The temporary base of the Sacred Empire, inside the commander's office.
Under the dim yellow lighting, Sam Isaacson, Earl of Altman, extinguished his cigar and questioned Earl Hall sternly, "How could you reveal the matter of the Divine Artifact?"
Another earl, Earl Yale Frank, furrowed his brow in agreement and added, "Hall, Leon is not yet one of our core members."
"He will be soon enough," Earl Hall replied calmly. "If I don't return this time, the next expeditionary force must be led by him. He must know the truth."
The two earls fell silent at his words.
What Earl Hall said was true. The expedition was perilous, and even as a Seven-Star Order Knight, there was a chance he could perish. Meanwhile, Leon was the closest to Earl Hall among the younger generation.
"I refuse," Leon said directly. "This isn't the truth. If you don't want to tell me, then I'll take the Dawn Knights and withdraw from the expeditionary force immediately."
From the Empire of Burns' disastrous defeat, Leon already understood the vast disparity in strength between the two sides.
To fight those dragons and seize the Dragon Whip? It was nothing short of a fantasy.
Either Earl Hall had lost his mind, or there was a larger conspiracy at play.
"Leon Moria, if you withdraw now, it's treason!" Yale Frank exclaimed angrily, even though he had hoped to marry his beautiful daughter to Leon.
"Indeed, Leon Moria," Sam Isaacson added, frowning. "While we all admire you, you can't act with such impunity. You can't take the Dawn Knights with you."
Leon, reminded by Sam, suddenly thought of his younger brother. "Oh, I'll also take Parker, Ruben, Wilson, Evans, and Ayr. They're all innocent."
Leon's defiance was unwavering.
Seeing him turn to leave, Earl Hall finally sighed and said, "Wait. Sam, Yale, Dorothy, all of you leave. I need to speak with Leon alone."
"Hall, it's because you've always spoiled Leon Moria that he's become so arrogant. As a Seven-Star Order Knight, you could easily deal with him," Sam said displeased.
"Leave," Earl Hall commanded.
On the Blue Whale, aside from Leon and Dorothy, no one dared defy him. The two earls could only grunt in frustration and exit the command room.
Dorothy hesitated for a few seconds before following the others, closing the door as the last to leave.
Now alone with Leon, Earl Hall pointed to the sofa, gesturing for him to sit.
Leon casually took a seat. "Lord Hall, can you tell me now?"
"It's clear you're disappointed in me," Earl Hall said, picking up his coffee cup.
"I didn't expect the empire's hero, the one who opened the new trade route, to lead 200,000 troops to their deaths, and let Dorothy open the portal to send even more ordinary people to their graves," Leon said gravely.
Earl Hall countered his question with one of his own, "What else do you suspect? Speak your mind."
"Why could the Empire of Burns open the new trade route so quickly and know about the Dragon Court? I suppose this was your and Augustus' scheme?"
"Augustus was furious in the national conference about the Empire of Burns' expedition to the Dragon Court, but that was just a show for the ministers and the people. In reality, the emperor had already discussed it with me. We're luring the Empire of Burns into this, to make them the cannon fodder."
"It's true," Earl Hall confirmed Leon's suspicions. "We need a massive number of human souls."
"Why?" Leon's brow furrowed.
"As you've seen, we can't defeat the Dragon Army. Their power surpasses any monster we've faced. But His Majesty the Emperor must obtain the Dragon Whip, so we've made a deal with the Dragon Court."
Earl Hall's expression turned solemn. "What kind of deal?"
"Do you know why the Dragon Court can move at sea? Perhaps it's alive," Leon ventured.
Earl Hall's eyes showed approval; not everyone could guess the truth. "The Dragon Court remains at sea because it is a living turtle-dragon. It has lived far too long, and its life is nearing its end. This will leave all the Dragon Tribe in the Dragon Court without protection, turning them into prey for sea monsters.
