433: The Sun and Moon Emperor's Doubts! He proposes that Lu Xuan become the Empire's Grand...

Chapter 425: The Sun Moon Emperor's Doubts! Lu Xuan Proposed as Grand General of the Empire!

Lu Xuan seemed oblivious to the gazes of the people below.

He hovered in mid-air, his robes fluttering in the strong wind, and the purple Star Power in his eyes grew stronger.

“Rumble—”

The entire plain suddenly trembled violently, and the earth undulated like waves, centered around the abyss crack.

A teeth-grating scraping sound came from deep within the fissure, as if countless sharp claws were tearing at the rock layers.

The first to emerge were thousands of pangolin-shaped Crimson Monsters.

Their backs were covered in ink-black carapaces, which gleamed with a greasy luster under the light.

Each one appeared to be the size of a calf, and countless crimson eyes flickered with a crazed light.

Most terrifying were their giant mouths filled with sharp teeth, constantly dripping corrosive mucus that burned the ground, creating plumes of white smoke.

Following closely behind was an unprecedented spider-like Crimson Monster.

Its eight segmented limbs were like sharp scythes, leaving deep gouges in the ground with every step.

Their abdomens were distended, occasionally spewing sticky webs, instantly cocooning several soldiers who were too slow to dodge, eliciting their shrill screams.

Just then, a dazzling purple light erupted from the abyss crack.

The swarm of Crimson Monsters at the forefront seemed to hit an invisible wall; their black carapaces rapidly cracked and peeled away in the purple starlight.

They twisted their bodies in pain, attempting to retreat, but could only turn into ashes in the purple light.

The spider-like Crimson Monsters frantically waved their scythe-like segmented limbs, but in the end, they, along with the webs they spewed, vanished into thin air like ignited paper scraps before everyone’s eyes.

The intense Star Domain energy fluctuations caused the earth to continuously tremble, forcing everyone present to circulate their Star Power to barely stand firm.

The Regimental Commander of the Fifth Guard Regiment—the weathered old woman—could no longer maintain her usual composure.

She stared intently at the purple-shrouded figure in the sky, her wrinkled face filled with disbelief.

“You’ve Breakthrough?” Her voice trembled slightly, clearly in a state of extreme shock.

“Star Domain Realm!!!”

These three words exploded like thunder in the hearts of all members of the Fifth Guard Regiment.

Star Domain Realm—these were powerhouses standing at the Peak of the Sun Moon Empire, each one a unique existence.

Whether it was the seven Grand Councilors of the Imperial Court or the ten Sun Moon Divine Guards, these transcendent Supreme powerhouses all possessed Star Domain Realm cultivation.

The old woman Regimental Commander exchanged glances with the beautiful Deputy Regimental Commander beside her, both seeing the same shock in each other’s eyes.

They knew all too well what this news meant.

Lu Xuan, the Deputy Regimental Commander of the Ninth Guard Regiment, this Genius of only forty years of age, had actually taken that step.

One could imagine the sensation this news would cause when it reached the Sun Moon Empire.

How shocked the high-ranking figures of the Sun Moon Imperial Court would be, and even His Majesty deep within the Sun Moon Temple might personally appear to bestow a blessing.

After all, the birth of every Star Domain Realm powerhouse meant that the Empire’s high-level structure would usher in new changes.

The beautiful Deputy Regimental Commander unconsciously clenched her hands, her wine-red long hair fluttering in the energy aftermath.

She gazed at the figure standing above the clouds, an unspeakable mix of complex emotions welling up in her heart.

At this moment, the abyss in front had already shattered into pieces, automatically burying the gap, and the Crimson Monster horde had been cleared one by one.

Lu Xuan nodded slightly towards the two ladies, as a greeting, and then his figure transformed into a purple rainbow, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

Once the dazzling purple starlight had completely dissipated, the old woman Regimental Commander immediately resumed her usual decisive demeanor, turning to give orders to the beautiful woman Regimental Commander.

“Ren Cheng, immediately lead your people to patrol the surrounding area. After confirming safety, rest in place. The entire army will withdraw in one day.”

“Understood!”

Ren Cheng, with her wine-red long hair, quickly composed herself and gave a crisp military salute.

As she turned, her gold and white Sun Moon battle robe fluttered, and her white-stockinged legs cut a sharp arc in the sunlight. She then began to efficiently command the military forces to execute the orders.

Over the next month, Lu Xuan’s figure frequently appeared in the wilderness outside various Security Zones.

This newly promoted Star Domain Realm powerhouse, contrary to his usual behavior, no longer held fast to the Ninth Security Zone, but instead ventured alone into the fallen zones. Wherever he went, Crimson Monster populations were completely annihilated.

This unusual behavior quickly drew the close attention of the Sun Moon Empire’s high command.

At this moment, within the Imperial Council Hall of the Sun Moon Imperial Court, the atmosphere was starkly different from its usual serenity.

Seven Supreme Grand Councilors sat on the white jade platform, and below them, hundreds of seats were filled with officials in charge from various Security Zones and important Imperial ministers, gathered together.

