The Ancient Saint Emperor of the Heaven-shading

Chapter 180 All Races Pay Homage, All Saints Worship, Quasi-Emperor Attacks (7K)

Beyond the Big Dipper, the Holy Venerable appeared in a fleeting moment, shaking all the heroes.

"Back then, news came back from the depths of the universe that the Ziwei Sect Master had defeated all opponents on the One True Path, ascended to the seventh level of the Great Sage, and was known as the Saint Venerable. I never expected him to embark on his journey home so soon." The Great Sage of Fire Mulberry Star took a deep breath, disregarding the great battle, and hurriedly flew to the Big Dipper, wanting to witness the miracle.

Back then, it rose to power, sweeping across the land from the Hundred Races to the Myriad Races, and then to the royal family and visitors from beyond the realms. No one could stop it. It even destroyed the Three Sons of the Underworld, suppressed the Heavenly Tyrant Blood, and subdued the Divine Blood Supreme and the Prince of Light. Even the disciples of the Emperor Venerable followed it. Later, it destroyed the disciples of the Eternal Heavenly Venerable, killed the Immortal Golden Holy Spirit, and defeated the Chaos Body and the Taiyin Body. Such a proud record was enough to shake the past and present and make generations of people despair!

Now that such a divine being has returned, even the Great Sage yearns to pay homage to him.

The Great Sage Fulong, having lost his opponent, was stunned for a moment, then his expression changed. "Holy Venerable One, how can there be no other saints in the world when one person appears?"

His emotions shifted from shock to complexity, and he couldn't help but follow along.

In the Central Plains of the Big Dipper, Wang Hongwu and the Heavenly Princess returned to this land.

Back then, the Ziwei Sect came from beyond the heavens and started its rise here. Now that he has returned to his hometown in glory, he is deeply moved.

"The Central Continent's Supreme Emperor City is quite lively." The Heavenly Empress glanced at the creation left behind by the Ziwei Sect during the last All Races Conference, which has now become the venue for the third All Races Conference.

There's no other reason than that the Ziwei Sect already possesses the power of the strongest royal family, and with the alliance of multiple royal families, naturally all races regard it as their leader and humans as their supreme beings!

"The Ziwei Sect has developed quite well in recent years." Wang Hongwu nodded and looked towards the Extreme Emperor City. This was a true grand gathering of all races, with people from all over the universe coming.

He even saw the domain gate left behind, which led directly to the Beidou Ancient Road built outside the domain. Young figures would often enter it and then return. They were all going to visit or cultivate at the entrance gate of the Trial Road. Many of them were disciples of the Ziwei Sect, and there were also geniuses from the Eastern Wilderness. Clearly, they had reached some kind of deal.

Recently, due to the changes in the Divine Organization, the Underworld, and the Undying Mountain, the Big Dipper has become the focus of attention throughout the world. Too many people from all the stars and myriad realms have come, and saints have crossed over like a tide.

"A new conference is about to be held. Is it going to be a confrontation with the underworld this time? That's not a good thing at all; it's too dangerous!"

"It's not really about us taking the lead. The main force is naturally the Divine Organization. At most, we're just there to hold them back. Otherwise, if the Quasi-Emperor Corpse Spirit appears, everyone will be helpless."

"Sigh, if only the Master of Ziwei Sect were still here."

Within the city of Jidi, many people were discussing the recent changes, which were both unsettling and exciting.

However, many people are worried that the underworld will likely cause trouble, and even visitors from the Undying Mountain might come.

Such a powerful force could easily send out even a quasi-emperor to intimidate others. In the current Beidou region, apart from the Wanlong Great Sage who is rumored to be attempting to break through to the quasi-emperor level, probably no one can resist it.

However, that old dragon is quite legendary, nearly eight thousand years old. If it can become a quasi-emperor, it would truly be a miracle and a milestone.

"Hmm, that's the old patriarch of the Fire Kirin Cave. I heard that their ancient prince embarked on the path to the stars and has not returned since."

"The clan leader of Blood Phoenix Mountain has also arrived. In recent years, clan leaders such as the Golden King and the Heavenly King of Qianlun have successively achieved the Great Sage, which is quite different from before."

"Have all the Great Saints of the royal family come? There seem to be even more Great Saints from beyond the realm, arriving in droves."

