Empress: Your Majesty, Please Conduct Yourself with Dignity

Lu Chen responded with a calm tone, “They did intervene, but I ignored their opinions. Perhaps this is what they call being stubborn.”

He wasn’t lying about this. Just yesterday, after Xiao Yi left, an elder from the sect Lu Chen had joined during his studies approached him. The elder warned him not to bring trouble to the sect and advised him to seize the opportunity of the Cangming Army’s triumphant entry into the capital to go to the Imperial Extreme Gate and welcome the Holy King.

Otherwise, he would be expelled from the sect, and from then on, Lu Chen would have no relationship with them.

And then Lu Chen drove the elder away.

A seemingly unbelievable possibility emerged in Xiao Yun’s mind, and she instinctively asked, “Then what about them…”

However, before she could finish her question, Lu Chen spoke calmly, “I am currently on my own, free from any attachments.”

With his immediate family gone and his mentor, who also didn’t have a great reputation, disappearing two years ago, there were few people he was familiar with in the sect, and Xiao Yi was one of them. Furthermore, that was the previous host’s sect, which held little meaning for him. Naturally, he didn’t need to consider such matters. Just like that future father-in-law from earlier, it would be best to sever ties and avoid complications.

Swoosh!

Xiao Yun suddenly looked up, fixedly gazing at Lu Chen.

She couldn’t possibly know that Lu Chen had become invincible after being dismissed from his official post. In her eyes, Lu Chen’s image at this moment had risen by countless levels. Her attitude, which had initially been one of admiration, was now replaced with a profound reverence that could be compared to the respect she held for her mentor.

In her eyes, a person like Lu Chen, unwavering in his loyalty to the end, might appear foolish, but he was truly admirable. He was doing something that the vast majority of people couldn’t achieve.

“Is it worth it?”

After a while, Xiao Yun finally managed to utter a few words with difficulty.

Hearing this, Lu Chen couldn’t help but roll his eyes internally.

‘Damn, why do people with the surname Xiao always talk like this…’

Xiao Yun continued, “Her Majesty… has been controlled by Empress Zhao since ascending the throne. There hasn’t been anything outstanding about her. Perhaps it’s not worth it for you to go to such lengths. If you regret it now, you might still be able to salvage the situation…”

She didn’t want Lu Chen to welcome the Cangming Holy King, but she also didn’t want him to cut off his own career in Purple Extreme City.

However, Lu Chen’s expression remained unchanged, just like when he faced Wu Zongyun earlier, without a hint of wavering.

“I have no regrets, and I firmly believe that if Her Majesty has the opportunity to rule in person, she will definitely become an Emperor of benevolence, righteousness, and great achievements, just like the founder of the dynasty.”

Regret? How could that be possible? Everything he had done was to provoke the Cangming Holy King and seek demotion. Otherwise, why would he hold onto this lousy official position?

Now that it was practically certain that the Cangming Holy King would become the new emperor, if he went to Purple Extreme City at this moment to confront the Holy King, he would undoubtedly be immediately stripped of his office in a fit of anger and thrown into prison.

And then… ascend to immortality right on the spot!

Given such a favorable situation, Lu Chen believed that he could absolutely achieve his goal this time.

After all, he had transformed into a “Flying Dragon Cavalier” now, so how could he lose?

Unless the Cangming Holy King really intended to fulfill the initial slogan he had proclaimed upon emerging: “To exterminate demons and restore power to the Empress Dowager, rectifying the world.”

But how likely was that?

Therefore, he was determined to go to Purple Extreme City. Even if a saint tried to stop him, he wouldn’t be deterred. That’s what he said!

“What are you afraid of?” Lu Chen remained unwavering, enunciating each word with precision. “I am Lu Chen, an official in the Engineering Department. I intend to go to the yamen to handle official business.”

He finished, staring at Wu Zongyun expressionlessly and calmly asked, “Vice Minister Lu, did you hear that clearly?”

“Good! Very good! Excellent!”

Wu Zongyun repeated “good” three times in a row, looking at Lu Chen as though he were looking at a dead man. “I never expected that I would misjudge so greatly. A young man like you not only lacks the broad-mindedness of those of us who care for the people’s well-being, but you are also more foolish than those who hold themselves aloof from worldly affairs. You’re unbelievably stupid, beyond redemption!”

