Douluo Continent: Dark Demon God Biao, inheriting the position of an evil god

Starry Palace.

The atmosphere was more solemn and dignified than any other residence outside the palace.

Although Emperor Xu Jiawei of Xingluo was dressed in casual clothes, his back was even more tense than when he was facing a million-strong army.

He had just listened to detailed reports from the royal family's spies in Shrek Academy's inner courtyard, as well as from several returning members of the family's collateral branches.

Every detail made the turmoil in his heart even more intense.

He slowly turned around, his face ashen, and glanced at the trusted ministers and elders of the royal family who stood with their hands at their sides in the hall.

Xu Jiawei's voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable decisiveness, echoing in the silent hall:
"Gentlemen, from this day forward, I hereby proclaim my decree: No one, from the court to the common people, civil or military officials, or members of the imperial family, shall, for any reason, provoke or offend the White Tiger Duke's Mansion or any other individuals, especially... Dai Yuntian."

He paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately, emphasizing each word: "Anyone who disobeys, regardless of their status or reason, will be punished for treason once verified! There will be absolutely no leniency!"

"His Majesty!"

An old minister looked up in astonishment, clearly puzzled as to why the decree was so harsh, almost to the point of being "biased" towards the White Tiger Duke's Mansion.

Although the White Tiger Duke's mansion is powerful, it is still a subject after all. Why should His Majesty be so wary of it, even resorting to a serious crime like "treason"?
Xu Jiawei raised his hand, stopping the old minister from asking the question he was about to ask.

"No need to ask any more questions, just do as instructed. This boy, Dai Yuntian... is of great importance to the fate of the nation, and is extraordinary. I would rather let the Dai family's power increase by three times than allow any fool to offend a... dragon that has not yet fully revealed its claws, but is already destined to soar through the heavens!"

"The consequences Xingluo cannot bear..."

Xu Jiawei was well aware of Dai Yuntian's current status; even he himself probably couldn't compare to him.

Although he did not explain, the solemnity in his words sent a chill down the spines of all the high-ranking officials.

They had followed this emperor for many years and knew his great talent and composure, which made him say things like "It concerns the fate of the nation" and "Xingluo cannot bear it."

Dai Yuntian's importance had become unimaginable.

"I will obey your orders!"

No one objected further, and they all agreed in unison.

This decree will surely be spread throughout the entire Star Luo power hierarchy in the fastest, most secretive, and most efficient way.

After all the ministers had left.

Xu Jiawei seemed to remember something else and ordered in a deep voice, "By the way, where is Jiu Jiu? Summon Princess Jiu Jiu to see me immediately!"

The eunuch accepted the order and hurried away.

"Sigh... I don't know if I'll be able to sleep peacefully at night anymore... Things are about to change."

Xu Jiawei muttered to himself, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

……

West gatehouse of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion.

Liu Ergou, the squad leader of the guards on duty at the gate, was a young man who had been promoted just two months ago based on his Soul Master strength.

He was touching his bulging fanny pack, looking on incredulously.

He glanced at his brothers beside him, who were also beaming with joy after their successful harvest, and couldn't help but nudge the old guard Li Gang, who was puffing on his pipe, with his elbow.

"Brother Li, tell me... what kind of strange wind is blowing through Xingluo City today? Or did the sun rise in the west?"

"Ever since our young master Yuntian's carriage entered the manor, there's been a constant stream of people coming to 'pay their respects,' 'pay their respects,' and 'deliver gifts,' and they're all people from prominent families! I just became a squad leader, and before I even figured out what was going on, here I am..."

Liu Ergou lowered his voice and patted the hard money pouch at his waist. The clinking of the gold soul coins inside was louder than his entire month's salary. Old guard Li Gang had served in the Duke's mansion for thirty years, rising from a greenhorn to the "pillar of strength" among the gatekeepers. What hadn't he seen?

He slowly exhaled a smoke ring, his cloudy old eyes gleaming with a shrewd insight into the ways of the world. He chuckled and said, "Captain Er Gou, you don't understand, do you? In our Star Luo City, when the weather changes and the wind blows, everyone follows the young master inside!"

He pointed his pipe towards the main courtyard, his voice even lower, carrying a hint of the confidence and pride of someone who had been there before: "I heard that our young master Yun Tian really made a name for himself at Shrek Academy. His abilities are extraordinary, even His Majesty..."

"Cough cough!"

Li Gang made a "you know what I mean" gesture: "In short, our young master is now the real hot commodity in His Majesty's eyes, and he's definitely going to be the one in the future!"

He then pointed to the sky.

"Those high-ranking officials, nobles, and imperial relatives, aren't they all shrewd and calculating? Who wouldn't want to climb up this towering tree? But is it so easy to cross the threshold of our Duke's mansion?"

"The master is stationed on the frontier year-round, and the lady is a woman of strong will and ability who rarely sees outsiders."

"They don't dare to knock on the front door directly, for fear of being turned away, and even more afraid of displeasing the young master and madam, so they have to go through us 'side-door' channels, right?"

Liu Ergou stared wide-eyed, scratching his head in confusion: "Follow our path? Aren't we just gatekeepers?"

"What's wrong with the gatekeeper?"

Li Gang glared, then took another smug puff of his cigarette: "It's easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings! Oh no, it's more like a local official is more powerful than a distant one. We can just stand at the door, pass on a message, deliver a message, or do someone a favor—that's a favor!"

"They begged us to sound out their opinions to the lady or the steward, to say a good word for them, or even just to become acquainted with them. That would be a huge favor."

"They're afraid we won't keep our mouths shut or won't take it seriously, so they have to use these gold and silver things to shut us up and warm our hearts, right?"

Liu Ergou suddenly realized, and his face flushed with excitement: "So... we've also benefited from Young Master's great influence?!"

"That's not the case!"

Li Gang tapped his pipe on the sole of his shoe, his back ramrod straight, and his wrinkled face beamed with joy.

“Captain Er Gou, I’ve worked in this manor for twenty years. Don’t be fooled by my official salary of only sixty or seventy gold soul coins a year. There are also the bonuses during holidays, the rewards from the madam and young master when they’re in a good mood, and 'tribute' like today…”

"All things considered, every year you can easily earn four or five hundred gold soul coins. In good years or during a major celebration, it's not uncommon for the value to double!"

"Four...five hundred a year? And it's doubling!!!"

Liu Ergou gasped, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.

He used to work in the market under the Haotian Sect. He worked himself to the bone, and if he could save up twenty gold soul coins a year, that was considered a good year!

Working as a gatekeeper at the Duke's mansion, is that a lucrative job?

He felt like he had wasted the first half of his life.

"Is that a lot?"

Li Gang glanced at him, giving him a look that said, "You've never seen anything like this before," then leaned closer, his voice laced with coaxing and pride:
"This is nothing! Our lady is an extremely kind and generous mistress! She is fair in rewarding and punishing, and considerate to her servants. During festivals and when the young masters have good things to do, we servants always get the first share of the reward!"

"Just follow me and work hard, keep your eyes open, keep your mouth shut, and be diligent. I guarantee you'll work comfortably, make a fortune, and never utter a sound!"

"Why keep quiet? They're just making a fortune in silence!"

Liu Ergou was deeply moved and nodded repeatedly, feeling that his future was bright, and he unconsciously straightened his back a little.

He felt even more imposing in his guard's uniform. (End of Chapter)