As everyone watched, they noticed that many high-ranking elders of the royal family had arrived, which showed how much importance they attached to this grand event.

Moreover, people from ancient star regions such as Huosang, Gouchen, Tongtian, Minglan, and Fulong have arrived, making the entire Beidou region a turbulent place. One powerful figure after another has arrived, and none of them are willing to submit to the other, creating a turbulent undercurrent.

Because there are too many unruly people, and the Great Sage has many enemies and adversaries over the years, when they gather here, they will naturally band together to resist the Great Sage of the Big Dipper homeland. And when these people clash, it will cause trouble again.

Boom!

Almost every day, a great battle breaks out in the city of Jidi. Most of them are stopped, but the ones that are difficult to resolve are all disputes at the level of Great Saints. At this moment, two veteran Great Saints from different star regions have started a fight to determine who is superior.

"No fighting within the Imperial City!" Just then, a silver-haired figure draped in a star-patterned robe descended from the sky. With sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, he was a Saint-level being, and his entire body exuded an aura like that of a human king and the sun, attempting to stop the two Great Saints.

The Holy Son of Ziwei? Everyone was surprised to see him. They didn't expect that even a disciple of the Holy Venerable would come. Some people advised, "Those are two Great Saints. Friends of the Ziwei Sect, please turn a blind eye."

"So what if he's a Great Sage? It's not like our sect doesn't have Great Sages." The Purple Star Saint Son was unconvinced. He was acting according to the rules. With the sect's current strength, even a Great Sage couldn't act recklessly here.

At this moment, the two Great Sages looked at him with sinister eyes. "Young friend, I respect you as the Holy Son of the Ziwei Sect, so I'm giving you some face. But you, a mere Sage, dare to interfere in the affairs of Great Sages? Are you courting death?"

"Just because of my title as the Holy Son of the Ziwei Sect, just because this is my Ziwei Sect's territory, just because my sect has gathered so many Great Saints, if you dare to break the rules here, I dare to intervene!" the Holy Son of Ziwei roared. There really were some blind fools who dared to cause trouble here; they were truly courting death!
"Insolence! How dare you disrespect the Great Sage? Summon Xuan Yin!" "Do you think you're the Master of the Ziwei Sect? Get out!"

Immediately, the two veteran Great Sages made their move, intending to capture the Holy Son and teach him a lesson.

Some experts around also narrowed their eyes, feeling that this was a different kind of test of the Ziwei Sect, to see if they had the confidence to suppress all the outside experts. If they couldn't, then their subsequent actions could naturally be more unrestrained.

After all, there have been rumors that the Ziwei Sect's powerful members have been transferred to support the Divine Organization, leaving the sect vulnerable.

"Your disciple really does resemble you in temperament, just as assertive." The Empress looked over, her tone teasing but not in a way that belittled him. Protecting one's own reputation is only right, not to mention that as a Holy Son, with the support of all the saints in the sect, what is there to fear? He should be assertive!
“He has the confidence to back it up, and that’s enough.” Wang Hongwu smiled. With his current strength, he could rule the world, and all races would have to be respectful and reverent, at least on the surface.

The next moment, just as the two Great Sages made their move, a terrifying aura suddenly erupted from this place, shaking the world and possessing an unparalleled killing intent that suppressed the heavens.

puff!
Under the crushing pressure of this aura, the two Great Saints showed expressions of horror. Their bodies were crushed and trampled as if by some giant object, withering and shrinking until they were as thin as cicada wings, and then suddenly exploded and vanished into nothingness.

No one expected that the two Great Saints who were just threatening Ziwei Saint Son would suddenly explode and die on the spot.

"Huh? Dead? Really?" Everyone was stunned, rubbing their eyes in disbelief. What had they just seen?
These two Great Saints, both patriarchs of their respective regions, were simply crushed and shattered by someone's aura?

Is the one who has arrived a future emperor?

Just as he was wondering, the Holy Son of Ziwei's expression changed drastically, from stunned to surprised, and then to delighted and excited. He disregarded his manners and rushed to the ground, then bowed deeply and said, "Greetings, Master! You've returned!"

Master?

