At the sight of Wen Xuan, the three Golden Venerables standing beside Vulcan jolted in shock.
"Emperor Yan Zhao!?"
Back when Emperor Yan Zhao had been active throughout the Empire, they had been mere apprentices who had only just joined Open-Heaven Manor.
Later, while they were still Silver Masters, they had heard the news of Emperor Yan Zhao's disappearance and presumed death.
They had all felt immense regret at the time.
After all, those had been turbulent times, and he had been the only great Hero who truly cared for the people and brought salvation through his benevolence.
Never had they imagined that Emperor Yan Zhao would reappear now, at this critical moment!
Excitement flickered in Army-Breaker Venerable's eyes.
When Emperor Yan Zhao had taken control of the entire Heavenly Mountain Cliffs, he had been a Cast-Bronze Guard stationed at the entrance.
When he had been wounded in the chaotic fighting and stood on the brink of death, that great emperor had saved his life!
Without Emperor Yan Zhao's intervention back then, he would have long since become some wandering ghost in an unknown corner of the world.
That was precisely why Army-Breaker Venerable recognized the image of Wen Xuan instantly as Emperor Yan Zhao, the man who had saved him!
"Your Majesty, you've... returned!?"
Army-Breaker Venerable's voice brimmed with excitement, tinged with a choked sob.
Wen Xuan turned toward Army-Breaker Venerable, whose hair was now graying and whose face had grown resolute, and smiled.
"So it's you. To think you've already become a Golden Venerable after all these years!"
Army-Breaker Venerable bowed. "It is all thanks to Your Majesty saving my life back then."
After exchanging a few pleasantries with Army-Breaker Venerable, Wen Xuan turned to Vulcan.
"It's been a while, Vulcan."
Vulcan's eyes opened wider than before. Holding