"The Dragon Court seeks to save itself. The turtle-dragon needs to live on, requiring a vast number of human souls to sustain its life force and extend its lifespan. So, the Dragon King and His Majesty reached an agreement: in exchange for enough souls, the Dragon King will lend the Dragon Whip to the Emperor for three years.
"In three years, the Emperor can create an invincible Dragon Army, strong enough to unify the Southern and Northern Continents."
"Was there a divine contract between Augustus and the Dragon King?" Leon asked. Without such a contract, Augustus would never agree to this.
Earl Hall nodded. "Yes."
"How many souls are needed?"
"If they're ordinary civilians, at least 10 million. If they're soldiers, 5 million. If they're knights, 50,000," Earl Hall stated calmly.
"To harvest so many lives for a Divine Artifact? Augustus has gone mad, and so have you!"
"I'm not mad," Earl Hall replied. "Some things you can't understand now, but when you're in my position, you will."
"Does Grandfather know about this?"
"Of course. But he disagrees. He's too conservative."
"Do the Franks know?"
"If you mean Yale, he doesn't. Only Augustus, your grandfather, and I knew. Now you're the fourth."
Leon didn't show any joy, instead asking, "The Sacred Empire is already a colossal power in the Southern Continent. Why isn't Augustus satisfied? Doesn't he worry about leaving the empire undefended if he loses these soldiers and knights?"
"The empire can be protected by witches."
Earl Hall looked deeply at Leon. "But witches can only guard the land. Our land is shrinking every year, consumed by the Forbidden Seas. Monsters lose their habitats and attack the walls relentlessly. Humans can only retreat, reducing our living space.
"Do you remember how many countries once existed in the Southern Continent? Thirty-two. Now, only the Sacred Empire, the Empire of Burns, the Kingdom of Gatu, the Kingdom of Erin, the Kingdom of Cloe, the Kingdom of Ramires remain. What happened to the others?
"They were swallowed by the sea. Soon, the Kingdoms of Cloe and Ramires will vanish from the world map. If we do nothing, we'll suffer the same fate as the Dragon Court.
"You may think this is just to satisfy Augustus' ambition to unify the continent.
"But it's more than that. With this army, we can stop living behind walls, defeat the monsters competing with us for resources, and expand our land. This is to ensure humanity's survival. The sacrifices now are meaningful—"
Earl Hall spent half an hour explaining what he called the "truth" to Leon.
If Leon were just an ordinary person from this world, he might have been convinced, even brainwashed.
But Leon had his own worldview and values, his own judgment. He wouldn't be easily swayed.
Earl Hall placed a hand on Leon's shoulder. "You can take the Dawn Knights and leave. I won't stop you. Take Dorothy too. Leave the rest to me."
Earl Hall had initially hoped Leon would follow in his footsteps, earning merit in war and rising to power independently. But if Leon wanted to withdraw, he wouldn't interfere.
This war was doomed to be brutal. Most knights and soldiers were already fated to die. Even as a Six-Star Blood Knight, Leon might not survive against the Dragon Army.
This was a transaction, and the war was the means to collect the payment.
Bringing down the Burns Empire is just the first step. Augulas plans to portray the Dragon Court as a land of treasures, attracting more nations to join.
Such a massive soul gap can't be filled solely by the Sacred Empire.
"Lord Hall, aren't you worried I'll reveal what you've told me?" Li En asked.
"What are you talking about? The contract between the Emperor and the Dragon King? No one would believe you, even if you have a high reputation and prestige now. You're still far from being on the same level as the Emperor of the Sacred Empire. Besides, this is for the empire."
What Hall said was true. Even if Li En exposed Hall and Augulas' true intentions to the Sacred Empire's navy, no one would believe him. Hall's prestige in the military was higher than anyone else's, and the people of the Sacred Empire unconditionally trusted their Emperor. Even if some lords were reluctant to join the war, they eventually compromised and sent their knight orders.
Moreover, with the Frank family controlling public opinion, no voices opposing the imperial family would be allowed to surface.
"I trust you'll keep this confidential."
Hall patted Li En's shoulder again, his eyes now carrying a hint of threat.
