Chapter 107 The King and the Merchant, The Youth and an Old Friend

With Xiulote's emphatic suggestion, the Temple fell into silence for a moment, and even the curling wisps of smoke quietly dissipated.

The Capital City Elder leaned slightly forward, stealthily extinguishing the divine smoke in his hand. Then he stretched out his hand to adjust his clothing, and the half-smoked offering vanished from his sleeve. Following that, the Elder's face twitched slightly. The divine smoke had just been extinguished, and the embers still hot, had fallen inside his garment, a sensation both painful and oddly refreshing. He bore the pain silently, making no sound, but watched the imposing High Priest and the bowing Xiulote, considering deeply within his heart.

The High Priest nodded in approval, scanning the surroundings.

"The sections of the doctrine regarding the merchandising tax have not yet been defined. Although Priest Xiulote's suggestion is insightful, we still need everyone to discuss and refine it point by point,"