Chapter 488: Ascending the Throne

This time, Marck really died.

Lei En saw his soul rise with the wind, swiftly climbing along the illusory long line formed by the fire of faith within his soul; a booming sound echoed in the sky, opening a towering blood‑red gate, behind which stretched endless mountains and plains, and the outline of a vast, rugged red fortress.

It was Ge Luo Shi's Divine Realm, and the divine power emanating from it was chilling.

Marck's soul rose to the gate of the Divine Realm, where two towering beast‑man divine attendants, wielding great axes and clad in red armor, emerged to greet it and usher his soul inside.

The blood‑red gate closed immediately, and the celestial phenomenon vanished.

Lei En finally exhaled, the weight in his heart settling. He had killed Marck, fearing that Ge Luo Shi would casually unleash divine punishment to avenge his Divine Chosen, and that if the God of Magic were to lose focus now, he would be doomed.

"His Majesty the King!"

A series of mournful cries rang over the walls of Kingslan, and the guards finally believed Marck was dead.

Among the Dragon‑born army, excitement surged as people shouted Lei En's surname. From today onward, his name would be legendary throughout Kangjiatuo, becoming the brightest figure on this cold land.

"Augustus!"

"Augustus!"

"Augustus..."

The Dragon‑born army's cheers drowned out the gloomy clouds over the wall; Lei En finally relaxed, reaching out to catch two items falling from the wind, both relics of Marck.

One was a dimensional space ring.

He inspected it and found little of value; aside from a few pieces of armor, weapons, and food, there were only a few hundred golden dragons. Despite Marck's royal status, the most valuable item was the dimensional space ring itself.

The other was a mithril necklace, its pendant a fingertip‑sized amber crystal, bright yellow and beautiful, with several intricate rune circles frozen inside.

Lei En examined it closely; the runes were elven, clearly indicating the magical item originated from an elf's hand.

Using a bit of soul energy to probe the amber's interior, he activated the runes and instantly obtained information about the magical item, feeling a surge of delight.

It is called the "Amber Yellow Crystal Pendant," of exceptionally high quality, reaching Epic Grade.

When worn around the neck and activated, it fuses with the skin; upon being attacked, it forms a layer of amber‑like crystal protection that not only blocks physical blows but also boasts formidable magical resistance, a rare dual‑guard.

Lei En had already witnessed its physical defense in the duel just now.

His war‑hammer's power was simply too great; with another legendary weapon, breaking this amber crystal would be difficult. He hadn't tested the magical resistance, but it should be comparable to the blood‑red cloak. Moreover, its crystal defense doesn't conflict with other spell shields, allowing stacking, so wearing it is almost like gaining an extra life.

Such a precious magical pendant could fetch at least 300,000 Gold Shield at the Mo Du auction house!

Putting away the Amber Yellow Crystal Pendant, Lei En saw the "Raging Envoy, Infinite Fury" not far away; this Legend Grade two‑handed great hammer might be his greatest loot today.

He said "might" because he wasn't sure he could obtain it.

Looking up at the sky, Ge Luo Shi's divine aura had completely vanished, seemingly motionless. A legendary weapon lay before him; claiming it didn't stir his heart would be a lie, and the Infinite Fury effect was tempting. Lei En thought for a moment and stepped forward.

Dilan*Laobo Dier of the Dragon‑born army saw the scene and clenched his fist.

The Raging Hammer is the Laobo Dier family's heirloom, having long been the symbol of the Laobo Dier Title: Duke; now he is the Laobo Dier Title: Duke, and by right he should become the hammer's new master, but Lei En clearly would not hand it over.

Ai Mi Li Si, Fei She Title: Duke, and others noticed Dilan*Laobo Dier's agitation, casting glances his way; he forced himself to stay calm and forced out an unnatural smile.

Lei En walked up to the Raging Hammer and bent down.

Just as his hand neared the hammer's handle, he suddenly sensed extreme danger; the Truth's Willpower warned him that continuing would bring something terribly awful.

The dangerous aura came from the sky.

Sure enough, Ge Luo Shi would not allow anyone outside his followers to claim the Raging Hammer; it was forged by his own hand, and even for a deity, crafting a Legend Grade weapon is no easy feat.

Lei En's hand froze; after a few seconds of hesitation, he reluctantly withdrew.

He opened a random door.

Dilan*Laobo Dier stared at the opened random door with surprise and doubt, hesitated briefly before stepping through, appearing beside Lei En and bowing: "Speaker."

"Three million golden dragons."

Lei En pointed at the hammer on the ground and said, "You can have it."

A wave of elation surged in his mind; Dilan*Laobo Dier's thoughts shifted rapidly, and a very troubled expression appeared on his face, "Speaker, three million golden dragons is too much. My vassals and I have just handed a ransom to His Majesty, draining the Laobo Dier Title: Duke..."

Lei En saw through his thoughts at a glance and bargained under Ge Luo Shi's protection.

