After getting everything off his chest, Chen Cheng frowned again and said:
"If Fortune Aura has such a profound effect, the kings of these kingdoms should be like the former emperors of old. But all I've seen now is devastation."
Samlet's face filled with indignation.
"Hmph. Ever since the Empire stopped keeping them in check, those people have grown more and more brazen.
"To avoid being bound to Fortune Aura, they've all but abandoned the Path of Fortune. They keep it only as a last resort, something to draw from the Imperial Seal at a critical moment.
"And as soon as they're done, they sever their connection to it, reducing the backlash to a minimum."
As Chen Cheng listened to Samlet's explanation, he gradually understood.
This was no world of immortal cultivation, with transcendent beings standing above mortal Royal Authority. It was a low-magic world, where even the strongest of Legendary Rank could be checked by a powerful army.
That was why power ruled supreme here, and why these rulers sought ways to hold on to it longer.
There were only two ways: grow stronger or live longer.
As for growing stronger, aside from a sudden infusion of Fortune Aura, they could cultivate magic or Battle Aura. They also controlled a vast store of inherited magical knowledge.
Orthodox cultivation could both strengthen them and extend their lives. Fortune Aura, on the other hand, meant guarding against backlash while sacrificing years of their lifespan.
Chen Cheng had to admire how ruthless and clever they were.
"They've calculated every last thing down to the bone."
Samlet sighed, then smiled.
"But for all their foxlike cunning, they've made a grave mistake this time."
"How so?"
Chen Cheng frowned.
"I don't know where that Pseudo-Emperor came from, or how he came to carry Your