Perfect World

Chapter 465: Chapter 465 Iron-Blooded Slaughter
 

In the imperial palace, magnificent halls towered, brimming with dragon aura. A misty, colorful light enveloped the place, making it appear otherworldly, hazy and blurred.

The War King and the old imperial bodyguard were very satisfied. The speed of repair was staggering; they had not expected the Human Emperor’s Seal to be so extraordinary, capable of overseeing the restoration of the ancient formations.

As time passed, the entire imperial palace’s atmosphere transformed, becoming more solemn and sacred. Each massive hall emitted a golden light, as if they were the palaces of the higher realms.

“It’s almost there. The array has been restored by ninety percent. The rest can be dealt with slowly,” said the War King.

Shi Hao was also very pleased. The progress was defying the heavens; the Divine Spirit Formations that had been shattered in the great calamity were all reviving, gradually reclaiming their formidable aura.

However, the process was shocking because the rapid depletion of materials from the palace’s treasure vault pained Shi Hao to watch; it was excessively extravagant.

Especially those Rare Divine Materials, which were treasures rarely seen in the world, so rare that it might take hundreds or thousands of years to find just one piece.

This was the result of Stone Country’s accumulation over the vast expanse of time since the ancient era, something that was simply not seen outside and was sought after by the whole world, truly amongst the most precious materials.

There were many arrays within the imperial palace, connected in expansive stretches, all of Divine Level, as after all, the Guardian spirits from the ancient era and the First Emperor had become deities, possessing such abilities.

When the formation arrays had almost completely revived, the War King laughed heartily, believing that even if the powerful cultivators of the three sects gathered together to cause trouble, they would have no return.

Shi Hao nodded but then frowned, considering some issues.

“Although the array is powerful, there are some among the Imperial Titles and the princes and princesses who know a little about it. If they lead wolves into the house, that could pose a problem.”

Shi Hao pointed out this hidden risk because just days ago that was exactly what Su Wang had done, disclosing the secrets of the palace’s arrays to the cultivators from the three sects in order to break the array.

“They only know the surface, they shouldn’t be able to stir up any storms,” said the War King, though he was not completely sure in his heart and felt somewhat disturbed.

“It would be great if the array could be altered,” Shi Hao muttered to himself, stroking the shining and translucent Human Emperor’s Seal. He poured Divine Power into it, always feeling that this seal was more important than anything else in the imperial palace.

“Hm?” Suddenly, characters filled the sky, and a profound imprint emerged in his mind, communicating with him, asking if he wanted to change the layout of the great array.

Shi Hao was astounded. Did the Human Emperor’s Seal truly possess spirit? It was originally the relic shedding of the Divine Striking Stone. Could it have developed intelligence again after becoming a Dharma Seal?

After he nodded, the Human Emperor’s Seal glowed, taking control of all the Divine Spirit Formations within the palace. The ground rumbled, the elements began to reverse.

The large expanses of array all shifted, the five elements changed, and the structure of the array underwent a massive transformation. Compared to the original, it was completely different.

Shi Hao was stunned, and then laughed heartily. This change was indeed wonderful. Now, he sort of hoped that those Imperial Titles and princes and princesses, who let the wolves in, would stir up chaos, leading the cultivators from the three sects along a “shortcut” into the formation.

“It truly is a divine imprint!” Shi Hao softly sighed. Now only the War King and the old imperial bodyguard knew he possessed this Jade Seal. The cultivators from the three sects all believed this seal had shattered during the great calamity because there was indeed a broken precious imprint within the Central Heavenly Palace.

He believed these two would not leak the information; for now, nobody else could know.

This thing was absolutely remarkable; possessing it was tantamount to controlling all Divine Spirit Formations, comprehending the Sacred Entity’s precious symbol, indeed mysterious and unfathomable. Moreover, this precious imprint could also carry a country’s fate and fortune.

When the hidden dangers of the imperial palace were eliminated, and the Divine-level formation arrays were fully deployed, Shi Hao finally relaxed, his demeanor incredibly calm and collected, and he began to address some issues.

“You can’t execute me!”

On the execution ground, several War Generals cried out, struggling violently, but to no avail. The soldiers raised their deadly weapons and fiercely swung them down. Amidst ‘thud’ sounds, blood sprayed, and several heads rolled to the ground.

These were War Generals captured earlier; Shi Hao showed no mercy, not sparing a single one, ordering them all to be cleanly executed.

Such people were responsible for guarding the imperial palace, which was an irony and a disgrace—they had actually led the cultivators of the three sects inside, betraying their own side, some with unrestrained audacity.

Now that the situation had temporarily eased, it was time to settle scores. Shi Hao showed no mercy because some had crossed the line, and keeping them would only be a source of trouble.

And this was just the beginning!

That day, the Stone Capital shook because, after disappearing for a few days, the New Emperor finally appeared again, demonstrating an iron fist and starting to rigorously address the various issues within the capital.

“What, he personally came?!” A mighty War General trembled.

He thought that the storm had passed, but Shi Hao arrived in person, leading a large contingent of troops, appearing at his camp with the full force of authority to demand accountability.

“New Emperor, you’ve just ascended the throne, do you intend to kill the court’s old ministers, aren’t you afraid the people of the world will lose heart?”

At this point, this War General knew he was probably doomed. He felt terrified but still questioned loudly, seeking a slim chance of survival.

He had wanted to flee long ago, but he had been closely watched these past few days and found it difficult to slip away. He thought he might be dealt with leniently, but seeing Shi Hao in person, he knew it was over.

“You’ve committed treason; what face do you have to talk about losing heart? You shall be killed without mercy!” These were Shi Hao’s cold words, and with a wave of his hand, the old imperial bodyguard personally charged forward, exploding the War General with a thunderous punch.

