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

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.

Chapter 277: I’m Not Interested in Other Men’s Wives

Bitch?

The term Wadsworth used puzzled Sharon.

But she dismissed it as a slip of the tongue in his rage. Secretly delighted, she eagerly led him towards the “scene of the crime.”

Behind the tent, Carol and Angelica breathed a sigh of relief.

Compared to the other consorts, Carol knew her father better. She knew he wasn’t a blindly impulsive man. Even if Qin Chu had truly wronged his consort, he would have restrained himself. But… the rift between the royal family and the Hero would have widened, irreparably.

Thanks to Angelica’s information, this was the best possible outcome.

…

Meanwhile, walking through the palace corridors, Qin Chu sensed something amiss.

The palace should have been teeming with servants and guards.

He had seen many hurrying about earlier, but now the surroundings were eerily deserted.

Lowering his gaze, Qin Chu smiled. He had just been discussing with Wadsworth how to lure out the Blissful Witch Society assassins, and now it seemed they were even more impatient than he anticipated.

The assassin would likely appear soon.

Qin Chu wondered who it would be. A maid? A court lady? Someone else?

Feigning ignorance, he stretched and continued towards the courtyard exit.

As expected, a tall figure emerged from the inner courtyard entrance. Qin Chu’s eyes lit up as he saw the woman.

What a striking figure.

Bright eyes, white teeth, graceful and seductive.

Barely in her twenties, at the peak of a woman’s beauty, her hair elegantly coiled, she wore a pure white dress that exuded elegance and nobility. The hem revealed the outline of long, shapely legs, adding a touch of allure.

Her skin was delicate like a young girl’s, her voluptuous figure swaying enticingly as she moved.

Her figure was only slightly inferior to Athena’s. Qin Chu hadn’t expected such a treasure hidden within the palace.

He was certain any man would be captivated by her… ahem… striking charm, his gaze drawn to her and nothing else.

This woman was like a captivating siren. Any man, upon seeing her, would feel a surge of desire, a yearning to possess her, regardless of the cost.

And this woman would surely show him the true meaning of paradise.

Except for Qin Chu.

While he appreciated beauty, he wasn’t a fool.

Was she beautiful?

Very.

But she was still a step below Angelica and Anastasia, let alone Shaye.

Yet, even Shaye didn’t possess such overt seductiveness. This level of allure seemed unnatural, directly targeting a man’s primal desires. This was… charm magic.

The Blissful Witch Society’s specialty.

Moreover, Qin Chu, a veteran of countless battles and encounters with women far more beautiful than her, had developed considerable immunity. He merely nodded politely as a sign of respect.

Coupled with his exceptionally high mental fortitude, her charm magic was useless.

Although he had identified her as a witch from the Blissful Witch Society, Qin Chu didn’t intend to follow the plan he had discussed with Wadsworth. Judging by her attire and demeanor, she held a high position within the palace, likely one of Wadsworth’s consorts.

Wadsworth’s worst fears had come true. He had been cuckolded.

Wadsworth was on his revenge list, but further down. Qin Chu didn’t want to antagonize him prematurely.

If he interacted with this woman, future encounters would be awkward.

Again, Qin Chu had no interest in other men’s wives.

Even if he had a justifiable reason.

Seeing Qin Chu’s calmness, Angela frowned. This wasn’t going according to plan.

According to the Blissful Witch Society’s intelligence, Qin Chu could be described with one word: insatiable.

This man wouldn’t let any beautiful woman go, not even Demon Beasts. Luring him should have been easy.

Angela had been confident that a slight display of seduction would have him panting after her like a dog.

Yet, he remained strangely unmoved.

She had even cleared the area of guards and servants. They were alone in the courtyard. What was he so hesitant about?

Ah, she understood.

It must be because of his title as Hero. He wanted to maintain his image.

Hah, what a joke. Everyone knew what kind of man he was. What was the point of maintaining a false facade? He hadn’t been in this world long, but he had already learned the nobles’ hypocritical ways.

