Chapter 875: The Black Emperor's Temptation

This voice, whose source is unknown, was full of temptation, shaking Lei En's mind and spirit; he had heard it years ago on the Sain Plateau.

Black Emperor Ban Erke!

He is one of the most powerful deities in the world, the mortal enemy of the God of Magic, and now watches him, casting a lure once more.

Lei En's face remained impassive, and he gave no response.

Ban Erke's voice sounded again in his mind: "Mortal, I know your ambition, hehe…"

He let out a low laugh, as if he had already seen through everything, and praised it: "Everything you have done for the Oriense Empire aligns perfectly with my doctrine. You were born to be my follower, better than any Chosen One I have in the mortal world; worshipping VijesCui will bring you no benefit."

"Serve me, and you will gain invincible power in the mortal realm."

"I will help you conquer the Empire and ascend the Golden Throne. The billions of mortals across the Oriense Empire, the Old Continent and the New Continent will bow at your feet, shouting your name."

"Think about it."

"Weikela Madiya II only ruled the Gupata Kingdom; having received my blessing, he possessed such great power."

"If you conquer the Empire and the human realms, ruling territories a hundred times larger and billions of subjects, how much power can my imperial armaments grant you? Whether it be a human Holy Soul Wizard or an elf Grand Mage, those Saint Rank elites are mere ants before you."

"You are the God of Humans!"

Ban Erke's words entered Lei En's mind one by one, his tone rising, becoming fervent and resonant, making Lei En envision himself seated high upon the Golden Throne, countless people prostrating at his feet, shouting his name, bowing in worship.

The scene gave Lei En immense satisfaction, and he became involuntarily excited.

God of Humans!

The future Ban Erke painted, and this title greater than the emperor's, made Lei En's breathing quicken, as if he were deeply stirred.

"This is something VijesCui could never give you, but I can. All you need to do is wear the iron crown, recite my revered name, and offer the fire of your faith." The Black Emperor's tone softened, showing no trace of malice, like a kindly teacher imparting knowledge to a student, guiding them onto the right path.

Lei En remained silent.

Although his emotions were somewhat stirred, yearning to stand atop the mortal pinnacle and be called 'God of Humans', that was all.

Excitement aside, he still gave no response.

The Black Emperor's promise was tempting; another might have already agreed, but He misread Lei En's true motive. Lei En wanted the throne not solely for power, but because the challenge appealed to him, and he simply wished to experience what it felt like to sit in that seat.

His mind was clear, firmly recalling the saying from his past life: "There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world!"

Ban Erke would never be so kind as to help him ascend the throne for free.

He is an evil deity!

An evil deity is so called because its deeds betray mortal moral standards, being selfish, ruthless, and treating mortal lives and souls as weeds.

If not for fearing to anger Ban Erke, Lei En would like to ask Him: after conquering the world, between the so‑called God of Humans and this tyrant deity, whose status would be higher and whose lower?

Most importantly, he could achieve all this without the Black Emperor's aid.

Ban Erke continued his tireless persuasion, showing rare patience among deities, his words entering Lei En's mind one after another:

"Worship me, and you will obtain everything you desire."

"You need not immediately don the iron crown before others; after the battle, find a hidden chamber, set up an altar, and pray to me."

"You don't need to worry about that VijesCui bitch; I have a way to conceal you from her scrutiny, and your faith will never be discovered as problematic."

"My followers have seized many hidden powers within the Empire; their strength and status are high, and they can aid you covertly, obeying your commands. Anything inconvenient for you to do openly can be entrusted to them."

"Serve me, and supreme power and glory await you."

Ban Erke babbled incessantly.

To win Lei En over, He even disclosed some crucial information, showing how eager He was for Lei En to join Him.

However, the more Lei En heard, the less he wanted to agree, and he grew irritated.

Is this guy a pyramid scheme operator?

Or a reincarnated Tang Sanzang?

Lei En tried to shield Ban Erke's voice with Truth Will, but it failed; the deity's mental broadcast is not a negative attack, and Truth Will is ineffective against it.

So Truth Will also has loopholes; babbling is clearly a form of mental attack!

"You're so noisy."

Lei En could no longer bear it and suddenly spoke up.

Ban Erke's voice abruptly vanished, and the world seemed to fall silent at once.

On the ruins, the confronting Weikela Madiya II wore a bewildered expression, saying nothing and not moving a muscle; how could Lei En think it was noisy?

