Category: Dear, it’s time for your medicine!

Chapter 287: Goddess of Holy Light or Evil Goddess?

Just as Qin Chu believed both Mavis and the creature were dead, a loud cry pierced the night.

Mavis, her body and soul nearly consumed by the holy fire, her face charred and blackened, suddenly lifted her head.

Waaaa, waaa, waaa!

The cries from within her belly echoed like a nightmare.

Her nearly lifeless body convulsed, crimson tears flowing from her scorched eyes.

She didn’t care what the creature within her was.

She only knew it was her child. Were they going to take this one too?

No… no!

Suddenly, Mavis extended her charred hands.

Her fingers, like knives, plunged into her abdomen.

Her body, both a protection and a prison for the creature, was torn open.

A bloody mass fell to the ground, writhing. Mavis collapsed backwards, a twisted smile on her charred face.

She tried to reach for the creature, to see her child… but her eyes wouldn’t open, her arms lacked the strength.

The monstrous fetus.

Finally born.

Prematurely released by its dying mother.

Qin Chu’s face darkened. He hadn’t anticipated Mavis’s sheer willpower.

The bloody mass lifted its head, five wounds still visible on its body, one from Anthea, four from Qin Chu.

Viscous fluid oozed from the wounds.

Thump… thump…

Its heart beat steadily.

Its emaciated body, bathed in moonlight, was grotesque yet strangely elegant, exuding a sinister allure that drew the eye.

The offspring of the Lord of Pleasure, the god of desire, nobility, and elegance, had been born into this world.

It crawled towards Mavis, its limbs moving awkwardly.

It wasn’t fully developed, a deep emptiness within it. It craved souls and flesh to sustain itself. And here, it had the perfect sustenance.

A fissure opened on its head, revealing rows of sharp teeth. It latched onto Mavis’s unburnt foot, the only part of her body spared by the holy fire.

The sound of its chewing and swallowing was chilling.

But Mavis seemed oblivious to the pain, a twisted smile on her charred face.

This couldn’t continue.

Qin Chu took a deep breath, his hands outstretched. The holy fire burning on Mavis’s body, as if under his command, flowed towards the creature, engulfing it.

Mavis struggled, but she was powerless.

Qin Chu tried to incinerate the creature with holy fire.

But the creature, now born into this world, was growing stronger with each passing second, an immense power within it.

The holy fire caused it pain, but it wouldn’t be enough to kill it quickly.

Suddenly, the creature lifted its head, its crimson eyes locking onto Qin Chu.

An invisible force slammed into his chest, caving it inwards.

He felt his ribs shatter, piercing his heart.

He coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Holy Healing mended his injuries, but he gasped for breath, wiping the blood from his lips. Some of the blood touched the Goddess’s Hair.

The threads instantly absorbed it.

As if a switch had been flipped, a silver flame ignited on his wrist.

Qin Chu looked at the Goddess’s Hair in surprise, wondering what was happening.

The temperature intensified, his wrist feeling as if it were being roasted.

Then, the Goddess’s Hair detached itself from his wrist, floating in the air.

The creature sensed its presence. Despite being a single strand of hair, it filled the creature with primal fear.

It stopped advancing, slowly retreating.

Its sinister eyes narrowed.

If it had been born in its complete form, it wouldn’t have feared the power within the hair. But now, it was vulnerable.

It wanted to escape.

And it did.

Before Qin Chu’s eyes, the creature transformed into a shadow and shot away with incredible speed.

It was about to disappear into the darkness.

If it escaped, given enough time, it could become the most powerful being in the Heavenly Continent.

The Goddess’s Hair swayed.

It began to divide, one becoming ten, ten becoming a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand…

The strands lengthened.

A silver ocean filled the air.

Like a river of light, it flowed through the night sky, dispelling the darkness.

The creature was fast, but the Goddess’s Hair was faster.

Qin Chu felt his arm growing numb… the damned hair was drawing power from his blood.

Was this truly the Goddess of Holy Light? Or some kind of Evil Goddess?

He cursed inwardly, feeling as if a pump was draining his blood, his head spinning.

But Holy Healing replenished his blood, preventing him from bleeding out.

He watched intently.

The creature, sensing the approaching power, increased its speed, but the Goddess’s Hair had already enveloped the area like a net.

The silver threads wrapped around the creature.

The Goddess’s Hair, upon contact with the creature’s blasphemous fluids, sizzled, releasing plumes of white smoke.

The creature screamed in pain, struggling against the binding threads, snapping some of them.

Suddenly, Qin Chu felt a surge within him, an emptiness in his chest.

An emerald leaf had detached itself from his body.

The sapling that had been residing within him…

This was the first time it had left his body.

It floated towards the creature, its three leaves swaying.

Before Qin Chu’s astonished eyes, it rapidly grew into a towering tree.

Its roots spread downwards, enveloping the creature in a cocoon, some even piercing its flesh.

The creature, now completely immobilized, could no longer struggle.

The towering tree’s trunk contracted, as if taking a deep breath…

Then, energy flowed through its roots, into the sapling.

The greedy little thing was devouring the creature’s power.

Qin Chu’s lips twitched. Don’t eat everything you see! You’ll get a stomachache.

Even he wouldn’t dare absorb the power of Mavis and the creature, fearing the corrupting influence of their wills.

But the sapling seemed to have no such qualms, treating the creature as a mere supplement.

Gulp… gulp…

Faint, strange sounds echoed through the night, mingled with the creature’s cries.

…

Meanwhile, on a nearby hilltop, a figure stood against the wind.

His bearded face was turned towards the towering tree.

His bloodshot eyes were narrowed, his thoughts unreadable.

It was Wadsworth.

The Emperor of the Auville Empire.

Nikles’s Information Magic, though interrupted, had conveyed a few crucial words: abandoned Church of the Earth Mother Godd…

Enough for Wadsworth to deduce Mavis’s location.

But he hadn’t expected the Hero to be there already.

He had intended to join the fight, but he stopped.

He wanted to observe the Hero’s true strength.

The outcome of the battle stunned him. Mavis’s power had clearly reached, perhaps even surpassed, level 90… He felt a pang of regret. If he had treated her better, would she have remained loyal?

Then, the Empire would have two level 90+ experts, securing their dominance in the Heavenly Continent.

Neither the Holy See nor the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess would pose a threat.

Too late for regrets now.

The Hero was the more pressing concern.

Despite having four companions, Qin Chu’s ability to suppress Mavis proved his strength was even greater than anticipated, far exceeding his performance during the duel with the First Prince.

And who was that strange woman with the chains? He had never seen her before.

And what was that silver river of light?

And the sudden appearance of the giant tree?

The Hero was shrouded in mystery, making Wadsworth increasingly wary.

This man could become his greatest obstacle.

A flicker of killing intent crossed his eyes…

Mavis was finished.

Having confirmed the outcome, Wadsworth turned and left, returning to his palace.

He waved his hand, and the floor opened, revealing a dark passage leading underground.

Within lay the Imperial family’s darkest secrets.

Chapter 286: Judgment of Light

The mingled cries of the monstrous fetus and Mavis became an unearthly shriek.

An invisible shockwave erupted from Mavis, spreading outwards.

Behind her, Anthea materialized, her spear piercing Mavis’s abdomen and the creature within.

Anthea sensed a connection to Mavis, similar to the one she felt with Anastasia.

But another aura emanating from Mavis filled her with instinctive revulsion. She hadn’t held back.

Mavis’s speed and unorthodox fighting style had initially given her an advantage, but she couldn’t evade Anthea’s surprise attack.

The pain of the spear piercing her abdomen, the terror of the creature within being impaled, intensified Mavis’s screams, her body convulsing.

The soundwave rippled outwards, striking Anthea.

Buzz… crack.

Anthea’s spear vibrated violently, then shattered.

The Ghost Valkyrie’s stoic expression flickered. She leaped back dozens of meters, narrowly avoiding the full force of the shockwave, which tore through the ground and floor.

Qin Chu, standing before Mavis, wasn’t so lucky.

His body was torn apart by the soundwave.

Sylph’s eyes widened in horror, a hollow ache in her chest, a feeling she couldn’t describe.

One thing was certain: she didn’t want to see this.

But before she could process her emotions, she saw Qin Chu’s shattered form dissolving into motes of light.

The heart Mavis held in her hand also crumbled to dust.

The shockwave continued outwards. A muffled groan echoed from the darkness, and Qin Chu’s figure reappeared.

His face was pale, a trickle of blood staining his lips. He had clearly been affected by the shockwave.

Sylph’s heart, which had leaped into her throat, slowly returned to its normal rhythm. She didn’t notice the slight upturn of her lips.

Phantom Speed.

A high-ranking ability of the Dire Wolf tribe.