Perhaps, she needed to give him a stronger incentive.

He wouldn’t be able to resist.

Whoosh…

A sudden gust of wind billowed her pure white skirt upwards, revealing her jade-like legs.

Angela feigned surprise, quickly pressing down on her skirt, bending forward.

One of her shoulder straps had slipped, revealing ample cleavage.

Under the setting sun, her skin was dazzlingly white.

Qin Chu rolled his eyes. Did she think she was Marilyn Monroe?

Her contrived actions disgusted him.

As if that wasn’t enough, Angela’s eyes teared up, her face flushed, her entire being radiating seductive allure.

She was certain the Hero wouldn’t be able to resist this.

But she was disappointed again. The Hero merely glanced at her, showing no sign of the ravenous pursuit she had expected.

He even clicked his tongue dismissively, showing no interest whatsoever. He bypassed her completely, walking around her as if she wasn’t even there.

Hiss…

Angela shivered.

Her face flushed, not with shame, but with anger.

She had never been so thoroughly ignored. At the Witch Society gatherings, she was always surrounded by dozens of admirers. She refused to believe her charm had no effect on the Hero.

Was it because he was surrounded by so many beauties?

Was she inferior to those silly girls?

At that moment, the mission to lure Wadsworth into killing the Hero, to fulfill the Lord of Pleasure’s will, became secondary. She needed to prove her own allure.

Accustomed to being the center of male attention, Angela couldn’t accept being ignored.

Gritting her teeth, she lifted her skirt, the click-clack of her heels echoing as she moved to block Qin Chu’s path.

“Excuse me, are you the Hero? … Oh!”

Her melodious voice turned into a cry of surprise.

Her heel seemed to catch on something, causing her to stumble. Her voluptuous body lurched forward, falling towards Qin Chu.

Again?

Qin Chu sighed inwardly.

As she was about to fall into his arms, he sidestepped again.

Angela was stunned. He had dodged her deliberate fall? Was this man even a man? Who said he was insatiable?

Too late to recover her balance, she watched the ground rush towards her.

Then…

Thud!

She landed face-first, her nose gushing blood.

Her shoulders shook, her lips trembling. She had never suffered such humiliation, ignored so completely by a man.

He had even dodged her… dodged her?

The insult to her pride stung far more than the pain in her face and nose.

Finally, she couldn’t hold back any longer. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She looked utterly pathetic.

Not my problem.

Qin Chu, wanting to put this embarrassing display behind him, started to walk away. But as he passed her, she suddenly wrapped herself around his leg.

Literally wrapped herself around him.

Her body became like a boneless snake, coiling around his legs, her hand grabbing his tie and pulling him down.

This bizarre tactic caught even Qin Chu off guard.

He stumbled forward, falling onto her. Angela quickly adjusted her position, ensuring he landed on top of her.

His hand landed squarely on her breast.

At that very moment, footsteps approached. Emperor Wadsworth, accompanied by Sharon, was hurrying towards them.

They witnessed the worst possible scene.

A sly smile flickered across Angela’s face, instantly replaced by an expression of fear and struggle. Her scream echoed through the palace: “Help! Someone help me!”

“I’m the Emperor’s consort! You can’t do this! Beast! Let me go! Sob… Help!”

Her acting was impeccable.

She perfectly portrayed the fear and despair of a woman being assaulted. She deserved an Oscar.

Combined with her disheveled clothes, exposed skin, and tear-streaked, bloodied face, no one would doubt her words.

Wadsworth’s face contorted with rage, his knuckles white as he clenched his fists.

Sharon could hear the suppressed growl rumbling in his throat.

A triumphant smile spread across her face. The Hero was dead.

Angela had really gone all out, even making herself look this disheveled. It was even better than they had planned.

Go on, Wadsworth.

Do it. Kill him.

Qin Chu sighed, resigned. This was the worst possible scenario. He climbed off Angela, spreading his hands helplessly: “Your Majesty…”

“I didn’t intentionally touch your consort.”

