548: Chapter 548 Mercury Fifth, Return Without a Trace

After the banquet ended and the envoys were sent off, Hun Tiandi returned to the main hall once more.

He looked at the crowd gathered in the hall.

"Your Majesty, with the chaotic times in Central State beginning, what should we do next?" Yun Xiao was the first to ask.

"This is only the beginning. A chaotic era is not so easily pacified. It will involve every power in Central State, and none shall escape it—not even the Ancient Clans and great powers!"

"Great battles are bound to occur in the future. For now, our empire will remain idle. We will defend our current territory, build up our strength, and wait for the climax of this chaotic era!"

Hun Tiandi pondered for a moment before making his decision.

"Yes!" The legion commanders nodded in unison.

"Next, you will take turns entering the Samsara Cave to temper yourselves!" Hun Tiandi looked at everyone.

"Yes!" Everyone nodded.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Mister Shui Xing has arrived!" a guard announced respectfully.

"Good, please invite him in—no, I will go personally!" Hun Tiandi said excitedly.

Hun Tiandi reached out and grasped Mister Shui Xing's left hand, saying happily, "Come, let us enter the Longevity Hall!"

At the same time, this gave the court officials the impression that this person was highly valued by the Emperor.

"From this day forth, I appoint Shui Xing as the Legion Commander of the Fifth Legion of my Da Zheng Imperial Dynasty. He shall lead an army to strengthen the Da Zheng Imperial Dynasty!"

Hun Tiandi spoke again.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Shui Xing replied.

Shui Xing felt deeply moved. The Da Zheng Imperial Dynasty was truly a unique empire. To be ranked fifth meant the first four must be individuals with heaven-reaching capabilities.

It was a place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers; its potential was limitless.

The Da Zheng Imperial Dynasty had established its foundation in the Northern Region of Central State, becoming a hegemon of the north. Upon its founding, it had aggressively wiped out five major empires.

Such a terrifying record was unprecedented. When the Nineteen-Clawed Golden Dragon of Luck appeared, the world was shocked.

With two Celestial Dynasties coming to offer congratulations, the north was firmly settled under the title of the strongest empire.

Its vast territory was already half the size of an ordinary Celestial Dynasty...

Initially, the surrounding empires were worried that Dazheng would swallow the world, but having established its foundation, it seemed to fall into a slumber.

The surrounding empires and powers would not intentionally provoke a war without cause.

The Dazheng Empire had officially entered a period of consolidation.

The vast territory needed to be integrated, the endless commoners pacified, and various sects—even the Nether Sect—needed to be visited.

Dazheng entered a golden age of peace, opening imperial examinations to select talents.

However, the Providence above Chang'an City continued to slowly increase, becoming the most magnificent sight at this time.

The Xiao Family!

Xiao Li had personally witnessed the promotion of the Da Zheng Imperial Dynasty. He had originally planned to intervene; even if he couldn't kill Hun Tiandi, he wanted to prevent the successful promotion.

However, the moment the Nineteen-Clawed Golden Dragon of Luck appeared, Xiao Li chose silence.

The original plan needed to be revised. The Da Zheng Imperial Dynasty's foundation exceeded the Xiao Family's estimates. Blindly taking action would be detrimental to the Xiao Family.

"Brother, suspend that plan. We need more preparation!" Xiao Li spoke with a solemn expression.

Upon hearing of those terrifying sights, Xiao Ding also nodded slightly.

His heart was even more shaken; this person's growth speed was far too fast.

That malicious plan was completely shelved.

Inside the Longevity Hall.

Hun Tiandi looked at the transformed Liu Wuhen before him and spoke slowly, "It has been five years. Wuhen, you truly did not disappoint me."

"Thank you, Master, for your past teachings!" The returned Liu Wuhen bowed respectfully.

Back then, Yan Xing had been arranged to take Liu Wuhen from the Ten Thousand Swords Pavilion for life-and-death tempering. In five years, Liu Wuhen's strength had progressed immensely.

A Three-Star Dou Huang!

This was even the result of Yan Xing making him suppress his level. The brutal tempering had forged a resilient character.

In the future, Liu Wuhen's achievements would not be low.

"Liu Wuhen, what do you plan to do next?" Hun Tiandi asked.

"Increase my strength and avenge my sister!" Liu Wuhen said firmly.

"Mm. Ghost Demon has already been killed by me. You could say your sister's revenge has been taken."