"Hmph!"

Ban Erke's voice sounded again, this time extremely displeased, warning: "Mortal, my patience is limited. If you refuse to serve me, you become my enemy. I'll give you some time to consider your situation carefully."

Then no further sound came.

Lei En felt a chill in his heart, being targeted by a powerful deity; anyone would feel their scalp tingle. He looked at Weikela Madiya II and suddenly felt pity for him—a sovereign of a nation, yet a pawn casually discarded by the Black Emperor.

If he worships the Black Emperor, he will eventually fall to such a state.

The Mirror Image has less than five minutes left.

The Empire's legion had withdrawn most of its forces, exiting the palace ruins and sprinting toward the outskirts of Banbei City; the dozens of teleportation gates scattered throughout the city had long been sealed, preventing a return to Fu Kong Cheng, so they could only keep as far from the palace as possible.

Lei En looked up at the sky.

Flaniss Floating City hovered high in the sky, motionless; its protective barrier had taken no damage, resembling a silent dead city.

The Voice of All Things faintly heard the sounds of battle within the floating city, interspersed with roars and magical explosions.

The enemies that breached Flaniss must be extremely powerful; otherwise they could not have fought the five Holy Soul Wizards for so long!

"I have to rely on myself."

Lei En exhaled lightly, needing to finish off Weikela Madiya II within the Mirror Image's final five minutes, lest the lack of the Mirror Image make things even harder.

At that moment, several teleportation gates opened over the palace ruins, and multiple Imperial Transcendants stepped out.

Leading them was Marquis Zeli Mu Batula, a two‑meter‑tall hulking figure clad in black heavy armor, wielding a large round shield in one hand and a broad sword in the other, his steps agile and swift, exuding an unparalleled sturdy aura that put others at ease.

Also present were Viscount Stoin De, Weili En Luogsi, and the newly promoted Saint Rank Great Sword Master of last year.

Governor‑General Hets of Surlan Province.

Oti Luk, Bigbai, Ma Youfu—three members of the Eight‑Leaf, Lindian of ParrasFloatingCity, and the alchemical sage Channi of Ein Floating City—they are all candidates for the Empire Consul. The ones already present, Salain, Haisketo and Suorik, withdrew their legion and stayed behind.

Adding Lei En, there are exactly six Saint Rank strongmen and six legendary Wizards.

Twelve Empire Transcendents are scattered over the palace ruins, in the sky and on the ground, in all directions, surrounding Vikramatia II.

They are both here to help Lei En and to claim credit.

But Lei En does not mind at all.

Of all these people, only I and the Empire Iron Wall Batula can truly threaten Vikramatia II; the others cannot even block a single enemy sword. The legendary Wizards' spells cannot pierce the magical resistance of the imperial armament.

Sure enough, Vikramatia II's face showed disdain.

"A bunch of Empire trash."

"Do you think having many people makes you useful?"

Before Vikramatia II finished speaking, a sword flashed, instantly cutting in front of Vili En; a terrifying blade sliced through the void, and a cold, imposing gaze swept across, the "Royal Authority Deterrence" immobilizing Vili En as if by a binding spell.

Vili En's complexion changed drastically, terror flashing in his eyes.

"It's over!"

In that instant his heart filled with despair and regret; he had only risen to Saint Rank a little over a year ago, and now he was about to die in a foreign land.

At the critical moment, Vili En vanished.

In his place appeared a Mirror Image of Lei En, wielding a war hammer that hard‑caught Vikramatia II's heavy sword.

The raid's speed was too fast; Lei En could not swap places with Vikramatia II, so he could only target Vili En with a spell.

Boom!

The war hammer shattered, and the Mirror Image kept recoiling.

Vikramatia II's power completely crushed the Mirror Image, then thrust forward; the flame‑soul heavy sword pierced the Mirror Image's chest, instantly turning it into a fleeting bubble that vanished.

Only then did Vili En realize his position had changed, and that he was still alive.

He turned his head and saw Vikramatia II killing the Mirror Image, cold sweat covering his forehead; if Lei En had not intervened, he would have been the one to die.

Several legendary Wizards seized the opportunity to cast spells.

Bigbai unleashed his famed "Bigbai Capture Palm", Ma Youfu used his "Ma Youfu Micro Meteor", Oti Luk cast his "Oti Luk Ice Sphere", Lindian threw a Mind Blast, and Channi waved his hand, hurling several massive flame‑explosion spells.

