Chapter 59: The Divine Realm

"Ancestor, this… why is this happening?"

Empress Zhu looked at Dan Heng and his disciple departing into the distance, her face filled with confusion as she immediately asked.

Dan Heng had trespassed into the imperial palace… that could still be explained with the presence of Ancestor Dai.

But for Dan Heng to strike directly in front of her, the empress of the empire, and kill Earl Charles—this was nothing short of trampling the authority of the Star Luo Empire underfoot!

Yet, not only was he not punished, but he was also allowed to take Zhu Zhuqing away.

One had to know that Zhu Zhuqing was the imperial consort!

Leaving with such a young man—if word got out, it would be a disgrace to the reputation of the Star Luo royal family.

But instead of stopping them, Ancestor Dai actually backed them up?

Ancestor Dai let out a cold snort, turned around, and said indifferently, "In any case, today's events must not be mentioned to outsiders! And don't let me find out that any of you dare to cause him trouble! Just treat it as if… it never happened!"

In his heart, Ancestor Dai also felt helpless, but he was too embarrassed to explain.

How could he tell this junior that he, the revered Star Luo Ancestor, the stabilizing pillar of the empire, a powerful Title Douluo—

Had been knocked unconscious by a single punch?

And the opponent hadn't even revealed his martial soul!

With such strength, perhaps the Star Luo Empire could encircle and kill him with an army.

But if conflict erupted and he carried out a decapitation strike, could the royal family truly defend themselves?

Stop him? That was just asking for death!

Fortunately, Dan Heng had no intention of escalating the conflict, so he simply went along with the situation.

As for taking Zhu Zhuqing away—if this could establish a connection with Dan Heng, it might not be a bad thing!

Empress Zhu watched as Ancestor Dai flickered and disappeared before her eyes, a trace of unwillingness flashing in her gaze.

No matter how strange Dan Heng's strength was, he was, at most, just a Title Douluo.

An unknown powerhouse, yet the empire had to compromise for him? That was simply unacceptable!

"Mother, I will investigate this Dan Heng."

The empress nodded slightly and said coldly, "However, Weisi, remember Ancestor Dai's words—do not let Dan Heng notice… Zhuyun, you stay. I need to talk with you."

Zhu Zhuyun responded softly and stayed behind.

The others dispersed, leaving only the two women in the pavilion.

After a moment of silence, Empress Zhu spoke:

"Zhuyun, between you and Zhuqing, I have always favored you. And now, you have proven yourself more mature and better suited…"

Zhu Zhuyun's eyes flickered with joy, and she quickly said, "Zhuqing… she's just too young, unaware of her place."

The empress sneered, her beautiful face showing displeasure.

"Twelve years old is not a child anymore. If she made a decision, she must be prepared to bear the consequences."

"I do not want you to lose in the competition five years from now."

"Zhu Zhuqing thinks she can close the gap by following a Title Douluo teacher? I will make sure she realizes what a foolish mistake that is!"

"From now on, you will receive the highest level of royal resources!"

The empress' voice was cold.

Dan Heng dared to show contempt for her, an imperial empress? She would not let this slide!

Zhu Zhuyun's face instantly lit up with excitement, and she hurriedly expressed her gratitude.

With such support from the empress, her future was practically secured!

So what if Zhu Zhuqing followed a Title Douluo? How could that compare to the full backing of an empire?

Dan Heng took Zhu Zhuqing and left the palace.

They encountered no obstacles on their way out.

Once outside, Dan Heng turned to her and said, "Zhuqing, go back to the hotel. I have other matters to attend to and will return later… Your mistress is still unconscious; take care of her."

Zhu Zhuqing had been lowering her head, her mind replaying the dominant and overwhelming presence Dan Heng had just displayed.

When Dan Heng suddenly stopped, she nearly bumped into him.

Hearing his voice, she finally snapped out of her thoughts, looked up at him, and asked worriedly,

"Yes, Teacher. But… what happened to Mistress?"

"…It's nothing serious."

Dan Heng gave a brief explanation before vanishing into the crowd.

Zhu Zhuqing pursed her lips and looked around. The bustling streets were filled with people, yet Dan Heng was nowhere to be seen.

"Teacher must have gone to find medicine for Mistress, right?"

She thought to herself, then turned back to glance at the towering walls of the imperial palace.

The walls that once seemed to suffocate her…

As she walked towards the hotel, they appeared to shrink behind her, getting smaller and smaller until they were left far behind.

Her walk turned into a brisk stride, then a run, and finally, she became a fleeting shadow.

Like the wind, she swept through the crowd.

At this moment, she was utterly free.

The Divine Realm

A vast, endless expanse of white stone stretched across the clouds, atop which stood a colossal gateway.

Majestic and imposing, it radiated an overwhelming aura.

This was the place where those who ascended from the mortal realms first arrived in the Divine Realm.

Originally, such a structure did not exist.

It was said that after the Dragon God's fall, the Five Great God-Kings unanimously decided to establish this White Stone Platform.

Anyone entering the Divine Realm would first be guided here, ensuring that their arrival was known and properly arranged.

Of course, the platform rarely opened.

In this era, ascended gods were becoming increasingly rare.

Two gods stood before the Divine Gate.

One was a grotesque, obese man sitting cross-legged on the ground, surrounded by piles of food that he was devouring ravenously.

He was the God of Gluttony, one of the Seven Deadly Sin Gods.

A First-Class Deity, a rank exceedingly rare in the Divine Realm.

"Gluttony, if you must eat, at least do it quietly! Your chewing is driving me mad!"

Beside him stood a tall, thin man draped in a dark-orange robe. His entire body radiated a violent orange glow, with a halo behind his head emitting an aura of madness and terror.

"Wrath, I'm hungry… Just bear with it…"

The God of Gluttony said innocently.

"You! No wonder you get along with Sloth—both of you are completely useless!" The God of Wrath snapped.

Gluttony ignored him and continued eating.

Seeing this, Wrath became even more enraged. He grumbled, "The Five God-Kings are far too cautious! When the Dragon God went berserk, yes, that mysterious figure was strong, but the chances of such an event happening again are minimal!"

"Why must First-Class Deities be stationed here to guard the Divine Gate?"

His voice was filled with resentment.

"Munch, munch…" Gluttony kept eating.

Wrath gritted his teeth and growled, "I swear, if I ever see that guy again… If we hadn't exhausted ourselves fighting the Dragon God back then, how could he have had his way? Now I'm stuck here guarding this damn gate!"

In frustration, he kicked the frame of the gate.

BANG!

Suddenly, a swirling vortex of colors appeared within the gate, sending out a powerful spatial disturbance.

Gluttony swallowed his food and stared at the gate in surprise.

"Wrath, that was an amazing kick!"

Wrath frowned. "This reaction… The god ascending seems very powerful…"

(End of Chapter)