It was the innate ability of Dolgo, Lomond’s most trusted subordinate. Qin Chu had acquired it after absorbing Dolgo.

The figure Mavis had impaled was merely a phantom. The real Qin Chu had already teleported away, preparing his next attack.

But he hadn’t anticipated the power of Mavis’s scream, which had forced him out of his invisibility.

His chest was caved in, several ribs broken.

Holy Healing activated automatically, instantly mending his injuries.

Holy Healing was a special ability, not classified by rank.

But Qin Chu considered it a super-tier ability. While it couldn’t resurrect him, it ensured his rapid recovery from any injury, as long as he wasn’t instantly killed, maintaining him in peak condition.

Mavis stood motionless, her face pale.

Anthea’s spear protruded from her abdomen, two gaping holes leaking viscous fluid. Her swollen belly rapidly deflated.

Terror filled her eyes.

She clutched at the wound in front, her other hand contorting grotesquely to plug the hole in her back.

But she couldn’t stop the flow.

Pain, despair, hatred, and resentment consumed her.

Her screams grew louder, the cries of the monstrous fetus mingling with her own, a symphony of blasphemy.

The shockwaves continued to ripple outwards, cracks spreading across the stone floor, then shattering it completely.

The affected area expanded, forcing Qin Chu and Anthea to retreat further.

Heloise, Iyeta, and Sylph could barely endure the sound, a piercing pain in their ears, their minds reeling, strange whispers echoing in their heads.

Heloise and Iyeta’s knees buckled.

Mavis’s hair, sensing their vulnerability, surged towards them, seeking sustenance.

“Wind!”

Sylph called out, summoning a whirlwind that lifted Heloise and Iyeta into the air.

Despite being equally affected, Sylph’s mental fortitude allowed her to resist the whispers and maintain her composure.

As the hair, now a writhing mass like a giant serpent, pursued them into the air, Sylph dodged while summoning her emerald bow.

Wind magic converged on the bowstring, forming a spiraling, greyish-green arrow.

She released the arrow, and it shot towards Mavis’s face.

Mavis raised her hand, but crimson chains snaked out from behind her, binding her arms and holding her in place.

Anthea’s face was grim.

The chains binding Mavis vibrated, straining against an immense force, a resistance she had never encountered before.

Mavis strained against the chains, her arms bending.

Anthea was dragged forward slightly.

The wind arrow reached Mavis, its trajectory distorted by the sonic waves.

It grazed her cheek, tearing away a strip of flesh.

The God-Mother’s scream abruptly ceased.

The shockwaves subsided.

Qin Chu appeared behind Mavis, a silver sword, wreathed in holy flames, materializing in his hands.

Judgment Blade. In the name of the Goddess.

He had used this blade to purify O’Niens and Karsus, two individuals corrupted by evil.

It was his most potent weapon against such corruption.

Swoosh…

The blade sliced through the air, aimed at Mavis’s slender neck.

He had promised Anastasia a swift death, but he might have to break that promise.

Mavis was far stronger than Karsus or O’Niens, even more formidable than the First Prince.

They had merely been corrupted by an Evil God.

But the being within Mavis was an Evil God’s offspring, a different level of threat entirely.

As for using the Devourer to absorb Mavis’s power?

That thought never crossed his mind. He wasn’t suicidal.

Seeing the monstrous fetus, wounded but still alive, writhing within Mavis’s belly, trying to escape, Qin Chu knew he had to kill her. If the creature was born, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Phantom Speed.

He activated the ability again.

Six more Qin Chus appeared around Mavis, each wielding a Judgment Blade.

One blade aimed for her neck, two for her heart, and four for her abdomen.

She couldn’t dodge.

Thud… thud… thud…

The blades struck simultaneously.

Mavis’s scream died in her throat.

She froze.

Her neck was half-severed, her heart pierced from both sides, and the writhing creature within her abdomen was impaled from four directions.

The seven Qin Chus, including the real one, raised their right hands.

Snap.

They snapped their fingers in unison.

The seven Judgment Blades exploded.

Holy fire engulfed Mavis, both inside and out.

Her body became a beacon of light.

This was the Judgment of Light.

Holy fire was the most potent poison to the monstrous fetus.

This time, both Mavis and the creature within her were surely dead.

“Waaaa…”

Chapter 285: God-Mother Mavis – The Most Formidable Foe Yet!

Seeing Qin Chu, Nikles had felt a surge of hope, his face lighting up with joy as he cried out for help.

But his hope quickly faded.

The Hero simply stood there, watching him suffer, unmoved. He was even smiling.

Why?

“Save me…” Nikles wailed.

He could feel his life ebbing away, the pain unbearable: “You’re the Hero! You have to save me…”

His voice weakened.

“Am I obligated to save you just because I’m the Hero?” Qin Chu asked, spreading his hands.

Nikles was stunned. Wasn’t the Hero’s duty to protect everyone in the Heavenly Continent? He was a citizen. Wasn’t it the Hero’s duty to save him?

It was what he was supposed to do.

“Tell me, Nikles…” Qin Chu’s smile remained, but his voice was icy: “How does it feel to impale someone on your spear, to watch them struggle?”

Nikles, writhing in pain, didn’t understand why the Hero was asking this. He had asked the same question before.

He enjoyed impaling his enemies on his spear, watching them squirm like worms. It gave him a strange thrill.

He knew it wasn’t a good habit, but it was his business, not the Hero’s.

“Save me…”

He just wanted to live.

Qin Chu sighed and fell silent. Nikles’s hope turned to despair. The Hero was here, but he was merely watching, indifferent to his suffering.

He couldn’t hold back any longer. With his last breath, he snarled at Qin Chu like a rabid dog: “Bastard! You call yourself a Hero…”

“Watching someone die before your eyes and doing nothing! Qin Chu, you’re not fit to be the Hero…”

Rip.

Mavis, seemingly annoyed by Nikles’s cries, tightened her hair. Nikles gasped, chunks of his internal organs splattering from his mouth.

His eyes widened, then his head lolled to the side, lifeless.

The hair retreated from his corpse, as if losing interest, spreading across the ground like a sheet of ice.

The strands writhed like snakes, then surged towards Qin Chu.

Even Heloise and Iyeta, being Demon Beasts, had never seen anything like it.

Sylph frowned, moving to shield Qin Chu.

Not out of concern for him, but because her own survival depended on him. If he died, she would die too.

But before she could act, Qin Chu spoke, his voice low and cold: “Light!”

Let there be light!

In that moment, he became the embodiment of light.

Darkness vanished, replaced by a soft, white glow.

The hair recoiled from the light with a hiss, retreating rapidly.

A hole was blasted through the church wall, allowing the light to flood the interior.

The naked bodies within writhed in the light, screaming in pain as the holy energy burned away the Witch Society’s corruption.

It was clearly not a pleasant experience.

Mavis struggled against the light.

It pierced her skin like needles, causing intense pain.

But her rank was far higher than the other followers. Despite the agony, she endured.

Her hair whipped around her, her body convulsing.

Her azure eyes, now bloodshot, glared at Qin Chu with pure hatred: “You…”

“You killed my son.”

She had loved her son deeply, even though Wadsworth had taken him from her just days after his birth.

Perhaps that forced separation had only intensified her love.

Looking at his magical image, watching him grow, had brought her joy, easing her pain, loneliness, and despair. Those had been her happiest moments.

But that damned Hero had killed him.

And now he stood before her again.

“Are you going to take my second child too?”

No.

She was the God-Mother. The child within her would become the Heavenly Continent’s one true god.

She wouldn’t allow this bastard to harm her child.

With a chilling scream, Mavis, ignoring the burning pain of the holy light, walked towards Qin Chu, her hatred fueling her. She didn’t notice her grotesquely swollen belly.

It was even larger than Angela’s had been.

Looking at the countless corpses on the bloody altar, Qin Chu swallowed. How much sustenance had this woman consumed?

Her belly was stretched so thin it was almost transparent.

He could see the fluid within, the crisscrossing veins and tendons.

A small, distorted face pressed against the skin, its body writhing within, as if trying to escape.

With each step she took, the stench of evil intensified.

His fingers twitched, and the light around him converged, forming a giant blade of pure light.

Mavis sensed the danger and opened her mouth wide:

“Die!”

Iyeta’s face paled as she stepped forward, creating a translucent shield.

Bang!

She stumbled back, her face whiter than before.

Despite her strength, blocking Mavis’s attack was difficult. The invisible force carried an icy chill, frosting her legs.

But she had bought Qin Chu precious time. A single second was enough.

The holy light coalesced into a divine blade, falling from the sky towards Mavis.

The church was torn asunder.

Walls crumbled, the ground cracked, and the bodies within were reduced to dust.