These spells dealt damage and control, each far surpassing the power of same‑rank spells, swift and precise, showcasing superb casting skill.

However, the spells landing on Vikramatia II were like a gentle breeze on the face.

Not only did they fail to control him even for a moment, they left no trace on his tyrant armor, which made the legendary Wizards' faces turn pale, only then realizing how terrifying the enemy was.

Vikramatia II sneered.

His figure flashed.

In the next instant he appeared before Oti Luk; the flame‑soul heavy sword shattered the magical shield as easily as breaking an eggshell, flesh exploded, and Oti Luk was cut into mush.

Oti Luk's figure appeared in the distance; the death‑substituting talisman he carried saved his life, but his complexion remained pale. He immediately opened a random door, fled outside the palace ruins, and from afar watched the scene, no longer daring to return.

"All of you, leave; don't die here," Lei En said to Vili En.

A Mirror Image went up and entangled Vikramatia II.

Vili En nodded, knowing his staying was just a burden, quickly retreated outside the palace, and the other legendary Wizards also cast spells and withdrew.

At once only Lei En and four Saint Rank strongmen remained: Batula, Salain, Haisketo and Hets.

Lei En's Mirror Image was quickly slashed dead as well.

"I'll go first."

Batula nodded at Lei En, let out a roar, and brandished a large round shield in front, charging at the enemy. His speed was extreme, each step leaving deep footprints, and as he surged his skin glimmered with a golden hue, like a golden statue.

Vikramatia II, having just slain the Mirror Image, turned back.

Blood‑lust filled his eyes; he gripped the flame‑soul heavy sword with both hands and swung powerfully, intending to cleave the undying steel knight, man and shield, in two.

Clang!

A booming roar echoed for miles, the shockwave sweeping all around, clearing a large open space in the ruins.

Vikramatia II staggered a step from the impact.

Batula was thrown back, rolling through the ruins unharmed. The large round shield in his hand was split with a crack, even cutting the shield face in two; countless Earth Power gathered from afar, repairing the shield at a visible speed.

Legend Grade Shield — Earth Guardian!

The shield carries the legendary Element "Earth Heart", granting its bearer infinite stamina, allowing absorption of Earth Power to heal wounds, immunity to earth spells, and making them almost an Undying Body.

Lei En's eyes brightened.

Batula's "Golden Saint Body" is also a legendary Element, reaching Tier Three; combined with Earth Heart, his defense rises further, stamina remains infinite, and his peak power reaches Level Seventeen, enabling him to directly resist Vikramatia II.

Truly, the world's highest‑level Iron Guard, the Empire's Wall lives up to its name!

In close‑quarters combat, Batula is only slightly inferior to himself.

Salain, Haisketo and Hets had already seized the opportunity to charge up.

Arcane Sword Saint Salain is an Arcane magic swordsman, his figure instantly appearing behind Vikramatia II, sword flashing magical radiance, stabbing at the heart; Black Knight Haisketo unleashed massive shadow power, wielding a spear descending from the sky, piercing the enemy's crown; Hets swung a flaming long sword, cutting a blaze dozens of meters long.

The three Saint Rank strongmen teamed up, crazily besieging Vikramatia II.

"Blade Storm!"

Vikramatia II roared, ignoring the attacks hitting him, brandishing the flame‑soul heavy sword and spinning it in place.

A black‑red alternating sword light halo swept around.

Clang clang!

Several metallic clangs, Haisketo's spear shattered into countless pieces, the massive force shattered his hands, blood spurted from his mouth, and his body was flung up, turning into a black shadow that fled.

Hets's result was similar; the flame‑soul heavy sword left a deep, bone‑visible wound on his chest, nearly gutting him, organs exposed, he crushed a flashing gem to escape the battlefield, then retrieved a demonic pill and scroll from his dimensional ring to heal himself.

Only Salain reacted fastest, dodging the sword light in time, but he still inflicted no damage on Vikramatia II.

Before absolute power, all techniques appear feeble and impotent.

In a single exchange, the three Saint Rank experts all fell back.

Weikelamadiya Ershi had no time to chase them, for Lei En had already closed in, his war hammer smashing down from above; the remaining four Mirror Images circled around, waiting to unleash spells and Soul-Eating Slash.

In the distance, Batu La charged forward again.

(End of chapter)