Xiao Yun’s mouth opened, seemingly wanting to advise Lu Chen further, but the words halted on her lips. Her expression turned complex, and a sense of self-deprecation emerged faintly in her exquisite features.

“If being loyal to the emperor and loving the country is considered foolishness.”

Lu Chen didn’t look at Wu Zongyun again. Instead, he tilted his head upwards at a forty-five-degree angle, gazing at the sky where a pale light was breaking. Deep and profound emotions filled his calm eyes as he slowly uttered those words as weighty as a thousand pounds, “Then I’ll be a fool for the rest of my life.”

As his words fell, a glint of light suddenly flashed from a barely noticeable corner of the alley behind Xiao Yun.

Xiao Yun’s eyes sparkled with intrigue as she looked at Lu Chen, while a sense of inexplicable shame surged within Wu Zongyun. He felt an intense urge to escape this place.

He flung his hand, sneered coldly, and said, “Humph! When you’re dismissed from office, carrying a load of charges, and marched onto the execution ground, you won’t regret today’s decision!”

Leaving these words behind, without waiting for Lu Chen to respond, he turned sharply and walked away, paying no further attention to them. He headed northward along the main road.

After Wu Zongyun left, Xiao Yun finally spoke, “Huaiyu, are you really going to do this?”

Without hesitation, Lu Chen replied solemnly, “I am an official appointed by Her Majesty personally, with the Great Prosperity Dynasty’s official seal in my possession. From the moment I received the seal, I am destined to dedicate my heart and soul to Her Majesty. Therefore, no matter what happens, I will never fail to live up to Her Majesty’s kindness. As long as Her Majesty has not removed me from my post, I will fulfill my duties to the end.”

Feeling Lu Chen’s resolute determination, observing his unwavering gaze, Xiao Yun found herself lost in admiration. For a moment, she seemed a bit dazed, to encounter such an unfailingly loyal person in this world…

However, deep within Lu Chen’s heart, he felt a slight discomfort due to the words he had just spoken. Specifically, he felt a bit… nauseated.

He didn’t want to say such things, but there was no other choice. Who asked him to be saddled with such a bizarre system? Furthermore, he wished to present this image to the Cangming Holy King: a cultivator who was absolutely loyal to the Empress Dowager and would not be tolerated by the new emperor.

Xiao Yun asked softly, “Aren’t you afraid?”

“I am.” Lu Chen sighed. “But I am more afraid of not being able to face Her Majesty’s gaze a hundred years from now.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yun lowered her head involuntarily.

“Has your sect not intervened in your decision?”

Dadada… Dadada…

The tranquility of the early morning was instantly shattered by the heavy sound of hooves. Tens of thousands of black-armored cavalrymen on their shadow-steed horses thundered down the Azure Cloud Road, located dozens of miles away from Luocheng. This torrent of black, formed by iron hooves, tore through everything in its path with unstoppable terror.

Soon, the tens of thousands of riders reached a crossroads not far from the end of the Azure Cloud Road.

At this point, the leader, Jiang Chengdao, suddenly slowed down his mount, the Shadow Horse. He signaled with a flag for the army to halt.

“Pass the order, let the entire army rest in place.”

“Yes, Your Highness the Holy King.”

Li Zheng, dressed in a green robe, came forward from behind and stood beside Jiang Chengdao. He looked at the crossroads in the distance and stroked his short beard lightly. He said to Jiang Chengdao, “Your Highness, the right path at this fork leads to the South Huamen of Luojing, known as the Sien Road. The left path is the Shenglin Road, leading to the Imperial Gateway. Judging by the current marching speed of the army, the Cangming Holy Army can arrive at the Imperial Gateway in less than an hour.”

He smiled slightly, revealing a sense of self-satisfaction, as if he held a precious gem in his hand. He continued, “Presumably, all the court officials in the capital have already rushed to the Imperial Gateway, waiting to welcome Your Highness and escort you into Luojing.”

Snap!

The crisp sound of armor overlapping echoed.

Jiang Chengdao turned his head and cast a sidelong glance at him. Under the grim faceplate, his cold eyes seemed deep and unfathomable. After a moment, he summoned a messenger.

“Convey my order. Half an hour from now, the entire army will march towards Sien Road, and within two hours, we must arrive at South Huamen!”