Low murmurs echoed under the gilded dome, and everyone’s conversations, by unspoken agreement, focused on the same name.

Undoubtedly, this rare council meeting was convened for Lu Xuan, this newly promoted Star Domain Realm powerhouse.

Next, an Imperial Court minister in splendid court attire stepped forward, his voice resounding throughout the entire Council Hall.

“Everyone, this Lu Xuan has disregarded Imperial laws, arbitrarily breaking away from the Imperial Court’s control, and conducting so-called ‘purges’ outside the Security Zone,” he deliberately emphasized the word “purges.”

“This minister humbly requests the seven Grand Councilors to immediately inform His Majesty and order him to return to the Imperial Court at once, to cease these meaningless actions!”

This undisguised accusation made everyone present gasp. After all, the one being discussed was a true Star Domain Realm powerhouse, a truly Supreme powerhouse standing at the Peak of the Sun Moon Empire.

But this noble minister, from a distinguished background, had long been blinded by jealousy—why? Why could a Martial Artist of common birth Breakthrough that barrier that countless nobles yearned for?

These scions of noble families, born with the most privileged resources and most noble bloodlines, were instead always trapped in the Blazing Sun Realm, unable to advance an inch!

“Minister Yun Xing is absolutely right!” another noble official immediately chimed in, stroking his meticulously trimmed beard, and said righteously.

“As a key member of the Imperial Court Guard Regiment, Lu Xuan should adhere to his duties, rather than abandon his post and wander freely outside the Security Zone. This act is not only disloyal to His Majesty but also a contempt for the Imperial Court Council!”

Before he finished speaking, another minister eagerly added: “Since this Lu Xuan has fortunately Breakthrough to the Star Domain Realm, he should submit all his insights on Cultivating Star Domain power for us to study.

Only in this way can he demonstrate his loyalty to the Empire, and it can also allow our colleagues to take fewer detours on the path of Cultivation.”

These words immediately drew agreement from many noble councilors.

Outwardly, they were righteous, but in reality, they could not hide the greed and jealousy in their eyes.

These pampered powerful figures could never accept that a Martial Artist of common birth could be the first to Breakthrough to the Realm they so desperately coveted.

This is the inherent evil of human nature—no matter the circumstances, what is considered first are always one’s own desires and greed.

The life and death of others, in the eyes of these Imperial nobles, were merely bargaining chips.

If the profit was great enough, they would even not hesitate to guide Crimson Monsters or Deep Red Fallen Ones.

These noble families, entrenched at the top of the Empire, had long regarded the nation’s vital lifelines as their private property.

The nobles formed groups to monopolize various Cultivation resources and held key military and political positions, each one growing fat and prosperous.

Meanwhile, common people could only struggle for survival on the subsistence line, and countless others deemed “worthless” were simply abandoned outside the Security Zones, left to fend for themselves.

In the eyes of these nobles who controlled everything in the Empire, the world outside the city walls was merely a buffer zone for consuming Crimson Monsters.

The lives of those exiles were not even worth a bottle of fine wine at their banquets.

“Shut up, you fools!!!”

A majestic female voice boomed down from the high platform, its sound waves echoing through the vast Council Hall, making countless glass lamps hum.

The few noble councilors who had been shouting the loudest instantly became silent as cicadas. Their pampered faces turned purple with rage, then gradually darkened like the bottom of a pot.

They clenched their fists, their nails digging deeply into their palms, yet dared not make a sound.

Indeed, if it were anyone else who dared to reprimand them in such a way, these spoiled nobles would have long since ganged up on them.

But at this moment, they dared not even breathe heavily.

This was because the one who spoke was none other than Sun Moon Ying Shu, who sat in the very center of the seven Grand Councilors.

She was not only the backbone of the council but also the eldest daughter of the current His Majesty, the Empire’s Grand Princess.

Her status was supremely honorable, second only to the Emperor, and not something any so-called noble could compare to.

“This meeting is to bestow an important position upon Lu Xuan, the Deputy Regimental Commander of the Ninth Guard Regiment.”

“After deliberation, the six Grand Councilors and I have unanimously agreed to promote Lu Xuan to Grand General of the Empire. You may now vote.”

Sun Moon Ying Shu’s clear and cold voice echoed through the hall, every word carrying an undeniable weight.

This appointment had clearly already been agreed upon among the seven Grand Councilors; the vote at this moment was merely a formality.

The next moment, Sun Moon Ying Shu’s calm gaze swept over the councilors below, whose expressions varied. Her fingertips tapped lightly on the table, awaiting the vote whose outcome was already determined.

“What?!”

An old noble with white hair and beard suddenly slammed his hand on the table, his gold-embroidered sleeves flapping in the air.

He extended a trembling finger and spoke in an angry voice, filled with incredulous indignation.

“The position of Grand General of the Empire has always been reserved for those of noble family background! This is a rule established since the founding of the nation! How can a commoner with no Foundation wield the Empire’s military seal?”

