After stabilizing the situation in Hera and helping Prince Chord restore his royal family to power, Wei finally returned to Gi to resume his responsibilities. His campaign had been successful, and Hera was now free from the Wicked King's influence. Upon arriving at the Gi Governing Palace, the guards immediately announced his return. "His Highness has returned!" The palace staff welcomed their prince warmly, but Wei wasted little time with formalities. He headed directly to his private office, where his older brother, 3rd Prince Ji Cheng, had been waiting for him.
"Welcome back, Little Brother. I trust everything went well in Hera?" Ji greeted him with a smile. Wei assured him that the campaign had been successful and that Hera's surviving royal family was once again overseeing the kingdom. The brothers spent some time discussing the liberation, Gi's affairs, and several matters requiring Wei's attention. Ji had managed the territory without difficulty, leaving very little unfinished business for his younger brother. However, there was one subject he had deliberately saved for last. It was something he knew would be particularly difficult for Wei to hear, and he wanted to deliver the news personally.
Eventually, Ji retrieved two documents and placed them on Wei's desk. One contained Mo's completed investigation into the deaths of the twin princes, while the other was an imperial edict issued directly by their father. Wei immediately noticed the serious expression on his brother's face and began reading. As he examined the findings, his eyes twitched slightly, and his expression gradually changed. The report contained information he had never expected to encounter. Worse still, Ji's official seal appeared alongside Mo's, confirming that the investigation had been reviewed and formally concluded by the Empire's Chief Justice.
Seeing Ji's seal made the findings considerably harder to dismiss. Wei trusted his brothers completely, and he knew neither Mo nor Ji would approve such a report without overwhelming evidence. For several moments, his thoughts became increasingly difficult to manage. However, his years of military training and mastery of the dark arts had taught him how to separate his emotions from his responsibilities. He eventually regained his composure and continued reading. Unfortunately, the next section of the document struck him even harder than the first. It contained the official identification of the individual believed responsible for murdering the twin princes.
The suspect's information was recorded clearly beneath the investigation's conclusion.
Suspect Classification: Warrior Mage
Suspect Power/Rank: Dark Master
Suspect Relation to Victims: Younger Brother
Suspect Identity: 6th Prince Wen Cheng
Wei stared at the final line for some time. His older brother, Wen Cheng, was alive. Not only had he survived the incident at the Suppressing Volcano three years earlier, but he had apparently become the Wicked King responsible for the growing chaos throughout the world. Even more devastating was the accusation that Wen had murdered their twin brothers. Wei had already accepted Wen's death and gradually learned to live with his absence. Now, everything he believed about those events had been overturned.
Of all his brothers, Wen had once been Wei's absolute favorite. The two were separated by only one year in age and had grown up sharing nearly everything. Much like the twins, they were practically inseparable throughout their childhood. They trained together, studied together, and frequently accompanied one another on their adventures. Wen understood Wei better than almost anyone, and their similar interests had created an exceptionally strong bond. Losing him three years earlier had been one of the most painful experiences of Wei's life. Discovering that he was alive should have been wonderful news, yet the circumstances made it almost unbearable.
The imperial edict made matters even more complicated. His Majesty had instructed Wei to prepare for a possible confrontation with Wen, recognizing that his youngest son was the only cultivator capable of matching the Wicked King's mastery of dark energy. Wen had already possessed extraordinary abilities before his disappearance, but the Black Gem Crown had apparently strengthened him even further. Wei understood the danger better than most. The crown was capable of amplifying dark cultivation to terrifying levels, and someone with Wen's natural talent could become nearly unstoppable while wielding it.
Ji watched his younger brother carefully before speaking. "Little Brother, if you don't feel capable of doing this, I can discuss another arrangement with Father. You have enough influence to reject the edict, and I doubt anyone would blame you." Wei considered his brother's words before shaking his head. "I can do it. Besides, I finally understand why that dark mage in Hera refused to continue fighting me." The mage had recognized Wei's identity and understood the implications of challenging someone so closely connected to the Wicked King. What had initially seemed like unusual respect now made considerably more sense.
Wei leaned back in his chair, considering their options. "We shouldn't wait for Wen to attack us again. We should find him and take the fight directly to him. There is nobody else in the world capable of handling this situation." Ji studied his brother's expression, searching for any indication that he was acting out of anger or desperation. Surprisingly, Wei appeared remarkably composed. Although the revelation had hurt him deeply, he showed no fear of confronting Wen. Instead, he seemed determined to understand what had happened to his brother and whether the Black Gem Crown had truly corrupted him beyond recovery.
After discussing several additional matters, Wei thanked Ji for overseeing Gi during his absence. The two brothers eventually parted ways, with Ji preparing to return to Atlan and Wei resuming full command of his territory. His first order was to mobilize Gi's entire intelligence network and military forces. Every division was instructed to maintain maximum operational and tactical readiness, while intelligence officers were tasked with gathering information concerning Wen's whereabouts. Wei also ordered his commanders to review their defensive arrangements and prepare for the possibility of coordinated attacks against the Empire's borders.
