Chapter 485: Chapter 284: Going to the Capital for an Audience? I Ride North with My Sword!_2
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Meanwhile, on the other side.
Night Watch Department Subdivision.
The intelligence department was holding a routine meeting. A dignified woman with an icy goddess-like demeanor was sitting at the head seat, listening to subordinates report their progress.
However, despite her usual decisive manner, she was absent-mindedly resting her cheek on her hand.
At that moment.
The Simulation Mark suddenly emitted a soft glow, notifying her of a private message from an important friend.
When Sikong Xi saw this message, she slammed the table in excitement, nearly jumping from her chair.
"Bang!"
The quiet conference room resounded with a sudden bang.
Everyone else was startled, standing in place and staring blankly at Sikong Xi, unsure of what had happened.
"There’s an emergency situation; this meeting is temporarily adjourned."
Sikong Xi cleared her throat twice, then hurried back to her office under the confused gazes of others.
Once she was gone, the subordinates gathered together to gossip in whispers.
"What’s been going on with Minister Sikong lately? She seems so distracted all the time, do you think she’s fallen in love?"
"No way! Minister Sikong has never shown interest in men, why would she suddenly change?"
"Who says it has to be with a guy? Girls can be sweet and cute too!"
The girls exchanged glances and shared a knowing smile.
Hearing this statement, Sikong Xi’s eyelid twitched as she stormed back out, scolding them in frustration.
"Looks like you’ve been too idle lately, all of you go support the Demon Suppression Division for a while!"
The group shrank their necks and scattered like birds or beasts, no longer daring to provoke Sikong Xi.
Sikong Xi returned to her office, took a few deep breaths, and managed to calm herself down.
Only then did she finally open the chat interface.
However, compared to the string of messages Sikong Xi sent, Lu Yuan’s reply was just a short sentence.
"Just finished a simulation, didn’t see the messages."
Sikong Xi gritted her teeth in frustration but was afraid that Lu Yuan would ignore her, constantly reminding herself to be kind and patient.
"Have you been promoted to Town General?"
She subconsciously typed this, but then deleted it.
Since Lu Yuan could gain a title conferred by the Will of the Heavens, his becoming a Town General was surely a certainty.
If she asked that, not only would she gain no information, but she would also seem foolish.
Sikong Xi pondered awhile, carefully reconsidered, then sent him a revised message.
"Your title is unique and has caught the attention of the Royal Blood Families. They might use forbidden techniques to uncover your true identity."
This approach neither offended Lu Yuan nor increased goodwill subtly, thus bringing her closer to him.
If any of her suitors saw this, their hearts might break.
One must know, Sikong Xi came from a renowned lineage, cherished since childhood as the family’s favored jewel.
Moreover, she was a powerful King-Sealing Giant, never showing courtesy even to other King-Sealing Strong People.
How could she be so cautious now, carefully choosing her words to chat, fearing to offend the other person!
"Royal Blood Families?"
Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan’s expression became serious.
Under the erosion of the Dark Origin and with the deliberate interference of the Will of the Heavens.
The Great Yan Royal Family’s control over regions had grown progressively weaker.
The major Noble Families maintained private armies and claimed territories.
Many powerful figures obeyed only the Noble Families, immune to even the Royal Family’s command.
These Royal Blood Families had an ancient lineage, with profound reserves.
To Lu Yuan currently, they were an unapproachable giant!
If he were to be targeted by these Royal Blood Families, he would surely face many problems.
Before Lu Yuan could reply, Sikong Xi gritted her teeth and revealed another powerful piece of news.
"Your title has caused quite a stir within the Great Yan Royal Family, and many people are considering summoning you to the capital to meet the Emperor."
"To be summoned to the capital—is it that serious?"
Lu Yuan’s heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation.
Saying it’s to meet the Emperor, in reality, it’s to set an example.
If Lu Yuan obediently complied, they could pacify him, using it to promote the Empire’s authority.
