Imperial Crown.

Chapter 650 "Ghost?" "And?" "Return?" "Bright?"

"Well…"

Those roars were quite a treat for the little bee, who twisted her neck and pressed on, asking, "Panzi, why is your imperial title 'Bloody Emperor'?" After all, Raven preferred his title, "Emperor Raven." While not as imposing as "Bloody Emperor," it gave the little bee a more direct and stimulating experience!

The call of "Pan Zi" startled Pan En, and the expressions on the faces of everyone in the hall varied. Some were tense, others were uneasy...

"Your Majesty..."

Pan En pondered for a moment, then slowly revealed the idea that had been lingering in his mind for some time: "The reason for calling him the Bloodthirsty Emperor is that such an imperial title encompasses both the three northwestern provinces and the Bloodthirsty Highlands. In this way, "it will put you in a situation where you can advance or retreat as you see fit, both in terms of sentiment, reason, and law."

After all, "preparation is the key to success, and lack of preparation leads to failure."

Therefore, instead of thinking about progress, success, or proper procedures, people should first consider danger, retreat, and change.

Pan En's words are all gems, profound yet easy to understand.

Clearly, he must have spent countless nights rehearsing and polishing these words to be able to speak so fluently and effortlessly as he does now.

After listening, Raven nodded after a moment's thought. Hmm, I have to admit, that makes some sense...

Pan En pressed his advantage, saying, "Your Majesty, I have a plan. We can take the province of Morinier without shedding a drop of blood!"

"Please speak," Raven said calmly.

Pan's lips curled into a smile, his confidence evident as he declared, "Simply disguise the soldiers as merchants, commoners, mercenaries, serfs... and infiltrate them in batches. When the time is right, we'll have the orcs launch a feigned attack from the outside. With this coordinated attack from within and without, we can instantly bring Count Jonah to his knees, his banners fell, and his surrender!" Pan's confidence grew, his voice echoing throughout the hall like a resounding bell.

It must be said that compared to the hyenas' simple and brutal trap, and Eric's costly dog-eat-dog scheme, Pain's plan was arguably the fastest and most feasible. Jonah couldn't possibly come to the trap. He's practically incontinent with fear of Raven; how could he possibly come to Raven's invitation for a feast? Is Jonah really that brainless?!
However, upon hearing this, not only did Vesdon and Eric's expressions change drastically, but even Bai Yue, Igni, and the others were shocked, staring at Pan, who was kneeling in the hall, with strange looks on their faces.

This scheme is so sinister and despicable that it has crossed the line of basic humanity!
"Mother fucker!!!"

However, before Raven could respond, a furious roar rang out from the side!

Seeing that Raven was already eager for the throne and had been misled by villains into planning this wicked scheme, Ferdinand could no longer contain himself. He jumped out from the side, pointing at Paine and roaring, "Who are you?!" "What's your name?!" Clearly, Ferdinand didn't actually know Paine, but that didn't stop him from venting his anger: "As a citizen of Keynes, how dare you utter such rebellious, disobedient, and ungrateful words?!"

Pfft!
After Ferdinand finished his tirade, he turned and did something completely unexpected, even to Raven. He knelt down on the granite floor of the hall, just like Pain, right beside him! This action didn't bother the others in the meeting hall; only Raven and Crouch, who knew the details, paled. Raven was even more alarmed, jumping up from his seat as if pricked by a needle. Amidst the strange looks from the crowd, he coughed lightly, feigning composure, and slowly sat back down on his stone chair.

Anyone who knows even a little about Ferdinand knows that his fiercely independent character is virtually unmatched throughout the entire Keynes Empire. For the sake of the empire, he would rather kill a loved one with an arrow. Even within the Blood Ring, in a situation where no one could see him, he never once knelt or bent his back to Raven!

Oh, no... the only time I came up with it was when I thought of it.

However, at this moment, he actually knelt down in front of Raven in public.

Whether others know that the skeleton contains Ferdinand's soul or not is irrelevant. Just considering Ferdinand's pride, such an act is nothing short of earth-shattering.

This clearly shows how excited he was at that moment!
No wonder Raven lost his composure like that!

"Raven!!!"

"Intrigue and trickery will not accomplish anything great!"

"I admit that when you first took over Eagle Territory and inherited the baronship, the territory was impoverished, and you had no resources or background. Under those extreme circumstances, starting from scratch, it's understandable that you made some inappropriate actions, irrational decisions, and unsuitable schemes for personal gain!!!"

“You believe me, Raven!!!” Ferdinand roared, his skeletal hands trembling violently as he pounded his chest. “The Battle of Magik City cost me almost everything.” “Dignity,” “Integrity,” “Reputation,” “Money”… “All in one night!”

"Things are always unpredictable, aren't they?"

"So, I've been in the same situation as you! That makes me deeply empathetic about your past." "What kind of situation was that?"—"A mere copper coin!"—"Enough to drive a hero to his death!!"

"What kind of feeling is that?"—It's like being unable to move an inch! It's like being in unbearable pain! It's like swallowing your sobs! It's like standing on the edge of an abyss!