“Do you believe me?”

Qin Chu felt wronged. She had started this.

He truly had no interest in other men’s wives!

Chapter 276: The Green King’s Fury

Seeing Angelica’s pale face and trembling body, Carol, despite the myriad questions swirling in her mind, knew this wasn’t the time for inquiries. Gritting her teeth, she scooped Angelica into her arms and sprinted towards her father’s study.

At the meeting’s conclusion, Carol had seen her father invite Qin Chu to his study for an important discussion. Going there now offered the best chance of finding both of them.

Carol’s speed was considerable. With a light tap of her foot, her slender figure shot forward over a dozen meters.

The wind whistled past her ears.

The palace’s central area was usually bustling with servants and guards. Seeing someone sprinting while carrying another person naturally drew curious glances.

But recognizing Princess Carol, they dismissed it as another of her eccentricities.

After all, nothing the princess did was truly surprising.

Angelica was extremely weak. Having died once, her recovery would take time.

This ability seemed inferior to the Demon Beast Prince Diabolique’s Rebirth. Diabolique’s rebirth was guaranteed and instantly restored him to full strength.

Angelica’s Dead or Alive was a true gamble, with only a 10% chance of success.

However, Diabolique’s rebirth was a one-time affair, while Angelica could theoretically use Dead or Alive repeatedly, as long as her luck held… though the odds of repeatedly hitting that 10% chance were astronomically low.

Her breathing remained ragged, but her eyes shone with anticipation.

Hopefully, they weren’t too late.

“Angelica, what happened?” While running, Carol finally succumbed to her curiosity. She cursed the vastness of the palace.

It never seemed this large before, but now the distance to her father’s study felt immense.

Angelica, still gasping for air, replied: “Someone… is trying to murder Qin Chu.”

Carol’s eyes narrowed.

Angelica’s answer was brief, but Carol’s mind raced. The incident had occurred within the palace. Someone was attempting to assassinate the Hero within the palace walls? Regardless of who was responsible, the blame would ultimately fall upon the royal family.

Damn it, wasn’t this worse than Angelica’s death?

Why were there always people trying to shatter the fragile hope of the Heavenly Continent?

Carol increased her speed.

Finally, her father’s study came into view.

Forgoing formalities, she kicked the door open and rushed in, still carrying Angelica.

Inside, Wadsworth looked at Carol with exasperation.

His daughter’s figure and appearance were impeccable, but her personality… She was now kicking down his study door. He dreaded to think what she would do next.

However, his attention quickly shifted to the pale and weak Angelica in Carol’s arms. His expression changed: “What happened?”

Carol glanced around the room: “Where’s the Hero?”

“He just left. What’s going on?” Wadsworth asked again.

“There’s no time…” Angelica took a deep breath, struggling to regain her composure. She tried to stand, but her legs buckled. Carol quickly steadied her.

Disregarding etiquette, Angelica spoke directly: “Your Majesty…”

“Your consorts… Angela Goethe and Sharon DeLaise… are members of the Blissful Witch Society.”

Buzz…

Wadsworth felt as if a gong had struck his head.

Even with his strength, the shock was almost too much to bear.

His dark face paled, his eyes widening.

Angela Goethe and Sharon DeLaise, members of the Blissful Witch Society? He knew Angelica, as the Hero’s personal maid and favored companion, wouldn’t joke about such a thing.

But… how could this be?

These were his newest and most favored consorts!

Wadsworth didn’t consider himself a man easily swayed by feminine charms, but he truly doted on these two women. He fulfilled almost every reasonable request they made.

They were docile, charming, and affectionate. In recent years, he had spent more time with them than with all his other consorts combined.

But now, Angelica claimed they were members of the Blissful Witch Society?

They had even borne him two sons.

Were… were those sons truly his?

Wadsworth’s face turned ashen, his limbs turning cold. He stumbled back, collapsing into his chair, his rough hand gripping the armrest.

Crack!

