CHAPTER 345: CHAPTER 345: ON THE BRINK OF ERUPTION

The Emperor’s move was like a carrot dangled over everyone’s head, making them all hesitant and uncertain.

Only a handful of princes had any hope of the throne, the odds were slim, yet significant!

If there’s still hope, who would dare to make up their mind to launch a coup?

That would mean staking the lives of nine generations!

There were nearly a hundred dukes at the founding of the nation, why are there only a few families left now?

Isn’t it because they stood on the wrong side during successive changes of the throne!

But... ultimately, only one person can ascend that supreme throne. The old man estimated that someone will eventually be unable to hold back and will be the first to act.

By then, they can put all the blame and dirt on that person, and in the name of righteousness, sweep away all obstacles amidst the chaos!

Of course, others are certainly thinking the same. It depends on... who’s the first to lose patience!

Squinting, the old man’s eyes flashed coldly, like a sinister snake.

......

Time passed day by day, the year-end approached, the weather became increasingly colder, and the cold winds from the Extreme North brought down thick snow, cloaking the earth in a silver white.

Though life was hard, the people at the bottom were still joyfully preparing to welcome the New Year, praying for better days in the coming year.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the upper circles of nobility became increasingly mysterious and heavy, even the students of the Royal Martial Academy were affected, becoming cautious and taciturn.

Everyone could sense the terrifying energy accumulating below the surface.

Once it explodes, it would be as if the sky falls and the earth overturns!

The entire upper echelon of the Imperial City would undergo a major reshuffle!

And in this suffocating, tense atmosphere ready to explode, Zhu Haomiao watched like an outsider, steadily advancing his plans, while helping the Yanhuang Armory quickly perfect itself, and completing the fourth level of the Eight Basic Forces.

"Commander, the cultivation technique you provided has been recorded. In the future, everyone in this Illusion Realm who exchanges and learns it will pay you a patent fee."

Inside the Yanhuang Armory, Huai Xu respectfully returned the Dragon Emblem to Zhu Haomiao, hesitated for a moment, then reported softly.

"Additionally, the True Objects previously captured have been auctioned off outside, and a total of 5829 Real Points was obtained."

"You receive seventy percent of it; do you think this is appropriate?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Haomiao frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"Although my authority to plunder is rare, seventy percent is still too much, fifty percent would suffice."

The psychological impact between seventy percent and fifty percent of the dividends is completely different, leading to vastly different levels of enthusiasm.

The portion of the concession is to encourage people in the Yanhuang Armory to capture wanted criminals from all directions, allowing him to both share in the profits and have the additional benefit of conducting a Sloth secret ceremony, wouldn’t that be delightful?

On the other hand, upon hearing the young man’s words, Huai Xu’s eyes lit up, genuinely impressed.

"Commander, you’re generous!"

Descenders are also people; who doesn’t like a generous and straightforward boss who can lead them to make big money?

Even if this boss is a bit mysterious, it’s just a minor flaw on an otherwise perfect gem!

"By the way, Song Li used a vial of True Object potion for me earlier, reimburse her at double the value, deducting it from my share."

"Understood."

"Additionally, when the next group of pioneers arrives, they can intern at my Anti-theft Bureau. On one hand, I can provide them with Virtual Points as a reward; on the other hand, I can offer practical experience and intelligence support, which is a win-win."

After saying this, Zhu Haomiao suddenly paused, adding with an odd gaze.

"However, you must explain to them clearly, never cultivate the secret technique of the Anti-theft Bureau. It’s derived from native Magic Skills and contains significant risks."

Upon hearing this, Huai Xu nonchalantly nodded.

"I understand."

The Divine Skill Secret Books in the Yanhuang Armory are countless, all are top-notch selections from the worldly pool; who would bother with a native Magic Skill with risks?

And if not, isn’t the Eight Basic Forces appealing enough?

......

Completing the arrangements at the Yanhuang Armory, Zhu Haomiao had just stepped out the door when he suddenly sensed the stars shifting, dragons and snakes rising, murderous intent suddenly appearing!

An immense energy, accumulated to its peak, had a tendency to erupt!

"Calculating the time, the Yue King should be approaching the Capital Region soon. It seems someone can’t hold back..."

Sensing the chaotic and unpredictable destiny, Zhu Haomiao rubbed his chin and chuckled lightly with thought.

After contemplating for a moment, Zhu Haomiao returned to the Yanhuang Armory, carefully gave instructions, then rushed to the Anti-theft Bureau without stopping, assembling all his subordinates to inform them to enter a state of alert and preparation for combat.

Though the young man did not state explicitly, from his words, everyone understood something significant was about to happen!

Coupled with the recent assortment of rumors, everyone was a mix of fear and excitement, feeling a sense of honor as if about to witness, or even participate in, a historic event.

A few more days passed, and the tension finally snapped!

One deep night, the entire city’s shouts of battle suddenly erupted. The Pingyang Marquis Mansion near the Imperial City sensed a powerful energy wave sweeping across the world. Standing atop a rooftop, Zhu Haomiao looked westward, seeing through his spiritual sight a massive glazed tile bowl was overturned over the Imperial City, resisting wave after wave of assaults.

Squinting his eyes, Zhu Haomiao unhesitatingly headed straight for Lechang Square, ready to marshal all forces and fulfill his duty to prevent total chaos.

However, as he was on his way to Lechang Square, intense energy fluctuations came from all directions; the entire Imperial City became a battlefield with experts fighting fiercely everywhere.

"You’ve turned a well-planned coup into a chaotic melee! How can the Empire be well-managed with you imbeciles?!"

Seeing the originally high-level conflict extending to the common people, Zhu Haomiao muttered resentfully, quickening his pace as his figure transformed into a stream of light heading for Lechang Square.

Soon, as he arrived at the Anti-theft Bureau, Yan Yunsheng and others who had been waiting in readiness had a bright yellow dragon-patterned silk scarf wrapped around their arms, anxiously awaiting his arrival.

The moment they saw the youth’s figure, everyone seemed to have found their pillar, letting out a long sigh of relief.

"Tonight, there will be other allies identified by these dragon-patterned silk scarves. Anyone who does not follow orders, no mercy."

"By your command!"

With a unified and furious roar, nearly a thousand aggressive martial artists charged out under Zhu Haomiao’s command, covering the nine alleys under his jurisdiction like mercury flowing across the ground.

But the power of these natives was still too insignificant, only capable of safeguarding the basic lines. The true determinant of the world’s lineline still depended on the descenders of the Yanhuang Armory.

"Huai Xu."

"Present, Commander."

"Do you know what that is?"

Standing atop the tallest building in Lechang Square, Zhu Haomiao gazed toward the massive glazed shield over the Imperial City, asking calmly and directly.