Chapter 543: The Empress

"Locke, I was wrong. I have always been dominated by my fear and greed; I have always believed that only through dark power could one obtain true power. But now, I understand that true power and powerhouses are those who can control their own hearts."

Locke smiled and nodded: "That's right, Moria; only by controlling one's own heart can one truly become a powerhouse."

Moria lowered his head; he felt inner peace and tranquility. He began to think about his future and how to make up for the harm he had caused.

Just then, a powerful aura suddenly appeared in their vicinity. Both became vigilant immediately; they knew this aura came from an extremely powerful existence.

A woman walked closer slowly; she wore a gorgeous white robe, her posture arrogant, her appearance beautiful. She was the World Government's number one female assassin—the Empress.

The Empress scanned Locke and Moria coldly, then said: "I heard you two were fighting here?"

Locke and Moria looked at each other; they both felt the killing intent on the Empress. Locke smiled and said: "Yes, my lady Empress, we two were having a fierce battle here."

The Empress sneered: "In that case, are you two both prepared to become my prey?"

Locke smiled indifferently: "My lady Empress, we didn't intend to become your prey."

A hint of coldness flashed in the Empress's eyes: "Then what are you two going to do now?"

Locke smiled: "My lady Empress, we didn't intend to be your enemy. We just wanted to find some things we need here and then leave."

The Empress snorted: "What do you want?"

Locke smiled indifferently: "My lady Empress, the thing we need is just an item imprisoned here; we didn't intend to be your enemy."

A hint of disdain flashed in the Empress's eyes: "You think you can easily leave here just by saying you want to find an item? This is the World Government's secret base; you two have endangered the safety here and must be punished."

Locke did not panic; he smiled and said: "My lady Empress, we didn't endanger the safety here; we just came to find what we need and then leave. If you can give us this opportunity, we will definitely leave here as soon as possible."

The Empress was silent for a moment, then said: "Alright, I can give you this opportunity, but you must hand over the item you are looking for, otherwise I can only treat you as enemies."

Locke nodded: "Alright, my lady Empress, we will hand over the item we are looking for."

Then, Locke took an old book out of his backpack and handed it to the Empress.

The Empress took the book and frowned: "What is this?"

Locke smiled: "This is a history book; it is said to contain some secrets about the World Government and the Pirate King. We want to borrow this book to understand some truths about the World Government."

The Empress snorted: "You are courting death; the secrets of the World Government are not something small characters like you can explore."

Locke smiled indifferently: "My lady Empress, we didn't intend to pose any threat to the World Government; we just want to understand some truths. If this book poses a threat to the World Government, we will destroy it." ===== CHAPTER 545 =====