Mavis raised her right hand, her long, sharp nails, tipped with crimson threads, reaching for the blade of light.

As the blade touched her hand, it exploded into a blinding sphere of light, engulfing Mavis and the being within her.

The light was so intense that Heloise, Iyeta, and Sylph shielded their eyes.

Only Qin Chu, squinting, could see through the glare.

The light faded as quickly as it appeared.

The sudden darkness was disorienting.

Ash rained down like feathers.

Mavis was gone, only a few strands of hair remaining on the ground. The church was completely destroyed, not a single stone left standing.

Had Mavis and the being within her been eliminated?

It seemed so, but Qin Chu frowned.

It was too easy.

Too easy to be true.

Suddenly, the ground beneath him cracked open, and a cluster of ice-blue hair emerged, coiling around his legs.

He looked down and saw Mavis’s face in the fissure, a twisted smile on her lips.

A chill ran down his spine.

Before he could react, Sylph flicked her wrist, a wind blade slicing through the hair binding his legs.

The severed strands made a sound like snapping steel wires.

Sylph grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

Heloise unleashed a barrage of ice shards at the ground, retreating rapidly.

Mavis was unlike any enemy they had faced before. She was utterly unpredictable.

Qin Chu pushed Sylph away.

Sharp claws emerged from where she had been standing, tearing through the air.

Mavis’s attacks were swift and unpredictable, coming from all directions.

Before he could catch his breath, five claws pierced his chest from behind.

Mavis held his heart in her hand.

A grotesque smile twisted her lips…

But it quickly faded, replaced by shock.

Thud.

A strange sound reached her ears.

She looked down in disbelief. A crimson spear, wreathed in flames, had pierced her abdomen…

And the being within.

Pain, then terror, then despair filled her eyes…

“AAAAAAAAAA…”

The creature’s cries and Mavis’s screams mingled into a chilling, unearthly sound that echoed through the night.

Chapter 284: Save Your Sister

A heavy silence blanketed the night.

Violet stood guard beside Angelica.

Ekaterina, her crimson greatsword clutched in her arms, stood like a statue in the courtyard.

Norma knelt, one hand on the ground, sensing the earth’s vibrations. Anastasia stood on the Residence’s rooftop, bathed in moonlight, gazing into the distance.

Qin Chu had left with Heloise and Iyeta. The Residence’s defense rested on their shoulders.

Suddenly, Norma lifted her head, her expression grim: “They’re coming…”

“Approximately two thousand enemies, encircling us. They’re less than three hundred meters away…”

Her voice echoed through the Residence.

A smile finally touched Ekaterina’s lips. A streak of ruthlessness ran through her. She wouldn’t miss this opportunity for a good fight.

She gripped her greatsword’s hilt, the heavy blade dragging along the ground as she walked towards the gate.

In the moonlight, shadowy figures appeared in the distance.

As they drew closer, Ekaterina saw them clearly.

They were mostly armored soldiers and mercenaries, their movements stiff, their faces blank, their eyes dull and lifeless in the moonlight.

If not for their movement, they could have been mistaken for puppets.

They were under the Witch Society’s control.

As Qin Chu had predicted, Mavis wasn’t foolish. She had deployed numerous agents to wreak havoc throughout the Imperial City, targeting not only the palace and the Hero’s Residence, but also the noble district.

They were like grim reapers, killing indiscriminately.

Creating chaos, diverting the soldiers’ attention.

Mavis hadn’t wanted to limit the number of sacrifices for the Divine Descent ritual, but… the women might not be able to handle more.

Despite their eerie appearance, Ekaterina was undaunted. She continued forward, her greatsword dragging behind her.

The puppets’ eyes reddened, and with chilling howls, they charged, weapons raised.

Their orders were to eliminate all life within the Residence.

Buzz…

Crimson flames engulfed Ekaterina’s greatsword.

The bright light dispelled the darkness as she raised the heavy blade.

With a powerful swing, a fiery arc tore through the night.

“Flame… Slash!”

Swoosh!

The blade swept across the ground, cleaving through dozens of figures a hundred meters away.

Their armor offered no protection, the wounds cauterized by the flames.

…

Within the Imperial Palace.

Wadsworth stood on the highest point.

Having deployed all his guards to search for Mavis, the palace’s defenses were at their weakest. The controlled puppets had actually managed to breach the walls.

He sighed as he watched his sons and daughters screaming in terror.

He had dozens of children, but most were fools.

The invaders weren’t particularly strong. His children, if they had any courage, could easily handle them, but they were paralyzed by fear.

Only a handful of princes, along with their guards, were fighting back.

Wadsworth mentally added their names to the list of potential heirs.

The most impressive among them was Princess Carol.

However… he frowned. Please don’t laugh maniacally while dragging a corpse around by its head with your whip.

People might think you’re a psychopath.

He thought of the First Prince. Despite his flaws and troublesome nature, his talent and strength were undeniable. He would have been at the forefront of the defense, rallying his siblings…

Too bad Qin Chu had killed him.

No, not too bad.

With Mavis being the Vice President of the Witch Society, he wasn’t even sure if the First Prince was truly his son.

Damn it!

The weight of all those metaphorical hats was giving him a neck ache.

After dealing with Mavis, he would tighten security within the harem. This couldn’t happen again.

Around the same time, a group of elite soldiers finally reached the abandoned church.

From a distance, they saw a faint light emanating from the supposedly deserted building.

Their leader frowned and signaled his men to approach. Peeking through the windows, they were stunned by what they saw.

Gods, what was this?

Hundreds of figures were entangled within the church, copulating like animals.

There was nothing beautiful or seductive about it, only a chilling grotesqueness.

The men were mostly emaciated, their skin clinging to their bones.

Their bodies were covered in filth and blood.

Yet, their eyes shone with a crazed light, like machines driven beyond their limits, their trembling legs still pumping.

They were oblivious to the blood flowing from their orifices, their lives nearing their end.

They didn’t see the hundreds of dried corpses scattered on the floor.

The women, equally lost in their frenzy, didn’t notice their bodies giving out. Some noble ladies lay motionless on the ground, their chests still, clearly dead.

Blood flowed along the grooves on the floor, forming a gruesome, crimson pattern.

What kind of unholy ritual was this?

In the center of the magic circle stood a tall woman, her abdomen grotesquely swollen, dark purple threads wrapped around her upper body, crimson threads around her lower body.

Her disheveled hair framed a face twisted in a smile.

The scene made their scalps crawl.

Their leader, his throat constricting, stumbled back, grabbing a magic scroll and pressing his ear.

His name was Nikles.

He had once been one of the Hero’s guards, seemingly on good terms with him.

But during the conflict between the First Prince and Qin Chu, he had sided with the prince, providing him with information.

After the prince’s death, he had been demoted.

However, having served in the Royal Guard for so long, he still held some influence.

If he could report this information quickly, it would be a great service, potentially restoring his former status.

He had to inform the Emperor immediately.

“Your Majesty, the abandoned Church of the Earth Mother Godd…”

But before he could finish, Mavis sensed his presence.

She looked up sharply, her voice shrill: “No one will harm my child!”

Bang!

An invisible shockwave erupted from the church.

The already fragile windows shattered, and the soldiers felt as if their heads had been struck by hammers.

Nikles saw only red, blood gushing from his nose.

He was thrown backwards by the force of the blast.

After a few seconds, he regained his senses and looked around. His comrades lay on the ground, their faces covered in blood, their bodies twitching. They were dead.

Only Nikles, the strongest among them, and slightly further from the window, had survived.

“Die!”

Another shout from within the church, and another invisible force slammed Nikles against a tree.

His back felt broken, the pain making his face contort.

He spat out a mouthful of blood.

Then, countless ice-white, shimmering threads emerged from the church windows.

Mavis’s hair, growing rapidly as if with a life of its own, reached Nikles, binding him tightly.

He struggled, but the seemingly delicate strands were as strong as chains.

The hair tightened.

Blood trickled from Nikles’s lips.

A sickening cracking sound filled the air as his bones broke under the pressure. He screamed in agony.

Broken bones pierced his flesh, some protruding through his skin.

It was worse than death.

Suddenly, he felt a shadow fall over him. He turned his head with difficulty and saw several figures behind him.

Two inhumanly beautiful women, the Snow Woman Heloise and the Blood Elf Iyeta.

And a proud elf, a member of the Hero Squad, Sylph.

Between them stood a tall, well-built young man, slightly more handsome than before.

It was none other than the Hero, Qin Chu.

Hope flared in Nikles’s eyes. The Hero was here. He was saved.

“Hero! Save me…”

He cried out, his voice filled with desperation.

He felt his organs being crushed, the hair tearing his skin and flesh. The pain was unbearable.

