Chapter 5147: Panic Editor: Misty Cloud Translations "Young Master, we... we failed to stop the four Monarchs." Two cultivators guarding outside the hall entered with heads bowed, kneeling on one knee within the chamber. "Go receive your punishment—thirty lashes each!" Du Fan declared in a measured tone. "Yes!" Without daring to beg for mercy, the two swiftly withdrew upon hearing the sentence. Though this Young Master had only recently taken charge here, his methods and capabilities had already inspired awe among the island’s inhabitants. He was known for being uncompromising, handling affairs with lightning speed and severity, and enforcing laws with strictness. Precisely because of this, in just a few short days, not a single soul on the island dared harbor any dissenting thoughts. Seeing this scene, the four Monarchs’ eyes flickered slightly, their thoughts unknown. "Do you have business?" Du Fan’s tone softened slightly as he set down the documents in his hands. Leaning back in his chair, he lifted his teacup and took a light sip. As for these four Monarchs, not only were they themselves puzzled as to why Du Fan had left them alone without seeking trouble, but even the two cultivators stationed by his side found it strange. Judging by his methods and capabilities, he shouldn’t have feared these four. Yet, from the very first day he took charge, when he sent for them and none appeared, he treated them as if they were invisible air. It was truly baffling what he was up to. "Young Master Du, though we were summoned by the Phoenix Empress to await your command, we must say that in our view, given your age and experience, you are truly not qualified to lead us four Monarchs, so..." Before he could finish, Du Fan cut him off. "My apologies, but your timing is poor. I have guests to see today and no time to listen to your talk." Du Fan said, glancing at the four of them with a faint smile. "If there’s nothing else, you may leave now." Hearing this, the four were slightly stunned, clearly not expecting such a response. They had come all this way and voiced their concerns—wouldn’t he fly into a rage? Or slam his fist on the table in fury? How could he instead send them away with a smile and a gentle voice? For a moment, seeing the smile on his face, their hearts sank. A vague sense of unease crept in, along with an inexplicable panic. "Young Master Du, we..." Just as they were about to speak, a voice came from behind them. Turning, they saw a dozen or so Monarchs approaching. "You four may return first. As you’ve seen, I have guests to attend to." Du Fan smiled, setting down his teacup. He held a fan in his hand, fanning himself with a leisurely, irregular rhythm. "See the four of them back," Du Fan said casually to the two cultivators beside him. Yes, sir." The two cultivators responded respectfully, stepping forward to gesture to the four men. "Please, gentlemen." Seeing this, the four exchanged glances, pressed their lips together, and finally turned to leave. As the saying goes, you don’t hit a smiling face. Du Fan had always been warm and courteous toward them, never once showing a sour expression. Even if they wanted to seize the moment to vent their anger, they had no grounds to do so. Moreover, with over a dozen Monarchs present, they certainly couldn’t cause a scene in front of them. Thus, they could only return and discuss matters later. The dozen or so Monarchs approaching halted at the hall’s entrance. They cast a slightly surprised glance at the four departing Monarchs before withdrawing their gaze.