Even when the Great Li Dynasty unified the Four Seas, wielding dominance over the Eight Directions, in the territories of Huan City and Wind Valley, they still had to show deference to the Shenxiao Sword Sect. Those who came to govern had to first pay their respects at the mountain gate, present generous gifts, and obtain permission before they could administer their duties.
Otherwise, they could only serve as puppets.
And if it didn't go well, even maintaining the puppet role would be precarious.
At any moment, they might choke on a sip of cold water, die an untimely death without even knowing how they perished.
Yet, this was something tacitly acknowledged by the Great Li Dynasty.
Besides collecting some symbolic taxes, the Court turned a blind eye to these two cities...
In the hearts of the people, they regarded this land as the Shenxiao Sword Sect's private property.