Seeing Nikles’s plight, hearing his pleas, a smile touched Qin Chu’s lips.

He remembered. In the first loop, this was the man who had killed Karen, the only girl who had spoken up for him when he was crippled and confined to a wheelchair.

He also remembered how, even in the second loop, Nikles had betrayed him, providing information to the First Prince and helping to frame him.

Some things never changed. Nikles was despicable, in both loops.

As for saving him?

Save your sister!

Chapter 283: The God-Child’s Heartbeat

Men and women alike were lost in a frenzy of unrestrained indulgence.

They didn’t care who their partners were, how filthy or crude. They craved only pleasure, discarding all morals and laws.

They felt their souls ascend, floating on clouds, drawing closer to the ethereal Lord of Pleasure.

This debauchery was their most devout offering.

The Witch Society had held many gatherings, but none as grand as this. The witches praised their great Vice President.

The Society’s influence was greater than anticipated. Besides hundreds of noblewomen, there were also powerful female mercenaries, merchants…

Here, social status held no meaning.

Only the ability to offer the Lord of Pleasure greater pleasure earned his favor.

The weariness and burdens of everyday life vanished, husbands and families forgotten. In their pursuit of ecstasy, they were willing to do anything.

Given enough time, this depravity could consume the entire Empire.

The abandoned church was shrouded in darkness, the torches like flickering grains of sand, casting the scene in a dreamlike haze.

But even the torches couldn’t dispel the darkness.

The area near the center of the circle was particularly dark, a deep gloom shrouding it, the air thick with shimmering, purplish threads.

The threads coiled around Mavis, enveloping her.

She lifted her head, the flickering firelight illuminating her captivatingly beautiful face. Her pale skin was like sculpted ice, her azure eyes filled with madness.

Despite her simple, even ragged dress, she exuded an undeniable aura of nobility and elegance.

Her chest heaved, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she listened to the cacophony around her.

The scent of pleasure.

The feeling of power.

She greedily devoured it all.

“Ahhh…”

A man’s cry pierced the air.

Not a cry of pain, but a scream of ecstasy.

He stumbled back, his body trembling.

He was a burly mercenary, once a hulking figure in heavy armor.

Now, his skin clung to his bones, his body emaciated, as if all his vitality had been drained.

His legs buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, oblivious to the blood oozing from his orifices, his face a mask of horror, the light fading from his eyes as the ecstasy consumed him.

His rapidly heaving chest stilled.

He was only the first. Soon, others followed, one after another…

Blood dripped onto the floor.

No one noticed the large magic circle beneath them, transforming the abandoned church into an altar.

The altar was covered in strange runes and intersecting grooves.

Blood flowed along the grooves towards Mavis, pooling at her feet, forming a crimson pool… a bloodbath.

Scarlet threads emerged from the pool, coiling around her legs, creeping upwards.

Mavis felt a surge of power within her.

Thump.

A sickly joy spread across her face.

She smiled, her teeth gleaming.

She placed her hand on her still-flat abdomen. She felt it. A heartbeat.

The God-child was growing within her.

She would become a true Holy Mother, leading this world into a new era.

This time, she wouldn’t allow anyone to harm her son. No one.

…

Meanwhile, Wadsworth, frustrated by his inability to capture the missing witches, knew something terrible was brewing.

This could pose an unimaginable threat to the entire world.

He mobilized all his intelligence agents and even the city guard, the search radiating outwards from the city center.

A heavy atmosphere of dread settled over the city.

Seeing the soldiers scouring every street and alley, everyone knew something big was about to happen.

Qin Chu finally returned to the Hero’s Residence, carrying Angelica. Her face was flushed, the recent “punishment” clearly to her liking.

He laid her gently on the bed, and she immediately fell asleep.

She was truly exhausted.

“Violet…”

“I’m here.”

His soft call was answered instantly.

Violet appeared silently behind him, her tall figure casting a shadow over him.

She frowned as she looked at the sleeping Angelica.

“If my calculations are correct, the Residence might be attacked. Protect Ange,” Qin Chu instructed.

Violet simply nodded, not questioning him further.

Qin Chu hoped he was wrong, but he felt a heavy pressure. Tonight would likely be a sleepless one.

From the soldiers on the streets, he had learned of the witches’ disappearance.

Mavis had undoubtedly taken them.

She was planning a terrifying attack, a Divine Descent ritual, to bring a god’s bloodline into this world.

If Qin Chu were in Mavis’s position, he would prepare for the ritual while also arranging a diversion, sending assassins to attack the palace and the Hero’s Residence, buying himself time.

He descended the stairs. Anastasia, Norma, Heloise, Iyeta, Sylph, and Ekaterina were all awake, looking at him with concern. They sensed something was amiss.

“Norma, Ekaterina…” Qin Chu spoke quietly. “Please, along with Violet, protect the Residence. Don’t let anyone in.”

Norma and Ekaterina nodded firmly.

A blush crept up Ekaterina’s cheeks, her eyes glistening.

Whenever she made a contribution, her master rewarded her with her favorite… activity.

What would it be this time?

Sylph watched Qin Chu expectantly, awaiting her instructions.

Being excluded from the initial orders made her feel strangely uneasy.

“Sylph, Heloise, Iyeta, you’ll be coming with me. We need to go out.”

Heloise and Iyeta nodded.

A smug look crossed Sylph’s face. He was taking her with him, while Ekaterina and Norma stayed behind. Did this mean she was more important to him?

The thought surprised her.

She shook her head. No…

I don’t care if he values me more than the others.

His opinion doesn’t matter.

But if she helped him this time, she could ask him to remove another of the Evil God’s threads. Five had been removed, but until they were all gone, she wouldn’t feel safe.

She had no choice. Only Qin Chu could save her. It wasn’t her fault.

Yes, that’s all I care about.

Although Airi and Eileen’s actions had created a rift between her and the former Hero Squad, her love for Jie Luo hadn’t changed.

He’s the only one I love. Other men’s opinions don’t matter.

Sylph repeated this mantra to herself.

“Anastasia, I need to talk to you…”

After all, Empress Mavis was her aunt.

Anastasia looked apprehensive as she followed Qin Chu to the balcony. After a moment of consideration, he told her about Mavis.

Learning that her aunt, her father’s sister, was the Vice President of the Blissful Witch Society, Anastasia paled.

She had encountered one of the Society’s assassins and knew their nature, but she hadn’t imagined her own family would be involved.

She understood Qin Chu’s predicament.

Her silence didn’t last long. She looked up, her hands clutching her skirt as she bowed deeply:

“Hero…”

It was a formal address she hadn’t used in a while, a sign of the gravity of the situation.

“Please grant her a swift death.”

Qin Chu understood. The intelligent princess knew there was no turning back.

He nodded, about to speak, when a sharp pain gripped his heart, as if clutched by a clawed hand.

He swayed, his face paling, his gaze turning distant.

The Goddess’s Hair on his wrist radiated intense heat, as if sensing an immense threat. The silver threads glowed brightly. Such a violent reaction had only happened once before, when he faced the First Prince.

Qin Chu knew the worst had come to pass.

Anastasia stepped forward and kissed him gently: “Go, my love.”

“And come back safely.”

“Remember, I, Anastasia, wish for you to become the Ice Duchy’s Prince Consort.”

“Norma, Violet, and little Karen are waiting for you…”

Chapter 282: The Empress’s Madness

Seeing the wooden statue turn its head and smile at him sent chills down Qin Chu’s spine, despite all he had experienced.

Visions flooded his mind. Beautiful women danced around him, their bodies swaying enticingly, a feast for the eyes.

A seductive fragrance filled his nostrils.

The women drew closer.

Qin Chu knew something was wrong. He tried to move, but his legs were like lead. He could only watch as these alluring figures, perfectly embodying his fantasies, pressed against him.

He felt their soft, yielding bodies against his back.

On either side, more enchanting women appeared.

This was the epitome of a honey trap.

Sweet, seductive whispers echoed in his ears, like feathers tickling his heart, fanning the flames of desire.

It was a paradise designed to ensnare any man.

Qin Chu knew it was an illusion.

The strange statue’s influence.

But escaping wasn’t easy. This was unlike any illusion he had encountered before. It was more vivid, more insidious.

As the women’s actions grew more suggestive, Qin Chu bit down hard on his tongue.

The sharp pain, combined with his powerful mental fortitude, shattered the illusion.

The beautiful faces turned grotesque, transforming into screaming specters with sharp claws, lunging at him.

But before they could touch him, their forms shattered like broken glass, their screams fading into nothingness.

Whoosh…

Qin Chu exhaled, feeling the veins throbbing in his forehead. The brief encounter had exerted immense pressure, his clothes soaked with sweat.

