Chapter 321: Chapter318-Nidhogg
Chapter 321: Chapter318-Nidhogg
The accumulated contradictions and conflicts have become increasingly intense, like a volcano covered by a lid.
Though it has not erupted for the time being, the prolonged suppression will make the explosion even more terrifying and irreconcilable when it finally comes!
In Madelyn's perception, that moment is approaching quickly! After all, Owen and Leslie have not shown themselves for ten years! Those who were once in awe of the two great talents and powerhouses are now restless and eager to act!
Madelyn knows very well that the reason Azure Kingdom has been able to unite various factions is not only because it can avoid Epoch's End, but mainly due to the strength and prestige of Owen and Leslie! Their prolonged absence has led to rampant rumors about them. Rumors suggest they have perished in Epoch's End, been secretly eradicated by The Celestial, or gone mad in their cultivation. There are all sorts of tales. Even though Madelyn has tried to quell the rumors, as long as Owen and Leslie remain absent, any debunking only makes the whispers grow louder.
The factions are becoming increasingly reckless because of this.
"Let's just close off here; I've done my best. If Azure Kingdom collapses, it can only be blamed on you for shutting yourselves in for too long."
Madelyn glanced once more at Owen and Leslie, seeing no signs of awakening, and in frustration, she stomped her foot before leaving the small world again.
Today, she had come here to find Owen and Leslie because it was time for the annual departmental reports.
Over the years, their strength had increased significantly, hinting at the potential to become sovereigns. They were no longer just being praised in songs about Owen and Leslie.
Watching Madelyn leave, Rachel sighed slightly, knowing that the external situation was on the brink of collapse. Yet neither she nor Madelyn could stabilize the situation.
The factions and races brought under Owen's banner were all exceptionally gifted and unruly. They submitted to Azure Kingdom not out of loyalty but rather to Owen and Leslie themselves.
As Rachel sighed, she didn't notice that both Owen and Leslie's eyelashes had slightly trembled, indicating signs of awakening.
...
In the Conference Hall
Though a decade has passed, this grand hall remains unchanged, still vast and imposing, filled with representatives from various departments. However, the expressions on their faces have grown devoid of reverence!
Particularly upon seeing Madelyn seated on the throne, many furrowed their brows. Deep in some people's eyes were expressions of disdain and thoughts of usurpation. The view from that throne had long made many salivate.
Had it not been for mutual restraint and a tinge of respect for Owen and Leslie, they would have already lost their patience and acted.
"Miss Madelyn, have the Emperor and Empress not emerged from their retreat yet?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Suddenly, a voice rang out among the gathered crowd.
At this question, the previously murmuring crowd fell silent, their ears perked up.
Under the scrutiny of countless eyes with various expressions, Madelyn tried to remain calm and replied, "My sister and brother-in-law are in seclusion. I will preside over this year's assembly."
"Miss Madelyn, the Emperor and Empress have been in seclusion for ten years. How much longer must we wait for them to emerge?"
The young man who had asked earlier spoke up again.
Madelyn glanced at him, her brows slightly knitting together. She recognized this man- Heimdall.
A genius from Emberveil Kingdom, he had been Henry's lackey before Henry's downfall due to cultivation issues. After that, he followed the rising genius from Emberveil Kingdom, Nidhogg, becoming one of his eight generals.
Within the restless empire, Nidhogg was the most agitated figure!
"Are you questioning the Emperor and Empress's affairs?"
Madelyn shot a cold glare at him.
Heimdall appeared quite intimidated, but a smirk played at the corner of his mouth.
"Miss Madelyn is right. I am merely a lowly general and naturally cannot question the Emperor and Empress's matters. However, the increasing oppression from other empires against us in Emberveil Kingdom is becoming intolerable. I only wish to seek justice from the Emperor and Empress!"
As he spoke, the coldness on Madelyn's face intensified, and an icy wind seemed to sweep through the hall, causing the air to turn slightly red.
Madelyn couldn't believe Heimdall's audacity. It was Emberveil Kingdom's people, under Nidhogg's orders, who were plundering resources from other empires, causing dissatisfaction and subsequent attacks on Emberveil Kingdom's territory.
Yet, in his words, they were portrayed as the victims!
Davis and others from Cloud Empire had their eyes reddened with anger.
The eight generals, under Nidhogg's guidance, had grown increasingly reckless. Their power was formidable, and Nidhogg's strength was unfathomable.
If it weren't for Nidhogg's uncertainty about whether Owen and Leslie had perished, he might have already erased them instead of merely plundering.
They had previously brought this issue to Madelyn's attention, seeking Owen and Leslie for justice. However, because they were in a critical seclusion period, Madelyn could only pacify them temporarily.
Now, they had turned the tables, leaving Davis and the others glaring at Madelyn without
other options.
Madelyn eyed Heimdall, noticing that the area around him was empty. The supposed gathering of Nidhogg and others was conspicuously absent. She coldly questioned, "Where are the people from Emberveil Kingdom?"
Upon hearing this, others finally realized that Nidhogg had not personally attended this year's assembly!
This was not a simple gathering; in previous years, this assembly was not only for praising Owen and Leslie but also crucial for distributing interests, adjusting personnel and rewards among various departments, and addressing conflicts and demands from different factions. Nidhogg's absence from this assembly was a blatant act of defiance against Owen and Leslie! As countless gazes scrutinized him, Heimdall remained unfazed, saying, "The Emperor and Empress are in seclusion, and my lord is also in a critical retreat. Whether he comes or not is not something a mere subordinate like me can question."
With this statement, everyone's eyes flared with anger.
"This annual assembly is set by the Emperor and Empress! Is Nidhogg planning a rebellion?!" Madelyn could no longer endure Heimdall's provocations and spoke coldly.
As Heimdall was about to respond, a contemptuous voice suddenly echoed from outside the
hall.
"What does Miss Madelyn mean by this? We are alive today all thanks to the Emperor and
Empress!"
As the voice rang out, everyone turned to look.
At the entrance of the hall stood a golden-haired man, exuding charisma. He wore a smile that seemed amiable, but those who truly knew him understood that beneath that smile lay a
predatory monster!
"Nidhogg, leading the eight generals of Emberveil Kingdom, pays respects to Miss Madelyn!"
The golden-haired man smiled casually and spoke.
Though his words appeared respectful, his face was full of frivolousness.
His deep-set eyes fixed on Madelyn, as if trying to peel away her clothes! Madelyn's brow furrowed. Nidhogg was originally a genius sealed away in the previous
epoch, awakening before the destruction of the epoch, becoming a talent of Emberveil
Kingdom.
He had never shown any signs of abnormality before, but after Epoch's End, his true nature
began to reveal
itself!
She had long suspected that Henry's death was part of his scheme!
After all, with Henry's talent, it was unlikely he would die merely from a cultivation mishap.
However, she had no evidence, and Nidhogg's power had grown immensely. His own strength was unfathomable; taking action against him would only tear Azure Kingdom apart even
further.