A normal person would stop here and not ask further. But Li En was not one to follow the usual path. He decided to continue questioning, as this was part of the test.
"Lord Hall, can you confirm that all the souls from the war are being absorbed by the turtle-dragon beneath the Dragon Court? Are you certain we won't face the arrival of evil gods or the fall of angels? Abel, the fallen angel, and the Eye of Destiny are always watching this world. Do you have a strategy to deal with them?"
Hall picked up the coffee on the table and sipped it slowly. "How do you know we didn't consult the gods before doing this?"
"Does that mean the God of Tigers will bless this transaction?" Li En's brow furrowed.
Hall nodded slightly. "Yes, the evil gods' surveillance and descent won't happen during this period."
"Now that you know all this, will you stand with us?"
Hall looked at Li En, a strange glint flashing in his deep eyes.
"Of course. Since it's the will of the gods, it must be right, Uncle Hall."
Li En smiled harmlessly and reverted to calling him "Uncle Hall."
Hall also smiled, satisfied.
Li En bid farewell to Hall and turned to leave. When he reached the door, he heard Hall's voice again.
"Li En, don't leave just yet. I've had a question for you."
Li En turned slowly, smiling at Hall. "Uncle Hall, what do you want to know?"
"At the Supreme Court of Judgment, why did the Sage go mad after seeing your entry? What kind of entry do you have?"
At the same time, Hall secretly established a rule in this space: 【Absolute Honesty】.
"I don't know why the Sage went mad. Maybe he saw my special ability."
"What ability?"
Li En had to answer honestly, unable to resist the urge to tell the truth. "I can—see entries."
This was true but incomplete, not violating the rule.
Hall was slightly surprised. "Like a God's Eye? You can see entries?"
"Yes, I can."
Hall nodded. "Answer me again: will you firmly stand by my side? After all, you like Paula, and I've agreed to your marriage. We'll eventually be family."
"No."
Li En blurted out.
"Hmm. I see."
A look of disappointment crossed Hall's face. "Then it has to end like this."
With a sudden punch, Hall gave Li En no time to react. Li En's head shattered like a watermelon under the powerful blow. His body, limbs, and finally his beating heart followed. The Blood Knight's healing speed couldn't keep up with Hall's destruction.
Li En fell into a pool of blood. The entire process took less than a second.
Hall looked at Li En's lifeless body, sighed regretfully, and wiped the blood from his hands with a handkerchief. "Paula, I'm sorry. Dad had to kill your fiancé, but don't worry, I'll find you a better one."
After hearing Li En's secret, Hall realized he had to kill him. For Li En would soon uncover his greatest secret—he could see entries. Once Li En became an Eight-Star War Knight, he would understand everything was Hall's conspiracy.
Yes, Augulas and the Grand Duke of Molia had both been deceived.
The true purpose of this war wasn't to provide the turtle-dragon with the required number of souls but to allow Hall to advance from a Seven-Star Order Knight to a War Knight. This was a secret he obtained from his friend Randall. Even the Grand Duke of Molia didn't know.
After advancing to the Seven-Star Order Knight, the Grand Duke spent a long time lost, as the path for knights ended at Seven Stars, with no predecessors' references or experiences to guide him. Randall got inspiration from Mary. After she became a Seven-Star Order Knight, she grew rapidly by devouring lands and instigating wars.
Randall shared this information with Hall, and with Hall's comprehension, he finally found the key to advancing: becoming a War Knight.
Knowing this secret, Hall began his plans. First, he opened new trade routes and found the legendary Dragon Court. Then, under the guise of an agreement with the Dragon King, he returned to the imperial capital to convince Augulas to cooperate with the Dragon King, triggering a global war.
Only with enough participants and scale could Hall gain the power needed to advance to Eight-Star War Knight. The ambitions of emperors and the future of humanity were just lies to deceive Li En. In Hall's view, Li En was a heroic idealist willing to sacrifice himself for others, so he fabricated these half-truths.