Upon hearing this, Li Zheng was instantly stunned. At the same time, an unsettling feeling surged within him.

Your Highness the Holy King, what is the meaning of this…?

…

Luojing, in front of Chongde Lane.

Xiao Yun was the first to react. She immediately turned pale and urgently said to Lu Chen, “Huaiyu, you must not speak recklessly!”

On the other hand, Wu Zongyun suddenly burst into laughter and exclaimed, “Hahaha!”

“Young man, do you know what your words imply?”

Lu Chen remained calm and composed, saying, “Of course, I do.”

He understood better than anyone else the implications of his “extremely foolish” choice.

With the impending upheaval in Luojing, the Welcoming Faction could at least secure a place in the official circles. The Pristine Faction carried risks—it might incur the Holy King’s displeasure, be disregarded by the Holy King, or even earn the Holy King’s admiration and generous treatment. But for the nearly impossible Loyalty Faction, the outcome would be undoubtedly tragic. They would not only be dismissed from office, but their lives would be in danger, and their reputation would be tarnished.

However, for Lu Chen, these potential consequences had no deterrent power.

Because this was precisely the outcome he had been seeking.

Wu Zongyun didn’t know the underlying reasons behind this, and faced with Lu Chen’s seemingly preposterous words, he merely squinted his eyes and let a glint of dangerous coldness flicker in them.

“Dare you say it again?”

Should he head north, like most court officials, to welcome the Cangming Holy King to the capital at the Imperial Gateway? Or should he turn east and return to his residence in the Eastern City, refusing to engage in improper acts or sycophancy, and simply remain passive and indifferent?

Under the gaze of the two, Lu Chen shook his head. Then, he bowed slightly to Wu Zongyun and calmly said, “Minister Wu has misunderstood…”

Upon hearing this, a trace of coldness flashed in Wu Zongyun’s eyes. However, Xiao Yun’s expression relaxed a bit as she looked at Lu Chen, showing a hint of admiration.

Lu Chen continued, “I have never had the intention of going to the Imperial Gateway. So, Minister Wu and I do not share the same destination.”

This statement made Wu Zongyun feel as if he were being mocked. Annoyed, he immediately changed his expression and sneered, “A good ‘never had the intention’? Young man, don’t be so hypocritical. If you weren’t originally planning to welcome the Cangming Holy King at the Imperial Gateway, then why did you leave at this time? Were you planning to go to the yamen for duty?”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yun also furrowed her brows.

Indeed, if Lu Chen hadn’t intended to welcome the Cangming Holy King like her, he wouldn’t have left his home in the first place. Although the Cangming Holy King had declared that he wouldn’t trouble anyone in Luocheng City who was unarmed, the situation had now changed dramatically. With the Cangming army about to enter the city, security measures would certainly be strict. It was very risky to be outside at this time. She believed that Lu Chen’s initial intention was probably the same as Wu Zongyun’s, but she had managed to dissuade him, and he didn’t want to admit it.

As for going to the Six Ministries Corridor for duty… Xiao Yun hadn’t even considered it because it was impossible. Even though it was the time for duty, the whole situation was in upheaval. Who had the time to deal with government affairs now?

Furthermore, all the government offices were located in Zijin City, which had now become a forbidden area where officials didn’t dare to approach. At this critical moment, anyone who went to Zijin City would be openly defying the soon-to-be-crowned Cangming Holy King, leading to a tragic outcome.

No one knew what fate awaited the Empress, but one thing was certain: those intending to commit wrongdoing disliked having outsiders around.

While the Cangming Holy King might tolerate Yongchu Dynasty’s officials maintaining their dignity, he wouldn’t tolerate them making reckless moves.

So, unless someone was an absolutely unwavering and devoted loyalist to the Empress, willing to abandon their own future for her, disregarding their sects and families, it would be impossible to go to Zijin City at this moment.

However, the Yongchu Emperor was nothing more than a puppet used by Empress Zhao to bridge the gap until Crown Prince Zheng reached a suitable age. How could any court official go to such lengths for an Emperor who had neither prestige nor any bestowed favors? It was already commendable enough for them to uphold their own bottom line and not welcome the Cangming Holy King, let alone anything more.

Wu Zongyun’s mention of this option was merely meant to taunt Lu Chen’s hypocrisy. It was an utterly impossible choice.

