Perhaps it was the sudden exposure of Ren Zhong's ambition, rising from an outsider to become a new powerhouse, that shocked them. Or maybe the thoughts of the highest stakeholders hadn't yet escaped the turbulence of recent events; or they couldn't find an appropriate objection for the moment; or they were wary of Ren Zhong, who was still the Marshal of the army. After Ren Zhong made his statement, surprisingly no one spoke, and the scene fell into an eerie silence.
Ren Zhong had no intention of giving others time or space for private discussions, and continued, "As I mentioned earlier, this journey home will become very difficult. Even if the 'Net' can help us clear up misunderstandings with the Empire, it cannot influence the thoughts of the Ascendants, Pilgrims, and Spirit Demon Race. A complete colonial base with resources accumulated over a thousand years is enough to provoke covetousness."
