After confirming the number and coordinates of the two Servants, Alaric began heading toward one of them.
On the way, Alaric gained some understanding of this pirate-infested town.
From the town's customs and atmosphere, it was easy to discern its foundational principles—this was, without a doubt, a genuine pirate city.
Without much interest in admiring this pirate city, Alaric quickly found the lone Servant wandering in the outside world.
A petite figure, as youthful as a girl, yet her demeanor exuded the aura of the highest authority. Not a king, not a monarch, but—an Empress.
"Wu Zetian—"
Alaric's expression grew solemn as he gazed at the purple-haired girl in the crowd. Her appearance was unmistakable.
Meanwhile, far away in Chaldea, Mash, and Da Vinci were utterly shocked upon hearing that name.
["Is this lady truly that Wu Zetian?!"]
Mash, her expression full of astonishment, instinctively exclaimed, ["So this is what Wu Zetian looks like?!"]
She was the only legitimate female emperor in China's history.
As the only legitimate female emperor, Wu Zetian ushered in a new era, bridging the prosperous Zhenguan Reign and the flourishing Kaiyuan Era. Her achievements were undeniable.
As Alaric noticed Wu Zetian, the purple-haired girl in the crowd also turned her attention toward him.
Although her appearance and attire had changed, her gaze was unmistakable.
Even without words, an overwhelming and innate aura of dignity permeated the surroundings, reaching every corner.
Alaric did not stop. He continued walking toward Wu Zetian.
The ancient era seemed to unveil its true essence and fragrance before him.
The pirates lingering around instinctively retreated in the presence of Alaric and Wu Zetian. Not even a commotion arose.
When Alaric finally stood before Wu Zetian, he spoke:
"Empress Wu Zetian, I intend to end this Singularity. Can you tell me the location of the Demon Pillar?"
Wu Zetian smiled gently, unperturbed by Alaric's audacity. Instead, she responded with serene composure:
"You wish for me to aid you in ending this Singularity? Hmm, hmm, that is an impossible request."
As expected, Wu Zetian's response was firm. As an Empress, her beliefs could not be swayed by outsiders.
Alaric, neither disheartened nor surprised, smiled faintly in return and asked:
"Then can you at least tell me—are you the ruler of the city?"
Having defeated Penthesilea, Alaric already knew that the three factions in this underworld were each led by a Servant. These Servants hailed from different cultures and vied for dominance in this subterranean world.
Although he lacked definitive information on the true identity of each Servant, based on the architectural style of the city and Wu Zetian's presence, it could only be her.
"Naturally. As my palace, its splendor must not be neglected."
Wu Zetian did not conceal anything.
"That works out perfectly—"
Alaric raised the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad, his cold voice resounding:
"You are an Empress, so I cannot fight you with a counterfeit."
"This lance, once wielded by the ruler of a distant island nation, anchors heaven and earth. It has slain the King of Heroes of old and witnessed the demise of origins. Today, it shall mark your end."
Wu Zetian, as the founding ruler of the Wu Zhou Dynasty, had witnessed the glory of the Tang Empire's era of tribute. Etiquette dictated that she be met with the utmost respect.
Thus, Alaric resolved to fight her with all his strength—to kill her.
Since she refused to cooperate, her story would end here.
Without words, Wu Zetian immediately understood Alaric's determination to kill her.
Wu Zetian, confident in her ability to recognize talent, was certain of the man's strength. The Holy Lance he wielded radiated a profound and formidable mystery.
Even she could not defeat him.
His declaration of her demise was no exaggeration but a simple statement of fact.
Aware of this, Wu Zetian's smile did not falter. The dignity of an Emperor forbade her from showing any weakness.
But before Alaric could strike, his gaze shifted toward the palace at the town's center, where magical energy was surging.
The second Servant in the City of Water—or perhaps the first. Wu Zetian was an outsider.
Noticing Alaric's diverted attention, Wu Zetian's smile grew slightly devilish:
"Over there lies Rider's domain. If you wish to end this Singularity, you cannot avoid confronting her—"
Wu Zetian continued, unwilling to perish here:
"Rider, hmm, she might even be the Demon Pillar you speak of. I wouldn't lie to you."
"Given that you're Wu Zetian, I can't trust you," Alaric replied.
Both Rider and Wu Zetian had to die.
Alaric suddenly surged forward, thrusting the Holy Lance Rhongomyniad at Wu Zetian. Despite her extraordinary agility, she could not evade the direct strike of the Holy Lance!
Combat was not Wu Zetian's forte. Isolated and unsupported in this strange land, she was surrounded on all sides the moment she encountered Alaric.
The battle with Wu Zetian did not last long. It could even be described as instant annihilation.