Xi's judgment of her feelings for Chen Qi? Filming permission from Great Yan / A foolish ruler and treacherous ministers? Don't splash blood all over me while filming!

"This..."

"Now!"

However, at Ebenholz's next command, the two nobles, whose fear of the Witch King had been somewhat awakened by Ebenholz's overly realistic performance, tremblingly agreed to take him to see the "headquarters" of the Witch King's remnants in this Mobile City.

Of course, they didn't agree simply because they were afraid of the Witch King. After all, they weren't sure if this person was the Witch King; he was most likely just an imitator. Headquarters was full of talented people, and if Ebenholz was a spy who had infiltrated deep into their territory and was caught, they could kill him immediately.

If Ebenholz really is the Witch King... then there's no point in even thinking about it. In Leithania today, who is a match for the real Witch King? If these few people were to run into the real Witch King, there would be no need to resist; they could just surrender.

Ebenholz and Kreide, led by the two nobles, also left the scene. It's unclear how long they walked before Vina and Eureka finally appeared at the entrance of the TV station. Having witnessed everything, Vina immediately contacted Chen Qi.

"Teacher, what should we do?"

"Don't worry, let them go. I've already sent Młynar to catch up, and I believe the 'Empress's Voice' spies will be there soon too. Kreide and Ebenholz both know what to do."

Chen Qi's voice came slowly. The progress of the movie "The Witch King Is Back" was faster than he had expected. At this rate, the movie would probably be released in Leithania in less than half a month.

As for whether the Twin Empresses, after eliminating most of the remnants of the Witch King, can understand the meaning of this movie and prevent the emergence of more Witch King remnants, Chen Qi doesn't know.

Meanwhile, Ebenholz and Kreide followed the two nobles to the headquarters of the remnants of the Witch King. To call it a headquarters was a stretch; it was actually just an old, dilapidated attic. They didn't even dare to openly display their base; instead, it was located in the basement.

Ebenholz and Kreide barged in aggressively, acting as if they were no outsiders. Kreide Cree even had a camera with him, which he always carried with him, since in the movie he was playing the protagonist filming the Kreide Witch King.

Now that Vina and Eureka are gone, he's the only one left to film. Their intrusion leaves the Witch King's remaining followers in the basement bewildered.

They've been operating secretly here for years. It's not like no secret agents or reckless journalists have come; they've all been dealt with. But even the "Empress's Voice" wouldn't just brazenly barge in with a camera, would they? Do they think this is a film set?

However, the Witch King, played by Ebenholz, and his overwhelmingly powerful aura and intimidating attire still made them hesitate for a moment. After a long while, one of them cautiously asked:

"... Were you allowed to take photos?"

"A racial movement is hiding here?" However, the Witch King, played by Ebenholz, did not answer this question. He knew this was the perfect opportunity to confront the remnants of the Witch King and incorporate it all into Chen Qi's film. He was already prepared for this, saying:

Where is your boss?

"... Are you new members?"

"We came for Leithania!"

Ebenholz fully embraced his Witch King persona, sitting down in full view of everyone, while Kreide smiled at everyone and casually pointed the camera at the surroundings.

Faced with the Witch King's attire, Ebenholz, and the presence of at least twenty of the Witch King's remaining followers in the vast arena, none of them made a move, not even daring to pick up their staffs; they could only stand around him.

A moment later, the two saw a nobleman, dressed in very rich attire but whose clothes were noticeably worn, descend. Upon seeing Ebenholz and Kreide, he was momentarily stunned, then his joy was immediately palpable. He stepped forward and said:

"Great, you're here—that's me!"

"Sit down, I need to talk to you." Ebenholz ignored the nobleman's request and immediately spoke to him in a commanding tone:

"I want to make good use of my time, but what have you been doing in the meantime?"

However, faced with Ebenholz's unexpected turn of events, the leader of the Witch King's remnant forces was momentarily speechless, finally managing to stammer, "My colleagues and I..."

"--We share trenches with our comrades? Nobody here cares about you except me."

Ebenholz has now completely embraced the role of the Witch King, or perhaps, the Witch King's lingering image is subtly conveying his thoughts through Ebenholz's body, using his bloodline and the "Voice of the Mundane."

The leader, somewhat embarrassed, replied, "I and the people of our country..."

"The nation and its people? What do you mean? Are there emperors and two empresses now?!" Upon hearing this, Ebenholz suddenly flew into a rage. Voices echoed in his mind, causing one of his eyes to glow blood- Ebenholz as he roared:

"You need a named ideology and a political party! Not a bunch of vagrants huddled here! Fools! Have you even read my books?!"

"--Your book is hard to find."

"Do you regret ever having studied?" Ebenholz continued his angry rebuke, maintaining his indignant attitude. "Or is it that you haven't studied? Or that you don't understand?"

