Reopening my eyes, the first things that greeted my gaze were a couple of mischievous, familiar faces.

With their sleek, jet-black long hair and those bright, expressive dark eyes, who else could it be but Shen Yin! Never far from her side was Shen Yi! “You’re awake,” Shen Yin said, delight evident in her voice.

“Mhm!” I was somewhat stunned, only then realizing that Shen Yin had been abducted; how could she possibly be here? “You! When did you two get back?” I stammered.

“Why, you rescued us, of course,” Shen Yi chimed in.

“That’s strange; when exactly did I rescue you?” The current situation thoroughly confused me: “Did I trade the Moluo Silver Sand to get you back?” “Hehe, it seems His Highness isn’t too groggy to understand things,” Shen Yi replied.

“It’s good you’re awake,” Shen Yin finally let out a long breath.

“We were so afraid you wouldn’t wake up.” “Have I been asleep for long?” I asked, surprised.

“A year,” Shen Yin stated.

“After being gravely wounded at the Demon Sealing Imperial Palace, you slept for a full year, only waking up the day before yesterday.” “That’s right,” Shen Yi confirmed.

“That’s why Her Highness the Princess and I rushed back from the Divine Temple to see you.” “.......” I was dumbstruck.

I had slept for a whole year.

“How do you feel now?” Shen Yin asked.

“Much better.” “I’ll go tell the Emperor and the others!” Shen Yi darted out of the room.

Only Shen Yin and I remained in the room, and suddenly, the atmosphere felt oddly strained.

“Thank you,” Shen Yin said, somewhat moved.

“I heard everything from Father Emperor and the others; you did so much to save us.” “What are you talking about? We’re family, no need to be so formal!” I felt a flush of embarrassment.

“You did call me ‘younger brother’ after all.

Based on that alone, I couldn’t just stand by and watch you get taken without doing anything.” “At least you have a conscience,” Shen Yin finally returned to normal, though the way she looked at me seemed complicated and strange.

“Um, do you really only see me as your elder sister?” “Of course,” I said seriously.

“Phew!” Shen Yin seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, feeling curious.

“Nothing,” Shen Yin replied, then grew slightly awkward.

“Father Emperor might ask you some strange questions, so you should be prepared.” “Strange questions?” I was bewildered, and Shen Yin’s odd expression made me even more uneasy.

“What strange questions, exactly?” “You’ll know when the time comes,” Shen Yin said evasively.

“.......” What was going on? I couldn’t shake the feeling that Shen Yin was acting strangely today.

But I quickly collected myself and subconsciously looked around.

“Where’s Mother?” “Resting,” Shen Yin replied with a hint of envy.

“She stayed by your bedside every day for this past year; only after you woke up once yesterday did she finally agree to rest properly.” “.......” Then I remembered seeing Mother’s haggard appearance when I woke up yesterday.

I had truly been unconscious for a year, and Mother had been taking care of me the entire time.

“It’s wonderful to have a mother,” Shen Yi murmured wistfully.

“If only Empress Dowager were still alive.” “Silly girl,” I chuckled lightly.

“What’s there to envy? Isn’t my mother your mother too?” “Naturally,” Shen Yin replied with a tone of absolute certainty, but she quickly seemed to realize something and turned to glare at me with displeasure.

“What did you just say?” “.......” I froze.

“Haha, what did I just say?” “Silly girl,” Shen Yin stared intently, locking her gaze on me.

“......” Oh no, I had let my subconscious slip and treated her like a little sister.

I hoped Shen Yin wasn’t angry.

“Roar!” Just as I expected, Shen Yin, who had been as gentle as a kitten moments before, completely changed.

“You brat, how dare you call me a silly girl! How old do you think you are?” “Ah!” “You’re dead!” “Ah! Stop, that hurts!” “I’ll kill you with anger!” “It hurts, I’m a patient!” “Trying to be the boss? Try again in the next life!” “Crazy girl, stop! I’m about to die!” “..........” BAM! A loud thud echoed from the doorway.