Everyone was stunned. The Holy Son's master? Wasn't that the sect leader? But hadn't that Holy Venerable only recently opened the One True Path? Could it be...?
Upon realizing this, they all sprang to their feet, their eyes fixed on that direction. There, a perfect couple appeared hand in hand. The woman was the most beautiful woman in the world, clad in a phoenix feather divine robe, her beauty unparalleled. The man was heroic and handsome, his golden and purple robes radiating a precious light, his aura unmatched in the world.

These two people standing there were impossible to ignore; their outstanding presence made them stand out from the crowd.

"Yes, yes, yes... Holy Venerable and Phoenix Lord!" someone exclaimed, immediately recognizing their origins.

The moment these two titles were uttered, they swept across the entire area like a thunderclap. Many great sages in the region were shocked by what they saw.

In particular, upon seeing the three followers behind the Holy Venerable, everyone felt a chill run down their spines, a coldness spreading from head to toe. They were actually three Great Saints!

They were all powerful figures on the unique true path, possessing astonishing combat strength capable of sweeping away all royal families, great saints, and extraterrestrial patriarchs, invincible in all directions.

The Holy Lord no longer needs to take action himself; his followers are enough to suppress the world!
"It's him! I saw him a hundred years ago when the Demon Well opened!" Finally, someone among the saints from beyond the realm confirmed it, and couldn't help but cry out in shock. He had been left with an indelible shadow in his heart, and he trembled there.

"More than a hundred years have passed, and it is actually the Ziwei Sect Master who has returned?" Everyone was shocked, and their hearts were filled with surging waves of shock. This great figure's achievements were incredibly heaven-defying, sweeping across the One True Path without any rivals!
He had been gone for over a hundred years, and now he was returning with such power that his mere aura overwhelmed the two veteran Great Sages! His invincible demeanor shocked and terrified everyone.

"Invincible? He has already sat at the pinnacle of the Great Sage realm, possessing the aura of absolute supremacy. Who can rival him?"

"Without the arrival of a Quasi-Emperor, one can sweep across the eight wastelands and be invincible in heaven and on earth!"

"The rumors are true. He defeated his contemporaries to the point that no one dared to claim supremacy. Many individuals with the potential to become emperors and prove their Dao were trampled underfoot!"

After a brief silence, the place suddenly erupted into chaos, with all sorts of noise rising up. The news that the Ziwei Sect Master had returned stunned everyone, leaving them in a daze, filled with a mix of emotions, both hopeful and anxious.

More than a hundred years have passed, and the mortals have changed one or two generations, but the cultivators of the past are still there. Whether they are acquaintances or strangers, they all have complicated expressions.

Especially for him and his contemporaries, the shadow remains in their hearts.

Even now, the best among these people have become saints, but they still turn pale at the mere mention of this name, and some even collapse to the ground.

After all, the Sun King of yesteryear was ruthless, striking fear into the hearts of all races. However, he seems to have developed the demeanor of a grandmaster recently, and doesn't appear to be capable of indiscriminate killing anymore.

"Not bad, you can stand on your own now." Wang Hongwu patted the Holy Son's shoulder with satisfaction. It was the same Human King Physique that he had guided back then, only a dozen years younger. He cultivated the scriptures he left behind, turning the secret realm into a Dao seed. Now his physique has reached its peak. He has used the Sun Mother Scripture to find a new path, combining the power of the Great Sun with the spirit of the Human King, and has already achieved extraordinary success.

"Master!" The Ziwei Saint was extremely excited, not only because of his awe, but also because of the real existence of the myth of sweeping across the starry sky over the years. The people of Beidou had heard about the Saint Venerable's achievements again and again, and were filled with longing and awe.

It can be said that the Ziwei Sect and Wanlong Nest have already revered him as their god, unparalleled in the world, and he has almost become their faith and spiritual pillar.

After all, every report from beyond the realm was a glorious victory, which earned the admiration of all star regions and the awe and fear of all races. They respected and submitted to the Ziwei Sect, for they shared both glory and ruin.

*Ahem*, the Heavenly Empress remained silent, but 'accidentally' released a wisp of her aura. Upon seeing this, the Purple Star Saint Son subconsciously called out, "Master's Wife?"

Hmm, this child is teachable!

The Empress smiled with satisfaction and rewarded him with a legendary artifact, which made Wang Hongwu chuckle. However, he wasn't wrong in calling her that, although he had several other "master wives" after all.