“I second that!”

Another corpulent noble staggered to his feet, fine beads of sweat breaking out on his forehead: “The Grand General commands the three armies, concerning the safety of the Empire’s society.

If even such a crucial position can be casually granted to a commoner, where would the ancestral laws stand? Where would the Empire’s safety stand?”

“No! We firmly object!”

One after another, nobles rose from their seats, their agitated voices clashing and echoing under the dome of the great hall.

Their faces were a mix of shock, anger, and fear, as if this appointment was not about selecting a general, but about shaking the very Foundation of their noble power.

Several young nobles had even placed their hands on their swords, despite knowing that drawing a sword in the council was a serious offense.

The entire noble section was in chaos, like a pot of boiling water.

Grand General of the Empire—this position meant direct command over all military regiments of the Sun Moon Empire, a supremely honorable status, second only to the Emperor and the seven Grand Councilors.

Since the last Grand General died of old age fifty years ago, this position had remained vacant until now.

For fifty years, various noble factions had engaged in overt and covert struggles, all wanting to push their own people into this position.

It was precisely because they mutually constrained each other, with no one willing to yield, that this crucial position remained vacant for half a century.

Now, this position, which all noble families had yearned for, was to be taken by a commoner Martial Artist with no background.

How could these noble families, who prided themselves on their noble bloodlines, accept this?

Sun Moon Ying Shu completely ignored the shouting noble councilors, her cold gaze slowly sweeping across the entire hall.

She announced again, “The vote begins.”

The next moment, a brilliant golden starlight suddenly lit up in the hall—a golden light shot up from each councilor’s seat, symbolizing an affirmative vote.

In just a moment, with the exception of less than ten noble councilors who stubbornly opposed, the entire Council Hall was enveloped in a glorious golden sea of stars.

Grand Princess Sun Moon Ying Shu nodded slightly, unsurprised by this outcome.

What a joke, telling you to vote, and you actually vote.

Didn’t you see that Her Highness the Grand Princess had already spoken, clearly stating that this was a joint decision of the seven Grand Councilors, and the so-called vote was just a formality?

Who would dare to truly object? Wouldn’t that be courting death?

Which of these noble councilors in the hall wasn’t a shrewd operator?

More than half immediately cast affirmative votes, understanding the situation. The remaining few who still wanted to hold out, turned their heads and saw that even their most steadfast “own people” had raised their hands in agreement, and they instantly froze.

They looked at each other, their faces alternating between green and pale, looking like a group of clowns pushed onto a stage—the stage had been dismantled, and only they remained, striking poses.

“Proposal passed, meeting adjourned!”

After Sun Moon Ying Shu finished speaking, with a flash of brilliant golden starlight, she disappeared.

Outside the main gate of the Sun Moon Temple, the ten guards responsible for guarding the gate, upon seeing Sun Moon Ying Shu appear, quickly moved aside.

The temple doors closed again. The inner hall was vast, with dozens of palaces situated within it. Sun Moon Ying Shu ignored the various members of the royal family and proceeded directly to the main hall.

“Come in.”

An old but majestic voice came from within the hall. Sun Moon Ying Shu, hearing this, casually tidied her robes and slowly walked in.

Deep within the main hall, an old man in a golden silk embroidered Imperial robe stood quietly.

The pattern of the sun and moon shining together on his robes shimmered under the light of bright pearls and dazzling lamps. He was the Supreme ruler of the current Sun Moon Empire—the Sun Moon Emperor.

“Imperial Father,” Sun Moon Ying Shu bowed slightly, “the council has passed the resolution, and Lu Xuan has been granted the title of Grand General of the Empire, but... is such a promotion perhaps too hasty?”

It turned out that the resolution unanimously passed by the seven Grand Councilors was, in fact, personally authorized by the Sun Moon Emperor.

“Whether it is too hasty or not, time will tell.” A subtle smile, difficult to decipher, appeared on the Sun Moon Emperor’s aged face. “I actually wanted to observe him for a while longer. Lu Xuan’s actions are truly puzzling to me.”

“Indeed, it’s peculiar.” Sun Moon Ying Shu frowned slightly. “His purges of Crimson Monsters outside the Security Zones, while seemingly brave, are in reality just meaningless battles.”

This was precisely the shared confusion of the entire Sun Moon Imperial Court.

According to the established strategy of the Sun Moon Empire, it was sufficient to clear the threat of Crimson Monsters within a thousand li radius outside the Security Zones.

As for the more distant wilderness, those Crimson Monster populations either fought and devoured each other or wandered aimlessly, having no time to invade the territories of the ten major Security Zones established by the Empire.

More importantly, these Crimson Monsters seemed to be inexhaustible—even if completely cleared, they would inexplicably emerge from some corner again shortly after.

Therefore, in the eyes of the Sun Moon Empire’s high command, Lu Xuan’s laborious long-distance expeditions and purges were simply a waste of effort, pointlessly consuming his valuable Star Domain power.