But when Hall discovered Li En's ability to see entries and realized he wouldn't serve him, he decided to kill him. Killing Li En was surprisingly easy, leaving Hall slightly bored. Yet, considering he was a Seven-Star Order Knight and Li En only a Six-Star Blood Knight, it was no surprise. After setting rules to restrict the Six-Star Blood Knight and launching a sudden attack, Li En died helplessly, as fragile as an ordinary person.
Hall wiped his hands clean and whispered something. Li En's mutilated body began to reassemble like a jigsaw puzzle, forming a complete but cracked version of himself. Hall wasn't worried about Paula, for he had secretly altered the "Co-Birth Contract" between Li En and Paula, adding a rule that the contract only took effect with his approval. Now, he refused to acknowledge it, nullifying the contract. Thus, Li En's death wouldn't affect Paula.
Three days later, at the Sacred Empire's naval base, Hall held a grand funeral for Li En. All participating nobles, officers, knights, and soldiers attended. The sky was shrouded in dense clouds, and fine rain fell, as if mourning the departed. The base tower's bell tolled slowly and solemnly, a sound usually reserved for war, now ringing four times for Li En—a signal of a significant figure's passing.
The funeral proceeded in a somber atmosphere. Soldiers in black uniforms, steel helmets, and long swords stood in formation, their faces resolute but eyes filled with mourning. The rain washed over them, but their discipline and solemnity remained unshaken.
At the coffin, Archbishop Isaac Taylor wore a white robe, holding a holy book and praying for Li En's soul. Though he didn't like Li En, he had to admit Li En was the most talented young man he'd ever met. His voice echoed in the empty chapel, blending with the rain outside to create a sacred, otherworldly feel.
Li En's only relative at the base, Parker, wore mourning clothes. His face was pale, eyes bloodshot, and cheeks covered in gray stubble. He looked disheveled and broken, unrecognizable as a noble. Parker couldn't believe his genius brother had fallen without reason.
Evens couldn't hold back tears. He owed Li En his life, rescued many times during their journey. If not for Li En, he, Ayr, and Ruben would likely be dead. Ruben and Ayr also wiped away tears, their grief uncontrollable.
The members of the Dawn Knights also cried silently in their hearts. They dared not imagine how Li Gao, such a powerful knight, could die, fallen to the curse of the Moonflower.
Paula, wearing a black hat and a long black dress, stood solemnly at the front of the procession, maintaining a distance from Li Gao's coffin that was neither too close nor too far. She could not face this reality.
When others offered their condolences, Paula would respond politely, as if Li Gao were still alive, hiding her sorrow from the crowd.
But as Paula's father, Earl Hall, could see her unusual behavior.
He patted her shoulder silently to comfort her.
Then, under everyone's gaze, Earl Hall walked to the side of the Grand Inquisitor, Ethan Taylor.
Ethan Taylor finished his prayer and gave way to Earl Hall.
Earl Hall looked at the crowd with a heavy expression and began slowly,
"Today, we gather to bid farewell to a very young hero, Li Gao·Molia. Though he was only 18 years old, he achieved what most people cannot accomplish in a lifetime. He was undoubtedly the pride of the empire.
"Many of you may have known him since he was tried by the Imperial Court of Justice for violating the Law of Use. That was also when I met him.
"He was a sunny, cheerful, wise, and polite young man, with extraordinary talent, shining brightly wherever he went.
"He helped countless people, some because he saved their lives, others because he changed their fate or gave them the meaning of life. He had countless followers; even if he wanted to create a new sect, people would have followed him. But he was a devout believer, and God, not tolerating his suffering in this world, called him back to His embrace earlier.
"Li Gao·Molia also made outstanding contributions in this expedition. I will apply to the empire to grant him the rank of Major General and lifelong honors.
"As his family, friends, and comrades, I hope you do not drown in sorrow or let it turn into hatred. Let us avenge Li Gao.
"It was the curse of the sea witch and the scheme of the Azure Dragon Court that killed him.
"Let us turn our grief into strength, avenge Li Gao together, and destroy the Azure Dragon Court!"