"It's so hard," "So hard," "It's really so hard," Ferdinand lamented, overwhelmed with sorrow as he recalled the past. However, possessing the skeleton, he could shed no tears, no matter how grief-stricken he was. A deep green glow burned fiercely within the two openings of the cave, a testament to the turmoil in his heart.

"But it can be even more difficult."

"It's all in the past, isn't it, Raven?"

"Winter is passing, spring is on its way." "You've already weathered the toughest part!"

Ferdinand's voice held a hint of unspeakable, bitter pleading. "Raven," he said, "now you have a choice! You can reclaim the dignity, honor, and integrity you were forced to abandon! You can become a worthy nobleman! A pillar of the empire! A hero of the nation!"

"During this period of time," "I have carefully studied the situation in the empire."

"Yes!" "That's right!" "The empire is on the verge of collapse, facing a precarious situation!"

"but!!!!!!"

"There is definitely a way to save it!"

Ferdinand raised his hands in a pious gesture, "Raven, the most urgent matter right now..."

"We should prepare our troops and point our swords southeast!" "Because the conflict with the orcs" is "a racial conflict!"

"Secondly, to rescue the province of Crispi." "Because it is a battle between good and evil against the Order of Death!"

"Turning back to attack the northeast of the empire." "Because the conflict with the Insa Empire" "is a conflict of nationalities!"

"Finally!" "A proclamation was issued to the world." "Because it is a struggle for righteousness against the false emperor and the fake king!"

Pei Dinan's voice resounded throughout the hall as he argued forcefully, "This is an era of four-way contention! There is much to be done!"

"We must never listen to this ugly, deformed freak spouting nonsense again!" "He's spreading heresy!" "He should be beheaded immediately!" "Let's get to the bottom of this!" Pédinan suddenly pointed at Pan En beside him, "This man, just by looking at him," "is the kind of person who is jealous, insatiable, cunning, and deceitful!" "This kind of person" "will never understand the weight and history of a thousand-year-old family."

"If you listen to him," "even if you destroy Jonah" and "acquire the province of Molinell," "it will be no different than opening Pandora's box!"

"The empire is in dire straits!" "The people are suffering terribly!" "We, as nobles, no matter how decadent and corrupt we may be, must never be without a sense of responsibility and mission!"

"If you insist on listening to him," "stand by and watch him do despicable things," "only seek to live a secluded life and protect yourself," "even if you declare yourself king and emperor of three provinces!"

"In the future, it will inevitably fall into the difficult situation of 'the Insa Empire strangling it,' 'Serafinu pinching its ribs,' and 'the Holy See blocking its anus'..."

Ferdinand said earnestly, “Raven, I am not afraid of others knowing that I am Ferdinand! I, Ferdinand, am willing to kneel before Your Highness today because I am willing to support you as emperor and king! I am willing to be loyal to you! But if you truly want to become a qualified monarch, you must walk the great path, take the righteous road, and tread the bright path!”

"Instead of listening to the slander of petty people." "Plotting wicked schemes," "calculating personal gain," and "indulging in evil desires!"
"Your Majesty Raven," "In short, to sum it all up," Ferdinand kowtowed heavily, "Please heed my advice!" "It can bring the empire back from peril to safety, from darkness to light!"
Roar--

However, as Ferdinand uttered his last words, Raven, who had been sitting upright on the stone chair with a solemn expression, suddenly rose and let out a thunderous roar. This roar was like rolling thunder, echoing through the heavens! Even more terrifying was that the roar seemed endless—like a dragon's cry, or even a tiger's howl! The deep, resonant breathing from his chest sent chills down the spines of everyone present, plunging them into a bone-chilling fear! The once brightly lit conference hall instantly turned crimson! It was as if everyone had been suddenly thrown into a vat of blood. Everywhere they looked was a mist of blood. Every breath they took smelled was the bitter, pungent stench of blood. But it wasn't over yet. In the pitch-black blood mist, flames occasionally lashed their heads, ice froze their feet, and cracks tore at their bodies… “This…this is the power of law??????” The next moment, everyone in the hall, including Vesdon, Eric, and Chirpinga…, was terrified, tumbling from their stone chairs and kneeling in the hall. Even Crouch was no exception. Because if he didn't prostrate himself at Raven's feet, the skeletal body he had possessed would soon be reduced to ashes! Suddenly, two dazzling, blinding, and extremely powerful golden pillars of light surged from the blood mist, like the eyes of a god, indifferently gazing down upon the terrified crowd! After an unknown amount of time, the god who completely controlled the life and death of everyone in the hall finally spoke slowly, his voice majestic, cold, and as if tempered with ice:
“幽…?” “而…?” “复…?” “明…?”

This statement came out.

Pei Dinan's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately realized that he had gone too far with what he had just said.

Pan En's heart skipped a beat, and he sighed inwardly, "The true dragon has appeared."