Even the Marquis of Heaven, personally acknowledged by the Will of the Heavens, kneeled in submission.
What right do those small fries have to dare oppose the Royal Family?
But if Lu Yuan disobeyed, they would use thunderous methods, eliminating him in the cradle.
To deter all the rulers, making them dare not act recklessly.
Sikong Xi also understood this, unable to help but sigh.
Though the Great Yan Empire possessed vast territories, there were only a hundred or so Marquises.
These Marquises were either from the Royal Family, noble by blood.
Or they had rendered remarkable service to the Great Yan Empire, only then qualifying for the title of Marquises of different surnames.
Moreover, the title of Marquis entailed many intricacies and taboos.
It was rare to see titles with the word ’Heaven’ in them.
After all, since ancient times, the emperors of the Great Yan Empire referred to themselves as the Son of Heaven.
The word Heaven often represented supreme, divine sanctity!
And Lu Yuan’s title used the word Heaven.
Most importantly, the Will of the Heavens added the word, Town.
Town Heaven!
Say nothing else.
The profound implications behind those two words were enough to leave the Great Yan Royal Family uneasy.
The weight of those two words was too heavy.
Even King-Sealing Giants couldn’t bear it, let alone Lu Yuan!
"You needn’t worry too much. Being summoned to the capital is still just a rumor; it hasn’t been confirmed."
"Besides, your information is top-secret, even the Great Yan Royal Family might not learn your true identity for some time."
"Therefore, according to my guess, your title seems more like a warning and reprimand from the Will of the Heavens to the Great Yan Empire!"
As intelligence minister of the Night Watch Department, Sikong Xi’s vision and experience surpassed that of other simulators.
Thus, just from a title, she deduced much information.
Lu Yuan also came to understand.
No matter how glorious and powerful a force is, it eventually declines and decays.
And the Great Yan Empire, in recent years, had been levying heavy taxes on simulators yet was lackluster in resisting the Dark Invasion.
Evidently, this had aroused strong dissatisfaction from the Will of the Heavens.
And the stance of the Will of the Heavens was clear.
Do well or be replaced!
This was a contest between the Will of the Heavens and the Great Yan Royal Family.
As for Lu Yuan, he was merely an unfortunate pawn caught in it.
Lu Yuan realized this and felt an increasing desire for greater strength.
Titles, status, it was all insignificant compared to strength.
If he had enough power, why care about others’ approval?
Summoned to the capital?
By then, I’ll take up my blade and challenge all grievances in the world!
"Thank you."
Lu Yuan sincerely expressed his gratitude.
If not for Sikong Xi’s help, he wouldn’t have known such insider information.
"No need to be polite, if you ever need anything, feel free to contact me."
Sikong Xi noticed Lu Yuan no longer appeared as indifferent, finally feeling relieved.
Her exquisite face even showed a hint of a smile.
For through these interactions, she gained some understanding of Lu Yuan’s character.
Though Lu Yuan was aloof and used to being solitary.
He was fair-minded, decisive in action, intolerant of deceit.
If he accepted you, he could actually be quite easy to get along with.
[Ding-dong, you’ve received a transfer from the Great Yan Royal Family, amount of 1 Simulation Point! (friend request attached)]
"A dollar, are you trying to brush me off like a beggar?"
Without a glance, Lu Yuan flatly refused it.
He then considered for a moment and set the transfer amount to a million.
After doing all this.
Lu Yuan searched the forum for information about the Blood God Church.
However, the Simulator Forum was chaotic; most of the information was rumors and speculations, with low credibility.
Originally, he wanted to ask Sikong Xi about it.
But after reconsideration, he dismissed the idea.
After all, with the Night Watch Department’s resources, they could easily uncover the connection between the Blood God Church and himself; it’d be like exposing his identity.
Lu Yuan thought for a moment.
And decided to anonymously post a high-priced bounty on the forum.