《Perfect Villain Life: Universal Job Change》 Chapter 1 - Villainous Wealth at the Start Chapter 1: Viinous Wealth at the Start Year 1455 of the Divine Revtion Era, Shenlong Empire, Donghai City¡¯s First High School. Nearly a thousand third-year students gathered on the yground, their faces filled with anticipation and nervousness. Today was the day when all third-year students in the Shenlong Empire would awaken to their new jobs. Over a thousand years ago, the Void descended, and countless Void creatures appeared across Earth through spatial rifts, beginning their invasion. Consequently, Earth underwent drastic changes and became deeply bound to a system called Divine Revtion. Across the world, objects known as Divine Revtion Monoliths appeared, bestowing blessings on humans at the age of eighteen to awaken various professions. At the center of the yground stood a ck obelisk, flickering with countless lights, and a slender figure stood at the center of the altar. ¡°Teacher Chen, with Lin Feng¡¯s talent and grades, he should at least awaken an S-level profession, right?¡± ¡°Probably, he is the most outstanding genius in our school!¡± Outside the altar, teachers were whispering to each other with expectant expressions. A beautiful, elegant woman with an intellectual aura and a charming smile stood among them, her professional attire highlighting her tall and graceful figure, especially her long ck legs that drew attention. She was Chen Lingxi, the homeroom teacher of ss 9 in the third year. The boy undergoing the awakening ceremony was named Lin Feng, her student and the most outstanding student in the school. In every exam, whether in theoretical knowledge or physical assessments, Lin Feng was always near perfect. Therefore, Chen Lingxi had high hopes for Lin Feng¡¯s awakening ceremony. Suddenly, lightning and thunder resounded, and a roaring sound echoed from the void. A holy light descended from the sky, illuminating Lin Feng¡¯s body. ¡°This is¡­¡± Seeing this scene, not only did Chen Lingxi widen her beautiful eyes, but Principal Lu Yun and other school leaders on the podium also stood up! ¡°SS-level profession anomaly!!¡± Could it be that their Donghai First High School was about to make history?? But at that moment, an unexpected change urred! A massive shadow suddenly crossed the sky. The students looked up to see a luxurious, spirit-powered ne passing over Donghai City. Then, the awakening ceremony was disrupted, and the holy light instantly vanished¡­ ¡°What happened!! What is the Traffic Control Bureau doing!??¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t all traffic supposed to be shut down during the awakening ceremony, including teleportation arrays!?¡± Principal Lu was shocked and furious, unable to fathom how the awakening ceremony could be interfered with! It¡¯s important to know that the awakening ceremony is extremelyplex and requires a highly stable space. Teleportation arrays and spiritual powered vehicles can disrupt spatial stability. Therefore, the Empire¡¯sw mandates that during the job change period, all cross-city transportation and teleportation arrays are strictly prohibited. Yet today, a spiritual powered ne had flown into Donghai City which was a tant vition of the Empire¡¯sw! Chen Lingxi looked worriedly at Lin Feng on the altar, ¡®Please let nothing go wrong¡­¡¯ ¡­ ¡°Young Master, we have arrived in Donghai City.¡± On a luxurious private ne, Qin Xian slowly opened his eyes. He appeared to be in his twenties, with a smooth, fair face, sharply defined features, and strikingly handsome. Though his expression was slightlyzy, he exuded a noble aura thatpelled respect. Qin Xian nced at the view of Donghai City through the window, a mysterious look in his eyes. He had been here for neen years since his transmigration¡­ The Qin family was one of the most powerful families in this world. His father, Qin Ming, was the head of the Qin family, a Level 89 Spiritual Master, and one of the Empire¡¯s five legendary powerhouses, serving as the chief executive of the Empire¡¯s Cardinal Council, wielding immense power! As the heir to the Qin family and Qin Ming¡¯s only son, Qin Xian had received rigorous elite education from a young age and was the subject of great expectations. And Qin Xian did not disappoint, awakening an SSS-level legendarybat profession, the Oracle Knight! The moment he awakened, the Divine Revtion Monolith triggered a vision spanning three hundred miles, even rming the Regent. Not only that, Qin Xian also awakened another profession, bing a rare dual-profession individual not seen in a century. However, until now, no one knew what his second profession was¡­ After awakening, Qin Xian was directly admitted to the Imperial Academy, and in just one year, his profession level had risen to Level 21. An ordinary person¡¯s job level can only reach around Level 25 at most. In other words, Qin Xian reached in a year what most people could and couldn¡¯t achieve in a lifetime. He was recognized as a super genius throughout the Empire! In front of Qin Xian stood an old man in a suit, his hair meticulously groomed, serving with respectful diligence. He was Steward Qiu, Qin Xian¡¯s personal butler who was also was also a Level 58 Battle Mage! It should be known that abat professional at Level 40 could hold a high position equivalent to a city lord in the Empire. Abat professional above Level 50 was considered a national deterrent force. With Steward Qiu¡¯s strength, he could establish arge guild or even be an imperial general! Yet, he willingly served as Qin Xian¡¯s personal butler, managing various affairs with unwavering loyalty. This showcased the Qin family¡¯s deep foundation¡­ Qin Xian spoke softly, ¡°Has that person¡¯s identity been confirmed?¡± Steward Qiu nodded, ¡°It has been verified. After taking the Arcane Source, that person first stayed in Hunluan city for a few years, then underwent stic surgery in the underground ck market, bought a new identity, and has been running a butcher shop in Donghai City ever since.¡± Someone immediately stepped forward and respectfully ced a stack of documents in front of Qin Xian. ¡°Butcher shop?¡± A faint smile appeared on Qin Xian¡¯s face as he looked down at the documents, sighing softly, ¡°The youngest general of the military back then, now a butcher shop owner, it must have been hard for him.¡± Though he said that, Qin Xian¡¯s eyes were dark and grim. Lin Yu, a former imperial major general, Level 52 Crimson Lotus Knight, and the youngest general in the military, once served as the Emperor¡¯s guard officer. Fifteen years ago, during a military operation on the Void frontline. The Empire¡¯s military suffered heavy losses, with six legionspletely wiped out, including the unit led by Lin Yu, who then disappeared. The military had dered Lin Yu dead, but the Qin family knew that the former imperial major general was still alive. Lin Yu had stolen the Qin family¡¯s treasure¡ªthe Arcane Source¡ªat the Void frontline and he then faked his death to escape¡­ The Arcane Source, a supreme treasure from the Void, was crucial to the Qin family¡¯s century-long n to usurp the Empire! For years, the Qin family had been tracking Lin Yu¡¯s whereabouts. Qin Xian flipped through the documents in his hand and noticed a photo of a young boy, raising an eyebrow, ¡°This Lin Feng?¡± Steward Qiu replied solemnly, ¡°Lin Yu adopted an orphan named Lin Feng, who is currently a senior in Donghai First High School.¡± Chapter 2 - Awakening the Villain System Chapter 2: Awakening the Viin System Qin Xian narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the information on Lin Feng in his hand. Suddenly, a mechanical voice echoed in his ears. ¡°Ding, host detected, Supreme Viin System initializing¡­33%¡­75%¡­100%¡­bindingplete!¡± ¡°Ding, congrattions to the host for activating the Supreme Viin System!¡± ¡°Ding, scanning host body data, please wait¡­¡± Subsequently, a system interface appeared in Qin Xian¡¯s mind. [Host: Qin Xian]. [First Profession: SSS-level Oracle Knight (Level 21)]. [Viin Level: 0 (0/30)]. [Viin Points: 0]. [Attribute Points to Convert: 0]. [Extra Talent: None]. Finally, it¡¯s here! Qin Xian¡¯s spirit lifted. After being in this world for nearly twenty years, his golden finger, the system, had finally arrived! In a world where everyone undergoes a job change and their professions are digitized, Qin Xian was naturally familiar with the system interface. With just a nce, he understood the purpose of the Viin System. Damn¡ªit¡¯s a bit overpowered. The Viin System, as the name suggests, is meant to turn him into a viin, providing him with Viin Points. Viin Points are the most important resource. They can be obtained by hunting down the sons of luck. Viin Points can increase the Viin Level, and each time the Viin Level increases, a talent is unlocked. Talents are extremely valuable and rare. One can only gain a talent every 20 levels. Even super strong individuals at level 80 have only four talents, while the Viin System can provide Qin Xian with an unlimited number of talents! This alone was enough to make Qin Xian stand out in the world! In addition to enhancing the Viin Level and unlocking extra talents, Viin Points can also be converted into attribute points, directly increasing Qin Xian¡¯s five-dimensional attributes! Even with Qin Xian¡¯s cultivated state of mind over the years, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of excitement. This Viin System is truly overpowered! However, to outsiders, Qin Xian maintained his thoughtful appearance, so everyone on the ne remained still and silent, not daring to disturb his thoughts. ¡°Ding, the first stage of the main quest is now avable. Would you like to ept it?¡± Immediately, the quest description appeared in Qin Xian¡¯s mind. Quest: Eliminate the threat of Lin Feng. Completion Reward: 30 Viin Points. 30 Viin Points! With 30 Viin Points, Qin Xian could immediately increase his Viin Level by one, gain an extra talent, and convert them into 30 attribute points! Without hesitation, Qin Xian chose to ept the quest. Lin Feng¡­ Qin Xian picked up Lin Feng¡¯s file again and examined it closely. Unexpectedly,pared to Lin Yu, Lin Feng was the real big catch! A genius at the top high school? Qin Xian suddenly thought that today was the day for job awakening, wondering if his arrival in Donghai City would affect some students¡¯ awakening ceremonies. But Qin Xian didn¡¯t care about these trivial matters¡­ He instructed calmly, ¡°Investigate Lin Feng thoroughly.¡± Steward Qiu was somewhat surprised by Qin Xian¡¯s emphasis on Lin Feng. In his view, Lin Feng was just an ordinary high school student, nothing special. Although he was a genius, this world had no shortage of geniuses. But since the young master had spoken, he would carry it out. Steward Qiu nodded and added, ¡°Representatives from the families are already waiting at the airport.¡± The Qin family was a top gatekeeper in the Empire, with prot¨¦g¨¦s and former officials throughout the Empire. Donghai Province was one of the thirty-seven major provinces of the Empire, and Donghai City was the capital of Donghai Province, an imperial stronghold with a poption of millions. Naturally, the Qin family had established their presence here. Although the governor of Donghai Province, Chen Beiguo, was personally appointed by the Regent and was not aligned with the Qin family, several influential families in Donghai Province were supported by the Qin family. Qin Xian¡¯s visit to Donghai City was not only to deal with Lin Yu but also to meet with these families¡­ ¡­ Donghai City, Airport. Several luxury cars were parked at the airport and a few well-dressed young people waited quietly. These were the top scions of Donghai Province¡¯s elite, their families holding high positions in Donghai Province, either wealthy or noble. Originally, the heads of these families were to greet him in person. However, Qin Xian politely declined. His visit had already attracted attention, and he didn¡¯t want to make it a grand spectacle. Otherwise, news of Donghai¡¯s major family heads gathering at the airport to greet him would quickly reach the Regent¡¯s ears¡­ After all, in recent years, the rtionship between the Qin family and the Regent had be increasingly strained¡­ ¡°They¡¯re almost here.¡± A young man with a slightly stern appearance checked his watch, looking a bit nervous. His name was Yu Xun. While this name might not mean much to the general public in Donghai City, it was well-known among Donghai Province¡¯s elite circles! He was the eldest son of the Yu family, a top family in Donghai, and the eldest son of Yu Feng, the current speaker of Donghai Province. Next to Yu Xun, several other elite scions hurriedly adjusted their appearance, fearing they would leave a bad impression on Qin Xian. ¡°Brother Xun, why is Young Master Qining to Donghai City this time? Your father was once that person¡¯s secretary, so you should know something, right?¡± asked a young man with a crew cut, Feng Peng, the eldest son of the Feng family. The Feng family¡¯s elder was also a prominent figure in Donghai Province. Since the Yu, Feng, and several other families were supported by the Qin family, these elite scions naturally formed a close circle. Yu Xun was vaguely the leader of this second-generation circle. They had met Qin Xian before, but it was during New Year¡¯s visits to the Qin family in the Imperial Capital with their family elders. The meetings were brief,sting only a few minutes, with hardly any words exchanged. After all, the Qin family¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦s and former officials were spread throughout the Empire. That person sparing a few minutes to meet them was already an honor. Qin Xian¡¯s sudden visit to Donghai City not only made them uneasy but also made their elders anxious¡­ Yu Xun shook his head and said solemnly, ¡°I don¡¯t know either, but since Young Master Qin is here, we must wee him properly!¡± The others nodded in agreement, feeling the pressure. Though they were also top second-generation elites and could almost rule over Donghai Province,pared to Qin Xian¡­ they were worlds apart. Qin Xian was the heir to the Qin family! It could even be said that a single thought from Qin Xian could affect the future of their families¡­ Chapter 3 - Son of luck? Job Change Failure! Chapter 3: Son of luck? Job Change Failure! With a roar, the ne slowly descended. Yu Xun, Feng Peng, and the othersposed themselves and went up to greet it. Qin Xian, Steward Qiu, and several strong figures from the Qin family disembarked from the ne. ¡°Young Master Qin!¡± Yu Xun, Feng Peng, and the others showed expressions of awe and reverence, bowing respectfully. To ordinary people, they were big figures, but to them, Qin Xian was the real big figure. Although Qin Xian was their peer, even younger than them by a few years, they all felt a sense of oppression in his presence. Qin Xian was not only the heir of the Qin family but also a super genius, destined to be at least a Level 80 existence in the future! A faint smile appeared on Qin Xian¡¯s face as he waved his hand and spoke gently, ¡°No need for such formalities, we¡¯re all family.¡± Although his demeanor was ¡°friendly,¡± Yu Xun and the others still had a sheen of sweat on their foreheads. This was the aura of a top family heir: well-mannered, never overbearing, nor using power to oppress. Yet the cold and deep aura, the pride of being in a superior position, was unmistakable. Yu Xun smiled and said, ¡°Young Master Qin, you¡¯vee a long way, and we¡¯ve prepared a ce for you to rest and to wee you.¡± Qin Xian nodded, smiling, ¡°You are the hosts in Donghai City; you make the arrangements.¡± Everyone got into cars, left the airport, and headed towards downtown Donghai City. Inside one luxury car, Feng Peng and two other top second-generation elites sighed in relief. Only Yu Xun was barely qualified to ride with Qin Xian. But this was good; they could rx a bit since the pressure from being around Qin Xian was immense! ¡°Is everything arranged for tonight?¡± Feng Peng asked a young man with sses, who appeared cultured and refined, sitting beside him. The young man, named Jiang Song, was the behind-the-scenes owner of the renowned entertainmentpany Jashi Interactive Entertainment. He had a significant background and was the deputy leader of thergest guild in Donghai Province¡ªthe Thousand Waves Guild. The Thousand Waves Guild was a long-established guild in Donghai Province, with thousands ofbat professionals, including two high-level professionals over Level 40. Their businesses spanned all industries throughout the province. In recent years, the Thousand Waves Guild had expended countless resources and painstaking effort to finally squeeze into the outer circle of the Qin family¡­ Jiang Song nodded and smiled, ¡°Rest assured, everything is ready. The ce where Young Master Qin will stay is a private club I own. It¡¯s very nice and quiet.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve also arranged for the chef and some special entertainment for the evening.¡± As he mentioned the special entertainment, Jiang Song winked. The other elite young men exchanged knowing smiles¡­ ¡­ Donghai City¡¯s First High School, Awakening Ceremony Venue. The Divine Revtion Monolith slowly dimmed, marking the end of Lin Feng¡¯s awakening ceremony. A confident smile appeared on Lin Feng¡¯s face. He was confident about his job change oue, expecting at least an S-level profession and hoping for an SS-level one! Wouldn¡¯t the beauties be scrambling to embrace him then? As he thought of this, a pretty silhouette shed in Lin Feng¡¯s mind¡­ Teacher Sun, who was hosting the awakening ceremony, nced at the results, and her heart sank. A look of deep regret appeared on her face. ¡°Third-year ss 9, Lin Feng, SS-level¡­ Non-Specialist, job change failed!¡± This announcement sent the entire school into an uproar. The teachers exchanged nces; Lin Feng¡¯s situation was exceedingly rare. A Non-Specialist was the most basic human profession, equivalent to an ordinary newborn baby¡¯s profession. Although a Non-Specialist has ess to a data panel and can learn skills from all professions without restriction, those skills cannot level up, cannot gain experience, andck professional specialization¡ªessentially equivalent to an ordinary person. The human race had already established a theoretical system for awakening ceremonies, with very few instances of job change failure. Lin Feng¡¯s SS-level Non-Specialist likely resulted from interference during the awakening ceremony, leading to an unusualbination of an SS-level Non-Specialist¡­ Lin Feng was stunned, disbelief written all over his face, ¡°How is that possible?¡± Beside him, Teacher Sun sympathetically said, ¡°A spiritual powered ne approached earlier and interfered with the ceremony. Otherwise¡­ you would have awakened as an SS-levelbat professional.¡± Lin Feng stood there in shock, feeling a rush of heat to his head, overwhelmed by anger and frustration. A thousand grass-mud horses trampled through his mind!! The frustration almost made him want to vomit blood! Damn it! He was on the verge of awakening an SS-level profession, bing a superstar genius admired by all, with endless wealth, beauties, and glory, reaching the pinnacle of life. But due to this incident, his awakening ceremony was disrupted, resulting in job change failure and making him an SS-level Non-Specialist!! Without professional specialization, his future achievements were limited, only equivalent to a C-levelbat profession. The difference between an SS-levelbat profession and his situation was worlds apart! From heaven to hell in an instant! ¡°Wasn¡¯t the awakening ceremony supposed to be free of any interference!?¡± Lin Feng was beyond furious, yelling angrily, on the brink of a breakdown. Seeing Lin Feng¡¯s distress, everyone understood. After all, the awakening ceremony was a pivotal moment in life. Originally destined to soar, Lin Feng was now reduced to mediocrity¡ªanyone would be devastated by such a turn of events¡­ Homeroom teacher Chen Lingxi, her pretty face frosty and furious. Lin Feng was her student, and her best one at that. Now interfered with, the fall of a genius¡ªhow could she not be enraged!? Principal Lu was equally furious. Without the ne¡¯s interference, Lin Feng would have sessfully awakened an SS-level profession. Donghai First High School would then be a nationally renowned school, attracting not only resources from across the province but also advancing his job further! He sternly assured Lin Feng, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure this is addressed!¡± He immediately called the relevant departments, prepared to demand an exnation. Lu Yun, having served as the principal of Donghai First High School for many years, had a vastwork in Donghai City. However, after making several calls, his expression grew increasingly grim. The people he contacted gave no response. Either they imed ignorance, made excuses, or simply hung up. Only a friend, a director at the Traffic Management Bureau, discreetly informed him. The ne was from the Imperial Capital, personally approved by the Empire¡¯s Department of Transportation and the Office of the Provincial Speaker¡­ Chapter 4 - The Fallen Genius, Lin Feng Chapter 4: The Fallen Genius, Lin Feng Principal Lu remained silent. At his level, he understood a bit about the situation. Someone who could influence the Provincial Speaker¡¯s Office, and even the Department of Transportation, had to be one of the Empire¡¯s top elites! If it were just the second generation from Donghai Province, he could make some noise about it, but the big shots from the Imperial Capital¡­ In the past, with His Majesty the Emperor present, even big shots from the Imperial Capital wouldn¡¯t dare openly vite the Empire¡¯sws. But His Majesty the Emperor has been missing for nearly twenty years¡­ Principal Lu looked at Chen Lingxi and Lin Feng and shook his head. Seeing this, Lin Feng clenched his fists tightly, his teeth nearly grinding to dust. Was his future to be ruined just like that!? No! Absolutely not! Ruining someone¡¯s future is akin to killing their parents; he would never let that person go! He must make them pay! Chen Lingxi¡¯s pretty face was icy with anger that could not be dispelled. ¡°I will investigate this matter. I refuse to believe that the Shenlong Empire has no rule ofw!¡± Lin Feng was her student, and whether out of a sense of justice or her responsibility as a teacher, she could not sit idly by! Principal Lu nced at Chen Lingxi and didn¡¯t stop her. Others might not know Chen Lingxi¡¯s identity, but as the principal of the First High School, he did. Chen Lingxi was the beloved daughter of Chen Beiguo, the Governor of Donghai Province! As the Governor¡¯s daughter, Chen Lingxi did not climb the ranks smoothly under her father¡¯s arrangement like other elite children. Instead, she chose to be a teacher at the First High School, educating students. However, this secret was known only to Principal Lu and a few school leaders. So if Chen Lingxi stepped in, she should be able to investigate thoroughly. After all, Chen Beiguo was the Governor of Donghai Province, the ruler of a province, and highly favored by the Regent. Even if that person was from the Imperial Capital, they would have to pay some price, right? Unless that person was a member of one of the five great families¡­ Seeing Chen Lingxi¡¯s anger, Lin Feng felt a warmth in his heart. He didn¡¯t know Teacher Chen¡¯s exact identity, but he knew that Chen Lingxi had a significant background. With Chen Lingxi¡¯s figure, appearance, and intellectual charm, she had attracted quite a bit of unwanted attention. Among them were some second-generation individuals with extraordinary family backgrounds. But soon, those people disappeared without a trace¡­¡­ The awakening ceremony had to continue, and Lin Feng returned to his ss¡¯s lineup. Along the way, students looked at this fallen genius withplex expressions. There was pity, sympathy, and even schadenfreude. Although Lin Feng was a genius student at the First High School and always ranked first in academics, his poprity at school was not great. Many felt that Lin Feng¡­was pretentious. ¡°It¡¯s all fate. What¡¯s the use of good grades if you¡¯re just a Non-Specialist¡­¡± ¡°An SS-level Non-Specialist, a rarebination indeed.¡± The whispers of his ssmates once again stiffened Lin Feng¡¯s expression, filling him with depression, anger, and frustration! Returning to his lineup, he secretly vowed that he would definitely avenge this injustice!! But up to now, he still didn¡¯t know who that person was¡­ ¡­ After an unknown period, the awakening ceremony at the First High School concluded. This year¡¯s students performed quite well, with a total of four S-level and twenty-two A-level professionals. But when Principal Lu thought of Lin Feng, he felt extreme regret. S-level was excellent, but there were always a few each year. SS-level, however, was different; they were true super geniuses, rare once in decades, and could easily be national champions! But now, it was wasted¡­ ¡°Students, you have all awakened your professions. Regardless of the level, as long as you work hard, you will achieve something in the future. Remember, there are no trash professions; with effort, any profession can shine in its field.¡± ¡°The college entrance exam is just days away. Rest well and aim for great results, so you can enter your desired institutions and make your alma mater proud!¡± With the ceremony over, students began to leave, heading home. Chen Lingxi looked at Lin Feng, nodded, and said softly, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much. Focus on the college entrance exam. Although you failed the job change and became an SS-level Non-Specialist, you still have a chance to get into a good institution. I will ensure you get an exnation for this incident!¡± ¡°Thank you, teacher!¡± Lin Feng nodded heavily, feeling warmth in his heart. Chen Lingxi had always admired and cared for him, and Lin Feng genuinely respected and¡­ well, was quite fond of her. He sneaked a nce at Chen Lingxi¡¯s impressive figure¡­ ¡­ After school, everyone returned home to their families. Students prepared to leave school, having undergone their job changes. Many nned to team up for beginner dungeons, to gain experience and levels. With the college entrance exam just days away, the more preparation, the better their chances of getting into a good institution! ¡°I¡¯m a D-level Warrior, who¡¯s joining?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve got a tank and a healer; we need some DPS. Zhang Song, you¡¯re a C-level me Mage,e on!¡± Many students gathered at the school gate, shouting and creating a lively atmosphere. Those who awakened A-level and B-levelbat professions were naturally popr, with everyone wanting to team up and connect with them. Lin Feng, however, was forgotten. Before, as a genius with limitless potential, Lin Feng, despite hisck of poprity, still had people eager to ingratiate themselves with him. But now, the world was cold¡­no one paid attention to Lin Feng. After all, without professional specialization, even as an SS-level Non-Specialist, hisbat strength was weak, making him a burden to any team. This contrast left Lin Feng very displeased. ¡°Lin Feng, want to join our team?¡± A girl with a pretty face approached, smiling at Lin Feng. She was Lin Feng¡¯s ssmate, named Xie Ting, who had awakened as an A-level Blessed Priest. Seeing Lin Feng left out, she thought to help him. After all, they were ssmates, and Lin Feng¡¯s situation made her sympathetic. Xie Ting was apanied by several teammates, who seemed displeased but said nothing, though their expressions were scornful. These words deeply stung Lin Feng. Among them were people who had once been very polite and enthusiastic towards him, and he had even helped teach them! And now they treated him like this? A bunch of snobs who looked down on people! Already depressed over his job change failure, Lin Feng was in an extremely sensitive state and was provoked by their expressions. He couldn¡¯t hold back any longer, letting out a coldugh, ¡°No need. Even if I failed my job change, I¡¯m not someone you losers cantch onto!¡± Chapter 5 - The Superstar, Su Keqing Chapter 5: The Superstar, Su Keqing His words aroused public outrage. ¡°Lin Feng, what are you saying? She meant well!¡± ¡°You¡¯re really ungrateful, like a dog biting Lu Dongbin. Are you crazy?¡± (TL: This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone fails to recognize another person¡¯s good intentions and instead responds with hostility or ingratitude.) ¡°You didn¡¯t fail your job change because of us. If you¡¯re so tough, why don¡¯t you go after that person? Or are you afraid?¡± Everyone red angrily at Lin Feng and started to criticize him. Lin Feng regretted his words almost immediately. Regardless of those others, Xie Ting genuinely meant well. He realized he had been too impulsive and extreme. Seeing Xie Ting¡¯s aggrieved expression, Lin Feng opened his mouth to apologize, but he just couldn¡¯t say the words. For a moment, Lin Feng became the target of public condemnation. Just then, a sports car stopped in front of Lin Feng. The window rolled down, revealing an incredibly beautiful face. ¡°Xiaofeng, I¡¯ve kept you waiting~ Get in.¡± Lin Feng smiled and nodded, opened the car door, and got in. The sports car then sped away, leaving the crowd in disarray. ¡°Was that just¡­ Su Keqing!???¡± Someone eximed. Immediately, everyone was in an uproar! Su Keqing, a household name, is a superstar. An S-level support profession¡ªStar Singer, though she debuted only two years ago, she has already be the brightest new star in Donghai Province¡¯s entertainment industry. Many high-level professionals are her fans! In school, everyone had heard Su Keqing¡¯s songs; they were her fans! Su Keqing¡¯s concert tours were packed every time. In the eyes of the students, Su Keqing was an idol goddess, someone far beyond their reach. And they had just seen Su Keqing up close! ¡°How could Lin Feng¡­ possibly know Su Keqing?¡± Lin Feng was just an ordinary student, while Su Keqing was a superstar known to all, living inpletely different worlds! Everyone looked at each other, feeling that the world had gone crazy¡­ ¡­ ¡°Xiaofeng, how did the awakening ceremony go today? With your talent, you should at least have an S-level profession, right?¡± Su Keqing had light purple hair, exquisitely delicate features, and a stunning appearance, as if blessed by the heavens. Especially her eyes, as bright as stars. She seemed dreamy, like a fairy from the mountains who had descended to the mortal world. The faint fragrance emanating from her made Lin Feng, sitting in the passenger seat, feel captivated and enchanted¡­ Many people would wonder how an ordinary high school student like Lin Feng could know a superstar like Su Keqing and seem so familiar. The reason is simple¡­ Lin Feng and Su Keqing had known each other since childhood, essentially childhood sweethearts. Su Keqing¡¯s family used to be Lin Feng¡¯s neighbors, and the families were close. At eighteen, Su Keqing awakened as an S-level Star Singer. From then on, the Su family¡¯s fate changed. Su Keqing was signed by the famous entertainmentpany Jashi Interactive Entertainment and quickly rose to fame as a new star, establishing herself in Donghai Province¡¯s entertainment industry within two short years. The Su family, too, experienced a meteoric rise, moving to the affluent district of Donghai City. Since then, the two families had lost contact, but Su Keqing still remembered her little brother Lin Feng and cared about him deeply. Today, she had agreed to have dinner with Lin Feng to celebrate his career awakening. Hearing the anticipation in Su Keqing¡¯s voice, Lin Feng¡¯s expression froze, and he lowered his head, shook it after a moment of silence, and said, ¡°I¡­ failed the job change. My awakening ceremony was disrupted¡­¡± ¡°What!?¡± Su Keqing suddenly stopped the car, her face full of surprise: ¡°How could the awakening ceremony be disrupted?!¡± She was genuinely surprised and confused, as it had been many years since such an incident had urred. Lin Feng¡¯s eyes were filled with resentment and unwillingness: ¡°Today, a spiritual powered nended and disrupted my awakening ceremony, so I failed the career change. Now I am¡­ an SS-level Non-Specialist!¡± SS-level! Su Keqing covered her mouth, filled with regret. That means, if everything had gone smoothly, Lin Feng would have had an SS-level profession! Su Keqing knew what that meant; if Lin Feng had sessfully changed to an SS-level profession, he would have immediately ascended, with a future of limitless achievements. He even had a great chance of bing a legendary powerhouse! Su Keqing looked at Lin Feng with sympathy and pity, but she didn¡¯t know how tofort him. Lin Feng¡¯s face was dark as he recalled the humiliation he had suffered at school, his heart filled with resentment and anger. ¡°I will find out who disrupted my awakening ceremony. No matter who it is, I will not let them go; I will make them pay the most terrible price! Even heaven won¡¯t be able to protect them, I swear!!!¡± The young man¡¯s vow was strong and full of determination. Su Keqing nodded slowly, saying softly, ¡°I know some people who can help you.¡± Although Su Keqing was in the entertainment industry, her status was quite extraordinary, with many important people being her fans, proud to dine with her. Among them were high-ranking officials and high-level professionals. Just as Lin Feng was about to say something, Su Keqing¡¯s phone rang. She nced at it, her expression changed slightly, and she gestured for Lin Feng to be quiet. She answered the phone: ¡°Hello, Sister Zhou.¡± The caller was her manager, Sister Zhou, who was also an executive at Jashi Interactive Entertainment. A capable female voice came from the other end: ¡°Keqing, President Jiang just called and asked you to attend a dinner party tonight. I¡¯ve sent you the location. It¡¯s at a private club owned by Young Master Jiang.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Keqing looked troubledx ¡°But I have ns tonight.¡± ¡°Tonight¡¯s dinner is very important; I heard a big figure will be there. It¡¯s non-negotiable.¡± Hearing this, Su Keqing could only nod and agree: ¡°Alright, I understand.¡± Though she was a superstar, in the entertainment industry¡¯s world of fame and fortune, she was often not in control. After hanging up, Su Keqing gave Lin Feng an apologetic smile: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Xiaofeng, I have a dinner engagement tonight that I must attend, so I¡¯ll have to break our appointment.¡± Hearing this, Lin Feng frowned, suddenly feeling displeased. He didn¡¯t like Su Keqing attending such engagements. He liked Su Keqing! After all, the dealings of the entertainment world are well-known. Thinking of his goddess going to a dinner party to socialize with other men that night, Lin Feng felt a surge of jealousy! Lin Feng blurted out, ¡°Can¡¯t you not go?¡± Chapter 6 - Wine and Women Chapter 6: Wine and Women Su Keqing nced at Lin Feng. She had always considered Lin Feng as family, so she naturally understood his concerns. She smiled slightly and said softly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of myself.¡± In the era of universal job change, those who awaken as support professions such as singers, artists, or dancers can shine brightly in various fields. Su Keqing¡¯s awakened profession, Star Singer, is an S-level support profession. After her job change, her singing voice became incredibly melodious, with the ability to soothe the soul and heal mental wounds. If she reaches Level 15, she can learn a blessing skill, allowing her voice to give people various buffs! So, after awakening as an S-level Star Singer, Su Keqing was immediately signed by Jashi Interactive Entertainment and received generouspensation. Lin Feng¡¯s concerns are valid; the entertainment industry is indeed chaotic and filled with all kinds of people. Many celebrities have tumultuous personal lives. But Su Keqing was a breath of fresh air. She hadn¡¯t even dated anyone, let alone been involved in those things. Aside from her own virtuous conduct, this was also because Jashi Interactive Entertainment protected her well. To be precise, it was President Jiang, the man behind Jashi Interactive Entertainment, who protected her. In the past two and a half years since her debut, many influential directors, producers, and prominent figures in the entertainment industry, as well as some high-ranking officials and wealthy businessmen, had wanted to take advantage of her. Because of her awakened profession, even some powerful professionals had set their sights on her¡­ [Star Singer, Profession Trait: Intimacy Aura, during close interactions, can grant both parties Star Blessing.]. [Star Blessing Effect: Experience gain rate +10%, duration: 7 days.]. This alone made Su Keqing a coveted prize for some high-level professionals¡­. However, all of these advances were blocked by President Jiang. Lin Feng also understood that he and Su Keqing were just friends; he had no standing to stop her. He was still too weak¡­ Lin Feng clenched his fist quietly. If he were a high-level professional, none of this would have happened. No one would dare force Su Keqing to do anything she didn¡¯t want to do! Thinking about this, Lin Feng was filled with resentment toward the person who disrupted his awakening ceremony. In fact, he had nned to confess his feelings to Su Keqing today. If he had sessfully awakened an SS-level profession, he would have been a national champion, with a bright future. He would have been worthy of Su Keqing! But now¡­ he had failed his career change and was too embarrassed to confess. Thinking about this made Lin Feng feel incredibly upset. He feared that Su Keqing would be taken away by someone else! After all, Su Keqing was a superstar, surrounded by second-generation elites and high-level professionals, all outstanding people. What if someone won Su Keqing¡¯s heart? Just the thought of this possibility made Lin Feng want to take Su Keqing away right now and flee far away! But he knew this was impossible. Su Keqing loved her profession. She enjoyed being in the spotlight, singing in front of countless people, bringing joy to others. Lin Feng could only get out of the car, say goodbye to Su Keqing, and watch her sports car drive away.bFor some reason, his heart was suddenly filled with anxiety and unease¡­ ¡­ Donghai City, Nanshan Vi. Nanshan Vi is located in the southern part of Donghai City, covering a hundred acres, with rockeries,kes, and gardens full of flowers. A magnificent pce is hidden among the trees, very tranquil. It¡¯s important to know that the southern district of Donghai City is a wealthy area, wherend is worth its weight in gold. Such arge private club can¡¯t be owned with just money¡­. This was the venue for tonight¡¯s banquet. ¡°Sister Zhou, why all the secrecy tonight?¡± Su Keqing followed her manager, Sister Zhou, into the garden, curiously observing her surroundings. Sister Zhou shook her head and said seriously, ¡°I don¡¯t know the specifics, but I do know that even Young Master Yu will be attending tonight.¡± Young Master Yu¡­ The son of Yu Feng, the Speaker of Donghai Province, and the eldest son of the Yu family in Donghai. Such a status made him one of the top figures in Donghai Province. Su Keqing had met Young Master Yu before and had dinner with him, so she knew his status. But what intrigued her was that even the Speaker¡¯s son was just a guest? The identity of this big figure¡­ how terrifying must it be? ¡­ Inside the club, they entered arge private room. Jiang Song, Yu Xun, and others were already present, along with a few beautiful young women. Su Keqing recognized them as fellow artists under Jashi Interactive Entertainment, popr actresses. ¡°President Jiang, Young Master Yu.¡± Su Keqing smiled sweetly and greeted them. ¡°Keqing, you¡¯re here.¡± Jiang Song smiled warmly, very polite. Right now, Su Keqing was Jashi Interactive Entertainment¡¯s cash cow; her concerts alone made him a fortune. Not to mention, tonight he nned to use Su Keqing to curry favor with Qin Xian¡­. Yu Xun nodded with a smile, responding, ¡°Miss Su, long time no see. But I¡¯ve listened to your new song many times on repeat.¡± Hearing this, Su Keqing smiled and humbly responded. The world of fame and fortune is such that the kindness of these elites can easily intoxicate people. They might mistakenly think they belong to the same ss as the elites¡­. But Su Keqing knew that these elites were wolves in sheep¡¯s clothing. Once there was a conflict of interest, they would not hesitate to tear off their masks and reveal their bloody fangs! Just then, a handsome young man with a noble aura walked in. Seeing him, Yu Xun, Jiang Song, and the others immediately showed expressions of awe, standing up and bowing: ¡°Young Master Qin.¡± Their respect was as if they were servants before this young man which startled Su Keqing! It was too exaggerated, wasn¡¯t it? The young man was, of course, Qin Xian. He nced at the beauties in the room, a few of whom looked familiar, likely celebrities. He understood; this must have been arranged by Yu Xun and the others. The empire had stood for a thousand years, and the decadent lifestyle of the elites was no secret. Qin Xian was no stranger to it; wine and women often went hand in hand, and such entertainment wasmon at elite gatherings. In fact, the capital yed even more extravagantly¡­. Chapter 7 - Perform But Dont Sell? Chapter 7: Perform But Don¡¯t Sell? At the banquet, the atmosphere was lively, filled with clinking sses andughter. People frequently left their seats to toast Qin Xian. ¡°Young Master Qin, I toast to you.¡± Yu Xun approached Qin Xian with a bottle of baijiu, showing great respect, and downed the entire bottle in one go! Qin Xian smiled slightly, raised his ss to clink with him, and took a small sip. Yet, Young Master Yu, the son of the Speaker, looked delighted, as if having Qin Xian drink with him was a great honor! Su Keqing and several female artists exchanged nces, feeling deeply shocked. Young Master Yu was the son of the Speaker of the province. Since when did he lower himself so much? Who on earth is this Young Master Qin? Su Keqing sat beside Qin Xian, constantly sneaking nces at him. From the moment she first saw Qin Xian, the impression he gave Su Keqing was of sheer handsomeness. His face was as if sculpted, with well-defined features and sharp angles, extraordinarily handsome, like a person stepping out of a painting or the perfect statue created by an artist, wless. In the entertainment industry, she had seen many handsome men. But those male stars couldn¡¯tpare to Qin Xian at all; they were like beggars! It wasn¡¯t just the difference in appearance; it was also in their aura! Qin Xian had a very noble aura, one that couldn¡¯t be acted, a natural presence cultivated from a young age, sitting high above. Though he didn¡¯t speak much, every word left a deep impression on others. Drawing widespread agreement. Through Qin Xian¡¯s conversations with Yu Xun and others, Su Keqing finally confirmed Qin Xian¡¯s identity. He was the eldest young master of the Qin family in the Imperial Capital, the only son of Lord Qin Ming, the ruling official! When Su Keqing realized Qin Xian¡¯s identity, she and the other female artists were utterly shocked, staring at Qin Xian with mouths agape. In the Shenlong Empire, no one was unaware of the weight the name Qin carried. The Qin family had stood atop the Empire for a thousand years, one of the Empire¡¯s top families. The current head of the Qin family was one of the three great leaders of the Empire, the ruler of the Cardinal Council, second only to the Regent! Su Keqing felt nothing but shock and there was even a sense of unreality. Although she was a superstar and had met many important figures, someone like Qin Xian was only something she¡¯d heard of, feeling very distant. Yet, she was now sitting beside Qin Xian? For a moment, Su Keqing felt dizzy, but then Su Keqing realized an even more terrifying thing. Qin Xian had just arrived in Donghai City from the Imperial Capital today, which meant¡­ the one who caused Lin Feng¡¯s career change failure was Qin Xian!? Thinking of this, Su Keqing¡¯s heart was in turmoil¡­. She knew that with Qin Xian¡¯s identity, Lin Feng wouldn¡¯t stand a chance for revenge. Just knowing Qin Xian¡¯s identity would put Lin Feng in danger! After an indeterminate amount of time, the banquet finally ended. Yu Xun and others prepared to leave the club with their femalepanions, and Su Keqing knew what was going to happen next. Those female artists weren¡¯t just willing; they were eager. After all, they knew that getting close to these elites could significantly benefit their careers. If they were lucky enough to marry into a wealthy family, it would be a step into the heavens! Of course, if possible, they preferred to associate with Qin Xian, but¡­ Qin Xian¡¯s status was too high, so high it intimidated the female artists! Su Keqing was ready to go home; she prided herself on her integrity and didn¡¯t want to use such means to climb the ranks. She became a singer not for fame and fortune but because she purely loved singing. ¡°Keqing, wait a moment.¡± In the corridor, Jiang Song called out to Su Keqing. ¡°President Jiang, is something the matter? I was just about to go home.¡± Jiang Song showed a strange smile and shook his head: ¡°Don¡¯t go home tonight; apany Young Master Qin.¡± Though he hadn¡¯t made it explicit, Su Keqing understood Jiang Song¡¯s meaning. Su Keqing¡¯s heart stopped for a moment, and she quickly refused: ¡°President Jiang, I remember we agreed when I signed that I would only perform and not sell myself.¡± Upon hearing Su Keqing¡¯s refusal, Jiang Song¡¯s smile vanished, reced by a somber look, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m discussing this with you?¡± Seeing the malice on Jiang Song¡¯s face, Su Keqing was immediately frightened, aware of Jiang Song¡¯s power and methods. Not to mention, her parents now worked for apany under the Thousand Waves Guild. Despite her current poprity, as a beloved superstar, Jiang Song could easily ruin her, her parents¡­ Seeing the fear on Su Keqing¡¯s face, Jiang Song¡¯s tone softened slightly: ¡°You know Young Master Qin¡¯s status. Bing his woman is the dream of countless women! I¡¯m not harming you; I¡¯m helping you!¡± Su Keqing didn¡¯t refute because she knew¡­ Jiang Song was telling the truth! ¡°If you be Young Master Qin¡¯s woman, you¡¯ll reach the pinnacle. Even I would have to address you as Miss Su.¡± Jiang Song looked at Su Keqing with indifference. Since Su Keqing¡¯s debut, he had been protecting her. Did you think it was because he admired her? Nonsense! To him, Su Keqing was just a gift, a carefully selected present to please those above. Before the gift is delivered, he had to ensure it was unopened. Young Master Qin¡¯s visit to Donghai City was a rare opportunity! Using Su Keqing to please Qin Xian would benefit not just him but the Thousand Waves Guild behind him. So he couldn¡¯t afford to miss this chance! Hearing Jiang Song¡¯s threats and persuasion, a mix of carrot and stick, Su Keqing felt her mind in turmoil. Firstly, she just wanted to sing purely, and secondly, because of Lin Feng. She viewed Lin Feng as a brother, yet Qin Xian had destroyed Lin Feng¡¯s future. But at that moment, Su Keqing was stunned to realize that she felt no hatred for Qin Xian! Even more so¡­ the idea of serving Qin Xian didn¡¯t provoke much resistance. Perhaps it was because¡­ Qin Xian was too handsome and noble. Truthfully, serving Qin Xian might not even be a loss¡­. With a confused heart, Su Keqing finally nodded. ¡­ For Qin Xian, today¡¯s banquet was not particrly substantial; it was merely to foster connections with the families in Donghai. His true targets were Lin Yu and Lin Feng. With the Qin family¡¯s power, they could easily crush these two ants, but thereiny the problem. If dealing with a noble family, the Qin family¡¯s swift and decisive action wouldn¡¯t raise much concern. But Lin Yu¡¯s status was too low, so low that if the Qin family acted directly, it would arouse suspicion from other factions. Otherwise, why would the Qin family target ordinary people? The Arcane Source was something the Qin family wanted to keep hidden, creating further constraints. Despite the Qin family¡¯s immense power, as one of the Empire¡¯s top families, they were not yet the rulers of the Empire and couldn¡¯t actwlessly. Qin Xian narrowed his eyes, looking at the distant city center, at the magnificent giant statue. The Empire¡¯s Regent, the strongest of the current era, Level 90 Star River Sword Saint¡ªLu Ji! Chapter 8 - Lin Yu Chapter 8: Lin Yu ¡°Young Master Qin, I¡¯m sorry for the inadequate hospitality today¡­¡± Jiang Song approached with Su Keqing, smiling: ¡°Keqing, spend some more time with Young Master Qin. Hehe, I¡¯ll be leaving now.¡± With that, he bowed slightly to Qin Xian and respectfully withdrew. Qin Xian looked at the somewhat shy Su Keqing beside him and immediately understood Jiang Song¡¯s intention. This was a gift prepared for him. In truth, Qin Xian wasn¡¯t particrly lustful. With his status, what kind of woman couldn¡¯t he find? At a certain level, beauty is the cheapest resource¡­. However, Qin Xian didn¡¯t refuse. He knew that Su Keqing was a Star Singer, and her profession¡¯s trait, Intimacy Aura, could increase experience gain speed by 10%. This might not seem important in the early stages. But at higher levels, especially after Level 40, each level requires a massive amount of experience. This buff that increases experience gain speed bes incredibly valuable. His subordinates had indeed put some thought into this gift¡­ Looking at the delicate beauty before him, Qin Xian smiled slightly and epted the gift. ¡­ Lin Feng returned home, feeling inexplicably irritable after parting with Su Keqing, unable to calm down. ¡°How did your job awakening go?¡± His adoptive father, Lin Yu, had already returned and asked directly. Lin Yu wore a white vest, looking like an ordinary middle-aged man, unremarkable. In the eyes of outsiders, he was just a butcher¡ªamon meat shop owner. But Lin Feng knew that his adoptive father was definitely not simple! After being adopted by Lin Yu, he had been continuously trained and taken by his adoptive father to the suburbs outside the city to venture into dungeons alone. So although Lin Feng was only a Level 1 Non-Specialist, his attribute points wereparable to a Level 5 professional! Lin Feng had even witnessed a Level 30 dangerous elite monster being killed in an instant by Lin Yu with a single finger, then cooked by Lin Yu for Lin Feng to eat. Such strength could make someone a city lord. Yet his adoptive father Lin Yu was still willing to be just a butcher. However, Lin Yu never talked about his past, and Lin Feng never asked because he felt that once his adoptive father was willing to tell him, he would naturally say so. Otherwise, asking would be pointless. Lin Feng shook his head, still bearing resentment on his face: ¡°I failed the job change.¡± ¡°Failed the career change?¡± Lin Yu looked surprised at his adopted son: ¡°Is it even possible to fail?¡± Lin Feng gritted his teeth: ¡°My awakening ceremony was disrupted; a spiritual powered ne descended on Donghai City today!¡± Lin Yu¡¯s expression immediately became serious: ¡°What did your school say?¡± ¡°The principal made a call, but it was useless. That person seems to have aplicated background! But I will definitely get revenge!¡± Hearing that even the principal¡¯s call was ineffective, Lin Yu¡¯s expression grew more cautious. Since His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s disappearance, the Empire¡¯s elites have be increasinglywless. But cases of openly viting Imperialws are still rare, especially on the day of the awakening ceremony. This unusual situation immediately made Lin Yu vignt because he knew that over the years, the Qin family had been searching for him! However, Lin Yu¡¯s biggest regret was Lin Feng¡¯s failed job change. Over the years, he had poured countless efforts into cultivating Lin Feng! As long as Lin Feng could sessfully transition, he would absolutely soar to great heights! ¡°So you¡¯re a Non-Specialist?¡± Lin Feng exhaled a long breath, bitterly saying: ¡°An SS-level Non-Specialist¡­¡± ¡°What!? An SS-level Non-Specialist!?¡± Upon hearing this, Lin Yu¡¯s expression changed dramatically. He stood stunned for a long time before sighing, ¡°Fate, could this be fate¡­.¡± ¡°Old man, what are you talking about?¡± Lin Feng looked at his adoptive father suspiciously, wondering if he was so shocked by his failed career change that he had lost his senses. Lin Yu came back to himself, giving Lin Feng a deep look before saying, ¡°Come with me.¡± Lin Yu led Lin Feng into his bedroom, his expression bing solemn. He looked at Lin Feng and suddenly asked, ¡°How long have I been your adoptive father?¡± ¡°Ten years. You adopted me from the orphanage when I was eight.¡± Lin Yu nodded, then fell silent for a while, seeming to make a great decision. ¡°You¡¯ve always been curious about my past, haven¡¯t you? Now that you¡¯vee of age, it¡¯s time I tell you some things.¡± Lin Yu¡¯s aura suddenly changed from an ordinary middle-aged man to one of majesty and solemnity, like a war god! ¡°I am a former Imperial Major General, a Level 52 Crimson Lotus Knight, and once His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s guard.¡± Lin Feng was shocked, his mouth agape. He had never imagined that his adoptive father had such a prestigious background! A former Imperial Major General and once a confidant of the Emperor!? ¡°Then how did you end up like this, old man?¡± Lin Yu said ndly, ¡°You¡¯ve heard of the K77 Catastrophe, right?¡± Lin Feng nodded; every citizen of the Empire knew about the K77 Catastrophe, one of the greatest defeats suffered by the Empire¡¯s military at the Void Frontline. In the K77 area of the Void Frontline, the Empire¡¯s military was attacked by Void creatures. Thirteen legions werepletely wiped out, and 22 Level 50 powerhouses perished, crippling the main force of the Empire¡¯s Northern Army. At that time, the entire nation was shaken, leading to the mass resignation of allmanding officers in the military operations office. To this day, the Empire holds annualmemorations to honor the heroic souls who sacrificed themselves for humanity¡­. Lin Yu remained expressionless, but his eyes shed with a deep-seated hatred. ¡°What if I told you that the destruction of the thirteen legions in the K77 Catastrophe wasn¡¯t due to the Void creatures or an ident? But was man-made?¡± ¡°What!?¡± Lin Feng was stunned, feeling his scalp tingle: ¡°You mean someone orchestrated the K77 Catastrophe? Who could be so audacious! Aren¡¯t they afraid of exposure?¡± ¡°Exposure?¡± Lin Yu sneered: ¡°They control the Cardinal Council. Who dares investigate them?¡± Chapter 9 - The Despairing Truth Chapter 9: The Despairing Truth Lin Feng¡¯s face was filled with shock. The Cardinal Council, the power center of the Empire, along with the Military and the Parliament, formed the Empire¡¯s three pirs of power. The Cardinal Council was responsible for formting the Empire¡¯s strategic ns in all aspects, the Military handled military affairs, and the Parliament was in charge of legition. Among these, the Empire¡¯s Cardinal Council wielded the greatest and broadest power. Various departments, including the Police Department, the Constitutional Order Department, and the Traffic Control Department, all fell under the Cardinal Council¡¯s jurisdiction. Controlling the Cardinal Council¡­ does that mean!? ¡°Old man, are you saying¡­ the ruling Qin, the Imperial Capital¡¯s Qin family?¡± Qin Ming, the ruler of the Cardinal Council, was one of the Empire¡¯s five legendary powerhouses, a Level 89 super powerhouse, a stabilizing force for the human world, standing at the pinnacle of the world. The Qin family of the Imperial Capital was a historically powerful aristocratic family, with influence permeating the Empire. A despair-inducing behemoth! ¡°During the K77 Catastrophe, I was the actingmander of the Empire¡¯s Northern Army, Pris Legion.¡± ¡°At that time, there were intense energy fluctuations in the K77 area of the Void Frontline. ording to intelligence analysis, the Military believed that a Void Lord was about to be born in the K77 area.¡± Void Lord. Lin Feng was startled, feeling the suffocating tension in just a few words. For a thousand years, humanity has been fighting Void creatures. Void creatures are divided into several levels, from the most ordinary Void creatures to Void Elites, Void Generals, and Void Lords. Void Lords are the most powerful of the Void creatures, possessing true names, being cunning, treacherous, and brutally powerful. Each Void Lord is a great enemy of the human world! ¡°So the Military ordered the main force of the Northern Army to assemble in the K77 area, preparing to encircle this soon-to-be-born Void Lord. The Pris Legion I led was also part of the operation.¡± ¡°But no one expected¡­¡± Lin Yu¡¯s face showed deep hatred, ¡°This operation was nothing but a trap! In the K77 area, there was no Void Lord about to be born! There was only a Void Beacon, a signal source used to attract Void creatures!¡± ¡°When the thirteen main legions arrived, the entire K77 area¡¯s space was immediately sealed, and countless Void creatures, attracted by the Void Beacon, suddenly attacked our rear!¡± ¡°There were also four Void Lords and more than a dozen Void Generals! The situation was chaotic, and the battlested three days and three nights, yet we received no support!¡± ¡°Thirteen entire legions, hundreds of thousands of people were surrounded by Void creatures in the K77 area and annihted!¡± Lin Feng¡¯s eyes widened, feeling his scalp tingle. The truth of the K77 Catastrophe turned out to be this! Lin Yu¡¯s face was grim, filled with painful memories: ¡°The Pris Legion I led suffered heavy losses and could only fight desperately to break through.¡± ¡°At that time, the space had already shattered, and I escaped into the Void, only to discover the Qin family was cultivating a Arcane Source in the K77 area!¡± ¡°The Arcane Source is a treasure from the Void, rumored to possess the power to control the Void and have infinite mysteries. The so-called K77 operation was a trap.¡± ¡°The Qin family used the blood of hundreds of thousands of professionals to cultivate the Arcane Source!¡± At this point, Lin Yu could no longer hold back and mmed the table hard. After calming down, he said solemnly, ¡°The Qin family¡¯s strongmen also discovered me and pursued me through the Void rift. Fortunately, having served as His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s guard, I had received a reward from the Emperor.¡± ¡°Relying on that treasure, I escaped from the K77 area and even seized the Arcane Source from the Qin family¡¯s numerous strongmen! Over the years, the Qin family has been tracking me, so I have been in hiding.¡± ¡°I bought an identity on the ck market and came to Donghai City to live incognito. Later, I adopted you¡­¡± Lin Feng was moved, his heart filled with indignation, and he empathized with the tragic scene. He was full of disgust for the Qin family in the Imperial Capital! ¡°Why not report the Qin family in the Imperial Capital? If the truth were revealed, no matter how powerful the Qin family is, they would have to be eliminated, right?¡± Lin Yu remained expressionless, shaking his head: ¡°How to report? After the K77 Catastrophe, allmanding officers in the Military¡¯s operations office resigned. In addition, six colonels and seventeen lieutenantsmitted suicide¡­ all clues were cut off. Do you think¡­ they all reallymitted suicide?¡± ¡°Even if I reported it, what would it achieve? The Cardinal Council, the Police Department, the Constitutional Order Department, the Military¡¯s departments, and the General Staff are filled with the Qin family¡¯s people.¡± ¡°If I reported it today, tomorrow the Qin family¡¯s people would find me and kill me under the charge of treason.¡± Lin Feng fell silent, feeling suffocated, realizing the enemies his adoptive father faced over the years! The Qin family¡¯s viciousness and ruthlessness were truly despair-inducing! ¡°What about the Regent? The Regent wouldn¡¯t let the Qin family act unchecked, right?¡± Lin Feng suddenly thought of something and asked urgently. Lu Ji, the Empire¡¯s strongest, a Level 90 Star River Sword Saint. After His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s disappearance, he became the Regent, quickly stabilizing the Empire, ruling for twenty years. He was arguably the only one who could somewhat restrain the Qin family. Lin Yu continued shaking his head: ¡°Lord Lu Ji is indeed suppressing these aristocratic families, but he won¡¯t break with the Qin family for this. After all, he¡¯s just the Regent, not the Emperor, and his prestige is insufficient.¡± ¡°If they fall out, the entire Empire would plunge into civil war.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t there anyone to check the Qin family?¡± Lin Feng couldn¡¯t help but feel hopeless. ¡°There is!¡± Lin Yu said solemnly, ¡°There is onest hope, and that is His Majesty the Emperor! As long as His Majesty the Emperor returns, with his prestige, those armies and provinces would not follow the Qin family.¡± ¡°But¡­ His Majesty the Emperor has been missing for twenty years.¡± ¡°The Arcane Source! I¡¯ve been studying the mysteries of the Arcane Source all these years; it can control the power of the Void. We can use the Arcane Source to delve deep into the Void and retrieve His Majesty the Emperor!¡± Lin Yu¡¯s eyes seemed to burn with fire: ¡°I suspect that His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s disappearance was also rted to the Qin family¡­¡± Chapter 10 - Wear Your Green Hat Well Chapter 10: Wear Your Green Hat Well Lin Feng was almost stunned. The disappearance of His Majesty the Emperor was also rted to the Qin family!??? The Shenlong Empire¡¯s Emperor, Ying Qi, was the third emperor of the Empire. He was wise and powerful, with unmatched strength, a Level 99 SSS-ss Dragon Vein user, standing tall in the human world! Throughout the Empire, he held the highest prestige and was a spiritual symbol in the hearts of all citizens. Twenty years ago, the Emperor led the Imperial Guards in a campaign against the Void. The campaign was initially very sessful, with outstanding achievements, killing over a dozen Void Lords. However, the entire Imperial Guards was annihted, and His Majesty mysteriously disappeared. At that moment, it was as if the sky had fallen for the Empire; the people were terrified, and even other nations began to eye the Empire covetously! It was the most critical moment since the Empire¡¯s founding! Fortunately, Lord Lu Ji rose to the asion, serving as Regent, bncing the major forces and stabilizing the situation. To this day, the Emperor¡¯s disappearance remains a sore point for the Empire. Gradually, however, the Empire began to get used to life without the Emperor. But Lin Feng never imagined that the Emperor¡¯s disappearance was also a conspiracy!? Lin Yu quietly watched his adoptive son and said solemnly, ¡°That¡¯s my past, Xiaofeng. Although I adopted you, we have no blood rtion. You also understand how terrifying the enemies I face are.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re afraid, you can sever ties with me now. There¡¯s still time.¡± Lin Feng felt as if he were being swept into a massive vortex filled with intrigue and danger. The enemy was the gigantic Qin family in the Imperial Capital. Yet he felt no fear. Instead, he felt a faint excitement and thrill! Seeing the determination in Lin Feng¡¯s eyes, Lin Yu smiled. He knew Lin Feng¡¯s character well enough to be sure he wouldn¡¯t back down. He nodded, saying calmly, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to drag you into this, but your job change failed, and you became an SS-level Non-Specialist. It seems to be fate.¡± At this, Lin Feng felt very depressed: ¡°What¡¯s special about an SS-level Non-Specialist?¡± Lin Yu smiled slightly, and a hexagram crystal suddenly appeared in his hand, emitting a strange purple light that was unsettling. The purple light seemed to captivate people, making it hard to resist its allure. Within the crystal, there appeared to be an energy capable of destroying the world! [Arcane Source: Legendary item, originating from the Void, wielding the power of the Void, ???]. ¡°The Arcane Source is a legendary item that can only be worn by professions above S-level, but the Arcane Source originates from the Void, which human professions are inherently opposed to.¡± ¡°You are different. Your career change failed, making you an SS-level Non-Specialist, which, due to theck of professional traits, allows you to wear the Arcane Source and use its power!¡± ¡°With the Arcane Source, you can venture deep into the Void and search for His Majesty the Emperor!¡± Lin Feng hadn¡¯t expected that his career change failure would turn out to be a blessing in disguise! Could he really be the child of destiny!? At this moment, a powerful sense of confidence filled Lin Feng¡¯s chest, making him feel immensely powerful. Even though the enemy was the Qin family of the Imperial Capital, Lin Feng felt neither nervous nor fearful. He only needed some time. Once he developed his abilities and found His Majesty, the Emperor. The Qin family would be nothing but a paper tiger! Lin Yu handed the Arcane Source to Lin Feng: ¡°Study the Arcane Source first. I have some matters to investigate¡­.¡± As a former Imperial Major General who had evaded the Qin family¡¯s pursuit for years, his counter-surveince skills were exceptional, and he was very alert to any disturbances. When Lin Feng mentioned the spiritual powered ne earlier, he sensed something amiss and grew more cautious. He needed to investigate further¡­ ¡­ After Lin Yu left, Lin Feng took the Arcane Source and closed his eyes tightly to sense its power. After an indeterminate amount of time, Lin Feng opened his eyes, his face filled with joy. This Arcane Source¡­ it¡¯s truly extraordinary! After wearing the Arcane Source, Lin Feng found that his five attributes increased by 50%, a passive effect of the Arcane Source. [Power of the Arcane Source: Increases the cap for all attribute points.]. Because Lin Feng was at a low level and his five attributes were not high, a 50% increase didn¡¯t seem much. But as his level increased, this effect would be incredibly powerful, boosting hisbat strength by 50%, growing more potent with each level! In addition, Lin Feng gained two new skills. [Summon Tide Insect: Summons two Level 10 Void Tide Insects. This skill can be upgraded.]. [Void Mark: Marks an area, and the inhabitants of the Void will tear through space, appearing here to fight for you!]. Unfortunately, as Lin Yu mentioned, being an SS-level Non-Specialist meant Lin Feng could barely wear the Arcane Source. Many skills and traits couldn¡¯t be unlocked or used. After all, it¡¯s a treasure from the Void¡­. Lin Feng clenched his fists tightly, feeling his body brimming with strength. ¡°That bastard¡­.¡± A trace of coldness shed in Lin Feng¡¯s eyes. Although he gained an unexpected advantage from his job change failure by using the Arcane Source, he still harbored hatred for the person who disrupted the ceremony! Previously, he felt he had no grounds for confidence after his job change failure. Now that he possessed the Arcane Source, no matter who the opponent was, he would seek revenge! He would destroy him! A confident smile spread across Lin Feng¡¯s face as he nced at the photo of himself and Su Keqing on his bedside, his heart stirred. It was already past 10 PM. He wondered how Su Keqing was doing and if her social engagement had ended. Now that he had the Arcane Source, he was capable of protecting Su Keqing! He wanted to tell Su Keqing that from now on, no one could force her to do anything she didn¡¯t want to do! Lin Feng dialed Su Keqing¡¯s number, but after waiting a long time, no one answered. Lin Feng¡¯s heart sank as for some reason, he suddenly felt extremely uneasy! He called several more times in session, but no one picked up. What was going on!? Lin Feng stood up with a start, his mind in turmoil. Previously, when he called Su Keqing, she would always answer immediately! Could she have forgotten her phone? Or maybe she didn¡¯t notice? Or perhaps¡­ something happened? Thinking of this, Lin Feng¡¯s previous joy vanished, leaving only worry and agitation. He kept dialing, making more than a dozen calls! Finally, the call connected. ¡°Sister Keqing, what happened? Why didn¡¯t you answer earlier?!¡± Lin Feng asked urgently. The other end of the line was silent for a moment before Su Keqing¡¯s voice came through, but her voice sounded a bit strange. ¡°Uh¡­ uh¡­ I¡­ I was busy earlier, so I didn¡¯t¡­ uh-huh¡­ didn¡¯t see, Xiaofeng¡­.¡± Chapter 11 - The Agony of Lin Feng Chapter 11: The Agony of Lin Feng Hearing Su Keqing¡¯s strange voice, Lin Feng felt suspicious. Why does Keqing¡¯s voice sound so strange? Lin Feng asked with concern, ¡°Sister Keqing, what¡¯s wrong with you? Are you okay?¡± ¡°Nothing¡­ mm¡­ ah¡­ nothing, Xiaofeng¡­ I have something to do¡­ mm¡­ I¡¯ll hang up first!¡± On the other end, there was a faint pping sound. Although Lin Feng was just a high school student, he wasn¡¯t entirely naive, and his suspicions grew. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Sister Keqing, what exactly is happening over there? Where are you? What are you doing?¡± ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll hang up now.¡± Su Keqing¡¯s voice was a bit flustered before she hung up. The line went dead with a series of busy tones¡­ Lin Feng¡¯s body trembled slightly, and his expression was extremely grim. In reality, Lin Feng already knew what had happened; he just didn¡¯t want to believe it! He couldn¡¯t ept it! He didn¡¯t even dare to think about it! Lin Feng¡¯s heart was filled with pain and agitation, his mind a nk. Su Keqing was the goddess in his heart; he had fallen in love with her since childhood. He regarded Su Keqing as a treasure, believing she was the kindest girl in the world, worthy of his lifelong protection. He was convinced that he would be with Su Keqing, living happily ever after. Now, Su Keqing was enjoying herself on another man¡¯s body! Thinking of this, Lin Feng felt dizzy, his heart bleeding! Everything stemmed from tonight¡¯s social engagement! Lin Feng knew that Su Keqing was a person who valued her purity and would never voluntarily apany another man. She must have been forced! Lin Feng¡¯s eyes were bloodshot, veins throbbing on his forehead, overwhelmed with pain and frustration, desperately wanting to rescue Su Keqing and kill that man! ¡°I want to kill him!¡± ¡°I want to kill him!¡± ¡°I want to kill him!¡± The voice grew quieter as Lin Feng¡¯s body became more rigid. Eventually, he remained motionless, like a statue¡­ ¡­ Donghai City, Nanshan Vi. In the center of a luxurious bedroom stood arge bed. Su Keqing, panting, gave Qin Xian a coquettish nce, her heart a mix of emotions. She had just given her first time to someone else. Su Keqing had fantasized countless times that her first time would be with the one she loved most, after a grand white wedding, but today, she became Qin Xian¡¯s ything¡­ However, she had no choice. Could she refuse someone of Qin Xian¡¯s status? If she displeased Qin Xian, he might not care, but Jiang Song would surely make her life unbearable, bringing disaster to her family and friends! At this point, Su Keqing resigned herself to fate. Moreover, with Qin Xian¡¯s status, appearance, and physique, her internal resistance wasn¡¯t very strong. But Lin Feng¡¯s call earlier¡­ left Su Keqing ashamed and angry. She was aware of Lin Feng¡¯s feelings for her. Although she only saw Lin Feng as a younger brother, the situation just now made Su Keqing feel deeply ashamed! Furthermore, Qin Xian was the one who disrupted Lin Feng¡¯s awakening ceremony, adding to her guilt. All these mixed emotions filled Su Keqing with a hundred feelings, tears welling up in her eyes, full of grievance, truly a pitiful sight¡­. Qin Xian smiled gently, offering a few words offort. To him, Su Keqing was just a toy, not worth any sentiment. However, the post-encounter buff with Su Keqing was indeed extraordinary, increasing experience gain speed. This buff would be even more valuable as time went on. Qin Xian¡¯s leveling speed would greatly increase! For this reason alone, Qin Xian considered keeping Su Keqing around as a buff provider. What surprised Qin Xian was that Su Keqing knew the son of luck, Lin Feng, and seemed to have a good rtionship with him! Earlier, Qin Xian feigned curiosity and inquired about Lin Feng. Su Keqing, not suspecting anything, shared information, thinking Qin Xian didn¡¯t know Lin Feng. Furthermore, Qin Xian had been gentle with her today and polite to the servants,cking the brutality typical of other elite heirs. So, Su Keqing believed Qin Xian to be a good person. Moreover, Su Keqing was a traditional woman at heart. Even though being with Qin Xian wasn¡¯t her choice, now that she had given herself to him, she considered herself his woman. Thus, she didn¡¯t want to hide anything from Qin Xian and spoke about Lin Feng, including his failed awakening¡­ Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help but reflect on his sh with the son of luck. He had unintentionally disrupted Lin Feng¡¯s awakening ceremony, causing his career change to fail. Moreover, he had taken Lin Feng¡¯s goddess. Ruining someone¡¯s future and taking their beloved¡ªthese two deeds were enough to form an unending enmity. And that was not even mentioning the matter with Lin Yu. Just these alone had sown deep hatred. Yet Qin Xian didn¡¯t care because Lin Feng was already on his list to be eliminated. Qin Xian narrowed his eyes, a n forming in his mind¡­ ¡­ In a luxurious apartment in Donghai City. Chen Lingxi put down the phone, her expression dark, her delicate face full of grimness¡­ Chen Beiguo, the Governor of Donghai Province, had deep roots after serving for over ten years. As his daughter, Chen Lingxi naturally had significant influence. What Principal Lu couldn¡¯t uncover, she discovered with a few phone calls, asking for help from several senior officials in the Chen family¡¯s faction. Finally, she learned the identity of the person involved, but that person¡¯s identity was so significant that even Chen Lingxi felt a chill. ¡°The eldest son of the Qin family¡­ Qin Xian¡­¡± As a member of the elite, she understood the weight of that name. Could this really be the end of it!? Chen Lingxi took a deep breath, her eyes showing determination. No! Absolutely not! (TL: This Chen Lingxi is unworthy of the Qin Xian maybe she will die or something?) Chapter 12 - A Mans Growth Chapter 12: A Man¡¯s Growth Although Chen Lingxi was the daughter of the Governor, she was entirely different from elite offspring like Yu Xun and Feng Peng. She didn¡¯t rise to power through her father¡¯s arrangements but chose to be an ordinary teacher at Yizhong. Her father, Chen Beiguo, the Governor of Donghai Province, didn¡¯t interfere with her decision. Besides Principal Lu Yun and a few school leaders, no one knew her true identity. These students were the first batch she had taught. She had invested great effort into them, especially Lin Feng, the genius she greatly valued and loved. After all, any teacher would appreciate a good student. However, Lin Feng failed his job change due to interference in the awakening ceremony. Driven by a sense of justice and her responsibility as a teacher, Chen Lingxi refused to let this go, even though Qin Xian had extraordinary connections! Wrong is wrong! Of course, Chen Lingxi was aware that Qin Xian¡¯s background was formidable; the Qin family of the Imperial Capital was a thousand-year-old behemoth at the Empire¡¯s pinnacle. It was no wonder the bureaucrats were so fearful, but Chen Lingxi had her own confidence. This was Donghai City, not the Imperial Capital! Her father, Chen Beiguo, had been the Governor of Donghai Province for over ten years, deeply rooted in the area. Chen Beiguo himself was a Level 68 powerhouse! More importantly, while Qin Xian had his background, the Chen family wasn¡¯t without support. Chen Beiguo was personally promoted by Regent Lu Ji, a confidant of Lord Lu Ji! The Regent was the nominal ruler of the Empire. Even a family as strong as the Qin family had to bow before the Regent. At least that¡¯s what Chen Lingxi believed. ¡­ Zephyr was a beginner dungeon suitable for levels 1 to 5, dropping white-quality equipment. It was very popr, attracting many students who had just awakened their professions to level up, and some even came to mentor neers. [Ding, congrattions onpleting the Zephyr dungeon in 16 minutes and 11 seconds, earning a 5-star perfect rating!]. [Gained experience: 1300 points.]. [Loot: Miller¡¯s Sword (white quality), Broken Crystal Core (white quality)¡­..]. In the suburbs of Donghai City, at the entrance of the Zephyr dungeon, Lin Feng appeared slowly. People around looked at him in shock. What kind of monster is this!? At the entrance of the Zephyr dungeon, the leaderboard changed again. [First ce: Lin Feng]. [Team Size: 1]. [Time: 16 minutes 11 seconds]. ¡°Wow, solo clear, that¡¯s awesome!¡± ¡°What¡¯s with this guy? How did he beat the BOSS alone?¡± The crowd exploded with chatter, looking at Lin Feng with shock. Although Zephyr was just a beginner dungeon, it wasn¡¯t easy. Especially the final BOSS, Miller the Overseer, was a notorious killer for neers with high attack and defense. Ordinary five-person teams with full TNs (Tank and Healer) had to be cautious, or they could easily be wiped. Yet Lin Feng solo-cleared it in just 16 minutes! ¡°Lin Feng!?¡± A student from Yizhong recognized Lin Feng, their expression mixed. Lin Feng¡¯s job change failure had made him theughingstock of the entire school, aplete failure, but he could solo a dungeon!? What was going on? Wasn¡¯t SS-level Non-Specialist supposed to be useless!? Lin Feng listened to the discussions around him, his expression calm. He nced at his panel, nodding to himself. The Arcane Source¡­ truly defied the heavens! With the Arcane Source, the dungeon monsters were as good as free experience, and the summoned Void Tide Insects crushed them, allowing him to collect experience effortlessly. For the past two days, he had immersed himself in dungeons, hitting the daily limit of 10 runs. He was now Level 4! Although leveling was fast at the start, this speed was still extraordinary! Lin Feng nced at the leaderboard, expressionless, and turned to leave, disappearing from view. Soon, Lin Feng returned home. ¡°You¡¯re Level 4 already?¡± His adoptive father, Lin Yu, smiled with satisfaction, looking at his calm adoptive son. In the past two days, Lin Feng seemed to have changed entirely. Previously, Lin Feng¡¯s personality was somewhat arrogant and proud, but now, he seemed to have grown up overnight, bing veryposed. Although Lin Yu didn¡¯t know what had happened, it was a good thing. Lin Feng¡¯s eyes were dim. Since that night, he hadn¡¯t contacted Su Keqing again. There was no point in contacting her as he understood that many things in the entertainment industry were beyond one¡¯s control. Su Keqing had protected herself well, but when faced with a truly powerful figure forcing her¡­ What could a girl do? He didn¡¯t me Su Keqing; instead, he felt guilty. He had often promised to protect Su Keqing, but when she was forced, he was helpless and he understood one thing clearly. Ultimately, the problem was that he was too weak! If he were a powerhouse, how could Su Keqing be forced!? Strength, he needed strength! Sometimes, a man¡¯s growth truly happens overnight. Therefore, in the past two days, Lin Feng had been leveling up like mad, reaching Level 4 in just a few days! Of course, solely relying on dungeons was not enough. Lin Feng¡¯s real advantage was the Arcane Source; he marveled at its power, which could directly devour various items and convert them into experience points! But Lin Feng noticed that his adoptive father, Lin Yu, seemed a bit gloomy. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Old man, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Lin Yu said gravely, ¡°Things are troublesome. We might have been discovered.¡± ¡°Discovered?¡± Lin Feng was stunned, then realized, ¡°You mean by the Qin family?¡± Lin Yu nodded slowly: ¡°The Qin family arrived in Donghai City a couple of days ago, and they¡¯re likely the ones who disrupted your awakening ceremony. These past few days, there have been people watching our house.¡± As a former Imperial Major General, Lin Yu¡¯s capabilities were unquestionable. In the past two nights, he had secretly infiltrated the Traffic Control Bureau and Donghai City Airport, hacking into the system to find information on the spiritual powered ne! ¡°This time, the eldest son of the Qin family, Qin Xian, has personallye. It¡¯s said that the heirs of several families in Donghai Province, the Provoncial Speaker¡¯s son, and the Young Master of the Thousand Waves Guild all went to the airport to wee him.¡± ¡°The Provincial Council, the Provincial Supervision Office are all filled with Qin family people, as is the Thousand Waves Guild.¡± A trace of coldness appeared on his face: ¡°It seems this time, the Qin family is determined.¡± Chapter 13 - Taking Action Chapter 13: Taking Action Lin Yu was not surprised that his identity had been exposed. Despite being extremely cautious, the Qin family¡¯s influence was too vast, from the central Intelligence Office and various ministries to provinces all over, filled with Qin family members. The fact that the Qin family took over a decade to pinpoint his whereabouts showed how well he had hidden himself. However, Lin Feng could no longer hear what came next because his mind was consumed with one thing. The Thousand Waves Guild also belonged to the Qin family!? Lin Feng knew that Jashi Entertainment, which Su Keqing was signed with, was a subsidiary of the Thousand Waves Guild, and the head of Jashi Entertainment was the scion of the Thousand Waves Guild. Two days ago, Su Keqing was called to a banquet to entertain the eldest son of the Qin family! The man who forced Su Keqing was Qin Xian!!! Lin Feng¡¯s eyes turned blood-red. Qin Xian!!! Qin Xian had interfered with his awakening ceremony, causing his career change to fail and forcing the goddess in his heart, Su Keqing. Ruining his future and stealing his beloved! At this moment, Lin Feng was filled with resentment and hatred toward Qin Xian, his eyes burning with murderous rage! Even a sinister, twisted aura from the void began to emerge around him! Seeing Lin Feng in such a state, Lin Yu frowned, cing a hand on his shoulder. A stream of calming energy washed over him, soothing Lin Feng¡¯s turbulent emotions and killing intent. ¡°Calm down!¡± Lin Yu¡¯s stern voice pulled Lin Feng back from his frenzy. With a deep sigh, Lin Yu looked deeply at Lin Feng: ¡°I don¡¯t know if giving you the Arcane Source was right or wrong.¡± Although powerful and mysterious, the Arcane Source originated from the void. Void signified madness and distortion. Over the years, Lin Yu¡¯s research on the Arcane Source revealed its ability to influence the mind. The reason he adopted Lin Feng was because, even as a child, he exhibited great resistance and mental fortitude against the void¡¯s aura. Yet it seemed the Arcane Source still affected Lin Feng during moments of intense emotion. Taking a deep breath, Lin Feng forced himself to calm down. Seeing the concern in his adoptive father¡¯s eyes, Lin Feng¡¯s face turned resolute, speaking in a firm voice, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can handle it.¡± He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the Qin family acted yet?¡± Lin Yu replied calmly, ¡°For two reasons: First, the college entrance exams are about to begin, and they are much more significant than the awakening ceremony. The whole nation pays attention, and even the Qin family doesn¡¯t want to cause a scene during the exams¡­¡± ¡°Secondly, the Qin family doesn¡¯t want to expose the existence of the Arcane Source!¡± Lin Yu¡¯s face revealed a mocking smile, ¡°In the eyes of the Qin family, we are nothing more than ants. Precisely because we are ants, the Qin family is hesitant to act¡­¡± ¡°If things get out of hand and the Arcane Source is exposed, the Qin family might remain unharmed. But the Regent and other factions will not stand by and let the Qin family im the Arcane Source for themselves.¡± Then he turned to Lin Feng and said, ¡°Tomorrow is the college entrance exam, and representatives from universities across the nation wille to assess students. This is our only chance!¡± ¡°The Empire¡¯s three major academies are the Imperial Capital Academy, the Zhenlong Academy, and the Jixia Academy.¡± ¡°You must get into the Jixia Academy. Although it is not the strongest of the three academies, it has the deepest understanding of void research. Once you¡¯re at Jixia Academy, you can study the power of the void, seek opportunities to venture deep into the void, and find the Emperor!¡± ¡°Moreover, the Jixia Academy is highly independent, beyond the Qin family¡¯s reach. As a student of Jixia Academy, you¡¯ll be under their protection. As long as you¡¯re cautious, the Qin family can¡¯t touch you!¡± Lin Feng slowly nodded, then asked, ¡°What about the Qin family¡¯s people¡­?¡± Lin Yu answered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them. Their target is me. Once your exam is over, I¡¯ll find a way to leave. You will follow the Jixia Academy, and I will contact youter.¡± Lin Feng nodded slowly, his eyes filled with reluctance. Lin Yu was not his biological father, but after living together for so many years, they were as close as father and son. The thought of separation left Lin Feng feeling both reluctant and worried. Lin Yu chuckled lightly and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I managed to escape from the K77 region back then, and I can do it again. After all, I have something the Emperor gave me¡­¡± ¡­ Donghai City, Nanshan Vi. Qin Xian was reading through the documents in his hands, detailing all the investigations on Lin Feng, including his rtionships and personality analysis. Qiu Bo stood respectfully by his side, saying in a solemn voice, ¡°Our people are already monitoring Lin Yu and Lin Feng. We¡¯ve taken control of that entire residential area.¡± Qin Xian asked calmly, ¡°Have they shown any unusual behavior?¡± ¡°No, Lin Feng has been leveling up, and Lin Yu has been running his shop. However, to avoid alerting them, our people haven¡¯t gotten too close.¡± ¡°No unusual behavior means Lin Yu knows we¡¯re here.¡± Qin Xian smiled slightly, casually tossing the documents aside, ¡°We came on a spiritual powered ne and disrupted his adopted son¡¯s ceremony; how could he not suspect?¡± ¡°Everything he does is normal now, just to lull us into a false sense of security. Tomorrow is the college entrance exam. Once Lin Feng is epted into the academy, he will escape. With the academy¡¯s protection, we can¡¯t do anything to Lin Feng, freeing Lin Yu of worries.¡± Qiu Bo¡¯s expression turned cold as he asked, ¡°Do you mean we act after the exams?¡± ¡°No, he was once the Emperor¡¯s trusted aide and received something from the Emperor. Even though he was surrounded, he was able to escape from the K77 region back then. If he uses that thing again, he can escape once more.¡± Qin Xian still wore a smile, speaking softly, ¡°ording to the data, Lin Feng should be his carefully chosen bearer for the Arcane Source. With the Arcane Source, he can venture into the void and find the Emperor.¡± ¡°Moreover, after so many years, they are like father and son. Lin Feng is his weakness.¡± When he mentioned the Emperor, Qin Xian¡¯s eyes shed with mockery. Qin Xian stood up, smiling slightly, and suddenly asked, ¡°Has Chen Beiguo left?¡± A few days ago, a small void creature invasion urred near Donghai City, destroying a town. It was a severe incident, and Chen Beiguo personally went to handle it. ¡°He¡¯s already left.¡± Qiu Bo said solemnly, ¡°When do we act?¡± ¡°Now.¡± Chapter 14 - Youre Not Lin Yu? Fine, Then Youre a Void Cultist Chapter 14: You¡¯re Not Lin Yu? Fine, Then You¡¯re a Void Cultist ¡°Now?¡± Qiu Bo was a little surprised to hear this, not expecting it to happen so suddenly! In his view, even though they had found traces of Lin Yu, killing him and reiming the Arcane Source was still troublesome. After all, it was during the college entrance exam period. Representatives from various academies would arrive tomorrow for the national examination, which garnered nationwide attention. If they acted during the exams, the Regent Government would be extremely furious. Moreover, if the Arcane Source were exposed, it would be a huge problem. Therefore, Qiu Bo believed the best n was to continue monitoring Lin Yu and act after the exams were over. But he never imagined they would strike today, right in the city! Seeing the confusion on Qiu Bo¡¯s face, Qin Xian did not offer any exnation. Everyone viewed Lin Yu as the primary target, but only Qin Xian knew Lin Feng was the child of fortune. He was the truly tricky one, worth caution. A son of luck possesses extraordinary luck, brimming with unlimited potential. If Lin Feng were to be admitted to a top academy, gaining their protection, he would have four years to grow. In four years, who knows how strong he could be? He might very well be a significant threat to the Qin family! Tomorrow was the college entrance exam, and today, the governor of Donghai Province, Chen Beiguo, had left¡ªpresenting an opportunity! Qin Xian decided to take immediate action! Indeed, because Lin Feng¡¯s status was too low¡ªjust an ordinary high school student¡ªthe Qin family targeting him raised suspicion andplications. However, ultimately, it was merely aplication¡­ Two ants to be crushed. There was no need for borate schemes¡­ As long as they obtain the Arcane Source, even if the Regent Government learns of it and bes furious, the price Qin family might pay would be worth it. Once they acquire the Arcane Source, whatever the cost, the Qin family would regain it a thousandfold! Standing with hands sped behind his back, Qin Xian¡¯s eyes gleamed with near-maniacal desire at the thought of the Arcane Source! ¡­ Donghai City, Yaoshan Market. Lin Yu visited his butcher shop once more. He greeted the neighbors; having lived there for over ten years, he was well acquainted with them. He stroked the shop¡¯s counter; the small store wasn¡¯trge, but it was neat and tidy. Lin Yu¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of reluctance. After all, he had been there for over a decade and had grown attached to it. Regrettably, he would have to go on the run again once Lin Feng¡¯s college entrance exam concluded tomorrow. Even so, Lin Yu was filled with hope. Lin Feng was perfectly suited to the Arcane Source. Once he gets into the Jixia Academy, he could venture into the void and search for the Emperor. Once the Emperor returns, everything would improve. The Qin family would face due judgment, and his fallenrades from the K77 Massacre could rest in peace. Even he could return openly and rejoin the military! He had had enough of these years of hiding¡­ Lin Yu could also feel that several eyes were on him from every corner, causing him to scoff inwardly. That¡¯s the benefit of being insignificant. When you¡¯re tiny enough, even the lofty dragons don¡¯t know how to deal with you¡­ Suddenly, Lin Yu¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He turned abruptly and saw a remarkably handsome young man standing with his hands behind his back, curiously examining his little shop. Behind him stood an elderly man with white hair. Lin Yu nced at the old man, and his eyelids twitched. He could sense that this old man was stronger than him! Lin Yu put on a simple smile, ¡°I¡¯m about to close; sorry.¡± The young man smiled and sighed, ¡°Major General Lin Yu, you¡¯ve had a rough time these past years¡­¡± Hearing this, Lin Yu¡¯s heart sank, and his eyes narrowed as he realized the young man¡¯s identity! The eldest son of the Qin family, Qin Xian! Lin Yu maintained a neutral expression and said calmly, ¡°You¡¯ve got the wrong person. My name isn¡¯t Lin Yu, nor am I a major. I¡¯m Lin Ye from the Western Borders, a former mercenary for several guilds, who saved enough to open this little shop in Donghai City.¡± Lin Ye, the alias Lin Yu had used for the past ten years, was an identity bought from the ck market. This identity was wless. Those guilds were all ck market shellpanies, with records that were clear and traceable. After all, his identity cost him millions. All documents were in order, and even the police department wouldn¡¯t find anything suspicious. As long as he denies it, he was Lin Ye, not Lin Yu! Lin Yu wondered what Qin Xian was up to. Was he trying to provoke him into making a mistake? If that was the case, he underestimated him too much! This was Donghai City, and tomorrow was the college entrance exam. As long as he didn¡¯t slip up, he couldn¡¯t believe the Qin family would dare to act in the city! ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Qin Xian showed no anger at Lin Yu¡¯s denial; his gaze was even a bit mocking, as if ridiculing Lin Yu¡¯s ignorance. ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re not Major Lin Yu, then you¡¯re Lin Ye¡­ A void cultist everyone wants to eradicate!¡± Before Lin Yu could react, the silent Qiu Bo suddenly made a move. A surge of intense energy erupted, with four pirs of light shooting up around Qiu Bo, sting toward Lin Yu. Boom¡ª!!! A terrifying explosion obliterated the shop and the surrounding hundreds of meters, everything consumed by the energy, reduced to rubble! Screams and cries echoed like a hellish scene, with severed limbs scattered everywhere. Countless civilians were affected, suffering severe casualties! Lin Yu hovered in mid-air, watching this scene with an incredulous expression, his face filled with disbelief. He never imagined Qin Xian could be this insane! Daring to disregard civilians and strike in a bustling city area!!! Was he mad? The Qin family¡¯s power was vast, but not to the extent of being trulywless! This wasn¡¯t just ignoring thew but challenging it! Even if the Regent feared the Qin family, he couldn¡¯t allow this! Seeing Lin Yu¡¯s disbelief, Qin Xian smiled slightly, revealing an arrest warrant in his hand, ¡°Lin Ye from the Western Border, former member of ck Fox Guild and Scorpio Guild, a 52nd-level Crimson Lotus Knight who has connections with void powers.¡± ¡°A core member void cultist involved in numerous void sacrifice events. Currently lurking in Donghai City, to be killed at all costs. Imperial Police Department, June 22nd Order.