The scene was blood-soaked, turning many faces pale with shock.

Three people had been executed in the military camp, only the leaders were killed, not their followers, allowing some to breath a sigh of relief.

“It’s time to go to the Vermilion Bird Camp,” said the old imperial bodyguard, who had now become the leader within the imperial palace. His own strength was incredibly strong, having been in the realm of Imperial Titles for many years, and he was among the top-most individuals, with one foot already stepping into the Venerable Realm.

The old emperor’s leader had been a Golden Winged Peng, extraordinarily aloof, and he was that Peng’s disciple. Therefore, after taking over the leadership position, everyone respected him.

Vermilion Bird Camp, with strong soldiers and sturdy horses, could be said to represent the cream of the crop. However, the War General here had once secretly rebelled, colluding with Immortal Mountain, and certainly couldn’t be left alive.

The army he commanded numbered in the tens of thousands, possessing astonishing rights. These past few days, his mind had been uneasy, torn between leaving and the reluctance to leave, hesitating all the while.

He felt that he should not have been exposed, having always acted in the shadows.

However, today, the New Emperor arrived, moving Xuanwu Camp and True Dragon Camp to echo from afar, while Shi Hao himself descended from the sky with a few individuals and directly entered the grand tent.

“Array formation!” This War General was also decisive; seeing the New Emperor daring to infiltrate the military camp, he understood everything and immediately took action.

He wasn’t unprepared, either. Immortal Mountain had left several masters here to assist, even producing a Holy Artifact, and most importantly, they had set up a grand Array.

Nonetheless, for Shi Hao who had come prepared, this was of no consequence. He wielded a Divine Sword in hand and slashed down. This was no ordinary weapon; it was a Divine Spirit Law Sword.

Together with the War King and the old imperial bodyguard taking action, they dismantled the grand Array on the spot.

A gush of blood spurted out as Shi Hao personally took action, swinging his sword. Divine Radiance blotted out the sun, and with a pfft, he beheaded the man. Boundless Divine Spirit characters and beams of light enveloped the sky, incredibly stunning.

The entire Vermilion Bird Camp trembled, every soldier shivering in fear.

“The traitors kill without mercy; others, lay down your weapons and stay where you are, your past actions will not be held against you,” a loud shout came, shaking everyone’s soul into trembling.

The true participants were just a limited number of leaders; the others were completely unaware, merely following orders. At this moment, with the New Emperor descending like a Deity, they all knelt and hailed his longevity, their cries echoing to the heavens.

In just half a day, Shi Hao had beheaded thirteen War Generals, shocking Stone Capital. People saw the new emperor’s fangs; they thought he was young and had been silent for several days, unlikely to make any significant move. They never expected him to display such a ruthless side.

Many feared, the New Emperor was only fifteen years old, yet so cold and ruthless, unnerving those with ulterior motives and dirty foundations.

But with the capital under martial law, they dared not act rashly, nor did they dare to run. Previously, two War Generals were exposed and attempted to flee with their people, only for Little Stone to personally pursue them and thoroughly cleanse them in blood.

“This is too harsh; it’s not the demeanor of an emperor.”

“Don’t speak nonsense; those were traitors. Although you’ve done some wrong things, you won’t be suppressed to death. If you try to pressure through public opinion, you’re more likely to die.”

Inside the city, some people discussed in whispers, undercurrents surging, the atmosphere extremely tense.

Everyone knew just how far the New Emperor intended to purge, and some were fearful, many becoming uneasy.

Soon, confirmed news came from the imperial palace, informing the various military forces in the capital that the problematic War Generals had been eliminated, urging everyone not to overthink.

This finally let people breathe a sigh of relief. At the very least, every military camp was now stable; no one was afraid any longer, and all settled down.

Following this, some idle holders of Imperial Titles began to take control, truly commanding all forces.

Clearly, the New Emperor’s ascension had caused great waves, and his steps did not stop there. After stabilizing the military camps, he once again wielded the blood-drenched Divine Sword.

“What? He’s taking action against the Marquis Mansions?” Someone was extremely fearful, aware that it had to happen, but still felt apprehensive.

Days ago, when Shi Hao entered the capital alone and stormed the imperial palace, a group of holders of Imperial Titles rebelled, colluding with the Outer Domain’s Great Sect, like Su Wang, King Lan, King Kun, and others. These individuals were killed on the spot, but their families remained, already under the close watch of the War King, who sent powerful figures to guard and prevent them from leaving Stone Capital.

Now, after the New Emperor had initially seized control of everything, he began to act against these powerful Royal Families.

People thought he would take some time, or at least act in the shadows, but they never imagined he would be so direct, not concealing anything, and strike immediately.

Many shivered, the young New Emperor was too ruthless; right after his succession, he did not pretend to be benevolent to leave a mild impression but was decisively cold-hearted.

Shi Hao took action, considering multiple aspects. Leaving behind these Imperial Titles was a major problem. Instead of letting it fester, it was better to sever them early. In addition, the royal treasury was nearly empty, having spent too much on re-establishing the Divine Spirit Formations. He needed to replenish it.

These holders of Imperial Titles had long lineages, rich heritage, and some had even conspired with certain Princes to enter the treasury, stealing many Rare Divine Materials.

The War King, old imperial bodyguard, and some other powerful king-ranked individuals took action separately, inspecting the mansions of those rebellious Imperial Titles. Those who dared to resist or cause trouble were directly suppressed and killed.

That day, the entire Stone Capital trembled, and many people shivered uncontrollably.

And Shi Hao directly descended on the Rain King’s Mansion to make an end of it! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.qidian.com to read.)