Carol, Angelica, and Wadsworth looked at him with concern. His eyes were bloodshot.

“Brother, what’s wrong?” Wadsworth asked anxiously. “You’ve been acting strange since you saw that statue…”

Qin Chu didn’t answer, his gaze fixed on the statue, which had returned to normal, as if the vision had been a mere hallucination.

Then… he walked forward, grabbed the statue, and plunged it face-first into the dirt.

Not satisfied, he spotted a nearby latrine and tossed the statue into the pit.

Aren’t you the god of desire, elegance, and nobility?

Then enjoy your elegance and nobility in a pit of filth.

He thought he heard a furious roar, but dismissed it as his imagination.

Damn it.

Qin Chu spat.

His actions puzzled Wadsworth and the others. While it was a statue of an Evil God, wasn’t throwing it into a latrine a bit much?

“Heh…” Qin Chu grinned. “That thing’s will tried to invade my soul. Just returning the favor.”

After a brief explanation, he glanced around: “Brother, it seems your Empress isn’t here. She must have guessed her identity was exposed and gone into hiding.”

“I’ll leave the rest to you. Contact me if you need any help.”

Tracking and investigation were Wadsworth’s forte.

As Emperor, he commanded the Auville Empire’s most powerful intelligence network. Utilizing their resources was far more efficient than Qin Chu blindly searching.

He walked over to Angelica and, to her slight embarrassment, lifted her into his arms. He nodded farewell to Wadsworth and Carol, then returned to the Hero’s Residence.

The journey was silent.

Angelica rested against Qin Chu’s chest, listening to his heartbeat.

She clutched his clothes, a happy smile on her face.

She cherished these moments. Even without the intimacy of their bedchamber, his embrace brought her happiness.

“Master, I can walk…” she murmured. It felt improper for a maid to be carried by her master.

“Do you plan to wobble all the way home and arrive tomorrow morning?” Qin Chu teased gently.

Angelica puffed out her cheeks. She knew he meant well, but couldn’t he have phrased it more kindly?

“Ange…”

She shivered slightly, sensing the seriousness in his voice.

“Yes…”

“Do you remember what I told you before?”

“No matter what happens, your life comes first. Information is important, but your life is more important,” Qin Chu said quietly.

Angelica bit her lip, unsure how to respond.

He had indeed said those words, but in that situation, she had been focused on uncovering the enemy’s plan, protecting her master. She hadn’t had time to think about her own safety.

“I was wrong,” she admitted softly.

But inwardly, she knew she would likely make the same choice again.

“Since you were wrong, you must be punished.”

Punished?

Angelica’s eyes widened. How? She instinctively covered her backside. Was he going to spank her?

Please be gentle.

As she braced herself, Qin Chu lowered his head and captured her lips.

…

Meanwhile, Wadsworth remained in the palace.

As Qin Chu had anticipated, he mobilized his entire intelligence network to search for Empress Mavis.

He also began arresting the individuals on Angela’s list.

However, his expression grew increasingly grim.

“Your Majesty, Consort Penny isn’t in the palace. According to her maids, she left this afternoon to meet with friends.”

“Your Majesty, Consort Jennifer isn’t in the palace…”

“The Thirteenth Princess isn’t in the palace.”

The reports brought only bad news. The two consorts and the princess on the list, along with Empress Mavis, had all vanished.

Wadsworth’s face twisted, his fists clenching.

As more reports arrived, his expression darkened further.

“Marquis Michel’s wife and daughter left their residence this afternoon and haven’t been seen since.”

“Count Yellen’s seven wives are all missing.”

“Viscount Aral’s six daughters are all missing…”

Everyone on Angela’s list had disappeared, all leaving their residences that afternoon, their whereabouts unknown.

It seemed Angela and Sharon had been pawns from the start.

While they were plotting to use him to eliminate Qin Chu, Mavis had already initiated her next move, evacuating the Witch Society members from the palace. Angela and Sharon’s success would have been a bonus, but their failure didn’t derail her plans.

She had even evacuated all her followers from the Imperial City.

What was this woman planning?

Wadsworth frowned.

Suddenly, his eyes widened, remembering the three photographs in the Empress’s quarters: her son’s, Qin Chu’s, and his own.

And Angela’s death.

That foolish, pitiful consort had tried to birth a Divine Fetus, to bring a god’s bloodline into this world. But her lack of strength and insufficient sustenance had resulted in a monstrous aberration.

A chilling thought struck him, making his scalp tingle. Could Mavis be planning a true Divine Descent ritual? Was she trying to bring an Evil God’s bloodline into this world?

Was she insane?

Didn’t she realize the catastrophic consequences?

An Empress, a princess, two consorts… and the 646 noble ladies and misses on Angela’s list.

The list hadn’t included commoners, but Wadsworth suspected their numbers were even greater.

Mavis would be a far more suitable vessel than Angela.

Hundreds of witches, and ten, perhaps even twenty times as many men… the sustenance might be sufficient.

…

Elsewhere.

Near the city walls stood a large, abandoned church.

The former site of the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess.

This had once been their main church within the Imperial City, but as their influence grew, it had become too small. They had then constructed their current grand cathedral, leaving this old church to decay.

Though abandoned, it still belonged to the Church of the Earth Mother Goddess.

But tonight, the deserted church was filled with people.

Torches flickered in the darkness, casting long, dancing shadows.

The church echoed with the screams of women and the roars of men.

The firelight illuminated the women’s pale skin, making it gleam.

The most sought-after were Consort Penny and Consort Jennifer… their tall, voluptuous figures surrounded by dozens of men.

Noble sons, burly soldiers, and even filthy commoners.

Indulgence and depravity.

The commoners seemed to have been brought in as fillers. They weren’t even followers of the Lord of Pleasure. But when had they ever seen such beautiful women?

Women they wouldn’t dare even look at on a normal day were now writhing before them.

Who could resist such temptation?

Not just the consorts, but countless other noble ladies and misses were engaged in similar acts.

They formed a large circle.

In the center stood the woman who had frozen Angelica, Wadsworth’s Empress, the mother of the First Prince, Mavis.

A twisted smile played on her lips as she watched the scene unfold.

She felt faint threads of energy converging upon her.

Chapter 281: The Will of the Lord of Pleasure

The… Empress?

Qin Chu looked at Wadsworth with pity.

This Emperor’s luck was truly abysmal.

Two consorts, Angela and Sharon, were high-ranking members of the Witch Society.

Wadsworth hadn’t even shown him the list, memorizing and destroying it immediately. Why? Besides the fact that it likely contained the names of other consorts, perhaps even sisters or daughters, what other reason could there be?

And now, even his Empress was a member, the Vice President no less…

Wadsworth had enough hats to start a millinery business.

Wasn’t the Empress the mother of the First Prince? And also the princess from the Ice Duchy who had married into the Empire, Anastasia’s aunt?

Qin Chu frowned, turning to Angelica: “Ange, are you sure? This is a serious matter. Don’t make a mistake.”

Despite the cautionary tone, his voice was gentle, devoid of blame.

Angelica frowned, thinking carefully: “Yes, I’m sure. I overheard the consorts’ plot and was about to leave when this woman appeared behind me.”

“She attacked me. She’s very strong.” She nodded firmly.

That woman attacked Angelica, nearly killing her, leaving her in this weakened state?

Even though she was Anastasia’s aunt, this was crossing a line. Qin Chu might have overlooked other transgressions, but harming Angelica was unforgivable.

Carol, supporting Angelica, didn’t know what to say, looking at her father with concern.

Wadsworth’s face was pale, his body swaying slightly. The series of revelations had clearly shaken him.

Mavis!

The princess from the Ice Duchy, his first consort, the mother of his firstborn son, his Empress for over two decades…

Although he had distanced himself from her after the First Prince’s birth, he had allowed her to retain her title, but he couldn’t allow her to wield too much influence, especially with her son being the heir apparent.

Nevertheless, she had always enjoyed the privileges and treatment befitting an Empress. He had never neglected her in that regard.

With such an exalted position and lavish lifestyle, why would she join the Blissful Witch Society, becoming its Vice President no less?

Seeing Wadsworth clenching his fists, Qin Chu sighed and patted his shoulder: “Brother, be strong.”

“Perhaps you should handle Mavis’s matter yourself. I’ll return to the Hero’s Residence.”

A weak smile touched Wadsworth’s lips as he glanced at Qin Chu. This brother was considerate.

Knowing the awkwardness of the situation, he was offering to excuse himself.

Wadsworth closed his eyes, composing himself. After a few seconds, he opened them, his dark face regaining its usual stoicism.

As Emperor, he couldn’t allow his emotions to cloud his judgment.

