Chapter 77: The Shadow of Power and Loyalty
The Human King?
The new emperor?
The two identities intertwined, forming a legendary enigma.
After parting ways with the soldier, Gu Yuena's violet eyes sparkled with clarity as she turned her gaze toward the heart of the imperial city.
That was now the cornerstone of reconstruction.
Several new palaces had already been built, standing proud and luxurious against the skyline.
"Sister Gu Yuena, what are you thinking about?" the three-eyed golden lion asked curiously.
Gu Yuena's lips curled into a gentle smile. "Come, I'll take you to meet the emperor of this empire."
The Human King.
Even within the God Realm, he was a myth—a vanished legend for millennia.
What was his purpose in returning now?
Wuhun City, The Pope's Palace
"What did you say?!"
Bibi Dong shot up from the Pope's throne, her expression a rare blend of shock and disbelief.
"The Xingluo Empire has collapsed," Ju Douluo Yueguan repeated grimly. "The Great Elder single-handedly conquered over a dozen cities. In the final battle, he personally slew the Xingluo Emperor and multiple high-ranking priests beneath the capital's walls."
He paused.
"The entire Xingluo royal family has been executed. As of now, only a handful of cities continue to resist. Most have already raised the Tiandou Empire's flag."
A deep silence followed before Bibi Dong slammed her palm on the throne's armrest with renewed vigor.
"Good! I didn't expect Achuan to achieve such a feat! He's paved the way for our temple's unification without even realizing it."
Flushed with excitement, she quickly ordered, "Contact Odebiao. Tell him to locate the Great Elder and prepare to take over the Xingluo territories. After such a prolonged campaign, he must need rest."
But Ju Douluo's smile turned awkward.
"What's wrong?" Bibi Dong narrowed her eyes, sensing his hesitation.
"There's… another report from Odebiao," Yueguan said reluctantly, the air in the Pope's Palace growing heavier by the second.
"What did he say?" Bibi Dong asked, puzzled.
"Odebiao met with the Great Elder earlier and proposed the temple take over the Xingluo region, but…" He hesitated. "The Great Elder refused."
"Refused?" Bibi Dong blinked, as if the word didn't make sense to her. "Why?"
Then realization began to dawn, draining the color from her face.
She slumped back into her throne, speechless.
Moments passed.
Just as Ju Douluo was about to excuse himself and slip away quietly, her voice returned—hollow and hoarse.
"What else did he say?"
Yueguan closed his eyes for a moment before answering.
"The Great Elder said… if possible, we have one month to withdraw all martial soul branches from Xingluo territory."
Bibi Dong's hand trembled slightly.
"Why… Achuan, why are you treating me like this…"
Ju Douluo said nothing more. He bowed, turned, and left in silence.
A gust of wind swept through the Pope's Palace, rustling her robes.
She felt a coldness seep into her bones.
Xingluo Empire, Capital City
"Reporting to Your Majesty—several more cities have surrendered of their own accord."
The Ironclad Army Commander strode in, face flushed with excitement.
"I see," Qin Chuan responded with a warm nod.
Behind him loomed the supreme throne of Xingluo—symbol of dominion.
Yet not once had he sat upon it.
Even when meeting with the empire's surviving ministers, he'd only requested a plain chair.
"Has anyone from the Tiandou Empire arrived yet?" he asked.
Ye Lingling stepped forward gracefully, pouring tea for both him and the commander.
"Not yet, Your Majesty," the Ironclad Commander replied, "but there is news. The new emperor has issued a military edict to assemble all border forces. Their goal is to wipe out the last resisting cities in Xingluo and complete the unification within one year."
"One year?" Qin Chuan smiled faintly. "That sounds about right."
But the commander's expression hinted at more.
"You seem hesitant," Qin Chuan said, eyeing him.
"Your Majesty Qin Chuan… I don't know if I should speak my mind."
"Go ahead."
The commander paused, then said sincerely, "Actually, there's no need for you to give it all away."
Qin Chuan's smile faded. He had heard this sentiment before.
"I know what you mean," he said coldly. "But I don't want to hear such words again. Understood?"
"But Your Majesty…"
"I said enough!" Qin Chuan snapped.
The commander lowered his head in silence.
As the man exited, Qin Chuan's gaze lingered.
He could already tell—many shared that same thought.
It was time to return.
"Your Majesty…" Ye Lingling suddenly spoke.
Qin Chuan turned toward her. "Don't tell me you think the same way."
Ye Lingling trembled and quickly shook her head.
"No, Your Majesty. Lingling would never think that way. You and Sister Xue'er… you are of one heart. There's no need to distinguish these things."
"Then what is it?"
Ye Lingling lowered her eyes.
"It's about the Netherworld Zhu Clan. Although it's no longer as powerful, Zhu Zhuqing has seized control and changed her fate. She asked me to convey her gratitude… and she's inviting you to a banquet tonight."
"I'm not going," Qin Chuan said flatly.
"I helped her for convenience, not to be thanked."
"I told her that too," Ye Lingling smiled. "But she insisted. Even if you don't come, she'll wait at the Zhu Mansion tonight."
Qin Chuan didn't respond, but his frown deepened.
Outside the palace, the setting sun painted the clouds crimson—like spilled blood on a battlefield that had yet to dry.
The weight of an empire hung in the balance, and the man who carried it now stood at a crossroads of power, loyalty, and fate.
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