The imperial capital of the Cold Abyss Nation, the Purple Forbidden Palace.
Towering palaces rose in overlapping tiers, wreathed in purple qi, their resplendent heavenly might bearing down on the entire imperial capital.
A figure in purple-and-gold imperial robes sat upon the throne in the great hall. His face was imposing and inscrutable, his eyes and brows carrying an emperor's innate authority. He was the reigning emperor of the Cold Abyss Nation-Emperor Xiao Yuan.
Elder Shi Chu entered the hall alone, bowed, and knelt in obeisance, not daring to overstep in the slightest.
"Rise." Emperor Xiao Yuan's voice was calm, yet carried the unquestionable authority of the throne.
Shi Chu slowly rose and immediately reported every detail of what had happened at the Chen Household's training grounds and how the Ghostface Butterfly had appeared.
"Your Majesty, the Ghostface Butterfly, one of the Spirit Realm's Ten Great Strange Insects, has appeared. It possesses an innate command of Spatial Confinement and limitless potential for growth. It is a heaven-defying Beast. For such an insect to fall into the hands of a mere junior of the Chen Household is a waste. If our Imperial Clan brings it under our control, the Cold Abyss Nation's overall fighting strength will soar!"
The Ghostface Butterfly?
At those words, Emperor Xiao Yuan lifted his eyes slightly. A fierce glint of possessiveness and ambition flashed through their inscrutable depths.
Though imperial authority appeared supreme in the Cold Abyss Nation, its great aristocratic clans each controlled their own territory, subtly checking the Imperial Clan's power. He had long intended to unify the secret realm and wrest power from those clans. The appearance of the Ghostface Butterfly was the perfect opportunity.
Emperor Xiao Yuan pondered briefly, then issued a solemn command. "Shi Chu, I order you to lead a team