glancing at Elder Noah.
Elder Noah and Elder Archie’s faces darkened at these words, silently cursing: most of those Spirit Stones went into your pocket.
“Vice Lord Duffy, if the new lord finds out about these changes, the consequences…” Elder Archie said worriedly.
“The new lord who secured the position of Lord’s Manor must be a Spirit Saint-level powerhouse. If he questions us, Vice Lord, what should we do?” Elder Noah asked a long-held question.
Vice Lord Duffy’s small eyes flashed with cunning, but he showed little fear on his face. “Hehe, I never said it was the new lord’s decree. Those are just rumors spread by others. Even if the new lord arrives, we can simply deny it.”
“Besides, as a half-step Spirit Saint-level powerhouse and with you two elders being the backbone of the manor, if we deny issuing false decrees, what can the new lord do to us?”
Duffy’s chubby face showed a smug expression as he spoke with confidence.
Elder Noah and Elder Archie exchanged glances. Though Duffy’s reasoning seemed somewhat shameless, it was indeed a plan.
“Rest assured, elders. The new lord hasn’t shown up for over a month…” Duffy paused, showing a sly smile. “He might have perished somewhere. We should take this opportunity to increase our income.”
Elder Noah and Elder Archie exchanged another glance. Somehow, Duffy’s words did not reassure them but instead made them uneasy.
In truth, eighty percent of the extra income from this month went into Duffy’s pocket, while they barely received ten percent each.
“It would be best if that new lord never comes. That would be ideal for us. Once I break through to the Spirit Saint level, even if he arrives, I won’t fear him. What I’ve gained won’t be given up easily,” Duffy revealed his true thoughts.
“You’re about to break through to the Spirit Saint level?” Elder Noah asked in surprise.
Elder Archie also looked astonished.
“I’ve been stuck at the peak of the upper-stage Spirit King level for many years. Recently, I’ve faintly sensed an opportunity for Thunder Tribulation. I believe I can break through to the Spirit Saint level within one or two months!” Duffy said proudly.
“Congratulations! May you soon advance to the Spirit Saint level,” Elder Noah and Elder Archie said in unison, rising respectfully.
“Haha! Once I break through to the Spirit Saint level, even if that new lord arrives and is stronger than me, do you think he would dare harm me?”
“Having two Spirit Saint-level powerhouses in Clearwind Town would be something he would welcome. Don’t you agree?” Duffy laughed confidently.
“Yes, Vice Lord is right,” Elder Noah and Elder Archie nodded simultaneously.
As Duffy said, having an additional Spirit Saint-level powerhouse would greatly benefit Lord’s Manor. The new lord would likely refrain from taking any drastic actions against Duffy.
However, before Duffy’s laughter had fully subsided, a cold snort came from outside the hall: “Hmph! Quite the wishful thinking!”
Hearing this cold snort, Duffy’s face darkened immediately. He straightened his posture and looked towards the hall entrance with cold eyes.
A young man dressed in white walked into the hall, followed by six attractive young men and women.
Elder Noah and Elder Archie’s faces changed drastically upon seeing the young man at the front.
“Who are you? How dare you enter Lord’s Manor without my permission?” Duffy asked coldly.
Leo did not answer Duffy’s question but moved his right hand. A silver object wrapped in spiritual power shot towards Duffy’s face like a silver streak of light.
Seeing the sudden attack, Duffy’s face darkened. He mobilized his spiritual power and reached out to grab the silver streak.
A dull sound echoed in Duffy’s palm. He caught the silver streak but looked even angrier.
The next moment, Duffy’s chair shattered into pieces. The four maids were terrified and quickly retreated to one side.
“How dare you! Who are you to attack me?” Duffy stood up with a dark expression as his powerful aura burst forth.
“Vice Lord Duffy, that thing in your hand…” Elder Noah stammered as he pointed at what Duffy was holding after recovering from his shock at seeing Leo.