"Senior, could you tell us what's on the ancient road?" At this moment, the young talents of the five regions bowed deeply in respect, each one filled with anticipation, eager to know the vastness of the starry sky.

"Senior, could you tell us about the ancient road?" Other young people from beyond the borders also gathered around.

This is the next generation, more than a century apart from theirs, yet they are just as energetic and ambitious as they were back then.

Looking at these young people, Wang Hongwu was deeply moved. "The world is like a flowing river, and the people of yesteryear are no longer the same."

However, upon seeing a young man carrying a sword, he paused, sensing a familiar aura, and asked with a smile, "Where did you obtain this technique?"

"Reporting to Senior, it was obtained from the starting point of the Trial Path!" The young man was imposing, carrying a dark blue longsword on his back. He was very respectful to Wang Hongwu, clearly aware of the connection between the two.

"It's him, the Three Yin King? I've heard of his name. He's skilled in swordsmanship and the Golden Crow Wing Escape Technique. He's a top expert among the semi-saints!" Everyone was surprised. Could it be that this young king's opportunity is related to the Holy Venerable?

"Good, very good, you are quite good. Would you like to join my Ziwei Sect?" Wang Hongwu laughed heartily. The two major techniques he had left at the starting point of the trial had been obtained by someone else. This was a good prospect.

Upon hearing this, the Three Yin King was overjoyed and immediately bowed, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Master!"

"This guy is really lucky to receive praise from the Holy Venerable. He has a bright future ahead of him!" "Joining the Ziwei Sect is an incredible opportunity. Many people don't have this chance."

Seeing this, a group of people nearby were very envious. That was the Ziwei Sect! The strongest royal family in the world. To be able to join their sect and receive the praise of the Holy Venerable was an extraordinary thing. How come they couldn't have such good fortune and opportunities?

Finally, the other young beings gathered around, creating a lively atmosphere. They were filled with curiosity about the legendary Holy Venerable and kept asking him questions, addressing him as "senior."

Looking at all this, and recalling the trials she had left behind in the Trial Gate, the Empress could only sigh. Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, they were all from the previous generation, becoming her seniors.

In the distance, a group of cultivators who had been practicing Taoism for over two hundred years stood silently. These people had experienced the era from the Purple Star Saint to the Sun King, and then to the Purple Star Sect Master, and witnessed how he rose to power. Looking back, it all seemed like a dream, and now everything was different.

They were all geniuses, renowned in their respective regions, but compared to the current Holy Venerable, they paled in comparison. Every single thing the Holy Venerable did was a momentous event that shocked the world.

“We are now from two different worlds.” The First King Clan Chief, the descendant of the Heavenly King Clan, is now at the peak of the Saint realm. His cultivation can be said to be quite fast, but when compared to the past, he is filled with sorrow.

"Didn't we already know this fact back then?" The patriarch of the Hun Tian Clan sighed. He couldn't help but wonder what it would be like when those royal elders met the Holy Venerable.
What kind of horror would it be?
"Meeting is fate. I will preach to you for three days. How much you gain depends on your own destiny."

Later, Wang Hongwu set up his throne on a high platform, where he instructed a group of young people and lectured on the scriptures for three days, answering their questions, discussing the methods of cultivation, and explaining the true meaning of the Great Dao.

During this time, many more people came from beyond the realm. Upon learning that he was preaching here, many powerful individuals came with the intention of pilgrimage.

During his sermons, the altar radiated divine light, and he himself appeared solemn and dignified, like an ancient deity reborn. The sound of chanting resounded throughout heaven and earth, captivating all who heard it.

Then, a Dao Lotus grew in the void, crystal petals fell from the sky, divine springs gushed forth on the earth, and the entire Imperial City was radiant with light, submerged by the vast Dao energy.

Everyone who comes here to listen to the sutras gains something. Those who benefit greatly experience a sense of emptiness and enlightenment, directly breaking through to another realm. Those who gain less still comprehend secret techniques and scriptures, deepening their understanding. This accumulation will greatly benefit their future cultivation.

"Time has truly changed so much." In the distance, some people sighed silently.

Unable to suppress his wavering, he abandoned his ambition to contend and was no longer willing to struggle in this chaotic world.

Soon, news of what happened in the Extreme Emperor City spread, shaking the five regions.