Meanwhile, the King and Queen faced an entirely different struggle. As parents, they desperately wanted to believe that Wen could still be saved. As monarchs, however, they were responsible for protecting the Cheng Empire and its numerous allies. Their personal feelings could not be allowed to compromise the safety of millions. After considerable discussion, they decided to place their responsibilities as rulers above their desires as parents. The princes would handle the military confrontation, while the King and Queen would focus on maintaining stability throughout the Empire and supporting the war effort.
Their first major decision was to reveal the truth concerning Wen and the Black Gem Crown. The royal court issued a formal announcement confirming that the supposedly deceased 6th Prince had survived and was now believed to be the Wicked King. The revelation caused widespread concern throughout the Empire and neighboring kingdoms. Many citizens struggled to accept that a member of the beloved Cheng royal family could be responsible for such terrible atrocities. Others feared that the Empire would be unable to withstand an enemy possessing both the crown's power and the knowledge of a Cheng prince.
Despite the royal family's transparency, doubts concerning their intentions began spreading. Some questioned whether the King and Queen would truly allow their own son to be defeated, while others wondered whether the surviving princes would hesitate when confronted by their brother. Foreign leaders were particularly concerned, knowing that Wen possessed intimate knowledge of Cheng's military structure, defensive formations, and cultivation techniques. If the Empire failed to act decisively, the consequences could extend far beyond its borders. These concerns gradually developed into widespread discussions about the royal family's loyalty and whether they could be trusted to confront one of their own.
Determined to eliminate such doubts, 1st Prince Mo took decisive action with his father's approval. He formally assumed the title of Minister of War, placing the Empire's military preparations under his direct supervision. His first order was to recall every dormant warlord to active service. These experienced commanders had served during previous conflicts and possessed valuable knowledge of large-scale warfare. Mo also summoned his six Imperial Uncles back to the capital, requesting their assistance in overseeing military operations and advising the royal court. Their return immediately strengthened the Empire's leadership, reassuring many officials who had questioned its readiness.
The mobilization extended throughout every territory under Cheng's authority. Eligible citizens were drafted and trained, while experienced soldiers underwent additional preparation for the coming conflict. High-ranking mages from every academy in the Empire were summoned to serve the royal court, where their knowledge would be used to strengthen defensive formations and develop countermeasures against the Black Gem Crown. Cultivation sects were also encouraged to contribute their expertise, particularly those familiar with ancient sealing techniques and forbidden magic. Although these orders applied throughout the Empire, certain exceptions were made for Gi, whose military structure already operated under unusually demanding standards.
The Grey Squadron was one of the most formidable military organizations within Cheng, having been personally developed according to Wei's standards. Its soldiers received extensive training in combat, cultivation, military tactics, and specialized techniques approved by their commander. The Squadron consisted of 13 major units, each commanded by one of Wei's 13 elite warriors. These commanders possessed considerable authority and answered directly to the 7th Prince. Their loyalty was unquestionable, and each had demonstrated exceptional ability in both individual combat and large-scale military operations.
Despite being classified as a territorial army, the Grey Squadron maintained an enormous fighting force. Its primary land division consisted of 600,000 soldiers, supported by an additional 300,000 reserve personnel. Among these 900,000 troops, approximately 90,000 were trained mages capable of using spiritual techniques in battle. The remaining soldiers specialized in conventional warfare, advanced weaponry, defensive formations, and various other military disciplines. This combination allowed the Squadron to respond effectively to a wide range of threats, whether confronting ordinary armies or powerful cultivators.
Wei had also established a command structure that allowed his elite officers to act independently during emergencies. Each of the 13 commanders possessed delegated authority to enforce martial law within their assigned territories whenever a serious threat emerged. This meant they did not need to wait for Wei's personal approval before responding to invasions or other major security incidents. Such independence was particularly valuable during the current crisis, as attacks could occur across multiple regions simultaneously. Wei trusted his commanders to make appropriate decisions and expected them to prioritize the protection of civilians above all other considerations.
Three of his elites had already volunteered to assist with the security of the territories formerly governed by the twin princes. These districts were relatively close to Gi, making them easier for the Grey Squadron to support than forces stationed in the distant capital. Two commanders would oversee the respective districts, while the third would coordinate defensive positions between their central, forward, and rear approaches. This arrangement would provide additional protection while allowing the territories' existing military forces to maintain their usual responsibilities. Wei approved the deployment, recognizing that the loss of the twins had created vulnerabilities that needed immediate attention.
Although the Grey Squadron possessed extraordinary strength, the Empire's most powerful military organization remained the Imperial Guard, commonly known as the Gold Guard. This elite force answered directly to His Majesty and 1st Prince Mo, serving as the primary defenders of the royal family and the Empire's most important institutions. Its members were selected from among the finest warriors and cultivators throughout Cheng, making it exceptionally difficult to qualify for service. The Grey Squadron was widely regarded as its closest rival, an impressive distinction considering that Wei's forces were technically responsible for only one major territory.
