Tang Dynasty. Tang Royal Palace.
Victor Li sat in the palace, his brow furrowed as he scanned the mountain of memorials before him. He couldn't help but mutter, confirming to himself that Ian Song must indeed be a Phoenix Heaven Church disciple, now certain after hearing Ian spent two years in High Zhou Imperium.
Staring at the mountain of memorials piling up before him, Victor Li couldn’t help but frown, rubbing his aching temples and muttering to himself, “Second Brother, oh Second Brother, with what you’ve done, our Tang Dynasty is in real trouble!”
With the Prime One Church’s branch altars destroyed, the royal court alone simply can’t hold things together—controlling even a single province is nearly impossible. Especially now that the Song Dynasty and Ming Dynasty are both eyeing us like hungry tigers. According to the spies’ reports, their armies are mobilizing nonstop. It won’t be long before they send troops to attack the Tang Dynasty.
Sure, the Tang Dynasty has always wanted to break free from the Prime One Church’s control, but only after its wings were fully grown. Right now, Tang only has Leonard Li as its lone Tribulation expert. If the Prime One Church really falls, there’s no way we could resist the Fire God Church and Witch God Church.
Suddenly, a figure flickered—someone appeared in the grand hall.
“How dare you!”
“Who dares break into the royal palace at night?”
With two sharp shouts, two late Fusion realm bodyguards appeared in front of Victor Li—they were his personal guards. Victor tensed up as well.
But when he saw the newcomer’s face, Victor relaxed instead, a wave of joy washing over him. He turned to the two guards and said, “You can both step back.”
One guard hesitated. "But, Your Majesty..."
Victor Li waved his hand, interrupting the guard. "Don’t worry, he won’t harm me!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The two bodyguards bowed and retreated from the grand hall.
Ian Song smiled and bowed to Victor Li. "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Victor Li laughed warmly, stepped down from the dais, and gave Ian a big hug. "What’s this? It’s only been two years and you’re not treating me like your big brother anymore!"
Compared to two years ago, Victor Li had changed a lot after ruling as Tang King for two years—his bearing was steadier, more dignified, and carried a touch of authority and dominance.
After they separated, Ian called out, "Big Brother."
Victor laughed heartily. "Good! Come, let’s talk in the back!" He affectionately took Ian’s hand and led him toward the rear of the hall. This front section was just his office—the back was where he actually rested.
Once they were seated, Victor looked at Ian with concern. "Where have you been these past two years?"
Ian smiled. "I’ve spent the last two years in the High Zhou Imperium."