Under his immense force, the wooden armrest splintered, the fragments falling through his fingers.

Her father’s reaction shocked Carol. She didn’t know about the Witch Society, but she sensed the gravity of the situation.

Wadsworth, however, lived up to his title as Emperor.

Despite the near-apoplectic rage, he controlled his fury, taking deep breaths: “Miss Angelica, please continue.”

“Consort Angela and Consort Sharon plan to use you, Your Majesty, to kill the Hero.”

Angelica recounted everything she had overheard, leaving Carol horrified. If their plan succeeded, the Heavenly Continent would descend into chaos, and the royal family would face utter ruin.

After finishing her account, Angelica added: “Your Majesty, I have no proof. I can only swear I’m not lying.”

Wadsworth waved his hand, a twisted, ferocious smile spreading across his face: “It’s alright, Miss Angelica. Whether you’re lying or not, we’ll soon find out when someone comes to inform me of an… infidelity.”

Wadsworth was smiling.

But both girls sensed the terrifying depth of his rage.

Perhaps, the Emperor was hoping.

Hoping that Angelica was lying.

He sat in his chair, waiting. Each passing second felt like an eternity. Even the usually boisterous Carol remained silent.

Suddenly, Wadsworth lifted his head.

His gaze fixed on a point beyond the study walls, a flicker of sadness crossing his face, quickly replaced by a chilling calm.

He gestured to Carol: “Take Miss Angelica to the back and hide…”

Carol’s heart pounded. Her father’s voice was devoid of emotion.

It was understandable. From the conversation, Carol had gleaned the nature of the Witch Society. His most beloved consorts were members. No wonder her father was devastated.

She wanted to offer comfort, but words failed her. Comfort would only add salt to the wound. This was something her father had to face alone. Carol helped Angelica hide behind a bookshelf.

Soon, hurried footsteps approached.

Before the person arrived, a clear female voice called out:

“Your Majesty! Terrible news!”

It was Sharon’s voice.

Wadsworth rubbed his forehead. When he looked up, a smile plastered his face.

In recent days, he had ordered a thorough search, uncovering a large number of Witch Society members within the Imperial City, including commoners, merchants, and nobles…

The husbands and lovers of these women, upon learning of their depravity, were either heartbroken or enraged.

Back then, Wadsworth had felt a flicker of pity for them. Who knew he would soon be in their shoes?

The Witch Society… the thought of the filth and depravity he had uncovered during the purge, the thought of his beloved consorts participating in such acts…

He was truly enraged.

Sharon appeared at the study door, looking puzzled at the broken door.

“Ah, Carol did that. I’ll have someone fix it later,” Wadsworth said cheerfully.

Sharon nodded understandingly. Nothing the princess did was surprising.

Wadsworth, pretending to read, looked up, his face full of affection: “My dearest Sharon, is there something you need?”

He stood up, extending his arms towards her as if seeking a comforting embrace after a long period of reading.

But Sharon, like a slippery snake, evaded his grasp.

“Your Majesty…” Her face was filled with feigned anxiety and fear: “Terrible news! Someone is harassing Sister Angela in the palace… Please, save her!”

Wadsworth’s face darkened like an enraged lion: “What did you say?”

The book in his hand crumbled to dust under the sudden surge of his power.

“Damn it! Which bastard dares lay a hand on my woman?”

Wadsworth roared, his lips trembling with fury, his face contorted in a grimace.

Sharon inwardly rejoiced at his outburst. A single sentence had enraged the foolish gorilla. Qin Chu was doomed.

His crimson eyes glared at Sharon, the intensity of his rage almost frightening her. Fortunately, it was directed at Qin Chu.

“Sharon, take me to that bitch!”

Chapter 275: The Goddess’s Favor

The unusual activity of the Goddess’s Hair and the sapling surprised Qin Chu.

Since they had taken root within him, they had been relatively quiet, only lending their power during combat. Most of the time, they simply resided peacefully within him.

The Goddess’s Hair was also Qin Chu’s link to the goddess trapped in the Void.

