145: Chapter 145 The Empress Arrives: What's the Purpose?

Above, the thunderclouds churned incessantly for several hours before gradually dispersing.

Su Rui hung suspended in the Void Realm, residual arcs of lightning still dancing and flickering around his body.

The silver-white longsword in his hand had been completely transformed—the blade remained as pure and plain as frost, but it was now covered in fine golden patterns, like thunder snakes roaming upon it.

Having undergone this tempering by heavenly thunder, its quality had long since been reborn, truly earning the title of a Magic Treasure.

The might of heaven and earth was truly a supreme treasure for forging weapons and casting artifacts.

No wonder the many methods of Artifact Refining recorded in the Talisman of Nine Surges of the Jiyin Epoch centered on borrowing the power of the Heavenly Tribulation; it was indeed no empty boast.

As for Su Rui himself, his Internal Skill, the Great Accumulation of Thunder Mountain Wood Element True Lightning Law, had reached the realm of Perfection.

This vast torrent of lightning had not only failed to harm him in the slightest, but had instead become an aid, helping him fully integrate and master the accumulation of many years.

Once the thunderous essence returned to his body and his aura was restrained, he slowly descended to the ground.

Watching from a distance, Xiao Ruofeng gave a light chuckle at the sight and turned to leave.

Almost the moment Su Rui's feet touched the solid ground, Li Hanyi and the others intended to step forward to greet him.

However, one person was faster.

Zhu Yuyan's figure flickered, flitting to Su Rui's side like a ghost. Her eyes scanned him urgently back and forth, and only after confirming he was completely unharmed did her tense mind finally relax.

“Eh? Didn't you return to the Great Tang?” Su Rui looked at her, slightly surprised.

Zhu Yuyan's expression froze, her voice trembling slightly: “...You don't wish to see me?”

“It's not that, I'm just a bit surprised.” Su Rui shook his head with a smile.

Only then did her face brighten, the gloom between her brows vanishing.

Just as the women were feeling puzzled by Zhu Yuyan's change in attitude, Empress Wu stepped forward slowly, her tone composed: “Senior Sister naturally came with me.”

Her phoenix eyes shifted, scrutinizing Su Rui closely, a hint of undisguisable wonder flashing in the depths of her gaze.

The world often says men are fond of beauty, but little do they know that when a woman's heart is moved, it is also difficult to hide the signs of attraction.

Since ascending the throne as the Empress of Great Zhou, her courtiers—whether out of sincerity or ulterior motives—had vied to search for handsome and elegant men to present to the palace.

But as a Land Immortal, how could she have the slightest interest in those weak and powerless scions of noble families?

If she were an ordinary Emperor, her ministers might have submitted daily remonstrances to advise her.

But what kind of person was she?

Her authority was forged by her own hands, having personally cut through over a hundred thousand armored troops; her prestige was built upon slaughter and iron blood.

If she did not permit it, no one dared to pressure her, and not a single person dared to force anything upon her.

But at this moment, when she saw Su Rui with her own eyes, she suddenly understood—why that Senior Sister of hers, who had always been aloof and cold and had commanded the Yin Gui Sect for decades, would willingly set aside her status just to stay by his side.

To change from the fearsome Queen of Yin into an ordinary woman who worried over a single person.

Even if this softness was only revealed to him alone, it was enough to cause a shock in Empress Wu's heart.

Thus, she spoke up proactively to break the silence.

Su Rui sized up the woman before him: her face was peerless, her bearing noble, and every gesture revealed the majesty of one who had long held a high position.

“And you are?” He frowned slightly, his tone carrying a sense of inquiry.

“This is Zhu Yuyans informal name for Wu Zhao!” Zhu Yuyan answered before she could.

“Senior Sister, in front of outsiders, do not call me by my childhood name.” Empress Wu's gaze did not shift, looking directly at Su Rui, her tone gentle yet not lacking an edge.

Zhu Yuyan, however, suddenly stepped forward and turned to block Empress Wu's line of sight, saying coldly: “Junior Sister, I've called you by this name for decades; I can't change my habits now.