However, Ebenholz's words drew distrustful looks from the remaining followers around him. The leader, immediately embarrassed, faced the Kreide and said awkwardly, "Could you turn off the camera?"

"No! You've wasted enough time." Ebenholz looked at the leader before him, realizing he had already intimidated everyone present. Understanding the need to stop there, he immediately stood up and said with extreme indifference:

"Every word you say is undermining decades of progress."

Then, not forgetting to glance at the remaining followers around him, he said with a sneer, "Is this the best among you?"

Seeing that the remaining followers did not answer, Ebenholz's mocking expression deepened, but it also carried a hint of helplessness and disillusionment. After a long pause, he finally gave a rather polite reply:

"Have a nice evening."

Ebenholz and Kreide Chalk strode away from the scene. However, none of the remnants of the Witch King, who were intimidated by Ebenholz's aura, dared to stop him from leaving. Kreide even had a camera in his hand, ready to hand over the situation to the Twin Empresses at any time.

"... Prepare to move to a new location. Three days later, if we haven't been taken down here, take this man to meet all our supporters."

However, after a while, the leader who had been criticized as worthless by Ebenholz slowly stood up with a smile on his face. Facing the remaining followers around him, a satisfied, joyful, and even somewhat fanatical smile appeared on his face as he murmured:

"I sense it! His Majesty the Witch King is returning... The representative of his will has appeared. He will soon return and rule Leithania once more!"

"Then we will be able to return to the pinnacle of power in Leithania! He will lead us, lead Leithania, back to that glorious era!"

Chapter 256: Xi's Judgment on Chen Qi's Feelings? Filming Permit from Great Yan

Half a month passed quietly, and during this time, Ebenholz's "prestige" in Leithania began to expand day by day. Now, almost everyone in Leithania knows that this man, who plays the role of the Witch King, Mobile City, constantly interviewing the people, and even officials, party leaders, and nobles, has been interviewed by him.

To outsiders, this "Witch King" is a miracle to have survived to this day. The situation in Leithania is becoming more and more chaotic, and it's a miracle that someone who so openly impersonates the Witch King and constantly discusses sensitive topics in Leithania hasn't been arrested by the city's defense forces.

As for the remnants of the Witch King, Ebenholz could be said to have passed all their "tests" on him. They had arranged for many insiders and nobles who secretly supported them to communicate with Ebenholz. Through one test after another, Ebenholz proved that his determination and expectation for "restoring the Witch King's rule" was not just for show. He was more determined and hopeful than anyone else present.

One conversation in particular is absolutely chilling. Ebenholz is talking to a nobleman who was once a supporter of the Witch King, but whose power has diminished under the rule of the Twin Empresses. The Witch King, played by Ebenholz, is trying to invite him to join the war for power.

"I need you to fight in the next war, to be at the forefront."

During their subsequent conversation, Ebenholz and Kreide moved to a quiet place to await his answer. Ebenholz immediately asked, "Will you obey all my commands?"

"... Stop filming." The nobleman responded to the Kreide with the same words, until the camera silently lowered, at Kreide point the nobleman finally said to the Ebenholz, completely convinced:

"--If you were him, I would."

"Call..."

Now, aboard Chen Qi's ship, Chen Qi watched this breathtaking scene unfold before him and let out a long sigh of relief. Beside Chen Qi, Kal'tsit, who often came to visit, also remarked with considerable emotion upon witnessing this sight:

"The pent-up anger of the Leithania... is now slowly consuming the country. Director Chen Qi, are you sure this film can really stop all of this?"

"That depends on whether the Twin Empresses can understand the deeper meaning." Chen Qi also transmitted this clip to Nian, entrusting her with supervising the editing, while answering Kal'tsit's words:

"I've saved all my thoughts on this movie for last. Dr. Kal'tsit, you'll understand why I chose the Witch King as the protagonist when the film is released."

"To me, killing a Witch King, covering up everything about him with political correctness, destroying everything about him, cannot stop people from still remembering him. He has long since become a ghost, deeply imprinted in everyone's heart."

"I understand what you mean. Another Witch King will definitely appear. If Leithania doesn't make changes, there will still be an even more extreme being who overthrows the Twin Empresses' rule." Kal'tsit nodded, but while she understood this, she was troubled about how to express it—she had some "obstacles" in this regard, and even if she didn't, she couldn't think of a way to make the Twin Empresses understand this through a movie.

But she believed that Chen Qi would definitely have a way. Kal'tsit was even a little impatient to see how the movie would convey its ending.

Just then, Talulah, who had been busy filming with Eureka and Vina and recently only had Kreide filming with Ebenholz, suddenly sent a message to Chen Qi.