Mavis had possessed considerable strength even before marrying him. Despite neglecting her for years, he couldn’t deny her talent. Coupled with Angelica’s description, she wouldn’t be an easy opponent.

“No, Brother Qin, come with me,” Wadsworth said.

Qin Chu didn’t refuse. He was curious about this Vice President who had dared to harm Angelica.

Wadsworth led them to the Empress’s quarters.

Upon arriving, Qin Chu frowned, his gaze sweeping over the courtyard. Overgrown weeds reached above head height, a narrow path barely wide enough for a single person leading to a dilapidated building, half of which had collapsed from years of neglect.

He glanced at Wadsworth. Was this really the Empress’s residence? Had they come to the wrong place? It looked more like a storage shed.

Wadsworth was also surprised. He had banished Mavis here after the First Prince’s birth, assigning guards and servants to attend to her. He hadn’t visited in over two decades, even forbidding the First Prince from coming here. He had provided her with a generous monthly allowance of 200,000 mana, assuming she lived comfortably.

Who knew her quarters would fall into such disrepair?

Even the palace maids lived in better conditions.

Where were the guards?

Where were the servants?

He clenched his fists. The weekly reports had always stated that the Empress was well and everything was normal. Where had the 200,000 mana gone each month?

Wadsworth’s face darkened. Gritting his teeth, he pushed aside the weeds, walking towards the dilapidated building.

He didn’t even need to open a door. The collapsed wall provided easy access.

Inside, a faint human scent lingered…

The scent of death.

From the rotting rafters hung a series of corpses.

Plump maidservants, armored guards, all those assigned to attend to the Empress.

White silk cords wrapped around their necks, their heads lolling. A breeze blew through the broken walls, swaying the corpses, casting eerie shadows on the ground.

A single bed remained, its legs rotted and broken, the frame resting on the dirt floor, the bedding tattered and patched…

A few branches served as clothes hangers, draped with faded, ragged dresses.

Angelica realized that the woman she had seen wasn’t barefoot by choice, but because she likely had no shoes.

A metal pot, supported by branches, sat on the floor, containing some boiled roots.

This was the Empress’s living quarters?

It was beyond pathetic.

Wadsworth’s face was thunderous as he looked at the hanging corpses.

The Empress’s monthly allowance must have been embezzled by the guards and servants.

Perhaps they had started small, but seeing Mavis’s indifference, they had grown bolder.

With Wadsworth never visiting, their greed had escalated, until they left her with nothing, neglecting her completely.

These guards and servants, enjoying their ill-gotten gains, had turned a blind eye to Mavis’s strange behavior, reporting that everything was normal.

Mavis, in turn, hadn’t wanted new guards, so she had tolerated their theft, maintaining a precarious balance.

Until now. Knowing her secret would soon be exposed, she had killed those who had humiliated her for over two decades.

“Ah…”

Angelica gasped, drawing Qin Chu and Wadsworth’s attention.

On the wall hung three magical images, resembling photographs.

The first was of the First Prince.

The second was of Wadsworth.

The third was of Qin Chu.

The First Prince’s image was intact, but Wadsworth’s and Qin Chu’s were riddled with tiny holes, as if someone had repeatedly stabbed them with a needle or ice pick, a testament to a deep-seated hatred, a desire to tear them to shreds.

It seemed Empress Mavis blamed them for the First Prince’s death.

It was understandable. Qin Chu had killed him, and Wadsworth’s involvement wasn’t much better.

On the floor beneath the images sat a wooden statue.

The statue was grotesque.

Neither male nor female.

If you saw it as male, it possessed a leonine masculinity.

If you saw it as female, it exuded a witch-like allure.

It was a strange blend of masculine and feminine charm, a captivating, almost corrupting beauty.

This must be a statue of the Lord of Pleasure, the Blissful Witch Society’s deity.

Ironically, Mavis still worshipped the entity that had led her son down the path of depravity and destruction.

The statue hadn’t been here for just a day or two. Yet, the greedy servants, blinded by their ill-gotten gains, had ignored it, allowing the worship of the Lord of Pleasure to fester within the palace walls.

Creak…

Qin Chu heard a faint sound.

He turned towards the source, a chilling sight making his hair stand on end.

He couldn’t believe his eyes… the wooden statue had turned its face towards him.

Its stiff lips curled into a smile.

Buzz…

Chapter 280: Who is the Vice President?

Both Qin Chu and Wadsworth sensed that the Blissful Witch Society harbored secrets far more terrifying than they had imagined.

“Ange, Carol, step back. Don’t let anyone near here,” Qin Chu instructed.

The scene about to unfold wasn’t suitable for them to witness.

If a Divine Fetus truly emerged, the impact would be too much for them to handle.

Carol, her face pale, nodded and quickly retreated with Angelica.

Qin Chu turned to Wadsworth.

The Emperor’s brow was furrowed, his gaze fixed on Angela’s swelling abdomen.

“Should we kill her now?” Qin Chu asked quietly.

“Before the Divine Fetus emerges, we still have time.”

Since she was Wadsworth’s consort, Qin Chu felt it necessary to consult him.

A flicker of hesitation crossed Wadsworth’s face, but he quickly shook his head: “No…”

“Bringing a god’s bloodline into this world is incredibly difficult.”

“My eldest son sacrificed his life and soul to summon a mere avatar. For a god’s will or offspring to manifest through a mortal vessel is far more challenging. If it were that easy, the Blissful Witch Society would already control this world.”

“Besides, we know too little about them.”

Qin Chu nodded, understanding Wadsworth’s reasoning. The Emperor didn’t believe a god’s bloodline could truly manifest. He was certain Angela would fail.

He wanted to use this gruesome spectacle to uncover more of the Witch Society’s secrets.

Moreover, they had Qin Chu as a backup. He could summon the goddess’s phantom.

Considering all these factors, Wadsworth made his decision.

However, Wadsworth was truly ruthless. Angela was his consort, a woman who had shared his bed countless times. Yet, he was willing to watch her suffer such torment. If it were Qin Chu… he would likely be even more ruthless.

Qin Chu’s gaze shifted back to Angela.

Her face was contorted in agony, her body wracked with unbearable itching. She scratched frantically, her nails tearing bloody strips of flesh from her skin.

“Divine Fetus…”

“Not enough… not enough…”

“Gu… gu… kee… kee…”

“More…”

Her voice was a gurgling mess, as if her throat was clogged with blood.

Her mouth stretched open to her cheekbones, her jaw nearly detaching from her skull, revealing rows of teeth.

She was consumed by the itch.

Each time she tore flesh from her body, a fleeting sense of relief washed over her, followed by an even more intense itching.

She writhed on the ground, inching closer to Sharon, leaving a trail of blood.

Sharon, seeing Angela approaching, her eyes filled with terror, sensed what she intended. She thrashed her head, screaming: “Get away, Angela!”

“Stay away from me!”

But Angela couldn’t hear her. She only knew that Sharon possessed something she craved.

A grotesque smile twisted Angela’s face as she looked at the screaming Sharon.

The next moment, in Sharon’s horrified gaze, Angela opened her mouth wide, drool or perhaps some other viscous fluid dripping from her lips. With a guttural growl, she lunged at Sharon’s neck.

Rip!

A jet of blood erupted.

Sharon thrashed her head, trying to escape, but with only her head mobile, she was helpless against Angela’s fangs.

Angela’s throat worked rapidly.

A gurgling sound filled the air.

She was swallowing.

Sharon’s face paled, her body rapidly shriveling.

She was in agony, despairing, powerless.

No…

With a final scream, the light faded from Sharon’s eyes.

The entire process took less than two minutes. All that remained of Sharon’s once beautiful body was a dried husk of skin clinging to her bones.

Angela lifted her head, her mouth smeared with blood.

Having consumed Sharon’s flesh and blood, she seemed to experience a profound satisfaction, a giggle escaping her lips as she caressed her belly: “My child…”

“You’re full.”

“You’ll be born soon.”

Her delirious words made Qin Chu and Wadsworth’s scalps tingle. This woman was completely insane.

Suddenly, as if spurred by some unseen force, Angela stood up. Her eyes, perhaps stained with Sharon’s blood, were crimson as she glared at Qin Chu and Wadsworth:

“Are you… trying to steal my child?”

Qin Chu swallowed, looking at Angela’s belly.

Her stretched skin was crisscrossed with cracks, her distended abdomen grotesquely large.

Her skin was stretched thin, the capillaries beneath visible.

Like an overinflated balloon, it seemed ready to burst.

And then…

Pop!

It burst.

Qin Chu felt as if his head had been struck by a hammer. His mind went blank.

But his strong mental fortitude quickly reasserted itself. He glanced at Wadsworth, who stood motionless, his gaze fixed on the scene.

Qin Chu’s strength was still inferior to Wadsworth’s.

