In their eyes, Land Chen had offended the Cangming Saint-King, and his fate was surely miserable. At the very least, he would be dismissed from his position and sent back to his hometown.

As influential courtiers of the Shenghe Dynasty, they held their positions with pride and wouldn’t bother themselves with a commoner like Land Chen, who was bound to be crushed by the Saint-King. They might occasionally show some generosity once he was sent back to his hometown as an ordinary villager, to uphold the camaraderie they shared while serving together.

Observing that Land Chen was still defending him even in this situation, Jiang Chengwan lifted her head and cast a deep gaze towards him.

‘This man is indeed as reliable as my elder brother…’

As Land Chen turned back, Jiang Chengwan swiftly averted her gaze and returned to her façade of being a submissive weakling.

“Your Majesty, your complexion seems a bit off. Is there an issue with your health?” Land Chen looked at the Empress’s fatigued appearance with an expression of “deep concern.”

“If Your Majesty is feeling unwell, you should see a physician immediately. Your Majesty’s well-being is intertwined with the fortunes of millions in Zhongzhou. We cannot afford any mishap. You can leave this to the Saint-King. Moreover, with so many people here enjoying his splendid display, Your Majesty’s absence won’t be missed.”

This pitiful young girl, if she lived in modern times, would only be a high school student. Yet, she was repeatedly humiliated by both her elder brother and powerful ministers. Although she was obviously terrified, as evidenced by the paleness of her face from the battlefield’s shock, she dared not disobey the Saint-King’s previous orders in the Taiji Hall. She followed obediently here and didn’t dare leave.

Jiang Chengwan shook her head but didn’t say anything. She simply stood quietly in place, seemingly exactly as Land Chen had guessed.

However, Land Chen failed to notice that whenever the Cangming Saint-King initiated an immensely powerful martial technique or spell, the Empress’s small hand clenched tightly, as if suppressing something. Simultaneously, an invisible force surged from within her, rapidly converging towards the battlefield where Jiang Chengdao was continuously using the Saint’s Relic, “Jiuyou,” to slaughter enemies.

The Empress’s judgment was accurate. Behind anything that defied common sense, there was a corresponding price. Just like how “free” is often the most expensive option.

The cost of Jiang Chengdao using the Saint’s power outside the Saint’s Domain was the unsurpassed Saint’s power within her jade seal, as well as her own Divine Spirit power.

If she left, Jiang Chengdao’s already limited capabilities would further decrease, adding more risk.

Soon, the one-sided trend solidified completely. More and more Xuanwu Guards arrived, joining the battlefield and shattering the hopes of the Imperial Army. Signs of defeat were showing within the Imperial Army, and the Xuanwu Guards led by Jiang Chengdao were charging toward the center where Empress Zhao was stationed with an unstoppable momentum.

Recognizing the situation, Empress Zhao promptly ordered all their elite warriors to face the enemy while she and Xiahou Yan turned and fled.