Earl Hall's emotions shifted from sadness to fervor, stirring the feelings of almost everyone present.
The soldiers raised their weapons and shouted in unison, "Avenge Lord Li Gao, destroy the Azure Dragon Court!"
"Avenge Lord Li Gao, destroy the Azure Dragon Court!!"
"Avenge Lord Li Gao, destroy the Azure Dragon Court!!!"
The loud shouts echoed across the island, and everyone was swept up in the emotion, wanting to avenge the empire's hero, Li Gao.
Paula looked at Earl Hall, her beautiful eyebrows furrowing involuntarily.
Later, Park of the Molia family personally closed Li Gao's coffin.
Looking at his brother, whose face was unrecognizable in the coffin, he felt it was all a nightmare.
"I can't do it. I just can't!"
Park covered his head and shouted,
"Brother didn't die, he's not dead! He is Li Gao·Molia! He wouldn't die, not before the evil god, not in the sea witch's lair, not against the Desecrated Worm! He can't die! How could he die? The person in there isn't my brother, isn't him."
Ruben and Evans restrained Park, fearing he might act impulsively, such as overturning Li Gao's coffin.
"You're all deceivers, a group of deceivers! Big deceivers!"
Park pushed Ruben and Evans away and ran into the vast sea of people.
"Go after him."
Ruben chased after him, while Evans, El, and Wilson sighed and guarded the coffin.
"If Brother Li Gao were alive, he wouldn't want to see Park like this."
El said tearfully.
As Li Gao's coffin remained unattended, Nina Owen, who had been standing in the corner, stepped forward and closed it.
Her gaze followed Park into the crowd, with a hint of guilt in her eyes.
After the coffin lid was closed, Earl Frank of Yar placed a white rose on it,
"You were a promising young man, such a pity."
Earl Isaacson also placed a white rose,
"Li Gao·Molia, rest in peace."
Earl Hall placed a white rose as well, and soon others followed, covering the coffin lid with white roses before the burial began.
Tina wanted to smoke but refrained in this formal setting.
She pulled down her hat brim and watched the knights lower the coffin into the dug hole and cover it with soil. She said to Medis beside her,
"The curse of the sea witch is terrifying. If Miss Paula weren't a witch, she would probably end up like Li Gao·Molia."
Medis frowned and replied,
"Do you really think so?"
"What else?"
Medis looked at Tina suspiciously.
Tina thought of the scouts she had sent to investigate the Moonflower, whose deaths were even more bizarre, and shook her head,
"Maybe I'm overthinking. I just feel things aren't that simple."
"Regardless, Li Gao·Molia helped us a lot. If not for him and Miss Paula, the Moonflower would have bloomed on the continent, and we might all have been contaminated."
Medis said.
"Yes, that's true."
Tina nodded slightly, feeling heavy-hearted.
After Li Gao's funeral, Paula found Earl Hall alone.
"Dad, I have something to ask you."
Paula entered Earl Hall's bedroom.
The base construction was complete, with the three earls having their own independent mansions, and other officers assigned quarters.
It seemed the army would stay here long-term, turning this into a true continental base, which was what Earl Hall had been busy with recently.
"Paula, I'm sorry. I've been too busy and haven't had time for you. Ask what you want, no matter what."
Earl Hall invited his daughter to sit on the sofa and poured her a cup of red tea.
Paula took the tea. The fire demon, Cruz, stood on her shoulder, emitting a faint blue flame.
"Dad, why did Li Gao die while I didn't? We had a shared contract."
"After Li Gao was contaminated, he helped you dissolve the contract. Don't you remember? I was the witness to your contract, and as your blood relative, I had the right to end it."
Earl Hall explained.
"Dad, you said Li Gao was cursed as soon as he returned, which is impossible."
Paula hoped Earl Hall would tell her the truth, but he didn't notice her intent.
"Paula, I know this is hard to believe and hurts you, but it's good you didn't know him for long. I believe my daughter can overcome this brief pain."