¡± Chapter 15 - Lin Yus Predicament Chapter 15: Lin Yu¡¯s Predicament Void cultists are humans who believe in the power of the Void. The Void is the great enemy of the human world. In the depths of the Void, there exists great terror. Evil gods continuously entice humans, aiming to corrupt Earth. The power of the Void is incredibly evil, filled with distortion and madness. However, the Void¡¯s power is also very strong. Thus, some humans began to worship the Void, actively embracing it, bing corrupted by the Void and transforming into Void cultists. Their minds are bewitched by the Void, bing extremely cruel, intent on destroying the human world and ushering in the Void¡¯s arrival. Therefore, for all human nations, Void cultists are absolutely intolerable. Once discovered, they are executed immediately! Lin Yu looked at the arrest warrant in Qin Xian¡¯s hand, and his expression turned extremely grim! He realized he might have underestimated Qin Xian¡¯s sinister ruthlessness! He initially thought that, although he had been discovered by the Qin family, with the college entrance exams imminent, as long as he didn¡¯t admit it, Qin Xian wouldn¡¯t be able to expose his true identity. The Qin family¡¯s power was immense, but they couldn¡¯t possibly risk everyone¡¯s condemnation byunching a massacre in a busy area during the exams! After all, the empire had stood for a thousand years, with its factions deeply intertwined. Not only was there the Regent Lu Ji, but there were also other factions, all keeping an eye on the Qin family! As long as he escaped after the exams and Lin Feng entered Jixia Academy, he would wait for the day the Emperor returned. Lin Yu never imagined Qin Xian would act in the opposite way! Qin Xian didn¡¯t even try to force him into making a mistake to expose his identity. Instead, he directly ced these charges on his current identity! Qin Xian ordered the police department tobel Lin Ye as a Void cultist. As a result, the fake identity Lin Yu painstakingly obtained became his death sentence! Especially since the search warrant was dated the 22nd, which was today, making it even more ironic. This meant the search warrant in Qin Xian¡¯s hand was essentially self-issued¡­ The police department was bing nothing more than the Qin family¡¯s backyard! Lin Yu¡¯s body trembled slightly, filled with anger as he looked around at the wreckage within hundreds of meters of the shop. Those kind, honest neighbors were caught in the crossfire, suffering countless casualties! ¡°How dare you!?!¡± Lin Yu, filled with pain, couldn¡¯t help but shout angrily, ¡°You actually dared to act directly!?¡± Qin Xian¡¯s face showed no expression as he nced at the panicking crowd below, pausing momentarily, with a trace of what seemed like pity in his eyes. Then he said calmly, ¡°You know what I want, Major General Lin Yu. If you had given me that thing from the beginning, they wouldn¡¯t have had to die.¡± Soon, the trace of pity in his eyes vanished, reced by a nearly indifferent determination. ¡°Weakness is a sin, for they are ants and are sacrificed. They can only me themselves for being too weak¡­¡± Lin Yu couldn¡¯t help but roar, ¡°The Regent won¡¯t let you off; even with the Qin family backing you, you can¡¯t massacre civilians!!¡± ¡°No, this was merely a mistake.¡± Qin Xianughed; although his smile was gentle and courteous, warm as jade, to Lin Yu, it seemed exceptionally cruel! ¡°Several hours ago, the Donghai City Police Bureau began evacuation efforts. However, perhaps due to certain errors, the evacuation was not timely enough.¡± ¡°This is what led to so many casualties. Of course, those negligent will be punished ordingly¡­¡± Lin Yu suddenly felt a chill rising from within. This young man was truly terrifying! This was an open plot, a strategy to force him into a desperate situation! If Qin Xian truly intended to tear off the facade, Lin Yu¡¯s careful ns and reliance were nothing against power and background! By acting under the guise of eradicating Void cultists in the city center, even if someone investigated the matter, procedurally, it would be unassable, leaving even the Regent Government speechless! Because Qin Xian had already lined up scapegoats. With so many civilian casualties, they could just push those scapegoats forward to take the fall for dereliction of duty. Having nothing to do with Qin Xian, the Qin family¡¯s eldest son¡­. Such a ruthless tactic! Qiu Bo looked at Lin Yu coldly, expressionless, the 58th-level battle mage steadily exerting pressure. In addition to Qiu Bo, several other powerhouses also appeared in the air. Thoroughly sealing all of Lin Yu¡¯s escape routes. The Qin family meticulously prepared to ensure nothing was left to chance. To guarantee sess, nearly ten level 50 powerhouses were mobilized! Ten level 50 powerhouses could easily destroy a small country. Lin Yu¡¯s heart sank to the bottom. Although he was a Level 52 Crimson Lotus Knight, facing ten level 50 powerhouses, including one level 58, he stood no chance! His only chancey in using the Emperor¡¯s bestowed treasure to tear the space and escape! [Dragon Vein Pearl: Rare Purple Epic, capable of teleporting to any location within 100 kilometers. Recharge time: 3 months.].. During the K77 region incident, he escaped death using the Dragon Vein Pearl. This was why, after knowing his identity was exposed, Lin Yu remained in Donghai City. Lin Yu felt filled with regret and self-me. Just one more day, no, just one more night! Once Lin Feng passes the exams and enters Jixia Academy, receiving its protection, he would immediately activate the Dragon Vein Pearl to leave Donghai City. However, he never anticipated Qin Xian¡¯s decisiveness, willing to sacrifice so many civilians, to act before the exams! He had been careless! Underestimating the Qin family¡¯s determination to reim the Arcane Source! If he were to activate the Dragon Vein Pearl now¡­ What would happen to Lin Feng!? With Qin Xian¡¯s wrath, he might vent it on Lin Feng, even ordering his execution! To him, Lin Feng was not just the bearer of the Arcane Source, the hope of finding the Emperor. He was also his son! How could a father abandon his child? To escape meant Lin Feng would die and to stay meant he would die! At this moment, Lin Yu was caught in a dilemma, but soon, Lin Yu¡¯s gaze became firm, filled with resolve, having made his decision. He couldn¡¯t escape! In his view, the Qin family¡¯s target was him. As long as he doesn¡¯t escape, Lin Feng was insignificant to the Qin family and should remain unnoticed¡­. He wanted Lin Feng to live! To live well! Chapter 16 - The Scent of a Conspiracy Chapter 16: The Scent of a Conspiracy Seeing the resolve of death on Lin Yu¡¯s face, a sneer shed in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. He knew Lin Yu wouldn¡¯t flee anymore. Lin Yu himself was quite tricky. With that teleportation artifact in his possession, he could escape as soon as the Qin family shows up. By that time, with the vastness of the world, the Qin family would need to expend enormous time and resources to track down Lin Yu again. What a pity¡ªeveryone has weaknesses and Lin Feng was Lin Yu¡¯s weakness. Did he think staying behind to attract the Qin family¡¯s attention would lead the Qin family to spare Lin Feng, someone irrelevant? He was mistaken! Qin Xian¡¯s true target was Lin Feng. Although it seemed Lin Yu was beingbeled a Void cultist, the real calction was aimed at Lin Feng! After killing Lin Yu, could the foster child of a Void cultist still participate in the college entrance examination? Furthermore, Qin Xian had spected that the Arcane Source was with Lin Feng! In this world, no one knew the Arcane Source better than the Qin family, since it was cultivated by the Qin family. Human-awakened professions could not equip the Arcane Source. But Lin Feng, being an SS-level Non-Specialist, could. In the past two days, through investigations into Lin Feng, Qin Xian discovered Lin Feng had leveled up four times in just two or three days, which further confirmed this point. Qin Xian looked at the despairing Lin Yu and instructed indifferently, ¡°Kill him.¡± With Qin Xian¡¯smand, many Qin family experts charged towards Lin Yu! Though there were still civilians around, they showed no hesitation. They were loyal to Qin Xian, and only Qin Xian¡¯s orders mattered to them¡­. Even if standing before them was not Lin Yu but the Regent, they would attack without hesitation! ¡­¡­. The Qin family¡¯s actions in the urban area, leading to countless civilian casualties, immediately rmed the entire Donghai City. ¡°What¡¯s going on!?¡± Meng Zhou, themander of the Donghai City Police Department, was both shocked and furious. He urgently gathered his subordinates to head to the incident location, angrily shouting. He had just received news that there was fighting in the urban area, resulting in numerous casualties! ¡°It seems there was a Void cultist in the city center, and someone started chasing them, leading to a fight.¡± An official responsible for police operations looked at the police system¡¯s notification and spoke dumbfoundedly. ¡°A Void cultist!?¡± Meng Zhou was taken aback and then asked with confusion, ¡°Why didn¡¯t I know about this!?¡± ¡°It appears to be¡­ a direct order from the Empire¡¯s Police Department.¡± ¡°Why was I not informed!?¡± Meng Zhou¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. As themander of the Donghai City Police Department, with a direct order from the Police Department regarding a Void cultist in Donghai City, this should have been an extremely important major operation. He, as themander, was entirely in the dark! No one could answer this question¡­. Everyone looked at each other in confusion. From beginning to end, this matter reeked of strangeness and oddity. He smelled the scent of a conspiracy, but now was not the time to dwell on these matters. Meng Zhou led the powerhouses of the police department, rushing to the scene of the incident! A few days ago, nearby Donghai City, a Void cultist had also conducted a sacrificial ceremony causing an entire town was massacred. Governor Chen Beiguo and the heads of the Police Department, including major figures like Zhou Gu, had all gone to handle it. Now in Donghai City, he held the highest rank within the police system. If this matter wasn¡¯t handled well, it wasn¡¯t just him¡ªGovernor Chen Beiguo might also be affected! As someone handpicked and cultivated by Chen Beiguo, Meng Zhou could not allow such a situation to ur! ¡­¡­¡­ Boom¡ª¡ª!!! Terrifying power erupted continuously, turning the entire urban area into a deadly battlefield full of carnage! Faced with the siege of many powerhouses, Lin Yu¡¯s eyes were filled with determination. His body burst forth, charging directly towards Qin Xian! He couldn¡¯t escape, so he might as well go all out and make a desperate stand! To take control of Qin Xian! Qin Xian was the young master of the Qin family. If he could seize Qin Xian, with Qin Xian as a hostage, perhaps there might still be a turnaround! It must be said, Lin Yu was indeed a former major general of the Empire, once a rising star in the military. This time, Qin Xian had brought ten level 50 experts. Yet, even with so many level 50 experts working together, they couldn¡¯t stop Lin Yu. Lin Yu¡¯s body, like a meteor, was unstoppable! ¡°Courting death!¡± Seeing through Lin Yu¡¯s intentions, Qiu Bo, who hadn¡¯t acted until now, had a sh of chilling killing intent in his eyes. His body suddenly emitted a dazzling light, and a massive hexagram magic array appeared behind him. Within the magic array, countless red rune chains emerged, directly sealing the space around Lin Yu, tightly controlling him in mid-air, unable to move at all! In the next moment, in front of Lin Yu, a ming spear condensed, ready to pierce his chest. At that moment, an angry shout rang out. ¡°Stop!!!!!¡± Chapter 17 - Unfortunately, Youre Not Anymore Chapter 17: Unfortunately, You¡¯re Not Anymore On the battlefield, a slender figure suddenly appeared. It was Lin Feng! Lin Feng looked angrily at the many Qin family experts. He mournfully gazed at the ruins around him, where those he once knew¡ªthe neighbors and friends¡ªhad almost all perished in the battle¡¯s aftermath! Bound by the rune chains, Lin Yu was constantly coughing up blood, with lingering shock in his eyes over Qiu Bo¡¯s strength. This old man¡­ His strength was already nearing level 60! Moreover, these rune chains weren¡¯t ordinary skills; they were Divine Skills! Divine Skills were the most powerful skills humans could learn, gifts bestowed upon humanity by the gods tobat the void. Learning Divine Skills also required an enormous price. Such strength could directly earn him the rank of lieutenant general in the military! Even though he was a level 52 Crimson Lotus Knight, he had no chance of victory against Qiu Bo, who was level 58 and possessed Divine Skills! But Lin Yu¡¯s concern was not this; it was Lin Feng! He looked at Lin Feng with eyes full of urgency and anxiety. ¡®You shouldn¡¯t havee!¡¯ Lin Feng understood his foster father¡¯s gaze. He knew the Qin family was targeting them. The most sensible choice would have been to hide, then take the college entrance exam and get into the Jixia Academy, but he couldn¡¯t do it!!! That was his foster father, who had raised him for ten years, teaching him day and night, with a debt of gratitude as heavy as a mountain! How could he stand by and watch Lin Yu be killed!? When Lin Feng appeared, Qiu Bo and the other Qin family experts focused on the boy, their gazes unfriendly. Under the scrutiny of so many top experts, Lin Feng felt an unparalleled pressure. He was only level 4¡­ Rescuing his foster father from the hands of so many experts was nothing but a fantasy! Any one of them could crush Lin Feng with a finger, but Lin Feng had onest trump card¡ªthe Arcane Source! After acquiring the Arcane Source, he also gained two skills, namely Summon Tidebug and Void Mark. In addition, Lin Feng had another hidden skill. [Void Manifestation: Transforms the surrounding space into void rules, suppressing all enemies and randomly summoning a void lord manifestation under your control. The manifestationsts for 5 minutes, with a cooldown of 7 days.]. This skill was truly heaven-defying! A 5-minute void lord manifestation had at least level 60bat power, enough to rescue his foster father! But to use this skill, Lin Feng had to pay a huge price¡ªan equal contract. Lin Feng¡¯s level was insufficient to use this skill, so he could only rely on an equal contract, sacrificing five years of his life! But Lin Feng didn¡¯t care at all! Lin Feng took a deep breath, his eyes shing with determination, as he prepared to activate the Arcane Source. He knew that once he activates the Arcane Source, he would be regarded as a void cultist by everyone. Forget about taking the college entrance exam and entering the Jixia Academy. At that point, he would be hunted by everyone, bing humanity¡¯s enemy, but Lin Feng couldn¡¯t care about that anymore. Just as Lin Feng was about to activate the Arcane Source, a familiar voice called out: ¡°Lin Feng!¡± ¡®Miss Chen?¡¯ Lin Feng turned to see many Donghai City Police Department experts arriving on the battlefield. Not only were the police department experts present, but the Donghai City Guard troops had also arrived. Among them was his homeroom teacher, Chen Lingxi! Chen Lingxi had nned to bring Lin Feng some supplies today to help him perform well in the college entrance exam. After all, Lin Feng had failed in his career transition, and as the homeroom teacher, Chen Lingxi felt she should show more concern for Lin Feng. It just so happened that she encountered Qin Xian leading people to besiege Lin Yu! Chen Lingxi had met Lin Yu during a home visit. Although she was also surprised by Lin Yu¡¯s strength. She never expected Lin Yu to be a level 52 Crimson Lotus Knight, hiding some secret behind it. But she could assert that Lin Yu was definitely not a void cultist! Void cultists were corrupted humans, their appearance and behavior distinctly different from ordinary people, noticeable at a nce. Chen Lingxi looked at the surrounding ruins, filled with anger toward Qin Xian! Not only had Qin Xian vited the empire¡¯sw by disrupting the awakening ceremony, he had also openly acted in the city, causing numerous civilian casualties! What was the Qin family trying to achieve!? Meng Zhou¡¯s face was equally grim. He hadn¡¯t expected the situation to escte so much, with so many civilian casualties, marking his failure as the police chief! Furthermore, he discovered that around the battlefield, city police officers were aiding the Qin family experts. What a massive joke! The city police officers were on duty, and he, as their superior, knew nothing! A Qin family expert nced indifferently at the Donghai City experts and said coldly, ¡°Empire Police Department and Command Office joint enforcement, unrted personnel, withdraw! Otherwise, we¡¯ll kill without mercy!¡± Chen Lingxi was almost exploding with anger at such arrogant words! This was Donghai, not the capital! The Qin family came to Donghai City to kill, and now they wanted the Donghai people to get lost!? Did Qin Xian truly believe the empire belonged to his Qin family!? Chen Lingxi nced at Meng Zhou, who naturally understood Miss Chen¡¯s intention. He was equally furious. Although he was somewhat intimidated by the Qin family, he was Chen Beiguo¡¯s man and naturally wouldn¡¯t back down. If this matter wasn¡¯t resolved today, it would be a considerable blow to Chen Beiguo¡¯s reputation! Even if the person in front of him was the young master of the Qin family, he had to act! Such was the rule in the power arena. If he acted, Chen Beiguo could still protect him. If he didn¡¯t, no one would protect him¡­ The consequences would be even worse! He stared coldly at the police officers: ¡°I order you to immediately withdraw and return to the bureau to await punishment!¡± In his mind, he had already sentenced these people to death, intending to expel them when they returned! These people were no longer usable! The police officers with the Qin family showed embarrassed expressions. Qin Xian looked at Meng Zhou and smiled: ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Donghai City Police Department Chief, Meng Zhou! ording to the Empire Regent Order No. 28275, the police department is the highest local security authority!¡± ¡°Now, as the Donghai City Police Department Chief, I order you to immediately cease all activities. And hand over the suspect to our Donghai City Police Department!¡± Although the police department¡¯s rank was low, it was still a first-line authority department. If he really fought it out, he could indeed cause some trouble for Qin Xian! ¡°Donghai City Police Department Chief?¡± Qin Xian smiled slightly. He nced at Qiu Bo beside him, who nodded after making a phone call. ¡°Unfortunately, you¡¯re not anymore.¡± Chapter 18 - Those Who Obey Me Will Prosper, Those Who Oppose Me Will Perish Chapter 18: Those Who Obey Me Will Prosper, Those Who Oppose Me Will Perish Meng Zhou was stunned and quickly realized that his police system had suddenly malfunctioned, leaving him with no authority! In this world where everyone changed careers, everything could be digitized and systematized. The police system was an embedded system panel for officers. Police could use the system to view their authority and rank. As the head of the Donghai City Police Department, Meng Zhou could use the system to control and manage thousands of officers under his jurisdiction. But now, to his horror, Meng Zhou found that he couldn¡¯t ess the police system. This meant that he had been removed from the police system! Meng Zhou was dumbfounded. He looked at Qin Xian, who wore a faint smile and was about to say something. Then he received a call from the Empire¡¯s Supervisory Department. An indifferent, almost emotionless voice sounded, ¡°Former Chief of Donghai City Police Department, Meng Zhou, you are suspected of endangering national security and have been relieved of all duties at the police department.¡± ¡°Please proceed to the Donghai Provincial Supervisory Office for questioning within two hours. Failure toply will result in charges of intentional flight, and you will be nationally wanted.¡± The call ended, leaving Meng Zhou in a state of shock. Not only was Meng Zhou shocked, but all the other police officers also received the same notice in their systems. Everyone was stunned. Donghai City, as the capital of the Donghai Province, held a significant position, and the rank of police chief was akin to a second-level police inspector, a notable official in the entire province. Meng Zhou had climbed from a mere officer, earning countless merits and working diligently. He was valued by Chen Beiguo and spent over twenty years to reach this position. Yet, with just one call from Qin Xian, he became a prisoner! Suspected of endangering national security? Who did he endanger? Wasn¡¯t it just that he stood in Qin Xian¡¯s way? Everyone looked nkly at Qin Xian. Who was this young man, after all!? They couldn¡¯t shake off the thought of Qin Xian¡¯s words. ¡°Police chief? Now you¡¯re not.¡± What tyranny is this!? Anyone standing in Qin Xian¡¯s way, even a police chief, could be dismissed just like that! Those who obey me will prosper; those who oppose me will perish! Meng Zhou¡¯s face turned pale, knowing well that Supervisory Office Chief Feng Anjun was the head of the Donghai Feng family. They were Qin family people and had always been at odds with Governor Chen Beiguo. Even if Chen Beiguo intervened to protect him, at most, he¡¯d avoid punishment. The position of police chief was out of reach. No, he was even removed from the police system. He could never set foot in policing again in this lifetime¡­ Two decades of effort went up in smoke. The level 40 powerhouse, Meng Zhou, felt dizzy, barely able to stand! He gave Qin Xian a long look, lowered his head, gave a bitter, desperate smile to Chen Lingxi beside him, and then turned and left, appearing incredibly deste. He needed to reach the Supervisory Office for questioning within two hours. Otherwise, even if Chen Beiguo intervened, it wouldn¡¯t help! ¡­¡­¡­. Watching Meng Zhou¡¯s deste departure, Qin Xian maintained his smile, but to everyone else, that smile seemed terrifying¡­ For a moment, everyone fell silent and no one dared to stop Qin Xian anymore. After all, even the police chief was dismissed. Who dared to step forward!? Chen Lingxi didn¡¯t know what to say. At that moment, she finally understood the terror of the Qin family¡­ Her father, Chen Beiguo, was the governor of Donghai Province, cultivating the Chen family¡¯s influence there for nearly twenty years, but even Chen Beiguo couldn¡¯t achieve this¡­ Because Meng Zhou wasn¡¯t just relieved of his duties; he was directly removed from the police system! This was something only the Empire¡¯s Police Department could do. This meant that Qin Xian, with a mere thought, mobilized the Empire¡¯s Police Department and Supervisory Department, two powerful entities! Such was the power of authority¡­ However, Chen Lingxi¡¯s dissatisfaction grew. Though the governor¡¯s daughter, she detested such abuse of power. In her view, the empire¡¯s increasingly chaotic situation stemmed from this! These noble families truly misused public tools for private gain! Especially Qin Xian, who not only vited the empire¡¯sws by disrupting the awakening ceremony but now openly acted in the city, causing numerous civilian casualties! Chen Lingxi could no longer bear it and scolded Qin Xian: ¡°Qin Xian, I know you are the young master of the Qin family! But even the Qin family cannot vite the empire¡¯sws!¡± ¡°Disrupting the awakening ceremony, ording to the empire¡¯sws, warrants ten years of exile to the void frontline! I will report this to the Regent Government and let the Regent decide. I refuse to believe the Shenlong Empire has now left!¡± Originally, Chen Lingxi nned to deal with this gradually and didn¡¯t intend to escte matters, knowing well that provoking the Qin family wouldn¡¯t end well. Even with the Chen family backed by Lord Lu Ji, things wouldn¡¯t be easy. But today¡¯s events filled her with uncontroble anger. Her feminine sensibilities overpowered her rationality, driving her to tear the situation openpletely. She intended to take this matter to Regent Lord Lu Ji! Chapter 19 - Law? My Word Is Law! Chapter 19: Law? My Word Is Law! Chen Lingxi. Qin Xian squinted his eyes slightly. After investigating Lin Feng¡¯s background, he knew Chen Lingxi¡¯s identity. She was the daughter of Governor Chen Beiguo and Lin Feng¡¯s homeroom teacher and she seemed to value Lin Feng highly. Thinking of this, Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the power of the son of luck. Even attending school, he could get involved with a governor. If he hadn¡¯t intervened, Lin Feng would have grown up smoothly and could have established connections with Chen Beiguo. He might even get into the sight of the Regent through Chen Beiguo! Such is the son of luck, filled with countless variables. If you are not careful, he might grow from an insignificant ant into an indestructible force within a short time! However, Chen Lingxi¡¯s words made Qin Xian frown slightly. If the daughter of a governor really decides to make a fuss, it could indeed cause some trouble. But in Qin Xian¡¯s view, Chen Lingxi was an absolute fool! Qin Xian looked at Chen Lingxi and smiled, ¡°Miss Chen said I vited thews of the Empire. I wonder which one I vited?¡± Chen Lingxi said coldly, ¡°On the day of the awakening ceremony, you took a cross-city flight and interfered with my student Lin Feng¡¯s awakening ceremony, resulting in his failed career change!¡± ¡°ording to the Empire¡¯sw, all cross-city transportation and teleportation formations are prohibited during the transfer period. You should know this rule, shouldn¡¯t you?¡± Hearing this, Qin Xian smiled, ¡°I know, but so what?¡± A hint of mockery shed in his eyes: ¡°This time, I came to Donghai with permission from the Empire¡¯s Department of Transportation,pletely legal andpliant. As for interfering with the awakening ceremony¡­ It¡¯s not my problem; it¡¯s yours.¡± ¡°The Empire¡¯s Education Commission should have issued a notice to the Donghai Education Bureau, instructing them to suspend the awakening ceremony at around 3 o¡¯clock in the afternoon.¡± ¡°It was your work mistake. What does it have to do with me? Even if you take it to the Regent, it¡¯s just your unreasonable trouble-making.¡± Issued a notice to the Donghai Education Bureau to suspend the ceremony? Chen Lingxi was stunned but then shook her head resolutely. Impossible! As a teacher at the First High School, she knew how much the schools and education system in Donghai valued the awakening ceremony. She never received any such notice! Chen Lingxi asked coldly, ¡°When was the notice issued?¡± ¡°Just now.¡± Qin Xian smiled slightly and instructed Qiu Bo beside him, ¡°Check who the head of the Donghai Education Bureau is, and let the Second Office of the Ministry of Education issue them a notice now, dated three days ago.¡± Then, Qin Xian smiled at Chen Lingxi, ¡°Miss Chen, in this case, I am not considered to have vited any of the Empire¡¯sws, right?¡± Chen Lingxi: ¡°¡­¡± Even as the daughter of a governor, used to witnessing the arrogance and despotism of the powerful, familiar with their tactics. She didn¡¯t know what to say at this moment! Lin Feng widened his eyes, gritted his teeth, and couldn¡¯t help but shout, ¡°You¡¯re fabricating!¡± Qin Xian ignored Lin Feng, merely looked at Chen Lingxi and said faintly, ¡°Of course, you can still pursue other matters. But I can tell you, no matter what procedures, orders, or processes you want to pursue. I can fill them in for you now.¡± With these words, everyone was shocked. They all knew the Qin family of the imperial capital was immensely powerful, but now they truly understood what immense power meant! Whatever procedure you need, I can write it out for you right now. tantly fabricating! But what can you do about it? ¡°Shameless!¡± Chen Lingxi was about to explode with anger, staring fiercely at Qin Xian, wishing she could kill him with her eyes. Her heart was filled with grievances and anger, but more than that, a sense of powerlessness¡­ Qin Xian interfered with the awakening ceremony, falsely used Lin Yu of being a void believer, acted in public, and killed. Each of these is a serious crime! When other nobles break the Empire¡¯sws, they generally do so through abuse of power or by finding scapegoats. But Qin Xian straightforwardly said, did I break the Empire¡¯sws? Then I will simply modify the Empire¡¯sws! In this way, it is not considered a vition of the Empire¡¯sws. Qin Xian has a legitimate reason for everything, and there is no w in the process, nothing wrong to point out! The most ironic part is, in name, Qin Xian is fullypliant with the Empire¡¯sws. Even though this is theplete opposite of the truth¡­ And Chen Lingxi knew that, although Qin Xian¡¯s words were outrageous, they couldn¡¯t hold it against him. Even if they posted it online, it would likely be deleted in seconds¡­ This is power! To turn ck into white. To transform acts of vitingws into acts of upholdingws¡­ Seeing the powerlessness on Chen Lingxi¡¯s face, Qin Xian felt a sense of mockery, ¡®Such a naive fool. Saying things like ¡ª is there now left in the Shenlong Empire? What a joke! When has this world truly ever hadw!? Law? My word is thew!¡¯ The so-calledw is merely rules to restrain the weak and the ordinary. For noble families like the Qin family, it holds no binding force¡­ The rules of this world are set by the strong. How could they possibly threaten the strong themselves? Chen Lingxi felt utterly aggrieved and powerless, overwhelmed by feelings of injustice and anger. She knew what the truth was, but she could do nothing! She could only watch helplessly as all this unfolded! After all, Qin Xian¡¯s actions were within the bounds of the Empire¡¯sws¡­ What has be of this world? Chapter 20 - Chen Beiguo Chapter 20: Chen Beiguo Just then, a solemn and dignified voice echoed through the sky. ¡°Such a mighty disy, Young Master Qin. One phone call, and you¡¯ve dismissed the head of my Donghai City Police Department. I wonder if you n to dismiss me, the governor?¡± The space began to distort like ripples, and then a middle-aged man with a dignified appearance appeared out of thin air. He was expressionless, exuding an air of authority that made people shiver with fear. Behind him followed many imposing dignitaries. Seeing this middle-aged man, everyone¡¯s face showed a look of awe, and they all bowed in greeting: ¡°Greetings, Governor!¡± This man was none other than the governor of Donghai Province, the 68th-level Spirit Controller, Chen Beiguo! However, Qiu Bo, standing beside Qin Xian, as well as the other Qin family powerhouses, remained expressionless, standing there with particr rudeness. They were the powerhouses under the Qin family¡¯smand, loyal family servants. Although Chen Beiguo was the governor of Donghai, a frontier official of high status. He had no authority over them. In their eyes, there was only Qin Xian, to whom they were steadfastly loyal. Aside from that, they would even ignore the Regent himself! Qiu Bo¡¯s face showed a solemn expression; Chen Beiguo was a 68th-level powerhouse, such strength that made him a top expert in the human world! Qin Xian squinted slightly, then smiled and said: ¡°Governor, you must be joking; you are a provincial governor, a frontier official.¡± ¡°To dismiss you would require a meeting and discussion by the Imperial Cardinal Council and the Imperial Parliament, followed by a decision by the Regent.¡± He didn¡¯t expect Chen Beiguo to return so quickly. Chen Beiguo had left Donghai City to deal with the Void Sacrifice incident. In fact, that incident was part of Qin Xian¡¯s n. The Void Sacrifice event was orchestrated by Qin Xian to lure Chen Beiguo away. Chen Beiguo had been the governor of Donghai Province for many years and had high prestige. If he hadn¡¯t left, many things Qin Xian wouldn¡¯t have been able to do. For example, today¡¯s operation to capture Lin Yu; if Chen Beiguo had been present, Qin Xian might have been stopped before he could even act! Qin Xian thought Chen Beiguo would return tomorrow or the day after. He hadn¡¯t expected him to suddenly return to Donghai City now. However, Qin Xian wasn¡¯t too surprised as Chen Beiguo wasn¡¯t a simple character. Or rather, no one who could sit in the position of a governor would be a simple character. They were all heroes of their time! Now that he had already controlled Lin Yu, the situation was set. Even Chen Beiguo couldn¡¯t stop him¡­ Chen Beiguo stood with his hands behind his back, staring at Qin Xian with a slight frown. Upon learning of the events in Donghai City, he immediately sensed something amiss and returned directly. The Qin family dared to act in the city and kill, suggesting there was something significant behind this, possibly some great secret! Moreover, Donghai City was the capital of Donghai Province, a major stronghold of the Empire. Such a significant event required his return to oversee. Looking at the downtown area reduced to ruins and the countless civilians who had died miserably, Chen Beiguo¡¯s expression remained unchanged, though a hint of anger shed in his eyes. How audacious of the Qin family, to be so wanton and arrogant! He and the Qin family were not on the same path. He was personally promoted by the Regent, Lu Ji, and was Lu Ji¡¯s confidant. And he knew that the Regent Lu Ji and the Chief Executive Qin Ming, the two giants, had always been secretlypeting. So he returned immediately to see what the Qin family was really up to! Chen Beiguo nced at Lin Yu, who had been restrained, and a look of surprise shed in his eyes. A level 52 powerhouse, such strength was already among the top experts. To have hidden in Donghai City for so many years! And the Qin family did not hesitate to use so many resources to capture him; there must be some unknown secret behind him! Chen Beiguo said lightly, ¡°Is this the Void believer you mentioned?¡± Qin Xian smiled slightly, his expression unchanged, and nodded: ¡°Yes, the Empire¡¯s Police Department and the Department of Decrees have been investigating him for a long time, and I have been granted temporary investigative authority. So, does the Governor want to take a look?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Chen Beiguo replied indifferently. The Empire¡¯s Police Department and the Department of Decrees were controlled by the Qin family; weren¡¯t those procedures and documents just made up? There¡¯s no point in dwelling on it. He looked at Lin Yu and said solemnly: ¡°But this is the territory of Donghai Province; I am responsible for any Void believers here. Hand him over to me, and we¡¯ll handle the rest in Donghai Province.¡± ¡°As for the orders from the Empire¡¯s Police Department and the Department of Decrees, I¡¯ll exin them to Minister Sun and Minister Qin.¡± The already desperate Lin Yu felt a glimmer of hope when he heard these words. If he fell into Chen Beiguo¡¯s hands, there might still be a chance to survive! Hearing this, Qin Xian¡¯s smile gradually faded. Chen Beiguo intended to use his position as governor to forcibly take Lin Yu away. And this was something Qin Xian found hard to refuse! After all, this was Donghai Province and Governor Chen Beiguo had jurisdiction over anything and anyone in Donghai Province. There were many secrets on Lin Yu, not to mention the K77 massacre. The secret alone was enough for Qin Xian not to hand Lin Yu over to Chen Beiguo! If Lin Yu fell into Chen Beiguo¡¯s hands, who knew what other variables might arise¡­ Qin Xian nced at the restrained Lin Yu, and a smile reappeared on his face. He decisively refused: ¡°There¡¯s no need; Void believers¡­ must be killed! There¡¯s nothing worth interrogating!¡± Qiu Bo immediately understood Qin Xian¡¯s intentions and manipted the me spear in front of Lin Yu, piercing his heart! The terrifying fiery energy shattered Lin Yu¡¯s life force! Lin Yu screamed, a look of disbelief still on his face, as if he couldn¡¯t believe he was dead! Bleeding continuously, he used hisst strength to look at his adopted son, Lin Feng. He whispered with all his strength: ¡°Live¡­¡± Then he died! No one expected Qin Xian to act so suddenly, not even Chen Beiguo could react in time! Qin Xian killed Lin Yu right in front of Chen Beiguo! Completely disregarding the governor¡¯s authority! Chapter 21 - Wipe Them All Out? Chapter 21: Wipe Them All Out? Everyone was stunned, staring at Lin Yu¡¯s corpse. Chen Beiguo¡¯s expression instantly turned somber. As a provincial governor and a level 68 powerhouse, his demeanor caused the temperature in the area to drop sharply, almost freezing. Those present looked at Qin Xian, their minds filled with a single thought. This young master of the Qin family was truly arrogant¡­ Chen Beiguo had just spoken, intending to take Lin Yu away.bYet Qin Xian killed Lin Yu without giving Chen Beiguo any face. It was as if he intended to humiliate Chen Beiguo! Even someone with Chen Beiguo¡¯s deep political acumen couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of anger at this moment. He nced at Lin Yu¡¯s corpse, feeling more confusion than anger. Who was this person, that Qin Xian would rather tear faces with him, the governor of Donghai, than let this man fall into his hands? Chen Beiguo wouldn¡¯t believe Qin Xian was truly here to track down a void believer. Qin Xian caused such amotion upon arriving in Donghai City, seemingly just for this middle-aged man¡­ Lin Feng stood frozen, staring nkly at Lin Yu¡¯s lifeless body and couldn¡¯t ept the reality causing his mind to go nk! Was this a dream? How he wished it were just a nightmare! Just hours ago, he and his adoptive father had been filled with hope for the future. Now, everything had changed. Lin Yu, the man who had raised him for ten years, was dead before him! ¡°No¡ª!!!¡± A heart-wrenching cry echoed, filled with despair and pain. Lin Feng finally recognized reality that his foster father Lin Yu was dead! Dead at the hands of Qin Xian! Although he and Lin Yu weren¡¯t blood rtives and he was merely adopted. Over the years, their bond had grown as close as father and son! No, their rtionship was even deeper than that of an ordinary father and son! Lin Feng¡¯s heart ached terribly, and he gritted his teeth, almost crushing them. His eyes turned blood-red, ring at Qin Xian, filled with hatred and murderous intent! Lin Feng had never hated anyone so much. ¡°Qin Xian¡­¡± He had destroyed his future, stolen his love, and killed his foster father! Any one of these grievances was a blood feud. Let alone all threebined! ¡°I will kill you!!!¡± Lin Feng roared, ready to rush at Qin Xian and wanted to kill Qin Xian, to avenge Lin Yu! At that moment, Lin Feng felt the Arcane Source he wore emanating a strange energy. Even his eyes seemed to glow an eerie blue-purple! Lin Feng had only one thought in his mind. Kill Qin Xian! Kill everyone! But at that moment, Chen Lingxi stopped Lin Feng: ¡°Don¡¯t be impulsive, Lin Feng! You¡¯re no match for him now; you¡¯ll just die in vain!¡± Chen Lingxi¡¯s words brought Lin Feng back to a semnce of reason. He stopped, filled with unwillingness and pain. Tears streamed down his face, and those who saw couldn¡¯t bear to look. It was truly cruel for a high school student¡­ In one night, his family was destroyed! Seeing Lin Feng being stopped, Qin Xian¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but a trace of disappointment flickered in his eyes. If Lin Feng had rushed over, he would have killed Lin Feng directly, resolving the problem once and for all. Unfortunately, Chen Lingxi was rational enough to stop Lin Feng¡­ With that, it would be difficult to act against Lin Feng today. After all, with Chen Beiguo present, he had already pped Chen Beiguo in the face by killing Lin Yu. He could barely justify it as executing a void believer. But Lin Feng was just an ordinary high school student. Killing Lin Feng would definitely not sit well with Chen Beiguo, who would certainly step in to prevent it! By that point, things would really escte. However, Qin Xian wasn¡¯t going to let Lin Feng off so easily. He pointed at Lin Feng and said calmly: ¡°He¡¯s Lin Ye¡¯s adopted son. Though Lin Ye was a void believer and has been executed. Lin Feng, as his son, cannot bepletely innocent and must be further investigated.¡± ¡°At the very least, he cannot participate in tomorrow¡¯s college entrance examination as a suspect.¡± Chen Lingxi was furious! Was Qin Xian truly intent on wiping both of the father and son out? For students, the most crucial moments to change their fate were two: the awakening ceremony and the college entrance examination. If he achieved good results in the entrance examination and entered a higher institution, he could not only be stronger but also receive the school¡¯s protection and connections. If Lin Feng missed tomorrow¡¯s examination, he would be utterly ruined. After all, in this world, there was no such thing as repeating a grade. The awakening ceremony only happens once. The college entrance exam also only happens once! Chen Lingxi said coldly: ¡°I¡¯m Lin Feng¡¯s homeroom teacher, and I can guarantee that Lin Feng is absolutely innocent! He can take the entrance examination, and if anything goes wrong, I¡¯ll take full responsibility!¡± Chapter 22 - The Real Target Chapter 22: The Real Target Chen Lingxi stood resolutely in front of Lin Feng, facing the group of Qin family experts. As a teacher, Chen Lingxi always believed she had to be responsible for her students. It was the duty of a teacher, a homeroom teacher! Lin Feng, this genius, had already suffered greatly after failing his career awakening. And now, he was further devastated by Qin Xian, losing his family! Chen Lingxi¡¯s heart was filled with pity for Lin Feng¡­ and a sense of guilt! In her view, she hadn¡¯t protected her student well enough! How could she allow Qin Xian to use a baseless charge to prevent Lin Feng from taking the college entrance examination!? Therefore, she was determined to vouch for Lin Feng, ensuring he could take the exam! Chen Beiguo, upon hearing this, furrowed his brows slightly, but he did not stop Chen Lingxi. He knew his daughter well; although she seemed gentle and amiable, she was quite stubborn. He had nned to position Chen Lingxi within the Donghai Security Committee, a real authority, and paved a promising path for her. But Chen Lingxi refused and chose to be an ordinary teacher at the First High School. This decision had sparked disputes between the father and daughter, but eventually, Chen Beiguo had to relent. Moreover, Chen Beiguo could tell that Lin Ye wasn¡¯t a void believer. If a level 52 Crimson Lotus Knight were truly a void believer, Donghai City would have long been in ruins. Void believers could transform themselves into beacons, attracting void creatures to descend! ¡°Miss Chen.¡± Lin Feng looked at Chen Lingxi, standing in front of him, filled with emotion. He was well aware that Chen Lingxi had essentially saved his life! If he couldn¡¯t take the entrance exam, he wouldn¡¯t receive the protection of a prestigious academy. How could an ordinary student like him, with no power or influence, survive under the Qin family¡¯s pressure? He wouldn¡¯t even need the Qin family to act directly; someone would kill him just to curry favor with the Qin family! Seeing the governor¡¯s daughter, Chen Lingxi, willing to vouch for Lin Feng, Qin Xian remained expressionless, but a smile flickered in his eyes. Finally¡­ took the bait! Lin Feng, as a son of luck, indeed needed to be cautious about, not allowing him to develop freely, but Qin Xian¡¯s real target was Chen Lingxi or rather¡­ Chen Lingxi¡¯s father, Chen Beiguo! In the end, Lin Feng was just a level 4 ant, easily crushed with a single hand, as long as they weren¡¯t careless. In contrast, the priority now was to ensure that the secret of the Arcane Source does not leak. Qin Xian¡¯s actions in Donghai City, and his enmity with Chen Beiguo, would certainly draw the attention of other forces. Even the regent government might be suspicious of Qin Xian¡¯s intentions. A Qin family heir running to Donghai City to capture a void believer was too suspicious. It was as absurd as a billionaire heir going to a small town to catch a petty thief. If other forces intervened, investigating the matter might lead them to Lin Feng, creatingplications. Therefore, Qin Xian needed an even more sensational event to cover up his true purpose. Such as¡­ Qin Xian¡¯s eyes darkened. Bringing down Chen Beiguo, the governor of Donghai Province! Qin Xian smiled slightly, casting a deep look at Lin Feng, then chuckled, ¡°Since Miss Chen is personally vouching for him, then let¡¯s leave it at that.¡± With that, he nodded at Chen Beiguo, ¡°Governor, I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± He turned and left, followed by the other Qin family experts. He had acted in the city center, causing so much death and destruction, yet he could leave unscathed. He might even receivemendation from above! Chen Beiguo¡¯s expression was somber as he watched Qin Xian leave, exhaling slowly. For over a decade, he had served as the governor of Donghai Province, wielding great power. Yet he couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of helplessness¡­ Qin Xian had broken numerous imperialws, killing publicly and causing coteral damage, but there was nothing he could do! Behind Qin Xian stood the colossal Qin family, a millennium-old n deeply rooted in every corner of the empire. Even if this matter reached the regent, it would likely end without resolution. Chen Beiguo sighed softly thinking if only the emperor were still around. Before the emperor¡¯s disappearance, the Qin family and other noble families were somewhat restrained. The emperor had always suppressed the noble families, continually promoting strong individuals ofmon birth. The regent, Lu Ji, was amoner elevated by the emperor. But s¡­ since the emperor¡¯s disappearance, no one has been able to suppress these noble families! They constantly drain the empire, eliminate dissent, and are the parasites of the empire! Now, only the regent, Lu Ji, can somewhat restrain them¡­ Chen Beiguo said in a deep voice, ¡°Investigate Lin Ye¡¯s background.¡± Someone immediately responded affirmatively. Lin Feng rushed to Lin Yu¡¯s corpse, crying out in sorrow. Those around him, seeing this, felt empathetic, filled with sympathy for Lin Feng. Chen Lingxi approached Lin Feng, sighing, ¡°My condolences, Lin Feng.¡± But she didn¡¯t know how to console him. The events that had befallen Lin Feng were too tragic. Anyone else would likely have broken down! Chapter 23 - A Chance to Turn the Tables on Qin Xian? Chapter 23: A Chance to Turn the Tables on Qin Xian? ¡°The news report states that at 4 PM this afternoon, an urgent incident urred at the Yaoshan Market in our city.¡± ¡°A level 52 Void Cultist, who had been hiding in the Donghai city area for many years, was finally discovered. The Imperial Police Department, the Order Department, and our Donghai City Police Bureau jointly carried out aw enforcement operation. After a tough battle, they killed the Void Cultist.¡± ¡°Despite evacuation efforts, this sudden conflict still caused significant damage, leading to the death and injury of many innocent citizens.¡± ¡°In response, Governor Chen Beiguo issued important instructions, demanding that relevant departments immediately activate emergency mechanisms, organize rescue operations with full force, properly handle the aftermath, and quickly determine the cause, while also providingfort and services to the families of the victims¡­¡± Donghai City¡¯s television station continuously broadcasted this news. Tonight, Donghai City was destined not to be peaceful. As the capital of the Donghai Province and a major economic hub of the Empire, Donghai City has always been known for its development and safety. However, the chaos that erupted in the city today would undoubtedly shock the entire nation! Because of this, even though Chen Beiguo was dissatisfied with Qin Xian, he had no choice but to admit that Lin Yu was indeed a Void Cultist. Otherwise, he would have no way to exin it! But even so, Chen Beiguo, as the governor of Donghai, still suffered a significant blow to his reputation. ¡­ As for Lin Feng he returned to his home. After Qin Xian killed Lin Yu, he looted all the equipment from Lin Yu¡¯s body, leaving only a solitary corpse. The body of his adoptive father, Lin Yu, had already been properly dealt with and buried in a cemetery on the outskirts of the city. In official terms, Lin Yu was defined as a Void Cultist and was not even qualified to be buried. However, with Chen Lingxi¡¯s help, the process went smoothly, and it waspleted within a few hours. Chen Lingxi, watching the devastated Lin Feng, was deeply worried. The college entrance exam was tomorrow, and if Lin Feng remained in this state, it would be difficult for him to achieve good results. Chen Lingxi spoke softly, ¡°Lin Feng, don¡¯t think too much about it. Focus on preparing for tomorrow¡¯s exam.¡± Hearing Chen Lingxi¡¯s words, Lin Feng finally came back to his senses and nodded, ¡°Thank you, Teacher Chen. It¡¯s gettingte; you should go back¡­¡± Chen Lingxi nodded and then turned to leave. Tomorrow was the college entrance exam, and as a teacher at Yizhong, she had a lot to prepare, especially since Lin Feng wasn¡¯t her only student. After Chen Lingxi left, Lin Feng was the only one left in the house. He had never felt so lonely before and he sat motionless in his chair, like a statue. From now on, no matter how vast the world, he was all alone. As the clock struck midnight, signaling the start of a new day, Lin Feng muttered under his breath, ¡°Qin Xian¡­¡± His voice was filled with venom and hatred. He had never hated anyone as much as he hated Qin Xian. He not only wanted to kill Qin Xian, but he also wanted to torture him mercilessly, making him experience the most brutal pain! Lin Feng knew that he was still very weak. At level 4, he was nothing more than an ant, and thinking of revenge was nothing more than a fantasy! His only hope now was to get into Jixia Academy and gain its protection. Then, he would continue to bide his time, eventually seeking out His Majesty the Emperor in the Void¡­ This was the path his adoptive father, Lin Yu, had hoped he would take. Lin Feng couldn¡¯t help but take out the Arcane Source he carried with him. The source emitted an eerie purple glow, casting his face in an equally strange purple hue. A flicker of madness shed in Lin Feng¡¯s eyes. Is a gentleman¡¯s revenge not toote even after ten years? No! For him, every second was agony! And he knew that Qin Xian wouldn¡¯t simply allow him to grow stronger. The Qin family was after the Arcane Source, and the source was in his possession. Qin Xian would undoubtedlye to seize it! Lin Feng clenched the source tightly. When that timees, it would be his opportunity! ¡­ The chaos that erupted in Donghai City naturally attracted immense attention. However, for the parents of senior high school students, nothing mattered more than today¡¯s college entrance exam. After all, today¡¯s exam would determine the future of their children. In Donghai City, at the Temple of Apocalypse. In front of the Temple of Apocalypse, a massive crowd had gathered, all of them students who were there to take the college entrance exam. The exam venue was within the Temple of Apocalypse itself. The candidates would participate in a special selection designed for the college entrance exam, and the system would then provide scores for the candidates. Subsequently, representatives from various academies wouldbine these scores with the candidates¡¯ specific performances to determine their final results. ¡­ ¡°What a magnificent sight¡­¡± On the top floor of a high-rise building, Qin Xian stood by therge floor-to-ceiling windows, looking at the scene around the Temple of Apocalypse, and sighed with emotion. He was draped in a bathrobe, appearing very rxed. Beside him, Su Keqing was preparing his clothes, looking very dutiful. Su Keqing, who had initially resisted, had gradually bepliant and had now gotten used to it. She hadpletely epted her role as Qin Xian¡¯s woman. However, Su Keqing had also noticed that ever since she started following Qin Xian, the people and things around her had undergone significant changes. Jiang Song, the CEO of Jia Shi Entertainment, whom she had once regarded as a significant figure, was now treating her with utmost respect, not daring to show the slightest bit of negligence. He even transferred 15% of Jashi Entertainment¡¯s shares to her, making Su Keqing an instant billionaire and a major shareholder in Jia Shi Entertainment! Initially, Su Keqing did not want to ept these things, fearing they might cause trouble for Qin Xian. However, Qin Xian had insisted she ept them. In Qin Xian¡¯s eyes, 15% of Jashi Entertainment¡¯s shares were insignificant and not worth mentioning. It wasn¡¯t just Jiang Song; even when Yu Xun, the son of the Speaker, came to visit Qin Xian these past few days, he treated her with great courtesy. It wasn¡¯t the usual false politeness but genuine respect! At this moment, Qiu Bo walked in and greeted Su Keqing with a slight smile, ¡°Miss Su.¡± Su Keqing immediately understood and said softly, ¡°I¡¯ll go prepare breakfast.¡± She knew that Qin Xian had important business to attend to. However, Su Keqing never asked, nor did she want to ask. She knew that she was merely Qin Xian¡¯s ything, and the less she knew about some matters, the better¡­ ¡°Is everything ready?¡± ¡°Yes, young master. Everything is ready, and the other families have also been notified.¡± Upon hearing this, Qin Xian nodded, letting out a faint sigh, ¡°It seems that many people will die today¡­¡± Chapter 24 - Chen Beiguos Unease Chapter 24: Chen Beiguo¡¯s Unease In the Governor¡¯s Mansion of Donghai Province, people bustled in and out, but there was no chaos, only orderly activity. ¡°Is the Divine Revtion Temple area already secured?¡± Chen Beiguo, sitting at the center ofmand, gave his orders. ¡°Everything is in ce. Not only are the first and third divisions of the police department maintaining order, but the Donghai Security Committee is also on standby nearby, ensuring the college entrance examination goes smoothly.¡± Chen Beiguo slowly nodded in approval. Usually, only the police department would need to maintain order at the exam site. However, after yesterday¡¯s incident, Donghai City was on edge. Therefore, Chen Beiguo also mobilized the Donghai Security Committee to assist. Suddenly, Chen Beiguo asked, ¡°What about the Qin family¡¯s young master?¡± ¡°Chairman Yu granted him the temporary position of exam supervisor¡­¡± Hearing this, Chen Beiguo¡¯s expression turned grim. ¡°What is Yu Xun trying to achieve, and what exactly is the Qin family nning?¡± Yu Feng, Chairman of the Provincial Council, is the second most powerful person in Donghai Province. The rivalry between the Provincial Council and the Governor¡¯s office is no secret in Donghai¡¯s political circles. After all, Chen Beiguo is under Regent Lu Ji, while Yu Feng is aligned with the Qin family. Their ongoing rivalry mirrors therger struggle between the Regency and the Qin family. Every year, apart from the supervisory teams formed by the Education Department and the Security Committee, respected figures from themunity are selected as temporary supervisors. But what qualifies Qin Xian as respected? However, the position of temporary exam supervisor is quite subjective, and if the Provincial Council insists on granting it to Qin Xian, there is little Chen Beiguo can do. This decision suddenly filled Chen Beiguo with unease. He recalled how his daughter, Chen Lingxi, vouched for Lin Feng yesterday. Could Qin Xian¡¯s role as a supervisor be an excuse to target Lin Feng? Chen Beiguo did not particrly care about Lin Feng, especially after learning about Lin Feng¡¯s failed job transition, leaving him only as an SS-level Non-Specialist. Being a Non-Specialist meant Lin Feng¡¯s future achievements would be limited. What concerned Chen Beiguo was that if anything were to happen to Lin Feng during the examination, Chen Lingxi, who vouched for him, would undoubtedly be held ountable. Even he might face repercussions. Chen Beiguo had been the Governor for many years and was shrewd and deeply calcting. He immediately sensed a potential conspiracy. After a moment of contemtion, Chen Beiguo ordered, ¡°Make arrangements. I¡¯ll go to the Divine Revtion Temple to oversee the examination.¡± The officials of the Governor¡¯s Mansion were surprised by this. Governors, busy with state affairs, typically only visit exam sites when an SS-level super talent is expected. Although there were rumors of an SS-level awakened talent at the First High School, unfortunately, due to some ident, the transition failed¡­ But since Chen Beiguo had given the order, theyplied without furtherment and began making arrangements. Chen Beiguo maintained a stoic demeanor. Over the years, he had kept prominent Qin family figures like Chairman Yu Feng and Inspector General Feng Jun in check. They were usually well-behaved, only causing minor disturbances. However, since Qin Xian arrived, the local aristocracy in Donghai had be restless¡­ ¡ª At the Divine Revtion Temple in Donghai City, Lin Feng arrived at the temple entrance alone. The Divine Revtion Temple was the most magnificent structure in Donghai City, resembling a giant spire. The temple upied several square miles, and there were a dozenrge screens in the za at the entrance, disying candidates¡¯ schedules and information. Lin Feng noticed that not only police officers were maintaining order around the temple but also security officers from the Security Committee, wearing badges and exuding an intimidating aura, were stationed at various corners. The atmosphere was solemn. In the temple¡¯s grand hall, representatives from various universities appeared, all exuding a profound presence, clearly high-level professionals. These were the examiners from the universities. Besides them, there was a dignified supervisory team present. The college entrance examination was one of the fairest ways to assess talent in the human world. There was almost no possibility of cheating. As long as you had the strength and talent, you could enter a top university, soaring to new heights regardless of your background. However, Lin Feng paid little attention to the university officials. He searched the hall for one particr person¡ªa person he deeply hated. Chapter 25 - The College Entrance Examination Chapter 25: The College Entrance Examination Finally, Lin Feng spotted the figure he was searching for in the hall. Qin Xian appeared before everyone, surrounded by a group of Qin family experts. ¡°Who is that? So young yet already a proctor?¡± ¡°He seems about our age!¡± Many students were discussing him, and some girls were swooning. ¡°He¡¯s so handsome¡­ He¡¯s even more handsome than my favorite celebrity!¡± Lin Feng maintained a nk expression, his eyes full of murderous intent. He was certain that Qin Xian hade for him! After all, the Arcane Source was still in his possession, and the Qin family would not let it go. After today¡¯s examination, he would be under the protection of an academy. So Qin Xian¡¯s only chance to act was today¡ªduring this examination. Even though Lin Feng understood this, there was no other option for him. After all, he couldn¡¯t just skip the exam! Taking a deep breath, Lin Feng silently awaited his fate. He nced again at his status panel, focusing on the ¡°Arcane Source¡± in his essory slot, feeling slightly reassured. As long as the Arcane Source was there, he had limitless potential! In the hall, Qin Xian also noticed Lin Feng. Beside him, Qiu Bo whispered, ¡°Young master, everything is in ce.¡± Qin Xian nodded, gazing at the massive number of candidates. His eyes darkened, and a hint ofplexity shed through them. But soon, his hesitation vanished, reced by determination. For the Arcane Source and the grand n of the Qin family, he was destined to walk a path of no return¡ªeither reaching the pinnacle or falling into the abyss. At that moment, an exmation arose from the crowd. ¡°The Governor is here!¡± The za in front of the Divine Revtion Temple buzzed with excitement as Chen Beiguo, the governor of Donghai Province, led a group of high-ranking officials to the temple. ¡°Greetings, Governor!¡± ¡°Greetings, Governor!¡± Cheers erupted as people paid their respects, demonstrating the high regard Chen Beiguomanded in Donghai Province. Even ordinary citizens felt that he had done an excellent job. The candidates were shocked, not expecting the governor himself to oversee the examination. After all, such visits from Chen Beiguo were rare over the years¡­ In the temple hall, examiners stood up to wee him, their faces showing surprise at Chen Beiguo¡¯s arrival. Chen Beiguo waved his hand with a smile, saying, ¡°The college entrance examination is a major event for selecting talents in Donghai Province, so I¡¯vee to take a look.¡± His gaze subtly lingered on Qin Xian, clearly implying¡ªI¡¯m watching you, so don¡¯t try anything. Seeing Chen Beiguo¡¯s arrival, Qin Xian merely smiled slightly, showing no surprise, and nodded politely. ¡°We meet again, Governor.¡± Chen Beiguo gave Qin Xian a deep look. Though he wasn¡¯t aligned with the Qin family and held a certain disdain for Qin Xian, he had to admit that this young master of the Qin family was indeed remarkable¡ªnot just in strength and talent but also in scheming and depth. Even with his keen observation, Chen Beiguo couldn¡¯t discern anything from Qin Xian¡¯s expression. ¡°Master Qin!¡± ¡°Master Qin, you¡¯ve worked hard today!¡± Provincial Council Chairman Yu Feng and Inspector General Feng Jun showed ttering smiles as they approached Qin Xian. They were all under the Qin family. Although they were significant figures in Donghai Province and, strictly speaking, Qin Xian was just amoner, Qin Xian was the heir of the Qin family. In a sense, they were vassals of the Qin family, and Qin Xian was their young master. Their respect for him was unreserved, even with a touch of pride. As time passed, the majestic voice echoed through the Tianqi Temple. Dong¡ªDong¡ªDong¡ª! Nine chimes sounded, and everyone¡¯s expressions turned solemn. The examination began! Pirs of light suddenly illuminated the Divine Revtion Temple, teleporting thousands of candidates inside. Inside the temple was a separate space with over a hundred portals leading to different trial spaces. [Candidates, please proceed to the examination ording to your assigned numbers and choose your assessment project.]. [In the trial copy, points will be awarded based on your evaluation.]. [Exam rules: Before entering the trial space, please undergo a proctor¡¯s inspection. Apart from equipment, no items may be brought in. Any vition will result in disqualification!]. The solemn voice echoed as the rules appeared on the screens inside the temple. Lin Feng noticed a badge in his hand with a number on it: [B18¡ª75]. It seemed to be his exam number. Following it, he found portal B18. Inside the Divine Revtion Temple, the atmosphere was tense among the thousands of candidates. Everyone was nervous because this trial would determine their future! Lin Feng also felt several gazes upon him. He looked up at the hall again. Across from the proctoring team were shadowy figures hidden in the mist. Those were the experts from various universities. Among them were instructors from Jixia Academy. Jixia Academy¡­ A determined look shed in Lin Feng¡¯s eyes! Chapter 26 - Void Sacrifice Ritual Chapter 26: Void Sacrifice Ritual ¡°This is like the college entrance exam, isn¡¯t it? Truly magnificent¡­¡± In the grand hall, Qin Xian stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the solemn interior of the sacred temple, unable to suppress a sigh of admiration. Indeed, Qin Xian¡­ had never actually participated in the college entrance exam. The reason was simple: he didn¡¯t need to. Qin Xian had awakened an SSS-grade legendarybat ss¡ªthe Oracle Knight. The phenomenon created during his awakening was so remarkable that it rmed even the Regent¡­ and he was a rare dual-ss individual. He was a national sensation, a true super genius! Qin Xian was directly recruited by the Imperial Capital Academy, the foremost of the empire¡¯s three great academies, bing the 8th special recruit in its history. The previous seven special recruits all became famous superpowers in human history, capable of contending with the terrifying beings of the Void. Therefore, although Qin Xian was a student of the Imperial Capital Academy, he had never taken the college entrance exam. In fact, even if Qin Xian¡¯s talent were average, the influence of the Qin family would likely allow him to gain special admission to the Imperial Capital Academy. Although the empire¡¯s various academies are rtively independent, the Imperial Capital Academy is heavily infiltrated by the major aristocratic families. Of course, precisely because of this, the Imperial Capital Academy receives the most resources and thus has the most strength of all the empire¡¯s academies! Chen Beiguo was also observing the state of the sacred temple. Behind him, a middle-aged man with a stern appearance said in a deep voice, ¡°Governor, we have secured every corner of the Temple of Divine Revtion. No issues have been discovered so far¡­.¡± This middle-aged man, equally formidable in aura, was a level 51 powerhouse named He Bin, the Director of the Security Council of the East Sea Province, and a confidant of Chen Beiguo. The Security Council is the institution responsible for social security within a province. It can investigate any behavior that threatens safety or order. Compared to the Inspectorate, which mainly oversees the internal affairs of the government, the Security Council has broader powers. Under itsmand are approximately 500 security officers, each at least level 25 or above in strength. Chen Beiguo¡¯s ability to dominate the East Sea Province and firmly suppress the Provincial Speaker, Yu Feng, is due to his extraordinary ability and control over the Security Council, a department with real power. Upon hearing He Bin¡¯s words, Chen Beiguo felt somewhat reassured and nodded. However, the unease in his heart did not dissipate. What exactly does Qin Xian want to do!? He didn¡¯t believe that Qin Xian had assumed the temporary role of inspector just to visit some college entrance exam sites. Thinking of this, Chen Beiguo frowned and asked, ¡°Have you verified the inspector¡¯s identity?¡± The identities of exam inspectors are arranged by the Provincial Department of Education. Chen Beiguo had not previously paid attention to such trivial matters, but now, it¡¯s wise to be cautious. ¡°They¡¯ve all been verified, and no issues were found.¡± ¡­.. The college entrance exam had already begun, and one by one, the candidates queued up to be checked by the examiners and chose the trial they wanted to take. The college entrance exam trials are divided into three main categories, simr to professions:bat, support, and utility. ¡¾Candidate Su Miao, Number B04-77, A-level support ss Enchantment Array Master, selected assessment content¡ªbuild a small defensive array within 10 minutes.¡¿ A young girl, who appeared quite pretty, walked into a teleportation portal and entered the trial space. In the grand hall above, many academy instructors took interest and looked toward Su Miao¡¯s trial space. An A-level Enchantment Array Master is rtively rare; as their level rises, they can construct hundreds of different arrays, with a wide range of applications. This Su Miao has the potential to grow into a master-level Array Master! ¡¾Candidate Zhou Bo, Number B74-47, C-levelbat ss, Blood Warrior, selected assessment content¡ªthree-typebat trial!¡¿ ¡¾Candidate Li Xiang, Number F12-44, D-levelbat ss, Archer, selected assessment content¡ªthree-typebat trial!¡¿ The students orderly entered the trial space. In the skies above the Temple of Divine Revtion, thousands of screens appeared, disying the scenes from various spaces for the examiners to observe and evaluate. Finally, it was Lin Feng¡¯s turn. ¡¾Candidate Lin Feng, Number B18-75, SS-level Non-Specialist, selected assessment content¡ªseven-typebat trial!¡¿ This announcement immediately drew countless attention. Naturally, Qin Xian and Chen Beiguo were among them, and even the instructors from various academies showed interest. After all, the SS-level Non-Specialist is such a peculiar ss that no one has ever seen before¡­. Moreover, Lin Feng¡¯s choice of the seven-typebat trial is the most difficult among allbat trials. Not only must he hunt down all monsters within the given time, but he must also y a level 5 boss! ording to the data, the selection rate for the seven-typebat trial in the national college entrance exam is only 0.9% and the pass rate is only 0.01%! Lin Feng took a deep breath, eyes resolute, and stepped directly into the trial space! And the moment Lin Feng stepped into the trial space, Chen Beiguo immediately unleashed his spiritual pressure, beginning to sense any change in aura within the Temple of Divine Revtion! Should there be any anomaly, he would act immediately! As long as Lin Fengpleted the trial without a hitch, Chen Lingxi¡¯s guarantee would be fulfilled¡­.. But suddenly, the Temple of Divine Revtion began to shake! No, it wasn¡¯t just the Temple of Divine Revtion; it was the entire East Sea City! Boom¡ª¡ª!!!!!! A deafening sound erupted from the distance, echoing like a death knell for the end of the world! Immediately following, a decaying aura of the Void also swept in. ¡°A Void Sacrifice Ritual!!!??¡± Chen Beiguo¡¯s heart sank, and beside him, He Bin¡¯s face turned pale as he immediately received the notification. ¡°Your Excellency, a serious incident has urred. A Void Sacrifice Ritual has appeared in the new southern district of the city, with a dozen level 20 Void monsters appearing! The casualties are heavy!!¡± At this moment, He Bin, a level 50 powerhouse, was as helpless as a schoolboy. One of the Security Council¡¯s duties is to track down Void cultists and destroy all Void Sacrifice Rituals. Previously, a Void Sacrifice Ritual appeared in a town near East Sea City, resulting in the town¡¯s massacre, which was already a dereliction of duty on his part. At that time, the Provincial Assembly had already impeached him. However, Chen Beiguo suppressed it. But now, with another Void Sacrifice Ritual urring in the East Sea City area, this Security Council chief was doomed! Chen Beiguo was also shocked, his eyes nearly zing with anger as he red at Qin Xian! Could it be that Qin Xian¡¯s target wasn¡¯t the Temple of Divine Revtion but the Security Council!? If the Qin family seized the Security Council, then with the Provincial Assembly, the Provincial Inspectorate, and the Security Council, Yu Feng would have the leverage to contend with him! At that point, who the East Sea Province would heed really would be uncertain! Chapter 27 - Lin Feng’s Performance Chapter 27: Lin Feng¡¯s Performance Chen Beiguo suddenly realized he had fallen into Qin Xian¡¯s trap! Could it be that Qin Xian had deliberately forced Chen Lingxi to guarantee Lin Feng¡¯s participation in the college entrance exam yesterday? Was it intentionally done to arouse his suspicion, so that all his attention would be focused on the Temple of Divine Revtion here? Under normal circumstances, the East Sea team of the Security Council would be patrolling the East Sea City continuously. If there was any anomaly, they would issue a warning and intervene immediately. But today was the college entrance exam, and coupled with what happened yesterday, it made Chen Beiguo mistakenly believe that Qin Xian would y some tricks on Lin Feng to target Chen Lingxi and catch him off guard. So, not only did hee personally to oversee the situation, but the powerhouses of the Security Council were also all focused on the Temple of Divine Revtion, leaving the city of East Sea exceptionally vulnerable! Under Chen Beiguo¡¯s angry gaze, Qin Xian¡¯s smile remained unchanged, as if this matter had nothing to do with him. Beside him, Provincial Speaker Yu Feng wore a righteously indignant expression and angrily rebuked He Bin, ¡°Director He, what is going on with your Security Council? A Void Sacrifice Ritual just happened in Chaiyuan Town a few days ago, and now it¡¯s reached the East Sea City area!¡± ¡°And today is the college entrance exam! I don¡¯t think you need to remain as the Chief Security Officer!¡± He Bin¡¯s face was pale, unable to utter a word, because this incident was indeed the responsibility of the Security Council! His body trembled, with only one thought in mind: It¡¯s over!! The position of Security Council Director is one of real power in the province, and he had invested so much effort to climb to this position. But now, it¡¯s all ruined! This is the treacherous nature of the power field, even more dangerous than the Void frontline! A slight mistake leads to an irreversible disaster! Seeing Yu Feng starting to make things difficult, with a smug smile on his face, Chen Beiguo became increasingly certain that this was Qin Xian¡¯s real objective! Chen Beiguo gave Qin Xian a deep look and immediately turned to leave, instructing, ¡°Seal the news, don¡¯t disrupt the college entrance exam!¡± Although the Void Sacrifice Ritual that erupted in the city center wasn¡¯trge, with only a dozen level 20 Void monsters, he, as the governor, needed to rush to the scene immediately! Otherwise, it would be a grave dereliction of duty! Chen Beiguo took many security officers from the Security Council and rushed to the incident site. However, he left behind a few security officers and ordered the police bureau personnel to maintain order in the Temple of Divine Revtion. Seeing Chen Beiguo leading the security officers away and themotion just caused, some candidates who had not yet undergone the trials in the Temple of Divine Revtion felt uneasy. A proctor loudly said, ¡°A major traffic ident just urred in the East Sea City area, but there¡¯s no need to worry! The college entrance exam continues, don¡¯t get distracted!¡± Hearing this, the candidates were slightly reassured and continued their assessments. ¡­.. ¡°What is happening in East Sea?¡± On the other side of the grand hall, the academy examiners whispered among themselves, expressing dissatisfaction. They had heard that a Void cultist appeared in the city center of East Seast night, affecting many innocent civilians. The excuse of a traffic ident was just to fool the students. They could all sense the aura of the Void. It seemed that a Void Sacrifice event had also erupted in the city center of East Sea! Void cultists have always been a chronic disease in the human world, and the urrence of a Void Sacrifice event is not umon. But such events usually happen in the wild or remote towns. The urrence of a Void Sacrifice event in a big city like East Sea is unprecedented! In any case, the East Sea Province¡¯s Security Council is sure to be held ountable. Even Governor Chen Beiguo is likely to be significantly affected¡­. ¡°I wonder if this year, East Sea can produce a few good talents.¡± An elderly man with white hair stood with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent, watching the live trials on therge screens. He wore a long robe, exuding a stern demeanor, with the words ¡®Jixia¡¯ embroidered on his chest. Song Guiyuan, an examiner from Jixia Academy, one of the empire¡¯s three great academies! ¡°In the past five years, we at Jixia Academy have admitted less than ten candidates from the East Sea Province, mostly from support sses, and very few frombat sses.¡± Behind him, a teacher from Jixia Academy said respectfully. Suddenly, numerous exmations erupted from the academy examiners in the grand hall. Song Guiyuan¡¯s expression shifted slightly as he followed the sound. In one of the trial spaces, the dungeon¡¯s score was continuously rising! The seven-typebat trial! The most challenging type ofbat assessment, where seven waves of monsters are randomly generated during the trial. Each wave doubles in both quantity andbat powerpared to the previous one! Moreover, the final wave will generate a level 5 rare BOSS, whose danger level isparable to a level elite 8 monster. Inside the trial space, a lean figure was darting about, unstoppable. Although he used the most basic general skills like Physical Enhancement and Fireball Technique, these basic skills were employed with extreme proficiency! Numerous monsters charged at him, yet none could withstand a single strike! The monster corpses beneath his feet piled up into small hills, like a war god! ¡°Candidate Lin Feng, Number B18-75¡­.¡± Lin Feng, the student who failed his job change, instantly became the focal point of everyone¡¯s attention! ¡°Interesting¡­.¡± A faint smile of interest appeared on Song Guiyuan¡¯s face. Outsiders watched the excitement; insiders watched the skill. Although Lin Feng had failed his job change and was merely an SS-level Non-Specialist, thebat power disyed by Lin Feng during the trial was exceedingly outstanding. Lin Feng¡¯s strength and agility attributes far exceeded that of an ordinary level 4 novice! Not only him, but other academy examiners also began to pay attention to Lin Feng. ¡°Number B18-75¡­ Lin Feng¡­ temporarily put him on the observation list.¡± ¡°Check Lin Feng¡¯s past performance records.¡± ¡­¡­¡­.. In the grand hall, seeing many academy examiners paying attention to Lin Feng, Qin Xian revealed a faint smile. ¡°He¡¯s clever.¡± Lin Feng knew he was targeted by Qin Xian and that something would definitely happen on the college entrance exam day. So he directly chose the seven-typebat trial and showcased his strength, drawing all the examiners¡¯ attention. In this way, it became difficult for Qin Xian to tamper with him¡­. And Lin Feng, worthy of being the favored child of fate, disyed such prowess without using the secret source, relying solely on Non-Specialist skills! However, this should also be because the secret source increased his attributes by 50%, making Lin Feng¡¯s panel attributes very high. But¡­..a hint of mockery shed in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. Neither Lin Feng nor Chen Beiguo could guess what he intended to do! Tamper with Lin Feng¡¯s college entrance exam trial? No! What he wanted to do¡­..was to destroy the Temple of Divine Revtion in East Sea City! Chapter 28 - I Can Let You Die Painlessly Chapter 28: I Can Let You Die Painlessly For a moment, nearly everyone¡¯s attention in the Temple of Divine Revtion was captivated by Lin Feng. The proctors from various academies, the security officers who remained on site, and the police personnel all focused on that trial space. Could it be that another genius was emerging from East Sea? Thest time someone passed the seven-type trial in the East Sea college entrance exam was nearly twenty years ago! Based on Lin Feng¡¯s trial performance, regardless of anything else, just his disyed strength and agility attributes were almost at the level of a level 10 professional! This alone was enough for Lin Feng to stand out. Everyone whispered, discussing how Lin Feng managed to achieve this. While there are treasures that can grant extra attribute points, these are worth a fortune. Even the most basic Abyssal Crystal Fruit, which only adds one attribute point, costs tens of millions! Ordinary families simply cannot afford it! ¡­¡­ In a corner of the Temple of Divine Revtion, a supervisor stood expressionless, watching everyone¡¯s attention shift to Lin Feng. He then took out an eerie pyramid from his bosom. The next moment, the pyramid began to spin, and a countdown started¡­. ¡°5¡ª4¡ª3¡ª¡± In the grand hall, everyone¡¯s attention was on Lin Feng. Song Guiyuan was observing the trial space when his expression suddenly changed. In the next moment, his face shifted dramatically as he quickly turned around and shouted in a direction, ¡°Something¡¯s wrong!!!¡± Swoosh¡ª¡ª!!! Space and time seemed to freeze and stagnate at this moment. The entire interior space of the Temple of Divine Revtion turned into an eerie deep blue, as if it had sunk into a bottomless deep-sea abyss! A heart-stopping aura emerged as portals appeared inside the Temple of Divine Revtion! And through these portals, bizarre and terrifying Void monsters descended! They struggled to crawl out of the portals, their bodies distorted, with deep blue ripples constantly emanating from them, exuding a terrifying aura. They were filled with violence and madness! ¡°A Void Invasion!?¡± Song Guiyuan eximed, and everyone inside the Temple of Divine Revtion turned pale with shock! Since human powerhouses established a frontline against the Void, the Void had never directly invaded Earth again. A Void Invasion is entirely different from a Void Sacrifice. A Void Sacrifice involves Void cultists conducting a sacrificial ritual, and those void monsters are actually evolved from the cultists themselves. Void cultists, in their quest for Void power, hold sacrificial rituals. However, most of them end up transforming into mindless Void monsters that know only to kill, with limited destructive power. A Void Invasion, on the other hand, involves native monsters from the depths of the Void descending on Earth through portals or rifts! ¡°A Void Beacon, someone ced a Void Beacon!!!¡± The entire Temple of Divine Revtion instantly fell into chaos. These Void monsters, upon descending, began hunting in all directions. For them, humans were the most delicious food. Or rather, they were born to destroy everything! Screams echoed immediately and the candidates bore the brunt of the attack. After the Void¡¯s arrival, many trial spaces copsed, with candidates either being shredded by the copsing space or transported out of the trial space only to be devoured by the void monsters! In less than a minute, the once solemn and pristine Temple of Divine Revtion turned into a hellscape, with bodies strewn everywhere and blood covering the ground! Battles erupted continuously, with the remaining police officers and security officers, as well as the examiners from various academies, rushing forward to fight the Void monsters. Humans and the Void are mortal enemies! Witnessing this hellish scene, Yu Feng, the provincial speaker next to Qin Xian, was stunned! He actually knew that the Void Sacrifice in the city was arranged by Qin Xian. He was pleased to see it, at least he could take over the Security Council, and his power could rise another level. He didn¡¯t care how many people would die, as they were all just civilians, mere ants. But he hadn¡¯t expected Qin Xian to have such a big appetite! The Security Council was just a cover! He wanted to destroy the Temple of Divine Revtion in East Sea City! He wanted to ruin Chen Beiguo! This involved thousands of candidates¡­. Even Yu Feng, the cunning and ruthless old fox, couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill spread throughout his body, looking at Qin Xian with extreme fear! This young man¡¯s cold ruthlessness far exceeded everyone¡¯s imagination! Seemingly sensing Yu Feng¡¯s unease and fear, Qin Xian turned and nced at the provincial speaker, a near-indifferent smile on his face. ¡°Speaker Yu, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Hearing the murderous undertone in Qin Xian¡¯s words, Yu Feng shuddered. He quickly lowered his head respectfully, saying in a deep voice, ¡°The Yu family will follow Young Master¡¯s lead in everything!¡± He belonged to the Qin family, and the Yu family was just a pawn supported by the Qin family. The Yu family¡¯s fate was firmly tied to Qin Xian and he had no second path! He could only firmly follow behind the Qin family! Qin Xian nodded in satisfaction, had Yu Feng shown any inappropriate thoughts, he would have ordered Uncle Qiu to kill Yu Feng directly! After all, so many people had already died. One more provincial speaker didn¡¯t make much difference¡­. ¡°You all seal off Lin Feng¡¯s trial space, pretend to fight the Void monsters, and don¡¯t let anyone approach! I will handle Lin Feng personally!¡± The Arcane Source was of great importance, and Qin Xian didn¡¯t trust anyone, not even Uncle Qiu¡­. He wanted to kill Lin Feng himself and seize the Arcane Source¡­ Qin Xian headed straight for Lin Feng¡¯s trial space, while other Qin family powerhouses dispersed to seal off the vicinity of the trial space. With the Temple of Divine Revtion under Void attack, it had already begun to crumble, and therge screens shattered. The trial space passages also started to appear. The entire Temple of Divine Revtion was on the brink of copse! ¡­ After Qin Xian entered the trial space, he was greeted by a vast forest, with Lin Feng standing at its center. Lin Feng turned, looking at Qin Xian expressionlessly. His face showed no fear, surprise, or shock. It was as if he had known Qin Xian woulde all along¡­ Qin Xian smiled, looking at Lin Feng, and said indifferently, ¡°Hand over the Arcane Source, and I can let you die a painless death¡­.¡± Chapter 29 - Qin Xian’s Second Profession Chapter 29: Qin Xian¡¯s Second Profession ¡°Let me die quickly?¡± Upon hearing Qin Xian¡¯s words, Lin Feng didn¡¯t show much anger; instead, a smile appeared on his face. It was a slightly mocking smile. He stood calmly in ce, looking at Qin Xian. Around them, the sounds of brutal fighting, human screams, and the roars of void monsters filled the air. Lin Feng spoke to Qin Xian seriously, ¡°You¡¯re mistaken. It¡¯s not that I will let you die quickly; rather, I won¡¯t let you die easily.¡± Seeing Lin Feng so calm, Qin Xian raised an eyebrow slightly and chuckled softly. ¡°It seems you guessed that I woulde to find you.¡± ¡°Indeed,¡± Lin Feng replied indifferently. ¡°The Arcane Source is in my hands¡ªhow could you possibly let this go? But after today, I will be able to enter the academy and receive its protection, and your Qin family will no longer be able to do anything to me.¡± ¡°If you want to take the Arcane Source, today is your only chance to act!¡± ¡°Do you know¡­¡± Lin Feng¡¯s eyes darkened as he spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Originally, Teacher Chen could have directly rmended me to Jixia Academy for a special admission exam!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t have to take the college entrance exam today. I could have left Donghai City yesterday and gone straight to Jixia Academy!¡± The special admission exam was an alternative way to enter the academy, outside of the standard college entrance exam. Though it was far more challenging, with Lin Feng¡¯s strength, he could have easily passed it and entered Jixia Academy! ¡°If I had been specially admitted to Jixia Academy, your Qin family wouldn¡¯t have been able to touch me for at least four years. I could have used the Secret Source to gradually grow stronger, ventured into the depths of the void to retrieve the Emperor, and then annihted your Qin family!l ¡°But I refused. I still came here to take the exam just to give you the chance to make your move. Do you know why?¡± ¡°Why?¡± Qin Xian asked, a curious smile ying on his lips. Lin Feng¡¯s face was expressionless, but his eyes were filled with a mad killing intent and hatred as he murmured, ¡°Because I was waiting for you to try to take the Arcane Source. Only then¡­ could I kill you!!¡± Suddenly, Lin Feng became extremely agitated, roaring, ¡°I want to kill you now to avenge myself! Forget waiting four years¡ªevery moment is torment for me! I want to kill you immediately, right now!!!¡± He stared at his own hands, speaking in a deep voice, ¡°Did you really think that someone like me, a mere ant, was destined to be toyed with by you? Did you really think that when facing you, my only option was to flee?¡± Lin Feng raised his head, coldly ring at Qin Xian, his eyes filled with a crazed killing intent. ¡°You¡¯re wrong! It wasn¡¯t you who was looking for me, but I who was waiting for you!!¡± Boom¡ª! Suddenly, a deep blue field spread out from beneath Lin Feng¡¯s feet, quickly expanding and corroding the entire trial space, turning it into a void! Lin Feng¡¯s body slowly floated into the air, standing tall. He stared at Qin Xian, his body trembling slightly. This was not the trembling of fear, but of excitement, of anticipation! ¡°The moment you entered this trial space alone, you had already fallen into my trap, Qin Xian!¡± Lin Fengughed heartily. ¡°I know you are a level 21 SSS-rank Oracle Knight. I know with your background, you have ess to all sorts of high-quality equipment and skills! But you underestimated my trump card! You underestimated the Arcane Source!!¡± ¡°Void Manifestation, is it?¡± Qin Xian chuckled, as if he had heard an amusing joke. ¡°Your trump card must be the skill Void Manifestation, right?¡± Lin Feng¡¯s previously excited expression froze upon hearing this. His face turned into one of extreme shock! Void Manifestation was Lin Feng¡¯s deepest secret, something no one else knew. How did Qin Xian know? Qin Xian looked at Lin Feng¡¯s shocked expression and shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re so naive it surprises me¡­ You should know, the Arcane Source originally belonged to the Qin family. When ites to understanding the Arcane Source¡­ how could you possibly know more than I do?¡± Qin Xian continued indifferently, ¡°You are an SS-rank non-specialist, so you should have awakened the three skills: Void Tidal Bug, Void Mark, and Void Manifestation. Am I right?¡± Lin Feng was stunned. Qin Xian knew everything!? However, Lin Feng quickly regained hisposure and sneered, ¡°So what if you know? You are only level 21, and Void Manifestation has the power of a level 60batant!! Die!!!¡± With a roar, Lin Feng summoned a terrifying, massive void creature that tore through the space behind him! It was an immensely terrifying void monster, standing dozens of meters tall, its body covered in fearsome scales, with two shattered ck wings spread wide behind it. It looked like an apocalyptic demon god! This was a level 60 Void Lord Manifestation! After summoning the Void Lord Manifestation, Lin Feng immediately copsed to his knees, feeling utterly drained. He knew that with this summoning, five years of his lifespan had also been consumed. But he didn¡¯t care! Lin Feng stared fiercely at Qin Xian, his eyes bloodshot. ¡°Die, Qin Xian!¡± The Void Lord Manifestation obeyed Lin Feng¡¯smand and reached out a massive hand to grab Qin Xian. The void around Qin Xian solidified, leaving him with no escape! But the next moment, something happened that made Lin Feng¡¯s eyes widen in disbelief. ¡°How is this possible!!!¡± The Void Lord Manifestation suddenly stopped its attack and slowly knelt before Qin Xian, bowing in reverence! Qin Xian¡¯s eyes suddenly ignited with blue mes. His right arm turned deep blue, with iprehensible runic patterns flickering on its surface. His entire being exuded a strange and indescribable beauty, filled with an eerie uniqueness! ¡°Not many have seen my second profession. Lin Feng, consider yourself lucky!¡± A bizarre smile spread across Qin Xian¡¯s face as he looked at Lin Feng, his eyes filled with madness and cruelty. At this moment, Qin Xian no longer seemed human¡­ He resembled a terrifying being from the void! His profession panel was revealed as well: [Name: Qin Xian]. [Profession: Void Overlord, Oracle Knight]. [Level: LV21]. [Strength: 297]. [Agility: 280]. [Constitution: 274]. [Spirit: 288]. [Intelligence: 284]. Chapter 30 - Void Overlord Chapter 30: Void Overlord Qin Xian¡¯s five-dimensional attribute points had nearly reached 300 across the board, making him an extraordinarily powerful presence. To put this into perspective, a typical level 21 profession would have around 80 attribute points, and that¡¯s with a focused allocation. For example, a level 21 Berserker, a warrior-type profession, might have a maximum of 100 points in strength and constitution, but their agility, spirit, and intelligence would be significantly lower, perhaps around 50 points. However, Qin Xian¡¯s five-dimensional attributes were all at the highest possible level, making him a true ¡°hexagonal warrior¡± with no weaknesses. But what Lin Feng cared about wasn¡¯t Qin Xian¡¯s attribute points; it was his profession. Void Overlord!!?? Lin Feng¡¯s eyes widened in shock, his face filled with utter disbelief. Qin Xian was a dual-profession holder, but he had only ever revealed his first profession to the world: an SSS-ranked Oracle Knight. As for his second profession, it had never been shown, and no one knew what it was. This mystery led to much spection. Some believed Qin Xian¡¯s second profession was extremely powerful, but he deliberately kept it hidden as a trump card. Others thought that Qin Xian¡¯s second profession might not be that impressive, which is why he only showcased his Oracle Knight profession. Regardless, Qin Xian¡¯s second profession was an enigma. But who could have imagined that his second profession would be¡­ a Void Overlord! Lin Feng, being a genius from Donghai No. 1 High School, had extensive theoretical knowledge. He knew that the Void was humanity¡¯s mortal enemy, or rather, the enemy of all those awakened through the Divine Revolution Temple. The professions awakened by humanity were diametrically opposed to the Void. The Void Overlord was one of the most terrifying entities within the Void, a being of immense dread! Its rank was even higher than that of a Void Lord! It was no wonder Qin Xian had hidden his second profession. A Void Overlord¡­ this was the highest-ranking entity in the Void Sequence, a sworn enemy of humanity! But¡­ how could this be possible!? How could a human awaken as a Void Overlord? Thispletely overturned Lin Feng¡¯s understanding! From a theoretical standpoint, this should be impossible! As Lin Feng stood there in disbelief, the mes of the Void flickered in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. He had awakened as a dual-profession holder at the Divine Revolution Temple, bing both an Oracle Knight and a Void Overlord! The fact that his second profession was Void Overlord was known only to a few high-ranking members of the Qin family. To keep this secret, the Qin family had even discreetly dealt with several insiders. This was also the reason why Qin Xian had allowed Lin Feng to use the Secret Source. No matter how Lin Feng used the Secret Source, it was futile in the face of his second profession as a Void Overlord! [Aura of Void Will (Level 1): As a Void Overlord, you possess supreme authority over Void creatures, able to suppress any Void entity for a duration of 10 minutes. (Skill can be upgraded)] Thus, the Void Lord Lin Feng had summoned at the cost of five years of his lifespan posed no threat to Qin Xian whatsoever! The trump card that Lin Feng had so proudly relied on was nothing more than a joke in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes! Lin Feng gritted his teeth, desperately trying to regain control over the Void Lord manifestation through the Secret Source. But to his despair, the Void manifestation didn¡¯t respond at all. He could even feel the Void Lord¡¯s fear toward Qin Xian! Lin Feng¡¯s body began to tremble as his heart sank to the depths of despair. It was over! He had never imagined that his meticulously nned revenge would be so thoroughly crushed, turning him into nothing more than aughingstock! A surge of regret suddenly welled up in Lin Feng¡¯s heart¡­ If only he had known earlier that Qin Xian was a Void Overlord, he would have left Donghaist night and used the teleportation array to reach Jixia Academy, biding his time and plotting his revenge slowly! Seeing through Lin Feng¡¯s thoughts, Qin Xian¡¯s expression remained indifferent as he said tly, ¡°Did you really think you could have escaped yesterday? Yesterday, I sealed off all the teleportation arrays, flights, highways, and railways in Donghai City. Even if you wanted to reach Jixia Academy, you couldn¡¯t have.