However…

There’s a saying that goes “Nothing in the world is absolute.”

In response to Wu Zongyun’s provoking remark, Lu Chen unexpectedly nodded lightly.

“Minister Wu is right. I am indeed planning to go to the Six Ministries Corridor to handle official business.”

Boom!

These words were like a sudden clap of thunder on a clear day, instantly causing Wu Zongyun and Xiao Yun’s minds to buzz. They were completely stunned and remained in a daze for quite a while.

They had never expected that Lu Chen would actually say the most impossible words.

However, even so, as long as the Empress still sat on the Dragon Throne, she was still the Emperor of Da Xia. And Wu Zongyun, as a Third Class high-ranking official of the court, not only spoke recklessly about matters that hadn’t been definitively proven, but also consistently took the perspective of the Cangming Holy King. He preemptively draped him in a cloak of righteousness. What else was this if not seeking personal gain while glorifying the selling of oneself?

A touch of disdain flashed across Xiao Yun’s beautiful face.

She ignored Wu Zongyun and looked at Lu Chen instead. Her eyebrows slightly furrowed, then she sighed inexplicably.

“Huaiyu, have you really decided to be like those unfaithful and unjust individuals, going to the Imperial Gateway to be those despicable sycophants?”

Upon hearing this, Wu Zongyun’s face immediately turned dark.

“Our actions are in line with the will of heaven. We are welcoming the legendary Holy King. Our purpose is to spare the people from the suffering of chaotic times. How can you accuse us of being unfaithful and unjust?”

“Mr. Lu,” Xiao Yun’s eyebrows furrowed even deeper. She cast a cold glance at Wu Zongyun and said, “Were you not taught by your master that you shouldn’t interrupt when others are speaking? Otherwise, you come across as uncouth.”

Wu Zongyun widened his eyes, then flung his hand suddenly, “I just can’t stand seeing Minister Xiao misguiding this young man’s future.”

“I observe that Assistant Lu is dignified and extraordinary. He clearly isn’t a mediocre individual. He’s bound to have a boundless future. How can such a talent be wasted? Minister Xiao, you may carry yourself with aloofness, but as long as you don’t confront directly, you can just stay at home with your illness. With the aura of the Cangming Holy King, he surely won’t hold it against you. Why obstruct those with aspirations from moving forward?”

In fact, he wasn’t valuing Lu Chen. He was valuing something that Lu Chen possessed.

For instance, the way Lu Chen had so boldly stood up against the Cangming Holy King previously.

If someone like him could be “converted,” it would undoubtedly boost the Holy King’s prestige. If even such a stubbornly loyal individual could be won over, it indicated that the Holy King was truly widely accepted, qualified to become the ruler of the world.

Upon hearing Wu Zongyun speak like this, Lu Chen’s mouth twitched involuntarily.

This guy just wanted to gather more people, so he should’ve said it straightforwardly. Why so much unnecessary nonsense?

Xiao Yun coldly snorted, “Mr. Lu, you know the truth yourself. Don’t deceive yourself like this.”

“People who don’t understand the situation are truly unreasonable.”

Wu Zongyun folded his hands again, no longer paying attention to Xiao Yun. He turned to Lu Chen and said, “Assistant Lu, don’t waste time arguing here. It will delay your future. I happen to be heading to the Imperial Gateway as well. Let’s go together.”

Xiao Yun didn’t bother with him either. She continued to address Lu Chen:

“Huaiyu, go back. Although the situation of the Cangming Holy King taking control of the capital is irreversible now, we, as courtiers of the Yongchu Dynasty, should not engage in things that go against our conscience, even if it’s for the sake of our sects or families. Don’t do what’s impossible to do. Our consciences shouldn’t be extinguished.”

Having spoken her mind and clearly stating her stance, she didn’t say anything further. She just looked quietly at the man before her. This man who dared to stand up for the dignity of Empress Zhao when the Cangming Holy King was at the height of his power. She watched to see what choice he would make in this momentous change – whether he would adhere to his former convictions and swim against the current, or conform to the situation and go with the flow.

Time passed like a fleeting white steed, and in the blink of an eye, two days had gone by.

At dawn.

Lu Chen briskly walked on the sparsely populated street. Just after passing through Chongde Lane, he heard a familiar voice from behind that made him pause:

“Huaiyu, please wait.”