This was the first time they had actively manifested like this.

Qin Chu was taken aback.

He didn’t rashly suppress their activity, but instead pondered the cause.

Wadsworth interpreted Qin Chu’s contemplation and surprise as reluctance.

He understood Qin Chu’s hesitation. Even with preparations, facing the insidious Witch Society was dangerous.

The changes in the sapling and the Goddess’s Hair didn’t last long, perhaps only a few seconds, before returning to normal.

The Goddess’s Hair remained wrapped around his wrist, the heat gone.

The sapling also settled down within him, quiet once more.

It seemed the matter was resolved.

Although unsure of what had transpired, at least it hadn’t caused any trouble. Qin Chu felt slightly relieved.

Noticing Wadsworth’s expectant gaze, Qin Chu coughed lightly: “Apologies, Your Majesty. I seem to have drifted off.”

“But don’t worry. I won’t refuse anything that benefits the Heavenly Continent.”

Wadsworth was overjoyed.

This time, he would wipe out the Blissful Witch Society completely. Hopefully, none of his consorts were involved.

…

Meanwhile, Carol left the meeting room.

She hadn’t organized a private gathering. As a member of the Hero Squad, she had attended the latter part of the meeting, but remained silent.

She had witnessed the nobles’ unsightly behavior.

When Qin Chu mentioned the possibility of capturing the Snow Woman, Blood Elf, and Succubus, the nobles’ reactions disgusted her.

Didn’t they realize Qin Chu was just bluffing?

In this world, verbal promises held no value.

Besides, knowing Qin Chu’s personality, if he did capture them, why would he hand them over?

They were dreaming.

Of course, some of the shrewder nobles likely saw through Qin Chu’s bluff… but, for these old foxes, since stopping Qin Chu from claiming Heloise and Iyeta was impossible, and they lacked the courage to contradict him, it was better to feign ignorance and let the matter slide.

Compared to those cunning old foxes, Carol, though intelligent, lacked their worldliness.

She found the atmosphere, both at the banquet and in the meeting room, distasteful.

Having grown up in the palace, Carol had led a sheltered and carefree life, envied by many.

But this had also fostered a certain rebellious streak within her. She wasn’t content with the greenhouse. She craved something to stimulate her body and soul.

Stepping out, Carol stretched her arms with a disregard for royal decorum, her well-proportioned figure forming seductive curves.

Suddenly, her nose twitched.

Her raised arms slowly lowered.

Her brow furrowed, and she took a deep breath… the scent of blood lingered in the air.

Innate Ability – Beast’s Intuition.

Beast’s Intuition: High-Rank Ability. Grants the eyesight of an eagle, the hearing of a bat, and the sense of smell of a bear.

The scent of blood was faint, but Carol’s heightened senses detected it.

With nothing better to do, she followed the scent, arriving at a garden.

Seeing the uncleaned bloodstains on the ground, Carol’s frown deepened.

She initially thought someone might have cut their hand, but the scene suggested something more serious. Footprints were clearly visible.

Lingering mana fluctuations remained in the air.

A conflict had taken place here?

Carol’s sharp mind sensed something amiss. Wrinkling her nose, she followed the direction of the fading blood scent.

After some time, almost reaching the edge of the palace grounds, she found the source.

Two guards were carrying a motionless, seemingly lifeless maid.

Had another consort flown into a rage and killed a servant? Such incidents weren’t uncommon in the palace. After all, these consorts, mostly daughters of dukes and marquises, had fiery tempers.

They wouldn’t dare vent their anger in front of their father, but taking it out on their servants was commonplace.

However, Carol felt this was different. The maid’s uniform looked familiar.

A bad premonition arose.

Suddenly, her eyes widened.

Carol was tasked with improving relations between the Hero and the royal family. But she cleverly realized that directly flattering Qin Chu wouldn’t be effective. A better approach was to befriend the women around him. Thus, despite being a princess, she had made efforts to befriend Angelica at the front lines.

