Chapter 495
Upon seeing the target appear, an elderly Sarkaz Old Man with white hair stepped out from the queue. Supported by a younger Sarkaz, he actually knelt down and bowed to Shi Lei.
Fortunately, the latter reacted quickly and dodged away.
"Sir, what are you doing?"
The Old Man Sarkaz grinned and explained:
"Mister Zhongli, we have learned that you took in tens of thousands of Sarkaz in Londinium. Although we liches do not associate with our fellow lichmen, we still thank you for your kindness in preserving the flame for the Sarkaz."
"Lich?"
Upon hearing this, Shi Lei immediately laughed and scolded:
"That Teleportation Array you guys set up really messed me up, sending me to a place that's really, really far away. But I guess these two experiences were a blessing in disguise."
The first time was when they were teleported to the Sami Icefield, where they discovered the whereabouts of Reine des Neiges's former master deep in the cave.
The second time was when they were transported to other planets, allowing them to observe Terra directly from a cosmic perspective for the first time.
Seeing that he didn't seem truly angry, the Lich King secretly breathed a sigh of relief and began to get to the point:
"Mister Zhongli, I guess the Black Empress didn't convince you. The two sisters were created as weapons of war to deal with Helkhorzoren, and they may not be so good at interpersonal communication. Please forgive them."
However, the matter of the desolate region is not only related to the future of Sargon, but also closely related to the future of this planet.
Ah?
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Chapter 569 Retribution Will Come (4K)
Is it that serious?
Shi Lei felt that the Lich King's words were somewhat alarmist. No matter how large a space one person creates, there should be a limit; it shouldn't replace the real world.
Even if it were to expand to the size of Terra Planet, it wouldn't replace or engulf the real world.
Seeing his questioning tone, the Lich King hesitated, then pointed towards the woods outside the main road:
"Mister Zhongli, could we talk somewhere else?"
Shi Lei glanced back at his girlfriends, then looked away and nodded. He followed the old Sarkaz Old Man to the edge of the woods about thirty meters away.
"Tell me, what exactly happened?"
The Lich King leaned forward slightly, appearing extremely respectful. Seeing that no one else was present, he began to explain:
"This story begins with Sargon's victory in the Four Emperors War and the fall of Gaul. Although Helkhorzoren's strength had declined at that time, it was still a level that ordinary people could hardly reach. He..."
Shi Lei listened for two or three minutes, but felt he couldn't extract the key information. So he interrupted and reminded him:
"I want to know what the wasteland has to do with the future of this land. Can you get to the point?"
"We're almost there, almost there!"
The Lich King, slightly sweating, quickly recounted a story that Shi Lei knew before getting to the main point:
"Helkhorzoren's strength was declining day by day, and he knew that he could only live for a maximum of sixty years. So he began to look through various books and began to study how to prolong his life. I lent him the [Fate Knot] and created a brand new space outside the real world, called the Wasteland."
The flow of time within is different from the real world; calling it an 'alternate dimension' wouldn't be an exaggeration. But the problem is, the wasteland has been targeted by extraterrestrial beings. Demons and chaotic matter have invaded the wasteland."
Upon hearing this, Shi Lei took the initiative to ask a question:
"Is it one of those Demons from northern Ursus?"
The Lich King, his expression grave, nodded.
"Yes, the wasteland could not be closed after it was invaded. This caused this area outside the real world to become a passage for Demons to enter the real world."
"I'm asking for your help this time because I want to go in and retrieve the [Fate Knot] that I lent to Helkhorzoren. Ideally, the passage should be closed to prevent a catastrophe."
I see.
Hearing this, Shi Lei immediately understood. Although the Happy Pot he created had never encountered Demons or Chaos Matter, it didn't mean it wouldn't in the future.
In layman's terms, the Demons and Chaos Matter mentioned by the Lich King can both be classified as extraterrestrial beings.
These creatures live extremely far from Terra Planet, making it impossible for them to directly land on this planet.
The Wasteland, on the other hand, serves as a special passage connecting the two planets. By traversing the Wasteland, one can cross vast distances to reach Terra Planet.
Shi Lei frowned slightly, beginning to realize the seriousness of the matter. If the Demons were allowed to emerge from the desolate region, although it might not immediately endanger Liyue, it would be an absolute catastrophe for other countries.
Is the Demonic Invasion in the wasteland severe?
The Lich King shook his head, forcing a wry smile, indicating that he could not give a definite answer.
