Chapter 626: Sovereign Over the Imperial Capital

"Boss, Nuosiruier is arriving."

Xikalius walked into the airship's top‑deck luxury suite to report to Lei En.

Immersed in his reading, Lei En closed the phone library, stood up, and walked to the window, his gaze crossing the deck toward the horizon ahead. The airship had departed Mo Du early in the morning, and after more than half a day of flight, near afternoon it finally arrived at the Empire's capital.

On the endless plain, a massive city emerged.

Nuosiruier!

Lei En let out a sigh; as the capital of the Oriense Empire, Nuosiruier is not only the Empire's largest city but also the largest city in the world today.

It is an inland city, with only a few not very wide rivers leading eastward to the sea hundreds of kilometers away. Its area is more than twice that of Mo Du, with a permanent population exceeding ten million. The headquarters of the Empire's three divine churches are all here, and countless factions gather within.

From a small town in the Second Era, Nuosiruier has grown to the present, its ten‑thousands‑year‑long history bearing countless legends and cultural depth, earning the reputation "Capital of Ten Thousand Cities."

For over a thousand years, Nuosiruier has had only one true master.

That is Augulevi Master.

Now this great Wizard has "disappeared," Nuosiruier is roiling with undercurrents, and the once supreme Naisè Fu Kong Cheng has become the focal point of the Empire's major powers.

Lei En gazed far into the distance.

An inverted mountain peak hangs over Nuosiruier's western side, drifting in the high clouds with the wind. Its cross‑section is studded with dozens of tall towers; even a hundred li away one can feel the floating city's grand magnificence, radiating sparkling magical light comparable to the sun.

Naisè Fu Kong Cheng is the world's first floating city, far larger than Weizelan.

It also does not hover fixedly like Weizelan; instead it constantly circles Nuosiruier along a set route, moving slowly—about ten days to complete a circuit.

This floating city holds countless significance: Wizard factions, politics, economy…

Lei En watched for a moment before withdrawing his gaze.

Soon the airship rose above Nuosiruier, the densely packed buildings on the ground stretching endlessly, streets intersecting in a maze, crowds weaving like fabric, cars moving, mounts galloping, residents with confident, divine expressions filling the capital's visage, its splendor matching or surpassing Mo Du's.

The airship Lei En rode landed at a landing field within the city.

"Let's go down."

There were no other passengers on the airship; this trip he only brought Bo Erqi and two squads of Extreme Warriors.

Axi Na had originally been eager to visit Nuosiruier for observation, but Lei En persuaded her to stay at Jin Gang Fort base, arguing that opportunities to learn swordsmanship from Ouroin Master were scarce and must not be missed.

After weighing the options, Axi Na thought it reasonable.

Lei En silently let out a breath of relief.

Viola has been in Nuosiruier these past years; this visit is certainly to meet her, and bringing Axi Na would be too awkward.

He certainly didn't want to relive that day's scene.

Bang bang bang…

Twenty‑four Extreme Warriors mounted Kodo beasts, split into two rows and rushed out of the airship's rear hatch; the two leading Extreme Warriors raised square battle flags, the red field embroidered with the Augustus family crest—a golden war hammer crossed with a crescent moon.

Lei En called to the golden three‑headed dragon beside him, "Bo Erqi."

"Boss…"

Bo Erqi wore an unwilling grimace.

Lei En saw through his thoughts in an instant, smiled and promised, "If you agree, I'll reduce a thousand Gold Shields of debt each day."

"Good!" Bo Erqi's eyes lit up, instantly breaking into a grin, eagerly saying, "Boss, that's what you said."

"When did I ever speak without keeping my word?" Lei En retorted.

Bo Erqi nodded repeatedly.

He ceased hesitating, and the robust humanoid transformed into a towering, majestic warhorse.

Its body was sheathed in golden‑hard scales, a crimson mane like blazing fire, a pair of broad flame‑like wings on its flanks, a tail of dazzling, long flame, and jet‑black eyes that emitted wisps of shadowy energy.

Bo Erqi possessed half a golden dragon lineage, and golden dragons excel at shape‑shifting, though they rarely employ it.

This is his "golden‑scaled celestial steed" form.

Lei En's soul eye had long seen through Bo Erqi's transformation ability; the golden three‑headed dragon's true form was too massive to serve as a mount when not in combat, making the golden‑scaled celestial steed the most suitable riding form.

Previously, Bo Erqi had sternly refused, even when a soul‑binding circle forced him, he would not bow his head.