A legendary weapon costs around 5,000,000 Gold Shield; the Raging Hammer's value is clearly higher, so letting the other side pay only three million golden dragons was already very generous.

If Ge Luo Shi weren't watching, he would dare demand ten million golden dragons!

"I can't have it, but I can keep others from getting it," Lei En squinted, "You have half a month to raise the money."

Dilan Title: Duke trembled slightly and quickly replied, "Yes, sir."

Lei En nodded with satisfaction, entered the random door, leaving Dilan Title: Duke behind. Brimming with joy, he stepped forward, grasped the Raging Hammer's handle, lifted it with some effort, infused it with soul energy, and a surge of blood‑red power coursed from the handle into his body, instantly amplifying his strength into a berserk state, making the hammer feel remarkably light.

"It belongs to me!"

Dilan*Laobo Dier was overjoyed, having earned Ge Luo Shi's approval and becoming the new master of this Legend Grade weapon. Though he only possessed it and did not receive Ge Luo Shi's favor like Marck, who was granted Divine Technique and promoted to Divine Chosen, it was enough.

But thinking of the three million golden dragons, he frowned, clenched his teeth, and thought, "Looks like I'll have to sell more of my estate."

Lei En returned to Ai Mi Li Si's side, changing into a set of pristine clothes.

"Congratulations, Speaker, on your victorious return!"

"Congratulations, sir!"

Everyone offered congratulations, sincerely showering praise; it was the most perilous and spectacular duel they had ever witnessed. Before the duel, Lei En claimed that under his Holy Soul there was no equal, and even those including Ai Mi Li Si hadn't believed it, but now they were completely convinced.

Marck's terrifying power had all fallen by Lei En's hand; aside from the Holy Soul, who could match Lei En?

Everyone felt both reverence and fear, and their gazes toward Lei En were more respectful than before.

"Lei En..."

Ai Mi Li Si's eyes flickered as she whispered.

"Everyone, prepare to siege the city," Lei En laughed, "No need to worry about Marck's city‑burning plan; capture Kingslan and seize our ultimate victory!"

"Why?" the others asked, a bit puzzled.

Because they were farther away, Marck deliberately controlled the wind to mask his voice, so they didn't know what he said to Lei En before dying.

Lei En was about to explain when two portals opened beside him.

Kai Jiade and Kelaoaosi, the two chairmen, stepped forward, and Kai Dejia said, "The Red Dragon Formation has temporarily failed, and those two legendary Wizards have also left. Your Majesty, you may proceed with the siege with confidence."

Ai Milisi was bewildered, "Didn't you say it would take at least two hours to break the Red Dragon Formation? It's been less than half an hour."

"There's no real threat of burning the city; it's all Ma Erke's lies," Lei En explained briefly. Voice of All Things heard the city start to descend into chaos and urged, "Begin the siege first, lest those vassal lords wreak havoc inside; block the three gates and let none escape."

"Yes!" the crowd responded in unison.

Ai Milisi no longer hesitated, commanding the Dragonborn army to act, splitting into three columns and attacking the city gates simultaneously. Extreme Warriors rode Flame Dragons into the sky, quickly approaching Jin Silan's walls; the dragon‑shaped bastions gave no response, allowing the Flame Dragons to sweep over the ramparts, spewing scorching breath.

The Red Dragon Formation truly failed!

Everyone in the Dragonborn army felt their spirits surge upon seeing this.

Boom!

The Wizard Corps combined their spells to blast the city gates open; the Spearwing Knight Corps led the charge, followed closely by Centaurs and the Transcendent Legions of the great families. Several giant dragons roamed the sky unabashedly, flaunting their might, diving down now and then to unleash dragon breath that incinerated foes.

Kangjiatuo's capital, after forty years, once again endures the baptism of war.

Lei En did not take part; Jin Silan City was left with only broken troops and could not stir any trouble. He called Kai Dejia and Kelaoaosi aside and whispered a few words.

Both chairmen' faces changed simultaneously as they gazed into the distance.

"Leave it to us," Kelaoaosi said solemnly. "It can't escape." With that, he and Kai Dejia instantly teleported away.

Lei En was, of course, referring to the pair Spirit Wind Stag and "Endless Spring Breeze."

It is Ma Erke's soul companion; after Ma Erke was slain, its soul was back‑fired upon, leaving it gravely wounded. Even though it moves at extreme speed and fled at Ma Erke's behest, it cannot escape the pursuit of the two legendary Wizards.

Before dying, Ma Erke did not plead for the Spirit Wind Stag, assuming it was safe, yet he did not know it was destined to die at the hands of the Weizelan Wizards.

Lei En is now at a low point, his soul power reduced to less than twenty percent, so this matter can only be left to the two chairmen.

He sat cross‑legged in the camp and meditated.

The fierce fighting in Jin Silan City lasted from afternoon until dusk, only then beginning to subside.

Under the setting sun, Lei En received a voice‑messenger from Ai Milisi: "Lei En, we have won!"