¡± ¡°Not only will you die, but you must die today, and die within the Divine Revolution Temple! The governor¡¯s daughter vouched for you.¡± ¡°If it turns out you¡¯re a Void believer and cause the destruction of the Divine Revolution Temple, how could she or Chen Beiguo possibly escape the consequences?¡± Hearing these words, Lin Feng¡¯s face finally showed despair, his heart filled with deep guilt. His arrogance had harmed Teacher Chen! He finally understood the vast gulf between himself and Qin Xian. What does it mean to be an ant? This is what it means to be an ant! Even his own death wasn¡¯t something he could control. The time, ce, and manner of his death were all in Qin Xian¡¯s hands! If Qin Xian wanted him to die in a certain way or at a certain time, that¡¯s exactly how and when he would die¡­ Qin Xian¡¯s figure suddenly disappeared, reappearing right in front of Lin Feng in the next moment. Lin Feng was shocked, then roared in fury, gathering a fireball in his hand and hurling it at Qin Xian. But before the fireball could even reach Qin Xian, it dissipated. Then, an inexplicable force crushed Lin Feng, turning him into a bloodied figure, forcing him to his knees. The bones in his legs shattered and cracked! ¡°Ah¡ª!!¡± Lin Feng let out a miserable scream,pletely losing any ability to resist. Without the Secret Source, Lin Feng was just a level 4 novice, a mere ant before the level 21 Qin Xian¡­ As Lin Feng was crippled, the Arcane Source was also stripped from his body by a terrifying Void force, leaving it to float in midair¡­ ¡°The Arcane Source¡­¡± Qin Xian stared at the floating Secret Source before him, his eyes filled with mad desire! Unlike Lin Feng, who was an SS-ranked non-specialist and could barely use the Arcane Source, Qin Xian, as a Void Overlord, was perfectly attuned to the Secret Source! In a sense, only a Void Overlord who has obtained the Arcane Source can be considered aplete Void Overlord! Chapter 31 - Qin Xians Complete Form Chapter 31: Qin Xian¡¯s Complete Form Qin Xian picked up the Arcane Source, and at that moment, it felt as if his very soul was trembling. He could sense the terrifying, boundless power contained within the Arcane Source! Even with his usualposure, Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud, his face filled with excitement. The Qin family had spent countless years and immense effort to track down the Arcane Source, but it was all worth it! The Arcane Source was crucial to the Qin family¡¯s century-long n. With the Arcane Source, the final piece of the puzzle for the Qin family¡¯s ambitions to dominate the empire, and even the entire human world, wasplete. From this moment onward, no one could stop the Qin family! No one could stop Qin Xian! With the Arcane Source, the Void Lord profession reached itsplete form. Without hesitation, Qin Xian equipped the Arcane Source. The next moment, it appeared in his equipment slot. ¡¾Arcane Source: Legendary Item, Originates from the Void, Wields the Power of the Void, the Embodiment of the Void¡¯s Supreme Will, Equipping it with a Void-rted profession unlocks the Devour and Evolve system.¡¿ ¡¾Passive Effect: Arcane Source Power, All attribute points increase by 50% (Void-rted professions increase by 100%).¡¿ ¡¾Summon General (Level 1): Summons a Level 40 low-tier Void General; this skill can be upgraded.¡¿ ¡¾Void Devour: Marks an area, and all targets within will be marked. Upon the death of a marked target, you will randomly acquire the target¡¯s skills and talents.¡¿ ¡¾Void Manifestation: Summons a Level 70 Void Lord Manifestation,sts 30 minutes, cooldown of 5 days.¡¿ This was the difference between Qin Xian and Lin Feng. Lin Feng, despite being an SS-ranked Non-Specialist, could barely use the Arcane Source, while Qin Xian, as a Void Lord, was the perfect match for it. Not only were Qin Xian¡¯s Arcane Source skills more advanced than Lin Feng¡¯s, but Lin Feng had to sacrifice five years of his life to use the Void Manifestation skill. Qin Xian, on the other hand, could summon it without any cost! After acquiring the Arcane Source, Qin Xian¡¯s five-dimensional attributes also changed. ¡¾Name: Qin Xian¡¿ ¡¾Profession: Void Overlord¡¿ ¡¾Level: LV21¡¿ ¡¾Strength: 594¡¿ ¡¾Agility: 560¡¿ ¡¾Constitution: 548¡¿ ¡¾Spirit: 576¡¿ ¡¾Intelligence: 568¡¿ Because Qin Xian¡¯s second profession was Void Lord, the Arcane Source Power¡¯s attribute point boost for him reached a staggering 100%! Qin Xian¡¯s five-dimensional attributes were nowparable to those of a Level 50 professional! Just his physical attack power, boosted by strength, could easily crush any professional of the same level! However, the true significance of the Arcane Source for Qin Xian was not just in these enhancements. It was that with the Arcane Source, many of the Void Overlord¡¯s professional skills were unlocked: ¡¾Void Control¡¿, ¡¾Incarnate as Void¡¿, ¡¾Twist Space¡¿, ¡¾Ancient God¡¯s Pestle¡¿, ¡¾Touch of the Nightmare Queen¡¿¡­ Each of these skills possessed terrifying power and effects, and they had been locked because they required the Arcane Source¡¯s power. Now that Qin Xian had obtained the Arcane Source, these skills were unlocked as well! Qin Xian¡¯s second profession, Void Lord, not only saw itsbat power multiply several times over, but more importantly, it had reached itsplete form. The Qin family¡¯s n could finally begin¡­ ¡ª Chen Beiguo¡¯s face was so dark that it seemed water could be wrung out of it. His body streaked across the sky like a meteor, speeding towards the Divine Revtion Temple in the heart of Donghai City. The entire city had fallen intoplete chaos. The Divine Revtion Temple, located at the city center, was being invaded by the Void, and the surrounding districts were also being corrupted by the Void! Void creatures were rampaging everywhere! The once peaceful and tranquil Donghai City had turned into a living hell! Chen Beiguo¡¯s heart was heavy with dread; Donghai City had been hit by one serious event after another in the past few days. As the Governor, he would surely be held ountable! Even if Lord Lu Ji was willing to protect him, his position as Governor would likely be in jeopardy¡­ Chen Beiguo was seething with anger. Qin Xian¡ª!! This time, he had beenpletely yed by Qin Xian! He had thought that the Void Sacrifice event in the city was Qin Xian¡¯s final goal, aiming to topple the Safety Committee Director, thereby allowing Speaker Yu Feng to outmaneuver him or at least challenge his authority. This would allow the Qin family to genuinely influence the greater situation in Donghai Province. But Chen Beiguo had not expected that it was just another bait! As soon as he left the Divine Revtion Monolith, it hade under attack! Qin Xian¡¯s ambitions were far beyond what he had imagined! The Safety Committee was never Qin Xian¡¯s real target. His true aim was Chen Beiguo himself, the Governor of Donghai Province! This time, Chen Beiguo was truly furious. His body appeared above the Divine Revtion Temple, his expression as dark as could be as he looked down at the Monolith, now corrupted by the Void. The severity of the situation was even greater than he had anticipated! Several Void creatures sensed Chen Beiguo¡¯s presence and charged at him with a roar. ¡°Courting death!¡± Chen Beiguo coldly snorted, forming seals with his hands. Suddenly, a massive magic array appeared in the sky, covering the entire Divine Revtion Temple. In the next moment, the magic array began to operate, and dozens of beams of holy light shot down from the heavens. The beams engulfed the Void creatures, purifying thempletely, wiping out all the Void monsters around the Divine Revtion Monolith! This was the terrifying power of a Level 68 powerhouse! Chen Beiguo¡¯s face remained stern as he coldlymanded, ¡°Purify all the Void creatures and seal the Void rift portals!¡± ¡°Yes!¡± The experts of Donghai City, with solemn expressions, began to handle the Void invasion. Meanwhile, Chen Beiguo, with a cold face, stormed into the interior of the Divine Revtion Temple. He was determined that if he found any trace of Qin Xian¡­ He would never let him get away with it! Chapter 32 - Truly Unable to Defend Himself Chapter 32: Truly Unable to Defend Himself Lin Fengy on the ground, his legs shattered,pletely losing his ability to fight. However, the pain in his heart far exceeded the physical agony he was enduring. At that moment, the trial space began to tremble. A terrifying and familiar presence descended, and Chen Beiguo¡¯s enraged voice echoed throughout the entire Divine Revtion Monolith. ¡°Control all passages, extract all recorded data from the Divine Revtion Temple, and activate the defense system!¡± Upon hearing this voice, a glimmer of hope suddenly shed in Lin Feng¡¯s eyes. Chen Beiguo had already returned? Perhaps he still had a chance to turn the tables! After all, Lin Feng still had one final card to y. He had stored a recording crystal on him, which contained the entire conversation between him and Qin Xian just moments ago. With this recording crystal, he could prove that Qin Xian was the mastermind behind this tragedy! Moreover, the defense system of the Divine Revtion Temple represented the highest level of security. The Temple was designed to select candidates for the imperial examinations, and many trial spaces were extremely dangerous. The defense system ensured the safety of the examinees. If an examinee¡¯s life was threatened, they would be immediately transported to the za outside the Monolith. Previously, the Void invasion had damaged the Temple¡¯s system. But now that most of the Void creatures had been cleared and the Void rifts had been sealed and repaired, the defense system could be reactivated! This meant that Qin Xian wouldn¡¯t be able to kill him! ¡°You¡¯ve returned rather quickly. It seems that His Excellency, the Governor, is truly anxious¡­¡± Qin Xian smiled faintly as he noticed the hopeful expression on Lin Feng¡¯s face. He said calmly, ¡°You seem so excited, so you must have something like a recording crystal on you, right? Do you really think that just because Chen Beiguo is back, he can save you?¡± Qin Xian sneered and, without hesitation, grabbed Lin Feng with one hand. A strange tentacle emerged from the Void veins in his right arm and directly pierced Lin Feng¡¯s forehead! ¡¾Void Conversion: Imnt a Void parasite into a target of a lower or equal level, converting them into a Void Follower.¡¿ This was a signature skill of the Void Overlord. Qin Xian had used this skill during the Void Sacrifice rituals in Donghai Province to convert several innocent people into Void Followers. Corrosive and scorching Void energy began to ravage Lin Feng¡¯s body,pletely eroding his skin! His eyes turned into blue mes, and his upper body became covered in terrifying and grotesque scales. The excruciating pain twisted Lin Feng¡¯s body into a bent shape, like a curled-up shrimp. More importantly, Lin Feng¡¯s vocal cords were destroyed by the Void energy. He couldn¡¯t even scream! Afterpleting all of this, the terrifying Void mes surrounding Qin Xian vanished, and the Void pupils in his eyes also faded. In their ce, his entire body was now bathed in a holy radiance. A set of majestic and luxurious golden armor appeared on him, and he wielded a radiant greatsword, with faint shadows of two radiant wings behind him. He appeared like a descending Archangel! Qin Xian had switched to his first profession¡ªOracle Knight! It was hard to imagine that the same person could be both the corrosive, all-devouring Void Lord and the purifying, saving Oracle Knight¡­ Lin Feng, half-transformed into a Void Follower, looked horrifying and grotesque. In contrast, Qin Xian, in his Oracle Knight form, appeared so radiant and majestic! When Chen Beiguo, Chen Lingxi, and the other powerful figures arrived at the trial space, this was the scene they witnessed¡­ ¡°Young Master!¡± Qiu Bo and the others immediately rushed to Qin Xian¡¯s side. Meanwhile, Chen Lingxi gasped in shock, covering her mouth in disbelief as she looked at Lin Feng. ¡°How could this be¡­¡± Not only Chen Lingxi, but everyone else¡¯s attention was also focused on Lin Feng. ¡°A Void Follower!?!¡± Lin Feng¡¯s appearance was exactly like that of a Void Follower using Void power! Qin Xian looked at Lin Feng before him, a strange glint in his eyes, and then righteously dered, ¡°This man is the mastermind behind all of this! He and his foster father are both Void Followers who have orchestrated multiple Void Sacrifice incidents!¡± ¡°During this imperial examination, he brought the Void Beacon into the Divine Revtion Temple, summoning the Void invasion and leading to the Monolith¡¯s destruction!¡± Although Lin Feng had been converted into a Void Follower, his consciousness remained intact. Hearing Qin Xian¡¯s distorted lies and how he was being framed for everything, Lin Feng was consumed with rage and desperately wanted to speak. But with his vocal cords destroyed, he could only produce ghastly, guttural noises! Coupled with his grotesque appearance, he looked like a terrifying Void beast. Everyone, without any hesitation, immediately believed Qin Xian¡¯s words. After all, the situation before them was crystal clear! Chen Lingxi¡¯s eyes were filled with disbelief. Lin Feng¡­ how could he be a Void Follower!? Chapter 33 - The Death of Lin Feng Chapter 33: The Death of Lin Feng Even Chen Beiguo fell silent at the sight before him. He had been firmly convinced that this entire tragedy was a scheme orchestrated by Qin Xian to bring him down. That was why he had rushed back to the Divine Revtion Temple, activated the protection system, and prepared to retrieve all the data from the Temple. As long as he found any trace of Qin Xian¡¯s involvement, he would take immediate action! But now¡­ Looking at Lin Feng¡¯s current state, even Chen Beiguo began to doubt himself. Could it really have been Lin Feng who caused all this? He had trusted his daughter¡¯s judgment, believing that since she was willing to vouch for Lin Feng, he couldn¡¯t be a bad person. But the reality was undeniable¡ªLin Feng was now a Void Follower, heavily corrupted by the Void! Whether or not Qin Xian had a hand in this, or whatever Qin Xian¡¯s true intentions were, the fact remained that Qin Xian couldn¡¯t have turned Lin Feng from a human into a Void Follower. Lin Feng desperately wanted to pull out the recording crystal from his body. If he could just retrieve it, he could prove that Qin Xian was the mastermind behind all of this. But as soon as he tried to move, Qin Xian waved his hand. Several beams of radiant energy transformed into long swords, pinning Lin Feng¡¯s limbs to the ground, rendering him immobile! At that moment, Lin Feng finally understood the meaning of true despair. He knew the truth; he knew Qin Xian¡¯s true nature. But his vocal cords were destroyed, preventing him from uttering a single word! He had the recording crystal on him, which could prove that Qin Xian was behind it all. Yet he waspletely paralyzed! The truth was right before his eyes, but all he could do was watch as Qin Xian ced all the me on him! The frustration, the despair, the rage¡ªit all nearly drove Lin Feng to madness! He stared at Qin Xian with eyes full of venomous hatred, his expression twisted in fury. His bloodshot eyes, his trembling body, and the guttural growls that escaped his lips made him seem like a demon. The sight was so unsettling that those present couldn¡¯t help but take a few steps back. Qin Xian nced at the crazed Lin Feng, his face expressionless. He could have killed Lin Feng long ago. The reason he had kept Lin Feng alive until now was not because Lin Feng was difficult to deal with, but because Lin Feng¡¯s death at this moment, in this manner, would maximize his value. Qin Xian intended to squeeze everyst drop of value out of Lin Feng¡­ Qin Xian looked over at Speaker Yu Feng, who immediately caught on, his face twisting into an expression of anger. He loudly questioned, ¡°Since this man¡¯s foster father was a Void Follower, he should have been isted and investigated ording to the rules. How was he allowed to participate in the imperial examination?¡± Qin Xian then turned to Chen Lingxi, his voice stern, ¡°Miss Chen, I warned you long ago that this man was deeply connected to the Void Followers and needed to be thoroughly investigated. But you vouched for him as the Governor¡¯s daughter, leading to today¡¯s tragedy!¡± Chen Lingxi¡¯s face turned deathly pale at Qin Xian¡¯s usation, her body trembling, barely able to stand. Yet, she couldn¡¯t utter a single word in response. Could it be¡­ that she was truly wrong? Had Qin Xian been genuine in his investigation of the Void Followers all along? Was the Lin family really part of the Void Followers? If Lin Feng had failed in his career transition, leading to an imbnce in his heart, and under the influence of his foster father, he had strayed onto the wrong path¡­ It seemed usible now. People are like that. When Chen Lingxi believed in Lin Feng, she was determined to believe in him to the end. Any usations against him felt like nder. But now, looking at Lin Feng¡¯s appearance, it was clear he was a Void Follower. After all, as far as humanity knew, no one could turn a person into a Void Follower¡ªunless they were a Void Follower to begin with. Faced with the fact that Lin Feng was a Void Follower, Chen Lingxi couldn¡¯t help but start to doubt herself. She looked at the Divine Revtion Temple, now nearly reduced to ruins, with countless corpses and the sound of anguished cries filling the air, and nearly fainted. At that moment, Feng Jun, the head of the Donghai Province Surveince Department, coldly said, ¡°Miss Chen, we suspect that you are involved with the Void Followers! Please cooperate with our investigation immediately!¡± Several inspectors stepped forward, preparing to take Chen Lingxi away. Everyone present, all influential figures in Donghai Province, knew the rtionship between Chen Lingxi and Chen Beiguo. Yet, no one spoke up. Chen Lingxi had vouched for Lin Feng, and Lin Feng was a Void Follower, leading to the Void invasion and the resulting massacre of countless people. This was a catastrophe not seen in the human world for a thousand years! Someone had to be held ountable for this. And Chen Lingxi, as the guarantor, was the prime candidate. It didn¡¯t matter if she was the Governor¡¯s daughter; even if she were the daughter of the Regent, she wouldn¡¯t escape unscathed today! Chen Lingxi looked at the grim-faced inspectors before her, her face as white as a sheet. She couldn¡¯t help but nce at her father, Chen Beiguo. But Chen Beiguo¡¯s face was dark, his anger barely contained. Even as a provincial governor, he couldn¡¯t forcibly stop the Surveince Department¡¯s investigation! After all, the Surveince Department was acting within their rights, and Chen Lingxi had indeed vouched for Lin Feng. As Chen Lingxi was being taken away, the most furious and tormented person was not Chen Beiguo, but Lin Feng. The frustration and pain in Lin Feng¡¯s heart were unbearable, and he couldn¡¯t help but try to scream. But all that came out was a hoarse, grating howl. Even so, everyone could hear the deep despair in Lin Feng¡¯s cries¡­ A glint of murderous intent shed in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. Now that Lin Feng¡¯s value had beenpletely exhausted, it was time for him to die! Qin Xian raised the radiant greatsword in his hand and shed it down at Lin Feng. ¡°Purify!¡± Boom¡ª! The greatsword severed Lin Feng¡¯s head, and the mes of light consumed his body, purifying itpletely until not even a trace of ash remained! Chapter 34 - The Fall of Chen Beiguo Chapter 34: The Fall of Chen Beiguo As Lin Feng met his end, the system notifications echoed continuously in Qin Xian¡¯s ears. ¡¾Main Quest Completed: Eliminate the Threat of Lin Feng (1/1). Reward: 30 Viin Points.¡¿ ¡¾Viin Level Up. Current Viin Level: 2¡¿ ¡¾Gained Extra Talent¡ªRebirth from Fire: When your HP drops to 0, you instantly recover to full HP, and subsequent damage is reduced by 80% for 30 seconds. (Cooldown: One Month)¡¿ ¡¾Gained Extra Attribute Points: 30 Points.¡¿ Lin Feng, the first Child of Destiny that Qin Xian encountered, had died by his hand, and it was a death filled with humiliation and helplessness. Yet, Qin Xian¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t on the viin system at that moment. His true target wasn¡¯t just Chen Lingxi¡­ ¡ª ¡°Your Excellency, Governor, I would like you to exin why your daughter vouched for a Void Follower.¡± Speaker Yu Feng took a deep breath and coldly questioned Chen Beiguo. The crowd tensed upon hearing this. The Speaker was challenging the Governor! Chen Beiguo¡¯s expression darkened, and he shot a cold re at Yu Feng. For a moment, Yu Feng¡¯s face showed a hint of unease. After all, Chen Beiguo had held immense power in Donghai Province for twenty years and had built a formidable reputation. Despite being the nominal second-inmand, Yu Feng had always been suppressed by Chen Beiguo. If it weren¡¯t for the support of the Qin family, Yu Feng might have long been reduced to a mere figurehead. Yu Feng certainly harbored fears toward Chen Beiguo, but when he felt Qin Xian¡¯s gaze from behind, he suddenly seemed to draw strength from it. Yu Feng was well aware of his position. To the outside world, he appeared to be the high-ranking Speaker of the province, the second most powerful figure in Donghai Province, wielding significant authority. But in reality, he was merely a dog raised by the Qin family! The Qin family had elevated him to the position of Speaker and made the Yu family one of the top ns in Donghai. Once the Qin family wanted him to bite, he had no choice but toply. Otherwise, both he and the Yu family would face utter ruin! Yu Feng had long epted this reality. Moreover, he realized that this might be his chance to rise to the top! If he could bring down Chen Beiguo, he would likely be the next Governor of Donghai Province. The leap from the second-inmand to the first seemed small but was, in fact, a monumental difference. Many people spent their entire lives stuck at that barrier. Yu Feng¡¯s face remained impassive as he coldly stated, ¡°Your Excellency, as the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, I have the responsibility, the duty, and the authority to oversee the Governor¡¯s governance. In the past few days, Donghai Province has been gued by sacrifice rituals, and now this disaster has urred!¡± ¡°The Divine Revtion Temple has been destroyed, and thousands of examinees have died! I believe that you, Governor, bear inescapable responsibility for this! Especially since your daughter has sheltered a Void Follower!¡± The crowd¡¯s expressions shifted subtly. The Speaker had deftly changed the term ¡°vouched¡± to ¡°sheltered.¡± Although it was just a change of words, the implications were worlds apart! What a cunning old fox! Chen Beiguo¡¯s trusted aides exchanged nces but remained silent. The situation was clear to everyone. Given the events of the past few days, it was inevitable that Chen Beiguo would be implicated. His days as Governor were numbered. No one wanted to continue following him, lest they be dragged down as well. Such was the harsh reality. Just the day before, Chen Beiguo was the Governor, with countless people eager to pledge their loyalty. But today, with his downfall imminent, everyone was avoiding him like the gue. Chen Beiguo took a deep breath and said in a low voice, ¡°There are still many unanswered questions in this matter, and I will investigate them thoroughly.¡± Yu Feng responded calmly, ¡°I have already submitted an impeachment case against you to the Imperial Cardinal Council and the Imperial Assembly on behalf of the Provincial Assembly! ording to Imperialw, you are suspended from all duties and should await the investigation team at home.¡± The Speaker was not only the second most powerful figure in a province because he controlled the Provincial Assembly but also because he could impeach the Governor, suspending all their powers! Of course, choosing to impeach meant that the Speaker was fully breaking ties with the Governor¡­ Chen Beiguo¡¯s eyes shed with anger as he turned to re at Qin Xian. Although Lin Feng was indeed a Void Follower, Chen Beiguo was convinced that Qin Xian was also involved! After all, these events had all urred within a few days. No matter how powerful the Qin family was, they would have left some clues behind. As the Governor, Chen Beiguo was sure he could uncover something! But with the Speaker¡¯s impeachment, he would lose all authority. By the time the investigation team arrived, Qin Xian would have already erased all traces of his involvement! What a cunning n by Qin Xian, leaving him with no chance to fight back! Trembling with rage, Chen Beiguo could do nothing but cast a cold nce at Yu Feng before turning to leave. He had no options left unless he chose to rebel against the Empire! As Chen Beiguo departed, a faint smile appeared in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. With this, Donghai Province would be in the hands of the Qin family¡­ This oue would also make the Regent and other factions believe that the chaos Qin Xian had stirred in Donghai Province was solely to bring down Chen Beiguo! Qin Xian nced at Yu Feng, who, with a fawning smile, eagerly sought approval, ¡°Congrattions, Governor Yu.¡± These words filled Yu Feng with joy! Even if Chen Beiguo was removed, he might not have automatically be the Governor of Donghai Province. There was always the possibility that someone else could be chosen or that an outsider might be appointed. But now, Qin Xian¡¯s words hadpletely reassured him. This meant that the Qin family would support Yu Feng as the next Governor of Donghai Province! ¡°Thank you, Young Master! From now on, the Yu family will always follow you and the Qin family!¡± Yu Feng, disregarding his dignity and the presence of others, was almost ready to kneel before Qin Xian¡­ Chapter 35 - The Ultimate Pay-to-Win Player Chapter 35: The Ultimate Pay-to-Win yer As Yu Feng disyed his fawning behavior, many couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of disdain. After all, Yu Feng was the Speaker of the province, second in rank only to the Governor, and in the Empire¡¯s eyes, he was considered a high-ranking official. Yet, here he was, acting so subserviently toward a young man like Qin Xian, showing none of the dignity or authority expected of someone of his status. It was truly contemptible! However, despite their disdain, the other officials of Donghai Province couldn¡¯t help but also feel a deep sense of envy. The opportunity to get close to the heir of the Qin family was something they all desired. If they could curry favor with Qin Xian, they would certainly do so, perhaps even lowering themselves more than Yu Feng had! But the unfortunate truth was¡­ Not just anyone was qualified to get close to someone like Qin Xian¡­ ¡°Speaker Yu, for the time being, you will act as the interim Governor. Make sure to handle everything properly,¡± Qin Xian instructed with a faint smile. Although, officially, Qin Xian was just a student at the Imperial Academy and had no right to give such orders, no one found his words out of ce. Yu Feng¡¯s expression became more serious as he nodded, ¡°Rest assured, Young Master Qin, I will handle everything well.¡± He understood that Qin Xian was referring to covering up any remaining traces. It was essential to ensure that when the investigation team arrived, they would find nothing incriminating. Satisfied, Qin Xian nodded and then left the Divine Revtion Monolith. He had acquired the Arcane Source, defeated the Child of Destiny Lin Feng, and gained numerous system rewards, all of which required his careful consideration¡­ ¡°Safe travels, Young Master Qin!¡± As Qin Xian departed, Yu Feng, Feng Jun, and the other officials loyal to the Qin family immediately bowed deeply, showing utmost respect. The other high-ranking officials of Donghai Province, seeing the Speaker and the Chief Inspector bowing, feltpelled to follow suit. At a nce, it was a truly impressive sight. Qin Xian left surrounded by his followers, while the high-ranking officials of Donghai Province bowed in respect behind him. It was a scene that left an indelible impression¡­ Donghai Province had indeed be the Qin family¡¯s domain! ¡ª Back at his hotel, Qin Xian eagerly opened his profession panel. His profession panel was nothing short of luxurious! ¡¾Name: Qin Xian¡¿ ¡¾Profession: Oracle Knight¡¿ ¡¾HP: 43,100 / MP: 42,600¡¿ ¡¾Level: LV21¡¿ ¡¾Strength: 445¡¿ ¡¾Agility: 420¡¿ ¡¾Constitution: 431¡¿ ¡¾Spirit: 432¡¿ ¡¾Intelligence: 426¡¿ Qin Xian¡¯s first profession, Oracle Knight, wasn¡¯t a Void-rted profession, so it only benefited from a 50% attribute boost from the Arcane Source. But even so, Qin Xian¡¯s attribute points far exceeded those of other professionals at the same level. ¡¾Skills: Sword of Judgment, Shield of Sanctuary, Invincible Holy Light, Ember Surge, Blessing of the Archangel of Light¡­¡¿ ¡¾Talent 1: Divine Favor: You are a divine child favored by the gods. Oracle Knight is not your final destination. Every 30 levels gained will grant you a Fragment of Divinity.¡¿ ¡¾Talent 2: Rebirth from Fire: When your HP drops to 0, you instantly recover to full HP, and subsequent damage is reduced by 80% for 30 seconds. (Cooldown: One Month)¡¿ Though Qin Xian¡¯s second profession was Void Lord, the supreme entity of the Void system, it didn¡¯t mean that his first profession, Oracle Knight, was any less formidable. On the contrary, as a rare SSS-ss hidden profession, Oracle Knight was also extraordinarily powerful. Not only were its skills incredibly strong, making itsbat power far superior to otherbat professions, but its growth potential was also terrifying. For every 30 levels gained, the Oracle Knight could obtain a Fragment of Divinity, unlocking the power of the corresponding god¡¯sw. In thete game, if all the Fragments of Divinity were collected, the Oracle Knight could evolve into an Archangel, bing a demigod! However, what Qin Xian was most interested in were the rewards from the viin system, particrly the ¡°Rebirth from Fire¡± talent. This world was one where everyone could change professions, a world where games had be reality, but it was also an extremely dangerous ce. Not only was there the constant threat of fighting Void monsters on the Void frontlines, but outside the safety of specific main cities, anyone could be killed without consequence. There were countless people who had met their end in dangerous dungeons or at the hands of powerful elite monsters and bosses lurking in the wilderness. But with the ¡°Rebirth from Fire¡± talent, Qin Xian now had a second life! The significance of this talent to Qin Xian was beyond words. As for the 30 extra attribute points provided by the viin system, Qin Xian allocated them all to strength. The strength attribute affected physical attack power and the physical damage of skills. Both of Qin Xian¡¯s professions¡ªOracle Knight and Void Overlord¡ªwere physical professions. Although 30 points might seem modest, they were incredibly valuable as extra attribute points! Moreover, as the viin system awarded more and more viin points in the future, the extra attribute points he could convert would also increase. Combined with additional talents¡­ Although Qin Xian had just eliminated Lin Feng, the Child of Destiny, he was already eagerly anticipating the discovery of the next Child of Destiny¡­ These so-called Children of Destiny were all just stepping stones for his growth¡­ Gazing at his luxurious profession panel, Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help but sigh. No matter what world you¡¯re in, wealth and power are the ultimate forces! If you consider this world as a game, who¡¯s more formidable: a lucky yer or a hardcore yer? Neither. The most powerful of all is the pay-to-win yer! And without a doubt, Qin Xian was this game world¡¯s¡­ ultimate pay-to-win yer! Chapter 36 - The Imperial Cardinal Council Chapter 36: The Imperial Cardinal Council In this world, there is theoretically no upper limit to professional levels. However, to date, the strongest figure in human history was Ying Zu, the founding emperor of the Shenlong Empire, who reached Level 109 and became the Dragon God! Human power levels are generally divided into several tiers based on their professional levels: ¨C Around Level 20: This is the limit that an ordinary person can reach after a lifetime of effort. ¨C Level 30: Professionals at this level are considered elites in their respective fields. ¨C Levels 40 to 50: These are city lord-level powerhouses, capable of ruling a city. ¨C Above Level 50: Figures like Qiu Bo and Lin Yu fall into this category, marking them as top-tier powerhouses. ¨C Above Level 60: These are national deterrents, the backbone of a great nation¡¯s power. The strength of a nation is often measured by how many of these powerhouses it possesses. ¨C Above Level 80: These are legendary powerhouses, and in a sense, they have transcended humanity. Their health points number in the millions, and they can destroy nations with a mere gesture. Their lifespans are extremely long, making them almost god-like beings. The Shenlong Empire boasts five such legendary powerhouses, cing it among the top three human nations in terms of strength! Qin Xian¡¯s father, Qin Ming, is one of these five legendary powerhouses, the Level 89 Lord of Psyche! As the son of Qin Ming and the heir to the Qin family, Qin Xian has enjoyed the best resources this world has to offer since birth! Before Qin Xian even awakened his profession, he was already consuming the flesh of elite monsters, each bite filled with vast amounts of energy, enhancing his five-dimensional attributes. The most distinguished figures whopiled the awakening theory textbooks were personally invited by the Qin family to tutor Qin Xian. Furthermore, Qin Xian inherited the bloodline of Qin Ming, a child of a legendary powerhouse. With all these advantages, awakening a weak profession was a near impossibility for Qin Xian! His starting line was far beyond that of ordinary people! After awakening his profession, the Qin family spared no expense in acquiring various treasures that could further increase his attribute points. While others were thrilled to acquire a single item that granted extra attribute points, often leading to bitter conflicts, Qin Xian had already maxed out on such items long ago. This is why his five-dimensional attributes are so overwhelmingly powerful! Qin Xian¡¯s equipment is equally luxurious. He possesses a full set of non-level-restricted purple epic gear. Non-level-restricted equipment is a special type of gear that ignores level requirements, although it is slightly weaker than gear of the same level. But being able to wield high-level attributes and effects at a low level is already incredibly powerful! The drop rate for non-level-restricted equipment is extremely low, around one in ten thousand. Recently, a Level 40 non-level-restricted purple helmet appeared in the Imperial Auction House and sold for a staggering 3 billion gold coins! And Qin Xian¡¯s gear is an entire set of Level 60 non-level-restricted purple epic equipment! This set is beyond the measure of gold; it could be said that the resources invested in Qin Xian by the Qin family could buy a small country¡­ While Qin Xian¡¯s peers were grinding in dungeons, working tirelessly for loot, selling unnecessary items for gold, and purchasing suitable equipment, Qin Xian had no such concerns. Given the Qin family¡¯s position in the world, countless individuals and guilds were working for them. Qin Xian only needed to focus on one thing: bing stronger and stronger! When the era of the Awakening began, many people cheered, believing that the age of equality had arrived. But a thousand yearster, inequality in this world has be even more pronounced! Before the Awakening, wealth couldn¡¯t buy health, longevity, or knowledge. But after the Awakening, all of these could be purchased! Resources are monopolized by aristocratic families like the Qin family, who use these resources to create top-tier powerhouses. These powerhouses, in turn, help the families continue their monopoly on resources, creating a vicious cycle! Of course, some have tried to change this status quo. For example, the Emperor, after ascending to the throne, had been suppressing the aristocratic families and promotingmoners. But then he disappeared. In his heart, Qin Xian also acknowledges that the aristocratic families have be a threat to the Empire¡¯s fate. But he is a beneficiary of this system¡­ Anyone who hinders the Qin family¡¯s interests is hindering his interests. And Qin Xian is more than willing to kill anyone who gets in his way. Qin Xian shook his head, bringing himself back to the present. Now that his goals had been achieved, it was time to return to the Imperial Capital. The Imperial Capital was his true stage¡­ ¡ª Shenlong Empire, Imperial Capital The Imperial Capital, also known as the City of the Sky, is the capital of the Shenlong Empire and thergest, most magnificent city in the human world. The Imperial Capital is a massive floating city, standing above the clouds. It spans hundreds of kilometers, with towering skyscrapers forming a steel jungle, yet also featuring ancient buildings rich with historical significance. This is the heart of the Empire. ¡ª Imperial Capital, Imperial Cardinal Council The Imperial Cardinal Council, the power center of the Empire, is located next to the Imperial Square. In front of the Cardinal Council, nine massive dragon-patterned cauldrons stand, emanating a chilling and awe-inspiring aura. Dozens of terrifyingly powerful figures guard the council, allowing no unauthorized personnel near. asionally, a passerby would nce from afar, their face filled with reverence. Everyone knows that any document issued from within these walls can change the fate of countless people¡­ Inside, the Cardinal Council is housed in an ancient and grand pce. A distinguished-looking middle-aged man walked briskly through the halls. The council¡¯s officials, upon seeing him, disyed expressions of respect and greeted him, ¡°Greetings, Secretary-General!¡± This middle-aged man was none other than Song Qi, Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the Cardinal Council and a trusted confidant of Qin Ming, the ruler of the Cardinal Council! Chapter 37 - Father and Sister Chapter 37: Father and Sister Song Qi wore an expression of authority as he walked through the halls of the Imperial Cardinal Council. As the Secretary-General, he was a high-ranking official within the council, responsible for managing its daily operations. More importantly, he was a trusted confidant of Qin Ming. Many provincial governors treated Song Qi with great respect and even sought to curry favor with him. As Song Qi approached a particr office deep within the council, his expression turned reverent, and he knocked lightly on the door. ¡°Come in.¡± A solemn andmanding voice responded from within the office. Even Song Qi, a man of great authority, couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath, straighten his appearance, and then carefully push open the door to enter. The office was grand and imposing, spanning hundreds of square meters. A middle-aged man with an austere, ancient demeanor and an overwhelming aura stood by the window, hands sped behind his back, gazing down at the Imperial Capital. His expression was indifferent, his eyes devoid of any trace of interest in the world before him. Upon seeing this imposing figure, Song Qi respectfully lowered his head. ¡°My lord, there is news from the young master.¡± Hearing this, Qin Ming slowly turned around, and for the first time, his expression showed a hint of emotion. Perhaps only Qin Xian, his son, could stir any concern in him. ¡°The young master has reported that the Arcane Source is now in our possession, and some events have urred in Donghai Province. The Provincial Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Chen Beiguo.¡± With that, Song Qi respectfully handed a document to Qin Ming. When he heard that the Arcane Source had been secured, a sh of excitement crossed Qin Ming¡¯s eyes. The Arcane Source represented the culmination of the Qin family¡¯s efforts over several generations! Years ago, they had sacrificed entire legions to cultivate this source, and now it was finally back in their hands! With the Arcane Source, the Qin family¡¯s ns could move forward¡­ Qin Ming nced over the document and quickly understood the magnitude of the upheaval his son Qin Xian had caused in Donghai Province. ¡°Excellent!¡± Qin Xian¡¯s journey to Donghai Province had already drawn significant attention. Qin Ming knew that several factions had sent agents to Donghai, and even the Regent¡¯s government had begun to take notice. If the matter of the Arcane Source were exposed, the Qin family could be ced in a precarious position, possibly forcing them to act prematurely. However, Qin Xian had managed to create a situation that not only concealed the Arcane Source but also set the stage for the downfall of Chen Beiguo, a feat that was truly remarkable. This allowed the Qin family to both secure the Arcane Source and gain control over Donghai Province¡ªa double victory! Qin Ming calmly instructed, ¡°Order the Imperial Propaganda Department to fully publicize the tragedy in Donghai Province through all avable channels. Use this impeachment case and submit it to the Imperial Assembly.¡± In just two sentences, Qin Ming had sealed the fate of Chen Beiguo¡¯s political career¡­ The Void invasion in Donghai City could have been suppressed if certain measures were taken, but once the Imperial Propaganda Department began to widely publicize the event, it would be impossible to contain. The entire human world would learn of the catastrophe! With the Cardinal Council endorsing the impeachment, the Imperial Assembly would likely follow suit. This would ensure that Governor Chen Beiguo would fall. While the final decision on the governor¡¯s removal rested with Regent Lu Ji, the overwhelming public outcry,bined with the pressure from the Cardinal Council and the Assembly, would make it impossible for Lu Ji to protect Chen Beiguo¡­ ¡°Start considering candidates for the next governor of Donghai Province.¡± Qin Ming¡¯s tone was indifferent as he issued the directive. A governorship was a significant bargaining chip for the Qin family¡­ Song Qi spoke softly, ¡°The young master suggests appointing Yu Feng, the Speaker of the Donghai Provincial Assembly, as the new governor.¡± Qin Ming immediately changed his mind upon hearing this. ¡°If that¡¯s what Xian¡¯er wants, then we¡¯ll follow his wishes.¡± Ever since Qin Xian had awakened his profession, Qin Ming had deliberately involved him in various matters. Although the position of governor was important, and Qin Ming had originally intended it for another purpose, he was unwilling to go against his son¡¯s wishes. He was cultivating Qin Xian¡¯s authority. Suddenly, Qin Ming asked, ¡°And what about Li¡¯er?¡± Although Qin Xian was Qin Ming¡¯s only son, he also had an adopted daughter, Qin Li. Qin Li was 18 years old and had recently awakened an SSS-ss hidden profession¡ªthe Angel of Death. However, this profession was highly unique, requiring the collection of Death Shards to level up skills. Therefore, the Qin family had arranged for Qin Li to travel to the Land of Destion, a notorious forbidden zone in the human world, known for being the site of a great war between humanity and the Void. Thend was inhabited by numerous undead and dangerous elite creatures, but it also contained many Death Shards¡­ ¡°Miss Qin should be returning from the Land of Destion soon,¡± Song Qi respectfully reported. ¡°Very well¡­¡± Qin Ming¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. When he spoke of his daughter, his expressioncked the pure affection he had for Qin Xian. Instead, it wasplex, tinged with a faint and almost imperceptible killing intent. ¡ª Almost instantaneously, reports of the Void invasion in Donghai Province began to appear on all television programs and online forums across the Empire. The news that the invasion had led to the destruction of the Divine Revtion Monolith and the deaths of millions of examinees shocked the entire nation! These reports and news articles subtly ced the me on Governor Chen Beiguo, suggesting that his negligence and ipetence were the primary reasons for the disaster¡­ ¡ª Imperial Regent¡¯s Office Lu Ji, the Imperial Regent, known as the Star River Sword Saint at Level 90, was the teacher of the Emperor himself. After the Emperor¡¯s disappearance, Lu Ji took on the role of Regent, bing the de facto ruler of the Shenlong Empire. At least in name, Lu Ji was the master of the Empire! For the past twenty years, Lu Ji had maintained stability while continuing the Emperor¡¯s policies of suppressing the aristocratic families and promoting themon people. His efforts had earned him great respect and high esteem among the people of the Empire! Chapter 38 - Lu Ji Chapter 38: Lu Ji Deep within the Regent¡¯s Office, there was a simple and unadorned room. The office had no luxurious decorations, looking just like an ordinary room. It paled inparison even to the office of a typical guild leader, let alone the grandeur of the Imperial Cardinal Council¡¯s offices, particrly that of Qin Ming. Yet, this modest room was indeed the workspace of Lu Ji, the Regent of the Empire. ¡°The third phase of the Northern Army¡¯s reconstruction n has been rejected by the Imperial Assembly. The Assembly insists on reselecting senior officers at the rank of colonel and above, and they¡¯ve submitted nominations¡­ nearly all of whom are from aristocratic families.¡± ¡°The Void frontline is showing signs of unrest again. ording to intelligence, in about three months, the front will likely face arge-scale Void invasion.¡± ¡°The Tsarist envoy has just arrived in the Imperial Capital and is hoping for an audience with you.¡± Lu Ji appeared to be an ordinary, elderly man with white hair. As he reviewed various documents, he listened to reports from his subordinates. His demeanor was calm andposed, despite the weight of the information being presented to him. At that moment, a middle-aged man entered the office with some urgency. ¡°Your Excellency, something has happened in Donghai!¡± Hearing this, Lu Ji frowned slightly and waved his hand, signaling the other subordinates to leave. After they had exited, Lu Ji spoke in a calm, measured tone. ¡°Some of them may already have beenpromised.¡± The middle-aged man, now at a loss for words, nodded silently. The arrogance of the aristocratic families had grown over the years, and now they even dared to extend their influence into the Regent¡¯s Office. The man¡¯s name was Ren Xun, the head of the Regent¡¯s Office of Attendants and a Level 59 Spellmaster, as well as one of Lu Ji¡¯s closest confidants. ¡°What happened in Donghai?¡± Lu Ji asked. ¡°A Void invasion urred in Donghai Province, leading to the destruction of the Divine Revtion Monolith and the deaths of thousands of examinees! The Donghai Provincial Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Chen Beiguo.¡± Lu Ji¡¯s expression darkened upon hearing this. The loss of thousands of examinees equated to the loss of thousands of future professionals, some of whom might have risen to be key figures in the Empire¡¯s strength. This was a significant blow to the Empire. The fact that Chen Beiguo was being impeached only deepened Lu Ji¡¯s frown. Chen Beiguo was someone Lu Ji had personally promoted. It had been Lu Ji who had pushed through intense opposition to appoint a governor ofmoner origins like Chen Beiguo to the governorship of Donghai Province. He was one of the few governor-level officials under Lu Ji¡¯s direct influence. ¡°What exactly happened?¡± ¡°It seems that a Void Follower managed to infiltrate the group of examinees. Governor Chen¡¯s daughter vouched for this follower¡¯s participation in the imperial examination, and as a result, the incident urred.¡± ¡°The Provincial Assembly believes that Governor Chen is connected to the Void Followers and has initiated impeachment proceedings.¡± Ren Xun handed over a few documents with a serious expression. ¡°The Imperial Cardinal Council has already approved the impeachment and is demanding that Chen Beiguo undergo an investigation by the Imperial Surveince Department.¡± Lu Ji¡¯s expression remained unchanged as he epted the documents. After a quick nce, his face showed a trace of anger. ¡°Donghai Province has been stable for over a decade, yet in just three days, it has experienced consecutive Void sacrifice events and now a Void invasion?¡± Ren Xun, hearing this, suddenly realized something. ¡°You mean¡­ it¡¯s the Qin family?¡± Understanding dawned on him as he muttered, ¡°No wonder the eldest son of the Qin family suddenly went to Donghai¡­¡± Qin Xian¡¯s sudden departure from the Imperial Capital to Donghai City during the awakening ceremony, even at the cost of viting imperialw, had naturally drawn the attention of many factions. Now it seemed that this was all Qin Xian¡¯s doing. Ren Xun¡¯s anger grew. ¡°What is the Qin family nning? Their appetite is sorge that they even want Donghai!¡± Out of the Empire¡¯s thirty-seven provinces, eleven governors were aligned with the Qin family. If they added Donghai Province, it would make twelve¡ªnearly a third of the Empire under the Qin family¡¯s control! ¡°Chen Beiguo can no longer remain as governor. Inform the Cardinal Council that we will agree to appoint Speaker Yu Feng as the new governor. However, the Surveince Department should not investigate Chen Beiguo,¡± Lu Ji said after a moment of contemtion. ¡°Transfer Chen Beiguo to the Northern Army to serve as Chief of Staff, and appoint Director Huangfu Zhe of the Statistics Office to be the Speaker of the Donghai Provincial Assembly.¡± There was no denying that Lu Ji¡¯s political acumen was extraordinarily refined. The Northern Army¡¯s reconstruction had been blocked by the Cardinal Council and the Imperial Assembly, with their candidates for high-ranking positions rejected on grounds of insufficient qualifications. Since Chen Beiguo could not remain as governor, Lu Ji decided to shift him to the Northern Army instead. Given Chen Beiguo¡¯s qualifications and experience, even the aristocratic families could not object. By agreeing to the Qin family taking control of Donghai Province, Lu Ji was able to secure Chen Beiguo¡¯s position as Chief of Staff in the Northern Army. The Qin family would likely agree, as pushing further could lead to a broader conflict. If Lu Ji brought the Donghai governorship to a vote in the Imperial Assembly, the aristocratic families would undoubtedly fight fiercely for it. Moreover, Lu Ji was aware of the tacit understanding between him and Qin Ming¡­ By appointing Huangfu Zhe as the new Speaker of Donghai Province, Lu Ji was introducing a counterbnce. The Huangfu family, a prominent noble house, had long had a strained rtionship with the Qin family. With Huangfu Zhe as the second most powerful figure in Donghai, the Huangfu family would certainly seize the opportunity to challenge the Qin family¡¯s dominance in the province. In this maneuver, Lu Ji not only protected Chen Beiguo but also stoked tensions between the Qin and Huangfu families while securing real power within the Northern Army. Yet, despite this political chess game, the biggest winner was still the Qin family, having secured control over Donghai Province¡­ ¡°By the way, what have you found regarding that other matter?¡± Lu Ji suddenly asked, his gaze intense as he looked at Ren Xun with a serious expression. ¡°It hasn¡¯t gone well¡­ We¡¯ve been secretly investigating the Imperial Guard¡¯s archives from that year, but many of the records have either been destroyed or are missing.¡± ¡°As for the whereabouts of His Majesty, we¡¯re still searching. We suspect¡­ that the Emperor may be trapped in some sort of dimensional prison!¡± Chapter 39 - Leaving Donghai Chapter 39: Leaving Donghai Upon hearing the reports, Lu Ji¡¯s expression darkened. For him, these matters were of utmost importance. Since assuming the role of Imperial Regent, Lu Ji had been tirelessly investigating the mysterious disappearance of the Emperor twenty years ago. Back then, the Emperor had led the Imperial Guard on a campaign against the Void. Initially, they were unstoppable, cutting through enemy lines with ease. The Emperor personally slew over a dozen Void Lords and nearly reached the outskirts of the Void King¡¯s court. But then, in a single night, the Emperor¡¯s imperial camp was reduced to ruins. The entire Imperial Guard was annihted, and the Emperor himself vanished without a trace. To this day, the incident remains an unsolved mystery, shrouded in countless unanswered questions. The event had shocked the entire human world, especially since the Emperor was the foremost human warrior, a Level 99 powerhouse akin to a deity. The Imperial Guard, though small in number with only 300 soldiers, consisted entirely of professionals above Level 50. Besides the Emperor¡¯s camp, several other Imperial legions and numerous elite fighters from major noble families were present. Among them was Qin Ming, the head of the Qin family, who had led a group of Qin family elites in following the Emperor¡¯s campaign. Lu Ji found it hard to believe that with the Empire¡¯s and humanity¡¯s greatest military might concentrated in one ce, the Emperor could have faced any ident. Yet, the Emperor had vanished all the same. For years, Lu Ji had been quietly investigating this matter, but progress had been slow. The Imperial Guard was disbanded quickly, and records from that time were either destroyed or went missing. Many of those who knew the truth either died or mysteriously disappeared. However, the search for the Emperor¡¯s whereabouts had yielded some progress. At least now, they could be certain that the Emperor was not dead. From various clues, they deduced that the Emperor was likely trapped in some kind of dimensional prison. A dimensional prison is an eerie space that exists deep within the Void, isted from the main world and even from the Void itself. These prisons are hidden within dark matter nes, surrounded by countless cryptic runes, and are extremely difficult to locate. Lu Ji nodded slowly, his voice firm. ¡°Continue the investigation.¡± Ren Xun nodded in acknowledgment. ¡°I have been searching for artifacts that allow travel through the Void. Once we make progress, I will organize a search party.¡± However, his face showed a hint of hesitation. ¡°While investigating the Imperial Guard¡¯s archives, I encountered resistance from some noble families¡­ My lord, do you think¡­?¡± Lu Ji nced at him but remained silent. Ren Xun understood the unspoken message. ¡ª The uproar over the invasion of Donghai City finally came to a conclusion. The Empire ssified the incident as an idental event. The Imperial Police Department and the Security Council, in coordination with other departments,unched a nationwide campaign to root out Void Followers. Soon after, the decision regarding Chen Beiguo¡¯s fate was announced. Effective immediately, Chen Beiguo was removed from his position as Governor of Donghai Province and reassigned as Chief of Staff of the Northern Army. Although the Chief of Staff position in the Northern Army, especially on the frontlines of the Void, holds a higher status than simr positions in other military districts, it was clear to everyone that Chen Beiguo had been demoted. A provincial governor wields absolute power over their territory, a ¡°local emperor¡± with the power of life and death. In contrast, as Chief of Staff in the Northern Army, Chen Beiguo would report to the Northern Army Commander and the military highmand above him, a significant drop in authority. Yu Feng, the Speaker of the Donghai Provincial Assembly, was appointed as the new governor, a move that was both expected and legitimate. With this change, a series of personnel shifts followed. Having served as governor for many years, Chen Beiguo had built up awork of loyal subordinates. With his fall, Yu Feng was certain to purge these individuals, sparking a new wave of political conflict in Donghai Province. However, Qin Xian was no longer concerned with these developments. The rtively lenient handling of Chen Beiguo¡¯s case did not surprise him. After all, Chen Beiguo had the backing of the Imperial Regent, and he was a Level 68 national deterrent-level powerhouse, a key asset of the Empire. As long as he did notmit a grave offense, severe punishment was unlikely. Chen Beiguo¡¯s daughter, Chen Lingxi, was not as fortunate. Regardless of the circumstances, she had vouched for Lin Feng, leading to the destruction of the Divine Revtion Temple in Donghai City. The Surveince Department detained her and conducted an interrogation. Given the charges against her, she was likely facing at least twenty years of imprisonment. Such is life: a single misstep can lead to severe consequences¡­ ¡ª Apanying Qin Xian as he left Donghai was Su Keqing. Qin Xian was pleased with her obedient and gentle nature. Moreover, Su Keqing¡¯s profession provided him with an experience buff, something he had no intention of wasting. Su Keqing had also learned that both Lin Feng and Lin Yu were Void Followers. Although she initially found it hard to believe, given the official reports and the seemingly irrefutable evidence, she eventually epted it. After all, the Empire¡¯s credibility was still quite high. Seeing that Su Keqing had fully epted the official narrative, the murderous intent in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes gradually faded. If Su Keqing had shown any doubt or harbored any resentment toward him, Qin Xian would not have hesitated to eliminate her, despite her status as a rare beauty. Qin Xian would never tolerate any disloyalty, even from someone so close to him. Fortunately, the Su family had moved away several years ago, and Su Keqing¡¯s feelings for Lin Feng had long since cooled. She now saw him as nothing more than a neighbor¡¯s little brother¡­ Chapter 40 - Large-Scale Special Dungeon Chapter 40: Large-Scale Special Dungeon As Qin Xian prepared to leave Donghai City, he opted not to use a private jet but instead chose to travel via a teleportation array. The teleportation arrays, introduced after the Awakening, were one of the most transformative innovations in the human world, fundamentally altering the concept of space. Even locations thousands of kilometers apart could be reached in an instant through these arrays. However, using a teleportation array was not something everyone could afford. The cost of using one, depending on the distance, could run into thousands of gold coins¡ªwell beyond the reach of ordinary families. Qin Xian had also declined Governor Yu Feng¡¯s offer to see him off. To Qin Xian, political maneuvering was just one of many tools to achieve his goals. He understood that such tactics were only effective when the power bnce between two sides was rtively equal. Ultimately, real powery in personal strength. ¡ª The teleportation array in Donghai City was a bustling hub of activity. Despite the steep price of using the array, many professionals found it worth the expense. Limited-time dungeons and dangerous elite monsters could appear anywhere at any time. Without the teleportation array, they wouldn¡¯t be able to reach these opportunities in time. Located in the southern part of Donghai City, the teleportation array upied a space of several hundred square meters. Seven copper pirs, inscribed with strange runes, stood tall around the array, each flickering with an otherworldly light. With every sh, professionals either appeared or disappeared. As Qin Xian waited, he suddenly received a notification. [Divine Revtion System: Attention all professionals, arge-scale special dungeon¡ªShattered Heaven¡ªwill open in 3 days. Location: Hengjiang District, X32, Y477.] Shattered Heaven, arge-scale special dungeon? Qin Xian paused, immediately recognizing the name. Shattered Heaven was a special dungeon with an entry level ranging from Level 15 to Level 40. It was an extremely rarerge-scale dungeon, reputed to be one of the most rewarding dungeons for those under Level 40. The experience and loot from this dungeon were exceptionally rich¡ªeven a C-rank clearance could yield up to 200,000 experience points, while an S-rank clearance could 400,000 experience points! At Level 21, Qin Xian required about 70,000 experience points to level up. This meant that clearing Shattered Heaven with a C-rank would allow him to jump more than two levels, while an S-rank clearance could propel him directly to around Level 27! However, throughout history, no one had ever achieved an S-rank clearance in this dungeon¡ªthe difficulty was simply too high. Ny percent of teams couldn¡¯t evenplete it. There was also a legend that achieving a perfect clearance in Shattered Heaven could result in the drop of a Divinity Fragment. For Qin Xian, whose first profession was Oracle Knight, reaching Level 30 would grant him a Divinity Fragment. If he could obtain an additional fragment, the benefits would be enormous. ¡°When was thest time Shattered Heaven appeared?¡± Qin Xian asked. Qiu Bo quickly responded, ¡°It was over 20 years ago.¡± Shattered Heaven appeared randomly and at unpredictable intervals. If Qin Xian missed this opportunity, there was no telling when it would appear again. Determined not to miss out, Qin Xian immediately revised his ns, deciding to head to Shattered Heaven before returning to the Imperial Capital. He turned to Su Keqing and spoke softly, ¡°You should go to the Imperial Capital first. Arrangements will be made for your amodation, and I¡¯ll set up an entertainmentpany for you to manage.¡± Su Keqing¡¯s profession, Starlight Songstress, was a support ss. She didn¡¯t need to enter dungeons to gain experience but instead leveled up by performing and gathering emotional energy from audiences. There was no point in her apanying Qin Xian to Shattered Heaven, so it made more sense for her to head to the Imperial Capital and get settled in. Su Keqing was momentarily speechless¡ªnot out of any petnce, but out of amazement at Qin Xian¡¯s generosity. Setting up an entire entertainmentpany for her¡­ Obediently, Su Keqing nodded and, unable to resist, hugged Qin Xian. ¡°Take care.¡± Despite her support role, Su Keqing knew how dangerousrge-scale special dungeons could be. Even though Qin Xian was incredibly strong, she couldn¡¯t help but worry. Qin Xian smiled, holding Su Keqing close. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll meet again in the Imperial Capital.¡± With a nod to Qiu Bo, two female Qin family powerhouses escorted Su Keqing to the teleportation array, and they left Donghai. ¡°By the way, how is Li¡¯er? Has she returned from the Land of Destion yet?¡± Qin Xian asked. His recent trip to Donghai had been filled with bloodshed, but he had not spared a thought. However, when it came to his family, especially his sister, his concern was evident. Qin Li, though not his biological sister, was someone Qin Xian had grown up with. The two had been close since childhood, and Qin Li had always idolized her brother, often sticking close to him. Qin Xian, in turn, hade to regard her as his true sister. The mention of Shattered Heaven reminded Qin Xian of Qin Li. ¡°I heard two days ago that Miss Qin has almost finished collecting the Death Shards. She should be able to join you in Shattered Heaven,¡± Qiu Bo replied respectfully. Hearing this, Qin Xian nodded. ¡°In that case, let¡¯s head to the Hengjiang District.¡± ¡ª Imperial Capital, Bordends¡ªLand of Destion The Land of Destion was a forbidden zone for humanity, the site of a great battle between humans and the Void¡¯s dark gods. Thend was shrouded in perpetual twilight, bathed in the eerie light of a blood-red sun. Broken citiesy in ruins, filled with the wails of restless spirits. The air was thick with a terrifying aura of death, so intense that any low-level professional who entered would likely be transformed into a zombie by the deathly energy. In a valley where the death aura was particrly strong, a stunningly beautiful young girl slowly opened her eyes¡­ Chapter 41 - Qin Li Chapter 41: Qin Li The young girl¡¯s skin was as white as porcin, her long silver hair cascading down to her waist. Her beauty was ethereal, with a serene elegance, truly a sight capable of toppling nations. Her eyes, with brilliant blue pupils, sparkled like stars in the night sky. Within the valley, a violent surge of energy was erupting. A group of five or six adventurers was being swarmed by a massive horde of undead elite monsters. Each undead creature was around Level 25, and there were hundreds of them. ¡°Help! We¡¯re members of the Dynasty Guild! If you help us, the guild will surely reward you!¡± ¡°We can¡¯t hold on much longer! Are you really going to leave us to die!?¡± The adventurers were panicked. They were all professionals in their 20s, initially just exploring the outskirts of the Land of Destion. They never expected to fall into a trap, triggering an onught of elite undead monsters. If it weren¡¯t for the S-ss Holy Light Priest in their team, who had cast a Light Domain reducing the attack power of the undead, they would have been wiped out long ago. But even with that advantage, their energy was nearly depleted, and they were on the verge of copse. In their desperation, they noticed another group of human professionals at the edge of the valley¡ªa stunningly beautiful young girl, albeit only Level 15, apanied by a terrifyingly powerful Level 55 warrior. If these two were to intervene, they would undoubtedly be saved! ¡ª ¡°Miss, should we help them?¡± the beautiful middle-aged woman standing beside the young girl asked respectfully. She was the girl¡¯s personal bodyguard, a Level 55 Psyker. If the woman made a move, a single skill would be enough to annihte the entire horde of undead monsters. ¡°Why should we?¡± the girl responded coldly, her face expressionless. ¡°They overestimated their abilities and ventured into the Land of Destion to try their luck. Now they must face the consequences.¡± Her gaze lingered on the adventurer team, filled with indifference, devoid of any sympathy. ¡°Besides, the death aura in this area has already reached a critical point. If they die, it will condense into another Death Shard. With that, I can finally fully activate my Death¡¯s Call.¡± This beautiful young girl was none other than Qin Li, the eldest daughter of the Qin family and the younger sister of Qin Xian. The woman beside her was Aunt Mo, Qin Li¡¯s personal attendant. Seeing that Qin Li had no intention of intervening, the adventurers¡¯st glimmer of hope was extinguished. When the Holy Light Priest finally ran out of energy, the Light Domain disappeared, and the hundreds of undead creatures surged forward, overwhelming the adventurers. As they were devoured, the valley began to tremble. Above, countless streams of death energy gathered, eventually coalescing into a blood-red crystal that emanated a terrifying aura of death. [Death Shard]: Epic-tier material. Formed from condensed death energy, it contains pure death essence. It is said that the throne of the god Hades was forged from this material. Qin Li¡¯s face lit up with joy upon seeing the Death Shard. She quickly retrieved it. For most professionals, Death Shards were highly dangerous. The death energy they contained could corrupt even the strongest, turning them into undead. But for Qin Li, a Death Angel, Death Shards were essential for her growth. The death energy within felt warm and familiar to her. Eagerly, Qin Li fused the shard into herself. [Death¡¯s Call]: Divine Skill. Releases a deathly sound wave that marks all enemies within a 1,500-meter radius, dealing 15,000 magic damage and having a 20% chance of triggering instant death. Additionally, all skills have a 5% chance to trigger instant death on marked enemies. Cooldown: 6 hours. Seeing the skill fully activate, Qin Li couldn¡¯t help but smile. With Death¡¯s Call, her profession as a Death Angel was nowplete! ¡°Brother once said that he ns to attempt the Divine Trial before he reaches Level 40. Now that I have Death¡¯s Call, I can help him!¡± Qin Li¡¯s face radiated sincerity as she spoke of her brother, Qin Xian. Aunt Mo, standing beside her, sighed quietly in her heart. She knew just how much Qin Li had sacrificed to grow stronger and be of help to her brother. A single word of praise from Qin Xian could make Qin Li happy for days. ¡°Miss, there¡¯s news from the young master. Arge-scale dungeon, Shattered Heaven, will open in three days, and the young master is already heading to the Hengjiang District.¡± ¡°Brother¡­¡± Upon hearing news of Qin Xian, Qin Li¡¯s face was filled with longing, ¡°Let¡¯s go immediately!¡± Although Qin Li had only been apart from Qin Xian for two months, to her, even a day apart from her brother was unbearable. Chapter 42 - Ye Xuan Chapter 42: Ye Xuan Jiuling Grand Canyon, Tianshan Province As one of the Empire¡¯s marked dangerous areas, the Jiuling Grand Canyon was teeming with highly dangerous monster bosses. However, it was precisely because of this that the canyon attracted numerous teams eager to hunt these bosses. Although the vast majority of these teams met their end within the canyon, this only seemed to encourage more to venture in, eager to im the rare and valuable loot dropped by the wild elite bosses. ¡ª Within a in in the Jiuling Grand Canyon, a dragon-like monster was roaring in fury. The creature was massive, towering over 20 meters high, with its entire body crackling with lightning. [Thunderstorm Dragon Hog]: Rare Elite Boss [Level]: LV30 [HP]: 46,000/99,999 [Skills]: Thunderstorm Bloodline, Dragon Breath, Tail Hammer, Rending Bleed¡­ [Description]: Possesses draconic bloodline, violent in nature, regards everything before it as prey. The Thunderstorm Dragon Hog was one of the most notorious elite bosses in the Jiuling Grand Canyon. Countless teams had perished at its ws, making it a creature feared by many. Yet, the rewards for defeating it were equally infamous, with drops of rare materials and even the elusive Dragon Crystal, a highly coveted item. At this moment, an incredibly handsome young man was single-handedly overwhelming the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog. His speed was extraordinary, his figure flickering around the beast, delivering devastating blows with each appearance, before vanishing once more. [Piercing Attack]: Deals 5,444 physical damage. [Piercing Attack]: Deals 11,477 physical damage (Critical Hit!) [Piercing Attack]: Deals 11,788 physical damage (Critical Hit!) In just a few minutes, the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog¡¯s health had dropped by half, and the monster hadn¡¯t evennded a single hit on the young man. The canyon echoed with the beast¡¯s furious roars. ¡°Holy crap¡­ what kind ofbat power is this?¡± ¡°He¡¯s a speed-based ss, so his damage should be moderate, relying more on DOTs and debuffs. But his damage is insanely high, higher than a strength-based ss!¡± ¡°This guy is soloing a Level 30 rare elite boss, and he¡¯s only Level 25, right? What a monster!¡± ¡°Every attack hends is a critical hit. His crit rate must be at least 80%! This guy is a god!¡± A group of professionals stood at a distance, watching in awe as the young man dominated the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog. They were all around Level 20 and members of the same guild. Initially, they had nned to take on the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog themselves, feeling confident with their well-rounded teamposition, especially with their A-rank Gold Shield Warrior as the main tank. They had prepared extensively, with scrolls and potions ready. However, as soon as they engaged the boss, their main tank was nearly killed in a single hit when his defenses were broken. Just when all seemed lost, this handsome young man had appeared out of nowhere, taking on the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog by himself and saving their team from certain death. Two minutester, with one final defiant roar, the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog copsed, defeated. The handsome young man stood beside the fallen beast,pletely unscathed, not even a speck of dust on him. ¡°Brother, thank you so much!¡± A burly man with a rugged, honest face approached, his expression filled with gratitude. He was Liu Zhen, the team leader and an A-rank Gold Shield Warrior. He had recently learned the [Shield Stance] skill, which allowed him to reflect physical damage, and had hoped to use it to help defeat the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog. However, he had been nearly killed in an instant, his defenses shattered. If not for the young man¡¯s intervention, his team would have been wiped out. The thought filled Liu Zhen with even more gratitude. ¡°No need to thank me,¡± the handsome young man replied with a gentle smile, his demeanor humble, showing no sign of expecting any repayment. The other team members also stepped forward, introducing themselves and expressing their thanks. ¡°Master, my name is Li Meng, a B-rank Ranger!¡± ¡°I¡¯m Su Yaran, an A-rank Frost Mage. Thank you.¡± ¡°My name is Meng Meng, a B-rank Blessed Priest. Thank you for saving me.¡± The handsome young man nodded to each of them in turn, smiling as he introduced himself. ¡°My name is Ye Xuan.¡± ¡°Ye Xuan¡­ you¡¯re Ye Xuan!?¡± The group was momentarily stunned, and then their expressions turned to shock. Ye Xuan had be a legendary figure in Tianshan Province, especially in the Jiuling Grand Canyon area. He had single-handedly taken down nearly every elite boss, including a Level 35 Wyvern, while he was only at Level 25¡ªa feat that seemed impossible, yet he had done it. At that moment, the corpse of the Thunderstorm Dragon Hog dissipated, leaving behind a pile of treasures. [Gold Coins]: 169,999 [Thunderstorm Dragon Hide]: Purple-tier material, infused with dragon scale essence, used for crafting the Thunder Dragon Set. [Dragon Bone]: Purple-tier material, can be forged into staff-type weapons. [Enchantment Scroll]: Greater Constitution, increases stamina by 30 points. The Thunderstorm Dragon Hog, true to its reputation as a rare elite boss, had dropped an array of valuable items. But everyone¡¯s eyes were drawn to a single floating blood-red gemstone. [Dragon Crystal]: Epic-tier material: ?????? ¡°Holy crap, it actually dropped a Dragon Crystal!?¡± The group gasped in unison, their faces filled with disbelief and awe. Chapter 43 - Younger Sister Chapter 43: Younger Sister Dragon Crystals were extremely rare and precious materials with a wide range of uses. They could be used for forging, enchanting, or even to unlock highly rare dragon-rted professions. Only creatures with draconic bloodlines had a chance to drop a Dragon Crystal, and even then, the drop rate was less than 1%, even for the most powerful true dragon bosses. As such, each Dragon Crystal was worth at least 100 million gold coins on the market, though they were often impossible to find even at that price. The Magma Storm Dragon Hog, being of a diluted draconic lineage, had an exceedingly low chance of dropping a Dragon Crystal¡ªabout one in ten thousand. Evenrge guilds in desperate need of Dragon Crystals wouldn¡¯t bother farming this particr boss due to the low probability. Yet, against all odds, the Dragon Hog had dropped a Dragon Crystal this time. A one in ten thousand chance! Liu Zhen and his team looked at Ye Xuan with envy. What incredible luck¡ªto have be rich overnight with such a rare drop! However, despite their envy, none of them showed any greed. Although they had initiated the fight with the Magma Storm Dragon Hog, they knew that without Ye Xuan¡¯s intervention, they would have been annihted. The loot rightfully belonged to Ye Xuan. Besides, given Ye Xuan¡¯s strength, harboring any ill intentions would be suicidal. Ye Xuan turned to the Dragon Crystal, his face lighting up with joy. He had only intervened to save Liu Zhen and his team, never expecting to gain such a valuable treasure as a reward. With this Dragon Crystal¡­ His ns could now be elerated. Ye Xuan pocketed the Dragon Crystal and then turned to the remaining materials. ¡°You can take the rest of the materials. I don¡¯t need them,¡± he said to Liu Zhen and the others. ¡°No way!¡± Liu Zhen immediately refused. ¡°You killed the Magma Storm Dragon Hog; all the loot belongs to you!¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± The other team members echoed in agreement. Ye Xuan felt a warmth in his heart. He had encountered many professionals driven by greed, but this team, though not particrly strong, was refreshingly sincere. Shaking his head, Ye Xuan insisted, ¡°I really don¡¯t need these materials. If you don¡¯t take them, they¡¯ll just sit here until someone elsees along and takes them.¡± Reluctantly, Liu Zhen and his team epted the loot. To their surprise, they had ended up with a significant haul, more than enough to elevate their team¡¯s overall strength to the next level. After collecting the loot, the team prepared to leave the Jiuling Grand Canyon. ¡°Brother Ye, are you heading to the Hengjiang District for the Shattered Heaven dungeon?¡± Liu Zhen asked. In recent days, the appearance of therge-scale special dungeon, Shattered Heaven, had been the talk of every professional. Ye Xuan nodded. ¡°Yes. What about you?¡± Liu Zhen smiled. ¡°We won¡¯t be going. Meng Meng is only Level 18, and we¡¯ve got a special dungeon scroll that¡¯s about to expire. We¡¯re nning to clear her special dungeon and get her some unique ss skills.¡± The young priest, Meng Meng, smiled shyly, feeling a bit embarrassed. Throughout their journey, the group chatted andughed, with Ye Xuan paying particr attention to Meng Meng, engaging her in conversation. ¡°Brother Ye, are you interested in our Meng Meng?¡± Li Meng teased. ¡°You¡¯ve got good taste! Meng Meng is an excellent cook and very caring.¡± Meng Meng blushed at the teasing, yfully scolding, ¡°What are you talking about!¡± Despite her words, she couldn¡¯t help but nce shyly at Ye Xuan, clearly ttered by his attention. Ye Xuan chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I was just reminded of my younger sister. Meng Meng resembles her a bit.¡± Hearing this, Meng Meng felt an inexplicable pang of disappointment. ¡°Your sister must be very lucky to have a brother like you,¡± she remarked. But Ye Xuan¡¯s expression grew somber. ¡°My sister¡­ we were separated when we were very young.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Meng Meng¡¯s face fell with regret, immediately apologizing. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for bringing up such a painful memory¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ye Xuan replied, his face resolute. ¡°I¡¯ve found her now.¡± The group offered words offort, trying to lift his spirits. ¡°Then you¡¯ll be reunited with her soon,¡± they assured him. Ye Xuan¡¯s smile was tinged with bitterness. The situation was far moreplicated than they could imagine. His sister was now in the hands of his enemies¡­ Upon reaching the nearest city from Jiuling Grand Canyon, the group exchanged contact information before reluctantly parting ways. Although they had only known each other briefly, Liu Zhen¡¯s team had grown to respect and admire Ye Xuan. As they said their goodbyes, Liu Zhen spoke earnestly. ¡°Brother Ye, you saved our lives. We may not be the strongest, but if you ever need us, we¡¯ll be there, even if it costs us our lives!¡± Ye Xuan was touched by their sincerity. ¡°Thank you. We¡¯ve exchanged contacts, so I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll meet again.¡± ¡°Until we meet again!¡± Just before Meng Meng stepped into the teleportation array, she turned back and called out to Ye Xuan, ¡°Ye Xuan, once you find your sister, you muste find me. I¡¯ll cook for you both!¡± As the light of the teleportation array enveloped her, and the group disappeared from view, Ye Xuan nodded to himself, his resolve firm. ¡°I will. And that day is not far off¡­¡± Chapter 44 - The Orphan of the Ye Clan Chapter 44: The Orphan of the Ye n ¡°Young Master,¡± the ck-armored middle-aged man greeted as Ye Xuan entered his hotel room. The man had been waiting patiently, his presence imposing with a scar that marred his face, giving him a fierce and dangerous aura. He was a high-level professional, a formidable force at Level 50. ¡°Young Master!¡± The man¡¯s face lit up with a rare smile. ¡°I¡¯ve heard the news¡ªYoung Master, you¡¯ve grown even stronger. If the Old Master were here, he would be proud.¡± ¡°Uncle Xie,¡± Ye Xuan responded with a respectful nod, clearly holding the man in high regard. His face then showed a look of anticipation. ¡°Were things sessful?¡± Uncle Xie, the middle-aged man, nodded slowly, his expression serious. ¡°It went as nned. Several major guilds have secretly pledged their allegiance, and we¡¯ve managed to collect eight Dragon Crystals.¡± Hearing this, Ye Xuan¡¯s eyes shed with excitement. For years, he had carried the burden of avenging the massacre of his family, biding his time, waiting for the moment to strike back. His enemies were formidable, so powerful that most of the time, all he could feel was despair, with no hope of revenge in sight. But now, the dawn of vengeance was finally within reach¡­ Ye Xuan clenched his fists tightly, his resolve burning bright in his eyes. ¡°One day, the Ye n will rise to the top of the world once more!¡± ¡ª Twenty years ago, the Ye n had been one of the most powerful and prestigious families in the Empire, rivaling even the imperial capital¡¯s Qin n. The head of the Ye n, Ye Buxiu, was a legendary Level 85 Dragon Knight, a figure of immense power and respect. The Ye n¡¯s Origin Guild, which they had founded centuries ago, was thergest and most influential guild in the Empire, possibly in the entire human world. The guild boasted tens of thousands of professionals, and on several asions, it was the Ye n who had led the Origin Guild to the Void Frontlines, repelling invasions by the Void¡¯s dark forces. Moreover, the Ye n was renowned for being the only family, aside from the imperial family, known to have the ability to awaken dragon-rted professions. They also possessed the fabled Divine Revtion Endgame, a power that was coveted by many. For years, the Ye n had maintained a strong alliance with the royal family, their power and influence growing ever stronger. But then, eighteen years ago, in a single night, the mighty Ye n was annihted. Led by the Qin n, several other noble familiesunched a sudden and brutal attack on the Ye n. Despite Ye Buxiu¡¯s incredible strength and his powerful Level 70 Bronze Dragon mount, he was eventually overwhelmed by thebined might of Qin Ming and the other noble families. The battle was fierce, shaking the very heavens, with entire cities being reduced to rubble. In the end, Ye Buxiu was killed, and the remaining high-ranking members of the Ye n were all ughtered. Hundreds of members of the Ye n¡¯s main and branch families were executed that night, their bloodlines nearly wiped out. The once-mighty Origin Guild crumbled in the aftermath, its vast resources and territories divided among the victors. Many of the guild¡¯s professionals were conscripted into the military, relegated to second-line units. The rest were scattered into countless smaller guilds, with the spoils divided among the conquering families. The wealth and resources of the Origin Guild were so immense that it took two years for the spoils to be fully divided¡­ ¡ª Ye Xuan was the sole survivor of that massacre. His true identity was the heir of the Ye n, the eldest son of Ye Buxiu, and the rightful sessor to the Origin Guild. On the night his family was annihted, Ye Xuan was only five years old. He vividly remembered the horrors of that night¡ªthe bloodshed, the terror. Thanks to his father drawing most of the attackers¡¯ attention, and with the sacrifice of a loyal guard, Ye Xuan had managed to escape through a spatial anchor, narrowly avoiding death. That loyal guard was none other than Uncle Xie, the man who had stayed by Ye Xuan¡¯s side all these years. ¡°Qin n¡­¡± Ye Xuan¡¯s voice was low, filled with a deep-seated hatred. As a survivor of the Ye n¡¯s destruction, he knew exactly what had transpired that night. The Ye n had been betrayed by the very families they had once considered allies. On that fateful night, Qin Ming led a massive force of Qin n elites and other noble families in a surprise attack on the Ye n. The Ye n, caught off guard, suffered devastating losses almost immediately. In desperation, they sent out pleas for aid to the other noble families of the Empire. But when those supposed allies arrived, they joined the Qin n in its assault, turning their des against the Ye n. Ye Buxiu fought fiercely against Qin Ming for days, but ultimately he was defeated and killed. After the massacre, Qin Ming, in his role as the Director of the Cardinal Council, dered that the Ye n had been conspiring with the Void, nning to establish a Void Anchor within the Empire to wee the arrival of a Void Terror. The absurdity of the usation filled Ye Xuan with rage. The Ye n had led the fight against the Void on countless asions, defending the Empire and the world from the Void¡¯s dark gods. Yet, they were nowbeled as traitors, their legacy stained by lies. But Ye Xuan knew the truth. Qin Ming¡¯s true goal had never been justice. It had always been to seize the Ye n¡¯s Divine Revtion Endgame. Chapter 45 - The Divine Revelation Endgame Chapter 45: The Divine Revtion Endgame The Divine Revtion Endgame was a supreme artifact bestowed upon humanity by the gods when the Apocalypse descended, marking the beginning of humanity¡¯s evolution into professionals. A thousand years ago, during the Void Invasion, the Apocalypse descended, and the first twelve individuals to awaken their professions were known as the Twelve Primordial Ones. These Twelve Primordial Ones were each granted an Divine Revtion Endgame, which became the symbol of their immense power. Among them were the founding emperor of the Shenlong Empire, Yingzu; the ancestor of the Qin family, Qin Zheng; and the ancestor of the Ye family, Ye Xiu. These twelve pioneersid the foundation for humanity¡¯s professional system, and the data-driven world humanity now lived in was created by them. Each Divine Revtion Endgame was engraved with a constetion, representing different divine pces. These were the Divine Dragon Pce, Demon Lion Pce, Serpent Pce, White Tiger Pce, Jade Phoenix Pce, Immrotal Pce, Sagittarius Pce, Libra Pce, Virgo Pce, Scorpio Pce, Gemini Pce, and Centaur Pce. Each Divine Revtion Endgame contained the blessings of the gods and immense power, capable of influencing the professions awakened by their holders. It was said that whoever could gather all twelve Divine Revtion Endgames would be the master of the Apocalypse. Among these, the royal Ying family possessed the Divine Dragon Pce, the most powerful of the twelve. The Qin family controlled the Demon Lion Pce, while the Ye family once held the Serpent Pce. Over the centuries, some of the families of the Twelve Primordial Ones declined, while others were destroyed, and many of the Apocalypse Endgames were lost to history. After the Ye family¡¯s extermination, their Serpent Pce Apocalypse Endgame fell into the hands of the Qin family. For the past eighteen years, Ye Xuan had never forgotten the massacre of his family. The pain of that night was etched into his soul, and not a moment passed where he didn¡¯t dream of avenging them. But in the two decades since, the Qin family¡¯s power had only grown stronger. Qin Ming, as the regent of the Cardinal Council, had be the second most powerful man in the empire, rivaling even the Empire¡¯s Regent, Lu Ji. The Qin family¡¯s strength and influence were terrifying. With two Apocalypse Endgames in their possession, they had produced countless high-level professionals over the past twenty years, amassing an army of powerful individuals. Twelve of the thirty-seven provincial governors were Qin family members. Faced with such an overwhelming enemy, Ye Xuan had often felt despair. But that despair vanished the moment he awakened his profession. He had been blessed with the SSS-level hidden profession¡ªDragon God¡¯s Apostle. Dragon professions were extremely rare and highly coveted. Those who awakened a dragon profession could wield dragon-based skills of immense power. Typically, only those with the royal Ying family bloodline could awaken dragon professions, though the Ye family had also been known to produce dragon professionals, such as Ye Buxiu, thest patriarch of the Ye family, who was an SSS-level Dragon Knight. But Ye Xuan¡¯s profession, Dragon God¡¯s Apostle, was even more powerful. It was the second-strongest dragon profession, surpassed only by the SSS-level Dragon God, the profession held by the founding emperor of the Shenlong Empire, Yingzu. [Name]: Ye Xuan [Profession]: Dragon God¡¯s Apostle [Level]: LV25 [Strength]: 294 [Agility]: 260 [Constitution]: 118 [Spirit]: 116 [Intelligence]: 128 [Talent ¨C True Dragon Bloodline]: As a descendant of the Divine Dragon, you can activate the Dragon God transformation upon collecting nine Dragon Crystals. [Special Skill ¨C Dragon God Transformation]: Temporarily transform into the Dragon God, increasing all attributes by 100% and recing all skills with Dragon God-exclusive skills. Duration: 5 minutes. Cooldown: 48 hours. Awakening as the Dragon God¡¯s Apostle not only made Ye Xuan far more powerful, but it also gave him a unique position in the Shenlong Empire. Dragon professions were revered above all others in the empire, with every dragon professional having eventually be a legendary figure, a pir of the human world. Yet, after the emperor¡¯s disappearance and the Ye family¡¯s downfall, the Shenlong Empire was left without a single dragon professional¡ªa bitter irony. Now, Ye Xuan was the only dragon professional in the entire Shenlong Empire, and his status as the heir of the Ye family granted him immense influence, especially among the remnants of his family¡¯s former power. After the Ye family¡¯s extermination, the Origin Guild had crumbled, but the tens of thousands of professionals under its banner couldn¡¯t all be killed. Most were absorbed into the military, while the rest were scattered into countless small and medium-sized guilds. With Ye Xuan¡¯s awakening as the Dragon God¡¯s Apostle, Xie Gu had spent these past months quietly contacting the remnants of the Ye family. Upon learning that their young master had survived and awakened such a powerful profession, many chose to secretly pledge their loyalty. Several powerful guilds and even some high-ranking military officers had now gathered around Ye Xuan, and the dawn of revenge was on the horizon. ¡°Uncle Xie, I¡¯m going to rescue my sister,¡± Ye Xuan dered, his gaze firm as he turned to Xie Gu. ¡°She¡¯s the only family I have left, and with my current strength, I¡¯m finally able to save her. Now, the perfect opportunity has presented itself!¡± Chapter 46 - Qin Li? Or Ye Li? Chapter 46: Qin Li? Or Ye Li? When the Ye family was massacred, there was another survivor besides Ye Xuan¡ªhis younger sister, Ye Li. At the time of the massacre, Ye Li was just a newborn, barely a month old, and knew nothing of the tragedy that had befallen her family. Originally, the Qin family had intended to kill the infant, but Qin Ming discovered that the baby girl had a mysterious connection with the Serpent Pce Divine Revtion Endgame, the sacred artifact of the Ye family. Intrigued, Qin Ming spared her life and took her in, renaming her Qin Li, and raising her as his own daughter, making her the eldest daughter of the Qin family. This secret was known only to a handful of people. Ye Xuan himself had only uncovered the truth after extensive investigation, learning to his horror that his biological sister had been adopted by their family¡¯s mortal enemies. When Ye Xuan learned of this, his heart was torn with agony. His sister, his only remaining family, had been raised by those who had ughtered their kin. She had been raised to unknowingly love the people who had caused her so much pain. Despite his anguish, Ye Xuan knew that none of this was her fault. She had been just a baby at the time, utterly innocent. But after discovering her fate, Ye Xuan became determined to save her, to rescue her from the clutches of the Qin family. He knew that while Qin Li seemed to enjoy a privileged position as Qin Ming¡¯s adopted daughter, in reality, Qin Ming was a ruthless and calcting man. It was inconceivable that he would harbor any genuine affection for the daughter of the man he had destroyed. But Qin Li had always been kept within the Qin family¡¯s stronghold in the imperial capital, making it impossible for Ye Xuan to approach her. Now, however, with the opening of the Shattered Heaven dungeon, Ye Xuan was certain that Qin Li would attend. This was a heaven-sent opportunity. Ye Xuan looked seriously at Xie Gu and said, ¡°This time, with the Shattered Heaven dungeon opening, almost every professional below Level 40 will be there. I¡¯m sure Li¡¯er will be there too. I¡¯m going to meet her, and I¡¯ll tell her the truth about everything!¡± Xie Gu frowned, concerned. ¡°But Young Master, it¡¯s still too dangerous to meet with the youngdy now. There will undoubtedly be Qin family experts with her. And we only have eight Dragon Crystals¡­¡± ¡°No, we have nine,¡± Ye Xuan replied with a slight smile, revealing the Dragon Crystal that had dropped from the Magma Storm Dragon Hog. ¡°Young Master¡­ is it possible?¡± Xie Gu was stunned, his face lighting up with a mix of joy and disbelief. Since Ye Xuan had awakened as the Dragon God¡¯s Apostle, Xie Gu had been tirelessly scouring thend to collect Dragon Crystals for him. Even with the help of those who had pledged their allegiance to Ye Xuan, they had only managed to gather eight Dragon Crystals. Dragon Crystals were incredibly rare and difficult to acquire. The remnants of the Ye family¡¯s forces had exhausted nearly all their resources just to secure these eight, and there were no more to be found on the open market. It was estimated that gathering even one more would take at least another year. Yet here Ye Xuan stood, holding a ninth Dragon Crystal. Seeing the shock on Xie Gu¡¯s face, Ye Xuan couldn¡¯t help but reflect on his unexpected fortune. He had never imagined that helping someone would lead to such a valuable reward. Despite bearing the weight of his family¡¯s annihtion, Ye Xuan had not grown into a person consumed by darkness or bitterness. He remained kind-hearted, with a strong sense of justice and apassionate nature. This Dragon Crystal felt like a divine reward for his righteousness. Ye Xuan had always believed in the principle that ¡°the benevolent are invincible.