he Tianheng Continent is vast and boundless, home to countless races. After enduring millions of years of war, these races have established a rigid hierarchy, divided into four tiers based on the realms of Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Yellow.
The most powerful and rarest are the Heaven-tier races. Few in number, they control most of the continent's resources and enjoy unparalleled privileges.
Next are the Earth-tier races, also scarce and influential, with access to vast resources and considerable power.
The Xuan-tier races, while still numerous compared to the first two, occupy a lower status. The Elves belong to this tier, with their ancient lineage and magical prowess.
Finally, the Yellow-tier races, the most numerous but weakest, have scant resources and are subjugated and oppressed. Among them are the Human and Manniu tribes, both struggling to survive under harsh conditions.
Ronald, having inherited the memories of his predecessor, understood the meaning behind these tiers. However, as a young man raised under the red banner of equality, he struggled to accept this cruel caste system.
After a long moment of hesitation, it seemed that Ronald had made up his mind to speak, but before he could, the distant sound of galloping hooves reached his ears!
His heart raced. He looked up and saw his personal guards in red armor. With a sigh of relief, he steadied himself.
The lead guard, Zhang Tie, dismounted in a flurry, panic written across his face. Seeing the king and his guards standing nearby, he immediately dropped to one knee, shouting, "Captain Zhang Tie of the Royal Guard reports to His Majesty!"
Ronald nodded, signaling him to rise. "No need for formalities."
At once, Liu Long, the general, asked anxiously, "Tie, did you manage to gather any information near Canaan Pass?"
Zhang Tie hesitated, glancing at Ronald, then at Liu Long. He seemed unsure how to proceed, his words caught in his throat.
Ronald's brow furrowed with suspicion. He sensed something was wrong. "What did you find? Speak!"
"Your Majesty… bad news. Prince Cheng ascended the throne yesterday."
Ronald scoffed, his expression cold. "What a fool. Of course, that traitor would seize the throne."
The news didn't surprise him, but his attention remained fixed. Zhang Tie, seeing the king's calm reaction, proceeded cautiously, "The coronation was conducted by Prime Minister Wang. The queen herself presented the Sun and Moon scepter, declared your ten 'crimes,' and proclaimed you dead. Prince Cheng said... three years from now... three years…"
"Three years, and then what?" Ronald demanded, his voice dark with anger. His mind was already starting to piece together the puzzle.
Zhang Tie hesitated, never having seen the king so cold. He glanced around at the stone-faced Liu Long and Fan Qingyue, who stood like statues, their silence heavy. His voice trembled as he continued, "After the three-year mourning period, he plans to marry the queen…"
"Bastard! Whore!" Ronald roared, his fury rising like a tide. The details of the betrayal flooded his mind, and his anger burned hotter with every passing thought.
He paused, gritting his teeth as memories of his wedding day resurfaced. So that's why they insisted I drink so much... It was all a plot to steal the scepter and move the troops away from the palace!
The group stood in stunned silence, now realizing that the queen was complicit in the coup. At the same time, they didn't know how to react to the king's wrath.
"Liu Long!" Ronald barked. "Prepare my horse! We're riding back to the palace and we're going to execute this bitch and that traitor!"
Liu Long's fiery temper flared as he jumped to his feet. "Your Majesty, I'll follow you to the ends of the earth! Let's bring those filthy bastards to justice!"
His loyalty was unwavering. Seeing his beloved king betrayed like this, he could hardly contain his rage.