In just a moment of confusion, Lu Chen realized that “Huaiyu” was his original host’s courtesy name, and the voice was calling him. He quickly stopped and turned around to look.

Soon, he saw a slender figure standing quietly under the archway of Chongde Lane, bathed in the morning tranquility and illuminated by the faint light from the east. Her enchanting form emitted a hint of imagination-inspiring allure.

With just a glance, it was evident that she was an extremely charming beauty.

However, as Lu Chen recognized the person’s appearance, he suddenly lifted his hand and bowed in a serious manner, responding with a tone of respect:

“Minister Xiao.”

Yes, the beauty was none other than the high-ranking official with whom he often had official dealings, the Minister of Works, Xiao Yun.

A Second Class official!

“Mmm.”

Xiao Yun nodded and walked over to him. Her gaze lingered on his newly-worn eighth-rank court attire for a moment, and her eyes inexplicably took on a subtle demeanor.

“Huaiyu, dressed so formally, are you planning to go to the Imperial Gateway to welcome the Cangming Holy King?”

The Imperial Gateway was a passageway reserved for the Emperor alone.

Lu Chen’s lips twitched. He was about to respond when a low voice suddenly sounded from the side alley:

“Minister Xiao, there’s no need to ask further.”

With those words, a middle-aged man dressed in a third-rank court attire and of a rather tall stature walked out of the alley.

Lu Chen turned his head to look, quickly recognizing his identity.

Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Wu Zongyun.

Great, another high-ranking official.

Lu Chen courteously bowed to him, “Assistant Minister Wu.”

Wu Zongyun folded his hands, and with a solemn expression, he said to Xiao Yun:

“Since the Emperor’s passing six years ago, when the Empress usurped the decree and deposed the Crown Prince to enthrone the young Emperor, the court has been thrown into chaos by her clique. This has caused suffering for the common people. Fortunately, the Cangming Holy King took pity on the people and the state. He led over twenty thousand troops out of the Holy Domain, heading south to support the nation. With the power of the Nine Abyss, he has eradicated the rebels. Today, as the Cangming Holy King takes control of the capital, the world will undoubtedly return to stability. A time of benevolence and prosperity is on the horizon. At this moment when everything is being renewed and grand plans are being laid out, we cultivators should gather together. This young person here must also be a determined individual, naturally planning to welcome the Cangming Holy King and contribute his efforts to the upcoming era of great governance.”

“Amazing!”

Hearing only half of it, Lu Chen couldn’t help but secretly give him a thumbs-up in his mind. He thought:

“Impressive indeed. This guy is deeply involved in politics. He can spin selling himself for glory into something so righteous and just, and this narrative is brimming with virtue. This guy managed to keep his position as a Third Class official during the period of the Empress’s rule, and it’s clear now that he had good reason for it.”

At present, every courtier knew that the Empress’s faction had been thoroughly defeated. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, in just a couple of hours, the Cangming Holy King would step through the Imperial Gateway and take the leap to ascend into the heavens.

Finally, after cursing for so long that his mouth was dry and his throat was parched, he stopped and took a big sip of tea.

Xiao Yi listened in astonishment, unable to believe that Lu Chen’s scolding could be so intense.

It was as if he was meeting Lu Chen for the first time, and Xiao Yi stared at him in a daze, taking a long time to snap back to reality.

“Shameless traitors, how dare they betray Her Majesty! Such disloyal and unjust individuals can actually hold positions in the court. Truly unfortunate for the country and a great harm to the people…”

Hearing that Lu Chen was about to start scolding again, Xiao Yi finally realized that he hadn’t come all this way just to witness Lu Chen’s verbal tirade.

“Huaiyu, let me give you some advice.”

Xiao Yi spoke with deep sincerity, “The current Emperor is destined to be a puppet manipulated by others, with no hope of holding real power. It’s not worth your loyalty. Furthermore, now that Luojing is completely under the control of the Cangming Army, waiting for the Cangming Holy King to return to the capital, everything will be settled. Your loyalty and righteousness are destined to have no return, so… you’d better abandon this meaningless loyalty.”

“Tomorrow, if you can’t bear to witness the unbearable actions of Her Majesty, then pretend to be sick at home. Even though you previously offended the Holy King, you must have earned his resentment. However, as long as you don’t confront him at this critical moment, there’s still a chance to remedy the situation.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Chen raised an eyebrow.