¡± Although the Qin family¡¯s power was overwhelming, their tyranny and self-serving nature would, in the end, lead to their downfall. Now that Ye Xuan had all nine Dragon Crystals, Xie Gu could finally breathe a little easier. He knew just how powerful the Dragon God Transformation skill was. With this ability, Ye Xuan could temporarily possess the strength of a Level 50 professional, even though he was only Level 25. The transformationsted only five minutes, but it would be enough for Ye Xuan to protect himself and execute his ns. Despite his young age, Ye Xuan was already showing the traits of a great leader¡ªstrategic, meticulous, and capable of biding his time. ¡°Uncle Xie, continue reaching out to the remnants of our family. I will head to the Shattered Heaven to rescue Li¡¯er.¡± ¡°Very well, Young Master. Be careful.¡± After discussing a few more details, Xie Gu left, hurrying off to carry out his duties. As Ye Xuan watched him go, his eyes reflected deep gratitude. Xie Gu had not only saved him but had also raised him, dedicating his life to ensuring that Ye Xuan would one day restore the Ye family. Ye Xuan vowed that once he had avenged his family and rebuilt their legacy, he would repay Xie Gu¡¯s loyalty and sacrifices. ¡ª The Hengjiang Region, Empire. The Hengjiang regiony on the border between the southern and Jiangnan provinces, and of towering mountains and dangerous ins. Deep within this region, a massive gateway had erupted into the sky. This colossal gateway stretched thousands of meters into the air, its peak lost to the heavens. Ancient runes covered its surface, pulsating with a strange, otherworldly light. Within the gateway, a swirling vortex of starlight and dreamlike images hinted at the fractured paradise beyond. ¡°Shattered Heaven¡­¡± Qin Xian whispered as he stood, his hands sped behind his back. It His gaze was fixed on the gateway, where countless professionals were gathering, their numbers like a sea stretching out as far as the eye could see. His eyes were deep, filled with thoughts unknown to those around him. Chapter 47 - Shattered Heaven Chapter 47: Shattered Heaven The appearance of the Shattered Heaven dungeon this time has attracted nearly every confident professional between Levels 15 and 40 within the Empire. The rewards and benefits from thisrge-scale special dungeon are incredibly enticing. If one can sessfully clear it, not only could they potentially level up several times, but the equipment they obtain could easily serve them until the end of their career¡ªor even be passed down as a family heirloom. But the most coveted aspect of Shattered Heaven is itspletion rewards. Shattered Heaven is a 25-person raid dungeon, where groups of up to 25 professionals can team up to challenge and defeat the trials within. It¡¯s said that those who sessfullyplete the dungeon and perform exceptionally well can receive blessings from the ancient gods of paradise, who appear at the end of the raid. These blessings are permanent buffs that can elevate a professional¡¯s power to unimaginable heights. Every time Shattered Heaven has appeared in the past, it has produced countless powerful individuals. Many of those who cleared it have be the pirs of humanity, their names legendary. For example, Jiang Chen, the currentmander of the Aurora Legion in the military, was only a B-grade Berserker 20 years ago. He cleared Shattered Heaven and received a near-perfect evaluation from the ancient gods. As a reward, he was granted a blessing that increased his primary attributes by 30%, raised all his skill levels by 10, enhanced all his equipment¡¯s stats by 30%, and boosted his experience gain by 50%. This blessing allowed him to rise rapidly, eventually bing a Level 65 national deterrent-level powerhouse. Jiang Chen¡¯s story has inspired countless low-grade professionals, especially those below A-grade, who now dream of clearing Shattered Heaven and receiving a god¡¯s blessing to change their destinies. A brief nce reveals that tens of thousands of professionals have gathered at the entrance to the dungeon! Not only have the younger generations of the major noble familiese, but students from various academies and members of manyrge guilds have also organized teams to challenge the dungeon. Meanwhile, numerous independent professionals are forming impromptu groups on the spot. ¡°New Shattered Heaven raid forming, need tanks, healers, DPS¡ª24 spots avable!¡± ¡°Heaven¡¯s Chosen Guild is temporarily recruiting for the Shattered Heaven raid, epting Level 30+ professionals with at least B-gradebat professions!¡± ¡°Strong DPS here, looking for tanks, healers, and stronger DPS+++!¡± ¡°Northern Harmony Academy third-year students gather for the Shattered Heaven raid!¡± Although the dungeon won¡¯t open for another three days, professionals have already begun forming teams, causing a chaotic yet energetic atmosphere throughout the Hengjiang region. Amidst the bustling crowd, a group of haughty young people arrived at the scene. Their gear was luxurious, and their aura was intimidating, exuding an air of superiority over the other professionals¡ªlike dragons among mortals. ¡°Imperial Academy students, gather here!¡± one of them called out. Upon hearing this, the surrounding professionals¡¯ faces changed, showing expressions of respect as they hurriedly made way. The Imperial Academy is the top academy in the Empire, and graduates from the Imperial Academy typically secure positions in key government departments, bing the backbone of the nation. Moreover, the Imperial Academy is known as the academy of nobility. To gain entry, one must either possess exceptional talent¡ªat least S-grade¡ªor hail from a noble family. Thus, the students of the Imperial Academy are either exceedingly talented or have powerful backgrounds. When the onlookers heard the call, they immediately stepped aside, not daring to provoke the Imperial Academy students. Some neers, unfamiliar with the hierarchy, showed dissatisfaction at the students¡¯ arrogance and wanted to voice their objections. However, they were quickly pulled back by more experienced professionals. ¡°Those are Imperial Academy students!¡± ¡°So what if they are?¡± ¡°Those students are from noble families, their fathers are high-ranking officials or military leaders¡ªdo you really want to cross them?¡± Although still somewhat indignant, the neers lowered their heads. Meanwhile, guild members quickly moved out of the way, knowing all too well the consequences of offending these students. A single word from one of them could bring disaster. This is the harsh reality¡­ One of the Imperial Academy students, a young man named Li Yang, walked with an air of arrogance, his expression filled with contempt. Li Yang is the scion of the Li family from the Imperial Capital and a third-year student at the Imperial Academy. He is a Level 22 A-grade Fire Mage and considered quite formidable within the academy. His father is the Deputy Minister of Military Affairs, a position of considerable power, making Li Yang an influential figure in his own right. Now, with the appearance of Shattered Heaven, Li Yang has led a group of his fellow Imperial Academy students to the Hengjiang region to challenge the dungeon. Chapter 48 - Demon Hunter Chapter 48: Demon Hunter ¡°These Imperial Academy students are really too arrogant!¡± A cold voice rang out, drawing the attention of the surrounding crowd. The speaker was part of another group of young professionals, who had also just arrived at Hengjiang. Their demeanor was equally impressive, and they looked at Li Yang and his group with clear discontent and hostility. ¡°Those are students from¡±Jixia Academy¡±¡­¡± someone in the crowd whispered, their expression changing as they quietly backed away from the area. In the Empire, three academies stood out above the rest:¡±Imperial Academy¡±,¡±Jixia Academy¡±, and¡±True Dragon Academy¡±. These three academies were unparalleled in their research and mastery of the Tianqi system, possessing immense power and resources. Their students were considered the cream of the crop. Compared to the rtively low-key and mysterious¡±True Dragon Academy¡±, the rtionship between¡±Imperial Academy¡±and¡±Jixia Academy¡±was far from friendly. In fact, there was a longstanding grudge between them. Every four years, all the academies in the Empire participated in arge-scale trial dungeon called¡±Tianqi Arena¡±. This event allowed all students topete, with thest person standing receiving incredibly valuable rewards. In thest¡±Tianqi Arena¡±, a genius student from¡±Jixia Academy¡±was killed by students from¡±Imperial Academy¡±¡ªand not in an honorable way. The incident caused a massive uproar, with the head of¡±Jixia Academy¡±bing so enraged that they personally traveled to the Imperial Capital to demand justice from¡±Imperial Academy¡±. Tensions between the two academies reached a boiling point, nearly leading to an all-out conflict. It was only through the intervention of the Imperial Council that the situation was defused, with the offending¡±Imperial Academy¡±students being punished by a mere one-year suspension. Naturally,¡±Jixia Academy¡±found this punishment uneptable. To them, it was a p on the wrist¡ªproof that the Imperial Council was protecting¡±Imperial Academy¡±. After all, most of the students at¡±Imperial Academy¡±came from noble families, and the Empire¡¯s resources were heavily tilted in their favor. The Council, dominated by these same noble families, would never truly punish their ¡°golden child.¡± However, with the Council¡¯s decision final,¡±Jixia Academy¡±had no choice but to swallow their anger, though rtions between the two academies soured to an all-time low. Thus, it was no surprise that the students of¡±Jixia Academy¡±now looked at those from¡±Imperial Academy¡±with nothing but disdain. But to the onlookers, both academies were untouchable behemoths, far beyond the reach of ordinary people. As they saw the confrontation brewing, they wisely chose to distance themselves from the impending sh. Li Yang¡¯s expression darkened as he heard the challenge. His face twisted into a cruel sneer, and a spark of anger red in his eyes. However, when he realized who was challenging him, he recognized them as students from¡±Jixia Academy¡±and let out a coldugh. ¡°I was wondering who dared to speak up¡ªit¡¯s just a bunch of¡±Jixia Academy¡±brats. Are you in such a hurry to die?¡± He stood with his hands behind his back, exuding an air of supreme arrogance. And indeed, he had reason to be proud. As the eldest son of the Li family¡ªa noble house in the Imperial Capital¡ªLi Yang was equipped with a full set of Level 20 purple-grade gear. Although these weren¡¯t level-free items, his equipment was luxurious for his level, marking him as one of the strongest professionals in his tier. Moreover, Li Yang¡¯s background made him untouchable to most. His father was the Deputy Minister of Military Affairs, responsible for managing veterans¡¯ benefits and the reserve force¡¯s organization. The Li family had connections throughout the Empire¡¯s various departments, making them a force to be reckoned with. Li Yang¡¯s gaze turned sinister as he stared down the¡±Jixia Academy¡±students, calcting how best to teach them a lesson and drive them out of Hengjiang. Among the¡±Jixia Academy¡±group, a young man stepped forward with a simrly hostile expression. His features were sharp, and his eyes shone with determination. This was¡±Xiao Ming¡±, a freshman at¡±Jixia Academy¡±and an S-rank¡±Demon Hunter¡±. The¡±Demon Hunter¡±was a unique ss, not particrly outstanding in its base stats or skillspared to other S-rank sses. However, it had a crucial trait that made it invaluable to humanity:¡±Void yer¡±. The¡±Demon Hunter¡±¡®s skills dealt 500% additional damage to void creatures, making it a specialized weapon against the Void. Moreover, the ss had another trait,¡±Void Sense¡±, which allowed it to detect the presence of void creatures with uncanny precision. In essence, the¡±Demon Hunter¡±was a professional tailored specifically forbating the Void. Because of this,¡±Jixia Academy¡±highly valued Xiao Ming, even though he had only recently taken his entrance exams and was still at a rtively low level, around Level 6. Knowing that¡±Shattered Heaven¡±was a rare opportunity that could influence Xiao Ming¡¯s future,¡±Jixia Academy¡±had provided him with a special item: ¡°Level Seal¡±: Temporarily increases your level by 10, without affecting your stats or skills, for 120 hours. Single-use item. Thanks to the¡±Level Seal¡±, Xiao Ming¡¯s level had been boosted to 16, just enough to qualify for the¡±Shattered Heaven¡±raid¡­ Chapter 49 - The Godslayer’s Growth Chapter 49: The Godyer¡¯s Growth Although Xiao Ming was only at level 6, and even with the level stamp boosting him to level 16, his attribute and skill levels remained unchanged. As a result, his actualbat strength was equivalent to around level 10. Participating in arge-scale special instance like the Shattered Heaven Realm would undoubtedly drag the team down. However, the senior students from the Jixia Academy didn¡¯t shun Xiao Ming for this; instead, they were more than willing to bring him along. They all understood that once Xiao Ming grew stronger, he would y an extremely important role, both for the academy and for humanity. Xiao Ming was genuinely grateful for this. He cast a cold nce at Li Yang. Although he was just a freshman who had recently joined the academy, the spirit of mutual support and camaraderie at Jixia Academy resonated with him deeply. As an orphan, Xiao Ming had never experienced such warmth before, but now he felt thefort of belonging to a family. He had alreadye to see himself as part of Jixia Academy, sharing both honor and disgrace. Naturally, he harbored a strong animosity towards the students of the Imperial Academy, especially towards Li Yang, whose arrogant attitude grated on Xiao Ming¡¯s nerves. Feeling the weight of his weakness for the first time, Xiao Ming¡¯s gaze darkened. Yet, despite this sense of helplessness, his heart brimmed with confidence. Though he was weak now, only at level 6, he knew he could grow stronger¡ªfaster than anyone could imagine. One instance in the Shattered Heaven Realm would be enough to make him immensely more powerful. In fact, Xiao Ming had a secret¡ªone that no one else knew. During the awakening ceremony, while awakening as a Demon Hunter, he had also awakened a hidden special talent: Godyer Growth. Godyer Growth allowed Xiao Ming to absorb the spirit essence of Void-type elite monsters upon killing them, granting him 15 random attribute points. Fifteen extra attribute points! This special talent was overwhelmingly powerful. In theory, Xiao Ming¡¯s attribute points could grow infinitely, without any upper limit, as long as he killed enough Void-type elite monsters. In extreme circumstances, he could reach level 40 with the attribute points of someone at level 100. If Xiao Ming ever reached level 80¡­ his attribute points would be unimaginable. This is why Xiao Ming kept his Godyer Growth talent a secret from everyone; only he knew its full potential. However, the talent required him to kill elite Void-type monsters, which usually appeared on the Void Frontlines, and most of these elites were around level 40. It would still be a while before he could hunt them down. But with the appearance of the Shattered Heaven Realm instance, things were different. The background of this instance involved the Void invading the ancient royal court, so the instance was filled with Void-type monsters. It even contained numerous elite Void monsters between levels 15 and 20! In other words, this Shattered Heaven Realm instance seemed tailor-made for Xiao Ming. His Demon Hunter abilities already granted a 500% damage increase against Void monsters. Combined with his Godyer Growth talent, Xiao Ming could continuously gain extra attribute points as he cleared the instance. ording to Xiao Ming¡¯s estimates, just by entering the Shattered Heaven Realm, he could easily gain thousands of extra attribute points. What did that mean? At level 6, he would have attributesparable to someone at level 40 or even level 50. Just the thought of it made Xiao Ming feel dizzy with excitement. Once hepleted the Shattered Heaven Realm instance, his newfound strength would allow him to directly hunt elite Void monsters on the frontlines, growing even more powerful. Within ten years, Xiao Ming would be one of the world¡¯s superpowers¡ªperhaps even surpassing the empire¡¯s founding emperor, Ying Zu. And all this woulde true if he could just enter the Shattered Heaven Realm. Sometimes, Xiao Ming couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he was truly destined for greatness. After all, right after awakening Godyer Growth, the Shattered Heaven Realm appeared¡ªlike the heavens offering him a pillow just as he was about to fall asleep. No matter what, his bright futurey right in front of him, waiting for him to take a step forward. Xiao Ming couldn¡¯t help but look towards the entrance of the Shattered Heaven Realm. He believed that with such a heaven-defying talent bestowed upon him, he bore an immense responsibility. Once he grew stronger, he would wipe out the Void and create a future where humanity no longer lived under its shadow. ¡­ Li Yang narrowed his eyes as a terrifying pressure suddenly descended upon the area. Not only he, but everyone present felt it too. As they looked up, they saw a handsome and regal young man slowly approach, surrounded by a group of powerful figures. Beside the young man stood an elder in a tailored suit, his expression cold and indifferent. This elder was clearly a level 58 powerhouse¡ªthe source of the overwhelming pressure. Everyone was shocked. A level 58 expert was an exceedingly rare sight. They all turned their attention to the young man. Who could this person be, to have a level 58 powerhouse as his servant? Upon recognizing the young man¡¯s face, Li Yang¡¯s expression instantly shifted to one of nervous reverence. Forgetting the people from Jixia Academy, he immediately rushed forward, bowing before he even reached the young man. ¡°Young Master Qin!¡± Chapter 50 - Nemesis Chapter 50: Nemesis Li Yang¡¯s current demeanor left everyone deeply shocked. Just moments ago, he had been so arrogant and domineering, even when facing people from the Jixia Academy, maintaining that superior attitude. Yet now, in front of this young man, he was so humble! The drastic change in his attitude was truly jarring. ¡°Young Master Qin?¡± Could it be¡­ that one? The young man, of course, was Qin Xian. As Qin Xian looked at the bowing Li Yang before him, a gentle smile appeared on his face. ¡°So, it¡¯s Senior Li.¡± Qin Xian was currently a sophomore at the Imperial Academy, while Li Yang, being a year older, was a junior. He was technically Qin Xian¡¯s senior. Hearing Qin Xian address him, Li Yang¡¯s face immediately filled with astonishment, and he quickly responded, ¡°I don¡¯t deserve such praise! Young Master Qin is the number one genius of the human world, how could I im the title of senior?¡± His face showed a sense of joy. Qin Xian knows me! And he greeted me! Although the Li family of the Imperial Capital was considered an influential n,pared to the Qin family, the difference was like heaven and earth! Li Yang¡¯s father, though a deputy minister in the Military Affairs Department, was only one of seven, and his position ranked in the middle. Moreover, the Military Affairs Department was just one of the many departments under the Cardinal Council. Recently, Li Yang¡¯s father had been casually praised by Qin Ming, the ruling member of the Cardinal Council, over a small matter. This had caused great excitement within the family and even raised his father¡¯s standing within the Military Affairs Department. If Li Yang could forge a connection with Qin Xian, it could potentially elevate the entire Li family to new heights! However, even though Qin Xian attended the Imperial Academy, he was elusive and rarely seen. The Li family, being a second-tier aristocratic n, never had the opportunity or qualifications to connect with him. It wasn¡¯t just Li Yang¡ªother students from the Imperial Academy also stepped forward to bow and pay their respects. After all, many of them were from noble families and were well aware of the significance of this situation. Once they realized Qin Xian¡¯s identity, a stir erupted among the crowd, and all eyes turned toward him. Qin Xian was a household name throughout the empire, well-known and highly regarded. When Li Yang called him the number one genius of the human world, it wasn¡¯t entirely ttery. Qin Xian had awakened as an SSS-ss Oracle Knight, an event that made national headlinesst year. Everyone knew that the human world had gained another SSS-ss professional. Since the descent of the apocalypse, humanity had produced fewer than ten SSS-ss professionals in the past thousand years. Thest time the empire saw an SSS-ss individual was over a hundred years ago. On top of this, Qin Xian came from the Qin family, one of the top five legendary families in the empire, and was the son of Qin Ming, one of the empire¡¯s most powerful figures. In terms of talent, strength, and background, Qin Xian stood at the pinnacle of this world. Even his appearance was¡­ Many male professionals looked at Qin Xian¡¯s face with jealousy. This world truly has perfect people¡­ Meanwhile, several female professionals cast flirtatious nces at Qin Xian. To them, Qin Xian was undoubtedly their prince charming! If Qin Xian had any w, it would be that he was too perfect¡­ so much so that it felt somewhat unreal. On the other hand, the students from Jixia Academy looked at Qin Xian withplicated expressions. Although Qin Xian had only been a professional for two years, he had already reached level 21. With hisbat strength, he was likely equivalent to someone above level 30! While they disliked the students from the Imperial Academy, they had to admit that Qin Xian was undeniably strong. Xiao Ming, however, furrowed his brow, ring at Qin Xian intensely. For some unknown reason, from the moment Qin Xian appeared, Xiao Ming felt an intense, deep-seated difort. There was a profound hostility toward Qin Xian from within his soul! A nemesis. A natural enemy! Even though it was their first meeting, Xiao Ming¡¯s Devil Hunter ability, Void Scent, had instinctively activated, locking onto Qin Xian. Void Scent allowed Xiao Ming to detect the presence of void creatures, and no existence connected to the void could escape its detection. Yet¡­ Qin Xian was clearly an SSS-ss Oracle Knight. How could he be connected to the void? Xiao Ming was puzzled, but soon he noticed something peculiar. Everyone knew Qin Xian was an SSS-ss Oracle Knight, but many seemed to have forgotten that Qin Xian was also a dual-profession holder. To this day, no one knew what his second profession was. Could it be¡­ Qin Xian¡¯s second profession is rted to the void!? Although this guess was bold, even bordering on absurd, Xiao Ming¡¯s instincts and the innate senses of a Devil Hunter led him to suspect Qin Xian and stay on guard¡­ Chapter 51 - No More Talking, Just Kill Chapter 51: No More Talking, Just Kill Xiao Ming chose to trust his instincts! However, Xiao Ming wasn¡¯t foolish enough to directly question Qin Xian, as all of this was just his intuition. There was no actual evidence! ¡°Qin family¡­¡± Xiao Ming¡¯s eyes darkened as he made up his mind. After clearing the dungeon Shattered Heaven, he would quickly grow stronger and investigate Qin Xian further. If Qin Xian was truly connected to the Void, then what about the Qin family behind him? Could they also be colluding with the Void!? If that¡¯s the case¡­ What would be the consequences if the empire¡¯s regent, Qin Ming, was found to be in league with the Void? Xiao Ming didn¡¯t dare to think about it! ¡ª As Xiao Ming pondered over Qin Xian, Qin Xian was also paying attention to Xiao Ming. Because as soon as he arrived here, he suddenly heard the system prompt. [Viin System activated, second-stage main mission unlocked.]. [Mission: Eliminate the threat posed by Xiao Ming. Completion reward: 100 viin points.]. Although Xiao Ming hid all his skills and attributes, his name and profession were not concealed. So, Qin Xian immediately confirmed Xiao Ming¡¯s identity. The second Child of Destiny¡­ Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. After killing the first Child of Destiny, Lin Feng, Qin Xian gained great benefits. Not only did he obtain a secret source, but he also earned an additional 30 viin points, leveling up his viin rank and obtaining a talent, [Rebirth from Fire]. Qin Xian was extremely eager for more viin points. He didn¡¯t expect a second Child of Destiny to appear so soon and this one offered a reward of 100 points¡ªmore than three times what Lin Feng provided! Could it be that Xiao Ming had something special about him? As Qin Xian pondered this, the ground in the Hengjiang region suddenly began to tremble. Immediately afterward, the entrance to the Shattered Heaven dungeon radiated a brilliant purple light. Fog started rising, covering the entire Hengshan area, reducing visibility to less than 50 meters! Space began to fracture, and from the spatial rifts, countless strange and terrifying Void creatures emerged. The air was filled with the horrifying roars of the Void monsters. ¡°Void invasion!?¡± The crowd was shocked, and someone couldn¡¯t help but shout. However, most people remained rtively calm. ¡°It¡¯s not a Void invasion; it¡¯s the prelude mission to the Shattered Heaven dungeon!¡± Someone loudly maintained order. Soon, the Apocalypse System¡¯s prompt echoed in the ears of all professionals in the Hengjiang area. [Apocalypse System]: Arge-scale special dungeon, the prelude mission for Shattered Heaven, has been released. [Ancient Royal Court, a once-brilliant civilization in the universe that flourished for thousands of years, was eventually corroded and eroded by the Void. Now, countless Void monsters have appeared outside the ruins of the Ancient Royal Court. Kill them and collect their crystal cores. Once 500,000 cores are collected, the Shattered Heaven dungeon will open! Mission duration: 3 days.] Upon seeing the Apocalypse System¡¯s prompt, the crowd finally rxed. It wasn¡¯t a real Void invasion. It¡¯s just that humanity had grown extremely sensitive to anything rted to the Void. Anything associated with the Void immediately triggered their vignce. Some people who knew about the Shattered Heaven dungeon shouted, ¡°Form teams and hunt Void monsters! The more crystal cores we collect, the more buffs we¡¯ll get when entering the Shattered Heaven dungeon!¡± Upon hearing this, everyone quickly formed teams and dispersed, beginning their hunt for Void monsters. In an instant, the entire Hengjiang area became a massive battlefield. Those students from the Imperial Academy who were around Qin Xian also left to hunt the Void monsters after bidding farewell to him, disappearing into the mist. However, Li Yang, his eyes shing, quietly stayed behind. He wasn¡¯t about to miss any chance to curry favor with Qin Xian¡­ Seeing the appearance of the Void monsters, Xiao Ming¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. Although most of the Void creatures in this prelude mission were ordinary monsters, a few of them were elites. If he could hunt those elites, he could quickly earn additional attribute points! The members of Jixia Academy exchanged nces before preparing to leave, avoiding further entanglement with the Imperial Academy. After all, their goal was the Shattered Heaven dungeon, and they didn¡¯t want to stir up trouble. Seeing the Jixia Academy members preparing to leave, especially as Xiao Ming was about to disappear, a cold gleam shed in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. He suddenly said calmly, ¡°Kill them.¡± Qiu Bo and the other Qin family experts, upon hearing his words, didn¡¯t hesitate in the slightest and immediately attacked. Even if their targets were from Jixia Academy¡­ For them, Qin Xian¡¯s words werew. Killing members of Jixia Academy was one thing, but even killing people from the Capital¡¯s government wouldn¡¯t make them bat an eye! Various terrifying skills were unleashed, directly striking at the members of Jixia Academy. Qiu Bo was a level 58 expert, and the other Qin family experts were all level 40 or above. Their sudden attack left Jixia Academy inplete disarray, with heavy casualties! Chapter 52 - The Fastest Downfall of a Child of Destiny Chapter 52: The Fastest Downfall of a Child of Destiny The students of Jixia Academy never expected Qin Xian to suddenly strike! Although there was bad blood between Jixia Academy and the Imperial Academy, it wasn¡¯t to the point of a life-and-death feud. To these students, it was merely a matter of disliking each other. Yet, Qin Xian didn¡¯t hesitate; he acted without warning, and none of them had even provoked him! In just a few short seconds, under the assault of Qiu Bo and the other Qin family experts, over twenty students from Jixia Academy were reduced to only three or four survivors. ¡°Qin Xian, what are you doing!?¡± ¡°Are you crazy!?¡± The surviving Jixia Academy students were both shocked and furious, staring at Qin Xian in disbelief, as if they were looking at a madman. In their eyes, Qin Xian indeed seemed like aplete madman¡ªa crazed lunatic through and through. They were students of Jixia Academy, one of the top three academies, whose current master, Xia Qiancheng, was a level 79 expert, just one step away from bing a legendary figure! Most Jixia graduates held key positions in various imperial departments, military corps, and major guilds. Yet, Qin Xian had ordered the killing of Jixia Academy¡¯s students without a second thought! No matter how powerful the Qin family was, Jixia Academy would never let this go. They would surely demand an exnation from the Qin family. Li Yang, too, was stunned, his face full of shock. Even though he harbored great ill will towards Jixia Academy, his initial n was merely to drive them away. Yet, Qin Xian had outright killed them! Although shocked, Li Yang quickly followed Qin Xian¡¯s lead, attacking one of the Jixia Academy students with a cold smirk. He saw this as an opportunity to gain Qin Xian¡¯s favor, possibly bing one of his trusted followers. Li Yang¡¯sbat strength was no joke, and he soon had one of the Jixia students cornered, forcing them into the mist. As bodiesy scattered on the ground, Qin Xian remained expressionless. This was how he had always operated¡ªwhen the time was right, he acted without hesitation. Xiao Ming was from Jixia Academy, which only made Qin Xian more determined to strike. If he missed this chance and Xiao Ming returned to Jixia Academy, it would be much harder to deal with him. But now, Xiao Ming was right in front of him, and they were outside the safety of the academy. Qin Xian made a decisive move without looking back¡ªbetter to kill first and deal with the consequencester. As for the repercussions¡­ Qin Xian¡¯s eyes darkened. If he killed all the Jixia Academy students, no one would know it was him, and there would be no consequences. Xiao Ming trembled, his face pale. He never expected things to escte to this level! Just moments ago, he was thinking about entering the Shattered Heaven dungeon to quickly grow stronger¡ªall he needed was one opportunity. Now, his senior brothers and sisters had all met untimely deaths, and he was staring death in the face. Looking at the bodies littering the ground, Xiao Ming¡¯s heart filled with pain and rage. However, alongside his fury, a deep sense of fear took hold. Was he really going to die here? Xiao Ming suddenly felt like the situation was surreal. Death had always seemed like a distant concept. Even though he was an orphan, his life had gone rtively smoothly. In high school, he turned the tables on bullies who tormented him. Several school beauties had taken a liking to him. He awakened an incredibly powerful talent and profession during his college entrance exam, drawing the attention of Jixia Academy. His life felt like the script of a typical protagonist. Yet now, just as things were about to begin, was it all going to end? What kind of protagonist dies at the start of their story!? Xiao Ming¡¯s body shuddered as he stared at the emotionless Qin Xian, his fear intensifying. He certainly didn¡¯t want to die! However, Xiao Ming was also perplexed¡ªwhy had Qin Xian killed without hesitation? There was no conflict between Jixia Academy and Qin Xian. Yet, Qin Xian struck without warning, ughtering without reason or cause. It was as if he were a deranged killer! This thought frustrated Xiao Ming the most. It felt like winning the lottery only to be struck by a car on the way to im the prize! Who could he possiblyin to!? Xiao Ming stood frozen, unable to move under the terrifying aura of Qiu Bo, who was at level 58. Xiao Ming¡¯s truebat power was only at level 6. He could do nothing but pray for a powerful figure to appear, to see injustice and draw their sword to save him from Qin Xian. Isn¡¯t that how the plot usually goes in protagonist stories!? But what filled Xiao Ming with despair was that the entire Hengjiang area was engaged in battle, and the mist blocked everyone. No one wasing to save him! As Qin Xian noticed Xiao Ming¡¯s despair, a strange glint shed in his eyes. He activated his second profession¡ªVoid Overlord. [Void Devour: Mark an area. All targets within this area are marked, and when they die, you have a chance to randomly obtain their skills and talents.]. Qin Xian used Void Devour to mark Xiao Ming. After all, Xiao Ming, as a Child of Destiny, might have a hidden ¡°golden finger.¡± Seeing Qin Xian in his Void Overlord form, Xiao Ming¡¯s eyes widened. At that moment, he finally understood why he had instinctively loathed Qin Xian. Qin Xian wasn¡¯t just connected to the Void¡­ His second profession was directly rted to the Void! Just as Xiao Ming was about to say something, Qin Xian raised a finger, and the Void me materialized out of thin air, consuming Xiao Ming in an instant! Xiao Ming let out a cry of agony, filled with despair and unwillingness. He felt utterly unwilling to ept his fate! He had awakened such a powerful profession and talent, his golden finger gifted by the heavens, yet before he could even begin, it was over! All he needed was to clear the Shattered Heaven dungeon, and once he emerged, everything would have changed. He could have soared to new heights, bing the strongest human and even creating history! He only needed one chance! But Qin Xian didn¡¯t give him even that. In no time, Xiao Ming waspletely consumed by the Void me, leaving not even a trace of him behind. Chapter 53 - Witnessing What Shouldnt Be Seen Chapter 53: Witnessing What Shouldn¡¯t Be Seen As Xiao Ming died, the interface of the viin system appeared in Qin Xian¡¯s mind. [Main Mission Completed: Eliminate the Threat of Xiao Ming (1/1), Reward: 100 Viin Points.]. [Current Viin Level: 3]. [Current Experience: (30/150)]. [Extra Attribute Points Avable: 100]. [Obtained Additional Talent¡ªEye of Enchantment: Charm a target and make them your servant. If the target¡¯s mental value is over 300 points, they may awaken prematurely. Duration: 3 hours, Cooldown: 24 hours. (This skill can be upgraded)]. Qin Xian frowned slightly. The Eye of Enchantment wasn¡¯t particrly strong, but it was a randomly acquired talent. In certain situations, this skill might prove exceptionally useful. Besides, it could be upgraded. What truly piqued Qin Xian¡¯s interest was the talent he had stolen from Xiao Ming through the Void Devour skill. His talent bar now disyed a new ability. [God-yer Growth]: After killing elite or higher-level Void creatures, absorb their essence to randomly gain 15 attribute points. Seeing this talent, even Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help but take a deep breath. This talent¡­ was terrifyingly powerful! Such an unlimited growth talent practically made one invincible. A strange glint shed in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. If he had let Xiao Ming live, then afterpleting the Shattered Heaven dungeon, Xiao Ming¡¯s stats would have skyrocketed, allowing him to soar beyond reach. At that point, dealing with him would have required a much greater cost. But fate had dealt Xiao Ming a cruel hand, crossing paths with Qin Xian. Had it been anyone else, they might have hesitated due to fear of Jixia Academy and would have refrained from wiping him outpletely. However, Qin Xian never hesitated. He acted decisively, giving Xiao Ming no chance at all. A smile appeared on Qin Xian¡¯s face. This talent was perfect for him! Elite Void monsters were nothing. With the Qin family¡¯s influence, they could gather Void dungeons for him to plunder, even ordering entire military legions to train with him! Qin Xian retracted his Void Overlord form, but at that moment, Li Yang returned. ¡°Young Master Qin, I¡¯ve already killed¡ª¡± Li Yang¡¯s words abruptly cut off. The smile on his face froze as he was gripped by a look of horror. Though Qin Xian had returned to his first profession, Oracle Knight, Li Yang hadn¡¯t been mistaken. Just now, the aura surrounding Qin Xian had clearly been that of a Void profession! Qin Xian¡­ was a Void Overlord!? Li Yang¡¯s face turned deathly pale. But being a smart man, he quickly masked his fear, acting as though he hadn¡¯t seen anything. Forcing a smile, he said, ¡°The students from Jixia Academy deserved it. Don¡¯t worry, Young Master Qin, I¡¯ll keep this a secret, especially since I¡­ well, I killed too¡­ heh¡­¡± However, the smile soon vanished from his face. Qin Xian and the other Qin family experts stood quietly, staring at him without expression, as though they were looking at a dead man. The atmosphere was suffocating, and Li Yang¡¯s heart filled with terror. ¡°You saw something, didn¡¯t you?¡± Qin Xian suddenly smiled, ncing at Li Yang. Unable to withstand the pressure any longer, Li Yang copsed to his knees with a loud thud. ¡°Young Master Qin! I swear, I will never speak of this! I can sign a soul contract! Please, spare me!¡± Kneeling on the ground, Li Yang cried miserably, tears and snot streaming down his face. He truly didn¡¯t want to die¡­ He was the eldest son of the Li family, destined to rise to the top of society, with countless riches and beauties awaiting him. He was terrified of death! Qin Xian looked at Li Yang kneeling before him and sighed softly, ¡°Senior Li, you¡¯re a smart man. If not for this, we could have been friends¡­¡± Hearing this, Li Yang¡¯s heart was filled with deep regret. If only he hadn¡¯t stayed with Qin Xian. If only he hade back a littleter! ¡°Young Master Qin, I swear I¡¯ll never speak of this!¡± As Li Yang cried pitifully, Qin Xian sighed again, saying, ¡°Only the dead can keep secrets, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Qin Xian nodded toward Qiu Bo. Without a word, Qiu Bo struck, killing Li Yang with a single blow. From start to finish, Li Yang remained kneeling on the ground. He didn¡¯t even have the thought of resisting, let alone fleeing. As he looked down at Li Yang¡¯s lifeless body, Qin Xian shook his head. Li Yang had been a talented individual. Despite the arrogance and entitlement that came with being a scion of a noble family, he had been intelligent. But he had seen something he shouldn¡¯t have¡­ Qin Xian couldn¡¯t let him live. Even if Li Yang was the eldest son of the Li family from the capital, he had to die! Chapter 54 - Jixia Academy Chapter 54: Jixia Academy Looking at the corpses of Jixia Academy¡¯s students scattered across the ground, Qin Xian smiled slightly. ¡°With these people dead, Jixia Academy will undoubtedly go mad.¡± ¡°Qiu Bo, order the Department of Transportation to shut down all teleportation arrays in Tianlu Province.¡± ¡°Otherwise, if Jixia Academy¡¯s people rush here and cause a scene, it could be troublesome. We¡¯ll deal with everything after I clear the Shattered Heaven dungeon.¡± ¡ª In the Empire, at Jixia Academy. Jixia Academy was located in the capital city of Tianlu Province¡ªTianlu City. As one of the empire¡¯s three great academies, Jixia Academy was naturally a pinnacle of human civilization in all aspects, upying hundreds of thousands of acres ofnd and boasting ten major faculties. Each faculty was a leader in its respective field, and as the heart of Jixia Academy, the academy had deep influence over Tianlu Province. Many key department officials in Tianlu Province were alumni of Jixia Academy. ¡ª Inside Jixia Academy, a solemn and imposing atmosphere permeated the air. Although the buildings were not excessively luxurious or grand, the profound sense of history weighed heavily, instilling awe in any student who walked through its halls. ¡°Who dares kill students from Jixia Academy!?¡± A thunderous voice roared across the sky of Jixia Academy, filled with boundless fury. In the central administration office, a middle-aged man with an ancient, rugged face was seething with anger. His presence was overwhelming, clearly that of a level 59 expert. He was none other than Mo Zhongshan, vice dean of the Demon Hunting Faculty¡ªone of Jixia¡¯s ten prestigious faculties. Moments ago, the academy¡¯s administrative system had abruptly shown that over twenty students¡¯ profiles had turned gray¡ªindicating they had died. Their life signals had vanished, prompting the system to mark them as deceased. These twenty-plus students were outstanding second- and third-year talents of Jixia Academy, and now, they were all dead! Among them was a particrly gifted freshman named Xiao Ming, whom the academy had intended to train with all its resources. He had only been at Jixia Academy for less than a week before his death! This was what enraged Mo Zhongshan the most. He had already nned to take Xiao Ming as his disciple after the student returned from the Shattered Heaven dungeon. Now¡­ The entire Jixia Academy was in turmoil. The death of over twenty top talents had shocked the entire institution. Such a tragedy had not urred in the academy¡¯s thousand-year history! The students had ventured to explore the Shattered Heaven dungeon, and Jixia Academy hadn¡¯t dispatched experts to protect them. This was not unusual, as it was a long-standing tradition among academies. After all, without facing danger, how could students truly grow? Coddling them would only produce fragile flowers, incapable of truebat. They needed to be hardened by real battle. Despite their high levels, students often floundered in realbat, unable to unleash even a tenth of their strength, which would ultimately make them useless. Moreover, as one of the empire¡¯s three great academies, Jixia Academy carried enough weight that most wouldn¡¯t dare harm its students. The name Jixia Academy itself was a life-saving talisman! It wasn¡¯t unusual for students to perish. Jixia Academy didn¡¯t interfere too much with its students¡¯ personal pursuits. Some ventured into dangerous territories and died. Even being killed in duels wasn¡¯t unheard of. After all, the world was no utopia; it was fraught with danger. Every year, many students from Jixia Academy died in the outside world, but this time was different. The mass ughter of over twenty Jixia students in the Hengjiang region¡­ This was clearly a targeted massacre! ¡ª Suddenly, several terrifying presences descended upon the academy. Mo Zhongshan¡¯s expression grew tense as he realized the academy¡¯s top officials had arrived. Starlight filled the air, and towering figures appeared one after another. Among them was an elderly man with white hair and a crane-like bearing. His gaze was deep and ancient, as though he had seen through the mundane world and all its dust. Seeing the elderly man, Mo Zhongshan¡¯s expression turned respectful, and he bowed deeply. ¡°Dean!¡± This elder was none other than the head of Jixia Academy, Xia Qiancheng, a level 79 expert, just one step away from bing a legendary figure! Xia Qiancheng¡¯s face remained calm as he spoke in a soft voice, ¡°What has happened?¡± Mo Zhongshan wasted no time, immediately exining the deaths of over twenty students in the Hengjiang region. Upon hearing this, the elders and senior officials of the academy grew furious. ¡°How dare they kill students of Jixia Academy? No matter who it is, we must pursue this to the end!¡± ¡°Indeed, otherwise, where would Jixia Academy¡¯s dignity be!?¡± Xia Qiancheng¡¯s eyes deepened as he stood with his hands behind his back. ¡°Vice Dean Mo, take a team to Hengjiang and uncover the truth!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Mo Zhongshan immediately nodded, turning to leave with several elders in tow. They quickly made their way to the teleportation array, preparing to head to Hengjiang. Chapter 55 - The Second College Entrance Exam Chapter 55: The Second College Entrance Exam Empire, Hengjiang Region. [Sword of Judgment]: Your sword energy is infused with the power of judgment, dealing 14,000 points of holy damage to all enemies within a 50-meter radius, with a 60% chance to cause a stun effect. Cooldown: 1 second. Qin Xian, d in armor, wielded his longsword, radiating a terrifying aura. Each sh carried a destructive force capable of leveling anything in its path. This was the fearsome power of an SSS-level ss. The Sword of Judgment skill, which would typically be a major cooldown ability for other professions with a minimum of a 3-hour cooldown, was merely a filler skill for Qin Xian. One after another, Void monsters fell beneath Qin Xian¡¯s de. Even elite monsters couldn¡¯tst more than three seconds in front of him. [God-yer Growth]: You have in an elite Void monster and gained 15 additional attribute points. [God-yer Growth]: You have in an elite Void monster and gained 15 additional attribute points. [God-yer Growth]: You have in an elite Void monster and gained 15 additional attribute points. ¡­.. In just a few hours, Qin Xian had hunted down 14 elite Void monsters, granting him 210 extra attribute points! Even better, these 210 points could be further enhanced by his secret source, bringing the total up to 315 points, even in his Oracle Knight form. The only downside was that these 315 attribute points were randomly allocated. But¡­ who cares when the rewards were this substantial!? If he could do this within the Shattered Heaven dungeon itself¡­ Qin Xian couldn¡¯t even imagine the possibilities. ¡ª As time passed, the mist slowly dissipated. The prelude mission to Shattered Heaven had beenpleted, and most of the Void monsters had been hunted down. Though this was arge-scale mission with tens of thousands of Void creatures¡ªmany around level 25, and even several elites¡ªlet¡¯s not forget that tens of thousands of professionals had gathered in the Hengjiang region. There were far too many people and not enough monsters¡­ ¡°Haha, I killed 13 Void monsters!¡± someone eximed excitedly, as a buff appeared on his status bar. [Power of the Crystal Core]: Your primary attributes have increased by 6%, and your health and mana regeneration rate has increased by 13%. A middle-aged man with a scarred faceughed heartily. ¡°I¡¯ve waited 20 years for the Shattered Heaven dungeon! This time, I¡¯ll be the top scorer and im the number one spot!¡± His face was filled with confidence, even a hint of arrogance. [Power of the Crystal Core]: Your primary attributes have increased by 20%, and your health and mana regeneration rate has increased by 40%. This meant that the man had single-handedly in 40 Void monsters! The middle-aged man¡¯s name was Zhao Xiang, a level 39 A-grade Phoenix Warrior. When the crowd heard his words, their expressions turned to shock. Zhao Xiang had purposefully kept his level at 39 for 20 years, all in preparation for the Shattered Heaven dungeon! With a smile on his face, Zhao Xiang stood tall. He was once the leader of a guild and had been preparing for Shattered Heaven all these years. With his profession and the support of his guild, he could have easily leveled up to 45 or higher. But instead, he kept his level at 39, painstakingly collecting a set of top-tier level 39 gear and maxing out all his level 30 skills. He had invested all his resources into increasing his extra attribute points within the limits of his level. In the Shattered Heaven dungeon, where the entry level was limited to 15 to 40, Zhao Xiang was undoubtedly one of the most formidablebatants. Zhao Xiang¡¯s face was resolute. He knew that while his profession was decent, it wasn¡¯t an S-rank rare ss, and its potential capped out at around level 40. At best, he could be a city lord. But Zhao Xiang wasn¡¯t satisfied with that. He wanted to go further, climb higher! That¡¯s why he chose to cap his level, waiting for the Shattered Heaven dungeon. With the blessings of the ancient gods from Shattered Heaven, he could break past his limits! It was a gamble. If Shattered Heaven never appeared, he might have wasted his life and he had waited 20 years for this moment. Over these 20 years, Zhao Xiang had been meticulously preparing. He sold his guild¡¯s assets, collected top-tier level 39 gear and skills, and finally, the opportunity hade! In fact, Zhao Xiang wasn¡¯t alone in this strategy. In many ways, the Shattered Heaven dungeon was akin to a second college entrance exam in life. Chapter 56 - Brother and Sister Reunited Chapter 56: Brother and Sister Reunited More and more professionals were arriving at the valley. The news of the Jixia Academy students being wiped out had already spread throughout the Hengjiang region. Even the death of Li Yang, the eldest son of the Imperial Capital¡¯s Li family, was known. However, few people dared to discuss it¡ªeveryone understood that this matter was far deeper than it appeared, and they preferred to keep their distance. After all, whatever happened to Jixia Academy didn¡¯t concern them. What truly mattered was Shattered Heaven¡ªthat directly impacted their future! ¡ª The teleportation array in the Hengjiang region continued to flicker. A stunningly beautiful young woman appeared, apanied by a stern-looking middle-aged woman. ¡°Brother!¡± As soon as the young woman arrived, she immediately spotted Qin Xian and rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms. This beautiful young woman was none other than Qin Xian¡¯s sister, Qin Li. Burying her face in her brother¡¯s chest, Qin Li greedily breathed in his scent, her expression one of pure relief. The people nearby couldn¡¯t help but nce at the scene, many with puzzled looks. Qin Li¡¯s behavior went beyond the typical affection a sister would show for her brother. But Qin Li didn¡¯t care about anyone else¡¯s opinion. In her eyes, there was only Qin Xian! Qin Xian¡¯s face lit up with a genuine smile as he stroked his sister¡¯s long hair. With a soft chuckle, he said, ¡°Li¡¯er, it¡¯s been two months, and you¡¯ve grown much stronger.¡± Qin Li finally raised her head, gazing at Qin Xian¡¯s handsome face with determination. ¡°I can help you now, brother.¡± Qin Xian smiled warmly and responded gently, ¡°You¡¯ve always been able to help me.¡± The two of them finally separated, standing side by side. Qin Li¡¯s beautiful face was full of joy, and simply being able to stand next to her brother seemed to satisfy herpletely. As she stole a nce at Qin Xian, Qin Li whispered to herself, ¡°Brother¡­ no matter what you want, I¡¯ll help you.¡± In truth, Qin Li¡¯s position within the Qin family was rather¡­ awkward. She knew that she wasn¡¯t Qin Ming¡¯s biological daughter¡ªshe had been adopted. And she could keenly sense that her father, Qin Ming, didn¡¯t love her. In fact, Qin Ming seemed not to care for anyone but Qin Xian. It was as if all of the legendary figure¡¯s affection was reserved solely for his only son. As for Qin Li, she was no different from any of the other expendable pawns who could be discarded at any time. The other members of the Qin family treated Qin Li with a distant politeness, but only Qin Xian genuinely cared for her as his sister. They had grown up together, and when she was younger, Qin Li had been bullied by the other children of the Qin family. It was Qin Xian who had stepped in to protect her, making those children kneel and apologize. Even now, Qin Li could still vividly recall that scene. A young Qin Xian had stood smiling before a group of adults, calmly saying, ¡°If you don¡¯t apologize, you¡¯ll be kicked out of the Qin family and erased from the family registry tomorrow. I promise.¡± And just like that, the adults had forced their children to bow and offer heartfelt apologies to Qin Li. From that day on, no one in the Qin family dared to bully her again. That moment was forever etched in Qin Li¡¯s memory. Although Qin Ming didn¡¯t care much for Qin Li, he still provided her with all the resources and privileges the Qin family had to offer. Because of this, Qin Li and Qin Xian grew up inseparable, sharing a deep bond. Qin Li had once considered investigating her true origins, wanting to know who her biological parents were. But when Qin Xian found out, he had seriously told her, ¡°All you need to know is that you are my sister. You don¡¯t need to know anything else.¡± Since then, Qin Li had never sought the truth, fearing that if she discovered it, her brother might abandon her. ¡ª At the teleportation array in the Hengjiang region, another sh of light appeared, and a young man with a handsome face stepped out. People nearby couldn¡¯t help but nce at him, sensing an aura of pressure from him¡ªa pressure that seemed toe from the depths of their souls. A dragon-ss professional!? However, the crowd quickly shook their heads and chuckled. Ever since the emperor¡¯s disappearance, the Divine Dragon Empire had not seen a dragon-ss professional. How could a new one exist? If there were, that person would undoubtedly be the most suitable heir to the throne. Ye Xuan noticed the peculiar looks from the people around him, but his expression remained calm. Although he had hidden his profession status, the pressure that came with being a dragon-ss professional was not something that could be entirely concealed. Fortunately, he could choose to hide his ss, so others could not confirm it. Just then, the nearby chatter reached his ears. ¡°Several important figures have arrived this time! Even the Qin family¡¯s eldest son and daughter are here!¡± ¡°Better watch out! Offending the Qin family is a surefire way to get yourself killed, and you won¡¯t even know how it happened¡­¡± Hearing the mention of the Qin family, Ye Xuan¡¯s eyes instantly sharpened. With a gaze like a hawk, he immediately spotted a group of formidable individuals, surrounding two young people in the distance. The moment he saw the stunning young woman, Ye Xuan¡¯s heart trembled, and his face filled with excitement. ¡°Sister, I¡¯ve finally found you¡­¡± Chapter 57 - Stealing the Sister Away Chapter 57: Stealing the Sister Away Ye Xuan¡¯s eyes were filled with endless longing. Over the years, he had never stopped thinking about his sister¡ªthe only family he had left in the world. Unfortunately, his sister had been adopted by the Qin family, separating them by worlds. He hadn¡¯t even been able to approach her, let alone reunite with her. Even after eighteen years apart, Ye Xuan¡¯s heart trembled with a deep sense of familial closeness. He could feel the connection in his blood. He longed to rush up to Qin Li at this very moment, tell her the truth, and reunite as siblings, never to be separated again. However, reason kept him in check. It wasn¡¯t the right time. The powerful Qin family experts standing by Qin Li¡¯s side were formidable. If they discovered that he was thest surviving member of the Ye family, they would surely hunt him down. Right now, Ye Xuan wasn¡¯t strong enough to confront the Qin family directly. But as he saw his sisterughing and chatting with the young man beside her, his expression darkened, and his gaze turned cold. That young man was Qin Xian, the heir of the Qin family and the empire¡¯s number one genius. Standing in the crowd, Ye Xuan watched in silence as the highly esteemed Qin Xian basked in the attention of the masses, his heart filled with hostility. The Qin family had wiped out the Ye family, and Ye Xuan harbored an unending, irreconcble hatred for every member of the Qin family. Qin Xian, the eldest son of the Qin family, was someone Ye Xuan despised with every fiber of his being. If it hadn¡¯t been for that tragic incident, Ye Xuan would have been the heir of the Ye family, a respected nobleman of the empire, enjoying a perfect life much like Qin Xian. But now, he was no better than a rat hiding in the shadows, constantly fleeing and surviving in obscurity. Everything had been destroyed by the Qin family! Watching Qin Xian¡¯s glorious life made Ye Xuan feel a deep sense of injustice. And what made it worse¡­ Qin Xian had stolen his sister for all these years! At this thought, Ye Xuan¡¯s hatred and resentment toward Qin Xian grew even more intense. There was also a pang of jealousy. He was jealous that Qin Xian had held the role of Qin Li¡¯s older brother for all these years! Especially when he saw the way Qin Li looked at Qin Xian¡ªher gaze was filled with tenderness, affection, and admiration. It made Ye Xuan burn with jealousy! Those feelings should have been directed at him. He should have been the one Qin Li relied on! Not Qin Xian! Qin Xian had stolen his sister! Ye Xuan¡¯s gaze shifted to Qin Li, and his eyes were filled with deep familial affection. This burning gaze didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Qin Li. She instinctively turned her head and looked toward Ye Xuan. For the first time in eighteen years, the siblings¡¯ eyes met. Seeing Qin Li looking at him, Ye Xuan¡¯s heart swelled with excitement. Could it be that Qin Li also sensed the connection between them, a bond of blood and family? He gazed at her with longing, hoping that Qin Li would understand the meaning and emotion behind his eyes. After all, they were blood-rted siblings! But his hopes were quickly dashed. Qin Li looked away almost immediately, her expression calm and unaffected. In fact, there was even a faint hint of disgust. ¡ª ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Sensing something off, Qin Xian turned to his sister and asked. ¡°Nothing, just a bothersome gaze¡­¡± Qin Li¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, a trace of difort evident in her expression. That heated gaze from earlier had made her feel incredibly uneasy. She hated it when people looked at her that way. Unless it was her brother¡­ The truth was, Qin Li disliked men. Or, to be more precise, Qin Li hated all men except for Qin Xian. Qin Xian chuckled softly and said, ¡°Li¡¯er, with our status, we¡¯re bound to be the center of attention. People will always be watching us.¡± There was a trace of pride in his voice, a pride that came from deep within his noble bloodline. ¡°Our Qin family is destined to stand at the pinnacle of this world¡­¡± Looking at the confidence and radiance on Qin Xian¡¯s face, Qin Li¡¯s heart filled with admiration and infatuation. She nodded and said softly, ¡°I will always stay by your side, brother¡­¡± As for that bothersome young man from earlier, Qin Li had already forgotten about him. However, she thought to herself that if she encountered him again¡­ She would kill him. Chapter 58 - Chu Junzhuo Chapter 58: Chu Junzhuo When Qin Li quickly looked away without any reaction to Ye Xuan, it felt as if she were looking at a stranger. There was even a hint of disgust in her eyes, which deeply hurt Ye Xuan. However, he quickly regained hisposure. He didn¡¯t me Qin Li. After all, Qin Li didn¡¯t know the truth. To her, he was just a stranger, so it was natural for her to not immediately feel any connection to him. Ye Xuan took a deep breath and shifted his gaze to the entrance of the Shattered Heaven dungeon. Soon, the Shattered Heaven would open, and within its depths, he would reveal the entire truth to Qin Li! ¡ª Qin Xian and Qin Li stood side by side, chatting while waiting for the Shattered Heaven dungeon to open. Most of the talking was done by Qin Li, while Qin Xian simply listened. Normally, Qin Li wasn¡¯t a talkative person. In front of others, she was always reserved, even cold at times. However, when she was with Qin Xian, it was as if she became a different person, with endless things to say. Aunt Mo, standing nearby, watched the young girl¡¯s smiling face and couldn¡¯t help but feel emotional. Perhaps it was only in front of the young master that Miss Qin truly smiled and acted like a carefree eighteen-year-old girl. ¡ª The teleportation array shed continuously as waves of professionals arrived. By now, nearly a million professionals had gathered in the Hengjiang region, all eager to take on the Shattered Heaven dungeon. Many of them were elite talents from noble families and top guilds. ¡ª At that moment, a graceful figure appeared in the sky above the Hengjiang region, immediately drawing everyone¡¯s attention. A stunningly beautiful woman descended, captivating the crowd with her presence. Her features were exquisite, like a paintinge to life. Dressed in a long white gown that couldn¡¯t hide her alluring curves, she wore a perfectly polite smile, embodying the manners of a noblewoman. Her aura was powerful, and it felt as though she was born to be noble and untainted by the mundane world. In the hearts of those around her, a sense of inferiority arose, as if simply stepping closer to this beauty would be a desecration. ¡ª From afar, Qin Xian noticed the beautiful woman, and his expression turned serious as he recognized her. ¡°Junior Qin, it¡¯s been a while,¡± the woman said with a smile, her eyes shining as if they held the stars. Qin Xian narrowed his eyes slightly but returned the smile. ¡°Senior Chu¡­¡± This beautiful woman was Chu Junzhuo, an SSS-level rare ss Saintess Empress, currently level 31. She was also the president of the student council at the Imperial Academy and two years older than Qin Xian. In her first year after awakening her ss, she had reached level 20, by the second year she hit level 27, and by the third year, she had risen to her current level of 31. At the time, she had set a record for the fastest leveling in the academy¡ªthough that record had since been broken by Qin Xian. More importantly, Chu Junzhuo came from a terrifyingly powerful background. She was a member of the Chu family, one of the empire¡¯s top noble ns. Her grandfather, Chu Sitian, was one of the five legendary-level experts in the empire¡ªa level 85 War God who had guarded Changyuan for 300 years, keeping the abyssal demons at bay. Chu Junzhuo, as Chu Sitian¡¯s beloved granddaughter, held a status nearly equal to Qin Xian¡¯s. While the two didn¡¯t interact much during their time at the academy, they held a mutual respect for each other. Chu Junzhuo was one of the few people who made Qin Xian feel a bit of pressure, though only a small amount. ¡ª ¡°President!¡± ¡°Senior Chu!¡± Several noble students from the Imperial Academy greeted her, but Chu Junzhuo paid them no mind, her focus solely on Qin Xian. In that moment, it felt as though the world only contained the two of them, as if no one else was worthy of her attention. To her, Qin Xian was the only one qualified to speak to her, the only one in the same league. As for everyone else¡­ they were merely ants. ¡°Junior Qin, you¡¯ve grown even stronger, haven¡¯t you?¡± Chu Junzhuo¡¯s eyes sparkled as she carefully observed Qin Xian, her smile growing brighter. She could sense that even though Qin Xian¡¯s level hadn¡¯t increased, his strength had grown several times more formidable since theyst met. Qin Xian smiled but said nothing, his thoughts unreadable behind the mask of his expression, ¡°Senior Chu, you didn¡¯te all this way just to make small talk, did you?¡± Standing nearby, Qin Li nced at Chu Junzhuo, a flicker of hostility shing in her eyes. She didn¡¯t like Chu Junzhuo¡­ not one bit. Chapter 59 - The Deal Chapter 59: The Deal For some reason, when Qin Li saw Chu Junzhuo, a sense of unease arose within her, as if this woman would take her brother away. Qin Li knew that Qin Xian had many women in the past¡ªsome were casual flings, others were celebrities¡ªbut she didn¡¯t mind. To her, those women were merely ythings for her brother. In Qin Li¡¯s eyes, they weren¡¯t even worthy of being called people, just toys that could never set foot inside the Qin family¡¯s gates. But Chu Junzhuo was different. With her beauty, talent, and prestigious background, Chu Junzhuo had the qualifications to be the future mistress of the Qin family. Chu Junzhuo smiled slightly, her beauty so captivating that it seemed to steal the very breath from the air, overshadowing even Qin Li. In truth, Qin Li¡¯s appearance was no less exquisite than Chu Junzhuo¡¯s. Both women were equally wless and elegant, bearing the aura of noble daughters from powerful families. However, inparison, Qin Li still had a hint of youthful inexperience, while Chu Junzhuo exuded a mature, regal grace. ¡°Junior Qin, I simply want to make a deal with you,¡± Chu Junzhuo said softly, her eyes focused intently on Qin Xian¡¯s handsome face. ¡°What deal?¡± Qin Xian asked. Chu Junzhuo waved her hand, and a glowing scroll appeared, casting a barrier around her and Qin Xian. Qiu Bo, who was standing nearby, narrowed his eyes but didn¡¯t intervene. The scroll was a [Silencing Scroll], which created a soundproof barrier, preventing anyone outside from hearing their conversation. It wouldst for five minutes. After ensuring the barrier was in ce, Chu Junzhuo smiled and said, ¡°Junior Qin, you¡¯ve heard of the Decaying Kingdom, haven¡¯t you?¡± Qin Xian nodded. The Decaying Kingdom was a deadnd discovered by the human world, a once-thriving kingdom now consumed by a terrifying corrupting force. The entire continent was shrouded in the power of decay, and any living creature that entered would be eroded by the decaying aura. The Decaying Kingdom was known to be incredibly rich in resources, with many valuable secret realms scattered around its outer regions. With the right equipment and items, it was possible to resist the decay near the kingdom¡¯s outskirts. However, the closer one ventured toward the kingdom¡¯s royal city, the more intense the decay became. The decay in the royal city was so concentrated that it could almost be tangible. Once, a level 69 expert had entered the Decaying Kingdom¡¯s royal city, only to be severely injured by the corrosive decay. Although they survived, it took over a decade of recovery to regain their strength. The expert¡¯s injury caused a significant shift in the bnce of power among the major guilds at the time. ¡ª ¡°My ss is the Saintess Empress, and when I reached level 30, I received a ss quest that requires me to retrieve something from the royal city of the Decaying Kingdom,¡± Chu Junzhuo exined. ¡°Afterpleting the Shattered Heaven dungeon, we will receive the blessing of the ancient gods. With this blessing buff, we¡¯ll be protected from the decaying aura for one month. I¡¯m asking you, Junior Qin, to apany me to the royal city of the Decaying Kingdom after weplete Shattered Heaven.¡± Any other man, when faced with such a request from a breathtaking beauty like Chu Junzhuo, would likely agree without hesitation. But Qin Xian remained unmoved, his expression calm as he smiled and asked, ¡°Since it¡¯s a deal, what¡¯s in it for me?¡± Seeing that Qin Xian didn¡¯t agree immediately, Chu Junzhuo didn¡¯t show any anger. In fact, there was a trace of admiration in her eyes. The type of man she despised the most was one who would lose his head over beauty and agree to anything. Such men were destined to amount to nothing. With a soft sigh, Chu Junzhuo said, ¡°Junior Qin, you¡¯re making this difficult for me. You¡¯re the eldest son of the Qin family. With the Qin family¡¯s power and influence, what could possibly tempt you?¡± The Qin family was the empire¡¯s most prestigious noble n, and arguably the most powerful and influential house in the entire human world. What treasures or artifacts could they possiblyck? Although Chu Junzhuo came from an extraordinary background andcked for nothing, she knew that Qin Xian would hardly be impressed by her wealth or possessions. Looking directly at Qin Xian, Chu Junzhuo said seriously, ¡°If you help meplete my ss quest, I will give you a promise. In the future, whatever you ask, as long as it doesn¡¯t harm the Chu family¡¯s interests, I will agree to it unconditionally. Even if you wish to deal with Lord Lu Ji, I will help you!¡± Anyone else hearing this would have been shocked. After all, Lord Lu Ji, the empire¡¯s regent, was a figure of supreme authority in the eyes of the public. Yet Chu Junzhuo spoke of him without a shred of reverence¡­ In this respect, she and Qin Xian were quite simr. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Chu Junzhuo¡¯s offer. After a moment, he nodded slowly, smiling. ¡°Deal!¡± Chapter 60 - The Dungeon Opens Chapter 60: The Dungeon Opens After receiving Qin Xian¡¯s response, Chu Junzhuo¡¯s face lit up with a satisfied smile. Unlike Qin Xian, whose position within the Qin family was unshakable, Chu Junzhuo¡¯s circumstances were different. Qin Xian¡¯s status was secure for two reasons: First, he was the only son of Qin Ming, and second, his talent and strength were enough to keep all of his cousins in check. As such, Qin Xian was the undisputed heir of the Qin family, and no one had the ability¡ªor the courage¡ªto challenge his position. Chu Junzhuo¡¯s situation wasn¡¯t so simple. As the eldest daughter of the Chu family, Chu Junzhuo had ess to the family¡¯s resources, which could have helped herplete her ss quest. However, despite being the eldest daughter, she wasn¡¯t the heir to the Chu family. The Chu family was vast, and Chu Junzhuo had many brothers. While Chu Sitian, the current head of the family, adored his granddaughter and even considered naming her the heir, her brothers were equally capable and, more importantly, ambitious. They had long coveted Chu Junzhuo¡¯s potential inheritance. For this reason, Chu Junzhuo wasn¡¯t nning to rely on her family¡¯s power for this expedition to the Decaying Kingdom. Instead, she had chosen to coborate with Qin Xian. With his formidable strength, he would be a powerful ally. ¡°Well then, we¡¯ll be in touch,¡± Chu Junzhuo said with a smile. ¡°I wish you the best of luck, Junior Qin. May you receive the highest blessing from the ancient gods.¡± She nced briefly at Qin Li, seemingly noticing the hostility in her eyes. Chu Junzhuo gave her a polite smile but said nothing as she gracefully departed, leaving a faint scent of perfume in the air. Qin Li¡¯s face grew cold as she silently moved closer to Qin Xian. Watching Chu Junzhuo¡¯s retreating figure, Qin Xian narrowed his eyes. The reason he agreed to Chu Junzhuo¡¯s proposal was that she was indeed worth his effort. If he could influence the Chu family through her, the potential benefits could be immense¡­ ¡ª The time for the Shattered Heaven dungeon to open had finally arrived. [Large Special Dungeon]: Shattered Heaven [Entry Level]: 15 to 40 [Team Size Limit]: 25 members [Number of Bosses]: 7 [Description]: As a creation of ancient godly wisdom, the Ancient Empire of Saint Nuolmen was once the greatest civilization of its time. The empire¡¯s territory spanned the universe, blessed by the gods themselves, and was home to hundreds of demigods. Its vassal races were innumerable, and for tens of thousands of years, it shone brightly, known as the Heavenly Kingdom. But the Void set its sights on this prosperousnd. After three hundred years of fierce resistance, the Saint Nuolmen Empire waspletely destroyed, consumed by the Void. Now, in the shattered remnants of the Heavenly Kingdom, countless Void monsters continue to ravage thend. The knights who once loyally served the empire have be terrifying Void ck Knights, with nothing left in their minds but the desire to kill. The emperors of the ancient empire still suffer under the torment of the Void, and the ancient gods remain trapped within the Holy Sky Pce. Brave warriors! March into the Shattered Heaven, eliminate the Void monsters, and free the emperors¡¯ souls. Let the light of the ancient gods shine once again in the Shattered Heaven! Perhaps, one day, the Shattered Heaven will be restored, and the Saint Nuolmen Empire will return to this world, rekindling the me of civilization¡­ ¡ª As Qin Xian read the dungeon description, his expression turned serious. In this world, most dungeons operated like cold, mechanical spaces where monsters and bossescked any real intelligence or emotion. However,rge special dungeons were different. The monsters within had a degree of intelligence, and the bosses were even more cunning and dangerous. The final boss of Shattered Heaven, the Void Warlord Kaa, was a level 40 elite boss, and to this day, no one had managed to fully conquer it. Even more daunting were the ancient gods who would descend at the end of the dungeon¡ªactual deities who willingly allowed themselves to be sealed within the dungeon by the Apocalypse System. Another unique aspect of Shattered Heaven was that, unlike other dungeons, where each team was sent into its own instance, all the teams in Shattered Heaven would be ced in the same space. There was no need to worry about overcrowding, though. The dungeon was as vast as an entire province of the empire, and each team would be randomly teleported to different areas. This meant that the dangers in the dungeon didn¡¯t onlye from the monsters¡­ other teams could pose a threat as well. Sometimes, fellow humans were far more dangerous than the monsters they faced. Chapter 61 - An Unfair Life Chapter 61: An Unfair Life Qin Xian turned to Qin Li and said, ¡°Let¡¯s form a team and enter together.¡± Qin Li, overjoyed, quickly nodded and sent him a party invitation. Once they sessfully formed a team, they could both see each other¡¯s information on the party panel. [Name]: Qin Xian [ss]: Oracle Knight [Level]: LV21 [HP: 45,200 / MP: 43,600] Looking at Qin Xian¡¯s status panel, although it didn¡¯t reveal much information, the sheer number of hit points alone left Qin Li in awe. 43,000 HP! To put that in perspective, ordinary professionals of the same level typically had around 10,000 HP. Qin Xian¡¯s health wasparable to that of a level 45+ expert! [Name]: Qin Li [ss]: Deathbringer Angel [Level]: LV15 [HP: 22,450 / MP: 23,100] ¡ª At that moment, Qiu Bo¡¯s voice came through, ¡°Young Master, Young Miss, they have arrived.¡± As soon as he finished speaking, a group of powerful figures arrived via the teleportation array, immediately drawing the attention of everyone in the valley. From the array emerged a team of professionals, all at level 39, equipped with top-tier A-grade and even S-grade gear. Their presence was on par with Zhao Xiang, but now, there was an entire team of them. ¡°So many top-tier level 39s!?¡± The crowd was stunned as they watched these experts walk over to Qin Xian, all showing deep respect. ¡°Young Master!¡± One by one, these level 39 experts joined Qin Xian¡¯s team. Seeing this, the crowd¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. If just one Zhao Xiang had shocked them, an entire team of people on his level was unimaginable! Qin Xian remained expressionless, simply nodding in acknowledgment. As the heir to the Qin family, he naturally had ess to all of its resources. Shattered Heaven offered the blessing of the ancient gods, which could directly elevate a professional¡¯s attributes by an entire tier. Of course, the Qin family had prepared extensively for this, so that Qin Xian could maximize the benefits of such a blessing. Since Qin Xian¡¯s birth, the Qin family had poured countless resources into carefully selecting hundreds of professionals, ultimately choosing this elite team of more than twenty people. Each of them had been capped at level 39 and equipped with the best level 39 gear avable. They had even trained specifically to counter the monsters within Shattered Heaven. These people¡¯s lives had been essentially bought by the Qin family. In essence, they existed solely for the purpose of clearing the Shattered Heaven dungeon with Qin Xian. They were tools, crafted by the Qin family, solely to ensure Qin Xian would receive the divine blessing. Although they were fortunate that after twenty years, the Shattered Heaven dungeon had reopened, if it hadn¡¯t, Qin Xian would have grown stronger on his own, while they would have remained stuck at their capped level, aging and eventually dying. Even after clearing Shattered Heaven, these experts would be renderedrgely useless. They had wasted twenty years, and their future potential had already been capped. Their only purpose now was to serve Qin Xian, helping him conquer Shattered Heaven and ensuring that all resources were funneled to him, allowing him to receive the highest divine blessing from the ancient gods. Yet, they harbored no resentment. Their families had been loyal to the Qin family for generations, and they considered it the highest honor to serve the Qin household. Even though they had sacrificed their entire lives for a single dungeon, they had been wellpensated. Their families would prosper under the Qin family¡¯s protection. Qin Xian gazed at his team of level 39 ¡°tools,¡± his expression calm. He fully understood the sacrifices his subordinates had made, but in his heart, he felt nothing. As the heir of the Qin family, this was simply the way things were¡ªsomething he had long grown ustomed to. ¡ª The crowd watched in stunned silence, unable to calm the turmoil in their hearts. Seeing the lengths to which the Qin family had gone to secure Qin Xian¡¯s sess left them in awe. Their envy turned into shock as they realized they could neverpare. This was the power and foundation of a top noble family. To ensure that Qin Xian sessfully cleared one dungeon, they had sacrificed the futures of more than twenty promising experts, reducing them to tools whose sole purpose was to secure Qin Xian¡¯s divine blessing. With a team of top-tier level 39 professionals backing him, Qin Xian¡¯s perfect clearance of Shattered Heaven was all but guaranteed. As for the rest of the ordinary people present, they could only form their own teams, hoping they might be lucky enough to defeat even a single boss and receive a reward. If they seeded, it would be a miracle. But the more likely oue was that many of them would die inside the dungeon. Such was life. It was unfair. Chapter 62 - The Qin Family’s Foundation Chapter 62: The Qin Family¡¯s Foundation Chu Junzhuo¡¯s face revealed a look of astonishment as she couldn¡¯t help but take a deep nce at Qin Xian. As the eldest daughter of the Chu family, she naturally wouldn¡¯t venture into Shattered Heaven alone. She also had a team of elite professionals under the Chu family¡¯s banner. However, those elite Chu family members were randomly selected professionals below level 40. While they were certainly strong, they were simply ordinary warriors who had grown through normal training. Compared to the top-tier, specially trained level 39 professionals from the Qin family, her team couldn¡¯t evene close. In this dungeon, it was likely that one of Qin Xian¡¯s elite level 39 professionals could rival most of the warriors under hermand. This¡­ was the difference in foundation. Chu Junzhuo¡¯s eyes flickered withplex emotions. Although the Chu family was one of the top noble houses in the empire, their rise only began when Chu Sitian reached the legendary rank, a span of only 300 years. In contrast, the Qin family had been one of the empire¡¯s top noble houses since its founding, with a legacy spanning over a thousand years. In terms of both foundation and strength, the Chu family was still a far cry from the Qin family. Not to mention, these twenty or so A- and S-ranked professionals from the Qin family, who had been destined to reach level 50, had now sacrificed their potential for Qin Xian to obtain the blessing of the ancient gods. The Qin family had essentially exchanged more than twenty level 50 professionals for Qin Xian¡¯s chance at divine favor. Such decisiveness¡­ the Chu family would never dare to make such a choice. She had heard her grandfather say that every emperor throughout history had been wary of the Qin family, yet none of them could afford to alienate them. The empire couldn¡¯t function without the support of the Qin family. For centuries, the position of Chancellor in the Cardinal Council had been monopolized by the Qin family. Every generation¡¯s head of the Qin family was practically the empire¡¯s second emperor. ¡°Qin Xian¡­¡± Chu Junzhuo softly murmured, her lips curving into a mysterious smile. ¡ª Among the crowd, Ye Xuan witnessed the scene, but unlike the others, he felt no awe or envy. His heart was filled only with hatred¡­ and disdain. While others marveled at the Qin family¡¯s ability to produce over twenty top-tier level 39 professionals for Qin Xian, Ye Xuan found it pathetic. He pitied those twenty elite professionals. They were A- and S-rank professionals, individuals who could have reached level 40 or even 50. But the Qin family, in their quest to cultivate Qin Xian, had destroyed their futures. Whether they were willing or not, Ye Xuan saw it as a tragedy. Clenching his fists, Ye Xuan¡¯s resolve only grew stronger. Even though Qin Xian had avish team of experts, Ye Xuan was convinced that he was the true powerhouse. This Shattered Heaven dungeon would be his first step toward bing a dragon! ¡ª Suddenly, the entire Hengjiang region began to tremble. From the enormous portal came a majestic ringing sound, like the mournful toll of the world¡¯s end. The countless runes etched onto the portal¡¯s surface began to glow, casting a dreamlike light over the entire region. Inside the swirling vortex of the portal, a glimpse of a shattered yet awe-inspiring world could be seen. Seeing this, the crowd¡¯s spirits lifted. Shattered Heaven had finally opened! ¡°Enter the dungeon!¡± ¡°Double-check the team panel! Make sure no one gets left behind. Once we enter the dungeon, teams will be teleported randomly!¡± ¡°Check your equipment and potions!¡± Nearly a million professionals, organized into tens of thousands of teams, began stirring with excitement as they prepared to enter Shattered Heaven. ¡°Good luck, Young Master and Young Miss,¡± Qiu Bo said with a slight bow toward Qin Xian and Qin Li. His level, 58, exceeded the dungeon¡¯s entry requirement, so he would remain outside. However, he wasn¡¯t worried about Qin Xian¡¯s safety. With such a formidable team, many of the dangers in the dungeon wouldn¡¯t even require Qin Xian¡¯s personal involvement¡ªhis subordinates would take care of it. Qin Xian smiled faintly and nodded. Despite many believing him to be cold-hearted and ruthless in his pursuit of strength, he was actually quite considerate toward those close to him. He was not a cruel master, and he valued those who served him well. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Qin Xian said, ncing at his sister. Qin Li returned his gaze with a warm smile, and the two siblings, surrounded by their elite team, passed through the portal and entered the Shattered Heaven dungeon. It felt as if they were passing through a long tunnel, countless fragments of time shing before their eyes. In the next moment, they found themselves standing on a vast in. ¡°So this is Shattered Heaven¡­¡± Qin Xian murmured, gazing around at thendscape. This world was both magical and broken. The ¡°in¡± they were standing on was more like a massive floating ind, and in the distance, other inds, cities, mountains, and even oceans floated in the sky. This world had been torn apart by some unknown force, fragmented into countless regions. Chapter 63 - Something Feels Off Chapter 63: Something Feels Off Standing on the vast ins, looking into the distance, the horizon seemed endless. This broken world was fragmented into countless regions, suspended in the Void itself. It felt as though this ce was a part of the Void. ¡°Master, the Shattered Heaven dungeon has a total of seven bosses,¡± a Qin family expert, named Fan Xing, respectfully informed Qin Xian. Fan Xing had spent decades researching Shattered Heaven and was essentially a walking encyclopedia on the dungeon¡¯s intricacies. This gave Qin Xian¡¯s team an advantage unmatched by others. ¡°The bosses are: Oathbreaker Knight Abel, Blood Priestess Leah, Void¡¯s Eye, Twin Saints, Baron of the North Wind, Valkyrie, Empress Angelina, and finally, thest boss, Void Warlord Kaa.¡± ¡°The dungeon follows a linear progression,¡± Fan Xing continued, ¡°and is filled with Void monsters. Defeating these monsters increases the world¡¯s Purification Level.¡± ¡°Once the Purification Level reaches 30%, the bosses will awaken. Each boss drops Void Crystals, which are distributed based on each team¡¯s performance.¡± ¡°After defeating five bosses, teams can move to the Holy City to challenge Empress Angelina. Once she is defeated, the final boss, Void Warlord Kaa, will appear. He is a true level 40 Void Warlord, and no one has ever sessfully in him. When his health drops below 20%, he opens a Void portal and escapes. Teams only have one minute to finish him off, but defeating him in that short amount of time is nearly impossible.¡± ¡°After defeating Kaa, teams will proceed to the Ancient Temple, where they can receive blessings from the ancient gods based on the number of Void Crystals they¡¯ve collected.¡± The mechanics of Shattered Heaven were not overlyplex, but they were tedious. A leaderboard appeared on everyone¡¯s panel, disying the rankings of all teams. Those with the highest scores were more likely to receive the gods¡¯ favor. ¡°Can the Void Crystals dropped by bosses be stolen?¡± Qin Li asked suddenly. Qin Xian, hearing his sister¡¯s question, couldn¡¯t help but smile. This was the sister who had grown up by his side, whose thought process matched his own perfectly. ¡°Yes, Miss,¡± Fan Xing responded quickly. ¡°Each time Shattered Heaven opens, 60% of the teams perish within the dungeon, most of them falling to other teams rather than the monsters.¡± Qin Xian nodded, contemting for a moment as he looked at the numerous Void monsters roaming the ins in the distance. Then he gave hismand, ¡°In that case, let¡¯s focus on hunting Void Elites first. Leave the bosses to the other teams. When we reach the city gates, we¡¯ll simply eliminate the other teams.¡± For now, Qin Xian¡¯s priority was to hunt Void Elite monsters to increase his attribute points. ¡°Yes!¡± The Qin family experts immediately began sweeping through the monsters. The Void monsters in this area were Corrupted Demon Wolves, level 20 Void-type creatures. Though individually not very strong, the in was densely packed with thousands of them. Engaging one meant pulling in dozens at a time. Even a level 35 professional would find it difficult to handle. However, the Qin family¡¯s elite team had been specifically trained for Shattered Heaven. Each of them was equipped with a set of gear that had the following attribute: [Holy]: Increases damage dealt to Void, Undead, and Demon-type monsters by 35%. As a result, when these elites attacked, they were an unstoppable force, mowing down the monsters effortlessly. Qin Xian and Qin Li, in turn, simply reaped the benefits, gaining experience as their team did the heavy lifting. ¡°You¡¯ve in a Corrupted Demon Wolf. Gained 1,544 experience points¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ve in a Corrupted Demon Wolf. Gained 1,544 experience points¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ve in an Elite Corrupted Demon Wolf. Gained 4,547 experience points¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ve in a Corrupted Demon Wolf. Gained 1,544 experience points¡­¡± ¡­ Though the experience was split among the team, the efficiency was astonishing. Qin Xian¡¯s experience bar rose rapidly, while Qin Li was on the verge of leveling up. Despite this, Qin Xian couldn¡¯t shake a nagging feeling. He furrowed his brow slightly. His second ss was Void Overlord, making him highly sensitive to the Void¡¯s energy. And right now, something about this dungeon¡­ felt off. Chapter 64 - Gods Chapter 64: Gods Normally, when monsters die, their bodies either remain as corpses, which can be harvested for materials using crafting skills, or they directly drop loot and their bodies disappear as they are converted into data. However, when these Corrupted Demon Wolves died, even though they dropped loot and their bodies disappeared as expected, Qin Xian noticed something peculiar. The Void energy lingering in the air didn¡¯t dissipate¡ªit converged, gathering toward a specific location. This was something that almost no one else would have detected. Only Qin Xian, with his second ss, Void Overlord, had such a deep mastery over Void energy that he could sense it. Moreover, Qin Xian could feel that somewhere within Shattered Heaven, a terrifying entity born of the Void was beginning to awaken. His eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed that humanity¡¯s understanding of Shattered Heaven wasn¡¯t as deep as they thought. Still, Qin Xian wasn¡¯t nning to investigate this anomaly right now. After all, as long as the monsters were Void-type, he was practically invincible in this dungeon. As a Void Overlord, he stood at the very peak of the Void¡¯s food chain. Even Void Warlords and Void Lords were beneath him¡ªmere sustenance. Only the most terrifying entities of the Void were on the same level as him. Though his current level wasn¡¯t high, meaning he was still in the ¡°juvenile¡± stage of his ss, even as a juvenile Void Overlord, his very presence imposed a bloodline suppression over other Void creatures. For now, Qin Xian¡¯s focus was still on growing stronger. It had to be said, Shattered Heaven was truly worthy of the global attention it had garnered. The experience gain here was phenomenal! In just a few hours, Qin Xian had already leveled up once, reaching level 22! Qin Li had gained two levels as well. Not to mention, the area was littered with blue and purple materials, though Qin Xian didn¡¯t care about those and distributed them among his subordinates. In addition, the Elite Corrupted Demon Wolves had appeared in force¡ªmore than twenty of them had been hunted down by Qin Xian and his team, granting him an additional 300 attribute points. It was only in Shattered Heaven that these Elite Corrupted Demon Wolves were just level 25. Hunting 20 elite Void monsters on the Void frontlines wouldn¡¯t have been nearly as easy. In just a few short hours, Qin Xian could visibly feel his strength increasing. His power had nearly doubledpared to before! But the stronger he became, the more Qin Xian craved even more power. For him, wealth and beauty were mere distractions. What truly fascinated him was this feeling of growing stronger, the sensation of watching his attribute points rise. By now, the Void monsters on this in had beenpletely wiped out. The global leaderboard indicated that the world¡¯s Purification Level had reached 14%, showing that other teams were also relentlessly hunting monsters. ¡ª Deep within the heart of Shattered Heaveny a strange and sacred dimension. This space was bathed in holy light, with majestic temples floating in mid-air, grand and awe-inspiring, exuding divine radiance. Inside one of these temples stood a gathering of towering figures, each surrounding arge circr mirror. On the surface of this mirror, the teams that had entered Shattered Heaven were disyed. At the forefront of the gathering was a beautiful female deity with apassionate and sorrowful expression, a figure that would stir reverence in anyone who looked upon her. She was Marika, the Eternal Goddess and the leader of the ancient gods in Shattered Heaven. Behind her stood a group of gods, each radiating their own terrifying aura of authority. ¡°These human professionals seem stronger than thest batch,¡± Marika said softly, her expression filled with a sense of reflection. ¡°It appears that in the past twenty years, humanity has continued to grow stronger.¡± Her voice was gentle, carrying an undertone of sorrow. ¡°The Apocalypse chose this world, and humanity has unlocked the power of data transformation. It¡¯s an advantage unmatched by any other race. They now possess the most efficient and perfect evolutionary system in the universe¡­¡± Beside Marika stood a war god, his muscr body rippling with power. He grunted in displeasure, ¡°The Apocalypse abandoned us and chose humanity instead.¡± Marika shook her head and replied quietly, ¡°If not for the Apocalypse, our world would have beenpletely destroyed by now. It¡¯s only thanks to the Apocalypse that we¡¯re still alive, and that our world holds onto a sliver of hope.¡± Her gaze was filled with sorrow as she looked out over the shattered remnants of the world. This was the world she had personally created, and the empire that had been built by her faithful followers. But when the Void invaded, she had been powerless to stop it, forced to watch as the Void consumed everything. Had it not been for the intervention of the Apocalypse in the final hour, she would likely have been enved by the Void, reduced to a mere false god. Even now, though she was still alive, most of her divine power had been lost. She was trapped in this dungeon, lingering in thest vestiges of her world, waiting¡­ Waiting for the arrival of the prophesied one. Chapter 65 - The Prophesied One Chapter 65: The Prophesied One ¡°The Void still lingers in this world, Marika,¡± said the muscr war god in a low voice. He was Kenchi, the God of War, second in divine power only to Marika in this realm. During the Void invasion, Kenchi had in thirteen Void Lords. However, when faced with the Great Terror of the Void, even he had been stripped of his divinity. At the moment of ultimate crisis, the will of the Apocalypse manifested, forcing the Great Terror to retreat and safeguarding the world¡¯s core. The world was shattered and transformed into data, governed by the rules of the Apocalypse. For a thousand years, they had remained in this space, watching wave after wave of human warriors enter the dungeon, using their divine power to bless those who fought, granting buffs to aid their advancement. They had willingly sealed themselves in this dungeon as part of a pact with the will of the Apocalypse. The Apocalypse required their assistance to help humanity evolve, but they were also waiting¡ªwaiting for the Prophesied One. While the Apocalypse had driven away the Great Terror, the Void¡¯s influence lingered. The Void Warlord Kaa, the most loyal servant of the Great Terror, remained in this world. Though suppressed by the rules of the Apocalypse, and his body semi-digitalized, his power was confined to level 40, making him the final boss of the dungeon. However, Kaa still carried the blessing of the Great Terror, and for centuries, he had been scheming to bring the Great Terror back into this world to seize control of the world¡¯s core. For the humans, Shattered Heaven was just another dungeon¡ªa ce to grow stronger. But for the gods, this was their home, the battlefield where they fought against the Void¡¯s influence. The Prophesied One was theirst hope. The signs of the world¡¯s core foretold the arrival of the Prophesied One, who would be recognized by the core and crowned as the new emperor of the Saint Nuolmen Empire. When that day came, the world¡¯s core would be restored, and the Shattered Heaven dungeon would cease to exist. The Saint Nuolmen Empire would rise again. ¡°Marika, there¡¯s a human¡­ quite strong. Could he be the Prophesied One?