"I'm very sorry, Mister Zhongli. No one has entered the Wasteland since Helkhorzoren's death. Now, 21 years have passed, and I still don't know what the situation is like inside. That's why I wanted to ask for your help to go in and take a look, nipping the disaster in the bud."
The Lich King learned of Zhongli's extraordinary strength from the Messenger Emongard and through his own intelligence channels. His ability to return to Terra Planet without relying on any external aids demonstrated that he was no less powerful than the Witch King at his peak.
Seeking help from Mister Zhongli is currently the best and only option. Other powerful individuals capable of directly confronting the Demons will not help Sargon resolve its crisis.
"I understand, but I have a question."
"Mister Zhongli, please speak."
Shi Lei understood the principle of mutual dependence and wouldn't stand idly by. If the Demonic Invasion the real world, even if Liyue stood atop a high mountain, it wouldn't be able to remain unscathed.
"Do we have to enter the wasteland in the next few days?"
"No, before entering the desolate region, the Twin Empresses and I need to do some preparations. Conservatively speaking, it will take at least one year and at most two years."
The Lich King has set his sights on a descendant of the Witch King who lives in the Sunset District. The boy named Franz possesses a unique Mortal Echo.
For liches, Long-lived Race, the concept of time is similar to that of Great Beast. They feel that a period of one or two years is already an imminent timeframe.
Shi Lei hasn't adjusted to this concept of time yet; he feels that one or two years is still a long way off.
Given his current points, he should be able to reach the True God Realm in another two or three years. At that time, entering the Desolate Domain with strength comparable to Heavenly Principles's Law would be a much safer option.
"Alright, I agree in advance. Sir, is there anything else? If not, my family and I need to leave for our next stop."
Seeing Zhongli nod in agreement, the Lich King felt a weight lifted from his heart and was overjoyed. He placed his right hand on his left chest and solemnly introduced himself:
"Mister Zhongli, my Fremont, and I am the Lord of the Royal Court. Although we do not usually associate with our fellow lichmen, now that the Sarkaz are facing a life-or-death crisis, I hope that after resolving the affairs of the Wasteland, I can lead the Lichs to join your ranks."
Due to Theresis's invasion of Londinium, the reputation of the Sarkaz plummeted worldwide.
As one of the Ten Royal Courts, the Lich Kings were naturally not immune. They could no longer simply find a remote place to recuperate as before; they needed to find a powerful backer.
Now that the Regent is dead, Empress Theresia has led 30,000 able-bodied Sarkaz to surrender to Liyue City. Within Kazdel, those remaining are mostly the old, weak, and disabled.
In other words, the true lineage of the Sarkaz is no longer in Kazdel, but in Liyue City.
Fremont knew that Shi Lei was powerful and believed that siding with him would bring protection to his Tribe Members. Moreover, since Shi Lei had accepted the Empress and 30,000 Sarkaz, there was no reason for Fremont, a few hundred knowledgeable liches, to refuse.
"Ha, you're going to join my cause?"
Shi Lei stared at the Old Man in front of him and teased:
"I've heard that liches are very afraid of death and rarely participate in battles. You brought your Tribe Members to join me because you think it will be safe in Liyue City?"
Fremont didn't hide it, because he knew that avoiding the question might be a negative point:
"Mister Zhongli, I don't deny that there's one reason for that. But more importantly, we share your love of peace. Our Tribe Members all hope to find a safe place to teach and educate, far away from the turmoil of war."
Upon hearing this, Shi Lei made a promise without hesitation:
"I've long heard of the Lich's peace policy; the gates of Liyue City are always open to you. It's settled then; come when the time comes."
Recruiting these liches as teachers is a waste of their talents. What he values is their Space Teleportation Array technology. Combined with the establishment of Cross-border Communication engineering projects, it might have unexpected effects.
Fremont, with a humble attitude, bowed and said:
"Then I will thank you on behalf of my Tribe Members."
Later, Shi Lei asked some questions about Demons and Chaos Matter, but he didn't know much about them.
Because when liches encounter danger, their first reaction is to flee immediately, rather than approach and make contact with the enemy.
Shi Lei knew he couldn't force it, so he took the initiative to end the private meeting. Later, when he returned to Guili City, he could ask Broca. He used to fight against Demons in northern Ursus and might know more inside information.
"If there's nothing else, we'll be going now."
Fremont smiled broadly; since the other party had already agreed to both requests, he dared not make any further demands.