As for you—since you know no one here, you might as well leave early.”

Zhu Yuyan's words carried a chill, faintly tinged with pressure.

But Empress Wu acted as if she hadn't noticed, her expression composed and entirely unmoved.

She suddenly tilted her head slightly, her body leaning to avoid Zhu Yuyan's line of sight, looking straight at Su Rui with the corners of her lips curled up.

Such a slightly playful posture, performed by a woman who awed the world, did not seem abrupt at all; instead, it had an indescribable charm.

“I am the ruler of Great Zhou, Empress Wu. I wonder if I might have the honor of making the Pavilion Master's acquaintance?”

When they heard her say she was Zhu Yuyans informal name for Wu Zhao earlier, Li Hanyi and the others didn't think much of it.

But when she announced the four words 'Empress Wu of Great Zhou', the pupils of Li Hanyi, Yin Luoxia, and the others contracted, their hearts jolting violently.

If one were to ask who the most admired woman in this world was, there was only one answer—the one before them.

She had carved out territory from the Great Tang, single-handedly controlling seven provinces and establishing the Great Zhou; she had resisted thousands of troops and horses by herself, forcing the Great Tang to recognize her national title.

These series of grand feats had long ago caused countless women to revere her as a guiding light in their hearts.

And now, this legendary figure was actually standing before them in the flesh.

More importantly, her status was no small matter—she was the sovereign of a nation.

According to etiquette, she should be treated with the protocol for a state guest, and the person receiving her should at least be a high-ranking member of the imperial family.

Su Rui had already guessed her origin the moment Zhu Yuyan mentioned 'Zhu Yuyans informal name for Wu Zhao'.

This woman, who had stirred up storms in the original history, was even more powerful and ruthless in this world.

“This is not a convenient place for a detailed talk.”

Su Rui looked around, seeing that the tents where the fierce battle had occurred were all destroyed, with only a few on the side still intact, so he took the lead and walked toward them.

Zhu Yuyan followed closely behind.

Li Hanyi and the others' eyes narrowed, their expressions quietly changing.

This woman... did not come with good intentions.

Inside the tent.

Even Zhu Yuyan felt a bit of discomfort under the meaningful gazes of the women.

In the past, such looks would have long since made her flare up in anger.

But at this moment, she suppressed her temper and remained silent.

“The Empress has arrived; for what purpose?” Su Rui sat in the main seat, looking at Empress Wu seated on the right, his tone calm yet inquiring.

“Nothing major, I was just curious—what kind of person could make my Senior Sister give her heart so completely?” Empress Wu smiled indifferently, her words shocking everyone.

The entire tent fell silent, so quiet that a dropped needle could be heard.

Zhu Yuyan jerked her head up, her eyes full of shock.

Li Hanyi, however, was immediately on alert. Her gaze swept toward Zhu Yuyan like a blade as she suddenly took a few steps forward and unceremoniously pushed her aside.

Zhu Yuyan was in a daze and actually didn't resist, allowing herself to be pushed into a corner.

In the next instant, Li Hanyi bit her lip and grabbed Su Rui's hand, pulling it tightly into her embrace before everyone's eyes.

Zhu Yuyan froze, instantly understanding the other's intention—this was a declaration of ownership.

But this girl... isn't she his Disciple?

“Teacher and I already have a marriage contract. When I turn eighteen, we will marry.” Li Hanyi looked directly at Zhu Yuyan, her tone firm and her gaze sharp.

Zhu Yuyan's heart skipped a beat, an indescribable frustration welling up inside her.

Empress Wu, on the other hand, watched this scene with great interest, a smile on her lips as if watching the situation unfold.

The other women were also caught off guard, only Su Rui gently pulled his hand back and instead took Li Hanyi's small hand, comforting her warmly.

Zhu Yuyan's expression changed several times before she finally managed to force a smile and turned to sit beside Empress Wu.

When her gaze passed over Empress Wu, however, it carried a hint of coldness.

But Empress Wu didn't care at all, her gaze remaining on Su Rui, making no effort to hide the appreciation in her eyes.

The tent fell into a temporary silence.