Before Chen Qi could ask what was going on, he heard Talulah say with a hint of excitement:

"Chen Qi, quickly tidy up the ship's lounge! Little Chen is here!"

"What? Huijie?" Chen Qi was also a little surprised. Why would Chen Huijie, who was far away in Lungmen, suddenly have the idea to come and find them? Before he could ask, Talulah immediately said:

"Not only Little Chen, but Lin Qingyan, who delivered the message before, also came along! I guess she's here to tell us that the emperor has agreed to your request to film in the Great Yan!"

Talulah could hardly contain her joy, while Chen Qi, after a brief moment of surprise, immediately hung up the phone and instructed Saria to operate the ship so that Chen Huijie and the others' land vessel could enter smoothly.

In addition, he immediately went into the painting to find the two sisters, Nian and Xi, who had been quite idle lately. Ever since they learned that Chen Qi was their "younger brother," their attitude towards Chen Qi had undergone a subtle change.

The year was fine, she was easygoing and didn't care much, and she called Chen Qi "Thirteenth Brother" very affectionately.

What worries Chen Qi is Xi's current state. Ever since she learned that Chen Qi is her younger brother, Xi has spent a long time inside the painting. According to Nian, Xi does nothing in the painting but stares blankly at the landscape she has painted, as if she is thinking about something.

Nian and Chen Qi had gone into the painting several times to ask Xi about it, but Nian was always kicked out. When Chen Qi asked Xi, Xi remained silent for a moment before replying:

"... You don't need me right now, and I don't need you to bother me right now. Don't disturb my peace; I'm currently going through a stage that's been a bottleneck for me."

"If I can get through this, my painting skills might improve even further... So please, don't bother me, okay, Thirteenth Brother?"

And so, ever since Xi saw him off that day, Chen Qi hadn't bothered Xi for a long time. Xi had also never come out of the painting. Nian, the older sister, seemed remarkably accepting of this, patting Chen Qi on the shoulder and saying:

"Don't worry, your eleventh sister is just putting on her 'pure mind' act again. Every time she encounters something troubling her that she can't figure out, she pretends to be aloof like this, but after a while she can't stand the loneliness and comes out on her own."

"Don't worry, your ninth sister is here. I'll talk to your eleventh sister; she'll definitely be out in a few months!"

And so, a month ago, Nian once again slipped into the painting. This time, she wasn't kicked out, but she hasn't come out of the painting since, which worries Chen Qi quite a bit.

However, Chen Qi still entered the world of the painting, intending to tell Nian and Xi the news—after all, if he were to go to the Great Yan Imperial Palace to film, he would still need to consult the thoughts of these two "Sui".

Upon entering the painting, Chen Qi quickly found the two sisters. When Xi and Nian saw Chen Qi, Nian looked somewhat embarrassed, while Xi's eyes darted away. After a long while, Xi finally spoke:

"... Why are you here again? Didn't I tell you not to disturb my peace and quiet?"

"I really didn't want to bother you, but there's something I have to say, otherwise you'll blame me."

Facing Xi, who seemed to have reverted to the aloofness she displayed when they first met, and Nian, who unusually didn't try to smooth things over, Chen Qi felt a strange mix of emotions but still spoke as warmly as ever:

"Xi, the promise we made to each other might have to be kept."

"... A promise?" Xi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, clearly having forgotten what had happened back then. Chen Qi smiled and reminded her:

"When I recruited you into our production team, I promised you something—if there was a chance, I could say a few sarcastic things about Yan on your behalf, and you would stay with the team."

"If nothing unexpected happens, this opportunity has now arrived. Won't you come with me to witness this moment?"

"--What?! You actually dare to make sarcastic remarks about the Great Yan?! Are you out of your mind?!"

However, the first person to react to Chen Qi's words was Nian, who was utterly shocked. In the past, Nian would never have reacted so strongly, but ever since he learned that Chen Qi was part of the "Sui" family, Chen Qi's actions had a completely different meaning for him.

In Nian's eyes, Chen Qi was risking his life, taking advantage of the fact that no one in the Great Yan knew his true identity, to stand up for his older brothers and sisters and to make sarcastic remarks about the Great Yan Empire!

Given the notoriously petty temper of the Great Yan Emperor, he could easily have killed Chen Qi without even realizing it! Humans are truly the most untrustworthy people; they often go back on their promises. How come my thirteenth brother has been in the human world for so long and still doesn't know this?

However, compared to Nian's tension, after a moment of stunned silence, Xi was overwhelmed by a fierce storm... To be honest, she had forgotten about the promise herself, because she had only said it to make it seem like she wouldn't be lacking in prestige when she joined the crew, just to put on a good show.