What? There’s still a chance to remedy the situation? That’s impossible!

With that thought in mind, Lu Chen shook his head and then said with an indignant expression, “What can be abandoned is not true loyalty.”

With that, he slowly raised his hand and carefully put away the letter, treating it like a piece of evidence.

“Brother Xiao, there’s no need to say more. I know that what you’re saying is for my own good. I understand that choosing to remain loyal to the Emperor in this situation is foolishness that ordinary people can’t comprehend. I also know the significance of the Cangming Holy King’s return to the capital through the Imperial Gateway. But…”

Lu Chen’s gaze intensified, and he said with determination to Xiao Yi:

“As long as Her Majesty has not let me down, I will never abandon her.”

Xiao Yi seemed to have anticipated his response, but he still let out a heavy sigh.

“Is it worth it?”

“It’s worth it!”

Without the slightest hesitation, Lu Chen’s answer remained resolute.

Of course, it’s worth it. As long as he abandons his official position, he can immediately ascend to the realm of immortals on the spot. Who wouldn’t be eager to make such a lucrative deal?

Xiao Yi continued, “So, Huaiyu, are you planning to go the day after tomorrow…”

Before Xiao Yi could finish, Lu Chen responded as a matter of course, “As a court-appointed official, it’s only right to attend the morning court and participate in the court meeting on time.”

“Zijicheng is filled with the Xuanwu Guards. Her Majesty is being meticulously ‘guarded’ by over a thousand elite experts who can easily defeat the Yulin Guards and the Warriors’ Camp. You won’t be able to change anything…”

Lu Chen didn’t take offense at Xiao Yi’s consecutive dampening of his spirits. He merely showed a resigned yet resolute smile.

“Where righteousness is, even if there are thousands, I will go!”

Hearing this, Xiao Yi’s heart couldn’t help but tremble, and even his voice trembled slightly.

“If you go and don’t return…”

“Then I won’t return!”

With that said, without waiting for Xiao Yi to respond, Lu Chen left the hall without looking back.

Watching Lu Chen’s somewhat frail but inexplicably imposing figure, Xiao Yi’s expression gradually became complex.

Back when he was studying at the sect, Xiao Yi took good care of his previous self. When the previous self passed the imperial examination and was appointed as a low-ranking official in the engineering department, Xiao Yi had advised him that his character wasn’t suitable for serving as an official in such a critical situation or even in the capital. He suggested that he could request an assignment elsewhere citing “lack of experience.”

Unfortunately, the previous self didn’t listen.

As it turned out, his judgment was correct. The previous self had just taken office as a low-ranking official in the engineering department and discovered many irregularities in court projects. He immediately submitted a petition to the emperor, but the matter was buried and nothing was gained.

Out of anger, he entered the palace to meet the emperor, and then… there was no follow-up.

Therefore, when he heard that Xiao Yi was coming to find him, although he didn’t know why he was coming at this time, Lu Chen didn’t think too much and got up.

“You go receive him, I’ll be there shortly.”

“Alright.”

Luo Xiaoyu replied, got up, and headed towards the living room.

Lu Chen tidied himself up a bit, not wanting to appear too discourteous, and then left his room.

Upon arriving at the living room, he saw Xiao Yi sitting in the main seat, sipping tea.

After entering the living room, Lu Chen first greeted Xiao Yi and exchanged some pleasantries. Then he sat in the main seat and went straight to the point:

“If Brother Xiao came all this way, what is the matter?”

Xiao Yi put down his teacup, his expression becoming somewhat serious.

“Huaiyu, do you believe in me?”

Hearing this, Lu Chen was momentarily taken aback, then nodded firmly, “If Brother Xiao has always taken care of me, naturally, I believe in Brother Xiao.”

Hearing this answer, Xiao Yi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s good then.”

Saying that, he suddenly reached into his pocket and took out a letter, handing it to Lu Chen.

“Huaiyu, take a look at this letter.”

Lu Chen didn’t understand, but he still opened the envelope and began reading. M.Ι.

After a while, he suddenly glared with anger, slapped the paper on the table with a loud “snap.”

“This is outrageous!!”