Until recently.

Bo Erqi followed Lady Xia Lanwei in business, somehow got duped by that steel dragon, and in just a few years invested in many projects; not only did he lose his capital, he ended up owing Lady Xia Lanwei a mountain of debt—over a million Gold Shields—and even giving all his remaining treasure wouldn't cover it.

Now Bo Erqi is so broke his pockets clink, and he dares not default, so he can only turn to Lei En.

After inquiring, Lei En found that this foolish dragon had absolutely been set up by Lady Xia Lanwei.

He fundamentally didn't understand business tactics, had no commercial talent, was duped without realizing it, blamed his bad luck, felt he had let Lady Xia Lanwei down, and was determined only to earn money to repay the debt.

Lei En did not expose Lady Xia Lanwei's scheme.

He lent Bo Erqi over a million Gold Shields to clear the debt, then retrieved the money from Lady Xia Lanwei, spending not a single cent, thus becoming Bo Erqi's creditor and seizing the chance to make a demand.

The power of money finally made this proud giant dragon bow its head.

Lei En mounted the golden‑scaled celestial steed.

The steady, broad back was exceedingly comfortable; a light tap of his legs against the belly, without a word, Bo Erqi understood the intent and set the hooves moving, exiting the cabin amid the Extreme Warriors' formation.

Outside the airship, many people were already looking up in anticipation.

Riding the horse, Lei En surveyed the surroundings; the Extreme Warriors halted the Kodo beasts, and around them a well‑equipped group of Transcendants numbering about a hundred, all mounted on warhorses, formed a tall column that separated the onlookers in the landing field.

They wore identical silver armor, blue cloaks on their backs, crown‑shaped insignia on their chests, and wielded enchanted spears, looking imposing.

Rick Guard!

This Transcendent legion is the Empire's oldest legion, created by the Alfar Empire as the emperor's personal guard. They have played pivotal roles in many major events in Imperial history, especially during succession, always present.

Now the Rick Guard serves as the Consul's escort unit; its status has declined, but its strength remains undiminished.

When Lei En stepped out, he instantly drew everyone's attention.

"Earl of Glamorgan, Your Excellency!"

A middle‑aged man on horseback, dressed in an Imperial official's robe, rode forward. He appeared about forty, his abilities average, a Mid‑stage sorcerer, yet his noble bearing was evident, his attire impeccable, his face full of earnest smiles. He introduced himself: "I am Anbu *He De, welcoming the Earl on behalf of the Consul, and greeting the lord to Nuosiruier."

Lei En nodded in reply: "Thank you for the Consul's enthusiasm; I appreciate Baron Hed's effort in coming to receive me."

Baron Hed was originally of common birth; at a young age he earned the favor of Genius and was appointed Interior Minister.

The Interior Minister is one of the three top seats of the cabinet, alongside the Minister of Military Affairs and the Minister of Finance, overseeing the Empire's public order, transportation, demon extermination, and many other matters; a position of great authority. Ambur Hed is one of Genius's absolute confidants, with a very high status.

Genius sent him to receive me, showing how much he values me.

"Everyone in Nuosiruier looks forward to catching a glimpse of the Earl's grandeur; today I am honored to receive you on behalf of the Consul," Ambur said, looking both surprised and humbled, then matter‑of‑factly added, "I have arranged lodging for the Earl and your retinue at Nuosiruier's finest 'Fesin Pafen Hotel.' Please rest, and tonight the Consul will host a welcome ceremony at He Palace."

As he spoke, Lei En observed him with his Soul Eye.

Although Ambur appeared composed, the constantly shifting colors of his soul revealed that his emotions were unsettled, full of curiosity and apprehension toward me.

Lei En smiled, "Very well, please lead the way."

"At once!"

Ambur turned and gestured to the centurion of the Rike Guard; the legendary Iron Guard obeyed immediately, ordering the guard to clear a path. Half the guard marched ahead, Lei En and the Extreme Warriors in the middle, Ambur riding alongside Lei En, with the remaining guard trailing behind.

The ground trembled as the massive procession surged out of the airship landing field.

When the guard's figures vanished into the street, the surrounding onlookers erupted in a clamor of chatter.

"Goddess above, that just now was the Earl of Glamorgan!"

"Who else could it be?"

"Consul, you actually sent Baron Hed to the landing field to receive us, with a hundred‑strong guard escort; the Earl truly commands great presence!"

