Chapter 745: Chapter 346: The Second Black Slate

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Riyue City.

The howling wind came from the sky.

The guards on the city walls all looked up, eyes wide open as they watched everything.

Three massive figures were diving down from the clouds.

Huge shadows swept across their faces, and the flags on the city walls fluttered wildly.

"Kneel!"

The commander of the Dragon’s Breath legion shouted hoarsely: "Everyone kneel!"

After speaking, he was the first to kneel on one knee and bowed his head.

Soon after, the sound of armor clashing resonated as the soldiers knelt in rows.

The figures in the sky were precisely Luo De’s dragons.

The dragons did not pause, sweeping over Riyue City, heading straight for the city center, and finally landing on the square in front of the Empire’s palace gates.

The gale brought by the dragons’ descent stirred dust all over the square, making it impossible for nearby civilians to open their eyes.

The civilians retreated in fear but did not leave, curiously observing the giant dragons.

Luo De flipped off the back of Black Flame, walked to Thunder and reached out to help Avril down.

Avril then took Luo De’s arm as they walked slowly toward the palace together.

The gates of the Empire’s palace had already been opened, with the nobles of Riyue City standing on either side to welcome Luo De’s arrival.

Leading them was an elderly noble nearly fifty years old.

Durant stood on one side with the eldest princess, Atrey, and upon seeing Luo De, they quickly came forward.

Durant bowed and then introduced: "Sir, this is Miller Shuiyan, the lifelong Marquis of Gray Rock, and one of the earliest nobles to pledge allegiance to you."

A lifelong marquis means non-hereditary, with military power and territory, but cannot be passed on to heirs.

After Durant’s introduction, Miller quickly bent deeply in greeting.

"Lord Luo De!"

The old noble Miller had a smile on his face, cautiously saluting Luo De,

"Welcome to Riyue City!"

Miller’s voice was loud, but it was evidently tinged with nervousness.

At this time, the nobles following behind also began to salute, their faces showing tension.

Miller then pulled two young men from behind him,

"Lord Luo De, these are my two sons, both very willing to serve you!"

Miller slightly bowed, introducing: "I also have a fourteen-year-old daughter. If she could enter your academy, I am willing to offer my estate in Riyue City!"

The operation of the Empire requires a lot of talents.

The lands of these lifelong nobles are not permanent; with Luo De’s arrival, they would only lose some assets.

But they also possess knowledge and talents.

Compared to those nobles who have lost their territories, these lifelong nobles are a better nurturing target for Luo De.

In the initial promises of surrender, Luo De said he would give them more opportunities.

Having a path for advancement made these nobles very happy and more supportive of Luo De.

And Luo De was willing to show more patience towards these nobles.

"I don’t need your estate, Marquis Miller."

Luo De spoke with a smile, calmly saying: "As long as your daughter is talented, the academy will naturally accept her."

Luo De looked at the other nobles and said, "Including your children, they all have a chance to enter the Wizard or Witch Academy; as long as they have sufficient talent."

"As for other talented children, I will assess them, and suitable ones will be given positions."

Luo De’s voice was loud and clear, ensuring all nobles understood it plainly.

"Yes, Lord Luo De." The crowd responded in unison.

Luo De nodded slightly, looked at Durant beside him, and instructed:

"Quickly issue a notice that all civilian children must also participate in the selection."

"Yes, my lord." Durant nodded in response.

Luo De said nothing further and commanded, "Let’s go, take me to the Treasure Vault of the palace."

"Please follow me, my lord."

Durant stepped aside, making a gesture of invitation.

The nobles hastily cleared a path, bowing their heads as they sent Luo De into the Empire’s palace.

Through the arched gate under the palace walls, the blue stone avenue stretched straight ahead, its width of several dozen meters sufficient for a formation of knights to march.

In front of the road stood a massive statue of the Emperor Shuiyan, founder of the Broken Rock Empire.

Inside the city walls was a vast complex of buildings made of dark gray granite, with numerous towers and domes interlacing.

Rather than calling it the Empire’s palace, it was more like the inner city of Riyue City.

The side branches of the Shuiyan Clan without territories all lived within this palace.

Additionally, there were merchants, craftsmen, and court attendants serving the Royal Family living there.

Of course, these people all lived on the outermost edges of the palace.

Luo De didn’t linger, only giving a brief glance before following Durant along the main path, stepping onto the stone steps leading to the palace.

The main building of the true imperial palace stood at the city’s summit, backed by mountains, as if overlooking the entire Riyue City.

Aside from the guards, the palace staff had not changed much.

Luo De was unfamiliar with this place, and none of his subordinates were suitable to fill the Empire’s palace.

Durant was also unfamiliar with the imperial palace, but with the eldest princess Atrey’s presence, they wouldn’t lose their way.

"The throne hall at the front is generally used for hearings and proclamations."

"Behind the throne hall is the council hall and the library."

Atrey explained in a deep voice: "Further back is the palace’s inner court, which includes the emperor and empress’s chambers, banquet hall, music hall, reception hall, and more."

"Would you like to tour it?" Atrey asked.

"No."

Luo De refused without hesitation, saying, "Let’s go directly to the Treasure Vault."

"You haven’t seen the palace, right?"

Atrey asked, "Aren’t you curious?"