Fortress of Hera, the Primarch's private study.
Though the fighting had reached this place, its overall structure remained intact.
Now, several people who would decide the fate of the Milky Way Galaxy had gathered in this room.
Guilliman did not sit down. He stood before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, looking out over the devastation of Macragge, his back a picture of desolation.
"Speak," Guilliman said without turning around. "Tell me your real purpose."
Liu Zhipeng wasted no words. He knew that for a pragmatist like Guilliman, riddles were nothing but a waste of time.
He began to explain the current situation and his plans.
After a long while, Guilliman glanced at Yvraine, who had remained vigilant in the corner. "If even the god of death can fight for life, humanity has no reason to refuse."
"A wise choice." Liu Zhipeng snapped his fingers. "Then it's time I left."
"You're leaving?" Guilliman sounded somewhat surprised.
"If I stay, it'll put your sons in a difficult position. They need time to digest the fact that 'the Primarch has returned,' not distract themselves wondering 'why the Primarch is calling some xenos monster his brother.'"
Liu Zhipeng walked toward the door. Halfway there, he stopped and spoke with his back to Guilliman:
"Roboute, the road ahead will be hard. You'll see many things that disgust you, drive you to despair, and make you want to destroy everything."
"But remember, even amid the darkest embers, a single spark can rekindle hope."
"I'll wait to hear from you. Once you're ready, we'll put an end to all of this."
With that, Liu Zhipeng strode out of the study with Yvraine and the remaining Ember Guard.
Guilliman watched the golden giant leave and murmured to himself:
"Embers..."
He turned to Cawl.
"Belisarius, finish calibrating this armour. And