That uniform… she had seen it on Angelica.

Was this woman Angelica, Qin Chu’s personal maid and most favored companion?

Carol shivered, her face draining of color.

She felt faint.

This was a disaster.

The Hero’s most beloved woman, dead within the palace walls?

Knowing Qin Chu’s temperament, he would tear the palace apart. Forget improving relations, this could ignite an unquenchable feud.

Damn it, what had happened here?

Carol didn’t have time to dwell on solutions. Like a gust of wind, she darted forward, intercepting the guards.

“Stop! What’s going on here?” Carol’s voice, sharp with fear, betrayed her composure.

Up close, she was certain this was Angelica. Goosebumps erupted on her skin.

The two dazed guards, surprised by Carol’s sudden appearance, froze, unsure how to react.

Their stunned silence fueled Carol’s anxiety.

Suddenly, Angelica, who had been motionless, lifted her head and gasped.

Her stilled heart began to beat faintly.

Her dull eyes regained their light. Looking at Carol, she spoke in a hoarse voice: “…Kill them!”

The sound sent chills down Carol’s spine. Was this Angelica’s usually clear and gentle voice?

As Angelica revived, the guards’ eyes reddened, their expressions turning fierce.

Although unclear about the situation, Carol reacted swiftly. Without hesitation, she lashed out with her whip.

Crack!

The whip exploded against one guard’s neck, shattering it into pieces.

The whip snaked through the air like a viper’s fangs, coiling around the other guard’s throat. With a sickening tear, his throat was ripped open, blood spraying everywhere.

Carol’s strength wasn’t exceptional within the Hero Squad, but it was more than enough to deal with ordinary guards.

As Angelica, no longer supported by the guards, began to fall, Carol rushed forward, catching her in her arms.

Carol couldn’t describe the turmoil within her.

She had thought Angelica’s death would implicate the royal family, perhaps even the entire Heavenly Continent. A furious Qin Chu might even ally with the Demon Beasts.

Even Carol’s sharp mind and resolute spirit had faltered in that moment of despair.

But now, Angelica, who had been dead, was inexplicably alive again.

And demanding the guards’ deaths.

Carol felt like she had plummeted into hell, only to be yanked back into heaven.

Her arms trembled as she held Angelica. Her lips, still pale, parted. A torrent of questions burned on her tongue, but she couldn’t speak.

Finally, she managed to stammer: “Miss Angelica, what happened?”

Angelica gasped for breath, a slightly hysterical smile on her face. She had won her gamble.

The Goddess of Holy Light had truly favored her.

Dead or Alive.

The slim 10% chance of revival after death… she had grasped it.

She had actually been revived for about a minute.

But having just experienced death, she was extremely weak, her combat strength almost nonexistent. Angelica had suppressed her heartbeat and breathing, waiting for her chance. Carol’s arrival had provided it.

Death was not a pleasant experience.

But Angelica didn’t regret it.

Her throat worked as she struggled to breathe.

She didn’t have time to recover. After a few seconds, she gripped Carol’s hands: “Quickly, take me to my master, or… the Emperor!”

Chapter 274: The Goddess’s Hair Stirs

In a split second, countless thoughts flashed through Angelica’s mind.

This eerie woman, even standing motionless before her, even without any detectable mana fluctuations, made Angelica’s hair stand on end.

The feeling was like facing a venomous viper.

Her throat constricted, her heart nearly stopping.

An invisible pressure intensified, stealing Angelica’s breath. Only her long eyelashes trembled slightly.

Although she didn’t know the woman’s identity, Angelica had a distinct feeling: danger.

The scene seemed to freeze, the world solidified, time ceased to flow.

This eerie silence lasted for an unknown duration. Then, Angelica suddenly raised her hand to press her ear, ready to use Information Magic to notify Qin Chu, even if it meant risking exposure to the consorts by releasing mana fluctuations.

The moment Angelica raised her arm, the woman opposite her moved.