Wei was also the only prince permitted to maintain his own specialized military organization on such a scale. This privilege was largely due to Gi's geographical importance. The territory accounted for approximately 35% of the Empire's borders, making it one of the most strategically significant regions under Cheng's control. The Imperial Mainland accounted for another 50%, leaving the remaining border regions under the authority of other princes and appointed commanders. With so much territory exposed to potential foreign threats, Gi required a military force capable of responding without relying entirely on reinforcements from the capital.
The other princes generally faced fewer difficulties defending their respective territories, as several governed landlocked districts surrounded by regions already controlled by Cheng. The Empire dominated the northwestern continent, with its Imperial Mainland occupying approximately 80% of the region and housing the royal capital. Its remaining mainland territories extended along the western coast before curving toward the northernmost section of the southwestern region. This enormous geographical reach made Cheng one of the most influential powers in the world, with access to extensive natural resources, important waterways, and numerous neighboring kingdoms.
Gi occupied much of the Empire's eastern territory, although its borders did not extend as far south as those of the Imperial Mainland. That section was governed by 3rd Prince Ji, who held the title of Prince of Atlan. Fortunately, the southern territories bordered five powerful dynasties that maintained friendly relations with Cheng. These alliances significantly reduced the likelihood of invasion from that direction, allowing Ji to concentrate on internal security and supporting his brothers whenever necessary. Nevertheless, the current crisis meant that even traditionally peaceful borders required additional attention.
Much of Gi's territory faced the ocean, making naval defense one of Wei's most important responsibilities. In addition to commanding the Grey Squadron, he held the rank of 3rd Naval General within the Imperial Navy. Under his authority were more than 10,000 vessels and approximately 3.65 million naval personnel, giving him command over one of the largest naval forces in the world. His fleet was responsible for protecting Cheng's eastern waters, securing maritime approaches, and responding to threats against coastal settlements. Combined with the Grey Squadron, these forces provided Wei with military resources that rivaled those of entire kingdoms.
With such tremendous military strength at his disposal, Wei possessed enough influence to launch major campaigns against foreign territories and potentially achieve victory without requesting additional imperial support. In fact, his position was powerful enough that he could challenge his brothers for succession if he desired. Under Cheng's Imperial Law, any prince who commanded more than 500,000 soldiers and possessed sufficient political influence could formally claim the right to compete for the throne. Wei easily satisfied these requirements, although he had never expressed any interest in becoming King.
His lack of political ambition was well known throughout the royal family. Wei preferred governing Gi, supporting his brothers, and pursuing his personal interests over competing for the throne. He had always believed that Mo was better suited to inherit their father's position and had no desire to challenge him. Nevertheless, the existence of such a law demonstrated the unusual balance of military authority within Cheng. The princes were expected to develop their own influence and capabilities, ensuring that the Empire would remain strong regardless of which member of the royal family eventually became its ruler.
Despite the growing threat posed by Wen, Cheng remained confident in its ability to defend its territory. Its enormous military, powerful cultivation sects, and extensive network of allies made a conventional invasion extremely difficult. The Empire had spent centuries strengthening its borders and maintaining favorable relations with neighboring nations, allowing it to enjoy considerable stability. However, the Black Gem Crown represented a threat that ordinary military preparations could not fully address. Its ability to control the dead and command dark creatures meant that even defeated armies could potentially become weapons against their former allies.
Approximately 180 miles southeast of Cheng lay the Wicked Isles, a dangerous region best known for the Suppressing Volcano. This was where the Black Gem Crown had been sealed a thousand years earlier and where Wen had supposedly lost his life three years ago. The islands remained closely associated with forbidden cultivation and ancient demonic activity, making them a place few ordinary travelers dared to visit. Although the volcano had once served as the crown's prison, its seal had apparently failed, allowing the artifact to return to the world.
Since his reappearance, Wen had reportedly established his base in the extremely cold regions near the southernmost point of the world. This territory formed a natural connection between the eastern and western hemispheres, giving him access to both sides of the world. Its remote location and harsh climate made conventional military operations difficult, but those conditions offered little protection against an army of undead puppets. If Wen managed to gather enough forces, he could potentially launch simultaneous attacks against both hemispheres, overwhelming multiple kingdoms before they could coordinate an effective response.
The situation was further complicated by the King and Queen's weakened condition. Their efforts to suppress the severe meteorological disturbances that had recently threatened Cheng had consumed enormous amounts of spiritual energy. Although both remained exceptionally powerful cultivators, they required time to recover before participating in another major confrontation. As a result, the responsibility for leading the coming war fell primarily upon their surviving sons. The King and Queen would remain within the Empire, overseeing domestic affairs, maintaining political stability, and advising the princes whenever necessary.
With their parents managing the Empire's internal responsibilities, the princes were free to concentrate on the growing instability beyond Cheng's borders. Foreign relations were deteriorating, kingdoms were preparing for war, and the Wicked King's influence continued spreading across the world. Every passing day brought new reports of destruction and unrest, making it increasingly clear that the coming conflict would be unlike anything the Empire had faced in centuries. For Wei, however, the situation was far more personal. Somewhere in the frozen southern lands, the brother he had mourned for three years was preparing to challenge the world, and Wei intended to find him before another member of their family was lost.