Summit Farmer

Sitting cross-legged at home, ever since Peter Brown returned to the Capital City, apart from spending some time with his family members, he hasn't gone anywhere, not even attending the morning meetings of the imperial court, for which he has taken leave to stay home.

In regard to Peter Brown relinquishing military authority, and not participating in court politics, the New Emperor is actually pleased at heart; he is also worried that Peter's power might become too awesome, affecting his own position.

No one knows what Peter Brown is really thinking, what people see is Peter at home in closed-door cultivation, not even meeting guests.

Could it be he really handed over all his power?

The members of the Windsor Family, including Mattie Brown, feel similarly conflicted, happy about Peter Brown's rise, yet dissatisfied that he acts independently without consulting the family; they feel the Windsor Family ought to gain more benefits from his influence, and his actions have not brought benefits to them.

"Now several families in Kingston are willing to send their legitimate daughters to Peter Brown, what do you think?" Mattie Brown sought out Melody Carter, who now manages Windsor Family affairs.

Melody Carter nodded slightly and said, "It's about time for Peter to start a family. If feasible, it's okay for him to take more wives."

"Very well, this matter is beneficial to our Windsor Family. If we can maintain good relations with various families, it will be advantageous for us."

"Better to consult with Peter on this matter."

Melody Carter knows the family situation; without Peter Brown, no one would take her seriously, so while she welcomes it, she won't make decisions on Peter's behalf.

"But!" Mattie Brown grimaced; now that Peter has handed over all military authority, if the New Emperor turns against him, who knows what might happen.

Stone Brown, standing nearby, said, "Currently, most regions are settled; only the forces of the three princes remain. With the imperial court's conflicts nearing an end, if that's how it is, even if Peter has more to show, it would no longer be effective. Handing over so much of the army to the imperial court — it was unwise!"

Melody Carter replied, "Peter has his own reasons, and we need not concern ourselves with these matters; peace in the country is good."

"Indeed! Such a person of considerable military success, in possession of so many troops — even if handed over to the court, with the New Emperor's nature, can anyone guarantee he won't act against Peter?"

Melody Carter, visibly anxious, exclaimed, "Your Majesty wouldn't burn bridges, would he? The imperial court is supported by Peter!"

"You're right; you have seen through it—Peter sustains the court. When everything settles, what do you think the New Emperor will do?"

Melody Carter's expression turned extremely grave, faced with the undeniable truth of overshadowing the sovereign!

"Even though the soldiers fighting in the provinces were handed over by Peter to the court, will they truly keep someone with such strong appeal?"

Anxiously, Melody Carter stood up, "I'll go talk with Peter about this."

Mattie Brown nodded slightly, "There's already talk of power stripping within the court, with only the forces of the three princes left; I'm most worried about being discarded like a useless tool after the war!"

He was primarily concerned about their side of the Windsor Family.

Mattie Brown and others left, and Melody Carter also entered Peter's room.

The whole room, though large, contained only one person sitting cross-legged there.

As Melody entered, Peter Brown sensed her arrival.

Under typical circumstances, no one could enter this place, but the sound of Melody's footsteps carried a sense of haste.

"Peter, are you awake?"

"I'm awake, what's up?"

Melody Carter recounted everything Mattie and others had said.

After hearing her out, and seeing Melody's worried expression, Peter Brown smiled slightly, "There's nothing significant; if they treat me well, then fine; if they have other ideas, it would be suicidal for them."

Peter Brown had anticipated all possibilities and didn't see anything special.

"Peter, if as the family head said, Your Majesty intends against you, and you no longer have any military forces, what will you do?"

Peter Brown chuckled, "Relax, I know what to do; things aren't that straightforward."

Seeing Melody's anxious appearance, a thought stirred inside Peter. Even if this is the Phantom Realm and she is a mere metamorphosis, she has treated me well — perhaps I should grant opportunities to her and her daughter?

With lingering unease, Melody left, while Peter continued sitting cross-legged, observing the state of his Elixir Sea.

After careful study, Peter Brown suddenly made a discovery; if he continued absorbing as he was, his Elixir Sea would never completely break open, much less fully comprehend the power of rules.

Could it be!

Peter realized while absorbing the Killing Energy that it's not easy; much of it seems not to exist here but is fixed at certain locations.

After further investigation, Peter confirmed that nearly all of the fixed Killing Energy resided in five different regions.

Five regions?

Could others be attempting to absorb Killing Energy too?

Peter was somewhat shocked.

However, upon contemplation, Peter wasn't surprised. Before arriving, he had seen many people sitting cross-legged, trying to comprehend the power of rules, so it's conceivable that some entered the same Phantom Realm as him.

Some indeed may have awakened self-awareness and are comprehending!

Reflecting on this, Peter's eyes glimmered again — if he couldn't seize their Killing Energy, he stood no chance of successful comprehension.

Reaching the Duke Position was merely a process to significantly absorb Killing Energy; ultimately, one must absorb all of it in this realm.

It seems he isn't invincible here; some adversaries exist!

Considering those who have absorbed for long years and months here, Peter sensed a crisis — if others succeed first, might he perish?

However, realizing he also absorbed much Killing Energy, Peter breathed a sigh of relief; regardless of their strength, they will at least have to contend with him.