Earl Hall comforted her.
"You're not answering my question. Your explanation might deceive others, but not me."
Paula frowned.
"Paula, do you really want to know the truth?"
Earl Hall asked.
"Yes, Dad, I must know the truth."
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
Paula looked at Earl Hall seriously.
"Then go back. You shouldn't have joined this expedition. Now that Li Gao is dead, you have no reason to stay here. The Azure Dragon Court could cause witches to lose control. I don't want you to lose control on the island."
Earl Hall said sternly.
"Dad, you still haven't answered my question. How did Li Gao really die?"
Paula asked.
"It was me who killed him."
Earl Hall said casually.
Paula froze, "Dad, what are you—"
"Isn't that what you're thinking? Only the two of us were in the room then. If he wasn't killed by the curse, it had to be me."
Earl Hall looked at Paula, his eyes filled with disappointment.
"For what? Thinking Li Gao was special and couldn't be killed by the curse? You're too naive. I've protected you too well, so you haven't seen how cruel the world is. Do you know how many times more terrifying the sea is than land? How many horrifying monsters it hides? Why humans must always live behind high walls? Paula, nothing is impossible in this world. Maybe one day, even your father will sacrifice. This is war, not a game."
Earl Hall's words left Paula speechless again.
She lowered her head, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have doubted you."
Earl Hall coldly watched Paula leave the command room.
He hoped she wouldn't get involved further. Even if she was his beloved daughter, she couldn't interfere with his path to power.
Paula left, feeling lost, and took Nina Owen with her.
Back at the tower in the Holy Empire, Nina Owen removed her transformation armor, reverting to the blond, blue-eyed young lord.
For days, Li Gao had been using the transformation armor, temporarily borrowing Nina Owen's identity to stay by Paula's side without arousing Earl Hall's suspicion.
The Nina Owen who attended the funeral was Li Gao himself.
Li Gao wanted to comfort Paula but didn't know what to say.
Daisy sat on the sofa, her eyes slightly red, with crystal-like tears swirling in her eyes.
In Daisy's heart, Count Hall had always been a figure like L, someone she deeply admired and respected.
Not long after Daisy was born, she was discovered to lack the witch's codex. At that time, the Frank family, in collaboration with the Council of Sages, wanted to use Daisy as a test subject for research. However, Count Hall single-handedly stopped the Frank family's strongest members at the door. He even signed a permanent blood contract of loyalty with the Frank family, swearing he would never betray them.
Although this was something Daisy's mother had told her, it became one of Daisy's most vivid memories.
After that, Count Hall built a tall tower specifically for his daughter Daisy, giving her a wonderful childhood that other witches could only envy. No matter what Daisy liked, Count Hall would find a way to provide it for her.
She liked studying magic, so Count Hall asked his friend Randall to borrow all the magical books from the Temple.
She liked inventing and creating, so Count Hall provided funding and resources, allowing her to set up factories and companies to promote her inventions.
She liked contract demons, so Count Hall, despite the great danger, personally captured the flame demon Claus for her, letting Claus accompany Daisy as she grew up.
But the price of ensuring his daughter's safe and happy growth was that Count Hall had to wage war after war for the Frank family.
Count Hall's body bore 131 scars, each one so severe that even the highest-level healing knights couldn't repair them. These were all wounds inflicted by powerful enemies.
Daisy remembered that before her mother died, she had told her to always protect her father, because he was the person who loved her the most in this world.
After her mother's death, Daisy saw her father, Count Hall, fall into despair for the first time.
Although Daisy eventually helped her father regain his spirit, she also understood that a part of his heart would forever be missing.
Daisy had once persuaded her father to find another companion, as he was still young, and she wouldn't mind if he remarried. However, Count Hall never did. He poured all his love into Daisy.
Count Hall's love for her mother and for her was Daisy's spiritual support.
But now, Daisy suddenly felt that her father had become extremely unfamiliar.
She knew this was definitely because her father had been corrupted by the evil god, but she was terrified of how deep the corruption might go. She feared that the father she revered would never return.
