Let them offer their loyalty!

Originally, Ye Mingfeng had thought that Huang Shangzong, in his fury, would certainly not agree so easily.

But... who could have known? When he saw Huang relent, Huang Shangzong actually responded firmly, "Fine!"

"I can let my personal soldiers remain stationed here, but I need to bring 100 guards with me!"

Normally, a Deputy Speaker-level figure would have around 15 guards. A Speaker might have more, but typically only about 20-25.

After all, in a world where extraordinary power rested with individuals, those reaching Deputy Speaker or Speaker status were likely to be at least Second-Order Cataclysmics in strength.

This level of Cataclysmic was already immune to conventional firearms, so most guards were primarily for handling routine situations and maintaining appearances.

After all, a State Speaker, the Master of an entire state, wielding immense authority, naturally needed to maintain a distance from ordinary people.

After all, power becomes more intimidating and effective when cloaked in awe and mystery.

As for Huang Shangzong's demand to bring 100 personal soldiers into the city, the goal was somewhat similar.

As a Fifth-Order Cataclysmic, those 100 soldiers could never alter the standoff with Qiu Tu. The demonstration of strength was clearly more symbolic than practical.

Normally, matters like this—Ye Mingfeng would turn a blind eye and let it slide.

But this time's situation involved two State Speakers, two Senior Frontier Officials. If mishandled, it could escalate into significant problems.

Thus, Ye Mingfeng deliberated for a moment before responding, "Allow me to consult Speaker Qiu Tu's opinion."

Huang Shangzong loudly acknowledged his request, signaling his agreement, then turned and returned to his vehicle to rest.

Witnessing this, Ye Mingfeng shook his head and walked back behind the lines.

Taking the communicator handed to him by the operator, Ye Mingfeng dialed Qiu Tu's number.

Moments later, the call connected, and Qiu Tu's chilly voice emanated from the receiver, "General Ye. Has Chairman Huang gone back?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, the veins on Ye Mingfeng's forehead throbbed as he replied, "Speaker, I advised Chairman Huang, but he has no intention of leaving."

"I also informed him of your stance: he can enter the city, but his soldiers must station outside."

At this, Ye Mingfeng paused briefly before continuing, "Chairman Huang agreed, but he made a request—to bring 100 personal soldiers into the city."

On hearing this, Qiu Tu let out a cold laugh, "Hell no!"

"Since he wouldn't respect our position, Old Ye, make sure you block him! Don't let a single soldier of his set foot in Eastern City!"

With that, Qiu Tu snorted coldly and slammed the phone down with a "bang!"

Listening to the dead tone from the phone, Ye Mingfeng was dumbfounded.

Me?!

Am I, a Third-Order Peak about to advance to Fourth-Order Cataclysmic, expected to block a Fifth-Order Cataclysmic?

Has Qiu Tu gone mad?!

Even if Huang Shangzong remains rational and doesn't kill me outright before leading his troops into the city...

Why should I be the one to stop him?

You seduced his daughter, and you're not stepping up to handle this yourself, leaving it to me?

Thinking this made the bloodthirsty aura around Ye Mingfeng intensify!

Yet... regrettably, he couldn't afford to provoke Huang Shangzong, nor could he afford to provoke Qiu Tu.

Qiu Tu, like Huang Shangzong, was also a Fifth-Order Cataclysmic and, moreover, Ye Mingfeng's superior.

As Dongye State's Deputy Speaker, it was only natural for him to obey orders issued by the Speaker.

With this in mind, Ye Mingfeng cursed under his breath and grudgingly marched toward the frontline.

As expected, Qiu Tu's "brazen" demands had evidently enraged Huang Shangzong.

Huang Shangzong was so furious he almost stormed into the city to confront Qiu Tu in person. It was only Ye Mingfeng's intervention, reminding him that bringing troops into another state already constituted a severe crime...

And if he also attacked that state's Speaker, his political career would likely be over entirely.

This finally persuaded Huang Shangzong to calm down.

But even so, Huang Shangzong stubbornly refused to compromise, instead ordering his soldiers to form ranks and blockade the entrance to Eastern City—openly challenging Qiu Tu.

This ongoing farce naturally caught the attention of many.

The common people didn't know what was happening, but Eastern City's various departments were well aware.

Thus, representatives from different departments occasionally came by to observe and gossip, eager to see how things might unfold.

And just like that, as time passed and the spectacle drew increasing attention...

Finally, Old Pang's convoy appeared on the main thoroughfare.

Arriving at the frontline, Old Pang exited the vehicle, his face dark with anger.

He scanned the caravans, investigators, and workers trapped on either side of the road, his expression grim, before calling over his confidants and commanding sharply, "Go bring Huang Shangzong to me!"

Upon receiving Old Pang's orders, the confidant hurried to the frontlines to deliver the message.

Before long, Huang Shangzong strode over briskly.

Standing at an impressive 1.95 meters tall, with a muscular physique like an iron tower, he was a sight to behold.

Fueled by fury, his Fifth-Order Cataclysmic aura surged forth, making him appear almost like a Demon God.

Although Old Pang, with his higher status and rank, could be certain Huang Shangzong wouldn't attack him directly, seeing the sheer force of Huang Shangzong's presence caused Old Pang's eyes to darken momentarily.

He glared at Huang Shangzong and shouted, "What do you think you're doing? Planning a rebellion?!"

Startled by the rebuke, Huang Shangzong's stride faltered.

His eyes betrayed suppressed rage, but he took a deep breath and subdued his aura, walking up to Old Pang and lowering his head as he greeted, "Old Pang."

Seeing Huang Shangzong's compliance, Old Pang visibly relaxed. He gestured toward the blocked caravans, investigators, and travelers, lowering his voice as he reprimanded, "As a State Speaker, obstructing the road like this—what kind of image are you projecting?!"