Li Qingxian looked toward Gao Tiankuo and saw him standing there blankly, his eyes devoid of light.
The True Essence within him, like a volcano on the verge of eruption, was gathering immense and matchless power.
High above, the gale howled in fury as dark clouds converged.
One man steadied the heavens' omens.
Everyone stared at Gao Tiankuo in shock. His True Essence was far too powerful; if this continued, all of Taigu City would collapse.
He was no ordinary First Rank. He was a First Rank Grand Cultivator, Fist King Gao Tiankuo.
And he had switched to cultivating Above Beyond-Rank.
"General Gao," Li Qingxian said.
Gao Tiankuo tucked the Dragon-Phoenix Golden Collar into his robes and gently pressed it. He raised his head, looked at Li Qingxian, then at the River Guard Army's commanders.
His expression was as calm and honest as ever, except it seemed as though lava flowed within his eyes.
"River Guard Army commanders, heed my command. Unless there is an order from the Grand General King, from this day onward, serve Idle Prince Li Qingxian as your master. Drive out the Demon Race and restore our rivers and mountains..."
Gao Tiankuo looked toward several staff officers. "After you return to Worthy Prince City, tell the general that I failed to protect the person he ordered me to protect. But at the very least, I should collect her body and bury her. Also, announce this to the world: whoever blocks Gao Tiankuo shall die."
Gao Tiankuo raised his head and gazed northward. His eyes were utterly clear, like a great river flowing on.
He turned to Li Qingxian and smiled faintly. "We started wars. We created plagues. We committed sins. We brought disasters. We hurt others... On behalf of the sinful previous generation, I apologize to