The Lakure Race members stayed at the entrance of the valley. At the same time, Laro went high up in the air as he looked in the Sasamil Empire Capital's direction. Erbec, Suan, Tiria, and the others were also there since they decided to stay behind.
Several hours later, Jana's group noticed the presence of several high-level cultivators approaching in their direction.
"Ancestor, they have come."
Laro nodded, not minding it too much. His Spiritual Sense was much stronger than Jana and the others, so he noticed the other side's presence a long time ago.
Eventually, a group of cultivators, both from the Sasamil Imperial Family and the subordinate clans, arrived at their location. Ernian, of course, wasn't the leader of this group anymore. With the new information obtained, the Sasamil Empire finally sent an Elemental Transformation Realm cultivator to take a look.
It was an old woman with a proud expression. She used the Sasamil Imperial Family's clothes, though with a few different adornments to them. Those features showed her position in the family, which was obviously very high given her cultivation.
However, the moment her Spiritual Sense had touched Laro, her expression instantly changed. The proud look on her face disappeared as she took a deep breath.
'So it wasn't a joke or a lie. There was really someone in that realm in this place. To think that a Lakure Race ancestor has survived to this day... We definitely can't afford to make an enemy out of him.'
She then bowed to Laro before saying.
"My name is Valeria Sasamil, a member of the Imperial Household. May I ask who this senior is?"
Laro was satisfied with the politeness, so he didn't make things difficult for her.
"I'm Laro. I believe you know that my Lakure Race is coming out of the underworld. Even though many of us still hate the human race, I'm not an idiot. A war between you and us would definitely end with our loss. However, I am more than strong enough to turn this world upside down before we lose. That being said, I've decided to negotiate with you."
Valeria immediately nodded as she replied.
"This junior would also prefer a negotiation, senior."
As old as she might be, she knew very well just how much younger she was compared to the man in front of her.
"Good! In that case, I'll be straightforward. I want my Lakure Race to have the same standing as your human race in this Empire. If they need to enter the capital for whatever reason, they can. If they're going to reside in whatever country, they can. In exchange, we won't break the rules of your Empire. However, I better not hear that they're getting persecuted on purpose."
Valeria narrowed her eyes in response before saying.
"Senior, that would be slightly difficult. The special meridians that your race has would definitely attract the attention of some forces. Even if I accept this offer, I can't guarantee their safety. The best outcome would be if you all stayed in the same place to look after each other."
Laro snorted as he released the pressure of his Spiritual Energy.
"Are you telling me that you want to confine us once again in a place where we can't leave your sights?"
Valeria let out cold sweat as she did her best to resist that assault. As for the others who came with her, they already fell to the ground, unable to fight against it.
"Senior, you've misinterpreted my words. The Lakure Race members can indeed move around as long as they keep within the Empire's borders and rules. It's just that I have no way of guaranteeing their safety. If you think they can take care of themselves, then we can definitely continue this negotiation."
Laro narrowed his eyes as he retracted the pressure of his Spiritual Energy.
Just as they were about to continue talking, a voice came from below the two parties.
"Isn't the answer simple? If being of a different race is the main problem, just go for a political marriage. Why don't you have a few important and single Lakure Race members marry some important and single Sasamil Empire Family members? Once a Lakure Race member becomes part of the Imperial Family and vice versa, no one would have the right to complain about it. It won't completely stop others from hunting the Lakures because of their meridians. Then again, the chances of it happening will be reduced by a lot."
Everyone was taken aback by that proposal. When they looked down, they saw a white-haired man talking. Naturally, that was none other than Rean.
Valeria noticed that the one who had talked just now was a Peak Core Formation Realm cultivator.
"This isn't something a brat like you should put your nose into."
However, that wasn't the real reason why she said that.
'Is this boy crazy? The Sasamil Imperial Family is already a mess because of the Chrole Imperial Family bloodline that entered it. The top princes and princesses in the fight for the throne are advocating for the complete extermination of those with Chrole bloodlines within the Sasamil Imperial Family. Does he think they'll just say yes to another new mix?'
Laro, on the other hand, couldn't help but think.
'If he wasn't Jakiro's protege, I would have kicked him away before he could even start talking. However... I have to admit that his idea isn't bad. Not bad at all...'
Soon after, he spread his Spiritual Sense and found the person he wanted.
Old Worm was watching everything from a hidden corner. Obviously, the only one who found him there was Laro, who sent him a Spiritual Sense message.
'Is this something you came up with?'
Old Worm shook his head.
'That has nothing to do with me. The twins don't even know I'm here.'
Laro nodded in response.
'In that case... What do you think about their proposal? Wouldn't it make things even messier inside your Sasamil Imperial Family?'
Old Worm pondered for a bit and nodded. The original plan was for him to appear at some point and accept Laro's terms. In exchange, he would have the Lakure Race's help if a war really broke out with Chrole. However, Rean's words turned everything upside down.
However, it was then that he recalled his grandfather's prophecy.
'Perhaps... that's the way out...'
