Behind Godric, the Celestial Palace disciples flared up again.

Their eyes burned so fiercely it seemed like flames might spill out at any moment. Their bodies trembled, each one looking ready to charge forward and stake everything in a final, desperate attack.

But when their gazes fell on their Hall Master’s back, not a single one of them moved.

Godric kept his head lowered, as if he hadn’t even heard the insult buried in Aurelius’s words.

His voice was steady. Respectful. Without the slightest tremor.

“Thank you, my lord, for taking us in and granting us a path to live. I… accept this order. I have no objections.”

As he spoke, he bowed again.