Tears streamed down Daisy's face like pearls falling from a broken string, dropping one by one.
Her small body curled up on the sofa, like a helpless child.
This was the first time Li Gao had seen Daisy cry. He reached out and gently stroked her head.
Daisy threw herself into Li Gao's arms and sobbed loudly.
"Father, why did this happen to you? Why did you become like this?"
"Don't worry, we'll find a way to turn Count Hall back to normal."
"But you said you couldn't see the corruption codex on my father, and neither could anyone else."
"There's no 'what if,' trust me."
Li Gao gently patted Daisy's back, comforting her.
In reality, Li Gao had already begun to suspect Count Hall when he returned from the Moonflower Number. To verify his suspicions and prove his intuition to Daisy, he set a trap.
First, when he and Daisy returned to the Naval Minister's residence, he immediately went to Nina Owen to obtain a high-grade magic stamp. He created a clone of himself to confront Count Hall, raising various questions to force him to reveal the truth.
Of course, this was akin to walking a path of certain death.
If Count Hall truly had issues, he would likely kill to silence them.
When Daisy left the Supreme Command Room, she personally closed the door and cast a surveillance magic array on it with her hand.
After returning to the temporary lodging arranged for her at the Naval Minister's residence, Daisy and Li Gao's true body used the surveillance magic array to witness everything that happened in the Supreme Command Room.
Including the scene where Count Hall punched and killed Li Gao's clone.
The facts proved that Li Gao's intuition was correct.
Count Hall had indeed been corrupted.
For the next three days, Daisy searched through magical books, hoping to find a way to remove the corruption. However, without knowing the source of the corruption, she was completely helpless.
Li Gao also admitted that he couldn't see the corruption codex on Count Hall and couldn't help him for the time being.
So Daisy and Li Gao decided to return to the tower first.
As for the matter with Catherine, Li Gao could only put it on hold. Resolving the threat posed by Count Hall took priority, as failing to do so might drag the entire Holy Empire, or even the entire Northern Continent, into war.
Li Gao just wanted to farm in peace and didn't want a world war to break out.
From Count Hall's actions of killing to silence them, Daisy and Li Gao deduced the reason.
Count Hall's eagerness to kill Li Gao wasn't because Li Gao had uncovered some secret, but because Li Gao possessed the ability to see through codices, which could expose his future plans.
Count Hall wanted to be promoted from a Seven-Star Order Knight to an Eight-Star War Knight.
Li Gao guessed that the full title of the Eight-Star Glory Knight must be related to war.
Count Hall had deceived everyone—Ogulas, the Grand Duke of Moriya, and others—just to provoke an all-out war and advance to Eight-Star.
When he realized that Li Gao could see through him and wasn't on his side, he decided to kill him.
What gave Li Gao pause was that there were no signs of corruption on Count Hall, no codex indicating it.
If Count Hall wasn't hiding the codex, then perhaps Li Gao himself had a problem.
So, the most important issue now was to figure out what was wrong with himself before he could deal with Count Hall. Only then could he go to the Azure Dragon Court to find Catherine with peace of mind.
Soon after, news of Li Gao Moriya's death spread back to Yalong City, once again becoming the headline.
Li Gao Moriya had sacrificed himself in the expeditionary war. Emperor Ogulas, in recognition of his contributions to the empire, posthumously conferred upon him the title of viscount. Unfortunately, he had no heirs to inherit the title.
To capitalize on the buzz around Li Gao's death, Ogulas also delivered a long eulogy, aiming to redirect the goodwill and faith people had for Li Gao toward himself. This was a form of imperial propaganda.
Most people in the Holy Empire felt sorry for Li Gao Moriya's sacrifice. The Green Shade Territory, Blue Moon Territory, and Yusofar Territory even held a state funeral for him, once again conducting a memorial service without his body.
"Where are you going?" Anna asked.
Sophie turned her head, looked at Anna, and replied indifferently, "To the sea, to find Li Gao."
