Upon entering, Bailang whispered introductions in Pei Yan's ear. He learned that the speaker, a portly man, was August, the controller of River Valley Shelter, commanding nearly fifteen thousand people with over six thousand elite soldiers. He came to the meeting with five hundred men.

"This is Mr. Mu from the Keystone Plane Investigation Department, and we are relying on his apprentices' power to dismantle the Disaster Pillar and embark on a rescue plan." Sifuer pointed at Gu Shenghui, who stood up and slightly bowed to the attendees, introducing him.

"Hmph, oh dear! This is truly a fall from grace. When did our Demon Race have to rely on the Energy Desert Keystone Plane for help?" August sneered at the mention.

Upon hearing the sarcasm, Gu Shenghui, halfway into his seat, froze with a playful smile on his lips, quietly sat back down while fiddling with his eyebrows without a word.

"What's the point in saying these things? What situation are we in now? It is their generosity to offer help! While other planes may be strong, where are their reinforcements?" Christina, another Lady Lord besides Sifuer, interjected ironically. Based on Bailang's introduction, Christina was Sifuer's childhood playmate; although of the same generation, Christina was considerably older and had practically watched Sifuer grow up, being one of Sifuer's few strong supporters at this meeting.

"Christina is right. Our Demon Race respects power but also understands gratitude. The new Lord of the Kataraga Autonomous Territory, with allies' assistance, captured the Disaster Pillar regions of Bull Territory and Napas Valley, securing an unparalleled achievement for the Holy City. This time, they enthusiastically take on the responsibility to convene the discussion for the rescue of the Star Lord, proving themselves a model of our Demon Race and a devoted follower of Demon God!"

Watching the middle-aged man with a goatee sitting two places away from the elderly man teasing Reina, Pei Yan whispered to Wang Wenze beside him, "After this long string of praise, do you believe he's about to say 'but'?"

Sure enough, just as Pei Yan spoke, the man changed his tone and continued, "But, rescuing the Star Lord is different from these battles at Bull Territory. We must unite the efforts of the shelters to make a difference. All the lords present have led soldiers and understand the chaos from multiple command sources can be disastrous for combat. Being a joint operation, we should choose a chief commander to coordinate our actions."

After hearing the goateed man, everyone nodded in agreement, and Christina directly said, "This is Sifuer's initiative, and she also has experience in occupying Disaster Territory. Let her be the chief commander, and we can all assist her together."

"That sounds nice. Her command? Is she qualified? The famed Lady Cixin of the Kataraga Autonomous Territory, or should I say Lady Timid!" came an untimely voice from the crowd.

"Ahem!" Hearing this, the elder in the main seat tightened his grasp on Reina's hand and coughed twice. The speaker immediately stopped talking upon seeing this.

"I also find it inappropriate," August, who initially launched the attack, continued, "Besides other considerations, how many Warrior Race forces can the Kataraga Autonomous Territory muster now? Over five thousand? No, right? In joint operations, it's natural to elect those with the strongest army as chief commander. How can less powerful forces be chosen to lead?"

"Are you proposing yourself as the chief commander?" Christina retorted pointedly.

"I wouldn't dare! I'm aware of my limitations!" August said while draining the cup of wine from the table, pointing across at the goateed man and the stern-looking, golden-haired middle-aged man seated beside him, "Buck House, Friedrich, both command tens of thousands in their shelters, with four thousand elite soldiers under their command. Seasoned in battle, shouldn't the command position be chosen among them?"

"Hmph. Did you forget? This meeting includes not only our Demon Race but also allies from the Keystone Plane. Shouldn't we hear their opinion regarding the command?" Christina snorted, placing her hand on the table to argue.

"Hmph! Hahaha!" Christina's words elicited laughter from all the lords present, except her, Sifuer, and the elder, who chuckled as if they'd heard a funny joke.

August wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes, turned towards Gu Shenghui next to the chairman's seat, and teased, "Hey! What's that guy's name from the Keystone Plane? Since our dear Christina suggested it, share your thoughts. Don't say we're disrespecting our allies! Hahaha!" His words provoked another round of laughter from the attendees.

Against this backdrop of laughter, Sifuer's face grew increasingly grim. But upon seeing Gu Shenghui at the center of ridicule still casually enjoying the pastries before him, she broke into a knowing smile, thinking how true it was that the master and apprentice had identical cunning ways.

Even Pei Yan didn't realize this himself, considering Hu Wenjun and Shangxing, whom he had spent more time with, influenced him more, yet others noticed his behavior aligning more with Gu Shenghui, whom he previously despised.

Feeling all eyes on him, Gu Shenghui set down his knife and fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, shrugged, and said, "Apologies, I'm new here and unfamiliar with the situation. Everything prior was managed by my apprentice; ask him for details!" Saying this, he raised his glass to Sifuer, saying, "Miss Sifuer, your cuisine truly impresses me!"

"To receive Mr. Mu's appreciation is our honor!" Sifuer slightly bowed, smiling warmly.

Setting down his cup, Gu Shenghui leaned back slightly, speaking deeply, "It's too noisy here! I want to enjoy this banquet in peace, leaving the upcoming arrangements to you. Select the appropriate leader and discuss further with me afterward."

"As you command, Master!" Pei Yan respectfully bowed, quickly stepping forward from behind Gu Shenghui to Sifuer's seat, as Leohard automatically made space for him. Pei Yan stood firmly and loudly declared, "In view of our successful combat experience and friendly cooperation with Miss Sifuer, Lord of the Kataraga Autonomous Territory, we decide to collaborate only with Miss Sifuer or a commander designated by her personally—no negotiations with others!"

His words caused an uproar, while Sifuer bowed her head, suppressing her intense amusement. Friendly cooperation experiences? He surely maintains composure saying this. Regardless, his statement unexpectedly calmed her unease today.