Many cultivators wanted to join Lord’s Manor, but only those at the peak of the Upper Spirit King realm or higher were accepted.
The manor’s guards expanded rapidly from an initial hundred to two hundred, all of whom were Upper Spirit King cultivators.
Additionally, five rogue cultivators at the Spirit Saint realm sought to join as Honored Elders. After investigating, Leo found two to be notorious criminals and rejected them, while the other three were accepted.
In just one week, Clearwind Town had welcomed an astonishing influx of three hundred thousand people.
The influence of the Fourth-rank Alchemist, Ascension Pill, and Spirit Saint Pill was evident.
Clearwind Town’s expansion was in full swing under the supervision of Elder Archie and Elder Noah.
In the main hall of Lord’s Manor, Alondra reported to Leo with a joyful expression, “Lord, Starfall Shop now has franchises in seven major cities including Zratol, Phoenix Cry City, Heaven Wind City, Maple City, Crane Cry City, Setting Sun City, and Heavenly Capital City, as well as in fifteen smaller towns like Bright Moon Town and Lotus Pavilion Town.”
Leo nodded with satisfaction. “It won’t be long before our Starfall Shop franchises cover the entire Martial Dynasty.”
Leo’s ambition extended beyond the Martial Dynasty to the entire Southern Marches domain and even the Awakened Continent.
Suddenly, loud beast roars echoed above Clearwind Town, penetrating the hall.
Leo’s previously relaxed expression turned serious. Since becoming the town’s lord, he had banned flying over Clearwind Town. Everyone had to enter through the town gates, yet someone dared to defy his order.
“Leo, is someone invading Clearwind Town?” Violet asked with a frown.
“Let’s go see,” Leo said sternly before disappearing from the hall. Violet and others followed closely.
In the next moment, Leo led eight Honored Elders and over a hundred armored guards standing in formation above Lord’s Manor.
Cultivators in Clearwind Town looked up towards the source of the beast roars.
Leo stood in white robes, hands behind his back, his sharp gaze fixed ahead.
In the sky not far away were two massive beast-drawn carriages and a squad of armored soldiers. The golden carriage was lavishly adorned and pulled by eight golden-haired lions at the Demon General peak realm.
The sight of these majestic lions standing in mid-air was awe-inspiring.
A large yellow flag with a golden-winged lion emblem fluttered on the golden carriage. Behind it was a silver carriage pulled by four silver lions, flanked by a hundred guards in golden armor wielding golden spears.
Recognizing the emblem on the flag, Mike said, “Lord, they are from the royal family.”
Leo nodded slightly. The founder of the Martial Dynasty was a Spirit God known as the Lion Emperor. The dynasty’s flag bore a golden-winged lion, symbolizing its royal lineage.
“What brings the royal family to Clearwind Town?”
“They must be here for the lord.”
“Trouble seems to be brewing…”
Cultivators below whispered among themselves.
An elderly man in red-brown official robes holding a golden scroll looked at Leo and his group with a condescending gaze.
“Who is the lord of Clearwind Town?” he asked arrogantly.
Leo stepped forward and replied coldly, “I am.”
Leo’s demeanor made the elder’s expression turn grim.
“Elder Mike, is that old man… a eunuch?” Christian whispered to Mike.
Mike nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, he’s the chief eunuch of the capital palace.”
Christian thought it amusing that such figures existed even in this world. Holden and others found it similarly amusing.
Seeing their odd smiles, the elder snapped, “Why are you laughing? I am Winston, chief eunuch of the Martial Dynasty palace. Show respect!”
“I won’t bow to a eunuch,” Christian retorted.
“You…!” Winston’s face turned pale with anger. “Such arrogance and lack of manners in Clearwind Town!”
As chief eunuch of the great Martial Dynasty, Winston was used to high respect wherever he went. He never expected such disdain in this remote town.
Leo stared at Winston coldly. “Enough talk. Why are you here?”
Winston’s face grew colder as he unfurled the golden scroll. “Clearwind Town Lord Leo, receive the decree!” his sharp voice echoed above Clearwind Town.
“Receive the decree?” Leo raised an eyebrow. “Just read it.”
“Why aren’t you kneeling?” Winston demanded sharply.
“I won’t kneel,” Leo replied calmly.
“How dare you! I come with an imperial decree from His Majesty. Kneel immediately!” Winston’s voice was shrill with anger.
“Who do you think you are to make me kneel?” Leo’s voice turned icy.