Ilena: Qiu Tu, Don't Go (Please Vote)

As Qiu Tu's backers in the "Order Shrine," Ilena and Ink God King could be said to be among the few God Kings in the "Order Shrine" who stood on Qiu Tu's side.

This also meant that, many times, they would unconsciously consider matters from Qiu Tu's perspective.

For example, even though Qiu Tu had clearly acted to "betray" the "Shrine," they would still speak up for him.

And it was the same now.

After "betraying" the "Shrine," Qiu Tu could clearly have waited to sell his services to the highest bidder, yet he had returned to the "Shrine." And after telling them some secret information, he had fallen silent again.

This strange behavior immediately made them begin analyzing and speculating about the entire matter from Qiu Tu's standpoint.

Qiu Tu said he had fallen for the "Destruction Royal Court's" scheme and had been coerced into putting on an act.

Mad War God King had clearly died in the footage, yet Qiu Tu said he was still alive.

This was obviously hinting to them that the "Destruction Royal Court" was the true mastermind behind everything. Moreover, deliberately concealing a powerful Garrison God King and showing weakness to the enemy—it was clear they were plotting something huge.

Thinking this, the two women could not help exchanging a glance. Each saw her own speculation reflected in the other's eyes.

After a moment, Ilena was the first to speak.

She looked at Qiu Tu and cautiously said, "The one directing all this is that person in the 'Royal Court'? What does he want?"

Hearing Ilena's words, Qiu Tu shook his head and said, "It isn't that person in the 'Royal Court.' It's his daughter."

As high-ranking members of the "Order Shrine," both Ink and Ilena knew that although the current ruler of the "Destruction Royal Court" was the Destruction Tyrant, its actual executor was Princess Hui Ming.

Therefore, upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, the two believed him a little more.

Seeing this, Ink God King finally spoke. She asked, "Then what does she want by doing this?"

Hearing Ink God King's question, Qiu Tu deliberately opened his mouth, then assumed a state where he could not speak.

He tried twice before finally frowning and saying with a solemn expression, "Your Excellency, if I had something that could allow you to attain the Supreme Position."

"How much would you be willing to pay?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Ink God King's expression turned grave. Without hesitation, she said, "Everything."

But after saying that, her brows furrowed.

Because she knew that at a time like this, Qiu Tu would never discuss a worthless topic. Since he had brought it up, there had to be some implication behind it.

Thus, her mind began racing.

'Willing to pay any price to become a Supreme God King?'

'Is Qiu Tu talking about the "Destruction Royal Court," or the "Immortal Heavenly Tomb"?'

'Has their alliance already found a way to become Supreme God Kings?'

Just as Ink God King was thinking this, Qiu Tu spoke again.

He looked at Ink God King and continued, "Then if I also had a chance to become a Supreme God King, do you think I would give that thing to you?"

Qiu Tu's words instantly cleared Ink God King's thoughts.

'It isn't just "Destruction," nor is it only "Immortality." Both of them have found a way to become "Supreme."'

'And those two methods require the same "thing."'

At that thought, Ink God King felt that everything had fallen into place.

In particular, the "Shrine" had its own intelligence sources and knew that the cooperation between the "Destruction Royal Court" and the "Immortal Heavenly Tomb" was led by the "Destruction Royal Court." The "Immortal Heavenly Tomb" had always been the passive side.

Not only did it have to follow the "Destruction Royal Court's" arrangements in many operations, but even the hard and exhausting work was handled by the "Immortal Heavenly Tomb."

For example, White Frost God King, who had been killed during the attack on Chaos West Capital, belonged to the Immortal Heavenly Tomb's faction.

In other words, the "Immortal Heavenly Tomb" had the advantage of being treated as lesser people. Otherwise, it would probably have exploded in outrage long ago.

Back then, Ink God King had actually found the state of the two major factions somewhat strange. But she had not known why.

Now, it seemed that the reason was what Qiu Tu had mentioned: they needed something from the other party.

Thinking this, Ink God King's thoughts continued to spread.

If she followed this line of reasoning, then the "Destruction Royal Court" should have found a way for the "Immortal Path" to attain the Supreme Position?