Jiuyue Chongyang, Shen Po, Shen Yin, Jidu, and others had gathered outside, all staring in shock at my disheveled self and Shen Yin.

The bowl of soup Shen Yi was holding had smashed onto the floor at some point! “Um, Father Emperor,” I said awkwardly, “She—she’s bullying me.” Ugh! What nonsense was I spouting? A grown man playing the victim, accusing someone else first.

“Bullying?” Shen Po, Jiuyue Chongyang, and the others stared as if they had seen a ghost, their eyeballs nearly popping out! “.....” Shen Yin turned beet red with shame, quickly stepping aside to fix her own wildly messy clothes.

“Brat, you just wait.

This isn't over.” With that, she fled the room as if running for her life.

Jiuyue Chongyang and the others just stared blankly at Shen Yin running out of the room.

“Ah, I’ll go check on them,” Shen Yi quickly gathered the broken bowl pieces and chased after her! “It seems His Highness is much better,” Shen Po finally reacted after a long moment, but the way she looked at me was somewhat peculiar, making me even more embarrassed.

“Much better indeed.

His Majesty need not worry,” Jidu and the others were grinning wickedly, giving me a chilling sensation.

“Yes,” Jiuyue Chongyang adopted a look of deep satisfaction, striking a dramatic, emotional pose.

“But when did Shen Yin become this mischievous?” That old fellow was clearly making fun of me! “Father Emperor!” I tried to get up with a dry laugh, but Jiuyue Chongyang stopped me.

“You just woke up; you should stay in bed and rest properly.” “Thank you for visiting personally, Father Emperor,” I managed awkwardly.

“Not at all.” Jiuyue Chongyang sat down by my bedside.

“I heard from Shen Yin that I slept for a full year, is that right?” The atmosphere remained awkward, so I decided to change the subject.

“Fourteen months,” Jidu interjected.

“Fourteen months?” I was surprised.

“Then what is the situation on the Demon Sealing Battlefield?” “The war has ended,” Jiuyue Chongyang said, a note of emotion in his voice.

“Truthfully, we owe that to you.” “......” I was shocked, almost unable to believe what I heard.

“The war...

has ended?” “Yes, it has ended,” Shen Po sighed.

“At least for now.” “Many things happened after you fell into a coma,” Jiuyue Chongyang continued, telling me everything that transpired while I was unconscious.

It turned out that after I, Jidu, and the others spirited away the Moluo Silver Sand, the entire Demon Sealing Empire immediately plunged into turmoil.

After all, the one abducted was the Moluo Empress! Public morale plummeted, and the army’s will wavered.

The Moluo Church reacted swiftly, deploying their Thunder War Generals onto the battlefield, but the Holy Word Alliance was not slow either, sending out all of their own Thunder War Generals.

Everyone had anticipated that this engagement would escalate into a massive brawl between the Thunder War Generals of the two great alliances.

However, this grand melee ultimately did not take place.

Perhaps neither side wished to suffer devastating losses, repeating the catastrophe of eight hundred years prior.

Therefore, they chose negotiation, and through these talks, the two alliances finally resolved their centuries-long territorial disputes spanning over two thousand years.

Because of the existence of the Black Flag Army, and the fact that the Moluo Silver Sand fell into my hands, the Holy Word Alliance held the upper hand during the negotiations.

Of course, as the absolute meritorious contributor to this great conflict, the Molong Imperial Family also secured the right to attend the peace conference and fought for substantial gains.

Not only were Shen Yin, Shen Xuyun, and Chang’e redeemed, but they also regained territories previously occupied by the Demon Sealing Empire, including the Blue Sand Islands and Black Sand Islands near the Blue and Black Seas, and other vital strategic points.

Naturally, the Moluo Silver Sand we captured was also released! Furthermore, the internal structure of the Holy Word Alliance underwent a reorganization of territory.

