Aurek raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed on Lucio and Philip.

"You seem to know quite a bit about the Shadow Clan?"

Philip hesitated briefly, realizing it was time to reveal some details.

"Your Majesty, to be honest, our constant attention and efforts to maintain a certain balance in the Eastern Domain have largely been in response to the threat posed by the Shadow Clan."

"Deep within Godfall Gorge, there exists an ancient rift. On the other side of the rift is a higher realm known as the Abyssal Demon Realm."

"One hundred thousand years ago, the Abyssal Demon Realm invaded the Eura continent. At that time, the powerful beings of Eura, who had already ascended to other higher realms, returned to the continent. After a bloody battle, they managed to repel the invaders and sealed the rift."

"And the Shadow Clan are the descendants of the demon race who fled into the Eura continent after their defeat. They inherited the powers and characteristics of the demon race, making them incredibly powerful."

"They have been trying to once again reach the depths of the gorge, to reopen the ancient rift and summon the demonic army of the Abyssal Demon Realm."

"They attempted this a few times in the past but were thwarted."

"Now, with the Eastern Domain in turmoil due to the rise of the empire, they have found the perfect opportunity to strike."

Aurek's eyes flickered with a sharp light.

"You mean, there is a rift leading to another realm in Godfall Gorge?"

Lucio, assuming Aurek was concerned, explained.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty. There have always been ancient guardians stationed deep within the gorge to guard the rift, and there are powerful sealing barriers left by the divine beings of Eura continent."

"In fact, the Shadow Clan's efforts have been largely hindered by these guardians deep within the gorge!"

It was for this reason that the Shadow Clan had not regarded the newly emerging Crossbridge Empire as a serious threat.

"The rift…"

Aurek looked at the marked position of Godfall Gorge on the map, falling into deep thought.

The two exchanged a glance, thinking that Aurek was still worried.

Lucio continued.

"As long as we can prevent the Shadow Clan from breaking the seal from our side, the situation will remain under control."

Aurek thought for a moment before asking.

"Since you've been monitoring the Shadow Clan, you must know their strength?"

Philip paused and said thoughtfully.

"Most of the pureblooded demon race left after the great battle one hundred thousand years ago were gradually worn down by the guardians of Eura continent over the long years. Only about ten of them remain, and their strength is likely comparable to that of Divine Clerics."

"These remnants have been lying in wait for so long, cultivating God Fire rank beings in significant numbers. That's why they now dare to boldly invade the Eastern Domain."

The fourteen Shadow Guilds are a perfect example.

The last time they appeared, they weren't at the God Fire rank, but now, they've reached even greater heights!

"Are you saying that the Shadow Clan has a considerable number of God Fire rank beings?"

Aurek picked up the Empire's eagle flag and firmly planted it on the marked position of Godfall Gorge.

Lucio glanced at Aurek's back and exchanged a look with Philip. Both wore serious expressions.

They understood the immense pressure the empire was about to face, but this issue concerned the survival of countless beings across the continent. Even if it was difficult, they had to persuade the emperor, who would soon rule the Eastern Domain, to take part.

Lucio suggested.

"Your Majesty, the ancient demon race survivors deep within the gorge are being contained by several of the guardians, so you need not worry too much."

"As for the newly emerged God Fire rank beings of the Shadow Clan, we might be able to seek assistance from forces outside the Eastern Domain, such as the Central Domain, Blade Domain, Savage Lands, and Peak of the Firmament, to strike them together."

"This matter concerns the safety of all Eura, and once the ancient rift is reopened, no one will be able to escape."

"They are fully aware of this, and they will spare no effort to assist in resisting the Shadow Clan."

"No."

Aurek's lips curled into a cold and decisive smile. "There is no need for that!"

"The more God Fire rank beings the Shadow Clan has, the better!"

"And no other forces need to get involved."

"The empire will swallow it all on its own!"

Swallow it alone?

Both Lucio and Philip were stunned, not immediately understanding the full meaning of his words.

"Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?"

Philip asked directly.

Aurek paced by the military map, looking down at his vast empire with a neutral tone.

"Strength and ambition are proportional. One's ambition can only match the power one possesses."

"Open your minds and you will keep pace with my steps."

Philip and Lucio bowed deeply.

They were both intelligent men, and they had understood three parts of the message from his words!

This brief encounter also taught them one thing—never try to measure this emperor!

Whether overestimating or underestimating him, both would be wrong.

His depth and mystery were beyond comprehension, even their expertise in Tarot and star-gazing could not reveal a thing about him!

When they thought the empire only had tens of thousands of sage rank warriors, a hundred thousand soldiers appeared quietly.

When they believed that was the extent of the empire's resources, giants of God Fire rank began sweeping across the Eastern Domain.

They always realized they were only seeing the tip of the iceberg when they thought they had everything figured out.

"As long as the peak of the mountain is within sight, there is always a path to climb."

"Even if the road is rugged and steep, with thorns and obstacles, there is always a way to reach the summit."

Aurek motioned for them to leave.

"Go prepare. Draft a detailed plan and report back to me."

Both men acknowledged and turned to leave the Emperor's chamber.

"I must say, this is truly a good place…"

Aurek gazed at the marked position of Godfall Gorge on the map, murmuring to himself.

But now was not the time to act there.

The empire currently lacked higher-level, top-tier power, which was a significant weakness.

He needed to accelerate his efforts!

The territory of the Eastern Domain needed some time to digest and integrate, and then he could focus on the Central Domain, Blade Domain, Savage Lands, Peak of the Firmament, and other regions.

Another place that needed attention was the Endless Glacier!

The being there, who appeared to be an ice elf, had to be investigated.

He then checked his information panel.

[Emperor Points: 39 Trillion]

...

Currently, he was clearing out the remaining forces in the Eastern Domain. Although most forces had chosen to submit under the overwhelming might of the Crossbridge Empire, there was still plenty to gain from the Emperor Points.

Now it was up to the Shadow Clan to bring their surprises!

The number of alien crystals was enough to allow the "Authority of Laws" to undergo two evolutions, but Aurek had temporarily decided against using them, planning to wait until after dealing with the Shadow Clan.

He also kept 11 trillion units of Emperor Points in reserve.

"Next, it's time to focus on increasing my own strength." Looking at the vast energy reserves, Aurek was not worried about his cultivation resources.

He then sent for Natasha to come to the Emperor's chamber.

Soon, she arrived in the Emperor's chambers.

Natasha removed her veil, revealing her exquisite, fair face, with a captivating, alluring aura.

Her mesmerizing eyes indeed made her one of the rarest beauties in the world!

Aurek asked directly, "I need detailed information on all the regions outside the Eastern Domain, such as the Central Domain, Savage Lands, Peak of the Firmament, and Blade Domain. Does the Violet Rose Trade Guild have such information reserves?"

"Well, they do, but..."

Natasha admitted directly, a seductive and meaningful smile forming on her lips.

"I wonder, Your Majesty, how do you plan to reward me?"

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