Her voice carried boundless joy and excitement, even trembling, as if she could not believe she had truly reached this point.

"I'm coming," Lei En said, opening a portal and stepping through.

The other side of the portal was in the middle of Jin Silan, before a magnificent castle gate.

The massive castle was built atop Jin Silan's sole hill, covering tens of thousands of square meters, constructed from light‑red sandstone. Its seven‑story main keep resembled a dragon coiled on the ground; seven spire towers rose within, the tallest nearly a hundred meters. A towering wall encircled it, and a wide moat was dug below, drawing water from outside. The overall layout resembled a miniature Jin Silan.

This is Red Dragon Castle, the residence of the Kangjiatuo king and the control hub of the Red Dragon Formation.

At this moment, corpses lay strewn inside and out of Red Dragon Castle.

Everywhere were the bodies of Transcendents; judging by their attire, most were Ma Erke's men and the private troops of his vassal lords, including some giant stag warriors.

The Scale‑riding Blood Guard had seized Red Dragon Castle, cleared its interior, and fully occupied it.

Scattered skirmishes still occurred in Jin Silan City, searching for hidden remnants of the enemy.

Lei En's Voice of All Things heard occasional screams of Transcendents being slain and nobles shouting God's Curse or begging for mercy. He recalled the Molsi family's grudge; the two princes had allied early with Ai Milisi partly to avenge their sister, and it seemed they had found the murderer, so the great revenge was about to be fulfilled.

After this great purge, few remain of the meritorious officials who once followed Ma Erke to overthrow the Zhuogeng Fortress Dynasty.

North of Jin Silan still lies half a kingdom's territory unclaimed, as well as the Ettis Principality and the Bulanden Principality, though most of their armies have been annihilated.

Duke Bulanden has become a prisoner beneath the stairs.

The never‑met Duke of Ettis fled in the afternoon with the remnants of the Snow Eagle Guard, only to be pursued and shot dead by Extreme Warriors; he himself also perished under the dragon breath of Black Dragon Yi Geng.

With the duke gone, those two principalities can be taken without effort.

Kangjiatuo will once again usher in Dragonborn rule.

Lei En stepped onto the blood‑stained ground and entered Red Dragon Castle. Under the watchful salute of the Scale‑riding Blood Guard, he ascended the stone steps onto the plaza before the main keep's gate atop the hill, where he could overlook most of Jin Silan.

The setting sun, cold and colorless, deepened the light‑red hue of the castle; the dark‑red reflections seemed to coat the fortress with a layer of blood.

Turning back to gaze, the ancient city of millennia‑old history was also bathed in crimson light.

Lei En glanced at his own cloak, also blood‑colored.

He entered the main keep, a hall called "Dragon Hall" whose entrance towered over ten meters, large enough for a true dragon to pass. Inside spanned over a thousand square meters, supported by towering square stone columns that upheld the dome. The surrounding walls depicted ancient legends of the dragon god Bahamut; torches illuminated the Dragon Hall, giving it a solemn, reverent atmosphere.

Directly opposite the great doors, at the far end of the Dragon Hall, a seven‑step staircase led to a platform bearing a peculiar throne.

It is an iron mass riddled with spikes, sharp horns, and twisted metal; the backrest bears many spikes, assembled from dozens of black longswords, resembling a peacock's fanned tail, yet each "feather" is a blade that can cut if one is not careful.

This is the Iron Throne, the symbol of Kangjiatuo's royal authority and the seat of its successive kings!

Ai Milisi stood at the base of the steps, gazing dreamily at the throne.

Behind her stood Waluogen, A Si Tan, Ding Laji, Duke Feishe, Duke Dilian, and others, as well as several dragons transformed into human form, the Scale‑riding Blood Guard, and legends of the great families; all were present, their faces showing varying excitement, joy, and thrill, yet all awaiting something.

"Chairman."

A salute from a Scale‑riding Blood Guard startled the crowd; they turned and saw Lei En walking in from outside the Dragon Hall.

The blood‑red sunset behind Lei En obscured his face in backlit shadow; though his footsteps were light, an inexplicable weight pressed on everyone's hearts.

Only when Lei En reached the torchlight and his faint smile became visible did the people silently exhale a sigh of relief.

"Lei En!"

Ai Milisi stepped forward, somewhat flustered, and said, "We succeeded! We succeeded!"

"I know, congratulations, Your Majesty," Lei En gently embraced her, patting her back and whispered, "You know what to do."

Ai Milisi felt a great sense of safety, and her emotions quickly calmed.

She left Lei En, ascended the seven steps, turned before the Iron Throne, looked down at the crowd, inhaled deeply, her beautiful face showing resolve and authority, then gently sat down.

"Your Majesty, I present myself!"

A grand, orderly voice echoed through the Dragon Hall; at that moment, it formally proclaimed the Dragonborn's return, and the Zhuogeng Fortress family once again ruled the Kangjiatuo Kingdom!

(End of Chapter)