Chapter 1357: Iron-Handed Empire, Hidden Currents Stirring (Part 2)

The Persuasion System’s voice rises again.

Carrying a subtle yet discernible weight.

“No need to worry, everything is within control.”

Zhang Beixing’s lips slightly curl, unwavering in his resolve.

“Good timing, I was just fretting over having no place to test my sword.”

Before his words fell, the world changed colors.

An aura even more terrifying than before suddenly erupted.

The Pope, Demon King, Barbarian Race…

These forces now opposing him could never have dreamed.

What kind of doomsday irreversibility awaits them!

The black robe fluttering, murderous intent overflowing.

Zhang Beixing slowly rises, hands behind his back, standing tall.

His gaze like lightning, piercingly sharp.

“Everyone, prepare to march.”

He speaks calmly, but every word carries immense weight.

“I want those self-proclaimed protectors of justice to know…”

“This era now bears the name Zhang!”

Bold words, resounding with determination.

Filling the gathered ministers with fervent zeal, without exception.

“Long live the King, unrivaled throughout the realm!”

“With Your Majesty leading us, what is there to fear?”

Echoing shouts resound through the palace.

Vowing to follow this Dark Emperor, campaigning across the lands.

One to unite the Eight Desolates, triumphant over the ages!

Northern Lands, Barbarian Race territory.

War drums thundering, hooves pounding.

Numerous warriors draped in animal hides, marching mightily southward.

“Clan Leader’s spirit in heaven, we shalt smite the foes beneath our steeds!”

“We shall not rest until we’ve vanquished those vampires!”

“Ahead lies the Elf Race’s settlement.”

Leading the way, the High Priest muses, “As long as we seize their divine artifact, half our vengeance plan will be complete.”

Before his words could fall, another message arrives.

“This is bad, the Demon Race attacks!”

“Damn them! They dare break faith and abandon loyalty!”

The Barbarian Warriors seethe with anger, each eager to charge forth.

Yearning to immediately rush forth and tear those demons limb from limb.

“Everyone be cautious, the Demon Race is full of cunning, do not act rashly.”

In a deep voice, the High Priest says, “Withdraw for now and await the right moment.”

“If we could seize their Supreme Demon Ring amidst the chaos…”

A glint of ruthlessness flashes in the elder’s eyes.

As though brewing a terrifying plot.

Elf Race territory, a tranquil expanse.

White mist drifting, verdant woods abounding.

All around, a mysterious aura permeates.

“Your Majesty, the Barbarian army advances toward our settlement!”

An Elf Warrior clad in silver armor, looking anxious.

“What?! Those barbarians dare trespass our domain?”

A beauty in a green gown changes color drastically.

It is none other than Elf Queen Olwen.

“Just in time, let me see what they can do!”

She coldly utters, exuding a chilling killing intent.

“Calm down, Your Majesty; it’s a grave situation, don’t act rashly.”

An elder beside her quickly advises, with earnest sincerity.

“That group aims to steal our race’s treasures, plotting treachery!”

“It is best to prepare for battle soon, and beware beyond the horizon.”

Upon hearing, Olwen becomes even more infuriated.

Why?

The mighty Elf Race, can it suffer bullying from others?

Furthermore, a greater threat looms near.

That is, the terrifying Dark Emperor.

“What trickery is Zhang Beixing, that demon, up to now?”

“Just mere vampires dare covet our Elven Holy Land?”

The Elf Queen grits her teeth with boundless hatred.

If not for that guy’s heaven-reaching means, she would have personally minced him long ago.

“Master, your subordinate is willing to sacrifice everything for you, with utmost effort!”

An Elf commander bows in salute, fighting spirit high.

Swearing to completely annihilate all enemy tracks.

“Good, send down the order, the entire race stand readied!”

“If necessary, even if we must ally with the Demon Race, that looming threat must be eradicated!”

Olwen’s gaze sharp, murderous intent surges.

An ominous, bloody war seems to be imminent.

Dark Empire, atmosphere filled with a chill of killing intent.

Countless soldiers clad in heavy armor, lined up in the drill ground.

Iron cavalry like a forest, banners fluttering.

“With the world in my grip, who dares to contend?”

Zhang Beixing sits on the throne, gaze fierce.

Surveying the endless military formations beneath him.

“Beixing, how do you plan to handle the current situation?”

Alina softly asks, with worried tone.

“Master’s strategies are beyond ordinary, those of minor stature cannot sway the grand scheme.”

Richard says in a deep voice, fighting spirit high.

Though adversaries lie in ambush, his faith in his lord never wavered.

“Heh, if I were them, I wouldn’t act rashly.”