Angela’s belly had exploded, spraying gore across the floor in a wide circle. Her lifeless body collapsed, her eyes still filled with a dying madness.

In the center of the bloody circle lay a shapeless mass of flesh.

A strong heartbeat pulsed within it.

… Thump… thump… thump…

Both Qin Chu and Wadsworth could hear it clearly.

The fleshy mass pulsed and writhed, as if trying to reshape itself.

But just like Angela’s earlier words, it wasn’t enough… even the combined flesh and soul of Angela and Sharon weren’t enough to sustain the Divine Fetus.

Wadsworth’s prediction had been correct.

This wasn’t a Divine Fetus, but a monstrous aberration.

It exuded no divine aura, only a twisted, chaotic energy.

Despite their correct prediction, neither man felt any joy…

This gruesome scene proved that the Blissful Witch Society’s path wasn’t entirely misguided.

The entities in the Void hadn’t given up on their attempts to infiltrate this world.

While they couldn’t manifest their true forms due to the imprisoned goddess, they could influence mortal minds, using their fanatical followers as vessels for their avatars.

They even attempted to bring their offspring into this world, to corrupt the Heavenly Continent in their stead.

This attempt had failed.

But what if it had been someone more powerful than Angela, someone like the Vice President, with enough sacrifices?

Would the bloodline of an Evil God have been born into the Heavenly Continent?

Perhaps the Witch Society’s purpose was to select suitable vessels for the gods’ offspring, and the men they seduced were merely… sustenance.

Wadsworth, his face grim, walked towards the pulsating mass.

The creature, despite lacking a mouth, emitted a squeaking sound, as if sensing Wadsworth’s power.

With each step, Wadsworth’s aura intensified.

By the time he reached the creature, his battle qi crackled around him like transparent flames.

He clenched his right fist, battle qi converging upon it.

Squeak… squeak…

The creature squealed again, sensing its impending doom.

Despite its grotesque appearance, it wasn’t particularly strong, barely reaching level 80.

A large fissure opened in the fleshy mass, revealing a maw filled with suckers.

It lunged at Wadsworth’s head.

“One punch…”

“Shatters Heaven!”

Whoosh!

Wadsworth’s fist connected.

The air seemed to tear.

His fist slammed into the creature, his battle qi surging through it.

The fleshy mass expanded rapidly, then exploded with a wet pop.

Bits of gore rained down.

The force of the blow shattered a nearby building.

Truly one of humanity’s strongest. While Qin Chu could have handled it, he wouldn’t have been able to achieve such instant annihilation.

Wadsworth casually flicked his hand, as if he had merely swatted a fly: “That disgusting thing is finally dealt with.”

“Unfortunately, we still don’t know who this Vice President is.”

He was disappointed.

He had hoped to seize this opportunity to eradicate the Witch Society completely.

Or at least capture the Vice President, dealing a significant blow to the organization.

But in the end, even with Angela’s list, they would only catch a few small fry. It wouldn’t make much difference.

“I might have a clue, though I can’t be certain if she’s the Vice President,” Angelica’s weak voice called out from behind. The danger having passed, Carol helped her towards them.

Having been preoccupied with Qin Chu’s safety, Angelica now remembered something: “It was a woman in an ice-white dress. She was tall.”

“Her clothes were worn, and she didn’t seem to wear shoes. Barefoot, but with an undeniable air of nobility.”

“Her hair was ice-white and somewhat disheveled. She seemed to be an ice mage…”

Angelica struggled to recall her impression of the woman.

With each word, Wadsworth trembled.

By the end, his eyes were glazed over, his lips moving silently: “Miss Angelica, you don’t need to say more.”

“I know who she is…”

“It’s my… Empress!”

The mother of his firstborn son.

Chapter 279: The Imperfect Divine Fetus

Even Wadsworth, a veteran of countless battles against the Demon Beasts, a man who had slaughtered thousands, had never felt such intense killing intent.

He carried his own aura of death, a single glare enough to terrify his children and the nobles in his court.

But even he paled in comparison to Qin Chu.

What had this man experienced before being summoned to this world?

Had they truly summoned a Hero, or some kind of Demon King?

Wadsworth began to doubt the summoning itself.

“Ange…”

Finally, Qin Chu spoke:

“Tell me. Who hurt you?”

“Was it them?”

As his gaze swept over Angela and Sharon, the two women felt their blood run cold.

In his eyes…

They saw true hell.

A place far more terrifying than death.

Finally, they understood the kind of enemy they faced. An oppressive weight, like chains with barbed hooks, bound them tightly.

The pressure threatened to crush their hearts, death a mere breath away.

The shock of Qin Chu’s killing intent overshadowed even his anger at being cuckolded. Wadsworth swallowed hard: “Brother Qin…”

“Don’t be impulsive. We need to get them to talk.”

Wadsworth, ever pragmatic, prioritized the eradication of the Witch Society above even his personal grievances.

Given their status, these two women must hold a high rank within the organization. Extracting information from them was crucial.

Qin Chu’s icy gaze lingered on the women for a long moment before he finally looked away. The pressure lifted, and they gasped for breath like drowning victims finally surfacing.

Even Wadsworth relaxed as Qin Chu’s killing intent receded.

“Master, I’m fine.” Even Carol was frightened by Qin Chu’s demeanor, but Angelica felt a warmth spread through her.

Her master cared for her so deeply. She desired nothing more.

Wadsworth regained his composure, clapping Qin Chu on the shoulder and glancing at Angelica with envy:

“Brother Qin, you’re a fortunate man.”

“Truly, we owe Miss Angelica a great debt. She overheard these bitches’ plot and informed me with Carol. Otherwise, with my temper, I might have lost control after seeing that scene.”

His envy was genuine. Wadsworth wished his women were as loyal to him as Angelica was to Qin Chu. Instead, he had a collection of… hats.

Fortunately, few knew of this. If word spread, his reputation as Emperor would be ruined.

Qin Chu nodded, acknowledging Angelica’s sacrifice.

This wasn’t as simple as she claimed. “Fine”? Her weakened state told a different story.

Sharon and Angela’s shock and the words “How is she still alive?” revealed that they had believed Angelica to be dead.

She had risked her life to obtain this information.

“I’ll leave the interrogation to you, brother. I’m not very good at it,” Qin Chu said, suppressing his killing intent.

After all, these women were Wadsworth’s consorts. It wasn’t his place to interrogate them.

Wadsworth readily agreed, approaching the women and producing a pen and paper from his spatial ring: “Write down everything you know. The names of every Witch Society member… Don’t tell me you know nothing. You know I won’t believe such a foolish lie.”

“If your answers satisfy me, I’ll grant you a swift death.”

They had no chance of survival.

Cuckolding the Emperor was an unforgivable offense.

They prayed for the Lord of Pleasure’s protection, but received no answer. Facing Wadsworth’s icy gaze, they trembled. As consorts, they knew the horrors of the Empire’s interrogators.

Even if they bit their tongues off, the interrogators would find a way to make them talk.

The members of the Blissful Witch Society, while indulging in depravity, were also utterly selfish. They enjoyed the thrill of their transgressions in the name of the Lord of Pleasure, but their faith was likely shallow, and they held no loyalty to each other… at least, not Sharon and Angela.

Images of torture filled their minds. Suffer unimaginable agony before dying a broken mess, or confess and receive a swift death?

Angela chose the latter.

She picked up the pen and began writing, filling the paper with names.

Desiring only death, she didn’t lie.

Wadsworth’s hand trembled as he read the list. Two more consorts, and even a princess, were on it!

His white knuckles and trembling lips betrayed his fury.

But he remained silent, memorizing the names before destroying the list, suppressing his rage:

“Is that all?”

Angela, though unharmed, seemed to have lost all her strength, lying sprawled on the ground with an unnatural smile: “Yes, that’s all we know.”

“Can you kill me now?”

She wanted to die quickly, before that being learned of their failure.

If that being noticed, even death would become a luxury.

“Answer one last question. Who is this Vice President you mentioned?” Wadsworth asked coldly. Angela had let that slip earlier. Otherwise, neither he nor Qin Chu would have known of her existence.

Vice President?

Angela knew she couldn’t hide it. Wadsworth had investigated the Witch Society thoroughly. He already possessed some information.

After a brief hesitation, she gave up completely. Having betrayed the Society, she might as well go all the way. She hoped Wadsworth would grant her a swift death for her cooperation.

“The Blissful Witch Society is divided into two branches: one for royalty, nobles, and commoners, and one for the clergy.”

“The clergy branch is led by the President, but that person is very mysterious. I don’t know their identity or name.”

“The branch for royalty, nobles, and commoners is led by the Vice President. Her name is… gu…”

A strange syllable escaped Angela’s lips, as if a keyword had triggered a silencing mechanism.