¡± Kenchi asked with a grave expression, his eyes fixed on the circr mirror. The reflection showed a young man, his handsome features framed by radiant armor, wielding a great sword as he shone with holy light. He tore through hordes of Void monsters like a wolf among sheep, unstoppable andmanding. Though only level 22, the elite level 35 monsters couldn¡¯t stand a chance against him. This human was Qin Xian, currently in the midst of hunting Void Elite monsters, and his prowess had caught the attention of all the gods. ¡°So powerful!¡± ¡°His strength far exceeds that of his current level. Hisbat power is at least on par with a level 40!¡± ¡°He¡¯s the strongest human professional I¡¯ve ever seen!¡± The gods murmured excitedly, each of them wondering if the Prophesied One had finally appeared. But Marika¡¯s brows furrowed. She stared at Qin Xian for a long time, then shook her head. ¡°Kenchi, being strong doesn¡¯t make someone the Prophesied One,¡± Marika said, her gaze sharp as she scrutinized Qin Xian. ¡°True strength doesn¡¯te from power alone. Ites from within. I sense no warmth or kindness in this human¡¯s heart, no mercy for the weak.¡± ¡°He is not the Prophesied One.¡± There was a flicker of unease in Marika¡¯s eyes, a hint of caution. But there was something else Marika hadn¡¯t shared. This human gave her an ominous feeling, one that reminded her of the time she had faced the Great Terror of the Void itself. The sensation, though faint, was enough to unsettle her. However, even Marika found this idea absurd. She spoke softly to the gods, ¡°The Prophesied One must possess a heart of kindness,passion, and unwavering resolve. Only such a person can save this world.¡± ¡°And I sense that the day we meet the Prophesied One is drawing near.¡± Marika¡¯s heart stirred, and with a wave of her hand, the mirror shifted, revealing a different scene. ¡ª Deep within the Shattered Heaven dungeon, in a fiery abyss filled with moltenva, Ye Xuan stood tall, gazing at the countless floating inds in the distance. At his feety the bodies of countless Void monsters, piled up like small mountains. ¡°Brother Ye, thank you!¡± ¡°Thank you, big brother!¡± Several professionals nearby expressed their gratitude. Their team had been locked in a fierce battle moments ago, and if not for Ye Xuan¡¯s intervention, they would have all perished. ¡°We¡¯re from the Vast Guild. I¡¯m Wang Meng, the guild leader. Your help today will never be forgotten by the Vast Guild,¡± a burly middle-aged man said gratefully, bowing deeply. Chapter 66 - Qin Xian’s Terror Chapter 66: Qin Xian¡¯s Terror ¡°No need for formalities!¡± Ye Xuan smiled as he exchanged pleasantries with the grateful adventurers. He saw the admiration in their eyes, and it filled him with a sense of aplishment. Throughout his journey, Ye Xuan had saved many lives, and in doing so, earned their loyalty. These people, impressed by his charisma and strength, were eager to ally with him, willing toy down their lives for his cause. Ye Xuan knew that if he were to overthrow the Qin family and exact his revenge, relying solely on the remnants of the Ye family would not be enough. The Ye family¡¯s remaining forces were certainly formidable, but they had suffered greatly under the Qin family¡¯s suspicion and suppression over the years. Their strength, though substantial, paled inparison to the Qin family¡¯s overwhelming might. That¡¯s why he needed to unite as many forces as possible. The people he saved weren¡¯t from noble families or influential ns¡ªthey weremoners or members of small guilds and minor powers. But Ye Xuan firmly believed in the power of unity. While these smaller forces seemed insignificant alone, together, they could be a formidable tide of strength. They were the foundation of the nation itself. The great houses like the Qin family were far removed from themon people. They had forgotten the old adage: The waters that carry the boat can also overturn it. Ye Xuan turned his attention to the leaderboard, which disyed the progress of each team¡¯s monster kills. Unsurprisingly, Qin Xian was ranked first by a significant margin, with a staggering 70,000 points. This meant Qin Xian had in nearly 10,000 Void monsters. The second-ce spot belonged to Chu Junzhuo, but her score was just over 40,000¡ªnearly half of Qin Xian¡¯s. The third-ranked team was even further behind, with only 20,000 points. Below that, many guilds and teams were clustered together, all fiercelypeting for points in the thousands. Ye Xuan himself had earned over 6,000 points, which, considering his lone status and the time he spent saving others, was impressive. After all, Qin Xian had an entire elite team of level 39 professionals, while Ye Xuan was fighting solo. Suddenly, the skies above Shattered Heaven lit up with a dazzling light. A crystalline ancient sacred tree shimmered faintly in the heavens. ¡°The Purification Level has reached 30%!¡± someone eximed. Momentster, five terrifying beams of light shot into the sky from various parts of Shattered Heaven. The sheer power of these presences was overwhelming. ¡°The early bosses have spawned!¡± someone shouted excitedly before dashing toward the nearest knights¡¯ outpost. Above the outpost, a massive sacred sword descended from the sky, eventually materializing into an imposing knight. The figure was several meters tall, and his armor, once majestic and holy, was now twisted and corrupted by a sinister Void aura. [Oathbreaker Knight Abel]: Elite Boss [Level]: 35 [HP]: 480,000 [Skills]: Corrupted Chains, Void Greatsword, Knight¡¯s Justice, Summon Legion¡­ [Description]: Abel was once the strongest knight in the empire. During the Void invasion, he bravely led the royal knights in defense. But when faced with the Great Terror of the Void, he renounced his vows before death. He willingly sumbed to corruption, bing an Oathbreaker Knight. Now, he lingers at the outpost, awaiting the return of his Void masters. Boom! Teams from all over rushed toward the knights¡¯ outpost. Oathbreaker Knight Abel was one of the five major early bosses in Shattered Heaven. Defeating him not only rewarded teams with Void Crystals, but also rare gear and materials. The Abel Armor Set, for example, was a level 40 epic purple set, perfect for te-wearers. It provided massive boosts to strength and constitution, and when the full set was worn, it activated the Abel¡¯s Wrath set bonus. [Abel¡¯s Wrath]: Each time the wearer is attacked, there is a 25% chance to reflect 16,000 magic damage and reduce the attacker¡¯s attributes by 20% for 20 seconds. It was a dream for any main tank, an endgame set that could be passed down like a family heirloom. Seeing Oathbreaker Knight Abel appear, every te-wearer in the area flocked to the outpost, eager to im the coveted gear. Ye Xuan was among them, heading toward the knights¡¯ outpost. His ss, Dragon Apostle, gave him a unique advantage in this dungeon. Aside from finding his sister, one of his primary goals for entering Shattered Heaven was to obtain the Blessing of Transformation, one of the most powerful blessings from the gods. The Blessing of Transformation could evolve a ss, raising the level cap of skills by three tiers. As a Dragon Apostle, Ye Xuan had an unparalleled affinity with divine power. If he could obtain the Blessing of Transformation, he could evolve into an SSS-tier Dragon God. Ye Xuan also had a strange feeling, as though he was being watched by some unseen presence. He didn¡¯t sense any malice, only an inexplicable sense of expectation. Chapter 67 Chapter 67 In the Temple of the Gods, the gods watched Ye Xuan through the mirror. The battle against Oathbreaker Knight Abel had already begun. The battlefield was chaotic, and though Oathbreaker Knight Abel had been reduced to a mindless monster due to the Apocalypse¡¯s dataization, he remained a formidable foe. Each of his attacks carried the force of destruction. However, this battle was different from what the gods had seen in the past. In previous attempts, human professionals suffered heavy casualties. But this time, the human losses were minimal. The reason for this was Ye Xuan. He hovered in the air, leading the charge, practically soloing Oathbreaker Knight Abel. The rest of the human professionals stood behind him, following hismands andunching coordinated attacks. Under Ye Xuan¡¯s leadership, Oathbreaker Knight Abel¡¯s health steadily dropped until, with a final roar, Abel fell, his body disintegrating into stardust and leaving behind a pile of loot. ¡°This human¡­ is extraordinary,¡± one of the gods remarked, visibly impressed. In the early stages of the battle, the human teams had been overwhelmed and on the verge of defeat. But when Ye Xuan took control, he not only held Abel¡¯s attention but also orchestrated the entire strategy. Most astonishingly, the other human professionals, despite their initial hesitation, quickly fell in line and followed his lead. Under his direction, they sessfully defeated Oathbreaker Knight Abel with minimal losses. ¡°Marika, is he the Prophesied One?¡± a god asked. Marika shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. The world¡¯s core hasn¡¯t reacted yet, but I have a feeling¡­ he might be the one.¡± ¡ª The name Ye Xuan was quickly spreading throughout the dungeon. No one knew where he hade from, nor did they know what his ss was. But more and more teams were choosing to follow his lead. Under Ye Xuan¡¯smand, multiple guilds and factions defeated the bosses Oathbreaker Knight Abel, Void¡¯s Eye, Twin Saints, and Baron of the North Wind, all with minimal casualties. Thanks to Ye Xuan¡¯s fair distribution of rewards, no one felt any discontent. In fact, this was perhaps the first time the human professionals in the dungeon had worked together so harmoniously. ¡ª In a deste abyss, surrounded by the corpses of countless Void monsters, Qin Xian stood tall. After three days of continuous grinding, he had reached level 25, and Qin Li had leveled up to 19. Qin Xian had also hunted down over 100 Void Elite monsters. With the boost from the Arcane Source, he had gained an additional 2,250 attribute points! [Name]: Qin Xian [ss]: Oracle Knight [HP]: 63,100 / MP: 62,600 [Level]: LV25 [Strength]: 1,145 [Agility]: 720 [Constitution]: 831 [Spirit]: 732 [Intelligence]: 826 Qin Xian¡¯s strength attribute alone had exceeded 1,000 points! Forparison, many level 50 professionals didn¡¯t even have 1,000 strength. At level 25, Qin Xian had already surpassed them with 1,145 strength. It was like ying with cheat codes. Of course, his Godyer Growth skill was essentially a loophole in the system. ¡°I think I¡¯ve reached my limit,¡± Qin Xian mused. Over the past few days, he had maximized his passive abilities, practically clearing out all the Void monsters in the dungeon. After all, not every creature in Shattered Heaven was Void-type, and those that weren¡¯t held little value for him. It was time to start hunting bosses. Qin Xian nced at the leaderboard. Although he hadn¡¯t participated in any boss fights, and most of the leaderboard points were awarded for defeating bosses, he still ranked second. ¡°Ye Xuan¡­¡± Qin Xian¡¯s gaze lingered on the name ranked first. The name stirred a memory. Years ago, the scion of the Ye family who had escaped¡ªwasn¡¯t his name also Ye Xuan? Although the name wasmon¡ªthere were likely a thousand people named Ye Xuan in the empire alone¡ªQin Xian couldn¡¯t shake a feeling. This Ye Xuan could very well be that same Ye Xuan. Qin Xian nced at his sister, Qin Li as he knew the truth. Qin Li¡¯s original name was Ye Li. His expression remained calm as he gazed at her, but he wasn¡¯t concerned. If this Ye Xuan wasn¡¯t the Ye family¡¯s heir, it wouldn¡¯t matter. And even if he was, there was nothing he could do to challenge the Qin family. Qin Xian gazed at his right hand. With more than 200 passive buffs stacked, he felt invincible. Even the gods would have to kneel before him. After all, the Qin family¡¯s bloodline was destined to rule this world. Chapter 68 Chapter 68: Na?vet¨¦ After the sessful defeat of the five bosses, along with the elimination of numerous smaller monsters by various guilds, the World Purification Level had risen to 60%. At the heart of the Shattered Heaven dungeony the ancient empire¡¯s royal city. Although the city was now in ruins, one could still glimpse its former grandeur. In front of the royal city, countless teams had gathered, awaiting the awakening of Empress Angelina. Once she was defeated, the final boss, Void Warlord Kaa, would emerge. Thest two critical battles would take ce within the city walls. ¡ª In front of the royal city, Ye Xuan stood with his hands behind his back. Behind him, guild leaders and team captains looked at him with respect and admiration. Despite having only been together for three days, they had already beenpletely won over by the young man¡¯s leadership and presence. There was something about Ye Xuan¡ªan air of natural authority that made them instinctively want to follow him. ¡°Qin Xian¡­¡± Ye Xuan muttered as he nced at the leaderboard, where his own name stood proudly in first ce, with seven Void Crystals to his credit. A confident smile yed on his lips. The five bosses had dropped a total of fifty Void Crystals. Ye Xuan held ten of them, tying him with Chu Junzhuo, the eldest daughter of the Chu family, for the top spot. Ye Xuan hadn¡¯t taken the top spot just to gain the support of the guilds and smaller factions¡ªthere was another, more important reason: he was targeting Qin Xian. From the very first boss, Qin Xian had not appeared. He had missed out on all five boss fights and therefore had no Void Crystals. Without them, he would be unable to enter the Ancient Temple to receive the Blessing of the Ancient Gods. Ye Xuan didn¡¯t believe for a second that Qin Xian didn¡¯t want the gods¡¯ blessings. There was only one possible exnation: Qin Xian nned to steal the Void Crystals from other teams. That exined his absence¡ªhe was waiting until thest moment to strike, aiming to seize the Crystals from others and head to the temple for the blessing. Normally, these guilds and teams would fight amongst themselves, perhaps even sabotaging each other during boss fights. This would leave them vulnerable to Qin Xian¡¯s forces, who could easily pick them off one by one. But now, under Ye Xuan¡¯s leadership, the guilds had united. Though Qin Xian had a team of elite level 39 professionals, Ye Xuan didn¡¯t believe even the Qin family could take on dozens, if not hundreds, of teams working together. The thought of Qin Xian¡¯s inevitable frustration when he realized that he couldn¡¯t simply snatch the Void Crystals filled Ye Xuan with anticipation. Even if Qin Xian managed to defeat the final two bosses, his Void Crystals would be too few, and he would only receive the lowest-level blessing from the gods. ¡ª Suddenly, a shout echoed through the crowd: ¡°The Qin family has arrived!¡± Everyone turned to see Qin Xian leading his team of Qin family elites toward the royal city¡¯s za. As soon as Qin Xian appeared, several young nobles and students from the Imperial Capital Academy hurried forward to greet him. ¡°Young Master Qin!¡± Ye Xuan watched, silently clenching his fists in anticipation. He couldn¡¯t wait to see the look on Qin Xian¡¯s face when he realized that all the guilds and teams had united against him, denying him the opportunity to steal their Void Crystals. Even if Qin Xian participated in the final two boss fights, the number of Crystals he obtained would be limited, resulting in only the most basic blessing from the gods. Qin Xian, his expression unreadable, nced around at the gathered guilds and teams, who were now standing as a united front. He also saw Ye Xuan, standing confidently among them. The two young men locked eyes from a distance. In many ways, they were simr¡ªboth were surrounded by admirers, hailed as leaders. But in other ways, they werepletely different. Ye Xuan was supported by small guilds andmoners, while Qin Xian was backed by the noble families and powerful factions. They were the embodiment of two opposing worlds. Qin Xian¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change as he looked over the guild leaders standing together. He had to admit he was a bit surprised. In just three days, this young man named Ye Xuan had managed to unite so many guilds and teams. It would indeed be more difficult to steal the Void Crystals from them now. Qin Xian¡¯s gaze returned to Ye Xuan, who still wore that confident smile, as if everything was under his control. Qin Xian smirked, a hint of mockery in his expression. This Ye Xuan was na?ve. Things in this world were rarely as simple as they seemed. Just like how everything in this dungeon was ultimately tied to the real world outside. Did these guild leaders really dare to defy the will of the Qin family¡¯s heir? Qin Xian turned to the guild leaders standing near Ye Xuan and smiled. ¡°Each of you may keep one Void Crystal.¡± Ye Xuan scoffed at Qin Xian¡¯s arrogance. His confidence bordered on stupidity. Did Qin Xian really think the Qin family¡¯s influence extended to this dungeon? But then, one of the guild leaders beside Ye Xuan, his expression conflicted, hesitated before stepping forward. Gritting his teeth, he respectfully handed over two Void Crystals to Qin Xian. Momentster, more guild leaders followed suit, quietly stepping forward to offer their Void Crystals to Qin Xian without protest. Within a minute, the leaderboard updated. First ce: Qin Xian, 21 Void Crystals. Chapter 69 Chapter 69: Sibling Betrayal? The smile on Ye Xuan¡¯s face froze. He hadn¡¯t anticipated that the guild leaders around him would hand over their Void Crystals so easily, simply because Qin Xian asked. Those crystals were the key to receiving the gods¡¯ blessings in the Temple of the Gods! He stared in disbelief at a middle-aged man, unable to hold back his question: ¡°Why?¡± The man, Song Kai, a level 38 powerhouse and the leader of the Haoshan Guild, had been one of Ye Xuan¡¯s strongest supporters. For the past three days, they had fought side by side, and Song Kai had treated Ye Xuan¡¯s every word like an order from heaven. But when Qin Xian demanded the Void Crystals, Song Kai had been the first to step forward and hand them over. Ye Xuan couldn¡¯t understand¡ªhow could it have turned out this way? If they stood united, even the Qin family couldn¡¯t steal their Void Crystals! Seeing the confusion, shock, and faint anger in Ye Xuan¡¯s expression, Song Kai could only smile bitterly. He respected Ye Xuan¡¯s talents and agreed that if they joined forces in the dungeon, even the mighty Qin family could be challenged. But the issue was this: they couldn¡¯t stay in the dungeon forever. The Haoshan Guild had over two thousand members waiting outside. Song Kai¡¯s family, his friends, they were all outside. In the real world, the Qin family had the power to destroy thempletely. Sure, they could defy Qin Xian now, keep their Void Crystals, and receive the gods¡¯ blessings. But once outside, they would face the Qin family¡¯s wrath. For the sake of his brothers in the guild, and for the safety of his family, Song Kai had no choice but toply with Qin Xian¡¯s demand. At least Qin Xian hadn¡¯t taken everything from them¡ªhe had allowed them to keep one crystal each, so they could still receive a lesser blessing from the gods. It was a small constion, but one they had to ept. ¡ª With the Void Crystals collected, Qin Xian now possessed 21 of them, regaining his ce at the top of the leaderboard. Even if he didn¡¯t obtain any more crystals from the remaining bosses, he was guaranteed the highest blessing in the Temple of the Gods. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes fell on Ye Xuan, who was ranked second. He was almost certain now¡ªthis Ye Xuan was indeed the lost heir of the Ye family. At that moment, a familiar system prompt sounded in Qin Xian¡¯s mind: [Viin System Activated: Main Quest Stage 3 Unlocked] [Quest: Eliminate the threat of Ye Xuan. Reward: 200 Viin Points.] Another Child of Destiny! Qin Xian hadn¡¯t expected to encounter two of these destined figures in the same Shattered Heaven dungeon. First, it had been Xiao Ming, who had already met his demise. Now, it was Ye Xuan¡¯s turn. ¡ª Meanwhile, Ye Xuan¡¯s expression darkened as regret crept into his heart. He had risked exposing himself, hoping to prevent Qin Xian from receiving the gods¡¯ blessing. But not only had his n failed, but his identity might also be in jeopardy. After all, in this dungeon, nametes couldn¡¯t be faked¡­ Yet, as the situation unfolded, Ye Xuan found a strange sense of calm. He took a deep breath, and without any warning, he struck! ¡°Incarnate as Dragon God!¡± Ye Xuan unleashed his most powerful ability, pulling out all the stops. Since his identity was already at risk, he would rather act now, rescue his sister, and forget about the gods¡¯ blessing altogether. To Ye Xuan, his sister Ye Li¡ªnow known as Qin Li¡ªwas the most important person in the world. Even if he couldn¡¯t receive the Metamorphosis Blessing and be a Dragon God, it didn¡¯t matter. He had to save his sister. Boom! A terrifying dragon¡¯s roar echoed across the skies as Ye Xuan¡¯s body surged with glowing dragon scales. He grew to a towering height, surrounded by a fiery aura capable of incinerating anything in its path. Upon entering his Dragon God form, Ye Xuan¡¯s skills werepletely transformed. [Dragon God¡¯s Body]! [Dragon God¡¯s Body]: Grants immunity to all forms of control, reduces damage taken by 80%, and increases maximum health by 1000%. Duration: 20 seconds. Instead of using an offensive skill, Ye Xuan activated his defensive trump card. He knew he only had five minutes in his Dragon God form. If he got caught up in a prolonged fight, his time would run out, and thebined might of the Qin family elites would overwhelm him. Ye Xuan was determined to power through any attacks, reach Qin Li, and take her away. His body, enveloped in a zing inferno, shot toward Qin Xian and Qin Li like a meteor. However, as he approached, Qin Li¡¯s eyes shed with a cold, murderous light. [Deathly Winter]! With a soft yetmanding voice, Qin Li unfurled her Wings of Death, and a suffocating aura of death spread across the battlefield, enveloping everyone within a hundred-meter radius. Anyone not part of the Qin family was caught off guard by the sudden attack. They were instantly consumed by the deathly energy, reduced to nothing but skeletons. The death energy from the fallen then converged on Qin Li, making her appear like the incarnation of a Death Goddess. [Death Forecast]! In the next moment, Qin Li condensed all the death energy into a single, ominous symbol, which shot toward Ye Xuan. [Death Forecast]: Consumes all death energy, marking a target up to 10 levels higher than the user. Deals 5000 magic damage, with a 30% chance to inflict instant death. Ye Xuan¡¯s expression changed drastically as he felt the overwhelming presence of death bearing down on him. How could this be? His carefully nned ambush had been ruined by his own sister! Chapter 70 Chapter 70: Qin Li is Expendable The instant death effect was truly terrifying. No matter how much defense or health one had, if the instant death effect triggered, there was no escape¡ªdeath was absolute and beyond reason. Even though Ye Xuan had activated his Dragon God¡¯s Body, he didn¡¯t dare to face it head-on. He had no choice but to dodge! But what hurt Ye Xuan even more wasn¡¯t the threat of the skill¡ªit was his sister, Qin Li¡¯s ruthlessness. Just moments ago, Qin Li had mercilessly killed hundreds of innocent adventurers to gather enough death energy to activate her [Death Forecast]. Many of those killed by Qin Li had been saved by Ye Xuan himself in previous battles against monsters and bosses. Now, they had died by his own sister¡¯s hand. The irony was unbearable¡­ Ye Xuan had no time to dwell on his thoughts, as the Qin family elites immediately reacted. ¡°Courting death!¡± A barrage of powerful attacks came crashing down on him! So what if he was a Dragon God? The Qin family had in dragons before! Boom! Twenty-plus elite level-39 powerhouses attacked simultaneously, and even Ye Xuan, in his Dragon God state, struggled to hold up. His health plummeted by more than half! Yet, this scene also demonstrated just how formidable the Dragon God ss was. Ye Xuan was only level 28, yet he could withstand thebined assault of over twenty city-lord-level elites. If it had been any other ss, they would either be dead or severely injured by now. Just as things were looking grim, Qin Xian made his move. His body disappeared, reappearing in front of Ye Xuan in the blink of an eye. Even though Qin Xian¡¯s frame was smallpared to Ye Xuan¡¯s towering Dragon God form, his presence seemed to dominate. Qin Xian radiated with holy light, andbined with his shining armor and the massive sword he wielded, he resembled a divine warrior descended from the heavens. As he raised his sword, the entire Royal City trembled. Everyone watching fell back, awe-struck by the sheer power disyed. SSS-ss Oracle Knight against SSS-ss Dragon God. Two of the most powerful hidden sses shing¡ªeveryone was eager to see who would emerge victorious, the Dragon God or the Oracle Knight! ¡°Infinite Sword!¡± Qin Xian¡¯s sword descended like divine retribution, the force of the strike creating shockwaves that shattered the ground around Ye Xuan. The sheer power of the attack sted through the pce walls, sending waves of destruction across the city. [Infinite Sword (Level 2)]: Deals 40,000 physical damage and 40,000 magic damage, while summoning an Infinite Sword Domain around the target. For 3 seconds, the target is struck 50 times, each hit dealing 500-1000 holy damage. If the total damage exceeds 35,000, the target is weakened, reducing their main attributes by 30% for 120 seconds. Cooldown: 5 minutes. Faced with such terrifying power, Ye Xuan felt no fear. He was in his Dragon God form, his level higher than Qin Xian¡¯s. How could he lose? With a roar, Ye Xuan charged toward Qin Xian. But in the next moment, his expression changed. His Dragon God¡¯s Body shattered, his form copsed, and his massive body was sent flying, crashing through countless pce structures. Ye Xuan¡¯s bones were nearly shattered. The crowd watched in stunned silence. What they had expected to be an epic sh between two titans had ended with the Dragon God being utterly crushed in a single exchange! Ye Xuan, still in shock, realized that the power of Qin Xian¡¯s strike far exceeded that of a normal level 20-30 warrior. It was more akin to the strength of someone at level 50! Qin Xian stood expressionless, his eyes cold as he looked down at Ye Xuan. With over 1,100 strength points, his power was unmatched. Even a Dragon God couldn¡¯t withstand his might. Ye Xuan gritted his teeth and activated his escape skill, his body fading into a translucent form. [Phantom Drift]: Enter a phantom state, increasing evasion to 99% for 15 seconds, and boosting movement speed by 500%. The Dragon God ss was known for its numerous life-saving skills, and Ye Xuan made use of them to flee. But just as Ye Xuan was about to disappear, a beautiful figure appeared. With a graceful gesture, the space around Ye Xuan froze, and a massive ck coffin materialized, imprisoning him. ¡°Qin Xian, has this person offended you?¡± Chu Junzhuo stepped forward, her smile serene, as though her intervention had been effortless. Qin Xian silently observed Chu Junzhuo¡¯s actions. [Death Coffin], one of Chu Junzhuo¡¯s signature skills, could suppress any target not in an invulnerable state for five minutes. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed something strange¡ªChu Junzhuo¡¯s level had increased from 31 to 38 in just a few days. For someone above level 30, each level required vast amounts of experience. To rise seven levels in such a short time was almost unimaginable. Moreover, Qin Xian sensed that Chu Junzhuo¡¯sbat power far exceeded that of a typical level-38 fighter. He had grown stronger over the past few days, but so had Chu Junzhuo. It seemed she, too, had her own secrets. Qin Xian smiled faintly and sent a private message to Chu Junzhuo: ¡°That person might be thest survivor of the Ye family.¡± Chu Junzhuo¡¯s expression changed, her eyes turning cold. The Ye family massacre had been orchestrated by the Qin family, but the Chu family hadn¡¯t been innocent either. Just then, the entire Royal City trembled violently. A mysterious light enveloped the ck coffin, shattering it and causing Ye Xuan¡¯s figure to disappear. Chu Junzhuo¡¯s face darkened at the sight, but Qin Xian remained calm, only slightly furrowing his brow. He recognized the divine energy that had broken the coffin. It was a power ofws, which meant that the ancient gods of the Shattered Heaven had intervened to save Ye Xuan. A hint of mockery shed in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. So, the gods had broken their own dungeon rules, huh? Though Ye Xuan had been rescued, Qin Xian wasn¡¯t worried. As long as Qin Li remained by his side, Ye Xuan would eventually return. He nced at Qin Li, who seemed lost in thought, perhaps pondering Ye Xuan¡¯s true identity. Sensing his gaze, Qin Li looked up and smiled sweetly at him. ¡°Brother.¡± Qin Xian returned her smile with the same warmth and tenderness he had always shown her. But deep within his eyes, there was only cold indifference. Though he had grown up with Qin Li and had strong feelings for her, they wouldn¡¯t affect his decisions. To Qin Xian, profit always came first. If Qin Li discovered the truth about her origins and chose to betray the Qin family, he would not hesitate to crush her. In fact, Qin Xian was already contemting using Qin Li as bait to lure out Ye Xuan and the remnants of the Ye family. In his mind, everyone¡ªeven Qin Li¡ªwas a potential pawn to be sacrificed if necessary. Chapter 71 Chapter 71: The Thief with a Copy Talent In the imperial capital, at the Zhou family estate. The Zhou family was one of the empire¡¯s top aristocratic ns. The head of the family, Zhou Xingkong, was a formidable level-78 powerhouse. Though he had not yet reached the legendary rank, he was still considered one of the strongest humans in the world. Furthermore, he served as the Chairman of the Imperial Security Council, overseeing all the security councils in the various provinces of the empire. The rest of the Zhou family held key positions in different departments, with deep roots in the empire. But currently, the circles of imperial nobility were buzzing with an intriguing, albeit minor, piece of gossip about the Zhou family. It was said that after a recent inspection tour of the provincial security councils, Chairman Zhou brought back an eighteen-year-old boy¡­ a secret son. This caused a hugemotion within the Zhou family, leading to considerable internal strife. The Zhou family¡¯s matriarch, a noblewoman of equally prestigious lineage, was furious. She had always known that, with Zhou Xingkong¡¯s status, there would be other women¡ªand likely other children. However, acknowledging the existence of a secret child and bringing him into the main family home was a public humiliation! Yet, Zhou Xingkong had used his indomitable will to suppress all dissenting voices within the family. And so, the secret son, Zhou Nan, was officially recognized and given a ce within the Zhou family. This development sparked intense interest and conversation among the imperial elites. Most people only knew that this secret son was named Zhou Nan and had awakened as an A-rank ss. Other than that, there wasn¡¯t much known about him¡­ ¡ª At the Zhou family estate. As one of the empire¡¯s top aristocratic families, the Zhou estate was vast, spanning dozens of miles and filled with serene gardens and grandiose rock formations, creating an elegant environment. In a secluded part of the estate, there was a modest two-story vi. Inside, a young man with fairly average looksy on a bed. This was Zhou Nan, Zhou Xingkong¡¯s secret son. Of course, after being recognized by Zhou Xingkong, he was now an official young master of the Zhou family. However, the other Zhou family members treated this newly introduced brother poorly. Some ignored him outright, considering an A-rank ss to be of little importance, while others were openly hostile. After all, another brother meant someone else to divide the family¡¯s resources, which threatened their interests. Despite this, Zhou Nan had already received a personal butler, as well as ess to some of the family¡¯s resources, including a decent set of equipment from the family treasury. At this moment, Zhou Nan¡¯s face was filled with excitement¡ªperhaps even pure joy. ¡°It seems my talent is real. I can really copy other people¡¯s skills and talents! Hahaha, I¡¯m invincible now!¡± Zhou Nan clenched his fists tightly, his heart pounding with exhration. Just a short while ago, he had managed to copy a full set of skills from his nominal brother, Zhou Jianzhang, the Zhou family¡¯s eldest son. Zhou Jianzhang was renowned as the family¡¯s top genius, having awakened as an S-rank Necromancer High Priest. At just over thirty years old, he had already reached level 41 and was seen as the family¡¯s best hope, potentially the first to reach the legendary rank. In contrast, Zhou Nan, this newfound secret son, had awakened as an A-rank Runic Mage. While that was impressive among ordinary people and enough to bring honor to a family, in the Zhou family, it was fairly mediocre and didn¡¯t earn him much attention. But Zhou Nan knew something others didn¡¯t¡ªhe had an extraordinary talent that set him apart from everyone else. During the Awakening Ceremony, Zhou Nan discovered he had an additional talent, [Copy], which allowed him to duplicate another person¡¯s skills and talents! The conditions for copying were stringent, however. He needed to maintain physical contact¡ªshaking hands with the target for thirty seconds¡ªwhile looking them directly in the eyes. Just earlier, Zhou Nan had sessfully copied his elder brother Zhou Jianzhang¡¯s skills by forcibly shaking his hand for thirty seconds and chatting with him. Zhou Jianzhang, already annoyed by Zhou Nan¡¯s presence, had thought it was some form of provocation and nearly beat him up. Fortunately, some Zhou family elders had been present, allowing Zhou Nan toplete the copying process before slipping away back to his quarters. [Skeleton Army Summoning], [Necrotic me], [Corruption], [Death¡¯s Bell]¡­ Looking over the impressive list of skills he had copied, Zhou Nan was beyond thrilled. These were all powerful abilities from the Necromancer High Priest ss, and what¡¯s more, they could be upgraded! Though Zhou Nan was still officially an A-rank Runic Mage, he now had ess to skills from an S-rank ss. This made him truly unique. ¡°I¡¯m unstoppable now!¡± Zhou Nan thought, his heart racing with excitement. With this ability, he believed he was destined for greatness. Feeling energized, Zhou Nan stood up and shouted, ¡°Butler Sun!¡± A middle-aged man with an expressionless face soon entered the room and bowed slightly. ¡°Yes, Young Master Nan?¡± This Butler Sun was Zhou Nan¡¯s personal butler, a level-42 professional. Although Zhou Nan knew this butler didn¡¯t particrly like him, likely due to his loyalty to the matriarch, Zhou Nan didn¡¯t care. ¡°Who is the number one genius in the empire?¡± Zhou Nan asked eagerly. Butler Sun¡¯s expression turned slightly mocking, but he still answered respectfully, ¡°That would naturally be Qin Xian, the eldest son of the Qin family. He¡¯s an SSS-ss Oracle Knight, and he also has a second profession. He is widely regarded as the most talented person in the empire.¡± As he spoke of Qin Xian, even Butler Sun¡¯s tone held a hint of reverence. SSS-ss¡ªthe highest rank possible! Zhou Nan had grown up in a small town and was unfamiliar with many of these matters, but he understood what the SSS-ss represented. ¡°Can I meet him?¡± Zhou Nan asked, his voice filled with ambition. Butler Sun¡¯s gaze grew slightly condescending, but he still nodded. ¡°As the young master of the Zhou family, you will have the opportunity to meet Young Master Qin. However, it depends on timing. He¡¯s not someone you can just meet casually, and at the moment, he¡¯s in the Hengjiang region clearing the Shattered Heaven dungeon. He won¡¯t return to the imperial capital for a few days.¡± Zhou Nan nodded thoughtfully. ¡°When he returns, let me know immediately.¡± In his heart, Zhou Nan had already made up his mind. An SSS-ss talent! He had to steal Qin Xian¡¯s skills! Chapter 72 Chapter 72: The Backdoor Inside the Pantheon, several gods looked gravely at Marilyka. After a long silence, the war god Kenchi spoke sternly, ¡°Marilyka, you vited our agreement with Heaven¡¯s Will. You used divine power to interfere with the dungeon¡¯s progression.¡± Marilyka smiled serenely. ¡°I know.¡± She turned to face the other gods, her voice soft but firm, ¡°However, I sensed the pulse of the world¡¯s essence. When that human transformed into the Dragon God, the world¡¯s core stirred.¡± At this, the gods¡¯ faces filled with shock and excitement. ¡°The world¡¯s essence has awakened¡­ does this mean he is the Chosen One?¡± ¡°Does this mean our world will be saved?¡± Marilyka slowly rose from her throne, her voice calm but resolute, ¡°I will go and see this human myself. He still needs to pass the final test¡­¡± ¡ª Back in the ruined Imperial City, everyone was still reeling from the shock. The sight of Ye Xuan being saved by divine intervention left them in stunned silence. They had just witnessed the power of gods for the first time, even if those gods were sealed. The event sparked widespread conversation and spection. Who exactly was this Ye Xuan? Many debated his origins, but most turned their attention to the question that lingered in everyone¡¯s mind¡ªcould this raid on Shattered Heaven finally lead to a perfect clearance? ¡°The world purification rate is at 80% already! If it hits 100% and they manage to defeat the boss, we could achieve a perfect run!¡± ¡°This is the first time it¡¯s ever reached 80%, right?¡± Many eyes turned to Qin Xian. Though his methods were ruthless, no one could deny his role in pushing the purification rate so high. The overwhelming majority of the Void monsters had been in by his hand. In previous raids, once the world purification hit 30%, most teams would stop clearing monsters and focus solely on defeating the bosses. Fan Xing stood beside Qin Xian, speaking in a low voice, ¡°Young Master, once the Empress Angelina reaches 40% health, she will cast a random skill. If she uses Filth Pirs, all healing sses can dispel the filth, and doing so will earn an additional 20% of the world purification.¡± Qin Xian nodded slowly. With 100% purification and the 21 Void Crystals in his possession, a perfect clear was within his grasp. Once achieved, he would likely hit level 30 instantly and gain the highest-level blessing from the ancient gods. Suddenly, the ground began to quake, and an eerie, twisted voice echoed across the city. ¡°Mortals¡­ how dare you set foot in my city and disturb my rest!?¡± In a sh, Empress Angelina appeared, towering and majestic. Half of her face was strikingly beautiful, but the other half was hidden beneath a mask, exposing only a blood-red eye. [Empress Angelina] ¨C Elite Rare Boss ¨C Level: 40 ¨C HP: 770,000 ¨C Skills: Despair of the Empire, Shield of Truth, Desecration, Filth Pirs, Void Assimtion¡­ Description: Empress Angelina, thest emperor of the Sanurmen Empire. After the empire fell, she led herst army in a desperate defense of the capital. Following a hellish 20-year siege, the city was overrun. Angelina was forcibly turned into a void creature, her soul enved by the Void to serve as one of their agents. The sight of Angelina filled everyone with dread. Unlike the previous bosses, she was exponentially stronger. One wrong move and they could faceplete annihtion. The empress hovered in the air, her gaze cold and disdainful as she looked down on them all, mere insects in her eyes. ¡°Charge!¡± One brave soul, a level-39 guild leader d in heavy armor, charged forward¡ªonly to be swatted aside by a single blow from the empress, killed instantly. Boom! The empress moved with terrifying speed and grace despite her towering size. Each of her attacks crushed dozens of yers instantly. In less than a minute, hundreds had died, and her health bar still hovered at 99%. This was the final gatekeeper of Shattered Heaven¡ªan unstoppable force. With a calm, emotionless expression, Qin Xian finally joined the fray. [Sword of Judgment]! A massive holy de descended from the sky, piercing through the empress¡¯s body. She howled in pain, her health dropping by 5%. The scene left everyone wide-eyed and speechless. Moments ago, thousands of yers had attacked her, only managing to reduce her health by 1%. But now, with a single strike, Qin Xian had cut 5% from her life! Everyone knew Qin Xian was powerful, but this was beyond their wildest imaginations. They hadn¡¯t realized the gap between them was this vast. Having drawn her attention, Empress Angelina shifted her focus to Qin Xian,unching a barrage of attacks at him. However, Qin Xian easily dodged each of her strikes, gracefully avoiding her assaults. Enraged, the empress¡¯s blood-red eye zed as her health bar continued to drop under the coordinated efforts of Qin Xian and the other yers. Soon, her health had fallen to 40%. ¡°She¡¯s at 40%!¡± A yer shouted, anticipation rising. The empress would soon cast her ultimate ability, and all they needed was for her to use Filth Pirs. If they could purify the pirs within five minutes, the world purification rate would hit 100%. Even if they failed to defeat herpletely, the rewards for achieving perfect purification would be astronomical. ¡°Let it be Filth Pirs, please!¡± Everyone prayed, their eyes fixed on the empress. ¡°You¡¯ve angered me, mortals!¡± the empress shrieked. Her entire body turned crimson as the scepter in her hand shattered into pieces, transforming into a crown that settled atop her head. Then, a massive ck gate, radiating a terrifying void energy, appeared behind her. ¡°Damn! It¡¯s Void Assimtion!¡± [Void Assimtion]: Summons a giant void gate and enters a shielded state with a 150,000-point shield. After a 30-second channel, all targets within a 10,000-meter radius will be converted into void creatures. Disappointment washed over the yers. Without Filth Pirs, they couldn¡¯t achieve a 100% purification. It seemed like the perfect clear was once again out of reach. Chapter 73 Chapter 73: The Perfect Strategy for a Full Clear Every loss has its gain. Though achieving a perfect clear wasn¡¯t feasible, the skill ¡¾Void Assimtion¡¿ offered a good workaround. It was essentially a freebie: as long as the Empress¡¯s shield was broken and her chant interrupted within 30 seconds, she would fall into a two-minute state of silence and vulnerability. ¡°Focus fire on her shield! Interrupt her!¡± The guild leaders immediately began issuingmands. Everyone concentrated their attacks on the Empress, preparing to disrupt her skill. Seeing that the Empress didn¡¯t cast ¡¾Corrupting Divine Pir¡¿, Qin Xian¡¯s expression darkened. This meant he couldn¡¯t achieve the 100% Purification Rate required for a perfect clear, nor could he obtain the highest-grade Celestial Blessing! The timing of Broken Heaven¡¯s appearance was unpredictable; thest urrence had been twenty years ago. He was already approaching Level 30, and reaching Level 40 would only take another two years. Unless Broken Heaven appeared again within that time, this would be hisst chance to attain the ultimate Celestial Blessing! This time, he was determined to secure the most wless reward! Qin Xian¡¯s gaze turned icy as he stared at the Void Gate behind the Empress. The dense Void energy within was enough to transform tens of thousands of yers into Void creatures! A hint of indifference shed in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. If that¡¯s the case¡­ Qin Xian suddenly struck¡ªbut this time, his target wasn¡¯t the Empress. It was the other yers! Boom! With a single swing, Qin Xian sliced through hundreds of yers, leaving a scene of death and destruction in his wake. The attack on the Empress faltered as everyone was stunned by Qin Xian¡¯s unexpected assault. ¡°What are you doing?!¡± ¡°Quick! Interrupt the Void Assimtion!¡± Several guild leaders shouted in panic at Qin Xian, furious. The 30 seconds were ticking down, and once Void Assimtion activated, half of them would be transformed into mindless Void creatures! Qin Xian looked at the angry crowd, a cruel smile on his face. Calmly, he said, ¡°Doesn¡¯t it frustrate you? We¡¯re just 20% short of a perfect purification.¡± Everyone froze, their bodies trembling. They understood Qin Xian¡¯s intent. He intended to let ¡¾Void Assimtion¡¿ seed! Since they were missing that 20% purification rate, he would turn these yers into Void creatures, then kill them to boost the world¡¯s purification score. In Qin Xian¡¯s eyes, everyone here was a pawn, a sacrifice to be used at will. Naturally, that included the other yers. From a distance, Chu Junzhang watched, stunned, but quickly grasped Qin Xian¡¯s intent. She looked deeply at Qin Xian, her eyes filled with aplex mix of emotions¡ªfear, vignce, and above all, admiration. Unlike other women, Chu Junzhang had no respect for those gentle and kind-hearted men. In this ruthless world, only those who are even more ruthless can go further! To achieve great things, one cannot afford to be merciful! Qin Xian was destined to be as powerful as his father, Qin Ming! Calmly, she ordered, ¡°Let the Empress release the skill.¡± Some of the Chu family experts hesitated, but under her cold gaze, they shuddered and obeyed. With the Chu family experts joining in, the yers had no chance to attack the Empress. All they could do was watch helplessly as shepleted her chant. The ¡¾Void Assimtion¡¿ skill had rarely been allowed toplete before, given it was practically a free skill to interrupt! But now, Void Assimtion was truly going to be unleashed. The Qin family, the Chu family, and other powerful members from prestigious houses weren¡¯t worried; their luxurious gear could resist the Void¡¯s corrosive aura. But what about themoners? Many tried to flee the dungeon, butbat status prevented them from teleporting out. Some turned to run, desperate for escape. But where could they go? Finally, the Void Gate behind the Empress materialized, releasing a dreadful Void aura that engulfed the entire royal city as though marking the world¡¯s end. Countless yers found themselves enveloped by the Void aura, immediately corrupted as their bodies began to mutate into monstrous shapes. Once assimted by the Void aura, their names were erased from the yer list, leaving them as mindless Void creatures driven only to kill. Nearly a hundred thousand yers across the city were transformed into Void creatures. They hadn¡¯t died, but something far worse had happened. Some surviving yers looked on in despair and horror, tears streaming down their faces. Many of theirpanions had been turned into Void monsters! Their gazes filled with indescribable anguish as they looked toward Qin Xian. This young man¡­ Was truly heartless! They had once thought Qin Xian was rather friendly; unlike other oppressive nobles, he usually didn¡¯t harmmoners for no reason. But now they knew. If it served his goals, Qin Xian could be even more ruthless than those noble heirs. One hundred thousand lives¡­ Snuffed out without a second thought! Yet Qin Xian¡¯s expression remained calm. The corruption of these countless yers barely stirred a ripple within him, as if he were watching the extermination of insects. Coolly, hemanded, ¡°Begin.¡± The Qin family experts moved forward and began a systematic sweep of the Void creatures. These newly corrupted creatures were mindless and weak, and in moments, thousands had already been in. With each kill, the world¡¯s Purification Rate rose, now reaching 82%! Qin Xian stepped forward, radiating endless holy light that nketed the entire city. In that moment, he seemed to transform into a deity. His body grew, towering like a giant as he drove his massive sword into the ground. Complex, holy light runes surged from the earth across the city. ¡¾Judgment Sermon¡¿: A divine skill. Drive your holy sword into the ground, creating a 30,000-meter-wide field around you. Deal 50,000 points of holy damage to all targets within the area, with an additional 300% damage to undead, demons, and Void-type creatures. Creates a Holy Light Pool, which gathers 300 energy points for every enemy killed, up to 500,000 points. Uponpletion, all energy is focused on the primary target, dealing an additional 500,000 holy damage. Cooldown: 7 days. Boom! Every Void creature in the city¡ªover a hundred thousand¡ªwas engulfed and purified by the holy light! The Empress, ¡¾Empress Angelina¡¿, was also in in the powerful st! Simultaneously, the dungeon system disyed: World Purification Rate: 100%! Chapter 74 Chapter 74: The Void Needs Talents Like You Qin Xian¡¯s body trembled slightly as he unleashed his skill, bearing a heavy burden in doing so. His mana waspletely drained, and the skill ¡¾Judgment Sermon¡¿ entered a seven-day cooldown. Yet, the skill¡¯s power was undeniably overwhelming, like a nuclear bomb with city-leveling strength. Once Qin Xian reached a higher level, he would be able to destroy entire nations with a single skill. This was the terrifying power of an SSS-ss profession! Although the world¡¯s Purification Rate reached 100%, and the Empress had been sessfully defeated, no one looked joyous. The entire royal city was enveloped in a sense of destion and decay. Previously, the city had been filled with hundreds of thousands of yers, countless teams bustling with life and camaraderie, filled with confidence for the future. Now, only a few tens of thousands remained. The surviving yers looked at Qin Xian with expressions of fear, as if he were a Boss even more terrifying than the ones they fought. From this moment forward, for many of them, Qin Xian would be the true Boss in their hearts. Some yers gave him a deep,sting look before turning away, choosing to leave the dungeon without even challenging the final Boss, ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿. After all, who knew what might happen next? Better to walk away than risk dying at Qin Xian¡¯s hands instead of a Boss¡¯s. Yet, more yers chose to stay. Dungeons were always dangerous, and aside from the safety of the main cities, the wilderness and dungeons were treacherousnds filled with peril. The Broken Heaven dungeon was a rare opportunity; if they missed it now, who knew when they¡¯d get another chance? ¡°Where¡­ is this?¡± Ye Xuan looked around at his surroundings, his expression filled with confusion. He remembered being trapped in the Emperor¡¯s Coffin, certain he was doomed, when suddenly a mysterious force transported him to this strange space. The setting seemed to be a lush hilltop, with verdant grass underfoot. Stretching out before him was andscape of ins and hills, endless in all directions. ¡°This is the Divine Realm.¡± A soft, sacred voice suddenly sounded behind him. Ye Xuan quickly turned, finding himself face-to-face with an extraordinarily beautiful and divinely pure goddess. She radiated an aura of holiness and hesitation. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°I am Marika, the Eternal Queen, the creator of this world,¡± she replied with a gentle smile. Hearing this, Ye Xuan¡¯s face showed a hint of reverence, and he bowed his head respectfully. ¡°Thank you for saving me, Eternal Queen.¡± Marika¡¯s smile grew at his respectful gesture. ¡°I sensed something unique in you.¡± She spoke softly, ¡°I saw you saving many human yers within the dungeon, yet when you were in danger, not a single one returned to save you. Do you regret saving them?¡± Without hesitation, Ye Xuan shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t regret it. I saved them because I chose to, not for any expectation of repayment. Even if given a hundred chances, I would still choose to save them.¡± Marika studied Ye Xuan¡¯s eyes, sensing his sincerity in every word. She smiled. ¡°You seem to be the one we have been waiting for, the Child of Prophecy,¡± Marika said warmly. ¡°I will take you to the Hall of the Gods, where you will receive the blessings of the deities. But before that, you must pass one more trial¡­¡± Back in the royal city, the moment the Empress fell, an overwhelming aura began to spread, shattering the earth itself. Boom! A massive demonic hand crashed onto the ground, a single hand as tall as a small mountain. Following it, a colossal monster emerged before the yers. The creature stood dozens of meters tall, its entire body engulfed in terrifying infernal mes. Its eyes zed like the pits of hell, filled with rage and madness. A pair of wings loomed behind it,rge enough to blot out the sky and cast the entire city in shadow. ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿: Elite Rare Boss This final Boss is a true Void Warlord, one who has witnessed the presence of the Great Terror. His cunning and brutality surpass any other Boss¡­ The Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg held a whip in his hand, his face twisted into a cruel smile as he looked at Qin Xian with interest. ¡°Human, I¡¯ve been watching you from below,¡± Kar¡¯eg sneered. ¡°Your strength is impressive; under Level 30, yet you possessbat power exceeding Level 45.¡± In the next moment, both he and Qin Xian vanished, transported to another space. ¡¾Cycle Cage¡¿: Banishes the target and the user to a Void Cage, reducing the target¡¯s primary attributes by 50% and increasing all skill cooldowns by 200% for five minutes. Inside the Void Cage, Kar¡¯eg grinned viciously at Qin Xian. ¡°You¡¯re the strongest one here. Once you¡¯re dead, only that woman poses any threat. Facing the great Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg alone is an honor for you! But I¡¯ll give you a chance to live.¡± Kar¡¯eg looked down on Qin Xian, like an ant that piqued his interest. ¡°Your methods are ruthless; I like that. Your talent is among the strongest I¡¯ve seen. If you¡¯re willing to submit to me, I can rmend you to the true master. In the Void, we need talents like you¡­¡± Qin Xian nced around the space, assessing this separate dimension where no one else could witness what was happening within. Hearing Kar¡¯eg¡¯s offer of submission, Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help butugh, as though he had just heard the most absurd joke. ¡°You want me to submit to you, a mere Void Warlord?¡± Chapter 75 Chapter 75: Qin Xian¡¯s Bloodline Kar¡¯eg¡¯s smile instantly darkened. This human dared to look down on him, treating him as merely a lowly Void Warlord! In the Void¡¯s hierarchy, a Void Warlord was a high-ranking position, second only to the Void Lords. And he was not just any Warlord; he had even witnessed the terrifying presence of the Great Terror of the Void. Fixing Qin Xian with a fierce, bloodthirsty re, Kar¡¯eg roared, ¡°I¡¯ll make you suffer bit by bit, human!¡± Wielding his whip, he charged at Qin Xian with the force of a mountain copsing. Qin Xian looked at Kar¡¯eg with a cold, icy gaze as he activated his second ss: Void Overlord. A chilling, overwhelming pressure radiated from Qin Xian, his eyes igniting with a cold blue me devoid of any emotion. Seeing this, Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¯s face filled with shock and terror. ¡°What!!!???¡± Kar¡¯eg dropped to his knees instantly, gripped by a soul-deep fear that came from his very bloodline, causing his spirit to tremble. He couldn¡¯t even muster the courage to look at Qin Xian, let alone attack him. A Void Overlord!? Kneeling on the ground, Kar¡¯eg couldn¡¯t lift his head under the crushing bloodline pressure, his voice trembling with disbelief. ¡°Y-you¡­ How¡­ how are you a Void Overlord? How is this possible!?¡± At this moment, Kar¡¯eg became utterly submissive. In the Void¡¯s world, the hierarchy was absolute, and every Void creature¡¯s bloodline held an inherent fear of higher ranks. A Void Overlord was among the most exalted beings in the Void realm, each one a Great Terror with supreme authority over all Void creatures. Yet Kar¡¯eg couldn¡¯tprehend how a human could possess the bloodline of a Void Overlord. Was it possible that this human was the offspring of one of the true masters? ording to Kar¡¯eg¡¯s knowledge, the Void had seven Great Courts, and his own master was one of the true lords of these courts. But which master¡¯s offspring was this formidable being before him? Only now did Kar¡¯eg finally understand why Qin Xian¡¯s character and methods felt so aligned with the Void. It wasn¡¯t merely cruelty¡ªQin Xian had the bloodline of the Void itself! Filled with panic and regret, Kar¡¯eg thought of his earlier attitude toward Qin Xian. If his master knew of this, he would likely kill him on the spot. Qin Xian looked down at the kneeling Kar¡¯eg with a mocking expression. Outside this space, he might have needed a few minutes to defeat this Void Warlord, but here, with his Void Overlord status, his bloodline alone rendered Kar¡¯eg powerless. ¡°Kar¡¯eg, who is your master?¡± Qin Xian asked indifferently. ¡°T-the Lord of the Third Court, the Great Terror Khornus,¡± Kar¡¯eg replied, trembling. ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t realize¡­¡± Qin Xian shot him a cold nce, silencing him instantly. Though he held back, Qin Xian¡¯s eyes carried a strange glint. Everyone knew his father was Qin Ming, the regent of the empire. But no one knew who his mother was¡­ ¡°Why did Khornus station you here?¡± Qin Xian¡¯s tone was dismissive, addressing Khornus without any honorifics, but Kar¡¯eg didn¡¯t mind. After all, Qin Xian was a Void Overlord, on the same level as his master. They were equals. ¡°My master stationed me here to serve as the dungeon¡¯s final Boss,¡± Kar¡¯eg exined cautiously. ¡°For thousands of years, I have been gathering information on the rules of the Divine Revtion dungeon, awaiting my master¡¯s call.¡± ¡°Each time the dungeon opens, new Void creatures are summoned, and upon their deaths, I collect their Void essence to create Void Anchors. One day, these anchors will be used to wee the army of the Third Court under my master¡¯smand¡­¡± ¡°Give me the Void Anchor,¡± Qin Xian ordered. Kar¡¯eg¡¯s face showed hesitation. This was a task entrusted to him by his master, the Great Terror Khornus. But he couldn¡¯t defy Qin Xian. Reluctantly, he took out a crystal-like object and obediently handed it to Qin Xian. ¡¾Void Anchor¡¿: Legendary item, capable of marking a world to open a portal connecting it to the Void. This object was of immense importance. The Great Terrors of the Void were incredibly powerful, but their strength was so overwhelming that normal portals couldn¡¯t withstand their energy and would copse upon contact. However, with the Void Anchor, a stable portal could be created, allowing a Great Terror to descend in their true form. Stowing away the ¡¾Void Anchor¡¿, Qin Xian turned his gaze back to Kar¡¯eg, the Void Warlord. ¡°I could have spared you,¡± Qin Xian said, his tone devoid of emotion. ¡°But your previous attitude offended me, Kar¡¯eg. You understand the consequences.¡± Kar¡¯eg trembled violently in fear, but his eyes shed with a hint of ferocity. Although he feared Qin Xian¡¯s Void Overlord bloodline and couldn¡¯t defy his will, he was still a servant of the Great Terror Khornus, and the creatures under Khornus¡¯s rule were innately violent. In a desperate burst, Kar¡¯eg leapt up and tried to escape. He didn¡¯t dare attack Qin Xian, but his savage nature gave him just enough courage to attempt a retreat. Qin Xian sneered. ¡°Foolish.¡± ¡¾Void Execution¡¿: Instantly kills a Void creature that is no more than 20 levels below you and two ranks lower. Cooldown: 2 hours. The next moment, Kar¡¯eg¡¯s body disintegrated entirely, his life force drained instantly, leaving himpletely dead. Even in death, his face was frozen in terror¡­ With Kar¡¯eg¡¯s death, Qin Xian returned to the royal city. ¡°Brother!¡± Seeing Qin Xian appear, Qin Li rushed to him, her face filled with excitement. When Qin Xian was drawn into the Cycle Cage by ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿, she had been extremely worried. Though she had great faith in her brother¡¯s abilities, Kar¡¯eg was a Level 40 elite Boss, and facing him alone was dangerous. Now, seeing Qin Xian return safely, Qin Li finally felt a weight lift from her heart. Chapter 76 Chapter 76: Emperor Qin Xian Alongside Qin Xian, the corpse of ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿ appeared, marking the end of the battle. A profound silence fell over the entire royal city, and shock was etched on every face. Qin Xian had defeated Kar¡¯eg, the final Boss, alone in less than five minutes!? Though Qin Xian had amazed the people many times before, this time, the astonishment was beyond anything they¡¯d experienced. After all, ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿ was not just any opponent but the final Boss of the Broken Heaven dungeon¡ªa genuine Void Warlord, not merely a simted enemy created by the Divine Revtion system. For centuries, across countless attempts at Broken Heaven, no yer or team had ever sessfully defeated ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿. The best record to date had been forcing him to retreat with 18% of his health remaining. The people had prepared themselves for a grueling battle, anticipating a fight that mightst several hours, or even all night. Yet here was Qin Xian, emerging victorious in just five minutes. A wave of despair filled their hearts. Was the difference between individuals really so vast? Just then, everyone received their perfect-clear rewards. Although they hadn¡¯t defeated the final Boss themselves, they had reached 100% World Purification, plus they had taken down the previous six Bosses. Each yer received an enormous amount of experience points, with many leveling up several times in a single leap. This one dungeon run in Broken Heaven was worth several years of regr progress in the outside world! Additionally, they received countless gems and materials from the Divine Revtion system as rewards. If sold, each person could easily pocket a few million credits. Qin Xian¡¯s own system interface disyed thepletion message: ¡¾Perfect Clear of Broken Heaven Dungeon, System Rating: SSS¡¿ ¨C Reward: 660,000 XP, Broken Heaven Set (Purple Quality), ¡¾Rift Summoning Skill Book¡¿, ¡¾Void Dominion Skill Book¡¿. With a surge of light, Qin Xian leveled up from 25 to 30 instantly! At Level 30, his Oracle Knight ss unlocked its first Divine Fragment. ¡¾Oracle¡¯s Retribution¡¿: Divine Fragment; increases all primary attributes by 10%, raises all skill levels by 1, grants +10% to divinity progression, provides immunity to divine intimidation skills, and unlocks the Retribution Edict. ¡¾Retribution Edict¡¿: Inflicts true damage equal to 50% of the target¡¯s maximum health, guarantees a hit, and reduces the target¡¯s skill uracy by 30% and primary attributes by 30% for 240 seconds. Cooldown: 24 hours. Studying the Divine Fragment he¡¯d gained, Qin Xian narrowed his eyes in surprise. This ¡¾Retribution Edict¡¿ skill¡­ was astonishingly powerful, especially because it guaranteed a hit. This meant that even legendary beings would be unable to escape it. With one strike, Qin Xian could strip them of half their health! Incredible. For a legendary figure with millions, even tens of millions of health points, he could deplete 5 million health in an instant, leaving even the strongest legends in a weakened state. Qin Xian felt his expectations for the Divine Fragments heighten. Normally, he could only acquire one fragment every 30 levels, meaning he¡¯d need to reach Level 300 to achieve full divinity. But that was nearly impossible. At most, he could hope to be a demigod. But he knew there were other Divine Fragments hidden within the Hall of the Gods¡­ With the fall of ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿, the world shifted. All traces of void corruption vanished, and the broken world began to heal. The royal city was bathed in golden light, exuding a profound sanctity. Though it was an illusion, the people could see a glimpse of the prosperity and glory of the ancient empire. At that moment, the spirits of ancient emperors emerged, their once agonized expressions now serene as they faced the crowd. With majestic voices, they proimed, ¡°The reign of kings has ended, the empire is reborn, the gods shall awaken, and all shall rise.¡± A massive gateway materialized in the city¡¯s za, revealing a towering staircase within¡ªthe Stairway to Heaven. Qin Xian understood. This was the path to the Hall of the Gods, where he could receive the blessings of the ancient celestials. After defeating both ¡¾Empress Angelina¡¿ and ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿, Qin Xian gifted his sister, Qin Li, with 20 Void Crystals. Even after this, Qin Xian still held 40 Void Crystals, more than enough to qualify for the highest blessings. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s see what these so-called gods look like,¡± Qin Xian said to Qin Li with a slight smile. His face held only mild curiosity, with no hint of reverence or worship. To him, gods were merely beings of greater power. Besides, these deities were broken gods, stripped of their divine essence by the Great Terror of the Void, the Third Court¡¯s Khornus. Those with Void Crystals entered the gateway, making their way to the Hall of the Gods. The others left the dungeon, knowing that Qin Xian¡¯s name would soon echo throughout the empire. Whether for his feat of single-handedly defeating ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿ or the controversy of sacrificing tens of thousands during the raid on ¡¾Empress Angelina¡¿, Qin Xian would be the empire¡¯s, perhaps humanity¡¯s, most discussed and divisive figure. As Qin Xian passed through the portal, he found himself in what seemed to be an entirely new world¡ªimmersed in dreams. In these visions, Qin Xian witnessed many scenes, as if he had truly be the emperor of an ancient empire. The Void had just begun its invasion, and the empire was on the brink of copse. The dream was so vivid that Qin Xian nearly forgot his real identity, fully embracing the role of the ancient empire¡¯s ruler. Within this dream, countless citizens of the empire were gripped by panic, and even the empire¡¯s ministers were paralyzed by fear, uncertain of what to do. At this critical moment, Qin Xian stepped forward. With an iron fist, he consolidated all military power, sending it to the front lines and forcibly conscripting every able-bodied man. He ordered that the Void¡¯s forces be stopped at any cost, regardless of casualties. Then, utilizing all the ancient empire¡¯s knowledge¡ªincluding forbidden sorceries¡ªQin Xian began conducting human experiments to test these dark magics. He even orchestrated sacrificial rituals to obtain greater power. Ultimately, he transformed all the empire¡¯s citizens into beings akin to Void creatures. He even arranged for the citizens to interbreed with Void monsters, creating an entirely new species¡ªpowerful, fearless, yet utterly devoid of emotion. They resembled machines, existing solely to fulfill Qin Xian¡¯s will. In the end, under Qin Xian¡¯s iron rule, the ancient empire repelled the Void invasion. Chapter 77 Chapter 77: Two Extremes After repelling the Void invasion, Qin Xian¡¯s gaze became unfocused, and he soon realized he had arrived in an immensely grand pce. Others who had qualified to enter the Hall of the Gods wore simr expressions of faint bewilderment, suggesting they had experienced dreams akin to his own. In the depths of the pce, towering, majestic figures surrounded them, their eyes resting on the assembled humans. Among them, a stern and dignified goddess gazed directly at Qin Xian, her brows slightly furrowed. Her expression wasplex¡ªfilled with awe and contemtion, but above all, caution. As everyone regained rity, the goddess¡¯s voice echoed through the hall, resonating with a holy intensity that made everyone instinctively wish to kneel. ¡°I am Marika, the Eternal Queen, ruler of the Hall of the Gods and deity of this world.¡± After she spoke, other gods began introducing themselves in turn. ¡°I am Kenqi, the God of War, once revered by the ancient empire.¡± ¡°I am Elune, Goddess of the Moon!¡± ¡°I am Mandus, God of the Forest!¡± One by one, the gods spoke, their ethereal voices filling the Hall. To humans, these divine tones were so beautiful, so pure, that many could not resist kneeling in reverence. Only Qin Xian, Qin Li, and Chu Junzhang remained standing, their expressions calm andposed. Seeing these three remain standing, Marika¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, but she soon rxed, speaking in an even tone, ¡°You have cleared the Broken Heaven dungeon and defeated ¡¾Void Warlord Kar¡¯eg¡¿. This achievement grants you the right to receive blessings from the Hall of the Gods. However, the type of blessing you receive depends on whether you pass a test. The dreams you just experienced were that test.¡± A trace of sorrow crossed her face. ¡°This world has been shattered, and we have long awaited the arrival of the Child of Prophecy. ording to legend, only the Child of Prophecy can save our world.¡± ¡°Only those who can repel the Void invasion and save the empire in the dream are qualified to be the Child of Prophecy.¡± At these words, most people¡¯s faces reflected regret, as they had all failed. In their dreams, the ancient empire was overrun by the Void, mirroring the current state of reality. Marika spoke solemnly, ¡°For a thousand years, countless individuals have undergone this trial, yet none have passed. None could repel the Void in their dream¡­ until this time.¡± Her gaze turned to Qin Xian, filled withplexity. ¡°This time, two individuals passed the trial. In their dreams, they repelled the Void invasion and saved the empire¡­¡± In the next instant, Qin Xian found himself standing at the center of the Hall. At the same time, across from him, Ye Xuan¡¯s figure also slowly materialized. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Ye Xuan¡¯s appearance. He had guessed correctly¡ªthe gods had indeed saved Ye Xuan, allowing him to undergo the trial and earn the chance to receive divine blessings. Ye Xuan looked back at Qin Xian calmly, observing him. ¡°They have both passed the trial of the Hall of the Gods!¡± Marika announced in a powerful voice. In the center of the Hall, a circr mirror appeared, disying Qin Xian and Ye Xuan¡¯s choices in their respective dreams. In his dream, Qin Xian had be emperor, embodying a cold, emotionless logic. Every choice he made was calcted for the greatest benefit, the most reasonable path. And indeed, he seeded¡ªunder his leadership, the empire repelled the Void within a mere hundred years. After driving out the Void, Qin Xian¡¯s empire grew increasingly powerful, expanding rapidly and conquering other worlds through brutal wars, suppressing and enving other races. Under his rule, the ancient empire cast its light across multiple realms, bing the strongest force in the universe. Silence filled the Hall as everyone witnessed Qin Xian¡¯s cold and ruthless strategies. They could not deny that, from the perspective of an emperor, Qin Xian seemed almost perfectly suited for the role. He was, in every sense, a ruler without emotion¡ªlike a calcting machine. After repelling the Void, the ancient empire under Qin Xian¡¯s rule grew even stronger, expanding rapidly. His empireunched invasions into other worlds, waging brutal wars, and ruthlessly subjugating the races they encountered. The empire¡¯s influence spread its radiance to countless realms, bing the most formidable power in the universe. Seeing this unfold, those in the Hall fell silent, struck by Qin Xian¡¯s ruthlessness. There was no denying it¡ªwhen it came to ruling an empire, Qin Xian was an ideal emperor. He was, in essence, a machine devoid of empathy. ¡­ On the other hand, Ye Xuan¡¯s dream presented apletely different picture. When the Void invaded, Ye Xuan personally took to the front lines, sharing meals and hardships with his soldiers. Hismitment earned their respect and devotion. He cared deeply for his people, even showing kindness to the poorest among them, willing to hold their hands and listen to their pleas. The war against the Void was harsh, and although the ancient empire suffered significant losses under Ye Xuan¡¯s leadership, it never truly crumbled. Countless individuals willingly followed Ye Xuan, prepared to face death by his side. The war dragged on for a thousand years. Despite the ancient empire losing much of its territory, Ye Xuan¡¯s guidance ensured they never surrendered. In the end, Ye Xuan led the empire until the Divine Revtion¡¯s will descended. Choosing self-sacrifice, he transformed himself into a living spirit of the empire, sealing off every Void rift. Peace was thus restored to the ancient empire. Watching Ye Xuan¡¯s dream, Qin Xian shook his head, a trace of disdain shing across his face. To him, the choice of self-sacrifice was nothing but foolish. These two vastly different dreams left everyone in the Hall deeply shaken. Qin Xian and Ye Xuan were like two extremes. In Qin Xian¡¯s vision, he sat as a distant emperor, high above, never engaging directly with his people or soldiers. Instead, he sat alone on his throne, coldly processing reports and making calcted, ruthless decisions that yielded the most advantageous results. Citizens, soldiers, and even ministers were mere pawns in his eyes, expendable and easily manipted. After defeating the Void, he immediately began to emte its methods, invading and enving other worlds. Under his rule, the ancient empire became powerful and prosperous¡ªalmost a mirror of the Void itself. In contrast, Ye Xuan was more a hero than a ruler. He loved his people and was willing to shed blood for them. His selflessness earned him the people¡¯s loyalty and admiration. Ultimately, he sacrificed himself for the good of the empire and its countless citizens. Everyone was deeply moved by Ye Xuan¡¯s dream. If they had to choose two words to describe Qin Xian and Ye Xuan, it would be that Qin Xian was fearsome, while Ye Xuan was admirable. Chapter 78 Chapter 78: Eternal Queen, I Think You May Be Mistaken The two candidates for the Child of Prophecy stood on entirely different paths, representing two opposite destinies. The hall was silent as everyone reflected, trying to determine who among Qin Xian and Ye Xuan was the true Child of Prophecy. From a broad perspective, Qin Xian appeared to be the perfect model of an emperor. Under his rule, the empire repelled the Void in a mere hundred years and went on to dominate half the universe. Yet this empire¡¯s prosperity and strength were built on countless bones and the lives of sacrificed citizens. On a personal level, however, Ye Xuan embodied an emperor withpassion. Kind, sincere, and selfless, he embodied all the virtues people most cherished and aspired to. Chu Junzhang watched Ye Xuan¡¯s vision with a slight shake of her head, a hint of scorn in her eyes. Yes, Ye Xuan was indeed a good person. But good people do not make good emperors. This world was fraught with danger, filled with schemes, treachery, and bloodshed. A ruler with such fairy-tale-like virtues was ill-suited for the harsh realities of this world. A true ruler cares only for one thing: maximizing benefit. However, if Chu Junzhang had to choose a ruler, she would still pick Ye Xuan¡ªa man so easily controlled. Marika¡¯s expression grew solemn. ¡°There can only be one Child of Prophecy,¡± she dered, her gaze shifting to Qin Xian. ¡°Although you passed the trial of dreams, I regret to say I do not believe you are the Child of Prophecy.¡± Qin Xian¡¯s face showed no trace of anger; instead, he looked intrigued. Smiling, he asked, ¡°And what makes you think that?¡± Marika¡¯s gaze turned cold as she addressed him. ¡°Though your empire repelled the Void, your citizens lived in suffering. You resorted to extreme measures to drive out the Void, using forbidden magic and sacrificing millions as offerings to gain power.¡± Qin Xian raised an eyebrow, puzzled, and replied, ¡°Why not? Without their sacrifices, I would not have gained the power needed to repel the Void. Without that strength, it wouldn¡¯t just be millions dead but billions¡ªthe entire empire would have fallen.¡± He stood with his hands behind his back, his expression indifferent. ¡°Sacrificing millions to save billions seems a fair trade. Their sacrifice brought me power and the empire peace. Those sacrifices were worthwhile.¡± Listening to Qin Xian¡¯s words, a chill passed over the crowd. He was like a creature of pure logic, devoid of emotion, viewing all actions through the lens of gains and losses. And yet, they couldn¡¯t deny that Qin Xian¡¯s reasoning was sound. Under those circumstances, his choice had been the most effective solution. But Marika shook her head, her voice tinged with anger. ¡°But did those who were sacrificed agree? They were your people! And yet you betrayed them, sacrificing them as though they were nothing!¡± Qin Xian¡¯s brows furrowed, his tone cold. ¡°They were ordinary people, no different from ants on the roadside. They held no inherent value, so why should I consider their opinions? Weakness is a sin. Their deaths were their only value, as they provided me with the power I needed.¡± Marika¡¯s and the other gods¡¯ expressions darkened at his words. Marika looked at Qin Xian with a stern gaze and spoke coldly, ¡°The trial was not merely about repelling the Void. It was also about saving the empire, and that means saving every citizen, leaving no one behind.¡± ¡°But under your rule, your people were mere pawns, expendable at will. You even went so far as to invade other worlds, enving them. How is that any different from the Void?¡± ¡°Therefore, although you passed the trial, youck the empathy required. You are not the Child of Prophecy! The true Child of Prophecy¡­ is Ye Xuan!¡± Marika turned to Ye Xuan, her expression softening with approval. She spoke warmly, ¡°You are the Child of Prophecy. Your kindness, sincerity, and selflessness have the power to unite all people, to bring everyone¡¯s strength together. You are the leader the ancient empire truly needs¡ªthe savior this world truly needs!¡± In her hand, a radiant light appeared¡ªthe essence of this world. She raised her voice, announcing, ¡°Ye Xuan shall receive the perfect blessing! From this day forth, he is the new emperor of the Saint Nurmen Empire, favored by the gods!¡± Ye Xuan¡¯s face lit up with excitement at her words. He had never expected to be the final victor, the Child of Prophecy! Proudly, he nced at Qin Xian, his convictions vindicated. Though the path was winding, he had always believed that genuinepassion would ultimately yield the greatest rewards. To be benevolent is to be invincible! With the perfect blessing, he would rise from an SS-level Dragon Apostle to an SSS-level Dragon God and be the new emperor of the Saint Nurmen Empire. Behind him stood the full support of the Hall of the Gods! Ye Xuan felt as though his once dark and hopeless path had suddenly be a radiant beacon of hope. ¡°And as for you¡­¡± Marika turned to Qin Xian, her brow furrowing slightly. ¡°Though you obtained 40 Void Crystals and achieved the highest ranking, qualifying you for the perfect blessing by right, I sense darkness within your heart.¡± ¡°Your ruthlessness would only bring suffering to the world. As arbiters of this dungeon, we have a covenant with the Divine Revtion system to ensure humanity¡¯s future.¡± ¡°Thus, we cannot grant you the perfect blessing. However, you may still choose one of the intermediate blessings. This is our final mercy.¡± The crowd turned to Qin Xian in shock. No one had expected things to turn out like this. Despite Qin Xian¡¯s first-ce ranking, he would be denied the perfect blessing, while Ye Xuan, who had not even faced thest two bosses, emerged as the ultimate winner! Hearing this, Qin Li¡¯s face twisted with anger, her gaze filled with hostility toward the gods. Yet Qin Xian¡¯s expression showed no trace of fury¡ªinstead, he began tough, hisughter echoing through the Hall as if he had just heard the most amusing joke. After a long moment, he finally stoppedughing and looked at Marika, his eyes mocking. ¡°Eternal Queen, I think you may be mistaken about something¡­¡± Qin Xian¡¯s smile grew cold and sharp. ¡°I didn¡¯te to the Hall of the Gods to request your blessing. I came to take it.¡± He looked at Marika and the assembled gods with neither reverence nor fear, only indifference. It was the gaze of a predator sizing up his prey. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 79 Chapter 79: You Are Nothing ¡°I didn¡¯te to ask for blessings; I came to take them.¡± Hearing Qin Xian¡¯s audacious deration, Marika and the other gods¡¯ expressions darkened, their faces contorted with indignation. They could sense that Qin Xian held little reverence for them as deities, but they had never anticipated such brazen arrogance¡ªthat he would dare to seize divine blessings by force. ¡°Insolent mortal!¡± The gods were furious. The God of War, Kenqi, red at Qin Xian, stepping forward as his divine aura flooded the hall. ¡°Remember your ce, mortal! Leave the Hall of the Gods at once¡ªyou shall receive no blessing!¡± The wrath of the gods filled the human warriors in the hall with an instinctive fear. Humans and gods were fundamentally different, after all. Even though these gods had lost their primary divine essences, they still exuded an inherent authority that suppressed and intimidated all humans. Yet Qin Xian remained as calm as ever, his expression untroubled as he faced the assembly of gods. With a faint smile, he replied, ¡°I have never failed to get what I want. No one can refuse me, not even gods.¡± Kenqi¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice cold. ¡°I¡¯d like to see what you n to do if I refuse.¡± A glint of scorn flickered in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. In the next instant, he vanished, reappearing directly in front of Kenqi. His body radiated blinding holy light, six wings unfurled behind him, exuding a terrifying divine aura that caused the surrounding space to copse inward as if drawn to his presence. With one fluid motion, Qin Xian shed his sword toward Kenqi¡¯s head! Kenqi, enraged, clenched his fists as they red with divine light, his form towering with divine might. He swung a fist toward Qin Xian, a blow powerful enough to shatter stars. ¡°Mortal, you court death!¡± But in the next moment, shock filled Kenqi¡¯s face. His fists were effortlessly severed by Qin Xian¡¯s sword, which cleaved through all his divine defenses. With a single stroke, Qin Xian decapitated him. Kenqi¡¯s head tumbled to the ground, his face frozen in disbelief. ¡°This¡­ this¡­ impossible¡­¡± he murmured before Qin Xian¡¯s foot crushed his head, shattering it like a watermelon. ¡¾Blessing of the Archangel of Light¡¿: Enter Archangel form, transforming into a semi-divine being of holy light. Increases all attributes by 300%, boosts skill levels by 10, grants immunity to all control effects, and imbues all skills with divine intimidation. Duration: 30 minutes. Cooldown: 48 hours. With one sword stroke, Qin Xian had killed the God of War, Kenqi. Although the gods of the Hall were genuine deities, they were also iplete beings. The Great Terror of the Void had stripped them of their primary divinity, leaving them confined to the Hall of the Gods with drastically weakened power, equivalent to around Level 50. Meanwhile, Qin Xian, having stacked attributes from his god-ying streak, along with the ¡¾Blessing of the Archangel of Light¡¿, now far surpassed them in strength. Kenqi¡¯s divine power and the remnants of his shattered divinity flowed into Qin Xian¡¯s body, absorbed by his holy sword. Qin Xian watched as his system disyed a new notification indicating he had acquired a new divine fragment. ¡¾War God¡¯s Favor¡¿: Divine Fragment. Increases all primary attributes by 10%, raises all skill levels by 1, adds +10% to divinity progress, grants immunity to divine intimidation skills, and unlocks the War God¡¯s Edict. ¡¾War God¡¯s Edict¡¿: Bestows mastery of war tactics, allowing insight into any opponent¡¯s weaknesses and skill vulnerabilities. Duration: 2 hours. Cooldown: 24 hours. Another divine fragment in hand. Kenqi¡¯s headless body copsed with a thud, all traces of divinity and life extinguished. With a faint smile, Qin Xian turned his gaze to the other gods, still exuding an air of politeposure. ¡°Now, do you understand the consequences of denying me?¡± The sight left everyone in the Hall speechless. Qin Xian had killed a god! And more astonishingly, he had dared to y a god. This was what set Qin Xian apart from everyone else. To others, including Ye Xuan, gods were supreme beings beyond reproach. One could only submit to their will, seek their approval, and hope for their blessings. But Qin Xian was different. If a god refused him, he would simply kill the god. If anyone blocked his path¡ªwhether deity or mortal¡ªQin Xian would cut them down. Marika and the gods stared at Kenqi¡¯s lifeless form in disbelief. Kenqi, the War God who had once shattered countless realms in the battle against the Void, was dead? Killed by a mere human? Marika trembled with rage, her entire being quaking as she fixed Qin Xian with a furious gaze. ¡°How dare youmit deicide!?¡± But beneath her furyy a deeper feeling¡ªa sliver of fear. Kenqi was one of the strongest among them next to Marika, yet he had still fallen to Qin Xian. Seeing the fear in Marika¡¯s and the other gods¡¯ eyes, Qin Xian¡¯s smile twisted with disdain. These gods still thought of themselves as omnipotent, untouchable beings? For centuries, they had watched wave after wave of human warriors enter their hall, all groveling, revering them, and obeying them without question. This had made them believe they were truly invincible. But when Qin Xian tore away theirst veil of invincibility, it became clear: These gods¡­ were nothing. Looking down at Marika and the other gods with a condescending smile, Qin Xian said calmly, ¡°If you kneel before me now, pledge your loyalty, and offer up your blessings, I might still consider sparing you.¡± Chapter 80 Chapter 80: Qin Xian¡¯s True Identity The remaining human warriors looked at Qin Xian with expressions of awe and disbelief. Qin Xian had not only killed a god but was now demanding the other gods to submit to him. Such overwhelming dominance was unimaginable. Chu Junzhang¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration, aplex emotion stirring within her heart. Meanwhile, Qin Li gazed at her brother with admiration and awe. This was her brother¡ªsomeone stronger and nobler than the gods themselves. ¡°Impudent!¡± ¡°Foolish mortal! You do not understand the wrath of the gods!¡± The gods were furious. Qin Xian dared to demand their loyalty? They were gods, after all! The Forest God Mandus let out a roar, summoning a surge of flowers and massive trees that quickly filled the hall, transforming it into a lush forest. Mandus¡¯s power extended from all directions, his trees moving like arms, reaching to entangle Qin Xian. The divine aura emanating from Mandus¡¯s power was intimidating, imposing a suppression that was typically overwhelming for mortals. The divine intimidation of gods was one of their greatest advantages, striking fear deep within the hearts of humans and making it nearly impossible for mortals to retaliate. But Qin Xian, an SSS-level Oracle Knight with a semi-divine physique, was immune to the intimidation of gods. With six wings unfurled, d in holy armor and wielding a radiant sword, Qin Xian hovered midair, appearing even more divine than the gods themselves. Radiating an unstoppable aura, he raised his holy sword, igniting the entire forest in mes, reducing the vast greenery to ash. The holy fire followed the path of the forest, converging upon Mandus. Fear crept across Mandus¡¯s face; he had never anticipated that his divine intimidation would have no effect on Qin Xian. In the blink of an eye, the mes engulfed him, and he was consumed by holy fire. Within a few minutes, two gods had fallen to Qin Xian¡¯s de. The remaining gods were now fully aware of the kind of visitor they had weed to the Hall of the Gods. Qin Xian was unlike any human they had ever encountered. In the dream trial, he had shown his true nature¡ªcold, ruthless, unyielding to defiance. Back then, the gods had merely despised Qin Xian¡¯s character, not thinking much of his strength. After all, power in dreams didn¡¯t trante to reality. But now, as they watched Qin Xian dispatch gods with terrifying ease, the gods realized he was a nightmare incarnate. The other human warriors retreated, their faces etched with shock. The battle between Qin Xian and the gods was beyond them, and anyone who got too close would be obliterated in the crossfire. Qin Xian looked at the terrified gods, a mocking glint in his eye. Gods were not so remarkable after all. Gods could bleed, could suffer, and could die¡ªso long as one had power greater than theirs. Only power was eternal. To Qin Xian, the gods were nothing more than prey. Marika looked at him, a wave of regret washing over her. Perhaps she had been wrong. Even if Qin Xian was not the Child of Prophecy, had she simply granted him the perfect blessing, perhaps things would not have escted to this point. One by one, the gods fell to Qin Xian¡¯s sword, their divine power and fragments of their shattered divinities absorbed by him. Marika finally understood the meaning behind Qin Xian¡¯s earlier words: he had note to request blessings but to take them. Since the gods refused him, he would simply take them by force. ¡°Stop this!¡± Ye Xuan cried out, charging at Qin Xian. To him, the gods were his allies; they had saved him and acknowledged him. Yet, despite his determination, he was unable to transform into his dragon form, his skill still in cooldown. Marika, however, held him back. ¡°Mirror Wall!¡± Marika¡¯s hair red like mes, and her eyes glowed with terrifying divine light. Instantly, the space around Qin Xian fragmented into countless mirrors, each one reflecting an image of him, trapping him within hundreds of isted spaces. She then ced her fingers on Ye Xuan¡¯s forehead, invoking the world¡¯s essence, which appeared behind her. Divine energy surged through him, and Ye Xuan trembled, feeling an inexplicable power fill him. ¡¾Blessing of Transcendence¡¿: Enhances all skills, allowing unique sses to evolve once more. This was the ¡¾Blessing of Transcendence¡¿ that Ye Xuan had longed for, the blessing that would elevate his SS-level Dragon Apostle to the SSS-level Dragon God. ¡°Your ss hasn¡¯t fully transformed yet. I will send you to the Empire¡¯s treasury, where you can gain strength and inherit everything the Empire has,¡± Marika dered, channeling divine power to send Ye Xuan into another realm, away from the Hall of the Gods. As the mirror world around Qin Xian shattered with a deafening crash, he emerged, hovering above the ruined Hall of the Gods, his gaze cold as he looked down at Marika. Marika surveyed the destruction, taking a deep breath before locking eyes with Qin Xian, her gaze as sharp as a de. ¡°I admit your strength, human. You have surpassed me. But you¡¯ve forgotten one thing!¡± Her voice rang out with righteous anger. ¡°This is a world crafted by me, despite being an instance created by Divine Revtion. And in this world, all must obey the rules of this world! Before the world¡¯s origin, every being must submit to itsws!¡± Marika¡¯s hands cradled the world¡¯s essence, and its radiant light enveloped her and Qin Xian. The next moment, they were transported to a new realm, a celestial space where the shining of the Saint Nurmen Empirey beneath their feet. Holding the world¡¯s essence high, Marikamanded coldly, ¡°Kneel before the essence of this world, mortal!¡± An overwhelming force of supremew surged toward Qin Xian, bearing down upon him. But to Marika¡¯s shock, Qin Xian remained standing, unaffected by the pressure of the world¡¯s essence. ¡°How¡­ how is this possible?¡± Marika gasped, her face twisted in disbelief. Then, as if struck by a revtion, her expression contorted in horror. ¡°You¡­ you aren¡¯t a mere human, are you? You possess the bloodline of the Void!¡± Qin Xian¡¯s lips curled into an eerie smile. ¡°It seems I owe you a proper introduction.¡± His pupils shifted to an unnatural shade of violet as he performed an exaggerated bow, mockingly addressing the Eternal Queen. ¡°Qin Xian, son of the Queen of Abyss, Sovereign of the First Void Court, at your service¡­ Oh, weak little god.¡± Chapter 81 Chapter 81: Toying with the Goddess The Eternal Queen Marika stared at Qin Xian in shock, her body trembling with an unfamiliar fear. The moment she realized that her world¡¯sws had no effect on him, she knew he wasn¡¯t a pure human. Instead, he bore the blood of the Void¡ªa terrifying lineage that made her heart sink. The World Essence, the very foundation of her realm, imposed order on all beings within it. Except for those tainted by the Void. The Void, a malevolent race that feasts upon the essence of worlds, was the only force immune to itsws. This immunity exined why countless realms had fallen to Void invasions, unable to repel their relentless advance. But Marika never imagined that Qin Xian could be the progeny of the Dread Empress¡ªthe sessor of the First Court of the Void! The Void Empress, also known as the Queen of Abyss or the Overlord of the Void, was the most feared ruler of the Void. Across eons, her very name had been a nightmare for gods and mortals alike, bringing despair wherever it echoed. She had devoured the life essence of countless worlds, leaving barren, deste wastnds in her wake, inhospitable even to the creatures of the Void. It was said that innumerable gods had been swallowed by her, and their souls enved, transformed into twisted Void creatures in her court. The ancient empire that once thrived under Marika and the gods had been driven to ruin by the invasion of the Third Court¡¯s Dreadlord, Khorne. Though all seven Void Courts were formidable, the First Court reigned supreme, with the Abyss Empress at its helm as the mightiest of all Void horrors. Marika now understood the gravity of her mistake. Qin Xian, she realized, was not only the scion of the powerful Qin family¡ªone of humanity¡¯s twelve Founders¡ªbut also bore the blood of the First Court. The ufortable feeling she had when she first saw him wasn¡¯t due to his cold nature, but because he carried the essence of the Void within him. Qin Xian didn¡¯t hide it any longer. As he fully embraced his second ss, the Void Overlord, a gleam of hunger flickered in his gaze, directed at the World Essence in Marika¡¯s hand. For Void beings, particrly a Void Overlord, a World Essence was the ultimate feast, an unparalleled source of power. His mother, the Dread Empress, had devoured the essences of dozens of worlds, wiping entire realms from existence. Seeing Qin Xian¡¯s transformation, Marika¡¯s expression grew grim. She knew all too well the overwhelming power of a Void Overlord. Even in his nascent form, Qin Xian was a force beyond her reckoning. With the advancement made possible by the Divine Revtion system, Qin Xian¡¯s growth potential as a Void Overlord was unthinkable, a terrifying prospect she could hardly fathom. Marika cursed her own folly for bringing him to this realm, to the very heart of her world¡¯s power. Without the power of the World Essence to restrain him, she was defenseless against him. Her voice trembled with reluctant awe. ¡°So, from the beginning, your true target was the World Essence itself? No matter if we blessed you or not, you would have taken it by force.