"Qian Fan! Qian Fan! Qian Fan..."
Wave after wave of cheers rang throughout the Abyss Domain, every cry filled with respect and joy.
The voices belonged to the natives of the Abyss Domain, who had gathered to cheer and leap for joy, celebrating the arrival of their savior.
As far as the eye could see, this once-small place was now ablaze with lights, as bright as day.
People danced with excitement, their faces brimming with delight they could not hide.
Cheers and shouts intertwined like a stirring symphony, resounding through this mysterious domain.
Qian Fan stood amid the crowd, his figure tall and straight.
He quietly listened to the cheers around him, the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint smile.
That smile held both gratitude toward the crowd and a sense of confidence and resolve.
At that moment, Qian Fan became the focus of everyone's attention. His name was shouted over and over, his deeds passed from mouth to mouth.
He had saved the Abyss Domain and become its hero, earning everyone's admiration and love.
The sight before him could not help but tug at Qian Fan's heartstrings.
He muttered softly,
"In my previous life as the Free-and-Easy Immortal Venerable, everyone respected me because of my immense strength,
but...
that was all out of fear of my power.
And now... I've actually found a different feeling in this place."
As time passed, the cheers gradually subsided.
People gathered around Qian Fan, expressing their gratitude to him.
Qian Fan smiled as he spoke with everyone, his gaze warm and friendly, letting them feel the kindness and sincerity in his heart.
But...
Just then, the clatter of hooves and rumble of wheels came from nearby as a magnificent carriage slowly approached.
Four tall, powerful horses pulled the carriage. Its cabin was exquisitely decorated, with heavy curtains hanging over its windows, lending it an air of mystery and majesty.
The surrounding residents immediately showed expressions of awe when they saw the carriage. They dropped to both knees and bowed their heads in greeting.
They cried out in unison,
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty!" Their voices rose in waves, ringing through the entire street.
The carriage door slowly opened, and a figure emerged. His back was stooped, his steps slow and heavy, as though he bore the weight of the entire world.
He wore a black dragon robe embroidered with enormous golden dragons that gleamed brilliantly.
Yet for all the robe's splendor, it could not conceal his terribly aged face and weary expression.
The man addressed as "Your Majesty" slowly walked to the front of the carriage, raised his head slightly, and swept his gaze over the people around him.
His eyes betrayed deep exhaustion, mingled with a trace of warmth and kindness.
He nodded gently and spoke in a low, hoarse voice,
"Rise, all of you."
At the king's words, the people rose as though a great weight had been lifted from them, their faces filled with gratitude.
They watched the king silently, then returned to their homes, leaving the street quiet once more.
Qian Fan looked the old man over.
"The Soul King, is it?"
He stared at the old man, filled with doubt and wariness.
However, when the old man's gaze turned toward Qian Fan, a faint spark of life suddenly flickered in his previously dull eyes.
The old man moved his arm slightly, seemingly beckoning Qian Fan over.
Qian Fan hesitated, but ultimately decided to approach.
When he reached the old man, the latter waved again, motioning for Qian Fan to come closer.
Once Qian Fan drew near, the old man spoke,
"Young man, thank you for saving the Abyss Domain. I am the king of this land.
As you can see, I am old and frail. My wife died long ago, and I have no desire to father children. I no longer have the strength to govern the country, and I can even feel that I have little time left.
Perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow, I may depart this world.
My country has suffered torment at the hands of the abyss race for all these years. Now, I wish to pass the throne to you. What do you think?"
Qian Fan was startled. He had never expected the old man to make such a decision.
He hurriedly declined. "Your Majesty, I am merely passing through. I am not suited to shoulder such a responsibility."
Yet Qian Fan could not help feeling a little curious.
This old man definitely wasn't as simple as he seemed.
What person in their right mind would casually give their country away?
There was only one possible reason.
This old man might truly have little time left, and there seemed to be no one else here who could stand against the abyss race.
Only by keeping me here could this country have any hope.
The old man shook his head and insisted,
"You are the hero who saved us. Only you can lead the Abyss Domain to prosperity.
Believe in yourself. You can certainly handle it."
Qian Fan sank into thought, but still shook his head.
"No, thank you."
Although none of that would pose a problem for Qian Fan,
still,
could Qian Fan spare the time to govern this star domain?
The old man smiled helplessly.
"Rest assured, young man.
I know what you are worried about. Don't worry. I will give you the Abyss Domain, and you won't need to come back. As long as you destroy the other three countries, this star domain will be at peace." As the old man's words fell silent,
he toppled headfirst to the ground.
The guards around him all sensed their emperor's passing and dropped to their knees.
They cried loudly,
"We respectfully bid farewell to the late king."
A eunuch emerged from the other side, holding two objects in both hands.
"Your new Majesty, please issue your first decree."
Before you continue