"No, Ghost Demon is dead, but the Starfall Pavilion still exists. I want it erased from Central State!" Liu Wuhen said with a face full of hatred.

"Then are you willing to follow me to conquer the world, build a legacy for the ages, gather the world's Providence, become famous throughout the land, and deter all sides?"

Hun Tiandi took a deep breath and stared at Liu Wuhen.

Asked this, Liu Wuhen was stunned.

"Master, Liu Wuhen is willing! I swear my life's loyalty to Master!" Liu Wuhen bowed respectfully.

Hun Tiandi knew very well that after five years of life-and-death trials, this man possessed a firm will, superb methods, and was decisive and resolute.

Though he might not match the five great legion commanders in precise tactical grasp, he understood his identity and his place.

He never overstepped and maintained strict self-discipline.

Most importantly, he was loyal to him.

Such a person was perfectly suited for the position he had in mind.

"Liu Wuhen!" Hun Tiandi called out.

"Your subject is here!" Liu Wuhen immediately responded.

"From this day forth, I appoint you as the Grand Commander of the Brocade Guard within the Imperial Guard Bureau of the Da Zheng Imperial Dynasty. You are specifically responsible for monitoring the world and shall answer only to me!"

Hun Tiandi announced the appointment.

Specifically responsible for monitoring the world and answering only to the Emperor?

What immense power. The eyes of everyone present fell upon Liu Wuhen. They hadn't expected this man, entrusted with a heavy responsibility by the Emperor, to be given such vast authority.

Grand Commander of the Brocade Guard? Imperial Guard Bureau?

Of course, some present did not know that the Imperial Guard Bureau consisted of two departments. One was the Brocade Guard, operating in the light.

The second was the pre-existing Shadow Guard, operating in the shadows. The Grand Commander of the Shadow Guard was An Lin.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!" Liu Wuhen said respectfully.

Central Region of Central State, Burning Flame Valley.

The Zhixuo Mountain Range was where their headquarters was located. This was a crimson mountain range composed entirely of scorching volcanoes, and the environment was extremely harsh.

Looking out, everything was crimson, and the wisps of smoke rising from the peaks came from the flowing magma.

However, it was filled with fire-attribute energy that was extremely dense, making it suitable for practicing fire-attribute cultivation techniques.

Despite the extreme danger, many who practiced fire-attribute techniques came here to take risks and cultivate...

Awoo...

There were many magical beasts in this mountain range. Influenced by the fire-attribute energy environment, the magical beasts here were extremely violent. There were even some places that even the Burning Flame Valley had not explored.

Behind the winding stone steps of two crimson mountain ranges, a crimson figure sped along. A palm landed on a spatial barrier, revealing another world.

At this moment, the stone steps were lined with lush ancient trees and many buildings, and even some voices could be heard from a distance.

They echoed through this world.

Burning Flame Valley, a hegemon of Central State. After joining the Heavenly Mansion Alliance, its prestige became even more awe-inspiring. Before them stood a fiery red hall.

A fiery red hall!

Elder Chihuo bowed respectfully to the figure on the main seat: "Valley Master, the matter has been investigated!"

On the main seat sat a woman in red, a dark red whip coiled around her waist. Her features were extraordinary, and her brows held a hint of heroism.

However, she was currently surrounded by killing intent as she stared at Elder Chihuo.

"Speak, who exactly killed Jun Yao?" the enraged Tang Huo'er said coldly.

"Outside the Blood River Ruins, according to those who remained, the last people to come out were Huo Zhi of the Yan Clan and Hun Tiandi."

Elder Chihuo no longer hid anything and told the information from the investigation to the nearly rampaging Valley Master of Burning Flame Valley, Tang Huo'er.

"Huo Zhi of the Yan Clan? It shouldn't be her. Not to mention her strength far exceeds Jun Yao's; killing Jun Yao would have been a matter of a single thought!" Tang Huo'er pondered slightly and ruled out Huo Zhi of the Yan Clan.

Indeed, for a Five-Star Dou Sheng to kill a One-Star Dou Zong was like crushing an ant.

"The most likely culprit is Hun Tiandi. Jun Yao crossed paths with him several times, and last time, even I suffered a small loss at that kid's hands!"

"Pass down the order to investigate intelligence on Hun Tiandi. I want it regardless of whether it's true or false!"

Tang Huo'er gave the order, suspecting the murderer who killed her daughter.

"Yes!" Elder Chihuo took the order.