Chapter 342: Thunder Empire Conquest Completion
Chapter 342: Thunder Empire Conquest Completion
Chapter 342: Thunder Empire Conquest Completion
In the western territory of the Thunder Empire, in a relatively inconspicuous small town, where the crown prince of the Sunset Empire, Miles, was staying. He and his followers disguised themselves as a mercenary group while secretly conducting various activities to delay or overthrow the rule of the Thunder Empire.
However, the process was not going smoothly. Miles funded one influential noble family or faction after another in the western territory, exploiting the conflicts arising from their disrupted vested interests to incite rebellion. Yet, the empire's response was too quick and strong. These local noble rebellions were insignificant and were immediately suppressed as soon as they emerged, with no real chance of success. Miles knew this approach was unsustainable, as even he, the crown prince, had limited resources at his disposal.
At that moment, a young man, around sixteen or seventeen, wearing silver armor, burst in excitedly. "Brother! Great news! Fantastic news!"
This young man was none other than Miles' ninth brother, Dick. The Sunset Empire's royal family had declined, with the regent wielding absolute power. Despite the many princes, none were particularly outstanding, and Dick was especially unremarkable. However, Miles knew that Dick had awakened as a Hero. He was a Hero with royal blood. Because of this, the crown prince valued him greatly, hoping to use Dick to attract the support of the Hero factions and thus counter the regent's absolute power to reclaim their rights.
Miles asked, "In our current situation, it's only a matter of time before we're out of resources. What good news could there be?"
Dick, excited, said, "I just received intelligence that the Radiant Church has decided to declare war on the Chaos Forest and Darkness City. Both the current and former Popes are making a move, planning to use all their power to annihilate the Demon King forces entrenched in Darkness City!"
Hearing this news, Miles was overjoyed. How strong was the Radiant Church? He knew all too well! If such a powerful force was to fully engage the Demon King, even the terrifying presence in Darkness City would have to be cautious.
The Radiant Church not only possessed strength comparable to any empire-level force on the continent, but its influence was also widespread. It could be said that among the known nations today, most were under the influence of the Radiant Church. If the Church personally took action, a call to arms would undoubtedly rally strong individuals from all over, a level of influence and appeal that no empire-level force could match.
Dick continued, "You might not know this, but the previous pope of the Radiant Church is actually Lucas, the seventh-ranked Hero. He is a Level 7 demigod!"
Level 7 demigod---this was the term for Level 7 legendary powerhouses. In this world, the 7th level was the highest level. Those who reached this level possessed partial divinity, such as an indestructible soul or divine bloodline. Such powerhouses could move mountains and split seas, single-handedly face an entire army, and even crush a kingdom. Therefore, they were referred to as demigods.Miles had heard of the former Pope. This Pope was one of the greatest and most legendary in the history of the Radiant Church and was nearly the strongest being in the world. His strength and prestige were unparalleled. With him taking action, Darkness City's days were numbered.
Miles burst into laughter. "Excellent, truly excellent! This is heaven's blessing. Once Darkness City is destroyed, the Thunder Empire will surely collapse. At that time, the greatest beneficiary will be our Sunset Empire!"
Dick added, "That's right, brother. With your foresight, once Darkness City falls, at least the entire western region of the Thunder Empire will come under your control. Then, you can definitely eliminate the regent king!"
Both of them were excited, feeling like they had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel.
But just then, a charming, magnetic female voice with a teasing tone said, "In such broad daylight, you two are really having a delightful dream."
Hearing this, the two princes were shocked. Although this place was just an inconspicuous mercenary base, it was surrounded by Sunset Empire's top warriors and was heavily guarded with various wards and restrictions. Who could possess such skills to appear here silently?
When Miles looked up, he saw a tall, stunningly beautiful succubus sitting on the roof of a nearby building, gazing at them as if they were fools.
"Who are you?" Miles asked angrily, frowning.
Dick drew his sword, preparing to attack.
The succubus said calmly, "I am Han Kexin, prime minister of the Chaos Federation and Vice Lord of Darkness City."
Hearing this, Dick, who was about to strike, was shocked.
"You... you... you're Han Kexin, ranked tenth on the Demon King leaderboard, and you serve Zhang Nu?!"
What did this mean? Being ranked tenth on the Demon King leaderboard meant having at least the power of a Level 6 legend! Although Dick was a royal-born Hero, his strength was not particularly impressive. Currently, he was only Level 5 overlord, which was insignificant in front of this powerful Demon King.