¡± Qin Xian¡¯s cold smile held no warmth. ¡°Correct. From the moment I entered this realm, your fates were already sealed.¡± Biting back her fear, Marika summoned her divine power, conjuring projections of countless stars that formed a mighty force surging toward Qin Xian. But her power crumbled before him, overpowered by his unyielding might as a Void Overlord. He snapped his fingers, and suddenly, a myriad of void fissures appeared around Marika. Out from the dark crevices snaked countless Void tendrils, which ensnared her limbs, forcing her into a position of utter humiliation. ¡°Release me!¡± Marika¡¯s face flushed with shame, her eyes zing with indignation. She was the creator god of this world, revered as a noble, sacred queen, and yet now she was trapped in a disgraceful posture, powerless against his whims. Qin Xian looked down at her bound form, his gaze unwavering and indifferent. Extending a single finger, he traced it along her form, prompting her to shudder, suppressing a gasp. Throughout her existence, no one had ever dared approach her like this¡ªlet alone vite her dignity in such a way. This image, unthinkable for most, was enough to drive any onlooker mad. But Qin Xian¡¯s face remained emotionless, his eyes reflecting only a detached indifference. ¡°You should be grateful for my mercy, Marika,¡± he remarked coolly. ¡°Killing you would be a waste.¡± A twisted gleam flickered in his eyes as he revealed a small, sinister-looking seed, radiating a dark, malevolent energy. ¡¾Ancient God¡¯s Curse¡¿: Corrupts a weakened deity, enving its soul and binding it to eternal servitude. The Ancient God¡¯s Curse was an ability of the Void Empress, one she used to subjugate countless gods. As her heir, Qin Xian had inherited the same power upon awakening his Void Overlord form. Chapter 82 Chapter 82: The First Divine ve Marika looked at the purple seed in Qin Xian¡¯s hand, her face filled with terror and despair. Finally, she cast aside her divine pride and pleaded, ¡°Spare me. I am willing to grant you the most perfect blessing¡ªeven if it means you devour the World Origin!¡± The Eternal Queen Marika, the creator god of an ancient empire, had once led her empire through millennia of battles against the Void. Even in the bleakest moments, when the Great Terrors of the Void surrounded the Hall of Gods, she had not yielded. But now, she had submitted. The reason was Ancient God¡¯s Curse¡ªa skill too horrifying to bear. Within the First Court of the Void Empress, countless gods were enved. These deities, once as exalted as the Eternal Queen Marika, were worshipped by billions. But under the Ancient God¡¯s Curse, their souls became bound to the Empress, and their very lives depended on another¡¯s whim, turning them into the lowest of ves. Marika did not fear death. What she feared was a fate worse than deathplete envement. Seeing the terror on Marika¡¯s face and the humiliation of her bound posture, Qin Xian¡¯s gaze was devoid of pity. His face wore a gentle smile, but his words were chilling. ¡°I¡¯ve never had a divine ve before¡­ Eternal Queen Marika, consider it an honor to be my first divine ve. You won¡¯t be thest!¡± With that, Qin Xian grasped Marika¡¯s delicate lips and forced the seed of the Ancient God¡¯s Curse into her mouth. In the next moment, Marika¡¯s agonized screams reverberated across the dimensional space. But these cries no longer drew Qin Xian¡¯s attention. He turned, his gaze fixed on the World Origin floating in the air. The World Origin¡ªthe very foundation of a world embryo¡ªcontained countlessws within it. The so-called blessings from the gods were merely fragments of thesews granted to mortals through the World Origin. For a Void Overlord, the World Origin was a delicacy of unparalleled value within the universe. By devouring one, a Void Overlord could significantly amplify their power and gain control over thews themselves. Qin Xian didn¡¯t hesitate further and began devouring the World Origin! ¡ª The Broken Kingdom: Imperial Treasury The Imperial Treasury, held by the Saint Nulmen Empire for generations, was a repository of countless treasures. When the Void invaded, the emperors of the empire concealed the treasury within a dimensional space using the power ofws, keeping it untouched by the Void¡¯s corruption. After the empire¡¯s fall, the treasury remained sealed in the void. This Imperial Treasury was a colossal tomb filled with treasures. The floor was strewn with gold and jewels, casting a brilliant glow that made the entire space look surreal. Yet, in this treasure vault, gold and jewels were of the lowest value. In every corner of the treasuryy wondrous artifacts, rare equipment, weapons, and extraordinary items. ¨C Imperial Armor: Purple-grade equipment, unrestricted by level. Strength +150, Constitution +150, Spirit +100. Reduces iing damage by 20%. When health drops below 30%, grants a shield equal to 100% of maximum health for 20 seconds. Cooldown: 2 hours. ¨C Void Hunter Sword: Purple-grade weapon, Strength +200. Deals 50% additional damage to Void entities. ¨C Sacred Tome Shield, Spear of Michael, Sword of Grace¡­ Each of these powerful artifacts floated throughout the treasury. Any one of these items would be worth billions outside and spark a frenzy among the great factions! After all, the ancient empire had once been one of the universe¡¯s most powerful civilizations. Millennia of umted relics were indeed astonishing. When Ye Xuan entered the treasure vault, he was nearly overwhelmed by the sight. As thest surviving heir of the Ye family, he had been a wanderer since his family¡¯s downfall, with barely any resources at his disposal. The equipment he wore, though decent, was worlds apart from whaty in this treasure trove. He wasted no time and immediately donned a set of unrestricted purple-grade gear, boosting hisbat power several times over. At that moment, mighty figures began appearing around Ye Xuan. They were the emperors of the ancient empire, whose souls had been tormented and bound by the Great Terrors of the Void. However, after the Void Warden Karok¡¯s death, these spirits guided mortals to the Hall of Gods and then returned to the treasury. From the moment Ye Xuan stepped into the vault, they had reawakened, sensing the divine mark on him and recognizing his identity. Ye Xuan was the new emperor of the Saint Nulmen Empire! In the Saint Nulmen Empire, emperors were chosen by the gods rather than being part of a hereditary line. None of the past emperors were rted by blood, yet they immediately epted Ye Xuan as their own. Ye Xuan arrived at the deepest part of the treasury, where a vast golden pooly. This pool shimmered with starlight and radiated immense power. ¡°What is this¡­¡± Ye Xuan¡¯s face was filled with awe. The energy within the golden pool was so immense that even he felt a hint of fear. ¡°This is the essence of the empire. Each emperor, upon death, infused their power into the Golden Pool. Now, it is yours¡­ We can sense the immense potential within you, but to unleash it, you require vast energy. The Golden Pool will be your ce of transformation¡­¡± The voices of the emperors echoed through the vault, resonant with the weight of ages. Ye Xuan nodded slowly and stepped into the Golden Pool. In an instant, he felt a torrent of brilliant energy surging into his body, and he couldn¡¯t help but cry out as his eyes turned a luminous gold, and golden dragon scales began to appear on his skin. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 83 Chapter 83: Qin Xian¡¯s Hunger IN the Golden Pool, Ye Xuan¡¯s form appeared increasingly imposing and terrifying. His aura grew stronger, and a dragon¡¯s might gradually spread throughout the entire treasury. After an unknown amount of time, Ye Xuan slowly opened his eyes. At this moment, his eyes werepletely golden, exuding a majestic presence that made hearts tremble. His entire being radiated an aura of absolute dominance, as if he was born to be the ruler of this world. [Name]: Ye Xuan [ss]: Dragon God [Level]: LV40 [Strength]: 1115 [Agility]: 1020 [Constitution]: 831 [Spirit]: 732 [Intelligence]: 826 [Skills]: Dragon God¡¯s Majesty, Dragon God¡¯s Body, Dragon Breath, All Bow Down, Dragon Throne¡­ Unbeknownst to him, the souls of past emperors from the ancient empire had vanished, along with the starlight power of the Golden Pool. This starlight was the essence of strength left by emperors of past generations, and though much of it was spent resisting the Void¡¯s invasion, the remnants still enabled Ye Xuan toplete his transformation from a Dragon God Apostle to a true Dragon God. The residual essence of the Golden Pool had been converted into experience points and extra attribute points, pushing his level directly from below 30 to 40. His primary attribute, strength, even surpassed 1100! Ye Xuan¡¯s expression remained calm as he gazed at his hands. In this moment, he had never felt so powerful, so full of strength! ¡°Qin Xian¡­¡± A trace of confidence flickered in Ye Xuan¡¯s eyes. He could feel that he was now stronger than Qin Xian. Previously, he had been almost powerless before Qin Xian, but now things were different. The bnce of power had shifted. A cold smile yed on Ye Xuan¡¯s lips. His next move was simple: find Qin Xian, defeat him, and then rescue his sister. That was all there was to it. However, when he thought of Qin Li, Ye Xuan¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as he recalled the scene of her mercilessly ughtering innocents. Qin Li¡¯s character felt unfamiliar, unlike anything he had imagined. Ye Xuan wasn¡¯t upset, nor did he me his sister. After all, one bes influenced by thepany one keeps. The Qin family members were ruthless, cold-hearted, and cruel. Qin Li, who had grown up in the Qin family, naturally absorbed their influence. No matter. Once he rescued her and revealed the truth, he believed that under his guidance, his sister could find her way back to the right path. After all, they were blood siblings. ¡­ In the dimensional space, Marika¡¯s screams had faded, reced by soft, iprehensible moans and gasps. Marika¡¯s entire body trembled uncontrobly, her eyes rolling back as a bit of drool trickled from the corner of her mouth. Her soul had beenpletely shattered by the torment of the Ancient God¡¯s Curse. Being controlled by the Ancient God¡¯s Curse was inherently a painful process. Nearby, the source of the world in front of Qin Xian had weakened to a negligible extent as it was being devoured by him. Qin Xian¡¯s aura grew stronger, more terrifying. Finally, the world¡¯s source was entirely consumed by Qin Xian! He slowly opened his eyes, and what a pair of eyes they were¡ªfilled with twisted frenzy, yet beneath the madnessy an extreme indifference and coldness. Qin Xian felt his whole body tremble faintly with delight. The sensation of devouring a world¡¯s source was intoxicating, mesmerizing! Through consuming it, Qin Xian gained the power ofws, an ability typically possessed only by a Void Overlord. However, despite having just consumed a world¡¯s source, Qin Xian felt far from satisfied. Instead, he was overwhelmed by an even deeper hunger. He wanted to devour more world sources! This urge ran deep in his bloodline¡­ But soon, his gaze regained calm as he forcefully suppressed his twisted impulses. Qin Xian would never let emotions cloud his judgment; he would always maintain a cold and rational state of mind. World sources were not easy to devour. Each world source was the foundation of its realm, protected by the gods. To devour a world¡¯s source was tantamount to conquering that world, something Qin Xian¡¯s current strength couldn¡¯t achieve. The world source he had consumed was once coveted by the Void Overlord of the Third Court, Khornate Lord, who almost managed to devour it. Later, this world was shattered by the Void, and after being digitized by the Divine Revtion Monolith, it became an instance, granting Qin Xian the opportunity to consume its source. Even though it was a severely weakened world source, a young Void Overlord managing to devour aplete world source was an exceptionally rare feat in the history of the Void. Qin Xian¡¯s indifferent gaze turned to his own status panel. Although he had only devoured a weakened world source, his power had surged dramatically! [Name]: Qin Xian [ss]: Void Overlord [Level]: LV35 [Strength]: 1897 [Agility]: 1580 [Constitution]: 1274 [Spirit]: 1288 [Intelligence]: 1284 [Skills]: Void Control, Incarnate as Void, Twist Space, Ancient God¡¯s Curse, Touch of the Nightmare Queen¡­ In both level and attributes, Qin Xian¡¯s stats had almost doubled! Yet, he paid little mind to these increases, instead focusing on the status bar. [Origin Devourer]: After devouring a world¡¯s source, damage against deities increases by 150%, immunity to any divine-granted skill, and gain ofw maniption. [Law Maniption]: Grants the power to controlws, allowing the creation or influence of a domain where any rules can be set. Origin Decourer and Law Maniption were the greatest benefits Qin Xian gained from devouring a world¡¯s source. As for level and attribute point boosts¡­those were merely bonuses. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 84 Chapter 84: Come Over and Kneel, My Goddess The effect of Origin Devourer¡¯s 150% increased damage against deities was somewhat useful for Qin Xian, but the immunity to any divine-granted skills was truly terrifying. Divine-granted skills were the most powerful abilities across all human professions, ultimate moves that could turn the tide of battle. And yet, Qin Xian couldpletely nullify them, effectively rendering his opponent¡¯s trump card useless. As for Law Maniption, it enabled him to create a domain within which he could set any rule. If Qin Xian dered that everything within the domain was of the ice element, then everything within would indeed be ice. If he dered it a vacuum, all air within the domain would vanish. Inside his domain, Qin Xian was the omnipotent creator. In his Void Overlord state, Qin Xian could manifest a void realm directly, making him even stronger in battle. This was precisely why Void Overlords longed to devour world sources. By consuming them, they could spread the Void to every corner of the cosmos. A cold smile appeared on Qin Xian¡¯s face as he turned to look at the Eternal Queen, Marika, who had beenpletely enved. Marika was now entirely under his control; Qin Xian could sense her soul, and with just a single thought, he could bring about her utter destruction. A slightly wicked smile curved Qin Xian¡¯s lips. ¡°Come here and kneel, my goddess.¡± Marika¡¯s eyes showed no hint of resistance; instead, they were filled with yearning, as if approaching Qin Xian was an immense honor for her. The tendrils disappeared, and Marika walked over, kneeling before him and prostrating herself at his feet. In this scene, she bore no resemnce to the noble and holy goddess she once was. She looked more like a subservient animal. This was the terrifying nature of the Ancient God¡¯s Curse. A deity under its control was stripped of all dignity, reduced to eagerly craving their master¡¯s approval. Qin Xian smiled faintly and lifted Marika¡¯s chin with a finger, gazing at her exquisitely beautiful and pure face. Even he had to admit that Marika¡¯s appearance was unmatched; not even the renowned beauties like Chu Junzhu, Qin Li, or Su Keqing could hold a candle to her. After all, Marika was a goddess, a bona fide deity. ¡°My master¡­ Marika is willing to offer you everything¡­ at any time,¡± Marika murmured dreamily, her eyes filled with fanatic devotion as she gazed at Qin Xian. If he wished, she would give herself to him without hesitation. Seeing her sopliant, Qin Xian felt a fleeting urge to toy with her. However, he quickly regained hisposure. He knew well that the most important task at hand was dealing with Ye Xuan. As for Marika, there would be ample time to enjoy herter. ¡°Tell me, Marika, where did you send Ye Xuan?¡± ¡°He¡¯s in the Empire¡¯s treasury, my master.¡± Marika answered without the slightest hesitation, revealing Ye Xuan¡¯s location immediately. ¡°He should be receiving the infusion of power from the Golden Pool there, allowing him to transform into a true Dragon God and greatly increase his strength.¡± ¡°By now, he has probablypleted the transformation.¡± Marika¡¯s face showed apprehension as she nced nervously at Qin Xian, fearing punishment. ¡°Master, would you like me to take you to the treasury?¡± ¡°No, we¡¯re going back to the Pantheon.¡± Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed, his face tinged with a chill. Qin Li was in the Pantheon now, and Ye Xuan would undoubtedly go there to find her first. The Ye family had been wiped out nearly twenty years ago. Onest pest left to deal with¡ªit¡¯s time to finish this once and for all. ¡­ The Pantheon was already in a state of ruin. With the gods fallen and both Ye Xuan and Qin Xian transported away by Marika, the remaining human elites could only leave in silence. Although they had yet to receive the blessing of the gods, what was the point? Qin Xian had practically ughtered all the gods; there was no one left to grant blessings! They also guessed that the Broken Heaven instance would likely be history. The final Void General boss was dead, and the ancient gods of the Pantheon had perished. Without divine blessings, the Broken Heaven instance would lose much of its significance and probably be just anotherrge-scale dungeon. As for Chu Junzhu, he seemed to have sensed something and hastily left the Pantheon. Inside the temple, only Qin Li remained, anxiously waiting for her brother, Qin Xian. Qin Li stood expressionless, tightly clenching her hands. A glint of hatred flickered in her eyes. She despised her own weakness¡ªunable to participate in her brother¡¯s battles, unable to help him at all! Taking a deep breath, Qin Li silently vowed to herself. She would grow stronger, by any means necessary! At that moment, a towering figure appeared in the Pantheon, radiating immense majesty and apanied by the resonant roar of a dragon, as if the Dragon God himself had descended. Qin Li¡¯s face lit up with joy, but it quickly shifted to wariness and hostility. ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± Ye Xuan¡¯s figure gradually materialized. He gazed at Qin Li warmly, his face brimming with excitement. He wanted nothing more than to embrace her tightly and shower her with kisses, his heart aching with the longing he felt for his sister. Ironically, Ye Xuan¡¯s evident excitement only filled Qin Li with disgust. If the man before her were Qin Xian, she would have been overjoyed. But unfortunately, Ye Xuan was not Qin Xian. Seeing the cold indifference on Qin Li¡¯s face, Ye Xuan quickly tried to exin, ¡°Sister, I am your brother! We are blood siblings; we share the same blood!¡± Hearing this, Qin Li¡¯s brow furrowed tightly, and without hesitation, she used Death¡¯s Bell on him. ¡°Shut up! Who do you think is your sister?¡± Qin Li¡¯s heart surged with fury. To her, she was only Qin Xian¡¯s sister. This stranger, appearing out of nowhere and suddenly iming to be her brother, had touched her reverse scale¡ªthe one thing she could never forgive. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 85 Chapter 85: Sibling Reunion To Qin Li, the identity she took pride in was not being the eldest daughter of the Qin family but being Qin Xian¡¯s sister. In her heart, Qin Xian was the most perfect man in the world. He was handsome, far surpassing any so-called celebrities, with features and physique that seemed as if they were sculpted from a painting. His strength was unmatched, universally recognized as the number one genius in the human world. His depth of character and scheming was remarkable; while the children of other noble families plotted over trivial matters and indulged in celebrity flings, Qin Xian was already making decisions for the Qin family, acting as one of the empire¡¯s behind-the-scenes strategists. Though Qin Li herself was outstanding, her close rtionship with Qin Xian, the ability to stand beside him, was purely due to her status as his sister. In the imperial capital, countless noblewomen envied Qin Li to an extreme degree. Now, however, Ye Xuan was telling her that she wasn¡¯t Qin Xian¡¯s sister, but his. Naturally, this made Qin Li furious. Anyone who dared to drive a wedge between her and her brother deserved death! Qin Li immediately activated her Deathbringer Angel state and charged at Ye Xuan. Though she had leveled up to 23 afterpleting the instance, there was still a significant gap between her and Ye Xuan. However, her profession as a Deathbringer Angel allowed her a chance to trigger instant death effects, a threat even Ye Xuan, having ascended to Dragon God, did not dare confront head-on. Ye Xuan twisted and maneuvered with agility akin to a dragon, evading Qin Li¡¯s attacks. He quickly tried to exin, ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth, sister! Your name isn¡¯t Qin Li¡ªit¡¯s Ye Li!¡± ¡°We are both descendants of the Ye family. If you don¡¯t believe me, did you have a dream during your awakening? Did you see a long serpent?¡± Hearing this, Qin Li¡¯s expression shifted slightly, and her attack slowed down. Indeed, she had dreamed of a long serpent during her awakening, but she had only ever told her brother Qin Xian about it. How did Ye Xuan know? Seeing her hesitation, Ye Xuan quickly added, ¡°Do you also have a birthmark shaped like a long serpent on your lower leg? I have one too!¡± Saying this, he lifted his pant leg, revealing a serpent-shaped birthmark identical to her own. For a moment, Qin Li was stunned. Could it be that this Ye Xuan truly was her biological brother? Seeing her stop her attack, Ye Xuan finally breathed a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across his face as he looked at her with excitement. ¡°Our Ye family is one of the Twelve Primal Families, blessed by the Pce of Serpents!¡± ¡°The Ye family¡­?¡± A look of confusion appeared on Qin Li¡¯s face. Ye Xuan felt a deep sadness seeing the puzzlement in her expression. After the Ye family was annihted, the empire had gradually erased all traces of its existence. Most of the Ye family¡¯s legacy had been wiped out. In less than twenty years, the once-prestigious Ye family was almost forgotten by the world, to the point that even Qin Li, a descendant of the Ye family, barely knew of it. ¡°Sister, we share the blood of the Ye family. Our father was Ye Buqiu, the head of the family. Back then¡­ the Ye family was exterminated!¡± Ye Xuan¡¯s face darkened as he slowly recounted the Ye family¡¯s tragic fall. ¡°When our family was destroyed, I barely managed to escape, and you were adopted by the Qin family.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve spent years trying to find you, but never had the opportunity. This time, I entered the Broken Heaven instance specifically to rescue you. And now, I¡¯ve finally seeded!¡± His heart was filled with overwhelming emotion, even to the point of tears, as he silently thought, ¡°Father, Mother, I¡¯ve finally found my sister. From now on, I¡¯ll never be separated from her again!¡± However, unlike Ye Xuan¡¯s excitement, Qin Li appeared¡­ far moreposed, even cold. Her face was expressionless, and she remained silent. So¡­ this was her true background. In truth, Qin Li had known from a young age that she wasn¡¯t Qin Xian¡¯s biological sister but rather an adopted child of the Qin family. She had simply never pursued the matter because Qin Xian had told her that all she needed to know was that she was his sister. For years, she lived carefree by Qin Xian¡¯s side, following her brother without a care, living a simple life. In her world, Qin Xian was everything to her. But now, Ye Xuan had suddenly appeared and told her she was a daughter of the Ye family¡ªa family with an unending vendetta against the Qin family. Not only was Qin Xian no longer her brother, but he was also her enemy. She was supposed to join Ye Xuan in seeking revenge against the Qin family, to kill Qin Xian! In truth, Qin Li didn¡¯t feel any hatred. Instead, she was filled with fear. She had no affection for Ye Xuan or this so-called Ye family. All she cared about was Qin Xian! She was terrified that if the truth came to light, Qin Xian¡­ would no longer treat her as his sister. Would her brother, Qin Xian, push her away or, even worse, refuse to acknowledge her anymore? This was what frightened her the most. Ye Xuan looked at her and couldn¡¯t help but step forward, wanting to embrace her, to ease his longing for his sister. When he had seen Qin Li and Qin Xian embracing at the entrance of the instance, he had been filled with jealousy and envy. But now, they had finally reunited as siblings. His heart was brimming with excitement, and he longed to touch her face, to inhale her scent. However, Ye Xuan quickly noticed that there was no trace of happiness or excitement on Qin Li¡¯s face. Instead, her expression was dark and somber. A hint of confusion and bewilderment shed in Ye Xuan¡¯s eyes. This waspletely different from what he had imagined! In his vision, after revealing the truth, Qin Li would have been filled with joy, and the two siblings would embrace each other, shedding tears of happiness. They would be each other¡¯s sole support in this world, joining forces to kill Qin Xian, rally the former allies of the Ye family, and seek revenge on the Qin family, ultimately restoring the Ye family¡¯s legacy. But now¡­ From the very beginning, Qin Li¡¯s reaction seemedpletely off. On her face, not a hint of joy or excitement could be seen; instead, it was full of darkness. Ye Xuan even thought he saw a trace of¡­ disdain for him in her eyes. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 86 Chapter 86: Three Against One, How Could I Lose? At that moment, a spatial ripple once again swept through the Pantheon. Two imposing figures appeared¡ªit was Qin Xian and Marika. Seeing Qin Xian return safely, Qin Li¡¯s heart surged with joy, and she called out, ¡°Brother!¡± But her face quickly shifted to hesitation, uncertain if she still qualified to call him that. Ye Xuan, on the other hand, was filled with excitement as he noticed Marika by Qin Xian¡¯s side. Victory was assured! There were four people in the Pantheon: Marika, the Eternal Queen, a deity who had blessed him and was the most powerful celestial in the ancient empire; Qin Li, his sister, who, although low in level, was a Deathbringer Angel with a skill that could trigger instant death, a powerful threat to Qin Xian. ¡°Eternal Queen, sister, stand by my side!¡± Ye Xuan¡¯s face was alight with confidence as he fixed his gaze on Qin Xian. In his mind, he was backed by his goddess and his sister. Together with his own power as a Level 40 Dragon God, it was three against one! How could he possibly lose? Smiling confidently at Marika, he said, ¡°Honorable Eternal Queen, I have sessfully ascended to Dragon God. Thank you for your blessing! I will avenge the bloodshed in the Pantheon on your behalf!¡± Ye Xuan stood tall, waiting for Marika¡¯s praise. He knew how much she admired and favored him, and now that he had be so powerful, surely she would be pleased! But quickly, Ye Xuan¡¯s smile froze, for Marika¡¯s gaze upon him was icy, devoid of her usual warmth. It was as if she were looking at a stranger. Ye Xuan finally sensed something was amiss. Marika had arrived with Qin Xian and, even more startling, she stood beside him with a demeanor of¡­ respect? ¡°Marika, Ye Xuan asked you to go over,¡± Qin Xian said with a mocking smile. In response, Marika immediately knelt beside Qin Xian, saying reverently, ¡°Marika will only stand behind her master; everything of Marika¡¯s belongs to the master¡­¡± She punctuated her words by kissing Qin Xian¡¯s shoes in a show of utter subservience and humility. Witnessing this scene, Ye Xuan stood in shock, almost unable to believe his eyes. His heart was filled with disbelief, and he murmured, ¡°Eternal Queen¡­ how could you?¡± Marika was the first deity Ye Xuan had encountered and his savior during a moment of dire peril. He had been captivated by her holy, noble presence and stunning beauty from the start. To him, Marika was an untouchable goddess, embodying purity and majesty. Even to approach her felt like sphemy. In his heart, Ye Xuan held a flicker of admiration for her. Perhaps, he thought, if he grew strong enough, he might one day stand by her side, maybe even be herpanion. But now, the goddess he revered knelt before Qin Xian, degraded to the role of a lowly female ve. How had ite to this? Qin Xian had in countless deities¡ªshouldn¡¯t he be Marika¡¯s enemy? What had happened while he was transforming into a Dragon God? The shock left Ye Xuan dizzy, his mind swirling with anger and pain. Meanwhile, Qin Li looked at Qin Xian, tears welling in her eyes, and could not help but ask, ¡°Brother¡­ is it true what he said? Am I really a daughter of the Ye family?¡± Qin Xian saw her expression and understood that Ye Xuan had already revealed her true origins. He wasn¡¯t concerned¡ªthis was bound toe to light sooner orter. Qin Li would eventually learn the truth. With calmposure, Qin Xian nodded. ¡°Yes, you are indeed the legitimate daughter of the Ye family, daughter of Ye Buqiu. From a bloodline standpoint, you are indeed his sister.¡± Qin Xian openly acknowledged everything, candidly confirming the blood feud between them. Qin Li¡¯s face filled withplex emotions. She could ept that she and Qin Xian were not rted by blood, but the idea of harboring enmity against him was intolerable. If that were true, she wouldn¡¯t even have the right to stand by his side. Seeing the pain on Qin Li¡¯s face, Qin Xian remainedposed, observing her with a detached gaze, devoid of any visible emotion. They had grown up together, inseparable for nearly twenty years, so he did hold some feelings for her, but only a little. These emotions would never affect his decisions. If he wanted to keep her, Qin Xian could exin, deceive, or even employ a ploy to win her forgiveness. But he didn¡¯t. Qin Xian was not one to please others, not even Qin Li. If she chose Ye Xuan, he would kill her without hesitation. It was as simple as that. Anyone who betrayed him would pay the price. Hearing Qin Xian¡¯s acknowledgment, Ye Xuan finally smiled. Perhaps Qin Li hadn¡¯t fully believed him earlier, but now that Qin Xian had confirmed it, she would surely ept him as her brother. Qin Xian looked at Qin Li, and she looked back at him. At this moment, Qin Li felt as if a knife was slicing through her heart. Despair filled her; it was as if she were no longer Qin Xian¡¯s sister. It felt as though she would never be able to stand by him again. Qin Xian noticed the despair and pain in her eyes. With a calm expression, he extended his hand to her. ¡°But I once told you that you don¡¯t need to know your true identity.¡± ¡°All you need to know is that you are my sister. That remains true even now. You are still my sister, but only if you are willing to sign a Soul Contract with me.¡± [Soul Contract]: A legendary item, the highest level of contract, forever binding the signatory to never betray the contract holder. Ye Xuan, hearing this, felt Qin Xian was utterly mad! Who did he think he was? Now that Qin Li knew the truth, how could she possibly side with him, let alone agree to a Soul Contract? But the next moment, Ye Xuan was dumbfounded. He watched as Qin Li¡¯s face broke into a smile, and without any hesitation, she walked towards Qin Xian. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 87 Chapter 87: Ye Xuan¡¯s Copse When Qin Li heard that Qin Xian was willing to continue acknowledging her, it was as if a drowning person had found a lifeline. Hope returned to her entire being! Without any hesitation, she rushed to Qin Xian, embracing him once more, her tears flowing freely. ¡°I will, brother. I will never betray you! Everything I have belongs to you!¡± Some might say Qin Li was unfilial for choosing Qin Xian over her own bloodline and disregarding her family¡¯s bitter enmity. But to Qin Li, her entire life revolved around Qin Xian and his kindness to her. Nearly twenty years of memories and emotions were all intertwined with Qin Xian. As for the Ye family, to her, they were nothing more than a distant, faceless name. Now Ye Xuan expected her to betray the brother she loved the most and join him in seeking revenge against Qin Xian. On what grounds? She had no interest in the tangled blood feud of the previous generation; all she wanted was her brother. If that made her selfish, so be it. As for Ye Xuan, her so-called biological brother, Qin Li felt no attachment to him and had no desire to acknowledge him. Without hesitation, she signed the Soul Contract with Qin Xian. Instantly, she felt her soul bind with his, merging seamlessly. However, this bond was one-sided. Qin Xian could control her life and death at will, while Qin Li could never betray him, not even harbor a single rebellious thought. The Soul Contract was only a slight step above a master-servant pact. But Qin Li didn¡¯t mind; in fact, she felt a deep sense of relief. All her previous worries and anxieties vanished, for now, she truly belonged to her brother. ¡­ Ye Xuan stared nkly at the scene before him, frozen in ce. Qin Xian and Qin Li shared a heartfelt, affectionate moment. And him? He felt like aplete fool. His face showed disbelief as he looked at Qin Li, shaking his head in shock. It was as if he were trapped in a nightmare he couldn¡¯t wake up from. He could neither understand nor ept it. Why? Why, even after learning the truth, would Qin Li still choose Qin Xian? Had Qin Xian deceived her, or begged for forgiveness, Ye Xuan could have understood her decision; after all, over a decade of feelings wasn¡¯t easy to sever. But Qin Xian had just been his usual cold self, directly confirming the truth, and yet Qin Li still chose him without hesitation, even signing a Soul Contract. Ye Xuan simply couldn¡¯t fathom it. Was Qin Xian really so irresistibly charming that Qin Li would overlook a blood feud to stay by his side? The Qin family had ughtered the Ye family, after all. Their parents had been killed by Qin Xian¡¯s father, Qin Ming! Looking at Marika and Qin Li standing beside Qin Xian, Ye Xuan¡¯s heart was filled with pain. His face turned deathly pale, and he felt an overwhelming urge to cry out in anguish. His goddess, his sister¡ªthey had both chosen Qin Xian. Three against one? Yes, it was indeed three against one. Only, he was the one on the losing side! In that moment, Ye Xuan¡¯s spirit shattered. His parents had been killed by the Qin family, his family wiped out by them, and everything he cherished had been taken by Qin Xian. Now, his only remaining sibling had also been stolen by him! Ye Xuan¡¯s body trembled, but he took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Having been hunted by the Qin family for over twenty years, his resolve was unbreakable. Fixing a hate-filled gaze on Qin Xian, he thought, This is all Qin Xian¡¯s fault! He would kill Qin Xian, rescue his sister, and keep her by his side. Someday, she would see the truth¡ªshe woulde to her senses. All he needed was Qin Xian¡¯s death. Qin Xian, meanwhile, looked back at Ye Xuan with a smile. ¡°This is our second meeting, but it will also be ourst.¡± A cruel smile formed on his face. ¡°After you die, I won¡¯t spare any of the Ye family¡¯s old allies either. Anyone connected to you will perish. The Ye family never should have existed in this world.¡± Hearing this, Ye Xuan roared furiously, ¡°You deserve to die!¡± His voice, reminiscent of a dragon¡¯s roar, echoed across the heavens with majesty and gravitas. His entire form transformed into that of a Dragon God. This time, it wasn¡¯t merely an avatar¡ªYe Xuan had fully ascended to a true Dragon God! ¡°I am now a Level 40 Dragon God!¡± Ye Xuan clenched his right hand, feeling the boundless power coursing through him. For the first time, he felt a sense of true security. Only power could be his eternalpanion. ¡°Dragon Realm Descends!¡± Pointing with both hands, Ye Xuan shattered the space within the Pantheon. Countless dragon shadows surged from his body, transporting both him and Qin Xian into a new dimension. Although Qin Li¡¯s choice had broken Ye Xuan¡¯s heart, she was still his sister, and he chose to move the fight elsewhere to avoid endangering her. [Dragon Realm Descends]: Summon the Dragon Realm. Within the Dragon Realm, all your skills gain true damage, and damage is increased by 501.2%,sting for 120 minutes. The Dragon God Apostle¡¯s dragon form paled inparison to a true Dragon God. A true Dragon God was a divine-ss profession, hailed as the mightiest among SSS-ssbatants. This was why the Dragon Ancestor had been able to establish an empire. Ye Xuan looked coldly at Qin Xian, filled with the arrogance that belonged to a Dragon God. His gaze toward Qin Xian was that of a predator sizing up its prey. ¡°You¡¯re finished, Qin Xian.¡± Ye Xuan spoke with conviction, as if announcing Qin Xian¡¯s fate. He raised three fingers in front of him. ¡°I¡¯ll end this in three moves.¡± Chapter 88 Chapter 88: Instant Kill Ye Xuan¡¯s body had be massive and imposing, his eyes now gleaming with golden pupils, and two enormous Dragon God wings spread behind him. A terrifying dragon¡¯s might radiated from his body, exuding an overwhelming sense of power. Stepping forward, Ye Xuan¡¯s aura grew more menacing and wild. A confident smile yed on his face as he spoke, ¡°Qin Xian, I know you¡¯re strong. When we fought before, I could sense that your strength attribute was over 1000 points! But now, my strength attribute has reached 1115 points! In other words¡­ I¡¯m stronger than you!¡± With that, Ye Xuanunched himself forward, throwing a punch at Qin Xian. A shadow of a gigantic dragon appeared with his strike, blotting out the sky as if an apocalyptic dragon were descending upon the world. The space in front of him shattered and twisted under the immense force. [Dragon Blood Fist]: A single-target physical attack that summons a dragon¡¯s shadow, dealing 40,000 points of physical damage and marking the target with the Dragon¡¯s Intimidation state, increasing subsequent damage received by 50% for 120 seconds. Cooldown: 10 seconds. This was the power of the SSS-rank Dragon God. All his abilities were on apletely different level from those of a Dragon God Apostle. Combined with Dragon Realm Descends, Dragon Blood Fist gained a direct 100% damage boost! Ye Xuan¡¯s face was filled with satisfaction. He was ready to use this one punch to smash that hated expression off Qin Xian¡¯s face. Boom¡ª!!! The dragon roared, the space fractured, and the devastating power shook the entire Dragon Realm with destructive force. But in the next moment, Ye Xuan¡¯s smile froze. Qin Xian stood before him, expressionless, stopping his Dragon Blood Fist with a single finger. He didn¡¯t even lose a single point of health. Ye Xuan¡¯s punch didn¡¯t even broken Qin Xian¡¯s defenses! Ye Xuan¡¯s pupils contracted, his eyes filled with disbelief. How was this possible? He hadn¡¯t expected to kill Qin Xian in a single move, but he¡¯d at least anticipated breaking his defenses and taking down over half his health. Yet it didn¡¯t even scratch him! Watching the bewilderment on Ye Xuan¡¯s face, a trace of mockery appeared in Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. He grabbed Ye Xuan¡¯s arm, and with terrifying force, threw him into the air. Then Qin Xian shot upward after him! Ye Xuan gritted his teeth, roaring in rage as he charged at Qin Xian once more. Qin Xian wielded a holy sword, his six angelic wings spread behind him, resembling an archangel, while Ye Xuan summoned a golden spear and d himself in dragon-patterned armor, embodying the Dragon God. Their forms moved at lightning speed, leaving trails of afterimages as they collided repeatedly. Each sh unleashed terrifying power, far surpassing that of a typical lord-ssbatant. Even level-50 elites would likely find themselves outmatched. Dragon Breath! All Bow Down! Fate¡¯s Mandate! Ye Xuan roared again and again, unleashing his skills, yet he grew increasingly frustrated as he realized none of them could touch Qin Xian. Despite being only level 35, Qin Xian was an SSS-rank Oracle Knight, while he himself was an SSS-rank Dragon God. Ye Xuan couldn¡¯t understand why his attacks were failing. They were both top-tier SSS sses, and he even had a higher level. He¡¯d acquired rare equipment from the Empire¡¯s treasury, and his weapons weren¡¯t any worse than Qin Xian¡¯s. So why couldn¡¯t he defeat him? As Qin Xian maintained an air of ease and calm, Ye Xuan suddenly paused, a bitter expression overtaking his face as he red at him. His body trembled as he growled, ¡°You¡­ you¡­ you¡¯re using me for practice?!¡± In a sudden moment of realization, Ye Xuan saw that Qin Xian hadn¡¯t even been fighting seriously. The skills he used weren¡¯t even unique to the Oracle Knight ss¡ªthey were simplymon skills. Qin Xian smiled faintly at the enraged Ye Xuan. ¡°Correct.¡± Indeed, he was practicing. With a strength attribute nearing 2000 points, far beyond the norm for a level-35 character, Qin Xian¡¯s power was nearly ten times that of an average fighter of his level. The high stats gave him incredible power, but also required fine control, as he wasn¡¯t yet fully ustomed to such overwhelming strength. In simpler terms, Qin Xian¡¯s attribute points exceeded the level¡¯s scope, making his body feel somewhat foreign to him. The data-based system allowed clear, straightforward stats, but mastery over one¡¯s strength remained a vital skill for all warriors under the Divine Revtion Monolith. If Qin Xian couldn¡¯t control his strength, a simple handshake could end up crushing someone¡¯s hand. It was a ¡°fortunate¡± dilemma to have. Ye Xuan, then, was the ideal practice dummy. Ye Xuan¡¯s face darkened, feeling utterly humiliated. He had believed this would be a one-sided battle in his favor. Instead, he had be Qin Xian¡¯s training tool. He was a Dragon God¡ªthe same ss as the Empire¡¯s founding emperor, the legendary Wing Ancestor. This was an unimaginable insult to Ye Xuan. ¡°Come at me, Qin Xian!¡± Driven to rage and shame, Ye Xuan roared, activating his Dragon God form, transforming into a massive dragon and charging at Qin Xian with an aura of utter devastation. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡°As you wish.¡± With a focused gaze, he raised his holy sword, which zed with an intense light. As he brought it down, the sword¡¯s brilliance sliced through everything in its path, even cutting the Dragon Realm in two. Along with the realm, Ye Xuan¡¯s Dragon God form was also cleaved in two! Ye Xuan screamed in agony as his Dragon God form shattered, his right arm severed by Qin Xian¡¯s de, and the holy light began to burn his flesh. Pale-faced, Ye Xuan was filled with disbelief and fear, the confidence and pride he¡¯d disyed at the start now gone. In a single strike, Qin Xian had nearly killed him. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 89 Chapter 89: Ye Xuan¡¯s Death Ye Xuan gritted his teeth, his body trembling uncontrobly. Then, a miraculous scene unfolded¡ªwhere his arm had been severed, a new one suddenly grew in its ce! [Dragon God¡¯s Bloodline]: Passive skill. When suffering a fatal injury, temporarily prevents death, restores all wounds, and regenerates lost limbs. Cooldown: 24 days. Seeing this, Qin Xian narrowed his eyes, feeling a moment of admiration. The Dragon God¡¯s Bloodline was truly an all-epassing survival skill, second only to his own Rebirth from Fire and Invincible Holy Light. Not to mention, it could even regenerate severed limbs! Ye Xuan knelt on one knee, the activation of the Dragon God¡¯s Bloodline having drained almost all his strength. At this moment, he finally saw things clearly¡ªQin Xian was an opponent powerful enough to strike fear into him. Struggling to his feet, Ye Xuan looked at Qin Xian, his arrogance gone, reced by a calm expression. He nodded slowly, saying, ¡°Qin Xian¡­ I admit, you¡¯re indeed formidable. Your main attribute¡­ it must be close to 2000 by now, right?¡± He couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of shock himself. A level-35 with a main attribute close to 2000¡ªsuch a thing was unheard of! ¡°But it all ends here,¡± Ye Xuan said, bringing his hands together and closing his eyes. ¡°The Dragon God ss possesses a hidden divine-granted skill. This time, I¡¯ll use it to send you on your way! Dragon God¡¯s Oracle!¡± With a sudden re in his eyes, Ye Xuan¡¯s entire body ignited in dragon mes, cloaking him in a fiery aura. [Dragon God¡¯s Oracle]: Divine-granted skill. Deals physical damage equal to 60% of the target¡¯s maximum health, seals all skills, reduces the target¡¯s defense by 90%, duration: 120 seconds. Cooldown: 72 days. Behind Ye Xuan, an imposing Dragon God world manifested, converging into a terrifying torrent that surged toward Qin Xian from all directions. The space around Qin Xian twisted and fractured, shattering into countless fragments. A faint smile appeared on Ye Xuan¡¯s face. It was over. Dragon God¡¯s Oracle was an unbeatable skill in a one-on-one duel, inflicting 60% of maximum health as damage, silencing the opponent for 120 seconds, and reducing their defense by 90%. No matter who the target was, it practically guaranteed death. This was why the Dragon God was considered the most powerful SSS-ranked ss¡ªit could dominate any duel with this divine-granted skill. Once Qin Xian was affected, Ye Xuan could kill him with just a couple of ordinary skills. As the shattered fragments of the Dragon Realm cleared, Qin Xian¡¯s figure slowly emerged, and Ye Xuan¡¯s expression froze. Qin Xian was unharmed, his health bar still full¡ªnot a single point had been lost. Ye Xuan¡¯s face disyed aplex mix of shock and disbelief. Dragon God¡¯s Oracle, the ultimate skill of the Dragon God ss, his most powerful hidden card, had no effect on Qin Xian?! At this moment, Ye Xuan finally sank intoplete despair. ¡°Cough, cough.¡± Qin Xian frowned, waving away the smoke in front of him and looking at the devastated Ye Xuan. The immunity to divine-granted skills granted by devouring the world¡¯s source was truly overwhelming; it had nullified Ye Xuan¡¯s ultimate move entirely. Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the Dragon God ss¡ªit was indeed versatile. In singlebat, crowd control, or recovery, it was like a six-sided powerhouse. In fact, the Dragon God ss might surpass even his Oracle Knight. Without the boost from devouring the world¡¯s source and the stacking effect of God-yer Growth, Qin Xian admitted he might have had to exert considerable effort to contend with Ye Xuan¡¯s transformed Dragon God state, possibly even using his secondary ss as a Void Overlord. Ye Xuan might even have had a chance to escape. But ¡°if¡± was irrelevant now. Looking at the despairing Ye Xuan, Qin Xian didn¡¯t hesitate, transforming into his Void Overlord form and using Void Devour to seize his skills. Seeing Qin Xian in his Void Overlord state, Ye Xuan¡¯s pupils contracted sharply as he tried to say something, but Qin Xian crushed him with ease. In his Void Overlord form, Qin Xian¡¯sbat power surpassed that of his Oracle Knight form. Thest Dragon-ss warrior in the human world, and an SSS-ranked Dragon God at that, had perished at Qin Xian¡¯s hands. With Ye Xuan¡¯s death, the viin system¡¯s interface reappeared in Qin Xian¡¯s mind. [Main Quest 3 Complete: Eliminate the Threat of Ye Xuan (1/1), Reward: 200 Viin Points.] [Current Viin Level: 4] [Current Experience Points: (230/400)] [Extra Attribute Points Avable: 200] [New Trait Acquired¡ªBlessing of the Vampire Progenitor: All attacks have 35% life steal effect and immunity to all blood-rted skills.] Qin Xian raised an eyebrow, finding this new trait quite useful. With his current attack power, each hit could likely restore tens of thousands of health points, granting him nearly unlimited recovery potential. More importantly, he was immune to blood-rted skills¡ªa major advantage, given that blood-rted abilities were arge skill category epassing the likes of blood mages, blood knights, and blood apostles. Against these sses, Qin Xian would essentially be invincible. Compared to that, the life-steal effect was merely an added bonus. However, Qin Xian was more interested in the skill he had just seized from Ye Xuan. Looking at his skill panel, he saw the addition of a new skill: Dragon God¡¯s Oracle. A satisfied smile crossed Qin Xian¡¯s face. The Dragon God¡¯s ultimate skill, possibly the strongest single-target skill in all professions, was now his. Looking down at Ye Xuan¡¯s lifeless body, Qin Xian¡¯s expression remained cold, a glint of ruthlessness in his eyes. Ye Xuan was dead, but the remnants of the Ye family still existed. Ye Xuan¡¯s rise to power had undoubtedly been supported by these former allies of the Ye family. To eliminate the threat at its root, it was time to clean up those remnants. Finding them wouldn¡¯t be difficult. The Qin family had been tracking the Ye family¡¯s surviving members for years with no results, but the empire¡¯s Ministry of Civil Affairs certainly harbored Ye family sympathizers¡­ The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 90 Chapter 90: The First Court With Ye Xuan¡¯s death, the Dragon Realm space shattered, and Qin Xian returned to the Pantheon. ¡°Master!¡± ¡°Brother!¡± Seeing Qin Xian appear, Marika and Qin Li eagerly approached him, their faces filled with excitement. As for Ye Xuan, neither of them asked about him. To them, he was merely a stranger, unworthy of attention. It was a sad reality; the goddess and sister whom Ye Xuan had cherished so dearly did not care about him at all. He had died like a stray dog by the roadside, leaving nosting impact. This Broken Heaven instance had yielded significant rewards for Qin Xian. Inparison, killing Ye Xuan wasn¡¯t the main benefit. The true gains were twofold: one, his Void Overlord ss had evolved after consuming a world¡¯s source, and two, he had in nine gods within the Pantheon, obtaining seven divine shard fragments. Given the extreme weakness of the gods in the Pantheon, some of them hadn¡¯t even possessed divine shard fragments. Still, looting seven fragments, in addition to the fragment previously granted by the system, brought Qin Xian¡¯s total to eight. Apart from Oracle Retribution and Blessing of the War God, he now had several other divine fragments, including Grace of the Forest, Blessing of the Full Moon, Echo of the Hurricane, and Hope of Winter. [Grace of the Forest]: Increases maximum health by 50%, restores 5% of maximum health every 10 seconds in battle. [Blessing of the Full Moon]: At night, gain an extra +5 to all skills; under a full moon, gain an extra +10. [Echo of the Hurricane]: Increases agility by 50%, boosts dodge rate by 50%, and grants immunity to any slowing or hindering effects. ¡­ These divine fragments were far inferior to Oracle Retribution and Blessing of the War God, providing only a 5% progress toward divinity each. After all, these gods were not true main gods but rather secondary ones. Nheless, a divine fragment was a divine fragment. With his eight divine fragments¡ªtwo main god fragments worth 10% progress each and six secondary god fragments worth 5% each¡ªQin Xian¡¯s divinity progress had reached 50%. Upon reaching 50%, his Oracle Knight ss would evolve into Archangel. The system had already issued a new ss mission for Qin Xian: [Divine Evolution]: Prove your strength by ying a Void Lord. The Divine Revtion Monolith will bless you, enabling your transformation into an Archangel. Time limit: 3 years. The Oracle Knight¡¯s strengthy in its exceptional potential for growth. At 50% divinity, it could evolve into a demigod-level Archangel, and at 100%, it would be a true deity, granting the Oracle Knight a seat in the Divine Council of the Divine Revtion Monolith¡¯s holy realm. The true Pantheon within the Divine Revtion Monolith was vastly different from the weakened Broken Heaven instance. Its Pantheon wasposed solely of powerful main gods. In Broken Heaven, only Marika and Kenqi could be considered main gods; the others were secondary deities. But for humans, obtaining divine fragments was never easy. In the history of humankind, one Oracle Knight had managed to reach 50% divinity at level 88, bing a demigod-level Archangel by gathering fragments granted by the system and obtaining a secondary god fragment through luck. Upon reaching Archangel status, he had be the most powerful figure in his era,ter receiving an ¡°invitation¡± to the Divine Revtion Monolith¡¯s holy realm. Qin Xian, however, was an anomaly. He had reached 50% divinity at level 35. As he examined his new mission, Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. Void Lords were at least level 70 entities. While he could summon a Void Lord avatar, it was only a temporary manifestation, not a true Void Lord, making the mission impossible toplete using his own summons. Hunting a Void Lord was no simple task, even with the Qin family¡¯s resources¡ªit woulde at a considerable cost. Yet, for Qin Xian, it was rtively simple. He had another identity: heir to the First Court of the Void. It seemed he¡¯d need to make time to visit the Void within the next three years. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed as a familiar and terrifying figure came to mind¡­ ¡­ In the Void, the First Court. To humans and other species, the Void was a vast and terrifying alternate universe, an endless realm with no known boundary. In the depths of the Void, nestled within a dead star cluster,y an enormous pceplex, spanning an entire. The buildings within were grandiose and towering, each hundreds of meters high, adorned with mysterious runes and twisted statues, exuding a sense of strength and distortion. An ominous and eerie aura pervaded the Void, filled with an eternal silence. This was the First Court of the Void.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om In total, the Void had seven courts, each equally ranked, yet the First Court was universally acknowledged as the mightiest. Its ruler, the Deathly Empress, was the most powerful and terrifying entity within the Void. Within the First Court, countless monstrous Void creatures lurked, while Void Generals with powerful auras watched over their subordinates. Above the First Court, colossal portals loomed, through which Void creatures, led by Void Generals, invaded and consumed countless worlds. In the depths of the First Court, an eerie templey hidden in the starless void, surrounded by an intensifying sense of dread intermingled with twisted, horrifying sounds¡ªthe sounds of world-ending destruction and the dying wails of innumerable creatures. In the midst of this eternal silence, a terrifying figure loomed, appearing and disappearing within the shadows. It was a woman¡ªor rather, a being resembling a woman. Her form was graceful, and her face was stunningly beautiful, though her skin bore a faint grayish-purple hue, adding an eerie, twisted allure to her beauty. Yet no one dared to admire her beauty, for her eyes were filled with an indifferent, icy gaze¡ªnot a mere coldness, but a deathly stillness, devoid of any emotion, like the will of a silent world staring down upon everything. To be under her gaze was enough to plunge any being into fear and madness. Chapter 91 Chapter 91: The Void Empress This terrifying figure was the supreme ruler of the First Court¡ªthe Void Empress! Within the pce, the Void Empress sat high upon the Throne of Void, with countless fearsome Void Lords and Corrupted Deities prostrated at her feet in submission. The First Court exuded an atmosphere of eerie terror, devoid of any hint of life¡ªonly an endless, cold stillness prevailed. Even the proud, ruthless, and bloodthirsty Void Lords lowered their heads, filled with dread, hardly daring to breathe. They were all vassals of the Void Empress, their souls under hermand, their lives and deaths determined by her whim.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om ¡­ ¡°To the supreme master!¡± A tall and graceful figure appeared in the pce¡ªa strikingly beautiful woman d in violet armor, with eight tattered, decayed wings of darkness on her back. Her entire being radiated an intense, dreadful divine aura tainted with the stench of decay. It was evident she had once been a powerful light deity. Her name was Fallen Saint Heloise. Heloise had once been a powerful and righteous deity, the main god of an ancient world that she guarded with immense strength. But after her world was devoured by the Void, her soul was enved by the Void Empress, transforming her into one of the Corrupted Deities. These enved gods, though retaining their former powers, became twisted and more savage than even the Void Lords. Male deities enved by the Void Empress were castrated and became eunuchs within the First Court, while female deities served as court attendants. Over the centuries, Heloise had be one of the Empress¡¯s most trusted generals, leading campaigns for the First Court. This time, she had sessfully invaded another world, in its deity, and seized its world source. Heloise approached the Void Empress, kneeling respectfully with a face brimming with excitement and reverence. ¡°My Lord, your most loyal servant Heloise has annexed the Hydra Realm for you and brought you the world source as tribute!¡± Her face alight with fervor, Heloise held up a magic box emitting a radiant, mystical glow. Inside the box was the sealed world source. The many Void Lords within the pce looked on with undisguised desire in their eyes. For Void creatures, a world source was the most enticing of delicacies. But soon, they lowered their heads, knowing such thoughts were perilous. Even to entertain such desires was hazardous. From her throne, the Void Empress gazed at the world source before her, her beautiful face devoid of expression, her eyes unmoved. She lightly tapped her right hand, opening a rift in the Void that swallowed the world source. ¡°My Lord, this world source is my gift to you. Please, devour it now¡ªit would be the highest honor for your most loyal servant!¡± Heloise¡¯s voice was filled with eagerness. At these words, the Void Empress¡¯s eyes, colder than ancient ciers, finally shifted, ncing at Heloise. In an instant, a look of pure terror crossed Heloise¡¯s face as her body ignited with ghostly blue mes¡ªthe deadly mes of silence. The pce filled with Heloise¡¯s anguished screams, her cries of pain echoing as the mes consumed her. Within seconds, she was gone, her existence erasedpletely from the universe. The Void Lords watched in silence, their expressions unchanging. They were long ustomed to such scenes. Only after Heloise¡¯s death did the Void Empress rise slowly from her throne, then vanish. Once she was gone, the Void Lords and Corrupted Deities let out a collective sigh of relief. Her presence had weighed heavily on them. One Void Lord nced mockingly at the spot where Heloise had died. ¡°That Heloise¡­ she forgot her ce.¡± This Void Lord was a massive figure, cloaked in a voluminous ck robe that hid him in shadow. Oddly, three shadows extended from his feet, each exuding a menacing aura. His name was Dire Hybrid Delku. He had served the First Court for tens of thousands of years, his name infamous across the universe, ranking thirteenth among humanity¡¯s most dangerous entities. A Corrupted Deity whispered, ¡°But¡­ why did Heloise¡­?¡± Delku replied, ¡°That world source was meant for the young prince. Heloise dared to request that the Empress devour it herself.¡± The Corrupted Deity¡¯s face turned pale with fear. Heloise hadn¡¯tmitted an obvious crime; her request for the Void Empress to consume the world source was meant to show her loyalty. Her only fault had been overlooking the Empress¡¯s son¡ªthe mysterious prince. For that one oversight, she had paid with eternal oblivion. Heloise had been one of the Empress¡¯s most valued generals for centuries, highly regarded within the First Court. Many had viewed her as the chief lieutenant. But in the Empress¡¯s heart, nothing could rival her own offspring. At the slightest hint of displeasure, Heloise had been erased. The Void Lords and Corrupted Deities in the pce trembled with fear. This was the Void Empress¡ªtheir master. Capricious, brutal, and cold-hearted¡ªthe ultimate terror of the universe. Chapter 92 Chapter 92: The Arrival of the Jixia Academy Deep within the First Courty an enormous pool, its waters a boundless, swirling ocean of ckness. The Void Empress appeared at the edge of the pool, her expression nk. She extended a finger, opening a rift in the Void, from which a world source emerged, drawn down into the ck waters. The churning ck sea devoured it as thews of the world source dissolved, merging with the waters and being transformed by the Void¡¯s influence, reshaped to suit thews of Void entities. ¡°My Lady!¡± A graceful, beautiful figure appeared, kneeling reverently behind the Void Empress. Her name was Tiffany, the Witch of Cmity, once a deity herself. After being enved by the Void Empress, she had be a court attendant and had watched over the Void Pool for many years. This Void Pool had been created by the Void Empress by tearing away a tenth of the Void¡¯s original source. Capable of voidifying anything, it had even sparked discontent among the other Courts due to its immense power. Now, the Void Pool had absorbed three world sources and was filled with colossal Void energy and the power of alteredws. Tiffany, gazing at the gradually dissolving world source, respectfully whispered, ¡°The Void Pool has now consumed three world sources¡­ ready for the young prince to enjoy¡­¡± Bowing deeply, Tiffany, as the Void Empress¡¯s attendant, was privy to the secret of the Empress¡¯s mysterious offspring. The Empress had long prepared for this prince¡¯s evolution, with the Void Pool as one of her many arrangements. The Void Empress¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the Void Pool, her face expressionless. Suddenly, an image appeared before her. In the vision, a noble and handsome young man stood with his hands behind his back, bearing the face of a human. Yet, the icy, indifferent gaze in his eyes mirrored that of the Void Empress¡ªthis young man was none other than Qin Xian. As she gazed at the image of Qin Xian, a subtle trace of emotion appeared in the Void Empress¡¯s eyes. To her, the universe was merely food to be devoured. As a terror of the Void, she held no emotional attachments¡ªnot even for the human with the bloodline of the Primal-born who had once been her consort; that rtionship had merely served mutual purposes. If any emotion remained within her, it was solely for her child. Her eyes softened with boundless affection as she murmured, ¡°My child¡­ my only child¡­ You shall be the most powerful Void Overlord in all of history¡­¡° ¡°Together, we shall devour the universe. But for now, you must stay within the human world, learn and grow within the structure of the Divine Revtion¡­¡± ¡­ Qin Xian, Qin Li, and Marika exited the Pantheon, returning to the Broken Heaven instance. With the world source of Broken Heaven now devoured by Qin Xian, the instance would degrade into a regr dungeon. Marika, as the realm¡¯s former main god, no longer needed to remain in Broken Heaven and would be one of Qin Xian¡¯s followers. Despite having lost most of her divine power and her main god shard, Marika was still around level 50. Her remaining godly power and intimidating presence as a deity still held some value. If she managed to retrieve her divine fragments, she might one day restore her original strength. The Broken Heaven instance was nearly deserted now. A group of Qin family elites awaited outside the Pantheon, their faces lighting up as Qin Xian appeared, bowing respectfully. ¡°Young Master, Young Lady!¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om These warriors, raised by the Qin family, were prepared to die with Qin Xian should anything have happened. Staying behind to perish in the instance would have been the preferred choice if he had fallen. But now, with Qin Xian¡¯s perfect clearance and immense rewards, these Qin family elites could look forward to rich rewards. Though ruthless in their methods, the Qin family was generous with their allies, which was why so many sought their favor. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Qin Xian said with a smile at Qin Li, leading the group to the interface and selecting ¡°exit.¡± In the next moment, they were enveloped in light, teleporting to the instance entrance. But as they materialized, Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something amiss. The entire Hengjiang region was under strict lockdown, with Imperial soldiers and security officials from the Security Council stationed everywhere, even with other professionals patrolling the area. ¡°Everyone is to stay put! I want to know exactly who is responsible for killing our Jixia Academy students!¡± a furious voice boomed across the sky. Powerful figures from Jixia Academy appeared, their faces seething with anger. Seeing this, Qin Xian¡¯s brow lifted slightly, though his expression betrayed no surprise. It seemed that Jixia Academy had finally made their move. This was expected; the deaths of over twenty students would undoubtedly provoke a reaction from the academy. If they had ignored such a loss, Jixia wouldn¡¯t have been worthy of its title as one of the Empire¡¯s three great academies. Qin Xian chuckled, untroubled. Just as he¡¯d considered, if the favored son of destiny had remained quietly within Jixia Academy to cultivate, even the Qin family wouldn¡¯t have dared to storm the academy grounds. But now that he was dead, Jixia Academy would find retribution against him equally difficult to obtain. What could Jixia Academy do against him, the eldest son of the Qin family, for a mere dead man? At that moment, a stern-looking middle-aged man appeared before Qin Xian, his face filled with hostility as he red at him. This man was none other than Mo Zhongshan, the Deputy Dean of the Demon Hunting Academy at Jixia Academy. Chapter 93 Chapter 93: Calling a Deer a Horse Mo Zhongshan red coldly at Qin Xian, his expression unfriendly. Members of the Jixia Academy had tried using a teleportation array to reach the Hengjiang region directly, only to find that all teleportation arrays in Tianlu Province had been deactivated. This was an unexpected obstacle, given that Tianlu Province was essentially the stronghold of Jixia Academy, with connections spanning from the Speaker down to various departmental chiefs. Yet, in their own province, the teleportation arrays were inessible. However, they had no means to resolve this. All teleportation arrays were governed by the Empire¡¯s Department of Transportation, leaving them no choice but to travel by ne to a neighboring province and then teleport to the Hengjiang region.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om But by the time they arrived, the Broken Heaven instance had already begun, and being over level 40, they couldn¡¯t enter and had to wait outside. Over the past few days, Mo Zhongshan had been tirelessly investigating, stopping numerous professionals exiting the instance. From his inquiries, he gathered a few crucial details. First, Jixia Academy students had shed with those from the Imperial Academy. Second, witnesses had seen Qin family elites alongside Jixia Academy students at the start of the prelude mission, and once it ended, the Jixia students were all dead. These clues pointed Mo Zhongshan¡¯s suspicions toward Qin Xian. Under normal circumstances, he might not be so certain. But with the mysterious closure of Tianlu Province¡¯s teleportation arrays, things became more suspicious. Shutting down the teleportationworks in a province like Tianlu, a major transportation hub, would disrupt nearly half the Empire¡¯s infrastructure. Only a select few powerful entities could pull such strings¡ªand the Qin family was one of them. With a grim expression, Mo Zhongshan addressed Qin Xian in a low voice, ¡°Young Master of the Qin family, I have some questions for you.¡± In response, Uncle Qiu appeared at Qin Xian¡¯s side, standing firmly against Mo Zhongshan, and replied icily, ¡°Mo Zhongshan, watch yourself.¡± A hint of apprehension flickered in Mo Zhongshan¡¯s eyes. Uncle Qiu was a level 58 powerhouse, while he himself was level 59; their strength was nearly equal. At this level, Empire powerhouses approaching level 60 were few and far between. Mo Zhongshan and Uncle Qiu had crossed paths before, making them long-standing rivals and old acquaintances. With a cold snort, Mo Zhongshan replied, ¡°Qiu Ce, a Jixia Academy student has been killed, and I won¡¯t rest until the truthes to light!¡± Unfazed, Uncle Qiu held his ground as more officials began arriving on the scene. ¡°What¡¯s going on here, Dean Mo? Any leads?¡± ¡°Dean Mo, what¡¯s the situation?¡± Leading these arrivals were prominent officials from Jiangnan Province. Hengjiangy on the border between Tiannan and Jiangnan Provinces, and was closer to Jiangnan. The massacre of over twenty Jixia Academy students had drawn not only Jixia Academy¡¯s ire but also significant attention from Jiangnan Province. Despite the Empire¡¯s ruling elite and the Council¡¯s past biases against the academy, Jixia was still one of the Empire¡¯s three prestigious institutions, holding a unique status. The tragedy was enough tomand the province¡¯s attention. Among the crowd were Wang Minghui, Director of the Jiangnan Province Security Council, and Deng Juncai, head of Jiangnan¡¯s Provincial Police Department. The moment they spotted Qin Xian, their expressions changed, clearly recognizing who he was. At their level, they were well aware of the Empire¡¯s most powerful figures, especially those best left undisturbed. Unfortunately, Qin Xian was precisely one of those people. ¡°Young Master Qin!?¡± Wang Minghui and Deng Juncai¡¯s hearts sank as they hurried to introduce themselves. They had inadvertently stumbled into treacherous waters¡ªdangerous, shark-infested waters. Although the Governor of Jiangnan was not directly affiliated with the Qin family, rtions with them had always been amicable. They held some influence within Jiangnan, but on an imperial scale, they were insignificant before the might of the Qin family. ¡­ Ignoring the reactions of Wang Minghui and the others, Mo Zhongshan fixed a steely gaze on Qin Xian. ¡°Young Master Qin, witnesses reported seeing you and Jixia Academy students together. Now all of them are dead. Don¡¯t you have anything to say?¡± With a faint smile, Qin Xian replied, ¡°Dean Mo, it¡¯s true I was with Jixia Academy students, but we separated after the prelude mission began to hunt Void creatures. As for your students¡¯ deaths¡­ perhaps they fell to the Void creatures?¡± Mo Zhongshan¡¯s face twisted with fury. The Void creatures encountered in the prelude mission were rtively weak, and Jixia Academy students were among the best¡ªthere was no way they would die to such minor threats. With a grim expression, Mo Zhongshan retrieved a ck rectangr object. [Source Tracing Scroll]: Marks a deceased target, revealing a vision of thest 20 seconds of their life upon taking damage. Duration: 10 minutes. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed as he saw the scroll. The Source Tracing Scroll was a rare item that couldn¡¯t be crafted and only dropped from certain high-level bosses. Its value wasn¡¯t just in tracing memories but also as a key material for creating Resurrection Scrolls. Few would waste it on tracing events. The entire Empire likely held no more than ten such scrolls, and Jixia Academy had spent one without hesitation, indicating they were going all out. Mo Zhongshan activated the scroll, marking it with Xiao Ming¡¯s name. Instantly, the scroll glowed, casting a faint, blurred image in the air. Despite the haziness, the vision was clear enough to reveal Qin Xian alongside the Jixia students, followed by Qin Xian ordering the Qin family elites to attack the academy¡¯s students. The 20-second scene was brief but undeniable proof. Mo Zhongshan¡¯s eyes reddened as he red at Qin Xian. With this irrefutable evidence, let¡¯s see what you have to say! Though he knew that with Qin Xian¡¯s background, even with solid evidence, bringing him to justice was unlikely. Still, he wanted the Qin family to pay some price for this incident. Otherwise, Jixia Academy would be utterly disgraced. Wang Minghui and Deng Juncai looked increasingly ufortable, wishing they could turn back time and erase their involvement here. Qin Xian watched the Source Tracing Scroll¡¯s projection, observing his own elites ughtering Jixia students. Then he smiled. ncing at Wang Minghui, Director of the Jiangnan Security Council, and Deng Juncai, head of Jiangnan Police, his gaze was inscrutable as he chuckled lightly. ¡°What¡¯s this scene showing? Isn¡¯t it just Void creatures hunting down Jixia students? What¡¯s it got to do with me? Don¡¯t you agree, Director Wang? Director Deng?¡± Chapter 94 Chapter 94: ¡°I Know You¡¯re in a Hurry, But Don¡¯t Rush¡± ¡°Void creatures?¡± Wang Minghui looked baffled as he nced at the scene in the Source Tracing Scroll¡ªQin family elites ughtering Jixia Academy students. This¡­ how could this possibly be the work of Void creatures? But then, he caught sight of Qin Xian¡¯s piercing, icy gaze, and a chill ran down his spine. A resolute expression took over Wang Minghui¡¯s face as he stepped forward, scrutinizing the scroll carefully. Then, in a confident tone, he announced, ¡°Yes, exactly! It was indeed Void creatures responsible for this attack. From what I see here, it¡¯s clear the Jixia Academy students were killed by Void creatures.¡± Deng Juncai, head of Jiangnan¡¯s Provincial Police Department, looked as though he wanted to say something, but upon hearing Wang Minghui¡¯s deration, he quickly caught on. He nodded in agreement, adding, ¡°Correct. This Source Tracing Scroll clearly shows Jixia Academy students killed by Void creatures. What does this have to do with Young Master Qin?¡± All the officials from Jiangnan Province were seasoned veterans of the political game. They knew that survival in the Empire¡¯s hierarchy depended less on ability and more on loyalty. Seeing their two top leaders taking this stance, the other security officers and senior police supervisors quickly chimed in. ¡°Yes, it was Void creatures!¡± ¡°The Jixia students died at the hands of task monsters!¡± Everyone wore expressions of utmost conviction, as if they were witnessing Void creatures ying Jixia Academy students, not Qin family elites. This, to them, was the true version of events, not anything involving the Qin family. Mo Zhongshan was left stunned, staring at the officials who all held such unwavering expressions. On instinct, he turned his gaze back to the Source Tracing Scroll, even beginning to doubt his own judgment. Had he misinterpreted it? But as he looked again at the repeating scene of Qin family elites massacring the students, his fury rekindled. Seething with rage, he confronted Wang Minghui and Deng Juncai, ¡°The scroll clearly shows Qin family members! Where are the Void creatures? What are you trying to pull here?¡± Maintaining a calm demeanor, Wang Minghui smiled back at Mo Zhongshan. ¡°Dean Mo, you must have misread it. The scroll clearly depicts Void creatures.¡± ¡°Where is Young Master Qin in any of this? I know you¡¯re in a hurry, but there¡¯s no need to rush and use innocent people.¡± Initially, Wang Minghui had treated Mo Zhongshan with warmth and respect. After all, Mo Zhongshan wasn¡¯t only a level 59 powerhouse but also the vice-dean of the Jixia Academy¡¯s Demon Hunting School, with students spread throughout the Empire and an extensivework. Gaining his favor would have certainly benefited Wang Minghui¡¯s career. Butpared to Qin Xian, Mo Zhongshan was nothing. Even with Jixia Academy backing him, Mo Zhongshan didn¡¯t stand a chance against the Qin family. Offending Jixia might cost Wang Minghui his position as Director of the Jiangnan Security Council, but offending the Qin family? He¡¯d probably be sent to the frontlines of the Void war tomorrow. So Wang Minghui immediately chose to side with Qin Xian, without the slightest hesitation or remorse. And he wasn¡¯t the only one. Deng Juncai, along with the other Jiangnan officials, and even a few military officers, nodded seriously, pointing at the Qin family elites in the projection and dering, ¡°These are obviously Void creatures¡­¡± The scene was absurd, and yet it sent a chilling wave of fear through the Jixia Academy powerhouses and the surrounding professionals. An icy dread gripped them as they watched this brazen disy of twisted logic unfold.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Am I seeing this wrong? Mo Zhongshan looked at the resolute expressions of the officials, then back at the projection. Right in front of him, these officials were tantly calling the Qin family elites Void creatures. Fury surged within him. How could they be so shameless? The Source Tracing Scroll was right there for all to see, the truthid bare. How could they dare to twist the facts so brazenly, to call a deer a horse? Seeing Mo Zhongshan¡¯s face flush from anger, turning pale and red, Qin Xian gave a slight smile, hands folded behind his back as he spoke calmly. ¡°Dean Mo, I suppose this Source Tracing Scroll proves my innocence?¡± A hint of ridicule flickered across his face. What good was a Source Tracing Scroll? In this world, power could make ck white and white ck. He smiled faintly, ¡°If you¡¯re still uncertain, you¡¯re wee to ask others.¡± With a casual gesture, he pointed to one of the onlookers and asked coolly, ¡°What do you see here, me or Void creatures?¡± The professional Qin Xian pointed to turned pale with fear. He nced at the officials, then at Mo Zhongshan, his face shing with hesitation. But he quickly stered on a fawning smile. ¡°Void creatures, obviously!¡± He was just an ordinary professional. How could he dare cross the Qin family? ¡°Good. Looks like we can close the case!¡± Wang Minghui pped his hands, nodding with satisfaction. He exchanged nces with Deng Juncai, then turned to the crowd. ¡°The deaths of the twenty-four Jixia Academy students were caused by monsters in the Broken Heaven instance¡¯s prelude mission, a mere ident¡ªno foul y involved!¡± He then turned to a security officer behind him. ¡°Is this recorded?¡± The officer, holding a tablet, tapped a few buttons and replied respectfully, ¡°Director Wang, it¡¯s recorded. The case has been officially closed.¡± As Director of the Jiangnan Province Security Council, Wang Minghui had the authority to close cases. Thus, the deaths of Jixia Academy¡¯s twenty-four students were officially ruled an ident by the Empire. ¡°Good,¡± Wang Minghui nodded solemnly, exuding the dignity of a high-ranking provincial official. Then he turned to Qin Xian, his face shifting to one of deference and even obsequiousness. ¡°Young Master Qin, is this resolution to your satisfaction?¡± Chapter 95 Chapter 95: The Obsequious Sycophant Mo Zhongshan watched in disbelief as Wang Minghui officially closed the case, his rage threatening to boil over. He felt a profound sense of frustration¡ªhere was the truth,id bare for all to see, yet everyone chose to ignore it, cowed by the power of the Qin family. Were Xiao Ming and his fellow students to die in vain? Known for his fiery temperament, Mo Zhongshan had spent many years at Jixia Academy, untouched by theyers of political filth in the outside world. He had not anticipated this level of shamelessness. What had happened to justice in this world? If he could, he would¡¯ve disregarded the consequences and struck down Qin Xian on the spot, avenging Jixia Academy. But he knew the oue of such an act. Even attempting toy a hand on Qin Xian could bring catastrophic consequences for Jixia Academy itself. If the Qin family¡¯s patriarch were truly enraged, it wouldn¡¯t just be him facing ruin¡ªJixia Academy might cease to exist altogether. As Qin Xian observed Mo Zhongshan¡¯s struggle, he smiled slightly and said in a detached tone, ¡°Dean Mo, if you have any further concerns, you could file aint with the Imperial Ministry of Supervision.¡± ¡°If you need help, I¡¯d be happy to put in a good word for you with Minister Sheng. After all, my voice does carry some weight there¡­¡± The Imperial Ministry of Supervision, tasked with overseeing all government departments, wielded immense authority. Any disputes over cases handled by the Security Council or the Police Department could be appealed to this ministry. However, the problemy in Minister Sheng Junchen, the highest-ranking official in the Ministry of Supervision¡ªwho was a loyal servant of the Qin family. Sheng Junchen¡¯s rise was legendary; he had ascended from a mere inspector to the Minister of Supervision in just a decade. Known for his ruthlessness, he had used his position to clear obstacles for the Qin family, leaving ruined lives in his wake without concern for his reputation. Qin Xian¡¯s words were more than modest¡ªhis influence with Sheng Junchen was as potent as that of a father over a son. A year ago, Sheng Junchen had even publicly barked like a dog during Qin Xian¡¯s birthday celebration, hoping to curry favor with the Qin family heir. The entire Imperial Court had turned it into aughingstock. Qin Xian¡¯smand undoubtedly carried more weight with Sheng than any other voice. Mo Zhongshan¡¯s expression darkened further. The Qin family¡¯s influence was woven through the entire Empire; there was nowhere left to turn. With his silence, Qin Xian smiled faintly, signaling his entourage to leave gracefully with him. The onlookers were left astounded, filled with an almost reverent fear. This was the power of an elite family¡ªto kill members of Jixia Academy and then depart without consequence. Wang Minghui, Deng Juncai, and the other Jiangnan officials quickly fell in line, offering sycophantic praise and pleasantries. As for Jixia Academy? They were more than happy to forget it even existed. ¡°Director Wang, Director Deng, thank you for your hard work today,¡± Qin Xian said, with the slightest hint of amusement. Deng Juncai opened his mouth to respond, but Wang Minghui was quicker, interjecting, ¡°Young Master Qin, you¡¯re too kind. We¡¯ve done no hard work here. It¡¯s Jixia Academy that nearly ndered you. We merely sought the truth.¡± Walking alongside Qin Xian, Wang Minghui¡¯s face was painted with a fawning grin. Qin Xian chuckled, finding Wang Minghui¡¯s sycophantic behavior somewhat entertaining. This Director of the Jiangnan Province Security Council was indeed a rare breed. In truth, Wang Minghui was nothing but a small-minded opportunist, and that suited Qin Xian just fine¡ªhe preferred people who would abandon all scruples to serve him. He nced over at Wang Minghui and asked, ¡°How long have you been serving in the Security Council, Director Wang?¡± Wang Minghui¡¯s heart skipped a beat, his face lighting up with excitement. ¡°Answering Young Master Qin, I have served as Director of the Jiangnan Security Council for thirteen years!¡± At his words, the surrounding officials shot Wang Minghui strange looks. His obsequiousness was staggering.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Respecting Qin Xian¡¯s power was one thing¡ªeveryone respected it¡ªbut for a provincial director to address Qin Xian as ¡°your humble servant¡± bordered on shameless. Yet Wang Minghui remained unfazed by the looks of contempt. He knew that this moment was a rare opportunity. Wang Minghui had not been born into an elite family; he had married into one, gaining his position as Security Council Director through the support of his wife¡¯s family and his own maneuvering. But he understood that this position was likely his peak. If he hadn¡¯t met Qin Xian, he would have remained here until retirement, perhaps gaining a ceremonial title as a vice-chair in the Provincial Assembly. However, Qin Xian¡¯s presence gave him hope¡ªhope for more. If he couldtch onto Young Master Qin¡¯s favor, who knew how far he could climb? For that, Wang Minghui discarded all sense of dignity. What use was face when he could gain power? He had heard that Sheng Junchen had used a simr tactic to be the Empire¡¯s Minister of Supervision by serving the Qin family with utter loyalty. Perhaps he could be the next Sheng Junchen. Watching the anticipation and excitement gleaming in Wang Minghui¡¯s eyes, Qin Xian smiled slightly and asked, ¡°Director Wang, would you be interested in taking up a position in the Imperial Capital?¡± Chapter 96 Chapter 96: Rising to the Top ¡°Would you be interested in a position in the Imperial Capital?¡± Hearing these words, Wang Minghui felt like he was floating. Of course, he was interested! A transfer at his rank to the capital¡¯s Security Council could ce him in the standingmittee, or, if transferred to the Ministry of Supervision, as Chief Inspector of one of the bureaus. Though the position might seemparable to his current role as Provincial Security Director, the authority it held would be on an entirely different level. The opportunity to oversee and audit the Empire¡¯s security,w enforcement, and inspection systems would elevate him to someone with real influence, someone whose name could make waves beyond Jiangnan Province. More importantly, a transfer to the capital would open up his path to higher ranks. In the province, his role as Security Director was essentially the end of the line; only the Governor or Deputy Speaker held more power. However, in the Ministry of Supervision, there were still positions above Chief Inspector, like Director of Supervision, Chief Inspector General, and even Deputy Minister. Ecstatic, Wang Minghui was about to blurt out his willingness but held back. His instincts told him to y it safe. Bowing respectfully, he said, ¡°It is all up to you, Young Master Qin. From now on, I am your loyal servant, ready to go wherever you wish.¡± At this deration, the onlookers shot him side nces¡ªSo shameless? Yet Qin Xian¡¯s expression softened with a smile. People of his status knew exactly what these tteries meant, but he appreciated men like Wang Minghui precisely because they were pliable. Anyone who could set aside dignity for allegiance could be trusted to carry out the less savory tasks. Before Qin Xian could respond, his phone rang. Seeing the name Chu Junzhang, he raised an eyebrow. She had left the Broken Heaven instance suddenly, and Qin Xian was cautious of her¡ªthis mysterious senior was advancing at nearly his own pace within the instance, making her a curiosity. ¡°Qin Xian, don¡¯t forget our agreement,¡± came Chu Junzhang¡¯s gentle yet cool voice over the phone.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I promised, so I won¡¯t go back on my word.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be heading to the Void Front soon,¡± she continued, ¡°and once I return, I¡¯ll be counting on you, Qin Xian.¡± After a brief conversation, they hung up, and Qin Xian turned to find Wang Minghui eagerly awaiting him. With a slight nod, he said, ¡°Director Wang, I¡¯ll arrange for you to serve as Chief Inspector of Second Department Bureau in the Ministry of Supervision.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll speak to Minister Sheng and the Imperial Personnel Department on your behalf.¡± Chief Inspector of Second Department Bureau in the Ministry of Supervision! Wang Minghui nearly fainted with joy. Familiar with the inner workings of the Ministry, he knew that Bureau Two was responsible for overseeing the entire Imperial Capital¡ªa position of immense power. Stammering with excitement, he bowed deeply. ¡°From this day forward, I am at your service, ready to give my all!¡± As Qin Xian resumed his walk, the onlookers were left awestruck. The magnitude of Qin Xian¡¯s influence was overwhelming; in a single sentence, he could elevate a man¡¯s position to the top. Deng Juncai looked enviously at Wang Minghui¡ªthis truly was a meteoric rise. Yet, though tempted by Qin Xian¡¯s favor, he still had his pride. His years in the military and the police had instilled some principles he couldn¡¯t ignore. Soon, they reached the teleportation array that Wang Minghui had cleared for Qin Xian¡¯s exclusive use. Standing in the center of the array with Qin Li and his entourage, Qin Xian nodded to Wang Minghui. ¡°Well then, Director Wang, I¡¯ll see you in the Imperial Capital.¡± ¡°Safe travels, Young Master!¡± Wang Minghui bowed deeply as the array activated, enveloping Qin Xian and his group in white light until they vanished from sight. Even then, Wang Minghui held his bow. ¡°Old Wang, you can stand up now¡ªYoung Master Qin has left,¡± Deng Juncai muttered, patting Wang Minghui on the shoulder, finding the disy of servitude almost embarrassing. The other officials looked away, feigning ignorance, yet their thoughts were evident. Rising, Wang Minghui¡¯s face was flushed with excitement, still half-dazed at the thought¡ªChief Inspector of Bureau Two! Determined to cling to Qin Xian¡¯s influence, Wang Minghui resolved to be one of Qin Xian¡¯s closest allies. That would secure his future for good. ¡°Director Wang¡­¡± Deng Juncai addressed him with a note of respect, his casual use of ¡°Old Wang¡± reced with the formal title. The change didn¡¯t escape Wang Minghui, nor did the other officials present, who had caught onto Wang Minghui¡¯s shift in status. He was, after all, now a member of the Qin family¡¯swork. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 97 Chapter 97: Return to the Imperial Capital Imperial Capital, Zhou Family Residence. ¡°Zhou Nan, you¡¯re just an illegitimate child. What makes you think you belong in the Combat Simtion Arena?¡± Several Zhou family heirs sneered as they taunted Zhou Nan. The Combat Simtion Arena was a specially created space capable of simting various enemies and creatures, allowing its users to hone their battle techniques. While it didn¡¯t provide experience points, it was a rare resource, built at great expense within the Zhou family¡¯s domain. Due to the high costs associated with each session, only direct descendants were permitted to use it. Today, however, Zhou Nan showed up at the Combat Simtion Arena, drawing immediate disdain from several Zhou family members. Although Zhou Nan was technically the son of the Zhou family head, Zhou Xingkong, his return to the family was met with indifference. To make matters worse, the family matriarch despised him. Consequently, the family¡¯s legitimate heirs treated him with nothing but contempt. Standing in the lobby of the Combat Simtion Arena, Zhou Nan¡¯s fists clenched as the insults of his family rang out around him. Young and full of spirit, it took all his self-control to restrain his anger. But he knew it wasn¡¯t time to openly confront the Zhou family just yet. Though he had copied several skills, it still wasn¡¯t enough to ensure victory against everyone in the family. Just then, a beautiful young woman entered the arena, her bearing noble and proud. The other Zhou family heirs greeted her with smiles and admiration. ¡°Zhiqing! You¡¯ve broken the arena record again!¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om ¡°No one represents our family¡¯s pride better than you, Lady Zhiqing!¡± This beautiful girl, Zhou Zhiqing, was the direct descendant of the Zhou family head and the matriarch. She was extraordinarily gifted, an SS-ranked Bloodline Apostle, and highly regarded by Zhou Xingkong. In name, she was Zhou Nan¡¯s half-sister. But Zhou Zhiqing treated Zhou Nan with disdain, even openly expressing her disgust upon seeing him in the corner. ¡°I guess they¡¯ll let any random stray in here now,¡± she scoffed. Fury welled up in Zhou Nan, but he held it back, coldly ncing at this supposed sister. One day, he vowed, he would reim everything that rightfully belonged to him. He¡¯d be the master of the Zhou family and teach her a lesson she wouldn¡¯t forget. Looking around, Zhou Nan took stock of his rtives and sighed. He had already copied nearly every rare or divine skill they possessed, bing a versatile powerhouse in the process. However, his hunger for more was growing, and the Zhou family¡¯s skills no longer satisfied his ambitions. He leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes as though indifferent to their jeers. Seeing him ignore their taunts only made the other Zhou heirs smirk. Although they couldn¡¯t physically attack him, they were more than content to pretend he didn¡¯t exist. A few other Zhou family members who had just left the simtion began discussing the topic that had captured the Empire¡¯s attentiontely: Qin Xian. News of his feats in the Broken Heaven instance¡ªiming the lives of tens of thousands, ying the final boss, and setting a new record¡ªhad spread across the Empire. As descendants of aristocratic families, many of them admired Qin Xian deeply. ¡°Yes, Qin Xian should have returned to the capital by now. He¡¯s only 19, and he¡¯s already level 35! Isn¡¯t that another new record?¡± ¡°Soon the Divine Revtion Auction will open. Qin Xian will certainly attend, and maybe we¡¯ll get the chance to meet him!¡± Zhou Zhiqing¡¯s face lit up at the mention of Qin Xian. She had met him a few times; his striking looks and noble bearing had left asting impression on her. Meanwhile, Zhou Nan¡¯s eyes gleamed with interest. Qin Xian is back? As humanity¡¯s top prodigy, possessing the mythical SSS-ss Oracle Knight ss, if Zhou Nan could somehow copy Qin Xian¡¯s skills¡­ his potential would skyrocket! ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Imperial Capital, Teleportation Array. The capital was enormous, divided into 18 districts, eachparable in size to a provincial capital. To amodate the traffic, over 20 teleportation arrays were scattered throughout the city. In District 17¡¯s teleportation array, a sh of white light announced the arrival of Qin Xian and his entourage. Surveying the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, a faint smile touched Qin Xian¡¯s lips. This was home¡ªone of many, at least. Outside the teleportation array, a convoy awaited. Qin Xian and Qin Li entered a luxurious sedan, and the motorcade sped off, led by two police escorts clearing the way. Curious onlookers spected about which VIP was behind the spectacle. After a long journey through the capital, the motorcade finally stopped before a grand and imposingpound, where powerful guards patrolled the entrance. This was the Qin family¡¯s residence, their dominion in the Imperial Capital. