Chapter 1355: Ancient Divine Artifact, Earth-Shattering Conspiracy (Part 2)

“You will all bow your heads and submit!”

A few days later, in the Dark Empire.

The news spread like wildfire.

The mighty Barbarian Race was wiped out overnight, their Clan Leader dying a miserable death.

The instigator was no outsider, but that very Vampire King who made all tremble at the mere sound of his name.

For a time, the entire nation was shaken.

Countless pairs of eyes once again turned toward that lofty figure on high.

Zhang Beixing—just how long does he intend to flaunt his arrogance?

“Beixing, I’ve heard about what happened with the barbarians.”

Alina’s face was full of worry, her tone brimming with concern.

“This time, you’ve completely offended those tribes.”

Richard chimed in from the side, clearly worried for his lord’s safety.

“It’s of no consequence.”

The black‑haired man stood with hands clasped behind his back, utterly dismissive.

“Those mere barbarians think to shake my throne?”

“Truly delusional!”

“But that so‑called ‘Divine Artifact’…”

Alina spoke hesitantly, her beautiful eyes flickering.

“You just brought it back like this—aren’t you afraid it’s a trap?”

“Exactly, Master. If it’s a scheme laid by those Holy See dogs…”

Richard’s expression was grave as well.

After all, the enemy was insidious and cunning, and this concerned a matter of great importance.

“No need to overthink it.”

Zhang Beixing sneered. “This king knows his limits.”

“A mere Mortal Artifact—how could it possibly do anything to me?”

As he spoke, he drew out that ancient little box from his robe.

His long fingers gently flicked.

Crack!

The delicate mechanism sprang open with a click, revealing the item within.

It was a dim, lusterless Jade Pendant, lying silently atop black velvet.

“This… this is the legendary ‘Divine Artifact’?”

The whole hall was shaken; everyone looked at one another.

No one had expected it to be so utterly ordinary.

“Which is why I say—it’s nothing but a mortal’s trick.”

Zhang Beixing gave a cold snort and put the Jade Pendant away again.

His gaze once more grew unfathomable.

“Men, send Scouts to the Northern Lands. Keep a tight watch on the Holy See’s movements.”

“Yes, I’ll see to it at once.”

A guard accepted the order and strode off, fighting spirit blazing.

He knew that the Master had always been astute beyond compare and must already have laid his precautions.

His own duty was simply to give his utmost, to serve the Dark Empire.

At the Church Headquarters, the atmosphere was grave.

The once‑glorious great hall was now nothing but broken walls and shattered ruins.

Candle flames flickered, casting a few silhouettes into relief.

“Damn Vampires, how dare they humiliate our Holy See like this!”

A Cardinal said through clenched teeth, his fists tightly balled.

“A mere heretic, yet how does he wield such heaven‑defying Power?”

“Your Excellency the Bishop, don’t be hasty. There is still a turning point.”

Another person spoke, his tone dark and heavy.

“According to reports from our Scouts, that Barbarian Race Divine Artifact has already fallen into Zhang Beixing’s hands.”

“If we can seize it back while he’s off guard…”

A vicious glint flashed in the Cardinal’s eyes; he ground his teeth in hatred.

“I’d like to see just how long that brat can keep strutting around!”

However, none of them knew—

In the shadows, a pair of eyes was already watching coldly from the sidelines.

Everything was being taken in, down to the smallest detail.

In the Imperial Palace study, Zhang Beixing was scrutinizing that Jade Pendant with focused attention.

The report from the guard just now only made him more certain that the Holy See was scheming in secret.

Yet the ancient little object before him still emanated a mysterious aura that was hard to put into words.

“System, do you know the origin of this Jade Pendant?”

He sent a silent transmission, his tone grave.

[Master, this item has quite the background.]

[I consulted the Ancient Texts and found a few fragmented notes in them.]

[It seems to be connected to the Ancient Demon God…]

“Demon God?”

Zhang Beixing’s brows knit slightly, his eyes growing ever deeper.

He murmured to himself, sinking into thought.

“Beixing, do you think this might be the Holy See’s ploy? Letting you obtain the Jade Pendant on purpose, then setting up a trap…”

Alina stepped forward anxiously, her voice full of concern.

“Master, I am willing to investigate this matter for you and will root out the mastermind behind it!”

Zhang Beixing merely let out a cold laugh, utterly unconcerned.

“The Holy See thinks it can scheme against me?”

He snorted. “They truly don’t know life from death.”

With that, his long fingers gave a light flick.

Hum—

A streak of violet light flashed; the Jade Pendant shattered on the spot.

It dispersed into motes of starlight, fading away into the air.

“Beixing, you—”

Alina’s delicate body trembled; she stared at the scene before her in disbelief.

A Divine Artifact, destroyed just like that?

“A treasure? Hah—nothing but a mortal’s trick.”

Zhang Beixing’s lips curved faintly as he stood with hands clasped behind his back.

“True Power is something you fight for yourself.”

As the words fell, the Monarch’s might made hearts quake.

