To take, one must first give. Aside from the cheering commoners of Lanshan City, anyone present could see the ill intent in the edict. This led to an atmosphere of difficulty and embarrassment that pervaded even the First Head of the Martial Hall of Lanshan City, who dared not rashly step forward to claim the edict, resulting in a tense and awkward standstill.
However, as Wang Chan's voice issuing the edict travelled further, the cheers from the city's populace grew louder; they too knew that they couldn't stall for much longer.
Just as everyone was caught in a dilemma, a voice suddenly broke the silence.
"Many thanks to Saint Wang for bestowing this honor. I, Tang Zhi, on behalf of the Longxi Alliance and the Tang Clan, humbly accept it."
All eyes turned toward the source of the voice, where a graceful middle-aged man stood atop a Luan carriage - he was none other than the leader of the Longxi Alliance, the chieftain of the Tang family in Xiling - Tang Zhi.