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 98 Chapter 98: The Qin Family¡¯s AmbitionThe Qin residence was bustling with activity. Cars bearing prestigious ¡°Red¡± license plates¡ªa privilege reserved for high-ranking officials¡ªlined up at the entrance, from which stern-faced middle-aged men stepped out, each a significant figure in one of the Empire¡¯s many departments. They had all come to meet with the Empire¡¯s Chancellor, Qin Ming. In the world of politics, years of effort often held less sway than a single word from Qin Ming himself. In fact, the queue outside the Qin residence stretched down the street, and the usually unyielding officials waited quietly, even showing respect to the Qin family guards, devoid of their usual arrogance. This alone showcased the immense power held by the Qin family. Upon learning of Qin Xian¡¯s return, many of these officials flocked to greet him warmly. As the acknowledged heir of the Qin family, he was seen as their young master. Qin Xian exchanged pleasantries, displaying the charm and poise of a future leader. Though young, his words carried a warmth and finesse that left them feeling both at ease and respected. Once inside the Qin residence, the atmosphere shifted; oppressive and formidable energies seemed to rise and fall throughout. As the most influential family in the Empire, the strength of the Qin family was unmatched, with over twenty experts at level 70 or higher¡ªhalf of the Empire¡¯s elite forces alone. Qin Xian turned to Qiu Bo. ¡°Has Su Keqing been taken care of?¡± Qiu Bo nodded respectfully. ¡°Yes, young master. Miss Su is currently residing at the Hengqi Estate in District 7.¡± Qin Xian nodded in satisfaction. ¡°I¡¯ll go visit her in a few days.¡± ¡°Understood, young master. I¡¯ll inform her of your plans.¡± After a short walk, Qin Xian and Qin Li reached a three-story marble building¡ªthe main house of the Qin estate, where their father, Qin Ming, both lived and worked. Entering the house, they were greeted by the servants, who bowed with reverence. ¡°Welcome home, young master, young lady,¡± they chimed in unison. With a gentle smile and a nod, Qin Xian made his way with Qin Li to the second-floor study, where their father was occupied with official matters. Qin Xian knocked, and upon receiving permission, he and Qin Li entered. Inside, Qin Ming was listening to reports from a few officials. However, upon seeing Qin Xian, the Chancellor¡¯s stern, unyielding expression softened into a smile. With a wave, he dismissed the officials. Qin Xian and Qin Li respectfully bowed. ¡°Father, we¡¯re back.¡± Qin Ming¡¯s gaze fell on Qin Li, his smile fading into indifference. ¡°Xiao Li, leave us. I have things to discuss with your brother.¡± Expressionless, Qin Li nodded. She was long accustomed to her father¡¯s cold treatment. With a glance at Qin Xian, she turned and left. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now alone with his son, Qin Ming rose, studying Qin Xian with a satisfied smile. ¡°Good. It seems you¡¯ve grown stronger during this time.¡± But his face soon turned cold again. ¡°Has Qin Li learned the truth?¡± Qin Xian nodded. ¡°The surviving descendant of the Ye family, Ye Xuan, appeared in the Broken Heaven instance and told her everything.¡± Qin Ming¡¯s expression remained impassive, but a flicker of murderous intent glinted in his eyes. ¡°Then kill her.¡± The Qin patriarch had raised Qin Li for nearly two decades, yet he suggested her death without a hint of hesitation. All his affection was reserved for Qin Xian alone. Qin Xian shook his head. ¡°There¡¯s no need. I¡¯ve bound her with a soul contract. She will never betray me or the Qin family.¡± Qin Ming¡¯s murderous gaze softened slightly. ¡°As you wish. Do as you see fit.¡± He frowned. ¡°Ye Xuan¡­ It seems the Ye family still has some resources.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been tracking the Ye family for years without any leads,¡± Qin Xian replied, ¡°which suggests issues within the Civil Registry Bureau.¡± The Empire¡¯s Ministry of Civil Affairs maintained records on all citizens within the Tianqi system. Anyone connected to the system¡¯s interface would have a presence in their registry. Qin Ming¡¯s face darkened as he strode over to his desk and made a quick phone call. ¡°Isolate and investigate every official below the director level in the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Find anyone with connections to the Ye family. Understood?¡± In a single call, a wave of dread filled the room. The Ministry of Civil Affairs would face an extensive purge, and heads were bound to roll. Once he hung up, Qin Ming turned back to Qin Xian, his eyes gleaming with ambition. ¡°The Arcane Source¡­ You have it, don¡¯t you?¡± Qin Xian nodded, producing the Arcane Source. It hovered in midair, exuding a terrifying energy that made it seem as though countless worlds were collapsing in its eerie violet light. Even Qin Ming, with his seasoned restraint, couldn¡¯t help but laugh aloud in triumph. ¡°Excellent! With the Arcane Source in our possession, the Qin family¡¯s plan can finally proceed smoothly!¡± Qin Ming placed a firm hand on Qin Xian¡¯s shoulder, his gaze ablaze with a chilling fervor. ¡°Divine Revelation¡­ it¡¯s ours for the taking!¡± Chapter 99 Chapter 99: Aspire to Dream Big!¡°The Scales Palace Arcana, we have it now.¡± Qin Ming¡¯s eyes grew even deeper as he held a seal in his hand, exuding a profoundly mysterious and terrifying aura, with immense power radiating from within it. On its surface, intricate engravings depicted the Scales constellation. Qin Xian took the Scales Palace Arcana, instinctively shifting into his Void Overlord form. The terrifying energy of the void began to erode the seal. As the Scales Palace Arcana was gradually consumed by the void¡¯s energy, Qin Xian¡¯s presence intensified. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Though his level and attribute points hadn¡¯t changed, he now emanated an even more fearsome presence¡ªa destructive aura that spoke of complete annihilation. Although Qin Xian was a Void Overlord, this moment transcended that power level, transforming him into something more terrifying¡ªas if he were becoming the deity of all Void Overlords. Watching his son¡¯s growing might, Qin Ming¡¯s face broke into a satisfied smile. ¡°We now have six of the Arcane Sources of the Twelve Primordials: Scales Palace, the Demon Lion Palace, Serpent Palace, White Tiger Palace, Jade Phoenix Palace, and Archer Palace.¡± ¡°With these, you can undergo another evolution, reaching beyond the power of a Void Overlord. When we finally collect all twelve, you will not only become the god of the void but will have the Arcane Source to corrupt and seize the control of the Divine Revelation Monolith itself, making you the master of Heaven¡¯s Will! The universe itself will be ours!¡± A burning ambition filled Qin Ming¡¯s gaze as he looked at his son. Most people believed Qin Xian¡¯s mother was some fortunate woman of noble descent, but the reality was far stranger. Qin Xian¡¯s mother was the Empress of the Void¡¯s First Court¡ªthe Void Empress herself, known to humans as their most dangerous foe. The Qin family and the Void¡¯s First Court were not merely in contact; they were united, with Qin Xian as their ultimate creation, the one who carried both primordial and void bloodlines. Despite the absence of any romantic bond between Qin Ming and the Void Empress, they each poured their full ambitions and expectations into this son. Qin Xian was essential to both the Qin family and the Void¡¯s First Court. Over the years, the Qin family had secretly collected these Arcane Sources, eradicating families and lives to feed Qin Xian¡¯s evolution. This quest to gather all twelve would allow him to ascend beyond the Void Overlord and breach the limits of mortality itself. Qin Xian stored the Scales Palace Arcana away, feeling a renewed hunger. The act of absorbing the arcane essence from these artifacts gave him an unparalleled sense of thrill¡ªan allure even greater than consuming the essence of entire worlds. Contrary to public belief that the Qin family held only two arcane seals, the family¡¯s true collection had now reached six. They had indeed left trails of destruction in their pursuit. With a somber expression, Qin Ming declared, ¡°Ten years! We must gather the remaining arcane seals within the next decade!¡± His eyes took on a distant look, turning towards the heavens. ¡°Heaven¡¯s Will has started to sense my true power. I have, at most, ten years before receiving the ¡®invitation¡¯ to ascend as a deity in the Divine Realm.¡± When he spoke of an ¡°invitation,¡± a trace of mockery appeared on Qin Ming¡¯s face. ¡ª Meanwhile, in Jiangnan Province, Jiangzhou City¡­ As head of the provincial Security Committee, Wang Minghui held a powerful position in the province. His residence was in a prestigious, wealthy neighborhood, reserved for the elite. Returning home that day, Wang was in an exceptionally good mood. His wife, Sun Yao, hailed from a venerable local family, the Sun clan, and although she was over forty, her beauty and elegance were well maintained. It was her family, particularly her father, who had supported Wang¡¯s political journey to become head of the Security Committee. When she saw her husband¡¯s joy, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What¡¯s happened? Weren¡¯t you dealing with that issue with the Academics Institute?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all sorted!¡± he replied, beaming. ¡°And you¡¯re this pleased about it? Don¡¯t tell me you actually got in good with the Academics Institute?¡± ¡°Academics Institute? Bah, they¡¯re nothing compared to what I¡¯ve gained today!¡± Relaxed now that he was home, Wang Minghui burst into laughter. ¡°I met Young Master Qin! From now on, I¡¯m one of his people!¡± ¡°Young Master Qin? Which one?¡± Sun Yao looked at him, puzzled. Wang Minghui gave her a knowing look, lifting his finger to point upward. Sun Yao¡¯s eyes widened in realization, her shock palpable. ¡°The one?!¡± Wang Minghui nodded with a satisfied smile. ¡°Yes. Young Master Qin has arranged for me to transfer to the capital. I¡¯ll be the Chief Supervisory Officer for the Second Department of the Oversight Ministry.¡± The name Young Master Qin and the position of Chief Supervisory Officer for the Second Department echoed in Sun Yao¡¯s mind like an explosion. As someone from an old family, she understood exactly what such a position represented. Her husband had effectively ascended to an entirely new league. That night, Sun Yao¡¯s father, Old Master Sun, led the entire family to Wang Minghui¡¯s residence. The retired elder, normally so composed, now greeted Wang Minghui with unparalleled warmth. ¡°Good son-in-law,¡± he called him, his tone filled with genuine respect. Other relatives nodded in agreement, their glances towards Wang filled with admiration. Wang Minghui felt both sentimental and exhilarated by the shift. While the Sun family had always treated him politely as he climbed the ranks, he had always sensed a lingering condescension. But now, the entire family treated him as though he were a benefactor they couldn¡¯t afford to offend. And he knew the reason for this change of heart¡ªhe was now affiliated with the Qin family. Determined, Wang Minghui made a silent vow to himself. He would serve Young Master Qin with unwavering loyalty. Then a thought crossed his mind, and he chuckled. His daughter, after all, was close in age to Young Master Qin and had inherited her mother¡¯s beauty¡­ It was a fanciful notion, he knew, but what harm was there in dreaming? As they say, one must dare to dream big in life. Chapter 100 Chapter 100: Even Just Serving Young Master Qin is a Blessing!The next day, officials from the Empire¡¯s Personnel Department arrived in Jiangzhou City, bearing an official message for Wang Minghui. They were there to discuss his recent promotion to the capital, though the meeting was more of a formality. These inspectors, typically imposing and haughty, now greeted Wang Minghui with friendly smiles and treated him with utmost courtesy. The message they brought was short but life-changing: ¡°Effective immediately, Jiangnan Province Security Committee Director Wang Minghui is reassigned as Chief Supervisory Officer of the Empire¡¯s Supervision Ministry, Second Department. As the news spread, Wang Minghui and his family immediately began preparations to move to the capital. Before they left, a farewell banquet was held in his honor by the upper echelons of Jiangnan Province¡¯s government. Among those present was Council Speaker Hao Qi himself, who approached Wang Minghui with a warm smile and a raised glass. ¡°Director Wang, don¡¯t forget us when you¡¯re in the capital,¡± he said, his tone both congratulatory and cautious. ¡°You¡¯re one of us Jiangnan people, after all. This province will always be your home.¡± Hao Qi and Wang Minghui politely argued over who would lower their glass in a show of humility until Hao Qi himself held Wang¡¯s glass with one hand, while using his other to tilt his own glass slightly lower in a deferential gesture, before taking his drink. With a careful smile, he added, ¡°If I ever overstepped my boundaries before, just know it was all for the work, no hard feelings.¡± Seeing Hao Qi¡¯s demeanor, Wang Minghui felt a new depth of appreciation for the power he now wielded. Not long ago, Hao Qi¡ªthe second-most powerful figure in the province, his authority second only to the governor¡ªwould have been intimidating and untouchable. Wang Minghui, as Director of the Security Committee, had endured his share of criticism and scolding from Hao Qi. And now, Hao Qi¡¯s respect wasn¡¯t just a show; it was laced with a nervousness about whether Wang might hold a grudge. The realization hit hard¡ªjust a few words from Young Master Qin had transformed his life overnight. Wang Minghui took in the scene around him, where officials, one after the other, eagerly approached him with words of farewell. Even those who weren¡¯t looking to forge a close connection with him now were at least hoping to avoid being on his bad side. Yet amid the display of admiration and cautious respect, Governor Nie Jianzhong remained composed. As governor, he was among the empire¡¯s highest-ranking dignitaries and didn¡¯t need to lower himself to curry favor with the Qin family. Even so, he warmly congratulated Wang Minghui and spoke to him with a warmer tone than before. After the farewell banquet, Wang Minghui returned home to his family. ¡°Father! You¡¯re back!¡± called a cheerful, sweet-faced young girl. She was youthful and beautiful, with a bright smile that lit up the room. This was Wang Siyao, Wang Minghui¡¯s eighteen-year-old daughter. A lively and obedient girl, Wang Siyao had recently awakened to an A-level Astrologer class, which, along with her quick progression to level 14, had earned her the title of a rising talent in her father¡¯s eyes. ¡°You¡¯re home, my dear?¡± Wang Minghui asked with a smile, his pride evident. His daughter had just returned from leveling up in a new instance, and he was eager to share the news. ¡°Yes, Dad! I heard we¡¯re moving to the capital?¡± Wang Siyao asked with a wide-eyed excitement. To her, the capital¡ªthe empire¡¯s political and cultural center¡ªwas something straight out of a dream. ¡°That¡¯s right. The transfer orders are finalized, and I¡¯ll be taking up a post as Chief Supervisory Officer in the Empire¡¯s Oversight Ministry. Tomorrow, we¡¯re packing up and heading for the capital!¡± Turning to his wife, Sun Yao, he instructed, ¡°Prepare a gift. As soon as we¡¯re settled in, we¡¯ll pay a visit to Young Master Qin.¡± ¡°Go directly?¡± Sun Yao hesitated. Coming from a distinguished family, she knew the gates of the Qin estate weren¡¯t open to just anyone. ¡°Don¡¯t be so short-sighted!¡± Wang Minghui scolded her sharply. ¡°This is the best time to go. Young Master Qin¡¯s attention is still on me, so I need to make a good impression now. If I wait too long, he¡¯ll forget me, and I won¡¯t even get past the front gate!¡± Normally, Sun Yao, who came from a prestigious background herself, wouldn¡¯t have tolerated Wang Minghui¡¯s tone. After all, it was through her family¡¯s support that he¡¯d risen to his current position. But now, she only nodded eagerly, admiring her husband¡¯s decisiveness. The man she saw before her seemed positively radiant with confidence and wisdom. ¡°Understood! I¡¯ll prepare everything immediately!¡± she replied, hurrying to organize a gift. Seeing the sudden shift in his wife¡¯s attitude, Wang Minghui was elated. ¡°No need to go overboard with expensive things,¡± he advised. ¡°Young Master Qin has access to every luxury imaginable. Let¡¯s choose something meaningful and unique to show our sincerity.¡± He glanced at his daughter, Wang Siyao, who watched them with curiosity. After a moment of contemplation, he decided, ¡°Siyao, you should dress up a little. You¡¯ll be coming with me to meet Young Master Qin.¡± Wang Siyao blinked in confusion, unsure of why she needed to go. But her father had spoken, so she nodded obediently. Wang Minghui entertained a thought. If fate were so kind that Young Master Qin took a liking to his daughter, that would truly be his path to glory! As for his daughter¡¯s happiness¡­ he rationalized, ¡°If Young Master Qin favored her, even as one of many, she would become one of the most powerful women in the empire. We would all rise alongside her.¡± ¡ª In the capital, Eternal Ascent Manor In a luxurious villa nestled within the peaceful surroundings of Eterna Ascent Manor, Qin Xian stood on the second floor, admiring the refined landscaping and serene ambiance outside his window. He nodded in satisfaction before turning to the woman standing behind him. Su Keqing looked up at him, her face lit up with joy. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s wonderful here. The environment is perfect.¡± For her, being here was an honor she hadn¡¯t dared hope for. From the moment she¡¯d given herself to Qin Xian, she had seen herself as his woman entirely. Living alone in the capital had made her anxious, wondering if he might one day leave her behind. After all, she was well aware of her place. Someone like Qin Xian could have any woman he wanted, and she knew better than to overestimate her own importance. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 101 Chapter 101: The Great Purge BeginsFortunately, Qin Xian did not forget her, which touched Su Keqing deeply. She couldn¡¯t help but lean into Qin Xian¡¯s embrace. Despite only knowing him for a month, Su Keqing had already come to rely on Qin Xian as her pillar of support. Feeling the warmth in his arms, Qin Xian smiled gently and offered a few words of comfort. Then, he carried Su Keqing to the bed. Time seemed to pass in a blur until the late hours of the night. When they finally got up to wash and tidy themselves, Su Keqing¡¯s exquisite face still bore traces of discomfort, a clear sign that Qin Xian had not gone easy on her. ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged for an entertainment company to be established, with an investment of 2 billion,¡± Qin Xian said calmly. ¡°It will exist solely to support you. Someone will contact you about it tomorrow.¡± Hearing this, Su Keqing¡¯s expression turned to one of shock as she gazed at Qin Xian. Two billion! She was no naive girl¡ªshe understood the magnitude of this sum. An entertainment company of this scale would be among the top in the entire empire, let alone one dedicated to serving just her. Su Keqing nodded softly and said in a delicate voice, ¡°I belong to you. Whatever you say goes.¡± Seeing her gentle and submissive demeanor, Qin Xian couldn¡¯t help but feel another surge of desire to ravage her further. Two billion was no small amount. Even with the Qin family¡¯s resources, it wasn¡¯t easy to allocate such a large sum instantly. The Qin family might not be a bank, but they could control one. Qin Xian directly transferred the funds from the Imperial Central Bank to register the entertainment company. The legalities and processes surrounding such a massive fund transfer? Someone else would handle them. No one would investigate, and no one would dare. Of course, Qin Xian¡¯s extravagant investment wasn¡¯t merely to please Su Keqing¡ªit was for his own benefit. Su Keqing¡¯s profession as a Starlight Songstress granted a 10% experience buff through her Radiant Intimacy aura. As her level increased, the aura could be upgraded, providing up to a 50% experience buff. To maximize this advantage, Qin Xian needed to boost her level quickly. The Starlight Songstress class gains experience by holding concerts and selling records. Establishing a large entertainment company specifically for her was a necessary step. Su Keqing asked softly, ¡°Shall I start work tomorrow then?¡± Qin Xian shook his head. ¡°In a couple of days.¡± ¡°Why?¡± she inquired curiously. A faint smile appeared on Qin Xian¡¯s face, his gaze profound. ¡°Because the capital won¡¯t be peaceful for the next two days.¡± ¡ª In the 8th district, home to various governmental institutions, stood the Empire¡¯s Ministry of Civil Affairs. This department, responsible for managing the empire¡¯s population statistics and civic matters, wielded immense power and employed over 5,000 personnel across more than twenty divisions. Among them, the Statistics Division handled population records and updates to the empire¡¯s census. The division¡¯s head, Dai Qun, was a 47-year-old official whose rapid career advancement marked him as successful. Sitting in his office, Dai Qun stared at his computer screen, lost in thought. ¡°I wonder how young master Ye Xuan is doing?¡± Unknown to many, Dai Qun was a former subordinate of the Ye family. On paper, he had no connection to the Ye family¡ªa crucial factor that allowed him to become the head of the Statistics Division. After the Ye family¡¯s extermination, its faction members were ruthlessly purged. Dai Qun¡¯s bureaucratic background and impeccable record helped him avoid suspicion. However, few knew the truth. Years ago, when Dai Qun ventured into the Desolate Lands to hunt monsters, he found himself in grave danger. It was Ye Buxiu, the head of the Ye family, who saved him¡ªa trivial act for Ye Buxiu, but one that left an indelible mark on Dai Qun¡¯s heart. He admired Ye Buxiu¡¯s fairness and benevolence deeply. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When the Qin family used the Statistics Division to hunt for Ye Xuan¡¯s whereabouts, Dai Qun defied them by concealing Ye Xuan¡¯s existence. When approached by the Ye family¡¯s remnants, he agreed without hesitation to protect them. Over the years, he covertly used his authority to shield Ye Xuan and other Ye family loyalists. Even within the Ministry of Civil Affairs, many Ye family sympathizers worked under his protection. Unseen by the public, the Ye family¡¯s influence was gradually resurfacing. As Dai Qun pondered, a knock at his office door interrupted his thoughts. His secretary entered and respectfully said, ¡°Director, the afternoon meeting is about to begin.¡± It was a full-staff meeting of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and as the head of the Statistics Division, Dai Qun was required to attend. He nodded solemnly. ¡°Understood.¡± The meeting hall, capable of accommodating thousands, was filled with all the ministry¡¯s employees. The meeting¡¯s agenda focused on ¡°Researching the Empire¡¯s Governance and its Spirit of Civic Advancement.¡± Jiang Kang, the ministry¡¯s top official, was delivering an impassioned speech on adhering to the Cardinal Council¡¯s directives to promote the empire¡¯s welfare. Suddenly, the doors to the hall burst open, and a group of individuals in black uniforms strode in, interrupting the proceedings. The room fell silent as everyone recognized them¡ªthe Empire¡¯s Ministry of Supervision. The agents quickly made their way to the stage where Dai Qun sat. The leader, a young man with a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, addressed him. ¡°Director Dai Qun of the Statistics Division?¡± Dai Qun¡¯s face turned pale as he swallowed nervously and nodded mechanically. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me.¡± The young man¡¯s smile widened. ¡°I am Ou Yue, Senior Inspector of the Second Division of the Ministry of Supervision.¡± ¡°Director Dai, the Ministry of Supervision requires your cooperation for some matters. Please come with us.¡± Chapter 102 Chapter 102: The Qin Family¡¯s Mad DogDai Qun, a Level 45 professional and considered a City Lord-level powerhouse, felt chills coursing through his entire body. His limbs trembled uncontrollably as fear took hold. Despite his efforts to calm himself, his voice quivered as he spoke. ¡°What law have I broken? What reason do you have to arrest me?¡± Ou Yue smiled faintly, taking out an arrest warrant and showing it to Dai Qun. ¡°You should know very well what you¡¯ve done.¡± Though Ou Yue¡¯s lips curled into a smile, his eyes were devoid of any warmth. He didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries and simply gestured to his subordinates. The inspectors behind him moved in, quickly restraining Dai Qun. Seeing this, everyone in the meeting hall knew that Dai Qun was finished. As the head of the Statistics Division, Dai Qun held a high-ranking position. Normally, the Ministry of Supervision would not target someone of his level. However, once they decided to act, it meant complete ruination. A trace of despair appeared on Dai Qun¡¯s face. He knew exactly what he had done¡ªhe had secretly aided the Ye family. But how had he been exposed? Over the years, he had hidden his actions meticulously. Nearly two decades had passed, and the empire¡¯s vigilance regarding the Ye family had slackened. Why had it resurfaced now? The meeting hall was silent. Thousands of people sat in stunned silence, their gazes fixed on the ashen-faced Dai Qun. Many silently speculated about what the Statistics Division head could have done to provoke such a reaction. Meanwhile, a few individuals in the room turned visibly pale. The inspectors began calling out names from a list. ¡°Ni Shen of the Third Section, Statistics Division, Ministry of Civil Affairs!¡± ¡°Ran Chengye of the Third Section, Statistics Division, Ministry of Civil Affairs!¡± ¡°Ma He of the First Section, Review Division, Ministry of Civil Affairs!¡± One after another, mid- and low-ranking officials from the Ministry of Civil Affairs stood up, their faces filled with fear and despair, as they were escorted away by the inspectors. The list in Ou Yue¡¯s hands seemed like a death warrant. Whoever¡¯s name was called was doomed. The hall was thick with an oppressive atmosphere. Those whose names were called rose shakily, some losing control of their bladders from sheer terror as they were dragged away in utter humiliation. Everyone knew that being taken by the Ministry of Supervision meant, at best, a life spent rotting in prison. Who wouldn¡¯t be terrified? Most of the attendees sat frozen in their seats, pale-faced and stiff with fear, praying that their name wouldn¡¯t be called next. Older attendees trembled visibly. Many of them had lived through the great purge following the Ye family¡¯s extermination two decades prior. Was another great purge beginning? Jiang Kang, the highest-ranking official of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, watched the scene with a grim expression. Having so many of his subordinates taken away in the middle of a meeting was a severe blow to his authority. He spoke in a deep voice, ¡°How many people does your Ministry of Supervision intend to take? I will be asking Sheng Junchen exactly what he thinks he¡¯s doing!¡± Ou Yue¡¯s smile faded slightly at Jiang Kang¡¯s outburst. As the head of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Jiang Kang was one of the empire¡¯s top officials, a man of immense power and influence. His anger was not something even a senior inspector like Ou Yue could withstand lightly. With a low voice, Ou Yue replied, ¡°This is an order from the Cardinal Council.¡± At the mention of the Cardinal Council, Jiang Kang¡¯s expression froze, his eyes flickering with suspicion and unease. ¡°The Chancellor?¡± He knew Sheng Junchen was nothing more than a rabid dog raised by the Qin family. Clearly, this entire operation was orchestrated by the Qin family. Understanding this, Jiang Kang¡¯s fury vanished entirely. He returned to his seat on the main stage, adopting a contemplative posture as though pondering his next steps. The roll call continued for nearly an hour. In addition to Dai Qun, over seventy officials were arrested, nearly emptying the Statistics Division of personnel. This incident would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the imperial bureaucracy, sparking a political earthquake in the capital. Many feared this was only the beginning. ¡ª sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dai Qun sat alone in an interrogation room at the Ministry of Oversight. Despite his arrest, his high status ensured he wasn¡¯t mistreated. The room was stark, containing only two chairs, a table, and several surveillance cameras. His face was dark with worry as he struggled to determine how he had been exposed. He had hidden his actions well over the years. What had gone wrong? The door opened, and several inspectors entered. One of them, a rotund middle-aged man with a deceptively amiable demeanor, sat across from Dai Qun and smiled warmly. ¡°Director Dai, I apologize for the rudeness of my subordinates.¡± Seeing the seemingly harmless man, Dai Qun¡¯s face went pale. This man was Sheng Junchen, the infamous executioner and mad dog of the empire¡ªthe head of the Ministry of Supervision. Despite his genial appearance, Sheng Junchen was known for his ruthless, cold-blooded methods. Countless officials had been destroyed under his hand. Even though Dai Qun had mentally prepared himself, he couldn¡¯t suppress a sense of dread in Sheng Junchen¡¯s presence. ¡°Minister Sheng, why has the Ministry of Supervision brought me here?¡± Dai Qun asked, taking a deep breath and feigning composure. Sheng Junchen waved a hand dismissively, his grin widening. ¡°Old Dai, we¡¯ve shared a few meals together before. Let¡¯s not beat around the bush. I just have one question.¡± Leaning forward, his fleshy face close to Dai Qun¡¯s, he asked eagerly, ¡°Who else from the Ye family is still alive? Write me a list, and I¡¯ll personally send you back to your office as the head of the Statistics Division. How about it?¡± Hearing the mention of the Ye family, every hair on Dai Qun¡¯s body stood on end. His heart sank. It was true¡ªthey had discovered the secret he¡¯d worked so hard to conceal. Despair consumed him. Sheng Junchen¡¯s reputation ensured that any attempt to resist would be futile, and his time in the Ministry of Oversight would be a living hell. Yet, recalling Ye Buxiu¡¯s life-saving kindness from years ago, Dai Qun clenched his jaw and responded, ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t understand. I know nothing about the Ye family!¡± Chapter 103 Chapter 103: The White Terror of the Imperial CapitalThe smile on Sheng Junchen¡¯s face disappeared instantly. Leaning back in his chair, he looked at Dai Qun and sighed. ¡°Not admitting it, huh? Old Dai, you¡¯ve surely heard of our Ministry of Supervision¡¯s methods.¡± ¡°Someone like you, used to a life of comfort, won¡¯t be able to withstand them. Don¡¯t make this harder on yourself¡ªit¡¯s not worth it, truly.¡± Sheng Junchen spoke earnestly, his tone seemingly full of goodwill. Though Dai Qun was terrified, the thought of his old comrades from the Ye family strengthened his resolve. He shook his head firmly. Sheng Junchen frowned, his beady eyes glinting with a menacing light. He gestured to a subordinate, who quickly brought forward a stack of files. Sheng Junchen took a few photographs from the stack and casually looked at one¡ªa family portrait. In it, Dai Qun sat beside a middle-aged woman of refined beauty, and a sweet, smiling girl stood between them. ¡°Director Dai, you have such a lovely family,¡± Sheng Junchen said leisurely. ¡°Your wife and daughter are both quite beautiful.¡± Hearing this, Dai Qun¡¯s expression shifted drastically. He jumped to his feet, roaring in anger, ¡°What do you intend to do?!¡± Unfazed by Dai Qun¡¯s rage, Sheng Junchen maintained his calm smile and said casually, ¡°I heard you and your wife met in university. You¡¯ve been in love for over twenty years¡ªsuch a touching story, enviable even.¡± ¡°Your daughter, I hear, is also outstanding. She might even awaken an S-level profession. What a talented young lady.¡± Dai Qun roared, ¡°Sheng! Don¡¯t involve my family! If you¡¯ve got guts, come at me!¡± Sheng Junchen¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Director Dai, I¡¯ll make this simple. If you don¡¯t confess, tonight your wife and daughter will find themselves in the cheapest, filthiest brothel in the Chaos City.¡± ¡°I imagine many people would be delighted to ¡®enjoy¡¯ the family of a Statistics Division Director.¡± Dai Qun¡¯s face filled with grief and fury. ¡°Sheng, if you dare do this, I¡¯ll haunt you even in death!¡± Sheng Junchen laughed coldly. ¡°Feel free to try.¡± At that moment, Sheng Junchen seemed to transform into a feral beast, his cruelty palpable. Dai Qun trembled, his resolve wavering. He knew Sheng Junchen would carry out his threats¡ªthere was no cruelty he hadn¡¯t already committed. Dai Qun was torn, caught between his loyalty to his comrades and the safety of his family. Finally, he slumped back into his chair, defeated. ¡°I¡¯ll write it¡­ I¡¯ll confess everything.¡± Sheng Junchen¡¯s smile returned. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± He stood and left, while others stepped in to hand Dai Qun paper and a pen. ¡ª After some time, an inspector left the interrogation room with a piece of paper in hand. He handed it to Sheng Junchen, who had been waiting outside. ¡°Minister, he¡¯s confessed everything.¡± Taking the paper, Sheng Junchen¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement. ¡°As expected of an ancient family. Even after twenty years, they still have so many loyal remnants willing to die for them.¡± The list was densely packed with over a hundred names, many of whom were mid-level officials in the Civil Affairs Ministry, Police Department, and even the military. Some were even part of the Ministry of Supervision. A glint of exhilaration flashed in Sheng Junchen¡¯s eyes as he ordered, ¡°Arrest everyone on this list, one by one.¡± He knew the capital would soon run red with blood, and this thrilled him even more. Some had advised him before to consider his reputation and future, but Sheng Junchen had scoffed at the idea. He understood his position clearly¡ªhe was nothing more than the Qin family¡¯s mad dog. The moment this dog stopped biting and started looking out for itself would be the moment of its demise. One inspector hesitated and asked, ¡°What about Director Dai?¡± Sheng Junchen smirked coldly. ¡°He¡¯ll commit suicide out of guilt. His wife and daughter¡­ arrest them quietly. I¡¯m merciful¡ªthey can accompany him in death.¡± Even the veteran inspector shivered at the chilling words. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡ª The entire imperial capital had descended into chaos. The Ministry of Supervision¡¯s inspectors stormed through departments, arresting officials and military officers indiscriminately. After brief interrogations and mock trials, most were thrown into prison or executed. Many simply disappeared, their tortured bodies dumped as evidence of ¡°suicide from guilt.¡± A pervasive atmosphere of terror gripped the capital as people were arrested and vanished without a trace. The charges leveled against them were severe¡ªattempting to overthrow the empire. Under brutal torture, many confessed and implicated others, often dragging innocents into the purge. The great cleansing lasted three days. According to incomplete statistics, over ten thousand people were either killed or arrested. ¡ª ¡°Master, the Ministry of Supervision has reported that the cleansing is complete,¡± said Steward Qiu as Qin Xian stepped out of a dungeon raid. ¡°How many dead?¡± Qin Xian asked. ¡°Over ten thousand,¡± Qiu replied solemnly. ¡°Minister Sheng implicated many without solid evidence and had them arrested as well.¡± Hearing this, Qin Xian smiled faintly and nodded. ¡°Well done.¡± His expression remained indifferent, as though the ten thousand deaths were no more than the squashing of ants. He knew that many of the victims were innocent, but it didn¡¯t matter to him. To Qin Xian, the Ye family¡ªonce the empire¡¯s dragon vein clan¡ªhad to be eradicated. Ye Xuan was dead, and the Ye family¡¯s remnants needed to be wiped clean. Better to mistakenly kill a thousand than to let a single one slip through. That was why he approved of the Ministry of Supervision¡¯s actions. ¡°There¡¯s another matter¡ªthe Divine Revelation Auction is about to begin,¡± Qiu reminded him respectfully. ¡°The Divine Revelation Auction?¡± Qin Xian murmured, nodding. ¡°I understand.¡± The Divine Revelation Auction was the highest-level auction on Blue Star, held once every ten years. It was hosted by the Divine Revelation Church and often featured incredibly rare treasures, sometimes even unique artifacts refreshed by the Divine Revelation System itself. In one legendary instance, the Divine Revelation Auction had showcased the *Final Chapter of Revelation! Chapter 104 Chapter 104: The Male God Collector and the Adorable FoolThe chaos in the imperial capital had finally come to an end. The remnants of the Ye family¡¯s old guard were uprooted by the Qin family with thunderous precision. Even the guard who had saved Ye Xuan was eventually tracked down and killed in an obscure corner. With this, the Ye family, once a millennial noble house that could rival the Qin family, was utterly wiped from existence. This purge left a profound impact on the capital. Over ten thousand people were either arrested or executed, leaving many positions vacant. While most were minor roles, a significant number were key positions of power. Naturally, the Qin family took the opportunity to place their own people in these spots, while other noble families followed suit, taking whatever scraps they could. This explained why the Qin family¡¯s sweeping purge met little resistance from the other noble houses. Among the beneficiaries, Sheng Junchen, the highest-ranking official in the Ministry of Supervision, became one of the most influential figures in the empire. It was rumored that countless lives had ended at his hands, including that of a military corps commander who was forced to his death. His name alone sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it. Sheng Junchen, the ¡°mad dog¡± raised by the Qin family, was far too dangerous. Many hated him to the core, but their hatred was useless. Sheng Junchen was deeply trusted by the Qin family and was particularly favored by Qin Ming. As much as people despised him, they could do nothing to stop him. For now, however, the imperial elite had shifted their attention to another matter: the upcoming Divine Revelation Auction. Held once every ten years, it was one of the grandest events in the human world, offering rare and valuable treasures¡ªsome even of golden quality. This auction attracted the empire¡¯s wealthiest and most powerful, all vying for the chance to claim such treasures. However, attending the auction was no simple matter. Only those with a coveted invitation could participate. ¡ª In the capital, at Qingyang Academy, the excitement was palpable. While not as prestigious as the Imperial Academy, Qingyang Academy was still among the empire¡¯s top schools, ranked fourth in last year¡¯s Imperial Academy Alliance standings. It was only slightly below the three great academies in terms of strength and heritage. Outside the female dormitories of Qingyang Academy, an elegantly dressed elder handed a young girl an invitation with a polite smile. ¡°Miss Gu, this is an invitation from my young master. He hopes to accompany you to the Divine Revelation Auction tomorrow.¡± The girl, a delicate beauty named Gu Anran, took the invitation with a dazed expression. ¡°But I already have plans for tomorrow,¡± she murmured absentmindedly. Nearby onlookers gasped in shock. ¡°That¡¯s the fourth one, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Four invitations to the Divine Revelation Auction!¡± Gu Anran, an SSS-grade Blessed Priest and the academy¡¯s top freshman, had only just started her studies but was already a sensation at Qingyang Academy. Her popularity had skyrocketed after a series of remarkable events. When she enrolled, a mishap during registration caused her to trip and fall, catching the attention of Zhao Haoran, the academy¡¯s top genius and the direct grandson of the academy¡¯s headmaster. Zhao Haoran, an SSS-grade talent himself, fell for Gu Anran at first sight and began pursuing her. As if this stroke of luck wasn¡¯t enough, Gu Anran later encountered an even more dramatic twist. During a training session at a monster spawn point, her group was confronted by members of a large guild. When tensions escalated, a young man intervened to save her. That man turned out to be Yang Ling, the future heir of the prestigious Future Guild, one of the top three guilds in the empire. Yang Ling, captivated by Gu Anran¡¯s charm, also began pursuing her. His efforts were nothing short of extravagant¡ªhe relocated the Future Guild¡¯s Imperial Capital branch to be closer to Qingyang Academy, purchasing an entire office building nearby in the process. But Gu Anran¡¯s ¡°romantic streak¡± didn¡¯t stop there. Two years ago, Xu Taichu, the top genius of True Dragon Academy and a former national exam champion, led a delegation to Qingyang Academy. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. By sheer coincidence, he encountered a lost and bewildered Gu Anran. Struck by her innocence and beauty, he too fell for her and started courting her. These three suitors, each a paragon of talent, wealth, and prestige, were considered the empire¡¯s ¡°male gods.¡± Yet, all of them were infatuated with Gu Anran. Now, as another young master sent an invitation, Gu Anran¡¯s reputation as the ¡°Male God Collector¡± only grew. Some skeptics suspected her innocent demeanor was an act, accusing her of being a cunning manipulator. However, anyone who spent time with her quickly realized that she truly was as pure-hearted and na?ve as she appeared¡ªa genuine ¡°adorable fool.¡± Gu Anran exuded a charm that was hard to resist. Her sincerity, innocence, and playful warmth made everyone around her feel at ease and irresistibly drawn to her. Even her female peers couldn¡¯t bring themselves to dislike her. In the end, Gu Anran seemed like someone uniquely blessed by the heavens¡ªa foolish yet enchanting beauty who effortlessly captured hearts wherever she went. Chapter 105 Chapter 105: Damn, Three Simps!After seeing off the imposing butler, Gu Anran looked down at the invitation in her hand with a blank expression. Why¡­ why do they all keep sending me invitations? How many is it now? She quickly pulled out the other invitations she had received and began counting on her fingers. ¡°One¡­ two¡­ three¡­ four. Four invitations! Is it four?¡± To make sure, she counted again, nodding proudly once she was satisfied. ¡°Yep, four! No mistake!¡± Pouting slightly, she muttered to herself, ¡°Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, Xu Taichu¡­ and that other guy. They all want to go with me to the Divine Revelation Auction tomorrow!¡± ¡°But I¡¯m just one person¡ªhow am I supposed to split myself into four?¡± Besides, what even is this Divine Revelation Auction? Gu Anran felt her mind go blank, no closer to figuring it out no matter how hard she tried. She sighed, giving up entirely. Thinking had never been her strong suit. Since childhood, Gu Anran had been known as the embodiment of clumsiness and foolishness. She couldn¡¯t memorize notes, often fumbled her skills, and even showed up at the wrong place for her awakening ceremony! Still, her luck was remarkable. Despite consistently being at the bottom of her school rankings, she somehow awakened as an SSS-grade Blessed Priest! Her original plan had been to enroll in the Imperial Academy, but she had mistakenly ended up at Azure Sun Academy instead. Heaven knows how she managed that. Unable to make sense of it all, Gu Anran dismissed the thoughts. ¡°Oh well, I¡¯ll figure it out tomorrow. Worst case, I¡¯ll just take them all!¡± With that, she happily stashed the invitations and skipped back to her dorm to sleep soundly. ¡ª The next day arrived quickly. Outside the girls¡¯ dormitory, a crowd had gathered once again. After all, it was hard not to draw attention when three incredibly handsome young men stood waiting. Those three men were none other than Zhao Haoran, the heir of Azure Sun Academy¡¯s headmaster; Yang Ling, the young master of the Future Guild; and Xu Taichu, president of True Dragon Academy¡¯s student council. Each of them alone was enough to cause a commotion. Together, they were an absolute spectacle. All three of them were waiting for Gu Anran, and all three were glaring at one another. It was clear they understood that they were rivals, each in love with the same girl. Even they found it puzzling. With their status and charm, what woman could they not have? Yet from the moment they laid eyes on Gu Anran, with her innocent, slightly dazed demeanor, they had fallen deeply in love. Love doesn¡¯t need a reason, does it? Finally, Gu Anran appeared. The sight of the adorable, slightly confused girl made all three of their hearts melt. ¡°Anran!¡± ¡°Anran, I¡¯m here to pick you up!¡± They all spoke in unison, then turned to glare at one another again. ¡°What right do you have to call her Anran?¡± Yang Ling smiled faintly. ¡°Anran, I¡¯ve prepared several cars at the school gate. Choose whichever one you like¡ªthey¡¯re all yours!¡± As the young master of the Future Guild, Yang Ling¡¯s wealth was unparalleled, with even the empire¡¯s wealthiest struggling to compare. Zhao Haoran and Xu Taichu scoffed. Although both had prestigious family backgrounds, they couldn¡¯t match Yang Ling¡¯s financial prowess. Before the argument could escalate, Gu Anran intervened, feeling overwhelmed. ¡°Stop arguing! Let¡¯s all go together!¡± ¡°All together?¡± The three of them were visibly displeased. Naturally, each wanted Gu Anran to themselves, with the other two banished to the ends of the earth. But seeing the frown on her face, they immediately nodded. ¡°Fine!¡± After all, none of them could bear to upset Gu Anran. If she wanted all of them to go together, so be it. ¡°Let¡¯s take a taxi then,¡± she suggested with a cheerful smile. ¡°Of course, anything you want!¡± Zhao Haoran replied warmly. And so, the four of them¡ªthree men and one woman¡ªheaded toward the school gate together. The crowd watching this scene was utterly dumbfounded. ¡°Is this for real?¡± They had been expecting a dramatic showdown¡ªa battle royale among the three male gods. Yet, to their disbelief, the three rivals had simply agreed to go together, walking off in harmony. ¡°Are these guys seriously okay with sharing a girl?¡± ¡°So chill?¡± ¡°Damn, what a bunch of simps!¡± one boy muttered under his breath, unable to hold back his disdain. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But after quickly glancing around to make sure no one heard him, he sighed in relief. He didn¡¯t dare offend any of the three young men. ¡ª Elsewhere in the imperial capital, at the Zhou family estate, Zhou Nan boarded a car bound for the auction. Although he was merely an illegitimate child with a precarious position in the family, Zhou Nan had officially been recognized as the son of the family head, Zhou Xingkong. This granted him a place in the family and, more importantly, an invitation to the Divine Revelation Auction. Seeing him preparing to leave, his sister Zhou Zhiqing scoffed in disdain, her eyes flashing with contempt. She detested Zhou Nan, her illegitimate older brother. To her, he was nothing but a source of embarrassment¡ªa poorly bred stain on the family name. Zhou Nan, however, paid no mind to her hostility. Once in the car, he instructed the driver to set off for the auction house. ¡°Today¡¯s the day!¡± he thought, his face alight with excitement. ¡°Today, I¡¯ll copy Qin Xian¡¯s gifted skills. And if there are other geniuses present, I¡¯ll copy them too!¡± Zhou Nan had been waiting for this moment. Once he succeeded in copying the talents he sought, he planned to leave the capital and focus on leveling up. With his array of high-tier skills, he was effectively a jack-of-all-trades war god. Once he reached a higher level, he would be unstoppable. Chuckling to himself, Zhou Nan imagined the day he would return as a king. When Qin Xian realized Zhou Nan had acquired the skills of an Oracle Knight, what sort of expression would he have? Chapter 106 Chapter 106: The Art of Changing FacesThe Divine Revelation Auction House was located in District 3, the heart of the Imperial Capital¡¯s affluent area. This district was a haven for the elite, home to countless skyscrapers and the headquarters of major guilds and corporations. Every inch of land here was worth its weight in gold. Securing even the most ordinary job in District 3 was enough to guarantee a comfortable middle-class lifestyle for an entire family. From the outside, the Divine Revelation Auction House appeared as a towering building made of white marble, adorned with intricate and mystical engravings that emanated an aura of profound mystery. The structure itself was a marvel created using the Divine Revelation System¡ªa testament to human ingenuity and reverence for the mysterious forces that governed the universe. The auction house¡¯s system, linked to the Divine Revelation, allowed anyone worldwide to submit items for evaluation. As long as an item¡¯s value met the threshold, it could be auctioned. All sellers remained anonymous, making this the pinnacle of global auctions. Ten years ago, the auction had even featured a Level 90 artifact¡ªSword of Terra. This legendary weapon of golden quality boasted strength attributes exceeding ten thousand points, with over a dozen unique enhancements and three nation-destroying active skills. The sword¡¯s emergence sparked a frenzy among the major powers, with nations such as the Eagle Nation, Island Nation, and the Roman Alliance vying for it. In the end, it was acquired by the Empire¡¯s Regent, Lu Ji, becoming his prized weapon. [TL Notes: Eagle Nation is pretty much America, Island Nation is Japan and if I remember correctly Roman is the entire Europe.] The Divine Revelation Auction was hosted by the Church of Revelation, a global religious organization born from humanity¡¯s veneration of the Divine Revelation. Believers saw the Divine Revelation as the savior of the universe and humanity¡¯s ultimate redeemer. Roughly 70% of the world¡¯s population were adherents of this faith. Despite its vast influence, the Church of Revelation maintained strict neutrality, abstaining from involvement in international affairs. This neutrality granted it a revered and untouchable status across nations. ¡ª In front of the auction house, security was exceptionally tight. The Imperial Capital¡¯s police department had even sealed off the surrounding streets to ensure smooth access for the elite attendees. Across the street, a swarm of reporters and media personnel jockeyed for position, eager to capture the arrival of the empire¡¯s most powerful figures. Flashbulbs lit up continuously as each guest became a topic of heated discussion. ¡°That¡¯s Cui Shaoqing, the eldest son of the Cui family. The Cui family is a major noble house from Liaonan Province, and Cui Shaoqing¡¯s father was recently appointed as the highest official in the Ministry of Administration.¡± ¡°Look! That¡¯s Li Liqun, head of the Third Combat Division of the Military Department and heir to the Imperial Capital¡¯s Li family!¡± ¡°And over there¡ªPan Fan, the highest-ranking official in the Ministry of Logistics, has arrived as well!¡± ¡°Even the president of the Legend Guild is here! I heard he just absorbed the Four Directions Guild a few days ago.¡± One after another, luxurious cars arrived, and impeccably dressed elites stepped out, holding their invitations. After passing the security inspection, they entered the auction house with an air of pride and arrogance. Their very presence here was a statement of their unparalleled status and influence. Another vehicle arrived, and from it emerged a corpulent man in a tailored suit, smiling broadly. His appearance caused a slight hush to fall over the bustling street. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was none other than Sheng Junchen, the highest-ranking official in the Ministry of Supervision. Even the most distinguished elites tensed up at his arrival, the memory of the recent purges in the Imperial Capital still fresh in their minds. ¡°Minister Sheng, you¡¯re here too!¡± Though many despised him, cursing him silently and wishing for his sudden demise, others flocked to him with warm smiles and flattery. Sheng Junchen was currently at the height of his power, seen by many as the very embodiment of the Qin family¡¯s authority. In the face of such influence, few could resist the urge to curry favor. Even the previously haughty elites now wore ingratiating smiles. Sheng Junchen greeted them warmly, his demeanor masking the ruthlessness of his character. ¡°Minister Sheng, after you, please!¡± A young man seized the chance to approach Sheng Junchen, unable to hide his excitement. Sheng Junchen glanced at him and smiled. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s young Fang. You¡¯re here too?¡± ¡°Minister Sheng, you remember me?¡± The young man, Fang Ying, was ecstatic. As the young master of the second-rate Fang family, whose most prominent member was a deputy minister in the Military Department, Fang Ying considered this acknowledgment a tremendous honor. Sheng Junchen exchanged pleasantries with the crowd, his affable demeanor concealing the commanding air of someone accustomed to holding great power. Yet his gaze frequently turned toward the street, as though awaiting someone¡¯s arrival. Finally, a sleek black car approached. Upon spotting the license plate, Sheng Junchen¡¯s expression shifted, breaking into an eager smile. He hurried toward the vehicle like a puff of smoke. ¡ª Inside the car, Qin Xian and Qin Li were nearing the auction house. ¡°If the Death Fragment appears in this auction, it could allow your Reaper God to evolve again,¡± Qin Xian remarked to his sister with a smile. Despite his usual cold demeanor, Qin Xian harbored genuine affection for Qin Li, particularly now that she had signed a soul contract with him. With her loyalty assured, there was no room for conflicts of interest between them. Qin Li nodded silently, her gaze fixed ahead, a quiet determination shining in her eyes. Chapter 107 Chapter 107: One Girl, Three GuysSheng Junchen¡¯s exaggerated display naturally caught everyone¡¯s attention. Just moments ago, he exuded an air of authority, every gesture radiating the demeanor of a powerful leader. His presence was chilling, inspiring awe and fear in equal measure. Yet now, there he was, wearing a sycophantic smile, scampering to the car with a comical gait before bowing deeply. The crowd was stunned. For those unfamiliar with Sheng Junchen, it felt like an illusion. Was this truly the Minister of Supervision, the terrifying figure who had orchestrated the recent purge of tens of thousands? Or was he just a doorman? What kind of person could make such a formidable man behave like this? Among the more informed elites, some faces turned grim. ¡°It must be ¡®that¡¯ person from the Qin family¡­¡± There was no other explanation. The only ones capable of reducing Sheng Junchen to such servile behavior were the Qin family. After all, Sheng Junchen openly declared himself their loyal dog. ¡ª Inside the car were Qin Xian and Qin Li. Qin Xian¡¯s brow arched slightly as he noticed Sheng Junchen outside. Beside him, Qin Li frowned. ¡°This person¡­¡± she murmured. She didn¡¯t care much for Sheng Junchen, considering him a sycophantic lackey. To her, someone like Sheng Junchen would undoubtedly betray the Qin family without hesitation if their influence ever waned. ¡°Brother, Sheng Junchen isn¡¯t a good person. A man like him has no limits. If our family ever weakens, he will definitely turn on us,¡± she said softly. ¡°I know,¡± Qin Xian replied with a faint smile. He nodded at his sister. ¡°When that day comes, this dog might even try to tear us apart.¡± Qin Li¡¯s eyes flickered with concern. ¡°Then why¡­¡± ¡°Because that day will never come,¡± Qin Xian interrupted, his tone firm. Pride flashed in his eyes as he looked at her, declaring with a smile, ¡°The Qin family will never falter. We will always be the strongest family in the empire. And as long as we remain strong, people like Sheng Junchen will gladly offer us their souls.¡± He glanced outside at Sheng Junchen, whose ingratiating smile was plastered across his face, and smirked. ¡°This dog is still useful for now, isn¡¯t it?¡± As the car window rolled down, Qin Xian nodded at Sheng Junchen. ¡°Minister Sheng.¡± Sheng Junchen responded with an obsequious grin, bowing deeply. ¡°Minister? In front of you, young master, I¡¯m no minister. Please, let¡¯s not be so formal. I am, and will always be, your most loyal servant.¡± Noticing Qin Li, Sheng Junchen immediately added, ¡°Miss Qin.¡± Qin Li gave him a curt nod, her demeanor cold. Sheng Junchen, undeterred, maintained his enthusiasm. ¡°Minister Sheng, is something the matter?¡± Qin Xian asked. Sheng Junchen quickly replied, ¡°I happened to have some free time, so I came to attend the auction. Seeing you here, there are some matters I¡¯d like to report.¡± Qin Xian nodded. ¡°Get in.¡± Turning to Qin Li, he said gently, ¡°You go ahead to the auction house.¡± ¡°Alright,¡± Qin Li replied, understanding that Sheng Junchen likely had something to discuss privately with her brother. She got out of the car gracefully. Sheng Junchen bowed deeply as she exited. ¡°Apologies for the intrusion, Miss Qin.¡± Only when Qin Li was out of sight did Sheng Junchen climb into the car, carefully closing the door and perching on the edge of the seat. ¡°Young master, there¡¯s been some movement from the Regency Council and the Military Department,¡± Sheng Junchen began cautiously. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. ¡°What kind of movement?¡± S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The Military Department sent someone carrying the Void Compass deep into the Void,¡± Sheng Junchen reported, watching Qin Xian¡¯s expression closely. Sheng Junchen knew a bit about the truth behind the emperor¡¯s mysterious disappearance, which made this report all the more nerve-wracking. Qin Xian remained silent, his expression unreadable as he fell into deep thought. The atmosphere in the car grew heavy, and Sheng Junchen didn¡¯t dare breathe too loudly. He glanced at Qin Xian, marveling inwardly. ¡®The young master truly has the bearing of an emperor already.¡¯ Though Sheng Junchen¡¯s deferential attitude was partly an act, he genuinely feared Qin Xian¡ªnot just his background or power, but the man himself. After a long silence, Qin Xian finally spoke, his voice icy. ¡°Are you sure this is connected to the Regency Council?¡± ¡°Yes¡­ yes, I¡¯m certain,¡± Sheng Junchen stammered, swallowing nervously. ¡°The team that went into the Void belongs to the Northern Army. Their commander is Ren Xun, an imperial major general and a Level 57 Void Walker.¡± ¡°While Ren Xun himself has no ties to the Regency Council, his younger brother is a senior advisor there. Our investigation shows that before Ren Xun¡¯s departure, he had a secret meeting with his brother in the capital.¡± Qin Xian nodded. ¡°Does my father know about this?¡± ¡°Not yet. The regent is meeting with two envoys from the Eagle Nation today.¡± ¡°Should we¡­ take action?¡± Sheng Junchen asked tentatively. ¡°Not for now,¡± Qin Xian said dismissively. ¡°Leave it.¡± ¡ª Meanwhile, a taxi slowly approached the auction house, drawing everyone¡¯s attention. What was this? In a sea of luxurious private cars, why was there a taxi here? The vehicle came to a stop, and the nervous driver, visibly trembling, hesitated under the watchful eyes of the elite. The taxi had already been stopped by security officers, who only allowed it through after verifying the passenger¡¯s invitation. Out stepped Gu Anran, followed by Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu. The sight of the four instantly became the focus of all eyes. While it wasn¡¯t uncommon to see one man escorting three women, the reverse¡ªa girl with three men¡ªwas unprecedented. For the assembled elites, it was a shocking and novel sight. Chapter 108 Chapter 108: ¡°Get Lost, You Lowly Peasant!¡±In the Empire, or rather across all of humanity, equality between men and women was an official stance. Yet in reality, society leaned heavily toward male dominance. It was common for noble sons to bring female companions to events, and no one would bat an eye even if they brought several. At most, it would spark a chuckle or a comment about their charm. However, a woman accompanied by multiple men was a sight unseen. Though many noblewomen privately kept young celebrities or handsome men at their beck and call, they were always careful to maintain appearances in public. Thus, when all eyes landed on Gu Anran¡ªsurrounded by Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu¡ªwhispers filled the air. Particularly since some had already recognized her companions. ¡°That¡¯s Zhao Haoran, the heir of the Azure Sun Academy headmaster!¡± ¡°And that¡¯s Yang Ling, young master of the Future Guild!¡± ¡°The other one¡­ isn¡¯t he Xu Taichu, the top genius of True Dragon Academy?¡± A ripple of shock coursed through the crowd. Each of these men was an elite among elites, yet here they were, vying for the attention of the same girl. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Who was this girl? The nobles scrutinized Gu Anran carefully. With their discerning eyes, they quickly determined that she wasn¡¯t from a noble lineage. The Empire¡¯s aristocracy, rooted in millennia of tradition, imbued its descendants with a unique aura of refinement and poise that set them apart. Gu Anran, on the other hand, while undeniably beautiful, carried an air of innocence and simplicity that marked her as someone from an ordinary background. Yet Gu Anran remained blissfully unaware of the attention she was drawing. Her wide-eyed gaze was fixated on the grand and imposing auction house, completely absorbed in its splendor. Meanwhile, Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu didn¡¯t care about the opinions of the crowd. Their focus was solely on Gu Anran. Her happiness was all that mattered, even if it meant tolerating each other¡¯s presence. ¡ª Elsewhere, Zhou Nan and Zhou Zhiqing arrived at the entrance to the auction house. The Zhou family¡¯s influence was enough to secure them a notable place in the Imperial Capital, and several nobles approached to exchange greetings. Zhou Zhiqing responded gracefully to the attention, yet made no effort to introduce Zhou Nan, treating him as if he were a stranger. Still, Zhou Nan garnered some stares. After all, he had recently been at the center of Imperial gossip¡ªrecognized as the illegitimate son of Zhou Weiyuan, the Zhou family patriarch. Zhou Nan¡¯s expression stiffened, a flicker of resentment flashing in his eyes. However, he quickly masked his emotions, his attention shifting to the crowd. He scanned for the super-geniuses he hoped to copy talents from, but his primary target remained Qin Xian. ¡ª At the auction house entrance, Gu Anran and her trio of companions passed the guards¡¯ invitation checks and were politely ushered inside. Moments later, Qin Li arrived with Aunt Mo. Her appearance caused an immediate stir. ¡°Miss Qin Li!¡± ¡°The eldest daughter of the Qin family is here!¡± Even the reporters in the distance were buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, the nobles at the entrance abandoned their conversations and crowded toward Qin Li. Though rumors of Qin Ming¡¯s dislike for his daughter were widespread in noble circles, her position remained untouchable thanks to Qin Xian¡¯s favor. As Qin Xian¡¯s cherished sister, Qin Li¡¯s status in the Qin family was as steady as a mountain. Seeing Qin Li arrive, many nobles displayed eager expressions. Winning her favor could benefit not only themselves but also their families. Qin Li, however, maintained a cool demeanor, her attitude distant. She was particularly repulsed by the eager gazes of certain young noblemen, finding their attention physically nauseating. ¡°Xiao Li!¡± A clear voice broke through the crowd. Turning, Qin Li saw a beautiful young woman in an elegant gown approaching with a smile. ¡°Xiao Wei,¡± Qin Li greeted, a rare smile gracing her face. The young woman was Shi Wei, eldest daughter of the Shi family. Her father, Shi Chenglong, was a senior official in the Cardinal Council and a trusted confidant of Qin Ming. The Shi family¡¯s status in the capital was accordingly elevated. Shi Wei had known Qin Li since childhood, making her one of Qin Li¡¯s few close friends. ¡ª Meanwhile, Gu Anran arrived at the entrance. Gazing around with wide-eyed wonder, she seemed like a country bumpkin visiting a grand estate for the first time. ¡°Wow, this place is amazing!¡± she exclaimed. Just as she finished marveling, her foot slipped, and with a startled cry, she tumbled forward in a classic faceplant. Unfortunately, her fall brought her directly into Shi Wei, who had been speaking with Qin Li. Shi Wei, dressed in an ornate and elaborate gown, staggered backward. The intricate embellishments on her dress scattered to the ground with a clatter. ¡°Anran, are you okay? Are you hurt?¡± Zhao Haoran and the others rushed to help her up. ¡°Ow, ow, ow¡­¡± Gu Anran winced, then gave an embarrassed smile. ¡°I¡¯m so clumsy. I can¡¯t believe I tripped again!¡± she said, her innocent demeanor leaving Zhao Haoran and the others momentarily stunned. However, Gu Anran quickly turned her attention to Shi Wei, hurriedly picking up the fallen embellishments and tugging at Shi Wei¡¯s gown in an attempt to reattach them. ¡°Sorry, sorry! Let me fix this for you!¡± Shi Wei, on the other hand, was fuming. Was this woman an idiot? Shrieking in outrage, she snapped, ¡°Get lost, you lowly peasant!¡± Chapter 109 Chapter 109: The Regent¡¯s Disciple S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shi Wei was a textbook example of a noble daughter, pampered from birth and accustomed to a life of ease. Her close relationship with Qin Li further elevated her status within her family, earning her boundless affection and privilege. Though she wasn¡¯t inherently cruel or heartless, she was undeniably arrogant and looked down on commoners, believing nobles to be inherently superior. To Shi Wei, Gu Anran, the seemingly na?ve and clumsy girl, was nothing more than a lowly commoner. Normally, Shi Wei wouldn¡¯t have bothered targeting someone like her. However, Gu Anran had just ruined her carefully prepared gown¡ªa gown she had meticulously chosen because she knew Qin Xian would be attending the auction. Now, Shi Wei stood there humiliated, her appearance a mess. Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu were not having it. Their expressions turned cold as they glared at Shi Wei. Zhao Haoran stepped forward angrily. ¡°Anran is not a lowly person, and it wasn¡¯t intentional!¡± Shi Wei retorted with a frosty look. ¡°Not intentional? Then how did she trip? There are no steps here!¡± The crowd began to murmur, casting skeptical glances at Gu Anran. After all, how could someone fall on a perfectly flat surface? Gu Anran, her face full of grievance, muttered softly, ¡°But I really didn¡¯t mean to¡­ I¡¯m just clumsy and always falling. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± Even Qin Li, who had been observing silently, couldn¡¯t help but frown. Was this girl truly clumsy, or was she playing the part of a bumbling beauty? Yang Ling, the young master of the Future Guild, spoke up in a calm yet pointed tone. ¡°How much does your gown cost? I¡¯ll pay you ten times its price. Will that satisfy you?¡± He had never feared anyone when it came to wealth. Though Shi Wei¡¯s background was unclear to him, he didn¡¯t care. For Gu Anran, he was willing to challenge anyone. Gu Anran quickly shook her head, waving her hands. ¡°No, no! It¡¯s my fault, so I should compensate!¡± She reached into her bag, pulled out a modest wallet, and retrieved a few hundred yuan, offering it earnestly to Shi Wei. ¡°Will this be enough?¡± she asked with a sincere, innocent smile. Shi Wei stared at the meager handful of cash, her body trembling with rage. Was this a joke? Her custom-made gown was worth hundreds of thousands of yuan, with individual accessories alone costing tens of thousands. Yet Gu Anran dared to offer her a few hundred? This wasn¡¯t just an insult¡ªit was outright humiliation! Enraged beyond measure, Shi Wei snapped, ¡°Throw this idiot out! Someone like her has no place here!¡± Several auction house guards, recognizing Shi Wei¡¯s status, stepped forward to follow her command. Gu Anran looked on in bewilderment, her face full of confusion and hurt. She had apologized, offered compensation, and still, Shi Wei was furious. Did her offer really fall so short? She thought for a moment. If a few hundred wasn¡¯t enough, she could tap into her scholarship money and offer a few thousand. Surely that would be sufficient. For Gu Anran, a gown costing tens of thousands seemed unimaginably extravagant. The guards hesitated as they approached, but before they could act, Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu stepped in, shielding Gu Anran protectively. Xu Taichu spoke in an icy tone. ¡°Anran has a valid invitation to this auction. Are you planning to throw out a guest with an invitation?¡± A chilling aura began to emanate from him, sending shivers through the guards. As a former national champion and now a Level 39 SS-ranked Breaking Dawn War God, Xu Taichu was widely regarded as a future legend. His reputation was known even among the empire¡¯s elites, and his potential was heavily endorsed by the empire¡¯s highest authorities. Facing him, coupled with Zhao Haoran¡¯s and Yang Ling¡¯s powerful backgrounds, the guards froze, unsure of how to proceed. Suddenly, a commanding voice rang out, ¡°I¡¯d like to see who dares throw Anran out or call her a lowly person!¡± The crowd turned to see a handsome young man striding confidently toward them. His expression was calm, but his every movement exuded an intimidating authority. ¡°Young Master Wen!¡± Gasps rippled through the gathered nobles. Many bowed in deference. The young man was Wen Xu, the eldest son of the illustrious Wen family of the Imperial Capital. The Wen family had risen to prominence within the past two decades, becoming one of the empire¡¯s most influential new aristocratic houses. Wen Xu¡¯s elder sister, Wen Yu, was a legendary figure in the empire¡ªa Level 60 SSS-ranked Divine Seer and the youngest individual to achieve such a level. Wen Yu served as the supreme commander of the Eastern Army, stationed on the Void Frontline with the rank of lieutenant general. More importantly, she was the personal disciple of the empire¡¯s regent, Lu Ji, making the Wen family closely tied to the Regency Council. Though Wen Xu himself was not a disciple of the regent, his talent was exceptional. As an SS-ranked Paladin, he was second only to Qin Xian¡¯s Oracle Knight within the knight professions. Wen Xu¡¯s connection to the Regency Council and his family¡¯s meteoric rise made him an untouchable figure in the capital. But what truly shocked the crowd was his interest in Gu Anran. Even Wen Xu liked her? What kind of charm did Gu Anran possess? Chapter 110 Chapter 110: Wen Xu Wen Xu¡¯s meeting with Gu Anran had been entirely by chance. Though they hadn¡¯t known each other for long, Wen Xu had quickly fallen for this seemingly na?ve and clumsy girl. To the outside world, Gu Anran might appear foolish and simple, lacking any scheming or guile. But Wen Xu saw something else: her pure, kind, and untainted heart. As one of the top young elites in the empire, Wen Xu had seen more than his fair share of human darkness¡ªthe endless intrigues, betrayals, and selfishness that defined so many relationships. Gu Anran¡¯s sincerity and warmth were a rare reprieve from it all, a reminder that genuine goodness could still exist in the world. For that, Wen Xu cherished her deeply, seeing her as a treasure beyond compare. Now, watching someone bully Gu Anran ignited a fire of fury within him. To Wen Xu, anyone who dared harm Gu Anran would pay dearly. Standing with his hands behind his back, Wen Xu¡¯s cold gaze locked onto Shi Wei. He knew exactly who she was: the eldest daughter of Shi Chenglong, the head of affairs in the Cardinal Council and a trusted confidant of the empire¡¯s regent. For most, her status would be intimidating. But not to Wen Xu. Shi Chenglong¡¯s role in the Cardinal Council, overseeing routine administrative matters, was far beneath the status of Wen Xu¡¯s sister, Wen Yu¡ªa disciple of the regent himself and the supreme commander of the Eastern Army. Wen Xu¡¯s voice was icy as he addressed Shi Wei. ¡°And what makes you think you¡¯re an ¡®upper-class¡¯ person?¡± Shi Wei¡¯s confident demeanor faltered under Wen Xu¡¯s piercing gaze. She knew full well that Wen Xu¡¯s family, the newly risen Wen family, far surpassed the Shi family in influence and power. Despite the Wen family¡¯s relatively short history¡ªhaving only risen to prominence in the last two decades¡ªtheir connection to the regent and Wen Yu¡¯s unparalleled military status made them a force to be reckoned with. Shi Wei hesitated, but Wen Xu showed no intention of letting the matter drop. His tone grew colder. ¡°Apologize to Anran, and I will let this go.¡± Though he didn¡¯t fully understand the details of what had happened, Wen Xu¡¯s allegiance was clear: if Gu Anran was upset, someone would pay for it. He wasn¡¯t interested in fairness or logic¡ªhe was here to defend Gu Anran, no matter what. Watching this unfold, Gu Anran felt a surge of gratitude¡ªnot just toward Wen Xu but also Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Xu Taichu. All of them had stepped forward to protect her. She thought to herself, ¡®I¡¯m so lucky to have them care for me like this.¡¯ Shi Wei, however, was incensed. To her, everything that had happened was Gu Anran¡¯s fault. And now, she was being asked to apologize? ¡°What if I refuse?¡± Shi Wei spat coldly, glaring at Wen Xu. Wen Xu¡¯s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smile. ¡°Then you can leave. And the Shi family will pay the price¡ªa very heavy price.¡± At his words, an older man stepped forward from behind Wen Xu. The one-armed elder carried an imposing aura, his stern expression and military demeanor exuding an air of intimidation. The onlookers recognized him instantly. This was Zhao Tong, Wen Xu¡¯s personal steward and a former colonel in the Southern Army. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A Level 55 Blood Swordmaster, Zhao Tong had once served directly under Wen Yu before losing his left arm in a battle with a Void Lord. Forced into retirement, he had joined the Wen household as Wen Xu¡¯s steward. Despite his missing limb, Zhao Tong¡¯s strength remained formidable, and his reputation was well known. Shi Wei¡¯s expression darkened. The disparity in power between her Shi family and the Wen family was glaringly obvious. Her own steward was only Level 45¡ªa skilled individual but no match for someone like Zhao Tong. The fundamental truth of the world was simple: strength ruled. If Wen Xu really wanted her removed from the auction, it would be a trivial matter. Missing the auction was the least of her worries¡ªsuch a scandal would tarnish her reputation and deal a serious blow to the Shi family¡¯s standing. Zhao Tong stood silently, awaiting Wen Xu¡¯s command. His unwavering loyalty meant he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to carry out any order, regardless of its implications for the Shi family. Seeing the rising tension, the auction house guards exchanged uneasy glances and quietly retreated. This was beyond their pay grade. The Divine Revelation Auction had strict rules against violence within its premises, but this altercation was taking place in the hall, not the auction floor itself. And with the Wen family involved, the guards wisely chose to stay out of it. Wen Xu regarded Shi Wei with disdain. To him, the Shi family was a second-rate noble house at best. Shi Wei herself was no more than a slightly larger ant. If not for her offending Gu Anran, Wen Xu wouldn¡¯t have even glanced in her direction. ¡°Well, the Wen family certainly knows how to throw its weight around. I¡¯d like to see how exactly you intend to make the Shi family pay,¡± came a cold, mocking voice. The tension in the air spiked as Qin Li stepped forward, her tone laced with sarcasm. ¡°Qin Li!¡± Wen Xu¡¯s expression tightened as his attention shifted. Until now, his focus had been entirely on Gu Anran. Only now did he realize Qin Li was present. The gathered nobles stirred uneasily. Qin Li¡¯s involvement elevated the stakes dramatically. As the eldest daughter of the Qin family, her words carried immense weight. In many ways, she was a reflection of the Qin family¡¯s stance. This was no longer a simple quarrel. It was becoming a clash of two major factions. Chapter 111 Chapter 111: Irritated by Stupidity A flicker of hostility flashed in Wen Xu¡¯s eyes as he turned his attention to Qin Li. Though the Qin and Wen families appeared to coexist peacefully on the surface, they were locked in a silent but fierce rivalry. The Qin family had long attempted to wrest control of the Eastern Army¡¯s command from the Wen family. While Wen Yu still held the position of commander, the Qin family had planted their influence within the Eastern Army ranks, causing some of Wen Yu¡¯s loyal officers to disappear mysteriously or be arrested by the Ministry of Supervision on fabricated charges. To Wen Xu, the Qin family was like the Void itself¡ªa consuming force that sought to devour everything, including the empire¡¯s power structure. The Qin family already dominated the Cardinal Council and now had their sights set on military authority. ¡®Do they want to crown themselves emperor?¡¯ Wen Xu thought bitterly. His gaze swept over Qin Li coldly as he declared, ¡°I said no one is allowed to bully Anran. If anyone does, I will consider it a direct challenge to me and the Wen family.¡± The declaration sent a chill through the gathered nobles. All eyes shifted to Gu Anran. Wen Xu was willing to go this far for her? Zhao Haoran and the others echoed Wen Xu¡¯s sentiment with stern expressions. ¡°That¡¯s right. No one can bully Anran,¡± Zhao Haoran said firmly. Shi Wei¡¯s face stiffened. She hadn¡¯t expected Gu Anran to have such powerful supporters. Qin Li, however, remained composed, though a subtle glimmer of killing intent flickered in her eyes. Growing up under Qin Xian¡¯s influence, her temperament mirrored her brother¡¯s¡ªequally domineering and ruthless. She smiled faintly, her tone light but cutting. ¡°Wen Xu, feel free to try. But I assure you, if you do, your steward will meet a very unpleasant end.¡± The atmosphere turned icy as Qin Li¡¯s words hung in the air. Wen Xu¡¯s expression darkened, and his voice carried a sharp edge. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you try.¡± The crowd watched in shock as what began as a minor scuffle escalated into a clash between two of the empire¡¯s most powerful families. This confrontation could have far-reaching consequences for the empire¡¯s political balance. Suddenly, a light chuckle broke the tension. ¡°What¡¯s all the commotion about?¡± The crowd turned toward the voice and saw Qin Xian approaching, accompanied by Sheng Junchen and several powerful Qin family members. Sheng Junchen acted like a deferential guide, his obsequious manner making him look more like a doorman than the fearsome head of the Ministry of Supervision. The atmosphere shifted instantly as Qin Xian arrived. All eyes focused on him, and a mix of respect, awe, flattery, and apprehension rippled through the crowd. Regardless of sentiment, Qin Xian¡¯s presence was undeniable. He radiated an innate nobility, as if he were destined to stand above others. ¡°Young Master Qin!¡± the crowd greeted him with bows and deference, their tones warm and respectful. ¡°That¡¯s Qin Xian?¡± Gu Anran murmured, her eyes widening. Even in her na?ve state, she had heard of Qin Xian¡ªthe empire¡¯s greatest genius, an SSS-grade Oracle Knight. The rumors of his ruthless exploits in the ¡®Shattered Heaven Dungeon¡¯, where he slaughtered tens of thousands, had even reached Azure Sun Academy. Many students had labeled him cruel and heartless, a sentiment Gu Anran shared. Yet now, seeing Qin Xian in person, she couldn¡¯t help but be taken aback. ¡®He¡¯s so handsome!¡¯ While Zhao Haoran, Yang Ling, and Wen Xu were all undeniably attractive, Qin Xian outshone them effortlessly. His commanding presence and refined elegance made others pale in comparison. There was something magnetic about him, a combination of grandeur and charisma that made people instinctively want to win his approval. But then Gu Anran pouted, puffing her cheeks in displeasure. ¡®So what if he¡¯s handsome? He¡¯s still a bad person! No good man would kill tens of thousands!¡¯ sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wen Xu, meanwhile, grew tense at the sight of Qin Xian. He was acutely aware of Qin Xian¡¯s cunning and influence within the Qin family. Many of the family¡¯s key strategies originated from him. ¡°Brother,¡± Qin Li called out with a smile as she approached Qin Xian. Shi Wei followed suit, curtsying gracefully and greeting him with an adoring look. ¡°Young Master Qin.¡± Qin Xian nodded at them both, his tone warm. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Qin Li softly recounted the events, her voice steady and matter-of-fact. Qin Xian¡¯s gaze shifted to Gu Anran, his brow furrowing slightly as a notification from his system appeared. ¡ª [Villain System Activated: Main Mission, Phase Four.].[Objective: Neutralize Gu Anran as a Threat. Reward: 150 Villain Points.]. ¡ª His expression briefly froze as realization dawned. ¡®So she¡¯s a ¡°child of destiny,¡± is she?¡¯ Images of typical tropes flashed through Qin Xian¡¯s mind: the innocent fool, the clumsy beauty, the reverse harem, the Mary Sue heroine¡­ His eyes narrowed as he studied Gu Anran, who was still blinking at him with wide-eyed innocence, completely unaware of the escalating tension around her. What others found endearing¡ªher clueless expression and na?ve demeanor¡ªonly filled Qin Xian with disdain. In his eyes, Gu Anran epitomized the kind of stupidity he couldn¡¯t tolerate. A flicker of irritation crossed his face. ¡®Great, my aversion to stupidity is flaring up again.¡¯ Chapter 112 Chapter 112: You and I Are Not on the Same Level Despite his disdain for ¡°foolish¡± women, Qin Xian found Gu Anran intriguing in one way¡ªshe was likely the easiest ¡®child of destiny¡¯ to deal with. The system¡¯s reward for neutralizing her was a mere 150 villain points, signaling that her threat level was low. What complicated the situation wasn¡¯t Gu Anran herself but her devoted admirers, each with significant backgrounds. Most notable among them was Wen Xu, the heir of the Wen family¡ªthe empire¡¯s most prominent rising noble house. Qin Xian observed Gu Anran carefully. Though her clumsy demeanor irked him, he couldn¡¯t deny there was something peculiar about her. Despite his dislike, he felt an almost magnetic pull, as if she were naturally designed to attract attention. ¡®Full charisma stats, huh?¡¯ he thought mockingly. This was the hallmark of a ¡®child of destiny¡¯, a being favored by the heavens. For someone like Gu Anran, having full charisma was arguably more valuable than any other ability. In the ¡°normal¡± course of events, Gu Anran would likely ascend to greatness under the care of admirers like Wen Xu and Zhao Haoran. Perhaps she would even marry Wen Xu, while the others would remain loyal protectors, content to sacrifice for her happiness, even if it meant never being reciprocated. A classic Mary Sue story, but Gu Anran had encountered Qin Xian¡ªa fatal twist in her trajectory. To Qin Xian, she was already as good as dead. However, her death wasn¡¯t her greatest value to him. Instead, she presented an opportunity: Wen Xu and, more importantly, the Wen family. Qin Xian noticed the way Wen Xu looked at Gu Anran¡ªwith the kind of devotion that could drive a man to irrationality. He smirked, a plan forming in his mind. The Wen family was the critical link between the Regency Council and the military. With the emperor¡¯s disappearance, military power had been fragmented among the noble houses. Yet, through alliances and strategic placements, the regent, Lu Ji, still maintained substantial control. The Wen family, particularly Wen Yu, was instrumental in this. Wen Yu, Wen Xu¡¯s sister, was a once-in-a-generation SSS-grade genius and the commander of the Eastern Army. Her position was the cornerstone of the regent¡¯s influence over the military. If the Wen family fell, the regent¡¯s hold on the military would weaken considerably. A love-struck Wen Xu and a na?ve, overpowered ¡°child of destiny¡± like Gu Anran were tools too good to waste. Wen Xu¡¯s expression hardened as he stood protectively in front of Gu Anran. His eyes met Qin Xian¡¯s, unyielding. Gu Anran, meanwhile, finally realized the scale of the conflict she had unintentionally sparked. She bit her lip nervously, looking as timid as a startled deer. Her voice quivered as she pleaded, ¡°Please stop arguing! It was my fault for bumping into her. I already apologized! Can¡¯t we just move on?¡± The crowd exchanged helpless looks, struck by her simplicity. While this seemed like a personal disagreement on the surface, everyone understood it was merely a spark igniting the deeper tensions between the Qin and Wen families. The Wen family¡¯s ties to the Regency Council and the Qin family¡¯s dominance over the Cardinal Council made this clash symbolic of the empire¡¯s internal power struggles. Wen Xu, though outwardly calm, was deeply wary of Qin Xian. Despite his confidence in the Wen family¡¯s standing, he knew Qin Xian¡¯s cunning and influence were formidable. In Wen Xu¡¯s mind, he and Qin Xian were equals¡ªboth heirs to the empire¡¯s top powerhouses, both favored by the elites. He saw no reason to fear him. As tensions mounted, a figure emerged from the crowd. ¡°It¡¯s Steward Yuan!¡± The crowd immediately recognized the man, bowing in respect. Yuan Quan, the steward of the Divine Revelation Auction, was a Level 65 powerhouse and one of the seven deacons of the Church of Revelation. His position placed him among the top ranks of the Church, making him a person of immense influence. Yuan Quan¡¯s sharp gaze scanned the scene, his brows furrowing slightly as he assessed the conflict. He had been busy preparing for the auction but had been informed of the disturbance involving the Qin family. Unable to ignore the situation, he had come to address it personally. ¡°Deacon Yuan,¡± Wen Xu greeted him with a polite smile. ¡°Apologies for causing a disturbance.¡± Wen Xu had met Yuan Quan before and sought to leverage their past acquaintance. However, Yuan Quan merely nodded curtly at Wen Xu before turning to Qin Xian with a warm smile. ¡°Young Master Qin, may I ask what has happened here?¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wen Xu¡¯s expression darkened at the stark difference in Yuan Quan¡¯s attitude. Seeing the frustration on Wen Xu¡¯s face, Qin Xian smirked inwardly. The difference in how they were treated was a stark reminder of their disparity in status. Did Wen Xu truly believe they were equals? ¡®You and I are not on the same level,¡¯ Qin Xian thought disdainfully. Chapter 113 Chapter 113: Wen Xu¡¯s Frustration Wen Xu had always viewed himself as Qin Xian¡¯s equal¡ªa rival, a peer, even a fated adversary. In his mind, they were the ¡°Twin Dragons¡± of the empire, destined to vie for dominance. But the truth was, Qin Xian had never considered Wen Xu a serious competitor. To Qin Xian, the Wen family was nothing more than a nouveau riche clan, a temporary power propped up by the Regency Council. Qin Xian was the only son of Qin Ming, the empire¡¯s regent, and heir to the thousand-year-old Qin family. The real power struggle was between the Regency Council and the Qin family, the two pillars of the empire. The Wen family was merely a cog in the regent¡¯s machinery, a means to control the military. If anyone from the Wen family could claim to stand on equal footing with Qin Xian, it would be Wen Xu¡¯s elder sister, Wen Yu. As the SSS-ranked Eastern Army Commander and the regent¡¯s personal disciple, her status gave her a modicum of parity with Qin Xian. Wen Xu, on the other hand, simply didn¡¯t measure up. Standing silently, Wen Xu¡¯s face was a storm of conflicting emotions: anger, shame, and humiliation. The stark difference in Yuan Quan¡¯s treatment of him and Qin Xian stung deeply. Yuan, one of the seven deacons of the Church of Revelation and a Level 65 powerhouse, had shown deference to Qin Xian while barely acknowledging Wen Xu. This was a blow to Wen Xu¡¯s pride, a reminder of the reality he had refused to acknowledge¡ªhe and Qin Xian were not equals. It was a painful realization. To the Church of Revelation and the broader elite circles of the empire, Wen Xu was merely a scion of a newly risen family. Qin Xian, on the other hand, was the heir to a dynasty, a figure who embodied the legacy and power of the empire¡¯s most influential family. The humiliation was made worse by the presence of Gu Anran, the girl Wen Xu treasured above all else. In her eyes, he was supposed to be invincible, a protector who could shield her from any harm. Yet here he was, rendered powerless in the face of Qin Xian¡¯s effortless superiority. Wen Xu had grown up surrounded by adulation. His sister, Wen Yu, doted on him, and his own SS-ranked talent as a Paladin had earned him the admiration of even the regent himself. With the Wen family¡¯s rapid rise, Wen Xu had come to believe that the Wen family and the Qin family were equals¡ªand by extension, that he was Qin Xian¡¯s equal. But Yuan Quan¡¯s dismissive attitude felt like a slap in the face, shattering that illusion. Wen Xu¡¯s pale face flushed with anger, his confidence crumbling. His earlier bravado in front of Qin Li now seemed laughable, a desperate act of posturing. No wonder Qin Li had been so indifferent to his threats. His hands clenched into fists, and his heart burned with resentment. He longed to lash out at Yuan Quan, but he dared not. Yuan was a Level 65 powerhouse and a deacon of the Church of Revelation, a figure of immense influence. Even the Regency Council treaded carefully around him. Yuan Quan, meanwhile, regarded Wen Xu with a flicker of disdain. Wen Xu had potential, but his actions today had revealed his immaturity. Comparing him to Qin Xian was like comparing a flame to a bonfire. The gulf between them was vast. If Wen Xu had been an SSS-ranked talent, Yuan might have hesitated to pick a side. But as an SS-ranked individual, he was simply one of many. SSS-ranked individuals, however, were exceedingly rare¡ªonce-in-a-century figures. The difference in value between SS and SSS was monumental. Yuan Quan¡¯s scorn deepened when he learned the source of the conflict: Gu Anran. To him, a woman like Gu Anran was utterly unremarkable. Among the elite, beautiful women were a dime a dozen, often treated as commodities exchanged between families. That Wen Xu would jeopardize his family¡¯s standing over such a trivial matter was both absurd and laughable. After hearing the situation explained, Yuan Quan declared coldly, ¡°Escort Miss Gu out of the auction.¡± The guards immediately stepped forward, ready to carry out his order. ¡°Wait!¡± Wen Xu roared, his voice filled with fury. His personal steward, Zhao Tong, stepped in front of the guards, his face cold and resolute. As a retired colonel and a Level 55 Blood Swordmaster, Zhao Tong wasn¡¯t intimidated by the guards¡ªor even by the Qin family. His loyalty lay solely with Wen Xu. Gu Anran, meanwhile, was overwhelmed. As a high school graduate, she had never encountered such a high-stakes confrontation. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her timid voice trembled as she spoke. ¡°Wen Xu, maybe I should just leave. This has gotten so out of hand. I can apologize again to that lady¡­¡± Despite her clumsiness, Gu Anran was inherently kind and empathetic. She believed she was at fault for the incident and couldn¡¯t bear to see others suffer because of her. But her innocence only deepened Wen Xu¡¯s resolve. Looking at her frightened expression, Wen Xu felt a surge of protectiveness. His voice was firm as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Anran. I¡¯ll get justice for you. No one is allowed to bully you. I swear it.¡± Yet beneath his determination simmered a sense of frustration and helplessness. Despite his status as the heir of the Wen family, he was unable to protect Gu Anran in the way he had promised. It was a stark reminder that, in the imperial capital, the Wen family¡¯s influence was not as unshakable as he had believed. For the first time, Wen Xu felt the weight of the reality he had refused to face: the Wen family was powerful, but it was no Qin family. And today, standing against Qin Xian, that difference felt insurmountable. Chapter 114 Chapter 114: So What If I Killed Him? For a long time, in the Imperial Capital and throughout the Empire, who would dare not give the Wen family some respect? Major noble families, guilds, and even the imperial departments all showed deference to Wen Xu, the eldest young master of the Wen family. When Wen Xu arrived and saw someone bullying Gu Anran, he immediately became furious. Stepping forward with an air of dominance, he sought to protect her. With his status, 90% of the powerful elite were mere ants in his eyes, compelled to bow and admit their wrongs. However, he hadn¡¯t expected the situation to involve the Qin family¡ªespecially Qin Xian. The attitude of Yuan Quan, clearly siding with Qin Xian, further complicated matters. At this stage, retreating was no longer an option. Failing to protect even a woman would tarnish his reputation and make survival in the Imperial Capital impossible. It would also render the Wen family a laughingstock. While the Wen family was indeed the most prominent rising power in the Empire, their new status meant a lack of deep-rooted foundation. Even a single blow to their prestige could harm their interests significantly. Zhao Anran, Li Ling, and Xu Taichu, seeing Gu Anran looking pitiful and aggrieved, felt their hearts ache. They stepped forward to stand beside Wen Xu. Though their backgrounds were not as prominent as Wen Xu¡¯s, they were still remarkable, and together they formed a formidable alliance. Seeing this, many women cast jealous glances at Gu Anran. How could this woman have the charm to make so many influential men risk everything for her? Standing with his hands clasped behind his back, Qin Xian spoke calmly, ¡°Earlier, did you intend to drive Miss Shi Wei away? The Shi family is a friend of the Qin family. Should I interpret that as a provocation against the Qin family?