Zhang Beixing’s lips slightly curling, disdainfully dismissing them.

“A few mere ants dare challenge me?”

“It’s simply courting death!”

The moment the words fell, everyone felt a chill in their hearts.

No one expected that the Master would regard these powerful enemies as nothing.

Indeed, it is the demeanor of a king with a broad mind and a dominating presence!

“Order the troops, full assault!”

Zhang Beixing suddenly stood up, filled with murderous intent.

“First, let’s visit the Elf Race’s lair!”

“As for the Holy See and the Demon Race…”

He let out a cold sneer, full of disdain.

His brows revealed an arrogant disdain for the world, as if any enemy before him was insignificant.

“The Holy See and the Demon Race? Ha, mere ants, worthy to be my opponents?”

The Soul Devourer trembled lightly, its purple glow flourishing.

The murderous aura around it was chilling and terrifying.

“Master is wise and invincible! With you as our leader, what do we have to fear?”

Richard was loyal and full of fighting spirit.

He knew the lord had always been strategic and supremely wise.

How could these self-proclaimed righteous small fries shake the foundation of the Dark Empire?

“Beixing, you must be careful.”

Alina’s beautiful eyes were filled with worry, her tone lingering.

Though she trusted her lover’s strength, she didn’t want him to be overconfident.

After all, the enemies were too many and too strong, one misstep could lead to doomsday irreversibility.

[Host, the situation is treacherous, you must act cautiously.]

[The Holy See and the Demon Race are not easy to deal with, you must prepare ahead.]

“No worries.”

Zhang Beixing was determined to succeed, a confident smile on his lips.

“However many come, I’ll handle them.”

“I want to see how long these overconfident fools can remain arrogant!”

Heroic words, each syllable resounding.

The black robes fluttered, full of killing intent.

As if ready to wash the land with blood at any moment, leveling everything in their path.

The surging momentum was awe-inspiring and intimidating.

“Order the forces, full alert, be ready to march at any time!”

Zhang Beixing suddenly stood, eyes like lightning.

“I will make the entire continent submit under the iron cavalry of the Dark Empire!”

“Long live the King! May the Dark Empire endure forever!”

Thousands of soldiers shouted in unison.

The overwhelming momentum even dimmed the heavens and earth.

Meanwhile, outside the territory of the Elf Race.

Thick fog enveloped the lush mountains and forests.

Everything appeared peaceful and untroubled, as if isolated from the world.

“Damn, these elves are really hard to deal with.”

The Barbarian High Priest gritted his teeth, cursing bitterly.

For the dignity of the Clan Leader and the Undead, he was willing to risk his life.

He ventured alone into the Elf Race’s territory, intending to seize their treasured possessions.

Yet, despite his cunning, he could not advance.

Layer upon layer of barriers and guards left him helpless.

“Heh, truly an old fox.”

A mocking voice suddenly sounded behind him.

The High Priest shuddered, quickly turning around.

He saw a man clad in black armor standing leisurely.

Holding a scepter inlaid with obsidian, exuding an extraordinary aura.

“Are you from the Demon Race?”

The elder’s pupils contracted, his heart filled with fear.

He never expected to be watched without even realizing it.

“Yes, it’s me.”

The newcomer’s lips curved slightly, a playful glint in his eyes.

“It’s been a while, Clan Leader.”

The High Priest was secretly startled, forcing a calm demeanor.

“Addressing me this way, perhaps you’ve mistaken me for someone else?”

“Enough pretending, who doesn’t know your face?”

The Demon Race man sneered repeatedly, full of disdain.

“Mere barbarians want to play tricks with me?”

“Do you think your petty tricks can escape my eyes?”

The moment the words fell, the scepter pointed into the void.

A fierce killing intent suddenly erupted.

Forcing the elder to retreat repeatedly, his face ashen.

“Spare me! My clan is willing to serve you, living and dying at your command!”

The High Priest begged tremulously, speaking incoherently.

Afraid that if the other was displeased, he might die here.

“Heh, sounds good.”

The man in black robes sneered, “Do you think I’ll believe it?”

The scepter waved, a black light flashed.

Crack!

The wooden staff in the elder’s hand broke instantly.

The embedded gem rolled to the ground.

It was none other than the legendary Divine Artifact Fragment!

“No! Give it back to me!”

The High Priest’s eyes reddened with desperation, lunging forward heedlessly.

That crazed look was chilling to behold.

Yet, the next moment, the man in black suddenly reached out.

His five fingers like hooks, clamping down hard on the elder’s throat.

“I said, you all must pay the price for betrayal.”

He smiled cruelly, exerting force suddenly.