The Red Sand Islands and Flying Dragon Island, which had been occupied by the Azure Moon Empire near the southern Red Sea, were reallocated back into the territory of the Molong Empire.

The Azure Moon Empire was unwilling, but they dared not oppose the Church’s decree.

There was also another factor: the current Molong Empire was far stronger than before; the powerful Black Flag Army gave the Molong Empire absolute leverage in internal alliance negotiations, forcing even the Church to reconsider the value and status of the Molong Empire within the alliance.

Thus, the Molong Empire finally recovered all the territory it held during its prime five hundred years ago.

Additionally, Cangyue Qianyu, whom we had captured as a hostage, was redeemed by the Azure Moon Empire.

However, the Molong Imperial Family sternly refused the Azure Moon Empire’s request to reclaim the Heavenly Demon Battle Armor that rightfully belonged to their country, which infuriated Cangyue Zhenwu immensely.

Since the war was over, the Black Flag Army had no choice but to withdraw from the Demon Sealing Continent.

Of course, Jiuyue Chongyang did not forget the promise he made to the entire Black Flag Army regarding the three tribes—Nujiao, Xuelang, and Byron—allowing them to settle on the Molong Continent.

This should have been a headache-inducing issue, as the three tribes were originally subjects of the Demon Sealing Continent, with vastly different customs and religious beliefs.

Simply forcing them to coexist would inevitably lead to numerous problems.

However, after discussion, the Imperial Family made a very ingenious decision: they assigned the Black Flag Army and its three affiliated tribes to the three outlying islands closest to the Molong Continent—the Blue Sand Islands, Black Sand Islands, and Red Sand Islands.

This arrangement not only solved the land issue for the three tribes but also entrusted them with the crucial duty of guarding these three crucial territories.

The three tribes were extremely pleased with this arrangement, and the lengthy migration process began shortly thereafter.

The entire Molong Empire offered immense assistance for the relocation of the three tribes, providing funds, manpower, and helping to organize the fleets to facilitate their movement.

This greatly accelerated the progress of the migration.

The relocation work was completed in just one year.

Of course, with the end of the war, the Fourth Ranger Corps of the Black Flag Army, originally formed under the Dragon Flag banner, was disbanded.

Consequently, the designation of the Ranger Corps was revoked.

I was not surprised by this decision; they were all volunteers mobilized temporarily, hailing from various nations and continents, so it was natural they couldn't remain permanently within the Black Flag Army.

Furthermore, even if they had wished to stay, the Molong Empire lacked the financial resources to support such a large army.

More importantly, the war was concluded; the Molong Empire had no reason to maintain such a large military force.

With the cessation of hostilities, the ownership of the three Dark Temples—the Hellfire Confounding Hall, and the Death Temple—was finally clarified.

Consequently, both major Churches commenced exploration and excavation operations within these three Dark Temples.

“It seems the fighting is over,” I said with relief.

“Your Highness, don’t celebrate too soon,” Jidu said gravely.

“Are we going to keep fighting later?” I asked in surprise, not understanding Jidu’s meaning.

“Let’s not discuss that for now,” Jiuyue Chongyang’s expression turned serious.

“Can you tell Us why you were able to contend head-on with a Thunder War General at the Demon Sealing Imperial Palace?” “And why you could even wield my old general’s secret technique, the Raging Dragon Soaring Heavens, and Blood Tiger Luo Jiang’s secret technique, the Nine Heavens Star River Sword Art,” Jidu stared fixedly at me.

It had finally come! In fact, ever since waking up, I had been agonizing over how to explain everything that had happened to me.

But how could I tell them? Even if I told the absolute truth, would they believe it? Yet, even so, I had no intention of concealing anything! “I don’t know how it happened either,” I could only reply with a wry smile.

“To be honest, it wasn’t me fighting that Thunder War General at all.

It felt like an entirely different soul was controlling my body; I had no control whatsoever.” “Body out of control?” Jidu murmured deeply.

“So it is as suspected.” “Is it truly as the Old General analyzed?” Luo Hou also expressed great shock.