Yin Luoxia silently lowered her eyes, her mind heavy with thoughts.

Mu Liangyue's eyes flickered, wondering what she was thinking.

Shi Feixuan and the Su Sisters looked at each other, each with their own considerations.

Only Sikong Qianluo held Ye Ruoyi, placing the young girl on her lap, her bright eyes wide with curiosity as she observed the chaotic scene before her.

Su Rui sighed softly and shook his head.

“There is still serious business to attend to right now.”

He patted the back of Li Hanyi's hand, signaling her to be at ease.

Then his gaze slowly swept over Empress Wu and Zhu Yuyan.

Zhu Yuyan's gaze actually held a few hints of resentment, making Su Rui couldn't help but rub the bridge of his nose.

While Empress Wu remained frank, not hiding her favor toward him at all.

After moving his gaze away from Empress Wu, Su Rui's eyes landed on Luo Xian at the back of the crowd.

Luo Xian noticed his gaze and was slightly taken aback.

“You, come out.”

Su Rui spoke.

Luo Xian took a step forward.

“Which forces did the Heaven Beyond Heaven Demonic Cult ally with this time? Or rather, who participated in this operation?” Su Rui's voice was low but impossible to ignore.

Luo Xian hesitated for a moment, her gaze involuntarily turning toward Zhu Yuyan.

“There is... the Yin Gui Sect.” she answered in a low voice.

Zhu Yuyan's expression became slightly embarrassed.

After all, the people she had sent had already been completely wiped out.

“There is also the Godless Palace from the Eastern Sea island nation, as well as the World Association along the Eastern Sea coast—these are the forces I know of. And of course, the Heaven Gate is involved!” Luo Xian responded to Su Rui's inquiry without hesitation.

Su Rui's gaze turned to Zhu Yuyan.

Feeling his gaze, Zhu Yuyan gave a slight nod.

“That's right, Ye Dingzhi and I did have an agreement; the target was Snow Moon City.”

Her voice faltered, seemingly hesitant, but she eventually said it.

“As for the movements of other parties, I'm not too sure.”

After hearing this, Su Rui nodded silently.

Di Shitian had personally appeared. This old monster, who had lived for who knows how many years, had unfathomable thoughts and loved to stir up trouble the most.

This time, it would definitely not be just these few forces taking the stage.

Recalling the power of Di Shitian's casual strike earlier, Su Rui already had a judgment in his heart—that person's strength was far above Li Changsheng's, having long since broken through the limits of the Divine Roaming Profound Realm to reach an even higher level.

Coupled with his habit of fanning the flames and pushing things along, he was likely the one pulling the strings behind the Demonic Cult's Eastern Expedition.

Thinking of this, Su Rui's fingertips lightly rubbed together, and a hint of Battle Intent actually surged in his heart.

The Thunder God True Body had already been formed, and it just happened to lack a worthy opponent to test its edge.

He sat in deep thought, and all the women in the tent held their breath and remained silent, no one daring to disturb his thoughts.

A moment later, he came back to his senses, and seeing that everyone was still standing there looking at him, he spoke: “All of you go and rest.”

Upon hearing this, the women withdrew one after another.

However, Su Rui's original large tent had been destroyed previously, and now they needed to find another place to stay.

Now that two more people had been added, the tents were already cramped and even more insufficient.

Zhu Yuyan's cheeks felt slightly hot, and the scene of last night's intimacy couldn't help but surface in her mind, her body feeling faintly warm.

Empress Wu, sitting beside her, noticed that heat, her expression looking slightly strange.

“Tonight, Husband has to sleep with me.”

Li Hanyi grabbed Su Rui's arm and spoke bluntly, completely disregarding the others around them.

After speaking, her gaze went straight to Zhu Yuyan and the other woman, carrying a hint of declaration: “When I am not around, it's fine for you to accompany him.

But now that I am back, Husband is mine.”

Zhu Yuyan's mind was in a mess, and suddenly hearing these words, her eyebrows shot up, almost about to flare up.

But when she caught sight of Su Rui nearby, her gaze flickered several times, and she actually lowered her head and agreed.