"No, no, Mister Zhongli. Where are you going next? Let us see you off."
As soon as he finished speaking, Luo seemed to sense something. He looked up at the city gate and muttered under his breath:
"The Exaggerated Sheep is here."
Who is the Exaggerated Sheep?
Shi Lei followed the gaze and saw a Caprini woman with white hair, white horns, and a white dress. Behind her followed a group of golden-armored Knight, presumably the Golden Law Iron Guard.
Without Fremont's introduction, he knew this person was the White Empress, one of the Twin Empresses.
Liselotte Evignad.
In this family trip, Shi Lei was the only male. Liselotte easily identified her target by bypassing the acquaintances, Maena, and the liches. A smile spread across her face as she proactively approached:
"Oh my goodness. If I'm not mistaken, this must be Mister Zhongli. He looks so young, not even twenty-five. I only just learned of your arrival in Cinderelme, and I'm so sorry I didn't come out to greet you sooner."
This tone of voice, leaning towards opera and somewhat like a translator's, truly lives up to the word "exaggerated." The Lich King's nickname is indeed well-deserved.
That's definitely exaggerated.
Fremont noticed Shi Lei's gaze and shrugged helplessly.
As he stated before, the Twin Empresses were created to fight against the tyrannical Helkhorzoren in his later years. They are quite weak in interpersonal communication and will appear somewhat different from normal people.
"It's alright, we're leaving anyway. You should go back now, farewell."
The Blood Gem intended as a gift have already been given to the Black Empress's subordinates. Now that everything that needed to be done has been done, there is no need for them to remain in Cinderelme.
"Oh my goodness. Is it the gloomy weather or the unfair treatment that makes you want to leave? Why not stay a few more days? I'll show you around the city and its various sights, and there are some dishes you shouldn't miss."
As soon as she finished speaking, the White Empress gave Maena, who was standing nearby, a wink, signaling him to help her.
But the latter knew perfectly well that if the other person really wanted to leave, they wouldn't stay because of a few words, so he remained silent.
Shi Lei felt there was no need to stay and bluntly declined the White Empress's warm invitation:
"Sorry, we have a schedule to attend to. We have to go now. Hope you'll come back another time."
Although Liselotte's tone was exaggerated, her attitude was very positive and enthusiastic, but it just sounded a little strange.
"Oh, what a pity. My mood right now is like the snow and ice of Ursus in December. Remember to let me know if you ever come to Cinderelme again."
Shi Lei would have to come here again in a year or two for matters concerning the wasteland, so he responded politely:
"Okay, I'll definitely invite you next time."
After speaking, he bid farewell to the White Empress and led his entourage westward.
Maena did not join the team; he stayed in Cinderelme for other things.
Fremont and his liches followed behind, escorting them for over 20 kilometers. Only after they had left did Shi Lei lower the land vehicle that had been suspended high in the sky and continue his journey.
The group continued westward, traveling through mobile towns and rural fields. They strolled along the way, enjoying the food and scenery, and entered Victoria six days later.
Londinium, Norbert District.
After finishing the meeting and touring the military camp, the Duke Wellington returned to his residence.
Of all the Duke who occupied Londinium, he was probably the one who inspected the military camps the most diligently.
The Duke Wellington started as a common soldier and gradually rose to his current position through military merit. Once, due to negligence, a fire broke out in the barracks, almost preventing him from completing the mission assigned to him.
From then on, the Duke Wellington developed the habit of patrolling. Regardless of the sweltering heat or bitter cold, he would patrol every day without fail. If he discovered any security risks, he would have someone deal with them promptly.
Back at the mansion, the Duke Wellington sat wearily in a wooden chair, one hand supporting his forehead.
Since the Sarkaz's defeat, His Highness Ablana has been searching for the whereabouts of the infected throughout Victoria.
I heard she has a grudge against Talulah, the leader of the Rhodes Island, and it seems she won't rest until she gets her revenge.
Talulah is the rightful heir to the Victorian Throne, with a higher priority than Ablana. If word gets out that she killed Abrahina, it will be even more difficult for her to inherit the imperial crown.
The Duke Wellington stared up at the Gallic Royal Family painting on the wall, his mood not very good. He had been like this lately, somewhat melancholy.
Only after the Messenger he sent out returned, informing him of the various countries' attitudes toward Zhongli, did the Duke Wellington belatedly realize the seriousness of the matter.