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The sudden emergence of a spatial vortex above the imperial city stirred unrest both within and outside the palace. People gazed in terror at the mysterious vortex, their hearts filled with confusion and fear.
From the vortex, Shui Wuya gracefully stepped out, hovering above the palace. The aura emanating from him caused everyone present to tremble involuntarily.
"Who is that?"
"He appears to be a formidable figure."
"What's his purpose here?"
The titled Douluos and ministers of the Sun-Moon Empire exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of the identity or intentions of this enigmatic individual.
Their questions were swiftly answered.
Shui Wuya slowly raised his arm, unleashing a surge of powerful spiritual energy that swept across the surroundings. With a mere wave, the incoming missiles abruptly halted, as if bound by an invisible force, unable to advance any further.
But Shui Wuya didn't stop there.
Taking a deep breath, he channeled his internal energy, which manifested as an icy blue radiance, swiftly enveloping the suspended missiles. The power of ice rapidly spread, freezing each missile into crystalline sculptures that shimmered with a cold brilliance.
Under Shui Wuya's control, the myriad missiles transformed into harmless ice sculptures, hovering in the sky.
"How is this possible!?"
Everyone present was utterly dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes.
In one of the cities, civilians watched in despair as missiles descended like harbingers of death. As they neared the ground, explosions erupted, casting searing flames in all directions. Fierce winds howled, and the inferno threatened to raze the entire city.
However, just as the people braced for death, a mysterious force intervened. The raging flames of the explosions froze in place, as if time itself had paused.
"Oh my!"
The townsfolk stared in astonishment at the surreal scene before them. The flames were now cloaked in ice and snow, the once-violent explosions transformed into massive ice sculptures exuding a chilling aura.
"This must be a divine miracle!"
"Surely some deity has come to save us!"
Relieved at their narrow escape, the people rejoiced, dropping to their knees to thank the benevolent deity.
Above the palace, under the awestruck gazes of all, Shui Wuya gently descended onto the grand hall's roof.
Empress Ju zi immediately stepped forward, kneeling in respect before Shui Wuyai. "Welcome, Lord Patriarch of the Shui Clan!"
Her actions were both reverent and devout, as if paying homage to a supreme being.
The assembled experts of the Shui Clan also approached, bowing in unison.
"So, this mysterious figure is the young patriarch of the Shui Clan?" The realization dawned upon the members of the Sun-Moon Empire.
However, an elderly royal family member, his face smeared with dirt, couldn't contain his anger. Witnessing Empress Ju zi's subservience toward the Shui Clan's patriarch stirred resentment within him.
To him, as the Empress of the Sun-Moon Empire, Ju zi's servility toward the Shui Clan was an affront to the empire's dignity.
"Empress Ju zi, what is the meaning of this?" the elder demanded haughtily. "We are the illustrious Sun-Moon Empire! How can we stoop so low as to bow to our enemies? You're bringing shame upon our nation!"
Upon hearing the elder's words, a trace of undeniable killing intent flashed in Empress Juzi's eyes.
"Foolish to the point of courting death!"
With a cold wave of her hand, an invisible force instantly pierced through the elder's body. His frail form crumbled like paper, disintegrating into ashes, leaving no trace behind—his body vanished as if it had never existed.
The scene fell into an abrupt silence. Everyone present was stunned, staring in shock at what had just transpired.
The ruthlessness and decisiveness of Empress Ju zi's actions sent chills down the spines of all who witnessed it. Her unyielding display only deepened their fear and wariness toward Shui Wuya, the Shui Clan's patriarch. Any remaining dissatisfaction was quickly stifled, with none daring to voice it.
Empress Juzi then looked up at Shui Wuya, her tone pleading, "Lord Patriarch, Xu Tiannan deserved to die, but the innocent people of the Sun-Moon Empire bear no guilt! I humbly implore you to show mercy and spare the lives of our citizens. If you grant them this reprieve, I swear that the Sun-Moon Empire will henceforth pledge unwavering loyalty to the Shui Clan."
Shui Wuya listened quietly, his gaze inscrutable. Although he had already intended to spare the people, he maintained a composed facade.
Finally, he nodded in agreement. "Very well. I will spare the lives of the Sun-Moon Empire's citizens. However, a nation cannot be without a ruler. I hereby appoint you as the Empress of the Sun-Moon Empire. From now on, you shall govern this empire."
Empress Juzi was taken aback by his words. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she immediately knelt, her voice filled with appreciation. "Thank you, Lord Patriarch, for your great kindness! I will devote myself fully to serving the Shui Clan."
Shui Wuya nodded, his expression indifferent.
With that, the two of them proceeded into the palace.
As Shui Wuya and Empress Ju zi entered the hall to discuss matters, the atmosphere inside grew tense. The Shui Clan's experts quickly gathered, sealing the doors and standing guard with cold, unyielding stares fixed on the remaining members of the Sun-Moon Empire.
Most of the Sun-Moon Empire's ministers and titled Douluos quietly accepted the Shui Clan's takeover. Given the Shui Clan's formidable reputation, the enigmatic power of their patriarch, and their long-standing discontent with the late tyrant Xu Tiannan, they were willing to submit to the Shui Clan's authority.
However, a few of the empire's titled Douluos harbored deep resentment toward Shui Wuya's rule. To them, it was a grave humiliation that the Sun-Moon Empire's sovereignty had been so easily handed over by Empress Ju zi.
Yet, as they surveyed their surroundings, noticing the vigilant Shui Clan experts and the sealed exits, they realized now was not the time to act on their anger. For the moment, they had no choice but to endure and wait for an opportunity to arise in the future.
In a secluded chamber deep within the palace, Shui Wuya's gaze fell upon Empress Ju zi's pregnant belly. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke. "Ji Juechen, who is part of our Shui Clan, is the father of your child. This makes you and your child members of our clan. The Shui Clan does not abandon its own; we will not treat you unfairly."
Empress Ju zi bowed her head in gratitude. She respectfully replied, "Thank you, Lord Patriarch. I will do everything in my power to serve you and the Shui Clan. Once I give birth, I will ensure that my child becomes a loyal member of the Shui Clan and inherits the throne, so that the Sun-Moon Empire will always remain subservient to your clan."
But Shui Wuya shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, though his expression remained calm. "You misunderstand. I do not intend for your child to inherit the throne. I made you Empress because I trust in your abilities, and I believe you are capable of ruling the Sun-Moon Empire."
"This..."
Empress Ju zi was stunned. She hadn't expected Shui Wuya to place such trust in her. Overcome with emotion, she solemnly vowed, "Rest assured, Lord Patriarch, I will not betray your trust."
Shui Wuya merely smiled faintly, his eyes betraying a deep understanding. Having read the original story, he was well aware of the talents and strategies possessed by this formidable woman.
(End of Chapter)