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Chapter 18
Tian Chen immediately focused his mind.
With a casual snap of his fingers, he summoned Silvers Rayleigh—currently coating a ship on Grove 56—directly into the grand hall of Celestial Palace City.
Rayleigh appeared completely bewildered.
He was just about to curiously examine the massive, resplendent golden space when his eyes landed on the figure seated casually atop the towering throne ahead.
It was none other than the enigmatic and unfathomable Tian Chen the Great Emperor, dressed in black dragon imperial robes.
Rayleigh dared not show any disrespect.
In his eyes, Tian Chen's mysterious power had long surpassed anything he could comprehend. Simply put—he was overwhelmingly strong, absurdly so. Even Rayleigh himself didn't dare harbor the slightest thought of resistance.
"This humble one, Silvers Rayleigh, pays respects to Tian Chen the Great Emperor."
Rayleigh bowed slightly in a respectful salute.
Tian Chen casually lifted a finger. Using the Supreme King's Power, he gently straightened Rayleigh's bowed posture.
Indifferently, he stated:
"Anyone residing within this Emperor's empire is a subject of this Emperor." "While enjoying the rights granted by the empire, one must naturally fulfill the corresponding obligations."
Rayleigh's heart sank. He instantly understood the implication.
There was no way to refuse! And even if there were… he wouldn't dare.
After all, Sabaody Archipelago was now firmly under the iron rule of the man before him—Tian Chen the Great Emperor!
Rayleigh figured it was better to cooperate proactively than be forced into it.
"Great Emperor, rest assured!" "Since this humble one resides within the Giant Empire, I shall obey the empire's order and willingly fulfill my obligations."
Dealing with intelligent people was always easy.
Tian Chen was quite satisfied.
"Rest easy—this Emperor did not summon you here to make things difficult." "As long as you help the Giant Empire complete three tasks, you and Shakky may reside permanently on Sabaody Archipelago and enjoy all the rights and protections of the Giant Empire!"
Tian Chen got straight to the point—clean and direct.
Hearing the promise of permanent residence, Rayleigh's eyes immediately lit up.
"May this humble one ask what the three tasks are?"
Rayleigh asked seriously.
If the tasks were excessive or impossible, he would have no choice but to decline. In the worst case, he and Shakky could simply leave Sabaody forever.
"Rest assured—they are all within your capabilities." "For now, begin with the first task!" "Go to Fish-Man Island on this Emperor's behalf. Invite Princess Shirahoshi to visit the Giant Empire for a period of time." "This Emperor is well aware of your strength!" "Even if the World Government reaches her first, you will not disappoint this Emperor… correct?"
Tian Chen's deep, profound gaze fixed on Rayleigh.
Rayleigh's heart tightened.
The Great Emperor's meaning was crystal clear: This mission must succeed. No failure allowed.
Failure would mean Rayleigh hadn't given his all for the empire. It also implied that he would likely face off against people sent by the World Government.
But since the Great Emperor had such confidence in him… The opponents arranged by the WG must be within Rayleigh's ability to handle.
Rayleigh didn't hesitate long.
"Very well. This humble one will not fail. I will invite Princess Shirahoshi to visit the Giant Empire."
"Excellent!"
Tian Chen raised his hand casually— And Rayleigh was instantly sent back to where he had been working.
Looking at his coating station reappearing before him in the blink of an eye, Rayleigh's heart once again surged with shock.
Such methods were truly mysterious and unfathomable.
Just how strong was Tian Chen the Great Emperor? What kind of being was he? How could such an overwhelmingly powerful existence have remained completely unknown until now?
Filled with questions, Rayleigh dared not delay.
He immediately boarded the freshly coated ship alone and set course downward—toward Fish-Man Island beneath Sabaody.
He had to reach Princess Shirahoshi before the World Government did.
...
Several hours later…
Five Elder Saturn returned to Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Inside the Room of Power…
The other four Elders were stunned to see Saturn back after less than half a day.
They immediately asked:
"What happened?" "Didn't you go to Sabaody to assassinate Tian Chen the Great Emperor?" "Did you already succeed?" "Or did you fail and flee back here immediately?"
Facing the questioning of his peers of equal status, Saturn gave a faint, cold snort and said:
"Circumstances have changed. I must report directly to Imu-sama."
Seeing Saturn's grave demeanor, the other four felt a strange curiosity but didn't dare press him further.
Moreover— Hearing that Saturn was going to report to Imu-sama… They instinctively kept their distance. None of them wanted to be dragged along for another audience with Imu.
Saturn went alone to the grand hall of the Empty Throne. He prostrated himself toward the throne, waiting silently for Imu-sama's arrival.
Within minutes… Imu, veiled in a thin silk scarf, appeared without a sound.
She sat upright on the massive Empty Throne.
"What is it?"
Imu asked with majestic authority— Her tone icy cold. Clearly displeased by Saturn's sudden return.
"Reporting to Imu-sama—" "After receiving your command, this subordinate immediately proceeded to Sabaody Archipelago." "The Giant Empire's entry/exit points are not heavily guarded—they allow free passage." "As long as one follows the Giant Empire's order inside, they receive protection." "This subordinate successfully infiltrated… but discovered that Tian Chen the Great Emperor's Celestial Palace City is filled with bizarre power." "The moment this subordinate stepped into the range covered by Celestial Palace City, all strength was lost. There was no way, and no confidence, to enter the sky city where Tian Chen resides and carry out the assassination!" "To avoid exposing my identity, this subordinate had no choice but to return to Holy Land Mary Geoise."
Imu's cold, ghostly gaze examined Saturn intently— Searching for any sign of lying Or evidence that he had been threatened by Tian Chen.
But Saturn's behavior and demeanor remained exactly as usual.
After all, Tian Chen's enslavement method was far too sophisticated. Saturn showed no outward change whatsoever. Imu could detect nothing unusual.
Even so… Imu did not let him off lightly.
"Hmph. Useless trash!"
Imu rose from the massive throne.
With a casual wave of her hand— An invisible, mysterious force slammed Saturn backward.
He flew through the air, spitting blood.
In an instant, His entire presence wilted— His face pale, his aura surrounded by deathly stillness.
The other Four Elders, watching from afar, Broke into cold sweat.
They silently rejoiced— Thank goodness they hadn't gone with Saturn.
The grand hall of the Empty Throne closed once more.
Imu returned to her seat on the massive throne. Her body radiated flickering, eerie energy— Even the void around her twisted violently.
"Hmph… what an impressive Tian Chen the Great Emperor. This King will personally go and see exactly what kind of monster you truly are."
With that, Imu transformed into a wisp of ghostly light— And vanished from the spot in an extremely eerie manner.
...
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