She never expected Chen Qi to actually make sarcastic remarks about the Great Yan. Even she... no, even her elder brother wouldn't dare to do such a thing. How could she possibly expect a mortal to risk such a grave offense to stand up for Feranmut like her?

But now, Chen Qi's identity is clear: he is their long-lost "thirteenth brother." Even so... he still remembers his promise, and even knowing his true identity, he's still willing to stand up for his older sister...

At that moment, what felt like months outside was like years within the painting. Xi, who had been searching for an answer to a question she couldn't answer, was deeply disturbed when she saw Chen Qi still remembering their promise. Her heart, which had finally found peace, was once again stirred with uncontrollable ripples...

At that moment, the question that Xi had pondered for so long without finding an answer seemed to be quietly resolved. The short but unforgettable time she had spent on this journey slowly echoed in her mind, and she couldn't help but smile.

She watched as this man's influence grew, from being respected to being admired by thousands. Even the most arrogant kings and dukes bowed before him, and even the Emperor of the Great Yan had to bestow titles and honors upon him for his talent.

Even when she was fearful and uneasy, it was this man, whom she had once regarded as an ordinary person, who repeatedly turned danger into safety and repeatedly demonstrated his strength... all to protect her and everyone he cared about.

Such a man... left an indelible mark on her heart. Faced with such ripples in her heart, Xi had to admit... her heart was in turmoil.

When she found out he was her younger brother, it was too late... Before this, she had always seen him differently; she had never considered him a "younger brother." The future, it seems, will be even more difficult.

Chapter 257: A Tyrant and Treacherous Minister? Don't get my blood splattered on you while you're filming!

"It's been a long time, Marquis Liewen. I have come to deliver His Majesty's imperial edict."

After Chen Huijie and Lin Qingyan entered the ship, Chen Qi successfully led Nian Hexi out of the scroll world. However, what Chen Qi found strange was that Nian Hexi's expressions seemed to have switched after they came out.

Xi, who had previously looked aloof and somewhat worried, seemed to have transformed. A faint smile appeared on her face, as if all her troubles had vanished, and she regained her familiar, gentle demeanor.

On the contrary, after spending almost a month talking with her younger sister in the world of the painting, although Xi never said it explicitly, Nian roughly understood the meaning behind her words: her younger sister was caught in a very complicated yet solemn trouble for the Feranmut.

In the past, Nian might have unusually discussed this matter seriously with her younger sister, but now, when Nian learns about the person causing Xi's troubles, her first reaction is to oppose it at all costs!

During this time, Nian had finally managed to persuade her younger sister to give up the idea as soon as possible, but unexpectedly, after meeting Chen Qi, all her efforts of the previous month were in vain... You can imagine how awful Nian felt right now.

But now, Nian has no time to care about her own feelings. All she wants to do now is stop her younger sister from having such an outrageous idea, even in the world of Feranmut.

Seeing Nian's unpredictable expression, Lin Qingyan glanced at him for a moment, then pretended not to notice and said to Chen Qi, "According to His Majesty's decree, Marquis Liewen need not perform the formalities."

Then, Lin Qingyan very responsibly began to imitate the tone of the Great Yan Emperor, saying to Chen Qi and his entourage, "I am well. I have received the gifts from Marquis Liewen. I admire Marquis Liewen's magnanimity, and it has astonished all the officials. I had actually considered Marquis Liewen's request long ago, but the officials objected, so I had no way to proceed."

"The officials believe that Marquis Liewen is too arrogant and unruly. However, it is precisely because of this that I am unafraid to speak such profound Marquis Liewen and dare to say what no one else in the world dares to say."

"Although every year there are officials who die for their principles, how many of them are merely seeking fame and fortune? Or are they people who have no choice in the matter? They attempt to interfere with imperial power in this way, yet they are reeking of money and only think of their own interests and those of the people behind them?"

"Therefore, I accepted the gift and granted Marquis Liewen's wish—but I also need an explanation to convince the officials."

"I know that Marquis Liewen is already in Leithania. Now, in order to relieve the worries of the Twin Empresses of Leithania, a movie related to the Witch King is being filmed. I hope that Marquis Liewen can use this as evidence. If this movie can truly bring Leithania back to life, then I will have a basis for debate with all the officials."

"At that time, I will invite Marquis Liewen to the capital for a discussion. Whether Marquis Liewen wishes to write about the ills of the Great Yan perilous state, I will grant his request."

Lin Qingyan relayed the entire imperial edict of the Great Yan Emperor to Chen Qi, and all the words could be summarized in one sentence: Chen Qi, make a good film of "The Witch King Is Back," preferably one with depth and a significant impact, so that I can persuade the officials to let you come to the capital to film that "shocking" play.

"Honestly, even someone as daring as you says your next project is groundbreaking... I'm starting to worry that you're planning to film some kind of palace secrets story, aren't you?"