But weren't the three Lower Paths unable to attain the Supreme Position?

And what exactly was that method—or rather, that "thing"?

From Qiu Tu's hints, this "thing" was not only effective for the "Immortal Path"; it was apparently also effective for the "Destruction Royal Court"?

At that thought, even Ink God King could not help becoming curious about this "thing."

Thus, she raised her head to look at Qiu Tu and asked, "What is that thing? Where is it now?"

Hearing Ink God King's question, a struggling expression once again appeared on Qiu Tu's face. He opened his mouth several times, but ultimately did not say it.

Seeing this, Ink God King more or less "guessed" that Princess Hui Ming had placed some sort of special seal on Qiu Tu, preventing him from revealing key information.

Such a "seal" could be removed by someone of her level, but it would require a great deal of time and no small cost. It was certainly impossible to accomplish now.

So after thinking it over, she decided to temporarily bury this conjecture in her heart and discuss it with the other High-level God Kings after returning before making a decision.

Thinking this, Ink God King could not help gently patting Qiu Tu's shoulder and saying, "Qiu Tu, don't worry."

"Although your mission failed, I will definitely protect you."

"I know there are many things you can't conveniently say right now, and many things you're not allowed to say. But that's fine. Let's return to the Wine God Kingdom first, then we can discuss things at length."

Hearing Ink God King's words, a trace of worry appeared on Qiu Tu's face.

He hesitated for a moment before saying, "There are bad people in the Temple."

"The reason I was captured was because... someone betrayed me."

This time, Qiu Tu had dropped a bombshell.

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Ink God King froze abruptly, her expression turning stern.

She looked at Qiu Tu gravely and warned, "Qiu Tu, you can't make such claims lightly."

"Do you have evidence?"

Qiu Tu nodded at that and said, "I do."

"But..." At that point, his tone shifted. "I have no way to produce it right now."

"Besides, my evidence can only prove that there really was a mole who betrayed me. It can't identify who it was."

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Ink God King's expression grew even more serious.

She stood where she was, silently pondering for two seconds before finally saying, "I understand."

"Don't worry. I will make sure you get justice."

As she spoke, a fierce glint flashed through her eyes. "It seems the Temple has been at peace for too long. Some people have already forgotten the most basic rules."

After saying that, she looked at Qiu Tu, her gaze softening somewhat.

Clearly, in her eyes, a God King who had ruined his own mission and a God King whose mission had been ruined because he had been betrayed by his own people held completely different standing.

More importantly, although that God King had "messed up" the mission, he had brought back more important intelligence, making up for the Temple's losses and redeeming himself through merit.

Thus, she said to Qiu Tu, "Don't worry."

"Come back to the Wine God Kingdom with me. As long as I'm here, you'll be fine."

This time, a smile finally appeared on Qiu Tu's face, and he nodded earnestly.

Seeing Qiu Tu agree, Ink God King waved her hand and removed the barrier around them before taking the lead and flying toward the Wine God Kingdom.

However, what she did not notice was that as she and Qiu Tu exchanged words, Ilena's brows had faintly furrowed at the side.

And after Ink God King so readily believed everything Qiu Tu had said, a pensive expression appeared in Ilena's eyes.

Meanwhile.

Wine God Kingdom. The grand hall where Mitchell resided.

Heavy Stone God King and Star Founder God King stood in the hall, facing Mitchell's fury.

Mitchell's face was dark as he looked at the two beneath the steps and slowly said, "Back then, you were the ones who said everything was foolproof."

"So why has Qiu Tu not only remained completely unharmed, but even Returned to the Temple?!"

At that, his eyes turned icy, radiating chilling coldness. "Do you know what it means for him to return?"

"The matter of you secretly passing Qiu Tu's information to the Destruction Royal Court and betraying him may very well be exposed."

"At the council meeting just now, I disregarded my own image and, despite Radiance and Ink God King's suspicions, repeatedly proposed getting rid of Qiu Tu."

"I even deliberately provoked Ink God King, trying to stop her from bringing Qiu Tu back."

"But it all failed."

"Now, you had better prepare for everything to be exposed."

Hearing Mitchell's words, Heavy Stone God King was relatively composed, but sweat was already streaming down Star Founder God King's forehead.