Wang Hongwu's return caused a great stir, causing a sensation throughout the five regions and sparking widespread discussion. People could hardly believe it.

His contemporaries were stunned. It had only been a little over a hundred years, yet they had already fallen behind several generations. Even the imperial family's foundation and the birth of a Great Sage could not compare. It was as if an insurmountable chasm lay across their lives.

"He should come to our Eastern Wilderness, but he just doesn't have the time right now."

"Nanling also made a promise with the Holy Venerable. I hope he still remembers our Holy Maiden."

"Hahaha! As expected of the pillar of my Dragon Nest, his return this time should lead to his marriage with the princess, which will be another beautiful story!"

"I have a past with him at the Golden Cave, but we've turned hostility into friendship and our relationship is thriving. Will he reappear?"

“My Fire Kirin Cave also has an appointment with the Holy Venerable. The Princess is eagerly awaiting his arrival, and he will surely come.”

"No need for further words, my Primordial Lake always welcomes the Holy One's arrival."

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Wilderness and the Southern Ridge, all the major powers were eagerly awaiting the arrival of Wang Hongwu. Now, his significance was truly different; he was invincible below the Quasi-Emperor level!

Soon, news came from the depths of space: "Breaking news! New information has arrived!"

The Holy Venerable, wielding supreme divine might, swept away the Flying Immortal Star in one fell swoop, annihilating the remnants of the Kunlun Clan!

"What?! The legendary Kunlun clan was wiped out by the Ziwei Sect Master?" "This, how is this possible? It's a fantasy!"

"That's a truly powerful and influential force. How could this be? It's unbelievable."

"Does this mean that, if the Holy Venerable so desires, he can annihilate other extreme forces just like the Flying Immortal Star?"

This news was earth-shattering; even the major royal families were stunned and remained speechless for a long time.

How long has it been? The Holy Venerable already has this kind of power!

Doesn't that mean that if he wanted to, the royal family could also be in danger of destruction?

Upon realizing this, all races were terrified, the earth was in an uproar, many powerful forces were moved, and the leaders of all the major clans set off to pay homage to the Central Plains.

On this day, people from all races came to pay homage.

On this day, all the saints worshipped together.

The sight of everyone prostrating themselves in worship was magnificent, signifying that the power of the Ziwei Sect had reached its zenith and ushered in a golden age.

It's unclear how many people arrived that day; the city gates of Jidi City were almost broken down by the crowds, and many people sat outside the city, refusing to leave.

Many clan leaders came to pay their respects to Wang Hongwu, but they were not so relaxed. They sat upright, spoke cautiously, and were very careful.

Everyone was stunned. These people in charge of the Beidou region had always been arrogant and domineering. They never expected that they would be so humble.
In the distance, the Beast King of Slaughter opened his mouth, recalling the bet from back then, his expression somewhat subtle.

Wang Hongwu naturally noticed him as well, and smiled slightly, "The bet still stands."

Alright! The Beast King of Slaughter gritted its teeth, unwilling to back down, and attacked with all its might. However, just as Wang Hongwu had said back then, one hand was enough. With a simple grab of its five fingers, the Beast King of Slaughter shrank rapidly and became a plaything in the palm of its hand.

"You...you?! Just what level have you reached?!"

The Beast King of Slaughter was horrified. How could this be? He was powerless to fight back and was even suppressed by a single hand without any explanation? Even the Sun Emperor back then wasn't this powerful!
Wang Hongwu remained silent, merely gazing at it indifferently, until the beast king bowed its head in defeat and submitted, saying, "I am convinced. I believe the words of the Holy Emperor. From now on, I will serve you as my master and guard the mountain gate."

Whoosh! The moment the words left its mouth, it was released. Upon seeing this vast world again, it felt as if it had been transported to another world.

Seeing the Holy Venerable display his divine power again, everyone was horrified. This Heaven-Slaying Beast King was infamous and had fought against many Great Saints from beyond the heavens over the years, but he was suppressed with one hand. It was hard to imagine the Holy Venerable's current strength. Could it be that he had already reached the level of a Quasi-Emperor?

"Ha! How majestic is the Holy Lord! So many years have passed, I wonder if you still remember the blood debt from back then?"

