Chapter 1227: Chapter 1227

On this day, at the break of dawn, various powers had already arrived. Before the sky even brightened, everyone was already gathered at this location, waiting.

On a temporary but tall viewing platform assembled just beside the city walls, representatives of the various forces had already gathered, gazing at each other. Those in good relations started chatting, while those not on amicable terms simply looked through each other as if the other did not exist.

It appeared as if the people of Holy Fox City and several other Beastman Clans were getting along quite well, but the Lion People had formed a separate group. Such a display of animosity was unprecedented and now very obvious.

Near the Third Prince, who was representing the Divine Flame Empire, a substantial number of people also gathered, most of whom were nobles of the Empire, along with nobility from minor neighboring countries or regions. Their aim was to ingratiate themselves with the Divine Flame Empire or the Shenghai Kingdom. These two powers were simply too dominant in the eastern part of the continent.

As the dawn gradually brightened, Du You finally made an appearance. In usual major events, it was Shaliya who represented their interests, and although there were many rumors about Du You, he had seldom been seen. Today would be the first time for many.

"Strange, he doesn’t look like a puppet, does he? I heard the Shenghai Kingdom has been taken over by that woman."

"Hmph, I think it’s just a façade."

"Rumors are just rumors, after all. In this world, strength is what truly matters. As a founding leader, I can’t believe that person could be so easily overshadowed. Besides, with so many powerful individuals, not just any powerless woman could control them."

Everyone had their own opinions. Du You heard the discussions but said nothing, merely curling his lips slightly. Let them think he could not manage the kingdom; it suited his purposes better.

Then, Du You nodded to Luo Jia, who then loudly announced, "Welcome, honored guests, to the first military parade of the Shenghai Kingdom. I declare the ceremony has begun."

Du You felt an irresistible urge to facepalm. Couldn’t they have said a bit more? Considering the leaders back on Earth who’d speak for hours once on stage, only to arrive here and be greeted with a single sentence.

Well, perhaps it was too difficult for them — after all, things were done more succinctly here, not like on Earth.

Next, Luo Jia passed the position of speaker to a hostess found by Shaliya. This woman, with her excellent demeanor and appearance, was once part of the nobility, according to Shaliya.

Her beauty was certainly not inferior to Shaliya’s. The moment she took the stage, all eyes were fixated on her.

However, the newcomer did not falter. Utilizing a magic spell to amplify her voice, she began to explain loudly, "Please look, coming to the front, is the mainstay of the Shenghai Kingdom’s army, a wall of soldiers, the Giant Rock Heavy Armored Warriors..."

The woman went on to speak fluently, engaging the crowd without a script in hand, improvising on the spot. No wonder Shaliya could rest assured — this lady was indeed quite capable.

"Good, you’ve found a capable subordinate," Du You acknowledged with a nod.

Shaliya replied with a smile, "What do you think? Would you like her to come by tonight? I spent a lot of money to buy her back. She’s still not free from slave status, but she was once a duke’s daughter, her status no less than mine."

Du You shook his head, "Never mind that. If I took in every beautiful woman I saw, my home would have more people than I could count by now."

Although Shaliya and the like were among the top beauties, there were others Du You had met who could measure up to their standards. Just like Du You said, if he pursued everyone he encountered, his household would indeed be overflowing.

Shaliya just laughed, obviously aware of Du You’s nature. Her previous remark was merely to lighten the mood.

But while Du You and his company enjoyed laughs and banter, the representatives from other nations did not share the same sentiment. As each group of troops passed by, these representatives shifted from indifference to increasingly solemn expressions.

This military parade featured all the troops departing from an eastern military camp, then marching in front of the city walls through the urban center, and finally heading to a western camp. Many civilians watched along the route, along with both overt and covert agents from major forces. It was impossible to stage the parade twice; these were genuine military forces.

"How impressive, they have such a vast military presence. Look at their equipment; it’s top-grade."

That was a comment from one of the Beastmen, who valued the equipment highly, as humans often won against them using just such things.

A Human Race general beside them shook his head, "It isn’t the equipment that’s most terrifying, but the quality of these soldiers. Their discipline and formation are such that even our elite might not be able to achieve. The aura of battle on them proves that they are not merely for ceremonial purposes — more than just a ceremonial guard." The Empire had its own ceremonial guard, too, although they didn’t match these troops in military bearing or spirit. What was truly frightening was the number of high-caliber troops present.

"It’s not just the men; look at their cavalry. They have managed to train their mounts with such precision, something we have not achieved. There must be some secret training skills involved here."

If Du You were there, he would tell them that no training was necessary since the subjects and mounts produced in his lands were all incredibly obedient, almost as if a high-tier beastmaster was controlling them directly. Newest update provıded by 𝗇𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗅•𝖿𝗂𝗋𝖾•𝗇𝖾𝗍

When the higher-tiered troops began to appear, they were even more astounded.

Fourth-tier, fifth-tier, various branches of the armed forces passed by, along with those flying in the air. Even the special branches were held in high esteem in their view, yet now they were all showcased.

They had indeed been intimidated by the Shenghai Kingdom. Although it was known that the Shenghai Kingdom was powerful, its actual strength had never been seen before. And now, they saw it firsthand. Some of them were already thinking about how to report back to their superiors. Such formidable strength was not easy to describe in a report; indeed, it was a headache.

And some began to consider the possibility of secretly relocating their families here.

Not only was it safe and prosperous, but pathways to advancement were clearer. Although not friendly to nobles, it was much easier for capable people to rise through the ranks.

If their family could gain a foothold here, what might the future hold? Nonetheless, few entertained such thoughts since most were loyal confidants of their own nations. With a myriad of thoughts, they watched the passing troops with complex feelings. Observing this, Du You nodded in satisfaction.