“Old General?” I was surprised.

“Do you know something?” “It was only speculation before,” Jidu stated seriously.

“But hearing it directly from Your Highness confirms my deduction.” “Deduction?” I was inwardly startled.

Did Jidu see through the strangeness of my Dragon Shadow Sword? “Yes,” Jidu confirmed.

“I actually suspect the sword spirit of the Crimson Blood Demon Sword was never completely destroyed, but instead hid itself inside your Dragon Shadow Sword.” “Ah!” This time it was my turn to be completely taken aback.

I never imagined this secret, which I believed was absolutely confidential, had been seen through by Jidu at a single glance.

“Thinking about it now, when the Crimson Blood Demon Sword and the Blade of Destiny nearly shattered every weapon present, only Your Highness’s Dragon Shadow Sword remained perfectly intact.

And what’s even more coincidental is that your Dragon Shadow Sword was forged by Lu Tong as a replica of the original Crimson Blood Demon Sword—almost identical in material and forging technique.

It could be considered the second-best hiding place for the Crimson Blood Demon Sword.

Now I finally understand why the Crimson Blood Demon Sword shattered every weapon before the duel; it was clearly trying to find a suitable substitute to leave a contingency path for itself, and Your Highness’s Dragon Shadow Sword was practically prepared for it,” Jidu said with profound emotion.

“Ah!” Now it was my turn to be speechless.

I never expected Jidu’s inference to perfectly match my own thoughts.

“I really don’t know what incredible luck you stumbled into, kid,” Jiuyue Chongyang also looked envious.

“To run into such a coincidence.” I could only offer a dry laugh.

“I actually considered that myself, but I was afraid I’d become the second Luo Jiang.” “Your Highness need not worry,” Jidu said firmly.

“Though the malevolence of the Crimson Blood Demon Sword is tyrannical, based on the current situation, it seems unable to affect Your Highness’s sanity.

One might even say this sword seems tailor-made for Your Highness; perhaps only you can master the sword’s inherent demonic nature.” “I hope so,” I replied, feeling uneasy.

“Even now, it’s too unbelievable.

What other strangeness is hidden within this body?” “I really want to know what other secrets Your Highness’s body conceals,” Luo Hou also analyzed earnestly.

“After all, Your Highness possesses the God-Bestowed Body Protection of the Molong Imperial Family, plus the Blood Spirit Protection of the Bitchi Imperial Family, compounded by the rare Demon Devouring Constitution seen only once in a thousand years.

With such a configuration, nothing that happens should be surprising.” “That’s true,” Shen Po added, her expression one of matter-of-factness.

Jiuyue Chongyang looked at me with an expression that was complex and peculiar.

I had the persistent feeling the old man was plotting something.

“It seems your body has recovered almost completely,” Jiuyue Chongyang continued.

“It’s time for you to get up and move around a bit.” “Ah.” I was slightly confused.

“Move around?” “Yes, move around,” Jiuyue Chongyang insisted.

“Do you want to sleep for another year or two?” “......” I was dumbfounded.

“Don’t forget, you are the esteemed Marshal of the Black Flag Army,” Jiuyue Chongyang reminded me.

“There are many things waiting for you to do.” “Is that so?” My heart fluttered.

It seemed I was in for a busy time again.

“You look rather reluctant, kid,” Jiuyue Chongyang said irritably.

“I wouldn’t dare,” I offered a strained smile.

“But Father Emperor, you know my whole background.” “Your background!” Jiuyue Chongyang’s nose almost flared with anger.

“Stop arguing with Us.

You have half a month to recuperate.

After half a month, get up and get to work.” “Huh?” I was stunned.

“Work after half a month?” “His Highness is now the pillar holding up the entire Molong Empire,” Shen Po said, her gaze deeply meaningful.

“Rest well, and work hard.” “.....” Watching Jiuyue Chongyang and Shen Po and the others leave the room, I remained utterly confused.

Work? What work!

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