The sudden and terrifying explosion instantly drew the attention of everyone present.
Inside the Taiji Hall, the courtiers’ expressions all changed simultaneously.
“What’s happening?”
“Did something occur?”
“An enemy attack?”
“…”
Some of the courtiers showed panic, while others remained unmoved like mountains. A small minority seemed to exhibit a hint of excitement.
A colossal explosion like this was no small feat and couldn’t have been caused by insignificant troublemakers. Only the formal Imperial Army would possess such formidable weaponry or magic.
When it came to the Imperial Army stationed in Luoyang, apart from the Yu Linwei, the Valiant Corps, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard within the city, there was only the 800,000 Forbidden Army commanded by Xiahou Yan, a senior martial brother of Empress Zhao and the current Supreme Martial General, stationed at the city’s outskirts to guard against potential threats to the capital.
On the elevated platform, both the Empress and Jiang Chengwan furrowed their brows slightly in unison.
‘So, it has finally arrived…’
While thinking this, neither of them showed a trace of panic. Clearly, everything happening outside the city gates was well within their expectations.
Anticipation came with preparation.
They exchanged a knowing nod and then Jiang Chengwan waved his hand grandly, raising his voice, “Do not panic, everyone. Relax your hearts. With me and the Xuanwu Guard present, Luoyang is the safest place in Zhongzhou. Whatever might be happening outside will not extend to any of you.”
Hearing this reassurance from one of the strongest beings in Zhongzhou, some of the courtiers felt slightly relieved.
Yes, the ruler of Luoyang was the legendary Sacred King, a terrifying entity capable of single-handedly altering the tides of battle.
Even a dynasty at its zenith, leveraging its entire might, couldn’t overcome a Sacred Realm expert. So, what were mere disturbances to be concerned about?
While Luoyang might not be a Sacred Realm, Sacred Kings were only able to fully harness the power of the Sacred Relics within the Sacred Realm. However, Jiang Chengwan clearly was an exception. Otherwise, how could he harbor the ambition of swallowing the world?
Only by stepping into the Sacred Realm with the power of the Sacred Relic could one be qualified to vie for control over the world. Otherwise, no matter how strong the power of the Sacred Relic was, it would be meaningless.
Although they didn’t understand how Jiang Chengwan had achieved it, it was an undeniable fact that he could wield the power of the Sacred Relic outside the Sacred Realm.
Otherwise, how else could one explain his ability to call down divine arms unnoticed within Luoyang? How could a mere 20,000-strong Xuanwu Guard effortlessly overthrow a garrison of 150,000 stationed in Luoyang, changing the city’s allegiance in less than a day, and bring down the Empress’s faction, once unchallengeable in Luoyang, without breaking a sweat?