Crouch, kneeling in the hall, also felt a jolt in his heart, cursing Ferdinand for his stupidity!
Of all the people, Crouch had the least interaction with Raven. Yet, at this moment, Crouch, this once renowned seventh-tier, nine-star powerhouse who considered himself the Lord of Light walking among mortals, suddenly understood the true meaning of that saying. What was that saying again? —If one is not a nobleman, seeing Raven is like a frog in a well looking at the moon; if one is a nobleman, seeing Raven is like a caged bird gazing at the vast universe!

These words came from Ferdinand, who had spent every day with him in the Blood Ring.

Who is Raven? Raven is the mastermind behind Ferdinand's murder! He is the blood enemy who personally severed the heads of Ferdinand's two grandsons! He is the foe who caused Ferdinand's disgrace and the downfall of his family! He is the regicide who colluded with Seraphim, murdered Emperor Habsburg, and caused the burning of the Imperial Code!
How could Ferdinand not hate him?!

Even though Ferdinand harbored such deep resentment towards Raven, when Blood Ring calmly evaluated Raven, he was able to sincerely utter "that" word of praise and admiration!

Crouch, who once despised the powerful, scorned politics, and hated corruption, now kneeling at Raven's feet, amidst the blood mist, realized that, aside from his cultivation, he was utterly utterly insignificant before Raven.

Because Raven, in his daily life, may appear despicable, shameless, vulgar, joking, or utterly unserious… but all of this is predicated on no one touching his sore spot. If anyone violates his taboos, crosses his red line… even just the thought itself, Raven's terror will rise like a mountain from the ground, enveloping and suffocating. Just like now. This blood mist is not only filled with the power of the laws Raven has comprehended, but also with a killing intent as solid as a tangible substance. The killing intent is like knives and needles, relentlessly piercing the bodies and souls of everyone present. Life within the Blood Ring is incredibly dull and boring. Ferdinand has reviewed his situation more than once; his only chance of survival is not to kill the dragon Zolzahn and those hot-blooded second-generation heirs! Otherwise, in Raven's mind, he would already be dead!

And now, it is clear that Ferdinand has once again crossed Raven's line!

"Sigh!" Crouch sighed inwardly, "Brother Ferdinand, maybe you'll have to be more careful in your next life." Raven was now utterly enraged! His killing intent towards Ferdinand was like a tsunami, overwhelming and unstoppable… Not only him, but even Eric, Viston… and others had to suffer the same punishment. Kneeling on the ground, sweating profusely, they dared not utter a sound. Having spent so much time in the Blood Ring, Crouch was even more aware of his place in Raven's heart. He dared not offer any advice.

"Bam—"

Just when everyone thought Ferdinand was doomed, the conference room door was suddenly kicked open.

"Ah—" Immediately afterwards, a sweet cry came from the doorway. "My lord!!" "The princess of the Kingdom of Podomichrie has arrived!" It was Petty's voice that came in.

Whoosh—

The next moment, the blood-red fog in the hall suddenly dissipated, returning to Raven's body like weary birds returning to their nests.

Raven's face remained calm, and the golden light in his eyes faded slightly.

Just as she was about to speak, several people walked in through the door. The first person, dressed in a gorgeous gown—a pink fairytale dress reminiscent of Lolita fashion by Raven—possessed a noble air and extraordinary beauty, with long, flowing, curly hair like seaweed. The dress, adorned with various crystal and rhinestone embellishments, sparkled even more brilliantly. Her white pointed-toe high heels and cat-like gait further emphasized her princess-like status.

Behind him followed another person, dressed in a dark robe. Clearly a mage, he wore the emblem of the Mage Guild on his chest. He too possessed fair skin, a radiant appearance, and delicate features.

In addition, two extraordinary guards in full armor followed behind them. These were the standard armor of the Kingdom of Podomichre.

The girl strode into the hall with an air of arrogance, her gaze sweeping around before her round, jade-like brows furrowing. "Which of you is Raven?" she asked. She couldn't find the elderly man she remembered who was on his deathbed.

Some of them did look quite similar. But unfortunately, upon closer inspection, none of them were. Two were skeletons, and one was a hideous goblin.

“It’s nothing.” “You may all rise…” Stephanie Vansnow said matter-of-factly, looking at the crowd kneeling obediently to greet her.

Eric, Link, Viston, Thor... Crouch, Ferdinand... Chuchulinga, White Moon, Igni, Pain: "..."

"What do you want with Raven?" Raven frowned as well, asking with some displeasure.

He truly didn't recognize the people in front of him. However, he would avenge Podomichrie sooner or later.

"I," "Stephanie Vansnow," "Princess of the Kingdom of Podomichrie," "want to annul the engagement."

Stephanie said calmly.

"break off an engagement?????????"

Raven was increasingly puzzled. He muttered to himself. But the next moment, as if possessed by an evil spirit, he roared, "Thirty years east of the river! Thirty years west of the river! Never underestimate a young man's potential!"

Everyone:...

"Master!"

"Kill him!" "Quickly!"

Stephanie pointed at Raven: "Kill this brainless idiot who's read too many cheesy novels!"

……

(End of this chapter)