The Imperial Preceptor of the Everpeace Empire walked in, stepping into the mountain manor. He looked around in surprise and praised, "When my work is finally done, I too want to find such a scenic place to enjoy family life with my wife and children."
Qin Mu came forward to greet him with a smile. "Heavenly King, what brings you here today?"
The Imperial Preceptor replied solemnly, "I have not come as a Heavenly King of the Cult of the Heavenly Saint, but as the Imperial Preceptor of the Everpeace Empire to seek the Human Emperor's aid. Please, Human Emperor, help us!"
Qin Mu's expression turned serious. "Please speak, Preceptor!"
The Imperial Preceptor glanced around and said, "Where is the Old Human Emperor? Could he also join us for a talk?"
"Village Chief is sunbathing and drinking tea."
The two of them found the Village Chief, who was drinking tea with Apothecary. Many women surrounded them, lifting teacups to their lips so they didn't even need to move their hands. The Imperial Preceptor's eye twitched—among these women was even the Dowager Empress.
He quickly covered his face, pretending not to see.
He and the Dowager Empress had always been at odds; she often opposed him, and the Poison Prince Warren Foyne was the one who poisoned her—on his orders.
Still, he was a minister. Seeing the Dowager Empress serve another man like this, it was only proper to avoid suspicion.
The Dowager Empress saw him and let out a cold snort, but did not step aside.
Apothecary grinned and said, "Too many worldly distractions here. Let's go somewhere else. I know a spot with great scenery. Bring your instruments—we'll have some fun for a while."
The women cheered and clustered around Apothecary as they left.
Only then did the Imperial Preceptor lower his sleeve, salute Village Chief, and wait for Quinn Shepherd to take his seat before sitting down himself.
"Strange phenomena have appeared one after another in the Everpeace Empire—many new treasures and a hundred or more stone statues. Surely neither of you is unaware? I need not explain the dangers here; as Human Emperors, you both understand them well."
The Imperial Preceptor got straight to the point: "I've come to ask the Human Emperor to bring out the Human Emperor Seal, rally the heroes of the world, and lead a campaign against High Heaven—so the common people won't suffer disaster again!"
Village Chief looked at him in surprise and asked, "Imperial Preceptor, have you ever been to High Heaven?"
The Imperial Preceptor shook his head.
Village Chief said, "If you knew High Heaven's true strength, you wouldn't think that way. Back then, I rallied the heroes to fight a do-or-die war with High Heaven in the Western Lands. That's how I lost my arms and legs. High Heaven isn't just the Four Lords of High Heaven—there are other pseudo-gods as well. The Four Lords aren't the real threat. I only realized that when I encountered a true god—a real deity."
His old face was covered in deep wrinkles, furrowed like the fields of a weathered farmer—every line etched by years of toil.
"A true god, whose every aspect was divine realm."
Village Chief continued, "My sword arts lost to his sword arts. He severed my arms and legs. Human Emperor? Hah! That's what he called me, then tossed me aside like trash."
He glanced at the Imperial Preceptor and said, "You were just born then, so you wouldn't know about this. Those who went with me—some died, some fled, some scattered. I, as Human Emperor, was utterly defeated. You now surpass me in sword technique; your sword-dao is slightly behind mine, but if you go to High Heaven, your fate will be the same as mine."
The Imperial Preceptor frowned. "Then what should we do?"
"Don't go to High Heaven. Intercept High Heaven instead."
Village Chief said, "Whoever comes down from High Heaven, we kill them. One descends, one dies. If all descend, all die. Don't worry about that true god—he can't descend without enough blood and flesh as sacrifice. Last time, he used another High Heaven god as an offering to come down."
"Then..."
The Imperial Preceptor turned to Quinn Shepherd, his voice steady: "May I request the Human Emperor Seal?"
Quinn Shepherd produced the heavy, pitch-black seal. Though it looked ordinary, every clan and sect had once contributed their finest treasures to forge it together. It symbolized the authority of the Human Emperor.
Quinn Shepherd raised his brows. Taking out this seal meant stepping out from the shadows and onto the stage as Human Emperor, bringing countless dangers upon himself.