Her pupils contracted, as if she had seen something terrifying. Her body trembled violently.

She opened her mouth to speak, but only a scream escaped.

Her smooth skin began to bulge, as if countless tiny things were writhing beneath the surface, converging towards her abdomen. Her belly swelled, as if she were… pregnant!

The sight made even Qin Chu and Wadsworth’s scalps tingle.

Angela scratched frantically at her hair, pulling out clumps.

Qin Chu and Wadsworth watched, their expressions grim. They knew Angela was undergoing a bizarre transformation, potentially dangerous, but their confidence and curiosity stayed their hands.

Her situation was clearly different from the other Witch Society members who had dissolved into puddles. Her higher status meant a different kind of safeguard.

Her eyes pleaded with Wadsworth to end her suffering, appealing to their years together.

But neither Wadsworth nor Qin Chu reacted to her pleas.

They wanted to learn more about the Witch Society.

The plea in Angela’s eyes turned to disappointment, then despair, then madness.

She screamed, the last vestiges of sanity fading from her eyes.

The once elegant and noble consort was now like a wounded animal, writhing on the ground in unnatural positions, slithering like a snake, her body seemingly controlled by some unseen force. She crawled towards Sharon.

She seemed thirsty, her lips cracked and bleeding.

Her gaze fixed on the blood flowing from Sharon’s mouth, her tongue darting across her lips as if it were a delectable drink.

“Kee… kee… gu… gu…”

Strange sounds escaped her throat.

Within those bizarre syllables, a few words could be discerned:

“Divine Fetus!”

“Not enough… not enough…”

Hearing those words, Qin Chu and Wadsworth felt a chill run down their spines.

Looking at Angela’s swelling belly, even a fool could understand their meaning.

The Blissful Witch Society was even more insane than they had imagined.

Were their indulgences and depravity meant to create a divine child? Was this the Society’s true goal?

Were they trying to bring the bloodline of the gods into this world?

Chapter 278: Ruthless Destruction

Even Qin Chu felt his explanation sounded weak.

The scene, to any observer, looked like he was assaulting the woman. It was a classic case of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”

Not that Qin Chu particularly cared.

Seeing his apparent indifference, Angela was surprised by his calmness, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. Almost instinctively, she shrieked: “Your Majesty, you must uphold justice for me! Don’t listen to his lies! This beast lunged at me the moment he saw me, tearing at my clothes!”

“I refused him, and he hit me… sob…”

Angela cried convincingly, her tear-streaked, bloodied face lending credence to her performance.

Sharon frowned. This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.

Wadsworth, though seemingly enraged, showed no sign of attacking.

What was going on? When had Wadsworth become so restrained?

Was it because of Qin Chu’s status as the Hero?

This plan relied on Wadsworth’s impulsive and violent nature. He was supposed to lash out without thinking, before realizing who Qin Chu was.

A sense of foreboding washed over Sharon.

But gritting her teeth, she pressed on.

“Hero, you have deeply disappointed His Majesty.”

“His Majesty treats you like a brother, yet you dare assault his consort! You’re incredibly audacious! Do you think His Majesty’s trust grants you impunity?”

“We all saw what happened. Do you still intend to deny it? Are you going to claim that Lady Angela threw herself at you?”

Which she actually did.

“I saw you making advances towards Lady Angela earlier. I thought you had some decency, that you wouldn’t cause trouble within the palace walls. But I underestimated your depravity.”

Sharon’s accusations solidified the image of Qin Chu as the aggressor: “If this gets out, where will His Majesty’s face be? Where will the Auville Empire’s dignity be?”

“Your Majesty, kill this scoundrel! Uphold the royal family’s honor! We cannot allow a fifth person to learn of this…”

This woman is truly vicious.

Is she goading Wadsworth into killing me?

Qin Chu saw her as nothing more than a clown.

Seeing Wadsworth’s continued inaction despite his obvious fury, Sharon’s unease intensified. Growing impatient, she urged him again: “Your Majesty, what are you waiting for?”

“Now, while it’s just us, is the perfect time to eliminate the Hero. If anyone else comes…”

Suddenly, Wadsworth roared:

“Shut up, bitch!”

His voice boomed like thunder.

Sharon’s heart lurched, her words catching in her throat.

Her face paled. At such close proximity, Wadsworth’s aura was overwhelming, making her tremble.

She couldn’t understand. The Hero had assaulted his consort, yet Wadsworth was directing his anger at her?

What had gone wrong?

Before she could comprehend the situation, Wadsworth’s suppressed rage erupted. His hairy hand shot out, seizing her throat and lifting her into the air.

Despite her strength, Sharon was helpless against Wadsworth.

Her tall frame seemed delicate in his grasp.

His thick fingers threatened to snap her neck.

Sharon struggled desperately, her face contorted in pain and asphyxiation. Her hands clawed at his fingers, but they held firm like iron shackles.

Her long legs kicked wildly.

“Your Majesty, wh… what are you doing?” Sharon choked out, making a last-ditch effort: “The… the Hero is assaulting Sister Angela! Why…”

“Shut up, you stupid bitch!” Wadsworth snarled, his voice like a lion’s roar.

The rage that had been building since Carol and Angelica informed him of the plot now exploded. His most beloved consorts were members of that depraved organization, and he didn’t even know if his sons were truly his…

All his fury was unleashed.

His eyes were bloodshot, his face contorted like a wild beast, his lips drawn back in a snarl, his teeth bared as if he wanted to tear Sharon apart.

“Did you really think you could fool me?”

“Huh?”

“Did you really think I didn’t know who you and Angela really are?”

“Sharon, you’re a duke’s daughter, aren’t you? And Angela, your father is a marquis, right? Noble ladies, members of that filthy, depraved Blissful Witch Society!”

Blissful Witch Society?

Hearing those words, Sharon and Angela’s faces paled.

Their bodies stiffened.

Wadsworth knew? How?

It was impossible. They had erased all traces. He shouldn’t have been able to find out.

What had gone wrong?

Wadsworth’s voice softened, a gentleness that terrified Sharon even more. His rough fingers traced her delicate face, the touch almost painful:

“Sharon… and Angela… I doted on you these past few years…”

“You were the most powerful and influential consorts in my harem. What more could you want? Why join such a filthy, depraved organization?”

“You know, the thought of our intimacy these past few years makes me sick!”

Sharon shook her head frantically: “No, Your Majesty! You… you misunderstand! We’re not…”

Seeing her desperate denials, Wadsworth’s rage overflowed. He lifted Sharon high, then slammed her onto the stone floor.

Bang!

The ground trembled.

Cracks spiderwebbed across the hard stone.

Sharon’s body bounced, then collapsed, her back taking the brunt of the impact. She gasped, blood spraying from her mouth, staining her chest crimson.

The love Wadsworth had once held for these women was now replaced by rage, hatred, and disgust.

The feeling of betrayal drove him to the brink of madness.

A murderous intent filled him, an urge to destroy everything.

He hadn’t held back.

The Emperor’s methods were far more brutal than anyone imagined. He had used his ancestral battle qi, shattering every bone in Sharon’s body, except for those in her head, leaving her alive but in agonizing pain.

Sharon’s screams mingled with the blood bubbling from her lips, her beautiful face now smeared with dirt and blood.

Her body writhed like a worm, twisting and struggling.

Splintered bones pierced her flesh, causing excruciating pain.

She wanted to die, to escape this torment worse than hell. But she couldn’t die, her consciousness agonizingly clear, amplifying her suffering.

This torture could last for hours, even days, as she slowly felt her life ebb away, waiting for death in fear and despair.

Wadsworth’s ruthless attack on his own consort shocked even Qin Chu.

Suddenly, Wadsworth crouched down, grabbing Sharon’s hair and lifting her head: “Sharon…”

“And Angela…”

“Open your stupid eyes and look. Who is this?”

As Wadsworth roared, Carol emerged from behind a pillar, supporting Angelica.

Despite her agony, Sharon turned her head. Seeing Angelica, her eyes widened in shock.

Angela cried out in disbelief: “How is she still alive? The Vice President clearly…”

She stopped mid-sentence, realizing her mistake. It was too late.

Despair filled her face.

Wadsworth’s last shred of hope vanished.

Those words ignited a murderous fury within Qin Chu.

These bitches had harmed Angelica?

His face turned to ice. Seeing Angelica’s weakened state, her pale face, the flicker of pain in her eyes…

Killing intent erupted from him like a storm.

The intense, bone-chilling aura made even Wadsworth shudder.

Qin Chu seemed enveloped in a crimson shroud, like a bottomless sea of blood filled with white bones and rotting corpses.

Despairing souls struggled and wailed within the bloody depths.