The content of this letter was quite simple. In summary, it stated that Li Zheng reported that the Cangming Holy King had completely wiped out the rebel forces, eliminated the threat to Luojing, and was now leading the army back north. They were expected to arrive in the capital the day after tomorrow at the chen hour.

Furthermore, the Holy King intended to enter the capital through the Imperial Gateway, a privilege usually reserved for emperors. He aimed to bring his accomplishments into the court, and he openly expressed his hope that all officials would welcome him outside the Imperial Gateway the day after tomorrow, giving ample recognition and honor to the Cangming Army soldiers who saved the court from difficulties and achieved great feats.

Of course, if one had a “health issue,” they could choose not to go. However, if they were “sick and still attending court,” that wouldn’t hold up.

Li Zheng called on all the “perceptive individuals” to follow the intentions expressed by the Cangming Holy King. He urged them not to attend court duties tomorrow but to go to the area outside the Imperial Gateway early to greet the triumphant return of the Cangming Army under the Holy King’s command.

If they were unwell, it was best to remain in their residence and not test their limits, as it would only cause unhappiness.

Both overtly and covertly, there was a sense of threat.

Li Zheng had also participated in this pursuit of the “rebel forces” and had been with the Cangming Holy King all along. Therefore, his words carried some credibility. Besides, there was no reason for him to lie about this matter; it wouldn’t benefit him in any way.

As a loyal supporter of the Empress Dowager, how could Lu Chen not feel indignant upon seeing this message?

Although he was “angry,” a smile was nearly overtaking his lips, he managed to restrain his excitement and emotions. In front of shameless individuals like Li Zheng, he cursed them out loud for a whole quarter of an hour in the presence of Xiao Yi. The vocabulary he used was diverse and devoid of repetition.

For the Cangming Army that has been fighting desperately against the evil forces year after year, the once-frightened Forbidden Army, terrified by the Holy King and the Xuanwu Guard, is almost like lambs awaiting slaughter, not capable of withstanding a single blow.

Therefore, the moment the Cangming Army of two hundred thousand, who traveled day and night, entered the jurisdiction of Luojing, the fate of the Forbidden Army was already sealed.

“In the twelfth month of the sixth year of Shenghe, on the twenty-fifth day, the Demon Queen Zhao coordinated with the rebel Xiahou Yan and led an army of eight hundred thousand to launch a fierce attack on the capital, only to be defeated by the Xuanwu Guard. The rebel army retreated thirty li.

The next day, at the chen hour, the Cangming Holy King led twenty thousand Xuanwu Guards to take the initiative to attack, engaging in a fierce battle with the rebel army twenty li outside the eastern city. The Xuanwu Guards fought valiantly, with an unstoppable momentum, killing countless enemies. However, facing the numerous rebel army, the Xuanwu Guards grew weary and gradually weakened, eventually becoming surrounded.

The battle continued until the si hour when the two hundred thousand Cangming Army suddenly arrived and fiercely struck the rear of the rebel army. The rebel army suffered a major defeat. The Demon Queen Zhao, the rebel Xiahou Yan, the impostor King Jiang Chengyun, and some other rebel leaders fled with the remnants of their forces. The Holy King pursued them…”

Reading the content in the official report, Lu Chen’s eyes couldn’t help but light up.

Stabilized!

Originally, with only the three thousand Xuanwu Guards, the Cangming Holy King could control Luojing and deal a heavy blow to the eight hundred thousand Forbidden Army. Now, with the main force of the two hundred thousand Cangming Army arriving in the capital, there was no longer any chance of a reversal for the Empress Dowager.

This land would eventually fall into the hands of the Cangming Holy King.

It could only be said that the Cangming Holy King truly lived up to his title as the first ambitious Holy King in the history of Central Continent. In just three days, he completely changed the situation in Luojing, the central hub of the world. Whether in terms of personal strength, strategy, or tactics, his power was beyond imagination.

The Empress Dowager’s luck was truly terrible. She unexpectedly encountered such a perfect pentagon warrior during her time in power.

Moreover, the incredibly powerful Holy King had always carried his own prestige since ancient times, not inferior to the imperial family. As long as the Holy King could wield the power of the sacred artifact outside the Holy Realm, seizing control of the world would certainly be much easier than for other forces.