In this instant, no one dared question his decision.

Because he was born to be the ruler of this era.

The news once again swept through every corner of the Dark Empire.

The Vampire King had actually destroyed that “Divine Artifact” with his own hands.

The entire nation was shaken, speculation ran wild.

What exactly was Zhang Beixing planning? Was he not afraid of the Holy See and the Barbarian Race’s retaliation?

Countless gazes whipped toward the direction of the Imperial Palace in unison.

Awaiting the arrival of a heaven-shaking storm.

Meanwhile, in the Church Headquarters, several high-ranking figures stood in the great hall, faces dark as iron.

“Bastard! That damn Vampire actually dares be so arrogant!”

The Cardinal flew into a rage, itching to mount his horse with blade in hand that very instant.

“His Excellency the Bishop, please quell your anger. Our most urgent task now is…”

The Cardinal beside him tried to dissuade him, voice low.

“To ally with the Barbarian Race and the Demon Race to deal with that Dark Emperor!”

Before the words were finished, an unexpected voice suddenly rang out.

“Very well, let me personally pay that brat a visit!”

Following the sound, they saw a cloaked, mysterious figure who had appeared in the great hall at some unknown moment.

A chilling aura radiated from his body, looking down on all living things.

“The Pope… His Holiness the Pope!”

Everyone present was utterly stunned.

No one could have predicted that the reclusive Pope would choose this moment to appear.

“No need for excessive ceremony, everyone. This time I shall personally take the field.”

The newcomer lifted his hand slightly, speaking with proud disdain.

“That arrogant Vampire—it’s time he got a taste of suffering!”

At the same time, in the Demon Race’s main stronghold.

Legions of Demon soldiers were massing in the drill grounds.

Demon King Talons sat enthroned upon a high platform.

“Zhang Beixing, you are still far too young.”

He let out a disdainful cold chuckle, eyes like torches.

“Over a mere Holy Artifact, you dare destroy it in front of all?”

“You truly don’t know life from death!”

“Master, the Holy See has already sent envoys, seeking alliance with our race.”

A Demon General bowed to report, voice respectful.

“What are your wishes…?”

“Hmph, am I the sort who trims his sails to suit the wind?”

The Demon King snorted, his tone decisive as a blade.

“Since Zhang Beixing dared set himself against me, he’d better be prepared to pay the price!”

“Go, reject the Holy See. Tell them our Demon Race disdains walking alongside them!”

“Yes, your subordinate obeys!”

The Demon General took the order and departed, leaving a string of resolute footsteps behind.

Talons turned away, gazing toward the distant horizon.

The killing intent in his eyes seemed as if it could pierce the very heavens.

“Zhang Beixing, for this world, let the two of us decide victory and defeat!”

In the Barbarian Race’s territory, desolation reigned.

Ever since the Clan Leader’s tragic death and the Divine Artifact’s seizure.

The once overbearing, unrivaled clan now lay gravely wounded.

“Damn it, it’s all that Vampire’s fault!”

A burly man pounded his chest and stomped his feet, rage unrestrained.

“The Clan Leader died a cruel death—how can we possibly let this go?”

“Right, that Demon, we’ll have his life sooner or later!”

“Everyone, calm yourselves. There is still a turn in this matter.”

An aged voice suddenly rang out, like a thunderclap.

Following the sound, they saw an elder with snow-white hair, walking over step by step.

It was the clan’s High Priest.

“High Priest, do you perhaps have a way to break this predicament?”

Someone asked in a trembling voice, eyes flaring with hope.

“Indeed. Although the Divine Artifact was destroyed, I remember some of the inscriptions upon it.”

The elder’s lips curved into a mysterious smile as he spoke leisurely.

“Legend has it that if we gather the remaining Holy Artifacts, we can summon forth the Ancient Demon God.”

“When that time comes, will we still fear dealing with a mere Vampire?”

At those words, the hall exploded in shock.

“Then… where are those other Holy Artifacts?”

Someone could no longer contain himself, demanding eagerly, blood surging.

“From what I know, one lies with the Demon Race, one with the Elf Race.”

The elder stroked his beard, musing.

“And another is in the hands of the Holy See…”

“What?! No wonder the Holy See came to lobby us for an alliance…”

Realization dawned on the crowd, their teeth grinding near to shattering.

“The… the decision is made! We are willing to avenge the Clan Leader, whatever it takes!”

“Even if we’re shattered to pieces, we will not hesitate!”

Mountain-crashing, sea-roaring shouts echoed through the great hall.

Proclaiming that the blood-flames of vengeance had already been lit.

In the Dark Imperial Capital, within the Imperial Palace.

Zhang Beixing sat alone in silence beneath the eaves.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled down, casting his features in profound shadow.

“It seems a storm of blood and carnage is now unavoidable.”

He murmured to himself, gaze distant.

“Very well, let them learn what it means to dash an egg against stone, to court their own destruction!”

With that, the black-haired man’s lips lifted slightly.

A wickedly enchanting curve traced along his mouth.