"My Lord Emperor, is this decision truly appropriate?"
Nightdream Ye finally stepped forward to speak. Such a decision—she could only call it madness! The consequences of this, none of them dared imagine.
If the Frostbane Dynasty truly intends to act, to unify this stretch of the Star-River Dominion, what is the very first thing they would do?
On the surface, the Frostbane Dynasty remains an undisputed hegemon—none dare oppose it. Yet Dragon-Chen Hall alone has defied imperial orders time and again.
Would this not mean that the newly founded Frostbane Dynasty, with its hard-won stability, is about to descend into civil strife?
Yet Nightdream Ye, Magnus Liao, and the others had no idea—this was never truly a civil war, nor was it Dragon-Chen Hall's defiance that sowed the seeds. In truth, this outcome had been destined since ten thousand years ago.
Perhaps it was not Evan Chu himself, but one thing was certain—someone's fate would inevitably mirror Evan's, no different from today.
Oh? You think this emperor has erred?
Your servant would never dare! I merely believe that the Frostbane Dynasty's future development should be focused elsewhere, rather than...
Insolence! How dare you presume to comment on the Holy Emperor Lord's decision?
Henry Lin was the first to turn hostile. At his furious shout, dozens of black-clad guards moved to strike, and if Holden Hong hadn't raised his hand to stop them, Nightdream Ye and Magnus Liao would already have been beset on all sides.
My Lord Emperor, these chess pieces have outlived their usefulness. I believe it's time to erase them.
Is that so? I do not see it that way. To me, these pieces still have one last use. As I recall, these people spoke up for Evan Chu the traitor more than once. How can you say they are entirely useless?
At Holden Hong's words, Nightdream Ye and Magnus Liao's faces turned ashen. The abrupt shift in events completely exceeded their understanding—what in the world was happening?!
My Lord Emperor, please see clearly! We have never harbored treasonous intent—Evan Chu is no traitor!
Hmph! This is not the time for you to speak!
But before Magnus Liao could finish, Holden Hong's fingertip shot out an invisible beam of starlight, piercing Magnus's brow—his body exploded on the spot!
Boom!
A tattered remnant soul appeared—Magnus Liao's mid-Holy Emperor cultivation was all but destroyed. With his body ruined, his life now hung by a thread!
You—!
Trenton Zhan and Kade Xing could never have imagined Holden Hong possessed such overwhelming cultivation—and that he would strike so ruthlessly without a word!
Nightdream Ye's expression grew even darker. Holden Hong's strength was unfathomable to mid-Holy Emperors like them, but she understood—he could have killed Magnus Liao instantly, yet deliberately left him a remnant soul. Why?
Yet in the next moment, Nightdream Ye, Magnus Liao, Kade Xing, Trenton Zhan, and the others all understood.
A stranger radiating peak late Saint Venerable aura suddenly appeared in the great hall, kneeling before Holden Hong and reporting Dragon-Chen Hall's latest actions.
"What? Dragon-Chen Hall has gained mysterious support from Star-Treasure Pavilion—and over a hundred sects and clans? Hmph! I underestimated that traitor!"
Holden Hong's expression finally changed. He cared little for the Flowing-Light Dynasty, the Mansfield Family, or the Savage Brotherhood, but Star-Treasure Pavilion was another matter entirely.
Star-Treasure Pavilion, however, was a force he could not afford to ignore.
No matter how many forces Evan Chu gathered, the key was Evan himself. He was still just at the Saint Venerable Realm—if Dragon-Chen Hall's core strength was destroyed, everything would collapse.
This was why Holden Hong had always looked down on Evan Chu. He might have heaven-defying potential, but without time to grow, he was still a nobody. In a true clash between powerhouses, what mattered was real cultivation and strength!
But now, hearing that the East-Star Prefecture Master—a mysterious Sacred Emperor—had descended upon the Flowing-Light Star-Region to meet Evan Chu in secret, Holden Hong could no longer ignore the threat.
Star-Treasure Pavilion was a power even the Five Sacred Lands did not dare underestimate. Frostbane Dynasty was still far from truly matured—Holden Hong's ambition was great, but his strength was lacking. Facing Star-Treasure Pavilion, he could only proceed with utmost caution.
Moreover, deep within, Holden Hong still harbored a massive doubt—the appearance of the Starry Void Sigil, and the fact that it would ultimately be controlled by Evan Chu.
Compared to those who only knew surface rumors, Holden Hong knew much more. He even understood what terrifying changes would occur when the Starry Void Sigil and Star-Seal Throne were fused.
This was why, even before reaching the Sacred Emperor Realm, Holden Hong was already moving against Evan Chu. On one hand, he needed Evan's unique power to break through his final bottleneck.
On the other hand, he feared that if Evan Chu was given enough time, he would grow too quickly and eventually reach a level beyond Holden's control—that would be disastrous.
Perhaps before, Holden Hong would not have worried, but with the Mansfield Family's support and Dragon-Chen Hall merging with the Savage Brotherhood and Flowing-Light Dynasty, he could no longer be at ease.
Most important of all—the ultimate secret of the Seven-Star Golden Tower!
Holden Hong desperately coveted this supreme treasure. With it, he could destroy any opposition and even face the Five Sacred Lands without fear!
Right now, this treasure was not in anyone else's hands, but in the hands of an as-yet-unfledged Evan Chu. Holden Hong believed this was his best chance—if he missed it, and Evan Chu matured or the news spread to the central world, Frostbane would be left behind.
Transmit my imperial edict! Inform all dynasties, sects, clans, and gangs in the southeastern Star-River Dominion: the former Dragon-Chen Legion and all affiliates of Dragon-Chen Hall have turned traitor and are caught red-handed by me!
Soon, I will personally lead my army to the Flowing-Light Star-Region and wipe out the Dragon-Chen traitors. Before that, I will give the Dragon-Chen forces one last chance. Any soldier deceived by Evan Chu may surrender—and whoever brings me Evan Chu's head will be richly rewarded! The future Dragon-Chen Hall Master position will be theirs!
Also, immediately imprison Nightdream Ye, Magnus Liao, Trenton Zhan, Kade Xing, Mad-Blade Li, Lord Jun Yang, and all who have befriended Evan Chu. Seal their cultivation—no one may visit them. Spread the word to Evan Chu: he has three months to prepare. If my army arrives at Flowing-Light and he does not appear, I will execute one of them every day!
Also, dispatch legions to take over Dragon-Chen Hall's base in the Pearl-Mountain Star-Region. If you encounter any resistance, kill without mercy!
Holden Hong's string of commands shook the entire Frostbane Dynasty to its core.
With Holden Hong's orders, the fate of the Frostbane Dynasty—and the entire Star-River Dominion—hung in the balance.