"Indeed… he is still so young…"

"Doesn't this strike you as odd?" someone said, hand on chin, thoughtful: "The Earl of Glamorgan has been an Empire councilor for five years, yet this is his first visit to Nuosiruier, and he does so so flamboyantly, deploying such a massive formation…"

At those words, the faces around subtly shifted.

Nuosiruier is the Empire's political hub; nobles and commoners alike are keen to discuss politics, and anyone on the street can be drawn into conversation, making its political sensitivity far greater than that of peoples beyond the capital, and someone immediately guessed part of the truth.

Where the guard and Extreme Warriors passed, cars and pedestrians gave way, then cast astonished glances.

These murmurs reached Lei En's ears through the ambient sounds, causing the corner of his mouth to lift slightly.

"The capital's people are quite talkative," Lei En said lightly.

Ambur, riding beside him, replied instantly with a smile: "It's one of Nuosiruier residents' pastimes; being close to the seat of power inevitably influences them. If the Earl hears any malicious words, please don't take them to heart; they're merely idle talk for amusement."

Lei En nodded.

Nuosiruier's streets are very wide, roughly comparable to Mo Du; as one approaches the city center, some buildings begin to show the marks of time, exuding a sense of antiquity and weight that inspires awe.

The landing field lies in Nuosiruier's south‑central area, not far from the Consul's residence.

A few miles away, one can see a massive ancient castle at Nuosiruier's very center, oriented north‑south, sprawling over a vast area, housing numerous palaces, towers, and gardens—a city within a city—known worldwide as the 'Fubei Deng Castle.'

This colossal castle, with a 2,400‑year history, contains hundreds of structures; at its core lies a magnificent palace complex called 'Rike Palace,' the namesake of the Rike Guard.

Rike Palace was originally the Empire's imperial palace.

Now the Empire has no emperor; Rike Palace is sealed, guarded constantly by the guard, and even the Consul cannot enter.

The Consul's residence also lies within Fubei Deng Castle, in the southwest corner, adjacent to Rike Palace.

The Fesin Pafen Hotel arranged by Ambur sits outside Fubei Deng Castle, only three or four li away; it is a manor‑style luxury hotel with exorbitant prices—beyond the reach of ordinary superhumans—catering solely to the Empire's top‑tier wealthy nobles and dignitaries.

Flanked by the guard and Extreme Warriors, Lei En arrived at the entrance of a luxurious villa within the hotel.

"Welcome, my lord Earl!"

Dozens of attractive young maidens greeted in unison, all dressed in fitted attire that highlighted their graceful curves; each appeared well‑trained yet couldn't help repeatedly glancing at Lei En on his warhorse, while striving to showcase their figures and faces, their eyes hinting at anticipation.

Lei En scanned the scene, and his Soul Eye detected several maidens harboring ulterior motives.

"All step back."

He said this to the leading, self‑proclaimed hotel reception manager, a stunning woman; disappointment flickered in her eyes, yet she led the maidens away.

Ambur also took his leave, leaving only a squad of twelve guards.

The Extreme Warrior led a Kodo Beast into the stables, handing it to the hotel's servants to feed, then entered the manor villa for a sweep, setting up rotating watches at the villa's critical points.

"Boss, no problem," Xika Liusi reported upon return.

Lei En nodded.

In fact, he had already used the All‑Seeing Eye to scan the entire manor villa and found nothing unusual, but Xika Liusi, as his personal guard company commander, must not neglect his responsibilities; otherwise he could just come alone.

He moved into the luxurious suite on the third floor of the villa, with two Extreme Warriors stationed at the door.

Lei En did not rest, standing by the window and gazing toward Fubei Deng Castle; his sight crossed the towering walls, seeing only the dome of Rike Palace.

Even that small glimpse displayed the imperial palace's majesty and grandeur.

Soon, the sky darkened.

Night fell, and Nuosiruier's city lights glittered; high above in the west, the Naiser Fu Kong Cheng shone even brighter at night than by day, its rings of magical aura rippling outward like a second moon rising in the sky.

A luxury carriage bearing the Consul's emblem arrived punctually at the villa's entrance.

Lei En descended and boarded the carriage.

A squad of Extreme Warriors accompanied, shielding the carriage as it left the hotel toward the ancient castle.

Sweat… I wrestled with it until after four in the morning last night and didn't write a single word, staying up for nothing. Luckily I sorted it out today; I still have two chapters to write tonight.

(End of chapter)