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Chapter 453: Who Said That?
🕑 Added 2024-10-19 08:22:45 +0000 UTCLin Qian looked at Yue Liqun, who was kneeling before him, banging his head on the ground and begging. He remained silent for a long moment.
"When I say something, I mean it. If I said you can’t use the Refining Potion, then I won’t go back on my word. Do you think my words are just idle talk?" Lin Qian finally spoke coldly.
As Lin Qian gradually recognized the nature of his identity, his approach to dealing with matters began to change. The humans of the Ancient Forest World had just accepted him as their ruler and become part of the Huaxia Empire. Therefore, it was necessary to establish the proper authority and prestige. Whatever he declared could not be easily overturned; otherwise, what kind of emperor would he be?
After hearing Lin Qian's words, Yue Liqun's face turned ashen, and he continued to kowtow deeply. "I still wish to express my repentance to Your Majesty. I was shortsighted and ignorant before."
Yue Liqun did not continue to beg, which somewhat surprised Lin Qian. When he noticed the despair in Yue Liqun's eyes, he realized that Yue Liqun had already given up hope of persuading him. He knew that Lin Qian wouldn't grant his request, and continuing to plead would only annoy him.
"Your Majesty, I am fully aware of my guilt and only ask that you do not abandon the humans of the Northern Gathering Ground because of my foolishness." Yue Liqun then kowtowed three more times, this time pleading not for himself but for the humans under his care.
Lin Qian looked at Yue Liqun with interest. "It seems that integrating the humans of the Northern Gathering Ground into the Huaxia Empire is inevitable. Since they are citizens of the empire, they will naturally be treated fairly. You don't need to worry about that." He paused, then added, "I’m curious—should I call you Yue Liqun, or Yang Junyue?"
"Your Majesty, Yang Junyue is dead. All that remains is a foolish man obsessed with revenge," Yue Liqun whispered, his tone full of sorrow as memories of his wife, an alien of the Blackhorn race, flooded back.
Lin Qian nodded silently, observing Yue Liqun for a while before speaking. "Since you are still concerned about your fellow humans and show genuine repentance, it would be remiss of me not to give you a chance."
Hearing this, Yue Liqun's eyes brightened with hope, and he looked up at Lin Qian with excitement. "Your Majesty, truly?"
Xu Mengqing and Fu Deqing also smiled in relief, realizing that Yue Liqun had found new hope.
"The Refining Potion is off-limits since I’ve already decreed it." Lin Qian paused before pulling out a strange crystal, an item unfamiliar to everyone present.
The crystal was spotless, with a faint yellow hue and tiny, obscure runes faintly visible within. It was octagonal, about the size of a palm, with no detectable soul power, yet it exuded an indescribable aura, making it difficult to discern its true nature.
"I don't know what will happen if you use this, and I can’t guarantee that it will solve your problem," Lin Qian said as he held up the crystal for Yue Liqun to see. "But are you willing to take the risk?"
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for giving me this opportunity. Without it, I’d be like a walking corpse. I'd rather take the risk!" Yue Liqun responded with determination, deeply grateful to Lin Qian.
Satisfied, Lin Qian tossed the crystal to him. "Hold on to this. After the meeting, stay behind."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Yue Liqun replied with a nod, then moved to stand by Xu Mengqing, as Lin Qian had indicated.
Now, with the four elders, the four regional leaders, and the leaders of the ten other gathering grounds all present, the human leadership of the Ancient Forest World was complete.
"Yue Liqun's past experiences reveal two important points. First, something has changed within the Blackhorn King, making him brutal and ruthless. Second, not all members of the Blackhorn race are cruel." Lin Qian’s words were met with nods from the others.
At that moment, Yue Liqun raised his hand.
This was a protocol Lin Qian had emphasized—raise your hand before speaking.
"Yue Liqun, what do you need to say?" Lin Qian asked, signaling for him to speak.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Yue Liqun bowed and then faced the others. It seemed that the hope Lin Qian had given him had cleared his mind.
"In fact, many former allies of my father-in-law, those loyal to the Third Prince's household, have been secretly gathering in the Blackhorn Kingdom under the name of the Reverse King Palace."
"The Reverse King Palace is composed of Blackhorns who oppose the current Blackhorn King's rule. Their goal is to overthrow him and end the chaotic and bloody era in the Ancient Forest World."
Yue Liqun continued, "In fact, the defeat of the Blackhorn Kingdom's invasion of the four tribes' territories eight years ago was due to the covert assistance of the Reverse King Palace. Without their help, that battle would not have been so easily won."
This revelation left everyone stunned. They finally understood why the enemy had been so easily defeated during that invasion eight years ago.
"It seems you've maintained contact with the Reverse King Palace all along?" Lin Qian asked with interest.
Yue Liqun nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. I kept this secret to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. But I believe now is the time to reveal the truth."
The others nodded in agreement. Lin Qian's presence made it easier for everyone to listen calmly to Yue Liqun's explanation and accept the situation.
"Then inform the Reverse King Palace that when I move against the Blackhorn Kingdom, they should stay out of it and not interfere," Lin Qian instructed, then turned to address everyone. "As for the rest of you, focus on overseeing the use of the Refining Potion among the humans. Everyone must be monitored with the detection plates. Understood?"
"Your Majesty, but this..."
Lin Qian’s orders left everyone in shock. They had expected to assist him in his campaign against the Blackhorn Kingdom, possibly even enlisting the help of the other three tribes. But instead, Lin Qian wanted them to stay out of it.
"Judging by your expressions, it seems you don’t understand," Lin Qian said with a smile. "Even with your restored strength, your involvement would only create more chaos. Focus on treating the humans affected by the Transformation Fruit."
"But Your Majesty, no matter how unmatched your strength, you are still only one person. How can you face the entire Blackhorn Kingdom alone?" Wang Qiongxing asked, concerned.
Lin Qian smiled, feeling the immense power and enhanced physique that came with his Awakening Stage strength. "Who said I’m alone?"
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