Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $7 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/inkshield <<
----------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 19
As night fell…
Sabaody Archipelago lit up with scattered lanterns, the streets growing even louder and more lively.
Tian Chen stood at the edge of Celestial Palace City, hands in his pockets, gazing down below.
Suddenly, a wave of loneliness washed over him.
Life truly was as desolate as snow.
Not only was he invincible with no worthy opponents… His harem remained empty, with no beloved concubine to warm his bed tonight.
"Sigh…"
But just then— Tian Chen's brows furrowed slightly.
His perception detected a powerful aura fluctuation suddenly appearing on Sabaody Archipelago.
It was far more terrifying than the aura Silvers Rayleigh unconsciously released.
"Hm?"
"Logically, within the Giant Empire's territory, no one should be able to escape my perception." "How is such an overwhelmingly strong aura appearing now that night has fallen?" "Could it be… another assassin sent by Holy Land Mary Geoise?"
The thought piqued Tian Chen's interest.
Who could it be this time? Could it possibly be Imu herself?
With a thought, Tian Chen channeled the Supreme King's Power, piercing through countless obstacles to look directly at the source.
A slow, delighted smile gradually curled across his lips.
The target he had locked onto… Was an unknown stranger.
But she was a jaw-dropping, heavenly beauty.
Even dressed in a simple plain robe, Her beauty was utterly natural and effortless. No matter what she wore, she looked stunning. Even the most modest attire couldn't hide her orchid-like elegance and timeless grace.
With just one glance, Tian Chen mentally rated her beauty in his heart.
She surpassed the publicly acknowledged number-one beauty of the One Piece world— By a clear margin.
"Interesting…" "Not only is her strength terrifying… she's this beautiful too. Her identity must be extraordinary."
The smile on Tian Chen's face deepened with intrigue.
In the original story, No character combined such overwhelming power with this level of beauty. No one even knew her name. And now she had appeared on Sabaody Archipelago?
How could someone like this possibly escape his scrutiny?
Tian Chen already knew most of the major plot points and characters in the One Piece world. The mysterious woman before him… Was almost certainly the ultimate hidden boss lurking behind the Five Elders— The supreme ruler seated on the Empty Throne— The secret dweller of the Room of Flowers… Imu.
"Hmph… since you've delivered yourself to my door, don't even think about leaving here unscathed!"
...
Meanwhile…
Imu arrived at Grove 70's inn street.
Because she had come incognito, She hadn't covered her face with a veil.
Her celestial beauty, graceful figure, and long wine-red hair—combined with her orchid-like aura— Had drawn countless stares and drooling onlookers from the moment she set foot on Sabaody.
"Hiss—!" "My god, what a stunning woman!!!" "She must be the true number-one beauty in the world!!!" "She's even more beautiful than Empress Boa Hancock and Princess Shirahoshi of Fish-Man Island!"
"Damn… if I weren't afraid of Tian Chen the Great Emperor's insane power and strength, I'd already be rushing up to commit a crime right now."
Countless people lusted after Imu's beauty.
But if they knew… The woman before them was the Void Throne's supreme ruler— Who had secretly ruled the world for over 800 years— They would have been scared out of their souls!
Imu, who had deliberately hidden her identity, Paid no attention to the surrounding trash.
For someone who had lived as long as she had, Her mentality had long transcended such trivialities. Very few things in this world could interest her anymore.
Suddenly, Imu looked up slightly— Toward Celestial Palace City thousands of meters in the sky.
A strange feeling stirred in her heart.
She sensed a very powerful presence secretly observing her every move.
Even someone as powerful as Imu felt an inexplicable sense of unease.
Had her identity already been exposed?
But how could that be possible?
She hadn't shown her full face in over 800 years. Even the Five Elders—who were allowed to meet her— Had never seen her true appearance.
In the current world, No one knew her real identity as the Void Throne's ruler.
Only someone from 800 years ago could recognize her by face!
After thinking it over… Imu concluded her identity hadn't been exposed. She had hidden her aura perfectly. No one should be able to see through her unfathomable depths.
Perhaps… It was simply because she was too beautiful. That was why a hidden powerhouse had immediately begun spying on her.
But the thought that she was being watched purely because of her beauty Only made Imu feel even more frustrated.
She had already dressed down for this trip— Wearing nothing but a simple moon-white plain robe. She hadn't bothered with elaborate styling.
Yet even so… Her natural aura and beauty couldn't be fully concealed. This had turned out to be her biggest miscalculation!
Next… Imu planned to find an ordinary inn, Take on the identity of a common person, And stay here for a while.
Then she would look for an opportunity to make contact with Tian Chen the Great Emperor— And slowly probe the depths of his strength.
If the chance arose… She would personally erase him!
...
Tian Chen watched the entire time as Imu entered an inn And booked a clean, simple room.
Every movement she made exuded refined elegance.
Tian Chen's heart surged with wild excitement.
A faint, wicked smile appeared on his face.
His figure suddenly vanished from Celestial Palace City.
In the blink of an eye… Tian Chen appeared inside Imu's room.
Imu had just sat down on the edge of the bed, Planning to wait until late at night when the island quieted down Before going out to investigate.
Then— An uninvited guest appeared silently and without warning inside her room.
Imu instantly recognized him: Tian Chen the Great Emperor!
She had to admit… His methods were truly terrifying.
However… Imu did not lose her composure.
Putting on the reaction a normal person should have, She acted slightly nervous and frightened, asking:
"Y-You… who are you?" "How did you get into my room?"
Tian Chen hadn't expected… Even now, Imu was still acting?
Since that was the case… He wanted to see just how long she could keep up the performance.
He smiled faintly.
"Don't be afraid. I am Tian Chen the Great Emperor."
"W-What? You're… the Tian Chen the Great Emperor who established the Giant Empire here?"
Imu pretended to be shocked and surprised.
Tian Chen laughed inwardly.
Imu's acting was indeed impressive— Every expression perfectly on point.
If he hadn't already guessed her true identity… Anyone else facing her would have been 100% fooled.
As expected… The more beautiful a woman, The better she is at deceiving people.
"That's right. I am the Tian Chen the Great Emperor who established the Giant Empire here." "I came late at night because this Emperor greatly admires your extraordinary beauty and aura… And wishes to take you as my concubine!" "Are you willing to marry this Emperor?"
Tian Chen looked at Imu with appreciative eyes.
His desire for her body… Was completely serious.
Imu's clear, beautiful eyes blinked in shock.
Faced with Tian Chen's sudden move, She was momentarily thrown off— Completely at a loss for how to respond!
...
Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $7 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/inkshield <<
----------------------------------------------------------