"Guards! Come quickly!" Dick immediately shouted at the top of his lungs. But eerily, the surroundings remained as silent as the grave, none of the hidden guards they had arranged emerged.
Han Kexin shook her head. "Don't waste your breath. While you were daydreaming just now, I dealt with all the riff raff around here."
"Impossible!" The two princes fell into unprecedented shock and despair. Among the guards they had stationed nearby, more than ten were Level 6, including even a Level 6 monarch. With such a lineup, even if they couldn't defeat the opponent, they shouldn't have been silently taken out.
Realizing he was no match for Han Kexin, Dick quickly said, "What do you want? We can negotiate."
"What I want, you can't give." Han Kexin shook her head. "I have no interest in talking to small fry. Miles, kill him."
In the next moment, a massive sword Qi slashed from behind, striking Dick. He didn't react in time. As he fell, he saw his other half gushing blood like a fountain, and the one who had killed him was none other than the crown prince he had been supporting, Miles.
"How could this be?" Though fatally wounded, Dick didn't die immediately.
He saw Miles walk past him naturally, then kneel before the Succubus Queen, bowing respectfully. "I offer you my highest respect, my master!"
Han Kexin nodded in satisfaction. Ever since becoming a legend, her permanent charm ability had grown significantly stronger. Previously, using this ability required a high cost and had a long cooldown time. But now, things were different. She could control it more precisely: using more power for stronger targets and less for weaker ones. This not only improved the effectiveness but also reduced side effects and risks, shortening the cooldown period considerably.
The Sunset Empire crown prince, Miles, was a Level 6 monarch, yet Han Kexin had only used less than a fifth of her power to complete the mind control. The ability would be ready again in less than twenty hours.
Han Kexin said, "Your status is very useful to Darkness City. From today onwards, you will be my pawn in the Sunset Empire. I will support you in ascending to become the emperor of the Sunset Empire."
Miles gratefully kowtowed again, "Thank you, my master!"
"You don't need to call me master. I am the Vice City Lord of Darkness City. Just call me Vice Lord," Han Kexin replied. She then jumped down and continued, "Now, hand over all the information and contacts of the rebel factions you've been secretly communicating with."
Miles quickly responded, "Yes, I dare not deceive you, Vice Lord."
Following that, the crown prince meticulously provided all the details about the rebels and the forces preparing for an uprising in the western territory of the Thunder Empire.
Dick's consciousness grew increasingly blurry. In his final moments, all he felt was fear. He knew exactly what kind of person crown prince Miles was---patient, determined, and highly ambitious. Yet, such a person had been completely manipulated by Demon King Han Kexin. Terrifying! Absolutely terrifying! If the Vice Lord of Darkness City was this powerful, how much more terrifying must the true Demon King of Darkness City be?
Han Kexin gently clapped her hands, and the next second, two figures appeared beside her---two stunning demon beauties. They were none other than Han Kexin's direct subordinates, the mythic-class demons Han Qiuyue and Han Dongxue.
Han Kexin asked, "Did you hear and remember everything clearly? Go!"
"Yes! Give us two days, and not a single rebel will be left!" The two mythic demons received their orders and immediately vanished in two flashes of light.
Against the remaining rebels, Han Kexin didn't need to act on it personally. With the help of the two mythic-class demons and the warriors from Darkness City and the empire, eliminating these rebels was a simple task.
Two days later, good news arrived. Darkness City and the Empire, with thunderous momentum and a thorough, ruthless approach, completely eradicated all rebel forces and potential rebel factions across the region.
At this moment, Han Kexin received a notification:
[You've conquered the Thunder Empire!]
[You've gained "Thunder Empire Treasure Chest" x1!]
Han Kexin was overjoyed upon receiving the news. She hadn't expected to complete the conquest of the Empire so swiftly, right after resolving the issues in the western territories.
A treasure chest from an empire's conquest! How luxurious would that be?
Zhang Nu had granted Han Kexin the highest authority. She was allowed to claim and open the treasure chest on Zhang Nu's behalf. Of course, any titles or bound items obtained would automatically belong to Zhang Nu. However, Han Kexin could manage the resources and blueprints acquired from the chest.
Given the looming threat, she had the flexibility to act as needed. Han Kexin had achieved her goal ahead of schedule. She successfully completed the integration of the Thunder Empire before the enemy's arrival. This meant she could mobilize the empire's elite warriors and utilize the abundant resources to further strengthen Darkness City's foundation and power.
Although the upcoming enemies were formidable, Han Kexin felt more confident and prepared for the challenge.