“Now that the Cangming Holy King is pursuing and exterminating the rebels up north, regardless of whether he can capture the Empress Dowager or not, his prestige will undoubtedly reach its peak upon his return to the capital. At that time, even if he were to immediately depose the Empress on the spot, there would be no problem.”

After putting down the official report, Lu Chen narrowed his eyes and began contemplating.

“Based on my previous performance, the Cangming Holy King definitely won’t tolerate my presence as a loyal emperor. He will certainly find an excuse to remove my position and send me to the prison, or perhaps even execute me with a single strike. Simultaneously, he will revoke all my official titles. Regardless of the circumstances, my position… is undoubtedly lost!”

Thinking like this, Lu Chen became excited.

“Cousin.”

Just then, the voice of Luo Xiaoyu suddenly sounded from outside:

“Are you inside?”

Lu Chen immediately refocused his thoughts and sat up.

“I’m here.”

Luo Xiaoyu pushed the door open and then spoke softly: “Cousin, Lord Xiao is here. He’s waiting in the living room. Do you want to meet him?”

Xiao Yi? Why is he here?

Regarding this good old friend of his previous self, Lu Chen still held a favorable impression.

Not because Xiao Yi came from an influential background, but because of the genuine friendship he shared with the previous self.

After this battle, the front forces of the Imperial Army suffered heavy casualties, with the surviving soldiers terrified. Even with the support of the War God Formation, they struggled to maintain combat effectiveness.

Moreover, witnessing the unstoppable terror of the Xuanwu Guards and Jiang Chengdao had cast a deep shadow within the hearts of other Imperial Army soldiers. They couldn’t fathom confronting such a terrifying force.

The morale of the Imperial Army suffered significantly. If it weren’t for the strong prestige accumulated by Empress Zhao and Xiahou Yan over the years, the entire Imperial Army’s morale might have spiraled out of control, becoming difficult to stabilize.

Although the morale remained intact, the tens of thousands of Imperial soldiers had begun to feel unsettled. The overwhelming intimidation brought by the Saint-King’s presence was too much to handle. Particularly after witnessing the Saint-King wreak havoc on the battlefield, this psychological trauma couldn’t be easily overcome.

At night, the gates of the capital city were tightly closed, and the Imperial Army set up camp about thirty miles away from the city gates. Empress Zhao dispatched most of the experts to guard the surroundings, while Xiahou Yan arranged for thousands of elite troops to take turns on guard duty. They watched every movement around them closely and ordered their soldiers not to remove their armor at night, prepared to face an enemy attack at any moment. They were fearful that Jiang Chengdao might launch an assault under the cover of darkness.

The immense Imperial Army showed a deep sense of fear toward the mere thirty thousand Xuanwu Guards led by the Saint-King.

The extent of the Saint-King’s might was truly evident.

However, they were unaware that Jiang Chengdao currently couldn’t carry out a nighttime attack. It wasn’t due to his physical exhaustion from the day’s battle or the fatigue of the Xuanwu Guards. Instead, it was because Empress Jiang Chengwan needed time to recover her Saint spirit power to sustain the power of the Saint Relic.

At this moment, within the Purple Pole City…

Looking fatigued, Empress Jiang Chengwan and Jiang Chengdao sat facing each other.

Rubbing her throbbing temples, Jiang Chengwan spoke softly, “Brother, where has the 200,000 Cangming Army reached by now?”

Jiang Chengdao sat upright, displaying no improper behavior or use of his status as her older brother and the Saint-King.

“I received news earlier that the army has reached the vicinity of Yunlan Mountain. It’s estimated that by tomorrow’s third hour (9-11 am), they will arrive within the jurisdiction of Luojing, aiding Your Majesty to completely control the realm.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chengwan’s eyes brightened involuntarily, and the tense expression on her face relaxed slightly.

“That’s good…”

After a moment of contemplation, a gleam of determination flashed across her eyes.

“In that case…”

She paused briefly, then her eyes suddenly lit up with determination.

“Let’s proceed to the next phase of the plan.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The following day, the court assembly was once again canceled.

Jiang Chengdao led a few select court officials, including Li Zheng and Xie Hongyun, out of the eastern city gates of Luojing in the first rays of dawn. Bathed in the warm morning sunlight, he led twenty thousand Xuanwu Guards, rapidly heading towards the direction where the Imperial Army was stationed.