After all, he had been the one to propose this plan, and he had also been responsible for carrying it out.

Although Heavy Stone God King had agreed, he had cunningly kept his hands clean. Mitchell God King, meanwhile, had not expressed the slightest opinion on the plan.

Now that the matter had come to light, Mitchell God King would certainly remain unaffected. Heavy Stone God King could also pay some price and distance himself from it. But Star Founder God King had almost no room to maneuver.

For a moment, he did not even know how to salvage the situation.

Seeing this, Mitchell God King, seated upon the throne, shook his head slightly, disappointment flashing through his eyes.

Still, Star Founder God King was one of his longtime subordinates. After two seconds of silence, he nonetheless pointed out a way forward for him.

"Star Founder, it's not as though you have no chance to turn this around."

"What you need to do to reverse this situation is very simple."

"Betraying him violated the Temple's greatest taboo—members killing one another."

"But if he isn't a member of the Temple, or if he has also betrayed the Temple, then everything can be resolved."

"You can portray it all as you testing him. Or say that you noticed something off about him and wanted to use the enemy's hand to eliminate him."

Hearing Mitchell God King's words, Star Founder God King's expression fell.

In truth, quite a few God Kings suspected Qiu Tu of having ties to the Chaos Faction. But after all these years, no one had found any evidence. How could they possibly find proof in such a short time?!

At the Star Founder God King's words, Mitchell shook his head again in slight disappointment. Then, he did not continue trying to persuade him.

Instead, he brought up the second option.

"As for the second method, it's actually very simple."

"Deny it to the bitter end. Bet that Qiu Tu doesn't have any evidence that you betrayed him."

"As long as there's no evidence, you're still a veteran God King of the 'Temple.' Even Ink can't just kill you without cause."

Upon hearing this plan, the Star Founder God King's eyes lit up slightly.

He could not help but hunch over. Gratitude appeared on his aged face as he bowed to Mitchell and said, "Thank you, Your Excellency, for showing me the way."

Hearing the Star Founder God King's words, Mitchell's expression softened somewhat.

He thought for a moment before saying, "Things have already come to this, so don't worry too much."

"I'll also help cover for you."

His golden eyes were deep and solemn.

"Didn't Qiu Tu make quite a name for himself on the 'Ancient Continent'? Isn't he said to rival a High-level God King?"

"Then assign him some tasks, such as killing the Garrison God Kings of other factions. Keep him busy."

"That way, he probably won't have time to deal with you for now."

"And you'll have plenty of time to carry out these two plans."

At this point, Mitchell paused. "Of course, I suggest you pursue both at once and make preparations for both."

"That's the only way to ensure nothing goes wrong."

It had to be said that although Mitchell had some flaws in his character, he truly treated his subordinates well. Hearing his words, the Star Founder God King respectfully bowed again and said sincerely, "Thank you, Your Excellency!"

Seeing this, Mitchell waved a hand. "Alright, we'll handle it this way for now. You may leave."

"Yes, Your Excellency." The Star Founder God King and Heavy Stone God King answered in unison. After bowing, they backed out of the great hall.

After the two left, Mitchell sat upon the divine throne. The stern, domineering expression on his face gradually faded, replaced by a trace of weariness.

He gazed deeply at the great hall, his eyes filled with solemn thoughts.

If he had known that Qiu Tu possessed the potential of a High-level God King, he never would have chosen to suppress Qiu Tu simply because they stood on opposing sides.

But now, it seemed that everything was too late.

Sometimes, once one's position had been decided, many things were no longer within one's control.

Meanwhile, Qiu Tu, the Ink God King, and Ilena had also returned to the "Wine God Kingdom."

Because the secret Qiu Tu had provided was far too significant, the Ink God King gave only a few brief instructions before transforming into a streak of light and vanishing from the spot.

Seeing this, Qiu Tu also intended to leave.

However, just then, Ilena suddenly stepped in front of him.

She looked at Qiu Tu lazily and said with a smiling gaze, "Lord Qiu Tu, don't be in such a hurry to leave~"

"Why not come sit in my 'Wine Pool'?"

"I have a few questions that I'd like to verify with you in person."

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