It was just past noon, and the sun had only just passed its highest point when a team flew in from afar and landed in Yu Ming City.
The leader of the group did not head directly to the main hall after arriving at the City Lord's Mansion. Instead, he walked toward a side courtyard.
A middle-aged man, who looked to be only about forty years old, was standing in the courtyard, his face somewhat pale.
"Royal Uncle."
The middle-aged man turned his head toward the courtyard gate, just in time to see Princess Xu Jiujiu walk in from outside.
"Royal Uncle, how are your injuries?"
The one Princess Xu Jiujiu called Royal Uncle was naturally Star Luo Douluo, the head of the Hall of Offerings of the Star Luo Empire. Hearing her greeting, he raised his hand and waved it lightly.
"It's nothing serious now. I just need to recuperate for a while longer."
Although he said that, judging by Star Luo Douluo's complexion, Princess Xu Jiujiu understood that the "while longer" he mentioned would likely be longer than expected.
"Let's not talk about my matters. You've come this time because of the great battle in Yu Ming City a few days ago, right?"
"Precisely. My Royal Brother has already heard about what happened a few days ago." Princess Xu Jiujiu paused slightly. "Royal Uncle, does that person truly possess the power of a Limit Douluo?"
"Indeed." Star Luo Douluo nodded, his tone gradually softening as he recalled the events of that day.
"When the Mingdou Mountain Range was breached, I took a direct blow from Death God Douluo, and my internal injuries had not healed. Therefore, that day in front of Yu Ming City, I did not appear on the front lines. I only acted to protect the city and block the aftermath."
"Even so, I could feel that the residual power released from their clash was enough to destroy an ordinary Spirit Master."
"Moreover, the one move they exchanged head-on had indeed surpassed the scope of an ordinary Titled Douluo."
As a Rank 98 Super Douluo, Star Luo Douluo was naturally no stranger to the cultivation methods of Titled Douluo and possessed his own "intent."
However, whether it was Long Xiaoyao's "Heavenly Might" or the strike Wang Nan unleashed against it, the essence contained within them had already surpassed his comprehension. That was undoubtedly the power of the Limit.
Hearing this, Princess Xu Jiujiu fell silent for a long time. Although she had anticipated such an answer, hearing Star Luo Douluo's personal assessment still made it difficult to believe.
"What have you prepared for him?" Star Luo Douluo broke the silence.
Princess Xu Jiujiu's expression shifted slightly, but she quickly concealed it.
"My Royal Brother instructed me that, in addition to all the remuneration from the Hall of Offerings, once his Limit Douluo power is confirmed, he will be granted a Duke title."
"A Duke…" Star Luo Douluo murmured.
A Duke was the highest rank of nobility. In the Star Luo Empire, a Duke possessed a fiefdom, could lead troops in battle, and was even permitted to establish a private army.
In the history of the Star Luo Empire, there had been no precedent of an outsider being directly granted a Duke title, aside from members of the royal family.
"My Royal Brother said that the situation is different now. Our Star Luo Empire cannot afford to be stingy." Princess Xu Jiujiu hesitated briefly, then continued. "And our Empire needs this Limit Douluo power."
"Yes." Star Luo Douluo sighed softly. "Not only in Soul Guidance Devices, but with the Sun Moon Empire's cooperation with the Holy Spirit Cult, we are also at a disadvantage in terms of top-tier Spirit Masters. Just do as your Royal Brother instructed."
"Yes, Royal Uncle. Jiujiu will take her leave now."
With that, Princess Xu Jiujiu said no more and exited the side courtyard.
When Wang Nan stepped into the main hall again, in addition to White Tiger Duke Dai Hao, Princess Xu Jiujiu was already seated nearby.
Seeing Wang Nan enter, she quickly stood and bowed slightly.
"Your Excellency Heaven's Equal."
"Your Highness the Princess."
After sitting down and exchanging a few pleasantries, Princess Xu Jiujiu finally stated her purpose.
"Last time, time was pressing, so please forgive Jiujiu for not explaining in detail. The Empire wishes to invite you to join the Hall of Offerings, and a batch of cultivation resources will be provided annually. In addition, the Empire is willing to grant you a Duke title."
Wang Nan's eyes flickered as he looked up at Princess Xu Jiujiu.
She showed a faint smile. "Please do not refuse, Your Excellency. The current situation is turbulent, and the Empire is in need of talent. You single-handedly repelled Dragon Emperor Douluo and ensured the safety of Yu Ming City. If even you refuse the Empire's reward, others serving the Empire may feel disheartened."
Although this world did not have the tale of "Zigong Redeeming Cattle," it had similar stories. Wang Nan had not expected Princess Xu Jiujiu to use such reasoning to persuade him.
Only a few days had passed since Marshal Dai Hao's report, but for the Star Luo Empire, it was not difficult to learn what had happened around Wang Nan. They had already formed a general understanding of his character.
If it were anyone else, such persuasion would have been unnecessary. However, based on Wang Nan's past actions, he was clearly not someone who craved power. Princess Xu Jiujiu genuinely feared that he might refuse outright.
What she did not realize was that Wang Nan was, in fact, much like an ordinary person. As someone originally from the Star Luo Empire, he had no real reason to refuse.
"In that case, I thank Your Majesty and Princess Jiujiu."
"Congratulations, Duke Heaven's Equal." Marshal Dai Hao's previously troubled expression finally showed a hint of a smile. Wang Nan's presence brought him considerable peace of mind.
Seeing Wang Nan accept so readily, Princess Xu Jiujiu's eyes also brightened.
"Excellent. Regarding Duke Heaven's Equal's land deed and the Hall of Offerings' remuneration, I will have them delivered shortly."
"Oh, by the way, when I came this time, I also ordered a batch of spirit cannons from Shrek Academy."
"Are they the same type Shrek Academy brought a few days ago?" Marshal Dai Hao immediately showed interest.
"That's right. According to Shrek, these Soul Guidance Devices not only possess greater power than ordinary spirit cannons, but also consume far less spirit power. Unfortunately, Shrek's production speed is limited, so I could only bring a portion. The rest will have to wait."
Marshal Dai Hao did not mind this. "Compared to the Sun Moon Empire, our Soul Guidance Device technology is already far behind. To have these now is already quite good."
As he spoke, Marshal Dai Hao stood up, retrieved a map, and gestured over it.
"With Tianming City breached, our reconnaissance cannot be deployed due to the Sun Moon Empire's blockade. We can only rebuild our defense line based on Yu Ming City and passively defend against the enemy."
"I hope these spirit cannons can play a role."
Now that Wang Nan was a Duke of the Star Luo Empire, Princess Xu Jiujiu and Marshal Dai Hao no longer avoided him when discussing military matters.
However, despite his astonishing combat power, Wang Nan was not particularly versed in military strategy, and he mostly listened from the side.
Although he could roughly understand Marshal Dai Hao's intentions, constructing such a defense line himself would have been utterly impossible.
It was not until sunset, when the moon had risen above the branches, that Wang Nan finally returned to the room arranged for him.