At that very moment, a sound came from beyond the heavens, causing strange phenomena to occur throughout the Central Plains. Ghosts wailed and gods howled, the heavens and earth trembled, and even the gods seemed to be terrified. In the human world, blood rained down one moment and divine flowers bloomed in the next. In the bloody light, crystal petals danced, creating an extremely eerie scene.

"Who is this arrogant person? Daring to challenge the Holy Venerable?"

"Is his life worthless? How dare he be so arrogant?"

For a moment, everyone looked over, wanting to see who was so blind as to court death.

As a result, everyone turned pale upon seeing the person who had arrived.

Because they were beings from the underworld!

The underworld soldiers, clad in black iron armor, moved with a halting pace, numbering in the millions at a glance. Above their heads, they collectively supported a massive jade coffin.

Within it, terrifying fluctuations, surpassing even those of a Great Sage, emanated.

They were even covered in blood, having just finished their battle with the God Organization and destroyed one of their strongholds, and then came to Beidou on the way!

Because awakening the quasi-royal corpse of the Black Prison takes time, and the Underworld also needs to be serious about the great confrontation with the God Organization, and it is not easy to deploy additional quasi-royal combat power.

"Oh? A quasi-emperor has arrived. Interesting." Wang Hongwu remained unmoved, instead looking over with great interest. He showed no fear, but rather appeared eager to try his luck.

clang!
Upon hearing his words, the jade coffin lid was flung open, and a corpse spirit clad in purple-gold armor emerged from it. He was bound by heavy shackles that rattled loudly, yet he possessed a terrifying Daoist aura that surpassed all other spirits.

A potential emperor, he has definitely arrived!
"Holy Venerable, do you think you are invincible just because you killed a half-step Quasi-Emperor? In front of a true Quasi-Emperor, you are still an ant."

The words of the visitor from the underworld were like a thunderbolt, shaking the vast sky and sending chills down everyone's spines. They were speechless and struggled desperately.

Quasi-Emperor Corpse Spirit!

Everyone was shocked. Sure enough, a great figure from the underworld had arrived, intending to disrupt the All Races Assembly and sever Beidou's support for the divine organization.

"Back then, he was just a newcomer to the Quasi-Emperor realm. Now, his corpse is even more spiritually advanced than before, yet he dares to put on airs in front of me?" Wang Hongwu glanced at him coldly, his words quite sharp, even somewhat harsh, but he spoke naturally and earnestly, not intentionally to humiliate him.

Because in his view, that is the truth.

Now that he is a half-step quasi-emperor, he can challenge and compete with the divine prohibition. Moreover, he possesses many supreme divine weapons, and with spiritual treasure killing swords and array diagrams by his side, he has the possibility of killing. What is there to fear?
But these words surprised everyone, for he was a quasi-emperor!

No one expected that he would actually dare to challenge them?

"Ha, you ignorant brat, today I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget." The quasi-emperor corpse spirit shook its head, displaying an arrogant and carefree demeanor, as if it were toying with the fate of the world. However, seeing Wang Hongwu's disdain, it immediately attacked, "What are you bragging about? Take my punch first!"

Boom! In an instant, he threw a punch, and the Candle Dragon opened its eyes, the Vermilion Bird flapped its wings, Qiongqi, and the Transformation Serpent, among other immortal spirits, swirled around his fist, together protecting a true dragon as it charged out with overwhelming power. It was a powerful and majestic attack, a fusion of the Eight-Nine Heavens Technique and the Dragon Fist, instantly reaching the realm of divine forbidden zones and triggering the All-Encompassing Secret.

The secret of the character "皆" amplifies the attack tenfold!
That was a tenfold increase on top of the Thirteen Forbidden Rules, and it was further enhanced by the Forbidden Domain: Extreme Secret, which propelled the Dragon Fist and Heavenly Skill to be unleashed simultaneously. Its power reached the heavens and the earth, and it swept into the Quasi-Emperor Domain with overwhelming force!

What?! The quasi-emperor corpse spirit's expression changed drastically, and he had no choice but to take action to defend himself. During their clash, an aura swept across the sky, destroying all things and rivers and mountains, engulfing the mortal world, and shocking all directions.

"What happened? Has a true quasi-emperor war broken out?!"

Within the five regions, everyone was horrified, all gazing incredulously towards the direction of the Supreme Emperor City.

Are there near-emperors fighting each other?!

(End of this chapter)