¡± His words were mild, but an overwhelming sense of oppression radiated from him. Shi Wei, standing nearby, felt deeply moved. Her beautiful eyes fixed on Qin Xian, her heart murmuring, ¡®Young Master Qin is standing up for me!¡¯ In that moment, Shi Wei felt so happy that she nearly fainted. Qin Xian gave Qiu Bo a glance. Understanding his intent, Qiu Bo stepped forward, releasing the terrifying aura of a Level 58 powerhouse. His tone was menacing: ¡°Young Master Wen, please leave.¡± The crowd gasped. It seemed Qin Xian intended to drive Wen Xu out! If that happened, Wen Xu would undoubtedly become the laughingstock of the Empire¡¯s upper circles¡ªa humiliation he could never live down. Wen Xu¡¯s expression turned grim. Earlier, he had boldly ordered Zhao Tong to expel Shi Wei, thinking himself majestic and impressive. Now, facing the prospect of being expelled himself, he felt only humiliation¡ªextreme humiliation. Zhao Tong, standing by Wen Xu¡¯s side, stepped forward with a stoic expression. Facing Qiu Bo, he said coldly, ¡°Anyone who dares humiliate Young Master Wen or the Wen family will pay the price!¡± Zhao Tong cared nothing for the Qin family or the Divine Revelation Church. As a former Eastern Army colonel, his loyalty lay solely with Wen Xu. Anyone who threatened Wen Xu or the Wen family was his enemy. ¡°Then go ahead and try,¡± Qiu Bo replied with a mocking smile. In an instant, Qiu Bo appeared before Zhao Tong, his hands engulfed in flames. The terrifying aura melted the surrounding space. Zhao Tong, undeterred, summoned a blood-red greatsword. Despite having only one arm, he exuded the unstoppable aura of a war god emerging from a sea of blood. The crowd retreated rapidly, stunned that the two truly intended to fight. After all, these were powerhouses above Level 50. Even with their strength controlled, the mere aftershocks of their battle could kill ordinary people outright. Zhao Tong¡¯s face turned grim as he swung his greatsword toward Qiu Bo¡¯s head. He held back slightly, mindful of the Celestial Revelation Auction House¡¯s strict prohibition on private duels within the Imperial Capital¡¯s center. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Causing too much chaos could implicate some powerful figures, which would create trouble for the Wen family. This battle, therefore, was meant to be more symbolic than lethal. Noticing Zhao Tong¡¯s restraint, a trace of mockery flashed in Qiu Bo¡¯s eyes. Courting death¡­ The flames in Qiu Bo¡¯s hands grew fiercer, melting Zhao Tong¡¯s blood-red greatsword entirely. Zhao Tong¡¯s face showed shock and disbelief as he realized Qiu Bo had no intention of holding back. In battles between experts, life and death often hinged on a single moment. By the time Zhao Tong attempted to counter, it was already too late. With a scream, Zhao Tong was engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes. The crowd stood frozen, staring at the pile of ash on the ground, their bodies trembling slightly as they turned to Qin Xian in disbelief. Did Qin Xian really have Zhao Tong killed? Zhao Tong wasn¡¯t an ordinary person; he was a former imperial colonel, a Level 55 powerhouse, and a renowned figure in the Empire. Yet he had been killed so casually? Even Yuan Quan was stunned, not expecting Qin Xian to act so ruthlessly. While he favored Qin Xian and sought to maintain good relations with the Qin family, the Divone Revelation Church always remained neutral between the Regency Government and the Imperial Government. Yuan Quan prided himself on being a master of diplomacy, skilled at navigating complex relationships without offending anyone. He had merely intended to have Gu Anran expelled while allowing Wen Xu and his group to continue attending the auction. But now, staring at the ashes of Zhao Tong, Yuan Quan¡¯s expression turned grim. Things had spiraled out of control. No matter what, Zhao Tong had died within the Divine Revelation Auction House. Anger flashed in his eyes as he turned to look at Qin Xian. Qin Xian, meeting his gaze, smiled faintly, his eyes deep and meaningful. Yuan Quan¡¯s heart sank as realization dawned. He had assumed Qin Xian intended to strike a blow to the Wen family¡¯s reputation. But now, he understood that Qin Xian¡¯s true target had been him all along. Zhao Tong¡¯s death was a calculated move to force Yuan Quan to choose between the Qin family and the Regency Government. Chapter 115 Chapter 115: The Demeanor of a Ruthless Hero The entire hall fell silent, so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Everyone stared at the pile of ashes on the ground, their faces showing shock and even terror. The situation had escalated beyond control. Wen Xu stared in disbelief at the spot where Zhao Tong had perished, his body trembling violently with rage and grief. Was Uncle Zhao really gone, just like that? For a major family heir, a personal steward was far more than a mere bodyguard or attendant¡ªthey were confidants. Once an heir succeeded the family, their steward would ascend to a high-ranking position within the family. Zhao Tong held even greater significance for the Wen family. The family was small, consisting only of Wen Xu and his sister, Wen Yu. Zhao Tong wasn¡¯t just Wen Yu¡¯s former subordinate; he had also been her mentor. When Wen Yu first entered the military, Zhao Tong, a seasoned officer of the Eastern Army, had guided her. She deeply respected him. After Zhao Tong was injured and retired, he joined the Wen family, serving as Wen Xu¡¯s personal steward and teaching him everything he knew. Wen Xu had long regarded Zhao Tong as family, respecting him like an uncle. And now, Zhao Tong was gone¡ªdead at the hands of the Qin family. ¡°No¨C!¡± Wen Xu let out a despairing cry, throwing himself over Zhao Tong¡¯s ashes and weeping uncontrollably, his heart wracked with unbearable pain. Gu Anran, on the other hand, was almost paralyzed with fear. Someone had actually died in front of her. Her body trembled as she realized how naive she had been. Though from a modest background, she had always been well protected, surrounded by kind people. Her world had been one of fairy tales and flowers. Death, schemes, and conspiracies had always seemed distant concepts, completely beyond her imagination. For her, the darkest thing she could conceive was campus bullying. Zhao Tong¡¯s death marked the first time she had ever witnessed someone dying, and it shattered her understanding of the world. For the first time, she understood how dangerous¡ªand how dark¡ªthe world truly was. Wen Xu¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot as he roared at Yuan Quan in fury, ¡°Qin Xian killed someone during an auction! He blatantly violated the rules of the Divine Revelation Auction House and Imperial law! Why haven¡¯t you arrested him yet?¡± His eyes were filled with hatred and venom. Yuan Quan¡¯s expression turned grim. He knew Qin Xian had set him up. He hadn¡¯t expected Qin Xian to be so audacious and ruthless, daring to kill a former Imperial Colonel in public. Yuan Quan had never intended to completely sever ties with the Wen family. Wen Xu might not have been someone worth much deference, but his sister Wen Yu¡ªand even the Regent¡ªwould not take this lightly. With someone dead, however, the stakes had changed. And the deceased wasn¡¯t just anyone¡ªit was Zhao Tong. Zhao Tong was not only a personal steward but also a trusted former subordinate of Wen Yu and a key figure in the Wen family. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His death would not go unanswered, and it was impossible to distance himself from the responsibility. Yuan Quan would have to address the situation, but no matter how he handled it, he would end up offending either the Qin family or the Wen family. Qin Xian was forcing him to take a side. As Yuan Quan stared expressionlessly at Qin Xian, he realized he had no choice. Punishing Qin Xian would not only provoke the Qin family but also fail to appease the Wen family. The hatred in Wen Xu¡¯s eyes made that clear. In the end, it would mean alienating both families. The only option was to commit fully to one side¡ªto align himself entirely with the Qin family. Yuan Quan gave Qin Xian a long, piercing look. Although he was furious at being outmaneuvered by a younger man, he had to admit that Qin Xian¡¯s plan was both ruthless and precise. If Wen Xu had died instead, the Wen family would have gone mad, and the Regency Government would have turned against the Qin family, pushing the Empire to the brink of civil war. If someone less significant had died, the Wen family might have swallowed their pride, and Yuan Quan wouldn¡¯t have been forced to take sides. But Zhao Tong¡¯s death was the perfect choice¡ªforcing Yuan Quan¡¯s hand without completely severing ties between the Qin family and the Regency Government. Qin Xian had completely cornered him and the Wen family. This was the mark of a true ruthless hero. Compared to him, Wen Xu was nothing more than an impulsive fool. Having made his decision, Yuan Quan didn¡¯t hesitate. His expression turned cold as he said flatly, ¡°Zhao Tong initiated the threats and was defeated due to his own lack of strength. His death was his own doing. As for you, Wen Xu, Miss Gu, and the rest of you¡­¡± Yuan Quan¡¯s icy gaze swept over Wen Xu and his group. ¡°As the overseer of the Dicine Revelation Auction House, I hereby declare you all persona non grata. Guards, escort them out!¡± The crowd erupted in shock, unable to believe Yuan Quan¡¯s words. Yuan Quan wasn¡¯t just offending the Wen family¡ªhe was outright disrespecting the Regency Government! Hadn¡¯t the Divine Revelation Church always remained neutral? Could it be that they were now siding with the Qin family? This revelation was a bombshell for the Empire¡¯s major factions. Wen Xu trembled with rage but was powerless against Yuan Quan¡¯s blatant partiality. Pointing at Yuan Quan, he roared, ¡°Fine! The Wen family will remember this! Just you wait!¡± Qin Xian smiled faintly, utterly indifferent. Yuan Quan, meanwhile, remained grim-faced and silent. Wen Xu carefully gathered Zhao Tong¡¯s ashes, placing them into his storage space. Throwing one last venomous glance at both Qin Xian and Yuan Quan, he left with Gu Anran and the others in tow. As Wen Xu¡¯s group departed, Yuan Quan turned to Qin Xian, his voice low and icy. ¡°Young Master Qin, are you satisfied now?¡± Qin Xian¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter as he replied lightly, ¡°You merely made the correct choice.¡± Seeing Yuan Quan still fuming, Qin Xian leaned in slightly and whispered, ¡°Overseer Yuan, the Qin family has always hoped for changes within the Divine Revelation Church. For example¡­ the position of Pontiff?¡± At these words, all the anger vanished from Yuan Quan¡¯s face, replaced by a calculating calm. Chapter 116 Chapter 116: Qin Xian¡¯s True Intent The Divine Revelation Church was the largest religious organization in the human world. In terms of influence, no family or even nation could compare to it. Its followers spanned every corner of the globe, especially among the commoners, where nearly everyone worshipped the Divine Revelation. Ironically, those who benefited most from the church¡¯s system¡ªthe powerful elites¡ªwere often the least devout. Nevertheless, the influence of the Divine Revelation Church was undeniable. The Pontiff of the Divine Revelation Church was the supreme authority, serving as both the spiritual leader of the commoners and the head of the church. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The church hierarchy placed the Pontiff at the top, followed by bishops and priests overseeing various provinces, with the seven Overseers beneath them. However, over time, the bishops of the provinces had become symbolic figures with little real power. The true authority rested with the seven Overseers, among whom Yuan Quan was one. These seven, along with the Pontiff, formed the Red Table Council, the highest governing body of the church. The current Pontiff, Shang Luo, had held the position for 98 years. According to the church¡¯s rules, no Pontiff could serve more than 100 years, meaning Shang Luo would step down by no later than the year after next. This impending transition had already stirred hidden currents within the church. Naturally, the most likely candidates to succeed the Pontiff were the seven Overseers. Yuan Quan, though not the least prominent among them, was far from the frontrunner. Securing the Qin family¡¯s support would significantly increase his chances of becoming the next Pontiff. Seeing the flicker of emotion in Yuan Quan¡¯s expression, Qin Xian smiled faintly. He could tell that Yuan Quan was tempted. ¡°Overseer Yuan,¡± Qin Xian began with a slight smile, ¡°not everyone is qualified to gain the friendship of the Qin family. We¡¯ve always been generous to our friends. If you need it, the Qin family is willing to help you become the next Pontiff.¡± He extended his hand toward Yuan Quan, who hesitated briefly before firmly shaking it. Although Yuan Quan understood the dangers of aligning with the Qin family, whose reputation was far from virtuous, the allure of becoming the Pontiff was simply too great. As Yuan Quan made his decision, Qin Xian¡¯s smile grew even more genuine¡ªat least on the surface. Friends? No, the Qin family didn¡¯t need friends. The Qin family needed pawns. Supporting Yuan Quan¡¯s bid for the Pontiff¡¯s position would give the Qin family the leverage to extend its influence into the Divine Revelation Church. Once Yuan Quan ascended to the Pontiff¡¯s throne, he would find himself surrounded by trusted aides and subordinates who were, unbeknownst to him, loyal to the Qin family. At that point, all Yuan Quan would need to do was sit on the grand and opulent Pontiff¡¯s throne, accepting the reverence of the believers while the Qin family managed everything behind the scenes. Moreover, supporting Yuan Quan was a strategic necessity for the Qin family. Ultimately, the Qin family sought the Imperial throne itself. However, in the eyes of the Empire¡¯s citizens, only those with the Ying family¡¯s bloodline were deemed legitimate rulers. Even many noble families shared this sentiment. Though the Emperor had been missing for twenty years, there were still widespread calls to search the Void for him. The Qin family, despite its lofty status as a top-tier aristocratic clan, was still seen merely as a noble house, not a dynasty. Even if the Qin family seized power by eliminating all obstacles, the Empire¡¯s people would never truly accept them. Of course, with their strength, the Qin family could suppress all opposition, rendering public opinion irrelevant. However, lingering discontent would remain an inherent risk. If the Qin family controlled the Divine Revelation Church, they could leverage its influence over the populace to erase these unfavorable perceptions, thereby solidifying their rule over the Empire. Qin Xian¡¯s gaze shifted to the spot where Zhao Tong had been killed, his expression contemplative. The spectacle he orchestrated today wasn¡¯t just about forcing Yuan Quan to pick a side¡ªit was also a test of the Regency Government. The Regency had already dispatched people to search for the Emperor and appeared to be making significant progress. This didn¡¯t surprise Qin Xian. After all, the Ying family had ruled the Empire for a thousand years, and the populace yearned for their return. Countless individuals, both openly and covertly, remained loyal to the Ying family, continuing to investigate the events of two decades ago. It was even possible that the Regency had begun to suspect the Qin family¡¯s involvement. What Qin Xian wanted to know was how far along the Regency was in their search for the Emperor. His public execution of a former Imperial Colonel today¡ªan act that flagrantly violated Imperial law under the Regency¡¯s watch¡ªwas a deliberate provocation. In normal circumstances, the Regency would express strong dissatisfaction and perhaps even reprimand him. If their reaction was strong, it would indicate that their search for the Emperor was still in its early stages. However, if they chose to remain silent, it would suggest they had made significant progress and were avoiding conflict with the Qin family at such a critical juncture. Qin Xian¡¯s eyes darkened as he pondered the Regency¡¯s likely response. If they reacted strongly, it wouldn¡¯t matter. But if they remained silent¡­ the Qin family would need to reassess its strategies carefully. Chapter 117 Chapter 117: The Eastern Army In the crowd, everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on Qin Xian. Their emotions were in turmoil, their gazes filled with complexity. Qin Xian had just been¡­ exceedingly arrogant! Yet, his arrogance and dominance instilled fear in everyone. This was the power of a millennium-old noble family. He had outright killed someone from the Wen family¡ªwhat could anyone do about it? The Wen family might be the most prominent rising power in the Empire, but before the Qin family, they were still insignificant. Zhou Nan¡¯s expression stiffened. ¡®Damn, this Qin Xian looks really dangerous!¡¯ He had planned to find an opportunity to copy Qin Xian¡¯s talent ability. With that, he too could possess an SSS-tier class. However, watching Qin Xian¡¯s ruthless and cold-blooded method of killing Zhao Tong without hesitation gave him pause. He remembered how Qin Xian had slaughtered tens of thousands of people during the Shattered Heaven instance. As an illegitimate child of the Zhou family, Zhou Nan¡¯s status wasn¡¯t much higher than that of the late Imperial Colonel. If Qin Xian decided to kill him, would the Zhou family start a war with the Qin family over it? After some thought, Zhou Nan knew that wasn¡¯t going to happen. But¡­ an SSS-tier class! SSS-tier classes were on a completely different level from SS-tier ones. While he had already copied skills from an SS-tier class, it merely made him stronger and a potential legend-tier individual. An SSS-tier class, however, was truly godlike. With it, he could almost certainly ascend to the Celestial Sacred Realm, achieve immortality, and become a true deity with ultimate authority in the Divine Revelation system! The immense temptation made Zhou Nan hesitate. Should he take the risk? ¡¯At worst, I¡¯ll just introduce myself. Qin Xian might be ruthless, but he¡¯s not the type to kill someone on first sight¡­ right?¡¯ ¡ª Meanwhile, outside the Divine Revelation Auction House, Wen Xu, Gu Anran, Zhao Haoran, and others stepped onto the bustling street. Wen Xu¡¯s tiger-like eyes brimmed with tears as he grieved deeply. He had never lost his composure like this before. All his life, he had maintained an image of calmness, showing neither joy nor anger on the surface. Yet, this auction had dealt him a devastating blow. Gu Anran stood there in a daze, watching Wen Xu¡¯s sorrow. Feeling guilt-ridden, she said, ¡°Wen Xu, I¡¯m so sorry. This is all my fault¡­ If it makes you feel better, you can hit me. I promise I won¡¯t fight back or cry.¡± In her innocent mind, letting Wen Xu hit her seemed like the best way to make amends. Looking at the pitiable Gu Anran, Wen Xu¡¯s spirits lifted slightly for reasons he couldn¡¯t quite explain. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said, comforting her. ¡°What happened today isn¡¯t your fault.¡± A flash of hatred flickered in his eyes. This matter wouldn¡¯t end so simply. He would avenge Uncle Zhao! Li Ling spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Our Future Guild will help you.¡± The Future Guild, one of the Empire¡¯s top three super guilds, boasted immense strength and resources. As the Future Guild¡¯s heir, Li Ling¡¯s support carried significant weight. Zhao Haoran and Xu Taichu also stepped forward and nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll help you too!¡± Though they were all romantic rivals and technically adversaries, their shared feelings for Gu Anran had created an oddly harmonious dynamic. As long as Gu Anran was happy, they were willing to tolerate each other¡¯s presence. In that moment, the young men stood united. Gu Anran, deeply moved, silently prayed to the heavens. She wished that Wen Xu, Zhao Haoran, Li Ling, and Xu Taichu could stay by her side forever. ¡ª While the Divine Revelation Auction had only just begun, the events there had already spread rapidly across the Imperial Capital and were now reaching every corner of the Empire through various channels. ¡ª The Empire ¨C Void Frontline The Void Frontline was a vast region bordering the human world and the Void. It was the most intense battleground between humanity and the Void. The Empire maintained four major army groups at the Void Frontline: the Northern Army, Southern Army, Central Army, and Eastern Army. These four groups represented humanity¡¯s strongest combat forces, and only combat-class professionals of Level 15 and above could qualify to join. The Eastern Army was the newest of these groups. After ascending to the throne, the Emperor had defied all opposition to form the Eastern Army by selecting elite units from the other army groups. Despite its relatively short history of just a few decades, the Eastern Army had already distinguished itself with remarkable achievements, defending the Eastern Front and slaying countless Void creatures. Two years ago, under the command of Wen Yu, the Eastern Army had even managed to kill a young Void Lord. ¡ª Eastern Army Headquarters. The Eastern Army¡¯s headquarters was an enormous military base, sprawling over an area as large as a city. The base exuded an atmosphere of strict discipline, with squads of highly trained, powerful soldiers conducting routine drills. At each corner of the base stood massive teleportation gates, through which bloodstained starships, scarred by countless battles, slowly passed. Some of these starships carried the massive corpses of Void creatures hanging from their hulls. In the strategy building at headquarters, a high-ranking officer stood with his hands behind his back, commanding the latest operations along the Eastern Front. At that moment, an adjutant approached, handing him a document. ¡°Deputy Sun, news from the Imperial Capital,¡± the adjutant said. The officer nodded slightly, taking the document. His expression immediately changed upon reading it. With a grave voice, he asked, ¡°Where is Commander Wen right now?¡± Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 118 Chapter 118: Wen Yu D-7 Combat Zone, Eastern Frontline. This was a strange space where the Void and the real universe intertwined. Vast deserts stretched endlessly into the horizon, dotted with chaotic Void currents, massive urban ruins, corrupted lands, insect nests, and shattered battlefields. Boom! Terrifying bursts of power erupted all around, accompanied by relentless clashes and combat. Horrifying Void creatures surged out of the Void fissures like a tidal wave¡ªdense, seemingly endless. These creatures came in all shapes and sizes, though most resembled giant beetles, mindlessly devouring everything in their path. Opposing them were squads of highly disciplined human combatants, locked in a fierce struggle. These warriors belonged to the 7th Legion, a primary force of the Eastern Army. The 7th Legion comprised 26 battle regiments, totaling over 30,000 personnel, and was responsible for defending the D-7 Combat Zone, one of the most fiercely contested areas. ¡°Warrior squads, hold the line!¡± ¡°Magic and firearms units, bombard coordinates D78-K61!¡± Tens of thousands of human combatants formed an enormous formation, synergizing their skills as they engaged the Void creatures in a massive melee. The battlefield resembled a colossal meat grinder, where every moment saw countless Void creatures being slain¡ªand countless human combatants falling in turn. Every soldier here was at least a Level 15 professional. Their collective might made the scene overwhelming. The earth trembled as colossal sandworms, hundreds of meters tall like towering skyscrapers, writhed above the battlefield. Their massive tentacles lashed out at the soldiers, attempting to crush them. ¡¯Hmph!¡¯ A cold snort rang out as a middle-aged man in a black military uniform stepped forward. His rank insignia of two bars and two stars identified him as a Lieutenant Colonel. In an instant, a shimmering white set of armor materialized around him, and a massive battle axe appeared in his hands¡ªDemon-Slaying Great Axe¡¯ With a single swing, his axe cleaved through the heavens. The axe¡¯s energy spanned tens of thousands of meters, emanating dark light, and cut the giant sandworm cleanly in half. The energy extended further, killing hundreds of Void creatures in its wake. One skill had eradicated hundreds of Void monsters. High above, within the Void, colossal and terrifying figures clashed amidst layers of thick clouds. Their brutal battle shook the heavens. Finally, with a deafening wail, a massive humanoid creature plummeted from the sky. It had two heads, large black wings on its back, and pale, lifeless skin. At the same time, a petite woman descended gracefully, landing directly on the creature¡¯s head. Dressed in a military uniform with a sword at her waist, she exuded a heroic and awe-inspiring presence, resembling a Valkyrie descending from the heavens. With the fall of this terrifying creature, the remaining Void monsters, as if losing their leader, descended into chaos and fled back toward the Void fissures. The soldiers erupted in cheers, their excitement and joy shaking the skies. ¡°We¡¯ve won!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve won!¡± S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Lieutenant Colonel glanced at the fallen creature¡¯s corpse. The markings displayed its designation and level: ¨C Name: Profane Twin Progeny ¨C Level: 65 ¨C Category: High-Rank Void General Though Void creatures didn¡¯t have formal data systems, humans used the Divine Revelation system to estimate their levels and combat power with great accuracy. The soldiers, seeing the designation, were even more elated. The Profane Twin Progeny was a high-rank Void General, its power rivaling that of a newly emerged Void Lord. Among the known Void threats, it ranked 288th. For years, this creature had wreaked havoc on the Eastern Front, causing significant casualties and challenges for the Eastern Army. Today, it was finally dead. Standing atop the Profane Twin Progeny¡¯s corpse, the woman was covered in blood¡ªnot hers, but the Void General¡¯s. ¡°Soldiers!¡± she declared, her voice ringing with authority. ¡°We have repelled yet another assault by the Sixth Court. Our defense line is unbreakable, and our morale is unstoppable!¡± ¡°For now, the Sixth Court will retreat. Rejoice, heroes! You are the heroes of the Empire and the protectors of humanity!¡± The soldiers roared in response, their cheers like waves crashing upon the shore. Their eyes burned with fanaticism as they gazed at her¡ªtheir leader, the Supreme Commander of the Eastern Army, Wen Yu. This battle had seen Wen Yu slay a Level 65 high-rank Void General in mere minutes. At just over thirty years old, Wen Yu was already a Level 60 professional, making her the youngest to achieve such a level in the Empire. More impressively, her combat power far exceeded her level. Two years ago, she had slain a Void Lord, a feat that shocked the entire human world. Her actual combat strength was equivalent to that of a Level 70 professional. Such was the terrifying potential of an SSS-tier class, allowing her to transcend the limits of ordinary professionals by several levels. The military respected strength above all, and Wen Yu¡¯s power had earned her unwavering admiration within the Eastern Army. For every soldier under her command, she was an undisputed leader worthy of their loyalty. A decade earlier, Wen Yu, then in her early twenties, had joined the Eastern Army as a disciple of the Regency. At the time, many assumed she was there for the prestige. But Wen Yu quickly proved them wrong, demonstrating through her actions that she was a remarkable soldier. Over the years, she had achieved a series of extraordinary military victories. While the Regency¡¯s support undoubtedly helped her rise, her undeniable accomplishments silenced even the most critical noble families. In just over a decade, Wen Yu had risen from an ordinary officer to the Supreme Commander of the Eastern Army. As Commander, she not only led from the front but also cared deeply for her subordinates, earning their absolute loyalty and solidifying her authority. Chapter 119 Chapter 119: The Fierce Sister ¡°Commander!¡± ¡°Ma¡¯am!¡± A row of officers stood at attention, their expressions filled with reverence. Despite Wen Yu being the youngest and lowest-leveled of the four supreme commanders of the Empire¡¯s army groups¡ªthe other three were all above Level 70¡ªher authority within the Eastern Army was no less than theirs. Wen Yu nodded, a slight smile on her face. ¡°Well done, everyone. You¡¯ve worked hard.¡± She glanced at the gradually closing Void fissure and said calmly, ¡°The Sixth Court shouldn¡¯t make any major moves for now.¡± The Eastern Army¡¯s main defense line was against the Sixth Court, ruled by the Void Overlord known as the Filth Overlord. However, due to the Divine Revelation¡¯s rewards that converted the human world into a data-based system under its control, the true forms of the Void¡¯s great terrors couldn¡¯t easily descend onto the frontlines. Even if they could, they would face opposition from the true gods of the Celestial Sacred Realm. Humanity¡¯s main enemies from the Void were typically the legions led by Void Lords serving these great terrors. The recent battle was just another routine clash in the endless war between humanity and the Void¡ªone of countless skirmishes humanity had endured and would continue to face. Intelligence reports indicated that the Sixth Court¡¯s attention was shifting to other worlds. Wen Yu surmised that the Eastern Army might have a brief reprieve. Just then, Wen Yu¡¯s expression shifted as she turned to see a middle-aged officer hurrying toward her through a teleportation gate. ¡°Adjutant Sun?¡± Wen Yu frowned slightly. This officer, Sun Ting, was both her adjutant and a trusted confidant. Sun Ting arrived before her, saluted, and cast a glance at the officers of the 7th Legion. The officers, sensing the nature of the situation, tactfully excused themselves. Once the officers had departed, Wen Yu asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Adjutant Sun¡¯s expression darkened as he replied, ¡°Commander, there¡¯s been an incident in the Imperial Capital.¡± Wen Yu¡¯s face immediately grew cold. ¡°Is it Xiao Xu?¡± Wen Yu cared deeply for her younger brother. In fact, he was the person she cared about most in the world. Sun Ting handed her a document and reported, ¡°The young master had a conflict with the Qin family at the Divine Revelation Auction House¡­ The Qin family acted ruthlessly and killed Colonel Zhao. The young master was also expelled from the auction house.¡± Sun Ting¡¯s face showed a trace of grief as he finished speaking. Zhao Tong, Wen Xu¡¯s personal steward, had once been the head of the Eastern Army¡¯s Officer Academy and was a respected veteran. Sun Ting himself had studied under Zhao Tong at the academy and felt a deep sense of loss at his death. Wen Yu¡¯s face darkened, her aura radiating a terrifying intensity that made Sun Ting tremble. The commander was clearly enraged. As she read the intelligence report, she quickly pieced together the events that had transpired. ¡°Qin Xian¡­¡± A chilling light flashed in Wen Yu¡¯s eyes. She had, of course, heard of Qin Xian¡ªanother SSS-tier professional after her, lauded as the greatest genius of the human world. Initially, Wen Yu hadn¡¯t paid much attention to him, as he was more than a decade younger than her¡ªa figure of a different generation. However, his actions today had infuriated her. Not only had he killed Zhao Tong, but he had also humiliated her brother, Wen Xu! When Wen Yu was thirteen, her parents died unexpectedly, leaving her and her brother to depend on each other. Their sibling bond was unbreakable, and Wen Yu regarded her brother as her sole tether in this world, someone she wouldn¡¯t allow to suffer any grievance. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now, Qin Xian had bullied her brother and killed Zhao Tong, whom she regarded as family. This was an unforgivable trespass against her bottom line. Wen Yu was well aware of the Qin family¡¯s formidable power. As a progenitor family with a thousand-year legacy, their foundations ran deep. They had more than a dozen powerhouses above Level 70. But so what? She was the commander of the Eastern Army, with hundreds of thousands of professionals under her command and countless strong fighters. Moreover, her teacher, Regent Lu Ji, was a Level 90 powerhouse. She would demand justice for her brother, no matter the odds! The document in her hand burst into flames, disintegrating into ash. Wen Yu¡¯s icy gaze fixed on Sun Ting, who lowered his head, chilled to the bone. ¡°Make arrangements¡ªI¡¯m returning to the Imperial Capital.¡± Wen Yu cast a glance at the corpse of the Profane Twin Progeny in the distance and said coolly, ¡°It¡¯s about time I reported in anyway¡­¡± Though her tone was calm, Sun Ting could hear the anger simmering beneath her words. He quickly nodded. ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll arrange your travel and notify the military department immediately.¡± As one of the Empire¡¯s four supreme commanders, Wen Yu¡¯s position was highly significant, and any visit to the Imperial Capital required prior notification to the military authorities. Sun Ting hurried away, knowing full well that a storm was about to brew in the Imperial Capital. ¡ª Imperial Capital ¨C Cardinal Council As the Empire¡¯s Chancellor, Qin Ming¡¯s schedule was always packed. After meeting with two foreign envoys, he was set to discuss critical national matters with Regent Lu Ji. Qin Ming was already aware of the events at the Divine Revelation Auction House. ¡°A former Imperial Colonel killed?¡± Qin Ming¡¯s expression remained calm as he sipped his tea, showing no sign of concern. To him, this was a trivial matter. For the Qin family, even if Qin Xian had killed a current colonel, they had the influence to sweep it under the rug without much effort. Secretary-General Song Qi spoke gravely, ¡°There¡¯s another matter. The Ministry of Supervision has reported that someone is using the Void Compass to search for the Emperor¡­ It seems this is tied to the Regency.¡± Qin Ming¡¯s brows lifted slightly, immediately grasping Qin Xian¡¯s intent. Chapter 120 Chapter 120: A Clash Between Regent and Chancellor Imperial Capital, Regency Office. Nominally the ruler of the Empire, Regent Lu Ji served as the acting Emperor, holding the position of undisputed authority as the Empire¡¯s foremost figure. Beneath him stood Qin Ming, the Empire¡¯s Chancellor and head of the Cardinal Council, making him the second most powerful person in the Empire. As protocol dictated, Qin Ming needed to visit the Regency Office to meet with Lu Ji. The main gates of the Regency Office swung open. Ren Xun, the head steward of the Regency Office, stood smiling as the convoy slowly approached. The vehicles came to a halt, and Qin Ming stepped out of his car. Ren Xun immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully. ¡°Chancellor Qin!¡± Qin Ming returned a polite smile and nodded. ¡°Head Steward Ren.¡± Ren Xun maintained a humble demeanor. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to have you personally make the trip, Chancellor Qin.¡± Qin Ming¡¯s tone was calm as he replied, ¡°The Empire has its rules and systems. I¡¯m simply following protocol. Let¡¯s go; there are several matters I need to discuss with the Regent.¡± Ren Xun nodded quickly. ¡°The Regent is waiting to receive you at the entrance.¡± He then greeted Secretary-General Song Qi with a slight nod. ¡°Secretary-General Song.¡± Song Qi smiled back. ¡°Head Steward Ren.¡± With Ren Xun leading the way, the group headed deeper into the Regency Office. Qin Ming, ever composed, observed his surroundings. Despite being in the same city, he and Lu Ji rarely met in person, typically only exchanging words during major assemblies. As he walked, Qin Ming sensed the oppressive and formidable aura emanating from the Regency Office. His eyes narrowed slightly. It seemed Lu Ji had gathered many powerful figures over the years. This wasn¡¯t surprising. Lu Ji was openly acknowledged as the strongest human in the world¡ªa Level 90 Stellar Sword Saint¡ªand the Regent of the Empire. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Alongside the remnants of the pro-Emperor faction, it was only natural that he commanded an unignorable force. The Regency Office wasn¡¯t large, and before long, Qin Ming saw Lu Ji standing at the entrance to the main building, personally awaiting him. Lu Ji stood with his hands clasped behind his back. Though his hair was snow-white, his spirit was vigorous, and his sharp, hawk-like eyes radiated an oppressive aura. His presence was as vast and unfathomable as a mountain or an ocean. Compared to Lu Ji¡¯s Level 90 strength, Qin Ming was a Level 89 powerhouse, making him one level lower. Despite this, Lu Ji couldn¡¯t completely see through Qin Ming. This man, cloaked in an aura of enigma, was the head of the Qin family and a true mastermind whose actions had destroyed countless ancient families. ¡°Regent,¡± Qin Ming said, his tone light, a faint smile on his face. Lu Ji smiled as well, stepping forward to shake Qin Ming¡¯s hand. ¡°Chancellor, I appreciate you making the trip in person.¡± Nearby, officials from the Regency¡¯s public relations department snapped photos of the handshake. Within hours, these images and their accompanying narrative would be disseminated across the Empire¡¯s news channels: ¨C ¡°Imperial Regent and Chancellor Meet: A Cordial and Friendly Exchange on Major Imperial Affairs and Strategic Policies.¡± ¨C ¡°The Harmony and Unity Between the Regent and Chancellor Demonstrate Internal Stability.¡± ¨C ¡°With Collaborative Leadership, the Empire Continues to Thrive, Advancing Its Great Cause!¡± While outwardly cordial, both men were deeply aware of the tension between them. Lu Ji¡¯s gaze sharpened as he held Qin Ming¡¯s hand. By all rights, his level should have allowed him to see through Qin Ming completely. Yet the man before him remained veiled in a shroud of inscrutable mist. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the two men, accompanied only by a few trusted confidants¡ªSong Qi and Ren Xun among them¡ªproceeded to the conference hall. ¡ª The conference room fell silent as all irrelevant personnel were dismissed. Only the ticking of a clock punctuated the air. Inside, two commanding voices wove together as the Regent and Chancellor deliberated. The future of countless lives hinged on their decisions. High-ranking positions for governors, ministers, and other influential figures were among the topics discussed. These two men were the undisputed rulers of the Empire. While it was no secret that the Qin family and the Regency had long been at odds, the content of this meeting might have surprised many. Despite their differences, much of the discussion revealed a surprising degree of cooperation¡ªeach seeking what they needed. The meeting stretched on for over two hours before approaching its conclusion. Song Qi and Ren Xun closed their notebooks, ready to adjourn. Suddenly, Lu Ji¡¯s eyes flashed with a sharp light. His tone turned cold as he said, ¡°Chancellor, something serious just occurred in the Imperial Capital.¡± ¡°Oh? What happened?¡± Qin Ming asked, his expression placid. Lu Ji¡¯s face darkened, his voice filled with displeasure. ¡°Your eldest son, Qin Xian. I just received word that he publicly ordered the killing of a former Imperial Colonel at the Celestial Revelation Auction House!¡± He continued, his voice growing heavier with anger, ¡°That colonel was a decorated war hero, holder of three Silver Eagle Medals, two Purple Gold Flower Medals, and two Wings of Freedom Medals.¡± ¡°He retired due to injuries sustained in battles against the Void and is celebrated as one of the Empire¡¯s heroes. Yet your son ordered his execution without any legitimate reason! This is a blatant violation of Imperial law!¡± Lu Ji¡¯s oppressive aura surged, filling the room with a suffocating pressure. His wrath, as a Level 90 powerhouse, was palpable. Both Song Qi and Ren Xun paled at the atmosphere. Ren Xun, in particular, looked at Lu Ji with disbelief. However, Qin Ming¡¯s demeanor remained unchanged. It was as if Lu Ji¡¯s accusations were nothing more than trifling matters. With a faint smile, he replied, ¡°Since the incident occurred at the Divine Revelation Auction House, Overseer Yuan will naturally handle it appropriately. As for Qin Xian, I¡¯ll speak to him about it.¡± Lu Ji¡¯s gaze grew colder. ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Qin Ming¡¯s smile remained unfaltering. He met Lu Ji¡¯s icy glare with neither fear nor hesitation, his tone carrying a subtle edge of mockery. ¡°Otherwise, what do you propose?¡± Chapter 121 Chapter 121: Civil War? The once relatively harmonious atmosphere in the meeting room instantly became charged with tension. The air seemed to bristle with the threat of conflict, and the faces of Song Qi, Ren Xun, and the other secretaries turned pale with fear. Could it be that the Imperial Regent and the Chancellor were about to clash? The thought sent shivers down their spines. Lu Ji, the Level 90 Stellar Sword Saint, and Qin Ming, the Level 89 Psionic Sovereign, were the two strongest individuals in the human world. If the two were to come to blows, the Imperial Capital itself would likely cease to exist within ten seconds. The consequences, however, extended far beyond personal power. Qin Ming represented the thousand-year-old Qin family, with its vast influence, countless powerhouses, and control over half the Empire¡¯s provinces. On the other hand, Lu Ji, as the Imperial Regent and former Imperial tutor, had rallied the remnants of the pro-Emperor faction under his banner, including the Eastern Army led by his disciple, Wen Yu. A conflict between them would plunge the entire Empire into civil war. Lu Ji¡¯s expression remained unreadable as he stared at Qin Ming for a long moment. Finally, his gaze darkened, and he said coldly, ¡°Very well. I trust the Chancellor will properly instruct your son.¡± ¡°Qin Xian is extraordinarily talented, destined to be humanity¡¯s strongest, and will likely ascend to the Celestial Sacred Realm in the future. I hold high hopes for him. I don¡¯t want to see him stray from the right path.¡± Qin Ming responded with a faint smile, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. It was clear he had little regard for Lu Ji¡¯s words. Nevertheless, the tension in the room dissipated, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Ming slowly stood, nodded at Lu Ji, and said calmly, ¡°Now that we¡¯ve discussed everything, I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± With that, he turned and left without hesitation, his departure leaving behind a stony-faced Lu Ji, a tense Ren Xun, and a handful of shaken secretaries. After waving the secretaries away, Ren Xun cautiously approached Lu Ji. Once they were alone, he asked hesitantly, ¡°Regent, we¡¯ve made progress in locating His Majesty.l ¡°At such a critical moment, wouldn¡¯t it be better to placate the Qin family to avoid unnecessary complications?¡± The Regency Office had received word of Zhao Tong¡¯s death mere minutes after the incident. After much deliberation, Lu Ji¡¯s advisors had unanimously suggested downplaying the matter to avoid provoking the Qin family. Lu Ji¡¯s expression turned mocking as he replied, ¡°If I pretended to know nothing, that would truly arouse the Qin family¡¯s suspicions.¡± Ren Xun, no fool, immediately realized the truth. His face paled as he exclaimed, ¡°The Ministry of Supervision! The Qin family¡­ they already know?¡± He suddenly remembered the Ministry of Supervision¡¯s head, Sheng Junchen¡ªa ruthless, cunning, and utterly unscrupulous man who was nothing less than a lapdog of the Qin family. Sheng¡¯s meteoric rise to the ministry¡¯s top position in just ten years wasn¡¯t solely due to his loyalty to the Qin family; his personal capabilities were formidable. Originally tasked with overseeing governmental corruption, the Ministry of Supervision had, under Sheng¡¯s leadership, transformed into a terrifying intelligence network with spies embedded across various departments. If the Regency Office¡¯s secret investigation into the Emperor¡¯s disappearance had been compromised, the Qin family was undoubtedly aware. Ren Xun realized with alarm that if Lu Ji had responded indifferently to the Zhao Tong incident, the Qin family would have grown even more suspicious. After all, if the search for the Emperor hadn¡¯t made progress, Lu Ji¡¯s usual temperament would have led him to express outrage. A flat response would seem entirely unnatural, signaling that the Regency was hiding something. Ren Xun nodded, his admiration for Lu Ji deepening. ¡°I see. You¡¯re right, Regent.¡± Still concerned, he asked, ¡°But can we outmaneuver the Qin family? While we¡¯ve roughly determined His Majesty¡¯s whereabouts, pinpointing him will take more time¡­¡± Lu Ji shook his head, his tone grave. ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. The Qin family has become increasingly bold over the years.¡± His gaze sharpened as he added, ¡°There are even voices calling for the Qin family to replace the Ying family as the Empire¡¯s new royal lineage. We must act quickly.¡± ¡ª Outside the Regency Office As Qin Ming entered the car with Song Qi, their convoy began to roll away from the building. Song Qi, reflecting on the tense exchange in the meeting room, couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Sir, given the Regency¡¯s strong reaction to the young master¡¯s actions, does this mean they¡¯re still far from finding the Emperor? Could they simply be bluffing?¡± Qin Ming¡¯s lips curled into a faintly mocking smile. ¡°No. They¡¯re close. Very close. Lu Ji wouldn¡¯t have held the position of Regent for twenty years while retaining real power if he were an idiot.¡± ¡°He knows full well that many of his people have been bought by us, and he¡¯s fully aware of it.¡± S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Song Qi quickly understood. Lu Ji¡¯s apparent anger was a calculated move¡ªa reverse strategy to mislead the Qin family. Song Qi was both awed and shaken by the subtlety of the confrontation. The depth of strategy between these two giants was staggering. He nodded solemnly. As one of Qin Ming¡¯s most trusted aides, he knew that the Qin family¡¯s success or failure would determine his own fate. Though the Emperor had been missing for two decades, the possibility of his return sent a chill through Song Qi. Even for him, the thought of the Emperor reclaiming the throne was deeply unsettling. Chapter 122 Chapter 122: Emperor Ying Yan The Emperor, Ying Yan, who had been missing for twenty years, was arguably the most controversial ruler in the history of the Empire. He ascended to the throne thirty-three years ago, at just over thirty years old. Opinions about him varied widely. Some considered him a reckless and ambitious tyrant, obsessed with quick victories. Others saw him as a visionary and a ruler of unparalleled talent, destined to be remembered as one of the greatest emperors in history. Regardless of the perspective, Ying Yan¡¯s thirteen-year reign left an indelible mark on the Empire. During his time on the throne, Ying Yan restructured the military, reassigned top officials across all major ministries, and devoted immense national resources to building a third defensive line along the Void Frontline. He personally led campaigns into the Abyss and systematically dismantled the power of the noble families. Several Level 70 noble patriarchs were forced into retirement or exile due to his policies. When Ying Yan ascended the throne, the Empire¡¯s thousand-year legacy was firmly under the control of the noble families, whose power had become entrenched and unwieldy. The Southern Army, from its commander down to its officers, was entirely composed of individuals loyal to these families. Three years into his reign, Ying Yan personally led a campaign into the Abyss, mobilizing the Southern Army, which was under the influence of the noble families. The five-year campaign was brutal but ultimately successful, with the Empire pushing back the Abyssal forces and advancing the defensive line by over ten thousand kilometers. However, the Southern Army suffered devastating losses and had to be restructured. Following the reorganization, control of these forces shifted entirely to the Emperor. Ying Yan dismissed all officers from noble families, replacing them with individuals from commoner and rising families. This dealt a severe blow to the noble families, with many losing key members. In subsequent years, Ying Yan tightened his grip over the Imperial Parliament, the Ministry of Police, the Ministry of Supervision, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, consolidating his power and leaving the noble families with no room to breathe. During his reign, the Empire grew stronger, political corruption waned, and commoners found opportunities to rise to power. In this regard, Ying Yan was undeniably a formidable and enlightened ruler. However, his relentless pursuit of military expansion came at a heavy cost. Over his thirteen-year reign, the Empire waged more than twenty campaigns into the Void, eight of which were large-scale wars. These wars demanded a massive toll in resources and lives from both the Empire and humanity as a whole. Ying Yan also established numerous grand Divine Revelation Temples across the Empire to nurture new talent. Each of these temples required vast amounts of rare materials, and he built over twenty of them simultaneously. Moreover, Ying Yan sought to construct the Celestial Matrix, an altar capable of summoning the Will of Celestial Revelation. The resources needed for these projects drained the Empire¡¯s reserves, and the harsh taxes imposed to fund them left the populace struggling under the weight of heavy levies. Regardless of the controversies surrounding him, Ying Yan remained the rightful Emperor in the eyes of the people. If he were to return, his call would undoubtedly rally the masses¡ªa prospect that posed a dire threat to the Qin family. ¡ª Qin Ming¡¯s Reflection. Qin Ming¡¯s face remained impassive as a dark shadow flickered in his eyes. Twenty years ago, Ying Yan had launched a campaign into the Void, ordering Qin Ming, along with Qin family elites and other noble powerhouses, to accompany him on this mission. It was a calculated move to weaken the Qin family by exhausting its resources and manpower in war. However, the Qin family had already forged a secret alliance with the First Court of the Void. With the First Court¡¯s cooperation, the Emperor¡¯s camp was utterly annihilated. The royal family¡¯s millennia-old elite forces and imperial guards were wiped out in a single stroke. Unfortunately, Ying Yan did not perish. As the bearer of the Dragon¡¯s Final Chapter, the most powerful of the twelve Final Chapters, Ying Yan survived the catastrophe through his extraordinary strength and the Chapter¡¯s unparalleled power. Though he survived, his condition was as good as dead. ¡ª Qin Ming¡¯s Orders. Song Qi, standing beside Qin Ming, asked in a low voice, ¡°Should we¡­?¡± After a moment of thought, Qin Ming replied, ¡°Wait until Xian¡¯er finishes with the auction. Have him come to see me.¡± Song Qi nodded, reflecting on the young master¡¯s importance. Despite being in his early twenties, Qin Xian was already a key decision-maker within the Qin family. ¡ª At the Divine Revelation Auction House The auction had been underway for several hours. Qin Xian and his sister, Qin Li, were seated in the most luxurious private box available. The room, roughly thirty square meters, was furnished with sofas, a table, and even a bed for resting. Onstage, the auctioneer was enthusiastically presenting a purple-grade item. ¨C [Tear of Dreams] ¨C Purple Legendary Accessory ¨C Required Level: 45 ¨C Attributes: Spirit +120, Intelligence +100 ¨C Effect: When your HP drops below 20%, gain a magical shield equal to 50% of your maximum HP. Simultaneously, create a dreamscape that reduces the hit rate of all enemies within it by 25% for 60 seconds. (Cooldown: 48 hours) ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, this rare accessory speaks for itself¡ªa life-saving treasure of immense value. The starting bid is five million!¡± The bidding escalated rapidly. ¡°Fifteen million!¡± ¡°Thirty million!¡± ¡°Seventy million!¡± S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In mere moments, the price of the Tear of Dreams soared past one hundred million. ¡ª In the Private Box Qin Xian watched the auction unfold with mild boredom, while Qin Li attentively massaged his shoulders. Though the accessory was valuable, it failed to pique Qin Xian¡¯s interest. With his arsenal of life-saving abilities such as Invincible Holy Light and Rebirth from Fire, the item felt redundant. Similarly, Qin Li¡¯s class as a Deathbringer Angel made the accessory¡¯s magical shield irrelevant to her. For someone like Qin Xian, only gold-tier Mythical equipment or a Divine Revelation Final Chapter could truly capture his attention. Just then, Qiu Bo approached with a subtle change in his expression. He leaned close to Qin Xian and whispered, ¡°Young Master, I¡¯ve received word that Eastern Army Commander Wen Yu has submitted her application for a debriefing. She will arrive in the Imperial Capital by tomorrow at the latest.¡± Qin Xian raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk curling on his lips. ¡°She¡¯s already coming to clean up her brother¡¯s mess?¡± His smile grew colder. ¡°If she stayed in the Eastern Army, she might¡¯ve been harder to deal with. But since she¡¯s coming to the Capital¡­ she¡¯ll have to play by our rules. If she¡¯s so eager to seek death, we might as well oblige her.¡± After a pause, Qin Xian added, ¡°Investigate that Gu Anran¡ªher family, friends, and anyone close to her at school. It would be a shame not to put such a foolish woman to good use.¡± Chapter 123 Chapter 123: Looking to Snatch a Bargain? Gu Anran was the kind of naive woman who would unconditionally believe anything you told her. Even more absurd was that Wen Xu, the eldest young master of the Wen family, was a hopeless romantic who uncritically trusted and defended Gu Anran. And then there was Wen Yu, a fiercely protective sister. Hearing that her brother had been wronged, she left the Eastern Army¡¯s main base without hesitation and rushed back to the Imperial Capital to stand up for him. In Qin Xian¡¯s eyes, this was pure foolishness. As long as Wen Yu remained in the Eastern Army, her brother Wen Xu was virtually untouchable. Any force attempting to harm Wen Xu would have to consider the repercussions from the Eastern Army. But with Wen Yu returning to the Imperial Capital, the Eastern Army lost its central figure, and her control over the army would weaken dramatically. If she were to die in the Imperial Capital, the Eastern Army might be furious, but they wouldn¡¯t rebel. It was laughable¡ªmerely an insult and the death of a steward had unsettled Wen Yu to such a degree that she abandoned her stronghold to protect her brother. ¡°Such touching sibling affection,¡± Qin Xian remarked mockingly. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He then thought of Zhao Haoran, Li Ling, and the others. Both Qingyang Academy and the Future Guild were formidable forces in their own right. ¡°Investigate Zhao Haoran and Li Ling as well,¡± Qin Xian instructed casually. With that, he refocused on the Celestial Revelation Auction. The [Tear of Dreams], which had garnered significant attention earlier, was eventually bought by Zhou Zhiqing for 160 million. In truth, the item¡¯s value far exceeded this price. Besides its life-saving magical shield, its intelligence and spirit bonuses were over 100 points each¡ªfar superior to similar items of the same level, which typically only offered bonuses in the tens. However, once Zhou Zhiqing, the eldest daughter of the Zhou family, entered the bidding, everyone else withdrew. Her father, Chairman Zhou, controlled the Imperial Security Committee and was one of the Empire¡¯s top figures. The Zhou family¡¯s reputation held considerable weight in the Imperial Capital. Other items soon followed: ¨C [Arkham¡¯s Spear]: Purple Legendary Weapon, Level 40, Strength +110. ¨C [Shattered Divine Seal]: Purple Legendary, Level 45, Spirit +105. ¨C [Blessing Crystal]: Blue Rare, No Level Requirement, Constitution +45. The Divine Revelation Auction lived up to its prestige, with every item auctioned being at least Purple Legendary or having unique attributes. Each item sparked fierce bidding wars among the powerful factions present. Here, money was just a number. Bids of hundreds of millions or even billions were placed without a second thought. Some factions even offered guilds, corporations, or mines as collateral. Qin Xian, though largely uninterested, occasionally made bids. For example, when the [Storm Fruit], which granted an extra 20 attribute points, came up, he purchased it. While 20 points were negligible compared to his current attributes, Qin Xian believed in incremental gains. Soon, the auctioneer introduced a new item. ¨C [Light of Eclipse]: Unidentified The auctioneer hesitated briefly before smiling and explaining, ¡°This [Light of Eclipse] is an unidentified item. However, it has passed Celestial Revelation¡¯s verification and has thus been accepted as an auction item. While its details are unknown, there is always the chance it could turn out to be extraordinary. Starting bid: 500,000.¡± The room fell silent, a stark contrast to the earlier bidding frenzies. Unidentified items were a gamble. In the era of universal data transparency, even mundane objects like chopsticks had their attributes clearly displayed: ¨C [Chopsticks]: Grey Item, Wooden, No Value. Unidentified items could be appraised using Identification Scrolls, revealing their true nature. While some turned out to be rare treasures, most were worthless junk. The odds were not in the buyer¡¯s favor. An infamous case involved a high-ranking official who spent 2 billion on an unidentified item named [Gift of the God of Death], convinced its ominous name promised mythical potential. Upon appraisal, it turned out to be a white-quality item worth a mere 40,000. The incident became a long-standing joke, with people jokingly hoping their unidentified items wouldn¡¯t turn out to be ¡°a gift.¡± As a result, interest in unidentified items dwindled over time. After a long pause, someone finally made an offer. ¡°500,000.¡± ¡°510,000.¡± ¡°600,000¡­¡± The few bids came from people willing to take a gamble, treating it like a lottery. When the price reached 1 million, bidding essentially stopped. Even the wealthiest attendees were hesitant to throw money at an uncertain prospect. ¡°1 million from Guest 75! Any higher bids?¡± ¡°1 million going once¡­¡± ¡°1 million going twice¡­¡± ¡ª In a Modest Private Box. A plain-looking young man watched the auction with barely contained excitement. Unlike everyone else, he knew the true value of the [Light of Eclipse]. Upon awakening his class, he had gained a special skill¡ªa ¡°golden finger¡±¡ªthat allowed him to discern the quality of unidentified items. The [Light of Eclipse], as it turned out, was a Gold Mythical Item! He could hardly contain his glee. It seemed no one else recognized its value, and for just 1 million, he was about to score an incredible bargain. But just as the auctioneer was about to call the final bid, Qin Xian¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°2 million.¡± The young man¡¯s expression instantly darkened. Chapter 124 Chapter 124: Golden Eyes The young man¡¯s name was Xu Cheng. He wasn¡¯t born into a prestigious family or wealthy lineage; on the contrary, he was an orphan who had lost his parents at a young age. No house, no car¡ªhis starting point in life was as dismal as it could get. Yet, fortune favored him. During his awakening, he obtained an S-tier class: Shadow Assassin. Despite receiving numerous invitations from powerful guilds and factions, Xu Cheng chose to remain a lone wolf. The reason was his awakening of a unique talent¡ªa golden finger¡ªthat made him a one-man force: the [Golden Eyes] skill. ¨C [Golden Eyes]: Allows the user to discern the grade of unidentified items. This talent was nothing short of a divine blessing in his era. Unidentified items were widely regarded as trash. Most people immediately discarded or sold them without a second thought since the Identification Scrolls needed to reveal their properties were incredibly expensive, with a market price of around 200,000 credits each. Even worse, the vast majority of unidentified items turned out to be worth only a few thousand credits at best. Most attempts to identify them resulted in pure losses. Xu Cheng, however, used his unique skill to make a fortune. With his exceptional acting skills, he consistently bought unidentified items at low prices, often pretending to take a gamble. Many of these items turned out to be purple legendary-grade treasures, each worth tens or even hundreds of millions. It was the ultimate hustle¡ªprofit without risk. Within just a few years, Xu Cheng had amassed an enormous fortune. This talent, however, also made him cautious. He knew that if his ability were exposed, powerful factions would stop at nothing to capture and exploit him, reducing him to little more than a tool for identifying items. He¡¯d lose his freedom and live a life worse than death. At Level 36, Xu Cheng¡¯s progress was remarkable for someone of his age and class. His gear was nothing short of luxurious, consisting entirely of purple legendary-grade equipment, far surpassing even the scions of noble families in terms of quality. Unidentified items that turned out to be purple-grade were inherently superior to regular legendary items, making his arsenal extraordinary. This time, Xu Cheng had gone to great lengths to secure an invitation to the Divine Revelation Auction, the highest-profile auction in the human world. He had spent a significant amount of money and called in favors from a few influential figures he¡¯d befriended by chance. For Xu Cheng, this auction was an opportunity to try his luck. Even if he didn¡¯t find anything worthwhile, it would still be a valuable experience. The cost of the invitation was manageable, and he saw it as a worthwhile investment. But he hadn¡¯t expected the very first unidentified item he encountered to be a gold mythical-grade treasure! Suppressing his excitement, Xu Cheng played it cool, bidding casually to avoid drawing attention. His slow, deliberate bidding brought the price to 1 million, giving the impression that he was mildly curious but not overly interested. This was a technique Xu Cheng had mastered over countless auctions, where he had snagged numerous valuable items using the same strategy. As the auctioneer¡¯s countdown reached 1 million, Xu Cheng¡¯s heart pounded with excitement and pride. These aristocrats and tycoons, with their billions in wealth and immense influence, are blind fools! he thought smugly. They¡¯re all beneath me, played like puppets on a string. The [Golden Eyes] talent had given Xu Cheng a profound sense of superiority, convincing him that the rest of the world was blind compared to his unique insight. But just as he was about to claim the [Light of Eclipse], Qin Xian¡¯s voice rang out: ¡°2 million.¡± Xu Cheng¡¯s face darkened instantly. Why is Qin Xian bidding on this? Xu Cheng wondered, his heart sinking. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He knew better than to cross someone like Qin Xian, a scion of the mighty Qin family. As a lone wolf, Xu Cheng had always been cautious. He was well aware that beneath their polished exteriors, aristocrats were often ruthless when it came to conflicts of interest. He had witnessed the earlier events in the main hall from afar and knew full well how terrifying Qin Xian could be. Even so, giving up now felt like swallowing shards of glass. This was a gold mythical-grade item! Such treasures were far more valuable than purple-grade items. While legendary equipment was accessible to nobles, prodigies, and the exceptionally lucky, mythical equipment was a different story. Even the Qin family and the royal lineage would struggle to assemble a full set of gold-grade equipment. Owning just one or two pieces was considered a mark of incredible wealth and power. A single piece of gold mythical-grade equipment was worth billions, often exceeding hundreds of billions in value. They were priceless artifacts that no faction would willingly part with, as they represented the very foundation of their strength. Now, with such a treasure within reach, how could Xu Cheng simply let it slip away? After a moment of hesitation, Xu Cheng gritted his teeth and raised his bid, ¡°2.1 million!¡± Qin Xian¡¯s voice came again, unperturbed. ¡°5 million.¡± ¡°5.5 million!¡± Xu Cheng countered, his voice strained. ¡°10 million,¡± Qin Xian said calmly. The bidding war caused a ripple of murmurs to spread through the auction hall. While 10 million was a trivial sum in the grand scheme of the auction, it was an unprecedented amount for an unidentified item. Most unidentified items at previous auctions sold for around 500,000, making this a shocking development. Xu Cheng¡¯s face turned ashen. For him, 10 million was a manageable sum, but the real problem was his opponent. Bidding against Qin Xian¡ªa prince of the Empire¡¯s aristocracy¡ªfelt like tempting fate. Logic told Xu Cheng to back down. Yet the thought of the gold mythical-grade treasure slipping through his fingers filled him with unbearable regret. This is a gold mythical item! Such treasures were so rare that even the richest noble families would give anything to acquire one. It was the kind of opportunity that came once in a lifetime. After a long pause, Xu Cheng clenched his fists, his gaze filled with determination. He raised his bid once more, his voice trembling slightly. ¡°20 million!¡± Chapter 125 Chapter 125: Wow, a Golden Mythical! After placing his bid, Xu Cheng consoled himself inwardly. This is just a normal auction¡ªno reason to make enemies over it, right? But his heart sank when Qin Xian raised the bid again. ¡°50 million,¡± Qin Xian said calmly. Xu Cheng took a deep breath and countered, ¡°60 million!¡± ¡°80 million,¡± Qin Xian responded effortlessly. ¡ª The eyes of the auction hall turned toward Box 75. To the attendees, the [Light of Eclipse] was worth no more than 1 million at best. Yet here it was, being driven up to an astonishing 80 million! They were naturally curious about the owner of Box 75, someone bold enough to engage in a bidding war with Qin Xian. Xu Cheng¡¯s face darkened as he clenched his fists, ultimately deciding to withdraw. He could feel the weight of countless scrutinizing gazes and the palpable danger they carried. To continue bidding would cross a line, turning the competition into a clear provocation. Qin Xian might not care, but others eager to curry favor with the Qin family certainly would. Glancing one last time at the [Light of Eclipse], Xu Cheng conceded. His heart bled with regret. A golden mythical-grade item¡­ Such treasures were once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. In all his years, Xu Cheng had never encountered one until now. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Qin Xian, of all people, would be interested in an unidentified item. Did the young master of the Qin family also have some sort of appraisal skill? ¡°80 million going once!¡± ¡°80 million going twice!¡± ¡°80 million, sold!¡± S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡ª Qin Xian¡¯s Private Box The [Light of Eclipse] appeared in Qin Xian¡¯s inventory. His expression remained indifferent as he prepared to use an [Identification Scroll] on the item. Interestingly, Qin Xian had no idea about the true value of the [Light of Eclipse]. His bidding war with Xu Cheng wasn¡¯t out of spite or malice. Qin Xian wasn¡¯t the type to hold grudges over an auction. He had a reputation for being approachable, at least when there was no direct conflict of interest. Even the Qin family¡¯s servants could attest to his leniency; minor mistakes were usually met with nothing more than a dismissive laugh. So why had he gone up to 80 million for an unidentified item? Simply put, he wanted it. Qin Xian understood that most unidentified items were worthless, but there was always a minuscule chance of finding something extraordinary. On a whim, he decided to buy it¡ªhe certainly wasn¡¯t short on funds. Money, to someone like Qin Xian, was just a number. If it turned out to be trash, so be it. At least no one else would get the chance to profit from it. ¡ª He retrieved the [Light of Eclipse] from his inventory. The item resembled a worn pocket watch, its surface marred with the scars of time. Curious, Qin Xian activated the [Identification Scroll]. The moment the scroll¡¯s power enveloped the [Light of Eclipse], the pocket watch emitted an intense golden radiance. The worn and tarnished exterior transformed into a shimmering gold surface, adorned with intricate patterns and glowing with a mesmerizing halo. When Qin Xian opened the pocket watch, the air in the box seemed to freeze. Mechanical gears began to turn within the watch, and with each motion, it felt as though the threads of fate themselves were shifting. ¡ª [Light of Eclipse]: Golden Mythical Accessory ¨C Level Requirement: None. ¨C Attributes: All attributes +20%. ¨C Eclipse: Create an Eclipse Field. Within the field: ¨C All targets below your level have their HP reduced to 1. ¨C All targets above your level have their maximum HP reduced by 50%. ¨C Cooldown: 72 hours. ¨C Fate¡¯s Gear: Mark a target and twist their fate. Convert all positive buffs into negative debuffs (e.g., a +50% HP buff becomes -50%). Cooldown: 72 hours. ¡ª Qin Xian¡¯s eyes widened in astonishment. For the first time in a long while, he stood up from his seat, his face lit with genuine surprise and excitement. He hadn¡¯t expected the item he had purchased on a whim to turn out to be a golden mythical-grade accessory¡ªand one without any level restrictions. Golden mythical-grade equipment was so rare and powerful that it could shape the destiny of nations. Even with the vast wealth and resources of the Qin family, they only possessed about a dozen such items, and most required a minimum level of 75 to use. But this [Light of Eclipse] was different. Qin Xian could equip it immediately. ¡ª As Qin Xian examined the item, his heart swelled with satisfaction. The +20% boost to all attributes alone represented an incredible leap in power, granting him an increase of over 400 attribute points. The skills were even more astonishing: ¨C Eclipse, with its devastating battlefield impact, was akin to a city-annihilating power, something typical of golden-grade equipment. ¨C Fate¡¯s Gear, however, was the true game-changer. Its ability to reverse buffs into debuffs could drastically weaken legendary powerhouses mid-battle, potentially even killing them outright. This single item was worth far more than the 80 million he had paid. Its true value was beyond measure¡ªperhaps even in the trillions. It was a treasure no faction would willingly sell, as it could determine the outcome of wars and secure the foundation of an empire. Qin Xian, feeling pleased, immediately equipped the [Light of Eclipse]. ¡ª His gaze shifted back to Box 75. He had purchased the [Light of Eclipse] on a whim, driven by curiosity and a love for collecting rare items. But what about the mysterious occupant of Box 75? Was the bidder someone like him, casually interested in unidentified items? Or¡­ had they known all along about the item¡¯s true value? Chapter 126 Chapter 126: Got Too Much Money to Burn? In Box 75, Xu Cheng was seething with frustration and heartbreak. A golden mythical-grade item¡ªthe pinnacle of rarity and power¡ªhad just slipped through his fingers and fallen into Qin Xian¡¯s hands. Sitting there with a dark expression, Xu Cheng couldn¡¯t stop replaying the scene in his head. A single golden-grade item was worth a fortune, more than all the wealth he had accumulated over the years combined. Such an item could have completely changed his life trajectory, elevating him to a new realm of power and influence. Despite his bitterness, Xu Cheng had no choice but to accept the outcome. Reality didn¡¯t care for regrets. Maybe I¡¯ll get lucky with another unidentified item later, he thought grudgingly. ¡ª A few more purple legendary-grade items and rare materials went up for auction before another unidentified item finally appeared. Activating his [Golden Eyes], Xu Cheng quickly identified the item as purple-grade equipment. With a casual demeanor, he placed a bid for 500,000 credits. The earlier frenzy surrounding the [Light of Eclipse] had piqued the curiosity of many attendees. For the moment, there was more interest in unidentified items, though only slightly. The bidding for this item reached 2 million before tapering off, leaving Xu Cheng feeling a small sense of relief. A faint smile crept across his face. At least no one¡¯s fighting me for this one, he thought optimistically. But then, like a nightmare revisited, a familiar voice rang out: ¡°5 million,¡± Qin Xian declared effortlessly. ¡ª Before long, the unidentified item was secured by Qin Xian for 15 million. And it didn¡¯t stop there. Qin Xian proceeded to bid on and acquire every unidentified item that followed, paying wildly varying prices. It didn¡¯t take long for the other factions to realize what was happening. The Qin family¡¯s young master wasn¡¯t targeting any specific item¡ªhe was simply sweeping up all unidentified items out of personal interest. Recognizing this, most bidders gave up, unwilling to waste money against someone like Qin Xian. Xu Cheng could do nothing but watch helplessly as item after item was taken from under his nose. He had plenty of money, sure, but how could his wealth compare to Qin Xian¡¯s? The Qin family effectively controlled half the Empire! What made matters worse was that the quality of these unidentified items turned out to be exceptionally high. Most of them were purple-grade legendary items, with only one or two being blue-grade. Such a high ratio of valuable items was something Xu Cheng had never encountered in all his years of exploiting auctions. Normally, 99% of unidentified items were junk, and finding even one blue-grade item among a hundred was considered lucky. But this auction was different. Nearly every unidentified item turned out to be extraordinary. ¡ª As Xu Cheng sat there stewing in frustration, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder why. It was clear that Qin Xian didn¡¯t possess a skill like [Golden Eyes], as even the occasional blue-grade trash had been swept up without hesitation. It seemed Qin Xian simply wanted to collect them all, indifferent to their actual value. And yet, this only made it worse for Xu Cheng. This was supposed to be his moment, his chance to claim treasure after treasure while everyone else dismissed the items as worthless. He had built a career out of this strategy, thriving on the thrill of outsmarting the crowd. But now, against Qin Xian¡¯s sheer wealth and brute force, none of his clever tricks mattered. What can I even do? Xu Cheng thought miserably, clutching his chest in frustration. He wanted nothing more than to storm into Qin Xian¡¯s box and demand answers. ¡°Are you out of your mind? Do you have so much money you don¡¯t know what to do with it? Don¡¯t you know that the odds of finding something valuable in unidentified items are practically zero? Are you seriously willing to burn cash like this?¡± But he could only sit there, helpless and bitter. ¡ª In Qin Xian¡¯s Private Box Qin Xian inspected a freshly identified purple legendary-grade item, feeling a rare sense of satisfaction. To his surprise, the unidentified items he had purchased were turning out to be excellent investments. Aside from the golden mythical-grade [Light of Eclipse], nearly all the others had been purple-grade, with only a couple of blue-grade pieces. It was an incredible haul. The purple-grade items alone were exceptionally rare and valuable. While they couldn¡¯t surpass the equipment Qin Xian currently wore, they weren¡¯t far off in terms of stats. Still, what intrigued Qin Xian the most wasn¡¯t the items themselves¡ªit was the occupant of Box 75. Does that person have some kind of appraisal skill¡­? A glint of intrigue crossed Qin Xian¡¯s eyes. He had been quietly observing throughout the auction and noticed a pattern. The timing and final bids from Box 75 always seemed perfectly aligned with the true value of the unidentified items. This couldn¡¯t be a coincidence. If this person could consistently discern the quality of unidentified items, then they possessed a skill or talent far beyond ordinary. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°A chosen one of fate?¡± Qin Xian wondered, his lips curling into a faint smile. Turning to his steward, Qiu Bo, he issued a quiet order: ¡°Contact Overseer Yuan of the Divine Revelation Auction and find out who rented Box 75.¡± ¡ª Xu Cheng had taken great care to hide his identity, relying on the auction house¡¯s proxy bidding system to shield his appearance and name. The Celestial Revelation Auction had strict policies on client confidentiality. But Yuan Quan, the administrator, was now firmly in Qin Xian¡¯s pocket. For someone like Yuan, helping Qin Xian with such a small request was a simple matter¡ªand an opportunity to cement his relationship with the Qin family. ¡°No one can hide from me if I decide to uncover them,¡± Qin Xian thought, a faint smile playing on his lips. Chapter 127 Chapter 127: The Final Revelation of Divine Revelation! Soon, a member of the Divine Revelation Church respectfully entered the room and handed over the information on the owner of Room 75. ¡°Xu Cheng?¡± The report indicated that the owner of Room 75 was a young man in his twenties named Xu Cheng, an S-rank Night Assassin unaffiliated with any faction. He had no guild, no corporate ties, and no academic background from prestigious institutions. In essence, he was a lone wolf. Xu Cheng had spent over 5 million through an influential individual to obtain an invitation to the Divine Revelation Auction. Qin Xian pondered briefly before instructing the Divine Revelation attendant, ¡°Ask the owner of Room 75 to stay. Do not let him leave this place.¡± The attendant was visibly surprised. Forcing a guest to stay could potentially destroy the reputation of the Divine Revelation Auction. However, being Yuan Quan¡¯s trusted subordinate, he understood the collaboration between the Chief Steward and the Qin family. Moreover, Xu Cheng seemed to lack a significant background, so as long as the matter was handled discreetly, it should not cause any major issues. Qin Xian smiled faintly, his curiosity about Xu Cheng clearly piqued. If Xu Cheng wasn¡¯t the fabled ¡°Child of Destiny¡± and was willing to work for the Qin family, he might offer him a path to survival. However, if Xu Cheng was indeed that person¡­ Then his misfortune was sealed. As the auction continued, the atmosphere grew increasingly fervent. A variety of rare materials appeared in succession: Dragon Crystal, Power of Prayer, Mark of the Death God, Judgment of the Wind God¡­ These materials were invaluable, sparking fierce bidding wars among the attendees. Many of them were essential for crafting high-grade equipment, so rare that they were virtually unseen for centuries. Yet, at the Divine Revelation Auction, they were abundant. Every item sold for prices that exceeded hundreds of millions, often surpassing billions. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The auctioneer¡¯s face almost broke into a permanent smile, though he maintained his professional demeanor. This year¡¯s total auction sales were projected to reach tens of billions. The commission alone for the Divine Revelation Auction would amount to billions. With each session, the Divine Revelation Church accumulated staggering wealth, not to mention the tributes from countless followers. It was no exaggeration to call the Divine Revelation Church one of the wealthiest organizations in the world. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, time flies. We¡¯ve reached the finale of this auction. This final item is the centerpiece of this year¡¯s auction. Both the Divine Revelation system and our expert appraisers unanimously agree¡ªit deserves its place as the ultimate treasure of the evening!¡± The auctioneer held a small box, glancing at its contents with awe and reverence. Despite presiding over countless auctions, even he was visibly shaken by the sight of the item. As the auctioneer¡¯s words hung in the air, the crowd¡¯s anticipation surged. All eyes focused on the box in his hands, speculating what could elicit such a reaction. The next moment, the item¡¯s attributes were displayed: [Virgo¡¯s Final Revelation]: One of the Twelve Final Revelations of Divine Revelation, granting partial Divine Revelation authority. Though the description was brief, its revelation caused an uproar in the auction hall. The Final Revelation of Divine Revelation! Everyone knew the significance of the Final Revelations. They were the twelve key authority artifacts of the Divine Revelation System, the scepters of the Twelve Primordials. The empire¡¯s supremacy as the strongest nation in the human world stemmed from its possession of five Primordial families. Among them were the illustrious families of Ying, Qin, Ye, Huangfu, and Ji. Other Primordial families were scattered across different nations. Over millennia, some of these families had fallen, and their nations perished, leaving the whereabouts of their Final Revelations unknown. Owning a Final Revelation could elevate a family to the ranks of the elite aristocracy overnight. The Final Revelations were indispensable for high-level awakenings during ceremonial rites, and their immense power surpassed even Mythical-tier gold equipment. While Mythical-tier equipment could still be measured in monetary value, the Final Revelations were priceless. Years ago, rumors of a Final Revelation appearing at the auction had surfaced. The rumor alone sold for over 500 billion, along with the rights to three large guilds and over twenty mineral veins. But an actual Final Revelation had never been auctioned until now. The powerhouses in attendance could no longer sit still. Room 75. Xu Cheng also stared at the Final Revelation, his heart trembling. He had never expected such a legendary treasure to appear. While deeply tempted, he knew it was beyond his reach. This was not something that mere wealth could secure. It was fated to be unrelated to him. Xu Cheng rose to leave, hoping to slip away unnoticed while everyone¡¯s attention was on the Final Revelation. He had already sensed the looming danger. However, as he stepped out of his room, his expression changed. Several terrifyingly powerful figures were stationed outside. These individuals smiled faintly upon seeing him. ¡°Please stay, Mr. Xu. Someone wishes to meet you¡­¡± Chapter 128 Chapter 128: The Client Xu Cheng¡¯s expression immediately darkened. He spoke coldly, ¡°As far as I know, the Divine Revelation Auction doesn¡¯t have a rule like this. Every guest here is treated as a VIP. The auction guarantees its guests¡¯ privacy and freedom!¡± ¡°You are absolutely correct,¡± one of the powerful figures replied with a cheerful smile. ¡°However, we are only following orders. Please don¡¯t make things difficult for us, Mr. Xu.¡± Xu Cheng¡¯s heart sank. These were powerful individuals, all above level 45¡ªdefinitely high-ranking members of the Divine Revelation Monolith. As an S-rank Shadow Assassin, Xu Cheng was skilled, but escaping under the watchful eyes of several level 45 powerhouses was an impossible feat. Still, he gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that if this gets exposed, it will ruin the reputation of the Divine Revelation Auction?¡± Xu Cheng had come to the auction precisely because of its reputation for safety. Anyone who attended the Divine Revelation Auction could conceal their identity, ensuring that no one could uncover their personal information. He had thought that even if he offended someone powerful, his anonymity would protect him. Yet here he was, being forcibly detained. The strongmen of the Divine Revelation Monolith simply smiled in silence, their gazes upon Xu Cheng as cold and indifferent as if they were staring at a dead man. If the incident were exposed, it would indeed damage the auction¡¯s reputation and, more specifically, Yuan Quan¡¯s standing. But the likelihood of exposure? That seemed almost non-existent. Faced with their mocking expressions, Xu Cheng realized he had no way out. With no other choice, he turned and returned to his private booth. Despite being an ordinary room, the booth was luxuriously furnished with fine dining and wine. However, Xu Cheng had no appetite. He sat there, wracking his brain, wondering who was behind this. Why would someone target him? sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had been extraordinarily low-key during the auction and had offended no one. Could it be¡­ Qin Xian? Xu Cheng couldn¡¯t comprehend why Qin Xian would target him. He hadn¡¯t crossed paths with Qin Xian, and during earlier bidding, all the unidentified items Xu Cheng had tried for had been bought by Qin Xian. Could Qin Xian truly be so petty as to hold a grudge over that? If he were so small-minded, he wouldn¡¯t have achieved his current success. Unable to find a logical answer, Xu Cheng replayed every detail of his time at the auction in his mind. Who could he possibly have offended? Qin Xian, meanwhile, was unaware of Xu Cheng¡¯s dilemma. Even if he knew, he likely wouldn¡¯t care. His entire focus was on the Final Revelation of Divine Revelation. The significance of the Final Revelation for him and the Qin family was self-evident. It would allow him to ascend beyond the rank of Void Overlord and grant the Qin family absolute dominance over the Divine Revelation System. The Qin family already possessed six Final Revelations, and with one more, they would control more than half of the twelve. Although the Virgo Final Revelation ranked lower among the twelve, it was still a Final Revelation, an artifact of immeasurable value. ¡°Virgo¡­¡± Qin Xian muttered, narrowing his eyes. The Virgo Final Revelation did not originate from the empire but from the Wuyue Kingdom. When the Divine Revelation descended upon the world, the Virgo Final Revelation was granted to the Wuyue Saintess, one of the Twelve Primordials. The Wuyue Saintess founded the Wuyue Clan and established the Wuyue Kingdom, once one of the strongest human nations, rivaling the Dragon Empire. However, 700 years ago, the Wuyue Saintess mysteriously vanished, failing to ascend to the Divine Revelation Sanctuary like the other Primordials. Afterward, the Wuyue Clan seemed cursed. For generations, none of its members could awaken professions above S-rank. The Wuyue Kingdom fell into decline, barely surviving for a century before being conquered. After its fall, the remnants of the Wuyue Clan became exiles, and the Virgo Final Revelation vanished along with them. For nearly 600 years, factions like the Qin family had searched tirelessly for the Wuyue Clan¡¯s descendants and the Virgo Final Revelation, but to no avail. It was as though they had vanished from Blue Star altogether. Yet now, against all odds, the Virgo Final Revelation had reappeared at the Divine Revelation Auction. ¡°100 billion!¡± Before the auctioneer could even open the bidding, someone immediately placed a bid of 100 billion. And that was just the beginning. ¡°200 billion!¡± ¡°500 billion!¡± ¡°600 billion!¡± ¡°800 billion, plus control of two level-8 guilds!¡± ¡°1.2 trillion, control of four level-8 guilds, and five crystal core mines!¡± ¡°3.3 trillion, control of ten level-8 guilds, 22 crystal core mines, and¡­¡± The frenzy escalated further. Everyone knew that the Final Revelation couldn¡¯t be measured by monetary value alone. The entire auction hall was consumed by madness. Even the auctioneer¡¯s face twitched; the current bids alone had already surpassed the total revenue of the past two auctions combined. This was the Divine Revelation Auction, and even the auctioneer had only just learned the nature of this final item. After all, these items were controlled by the Divine Revelation System, with the auction staff merely facilitating the process. Frantic calls were being made across the hall as attendees reported the news back to their factions. At this moment, the entire world was descending into chaos. Finally, the auctioneer gave a strained smile and shook his head. ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, please calm down. The client is not interested in money. She has other requirements. Furthermore, she is present here tonight¡­¡± Chapter 129 Chapter 129: Alice Wuyue When the auctioneer announced that the client did not require money, the frenetic bidding in the hall began to subside slightly. However, no one was surprised. A treasure like the Final Revelation of Divine Revelation was truly beyond monetary valuation. Curiosity filled the room. Could the client be a descendant of the Wuyue Clan, thought to have vanished for nearly 600 years? At that moment, a gray-haired young girl appeared on the auction stage. Her shoulder-length gray hair shimmered faintly as though bathed in moonlight. Her exquisite features resembled a porcelain doll, and her crystalline eyes sparkled brilliantly. Dressed in an elegant gown, she looked like a maiden blessed by the moon goddess herself. Her presence immediately captured the attention of everyone in the room. ¡°The Wuyue bloodline¡­¡± Qin Xian murmured, his eyes narrowing. This ethereal quality of gray hair was unique to the descendants of the Wuyue Clan. The faintly glowing strands alone were enough to confirm her identity. ¡°Greetings, esteemed lords of the Dragon Empire. I am Alice Wuyue, a descendant of the Wuyue Clan and rightful heir to the Wuyue Kingdom!¡± Alice spoke with a cool gaze and a melancholy aura that was hard to describe. ¡°Alice¡­ a descendant of the Wuyue Clan!¡± ¡°Unbelievable! Even after 600 years, this bloodline survives!¡± ¡°Where have they been hiding all this time?¡± S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The hall erupted in murmurs of disbelief. The once-illustrious Wuyue bloodline, thought to have vanished, had indeed endured. The attendees scrutinized Alice, who was both a descendant of the Primordial Bloodline and a member of a cursed family. The descendants of Primordial Families were blessed by Divine Revelation, and their awakened professions were almost always exceptional. S-rank was the bare minimum, while SS-rank was typical. Even SSS-rank awakenings rarely surprised anyone. Take Qin Xian, for example. When he awakened his SSS-rank profession, the world was astonished but not shocked. After all, the Qin family, as a Primordial Family and the holder of the Leo Final Revelation, was expected to produce individuals of such caliber. The Wuyue Clan, however, was an anomaly. Despite descending from the Wuyue Saintess, none of her descendants had ever awakened a profession above S-rank. Most were limited to A-rank or even B-rank professions¡ªa disgrace even for ordinary noble families. The world believed the Wuyue Clan was cursed. After the mysterious disappearance of the Wuyue Saintess, the Wuyue Kingdom began to decline. Despite possessing the Virgo Final Revelation, the Wuyue Clan¡¯s A- and B-rank professionals were woefully unqualified to wield its immense power. Ultimately, the Wuyue Kingdom fell, its territories conquered, and the family scattered into obscurity. The reason for the Wuyue Clan¡¯s ¡°curse¡± remained one of the greatest mysteries in human history. Some believed it was because they had disrespected the Divine Revelation. Others speculated that the Wuyue Saintess had angered the Divine Revelation by refusing its invitation to ascend to the Sanctuary of Divine Revelation. Regardless, the Wuyue Clan had become nothing more than a relic of history. Yet now, another Wuyue descendant had appeared, bringing with her the Virgo Final Revelation. What kind of impact would this have on the world? Even more intriguing was Alice¡¯s intention. What did she want in exchange for such a priceless artifact? Alice glanced at the box in front of the auctioneer, a trace of reluctance flickering in her eyes. Then, she spoke solemnly. ¡°As the heir of the Wuyue Clan, I hereby announce that our family relinquishes any claims to the Virgo Final Revelation. ¡°It will be auctioned today, but we do not seek money. ¡°What we want is support. ¡°Whoever helps us restore the Wuyue Kingdom will receive the Virgo Final Revelation!¡± ¡°Restore the Wuyue Kingdom!¡± Alice¡¯s declaration left the hall in brief silence. The request wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected. The Wuyue Kingdom had been established by the Wuyue Clan, and their desire to reclaim their ancestral land was natural. However, after the kingdom¡¯s fall, its territories were occupied by a nation called Yulean. Restoring the Wuyue Kingdom would mean declaring war on Yulean. While Yulean wasn¡¯t a major power, it wasn¡¯t weak either. The nation was defended by several level-60+ powerhouses, making its conquest a daunting task even for prominent families. Still, a response came swiftly. ¡°We, the Eagle Nation, are willing to assist the Wuyue Clan in restoring their kingdom!¡± declared Adams, the Eagle Nation ambassador. The Eagle Nation, a global superpower, was second only to the Dragon Empire. Though slightly weaker, it still boasted three legendary powerhouses. With their strength, conquering Yulean would be a trivial matter. Following the Eagle Nation, ambassadors from other powerful nations also voiced their support. With approval from their respective factions, they were ready to pay any price for the Final Revelation. ¡°We of the Huangfu family also pledge our support to Miss Alice and will help you restore your kingdom!¡± This calm voice belonged to Huangfu Xi, the eldest daughter of the Huangfu family. The Huangfu family, like the Qin family, was one of the Empire¡¯s elite millennia-old families. Its patriarch, Huangfu Xiong, was the Speaker of the Imperial Parliament and a top-tier figure in the Empire. His authority was second only to the regent and prime minister, making him the Empire¡¯s third most powerful individual. Huangfu Xiong was also one of the Empire¡¯s five legendary powerhouses, an 85th-level Oracle High Priest. With the Huangfu family¡¯s power, aiding the Wuyue Clan in restoring their kingdom was undoubtedly within reach. As one faction after another offered their support, it became clear that no price was too high for the Final Revelation. Yulean¡¯s fate, astonishingly, was being decided at an auction in the Imperial Capital.