She raised her head. Disheveled hair obscured her face, but through the strands, Angelica glimpsed azure eyes, similar to Anastasia’s. Pale lips parted slightly:

“Hah…”

She breathed on Angelica.

Instantly, Angelica felt a bone-chilling cold engulf her.

Accompanied by a crackling sound, frost bloomed from her feet, creeping up her slender legs and spreading across her body.

Angelica’s body froze almost instantly. Her raised arm remained suspended in mid-air, immobile. She couldn’t even scream.

She knew that in a matter of seconds, her heart would stop completely, her body frozen solid.

The power was overwhelming. Yet, at that moment, a strength Angelica didn’t know she possessed surged within her… perhaps the strongest, most tenacious will deep within her heart.

She wrestled back a sliver of control over her frozen body… just a sliver… mana surged within her.

However, this forceful exertion of power sent a violent shock through her.

The surging mana strained her heart, a sharp pain erupting in her chest. Angelica couldn’t suppress a mouthful of blood, spraying it onto the ground.

“Trying to resist?”

“It’s futile!”

The woman opposite her spoke, her voice soft yet like cracking ice.

The frost spread rapidly along Angelica’s slender waist, reaching her chest, her neck.

An invisible fire seemed to burn in Angelica’s eyes, an eerie heat.

Carol, please!

Ability activate!

Dead or Alive!

High-Rank Ability: Upon death, there’s a 90+% chance of dying, and a 10+% chance of regaining a heartbeat!

In the final moment before losing consciousness, Angelica offered a fervent prayer:

Goddess of Holy Light, protect your most devout follower.

Then, only infinite darkness remained.

…

Though subtle, the mana fluctuations caught the attention of the two consorts beneath the pavilion.

Their beautiful faces changed instantly: “Who’s there?”

With low shouts, they rushed out, mana coursing through them, ready for battle.

However, upon seeing the scene, they froze in surprise.

A woman, frozen solid, devoid of life.

A tall woman with disheveled hair.

Shock filled their faces. The next moment, they knelt before the woman: “Vice President!”

“Why are you here?”

This mysterious woman was the Vice President of the Blissful Witch Society.

A true high-ranking member of this mysterious and terrifying organization.

The woman’s face was icy, her gaze filled with bone-chilling indifference. Yet, deep within her eyes, an almost uncontainable excitement flickered.

Revenge!

She wanted revenge.

Qin Chu and Wadsworth had killed her son.

She would drag these damned bastards into an endless abyss.

The moment was almost here. She longed to see the pain and despair on their faces.

The hidden excitement vanished as quickly as it appeared, her eyes returning to their chilling indifference: “Sharon, Angela… you’re too careless.”

Her voice was flat, devoid of emotion.

“Someone was eavesdropping on your conversation, and you didn’t even notice?”

“Don’t you know to set up surveillance beforehand?”

Her tone wasn’t harsh, but Sharon and Angela, kneeling on one knee, trembled uncontrollably. They knew the Vice President was furious.

Indeed, they had been negligent, and they had no excuse. If the Vice President hadn’t appeared and dealt with the eavesdropper, the plan to assassinate the Hero would have been exposed, costing them their lives.

Their faces paled, cold sweat drenching their skin.

The Vice President’s methods were cruel and merciless. She showed no pity to members who failed.

However, this time, perhaps because of the important task these two carried, she spared them punishment.

“Dispose of the body.”

“I don’t want to see this mistake repeated.”

With those words, she vanished without a trace.

Sharon and Angela breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging glances that revealed their lingering fear.

Not daring to delay, Sharon clapped her hands, summoning two guards to drag away the frozen corpse.

The guards’ faces were blank, like puppets, clearly under control.

These guards had both been intimate with Sharon.

This was another terrifying aspect of the Blissful Witch Society. They obtained the Lord of Pleasure’s favor through indulgence and depravity, gaining immense power. They could also influence and control men they were intimate with.

The highest-ranking members could achieve this effect even without physical intimacy, through simple contact, conversation, hugs, or even just talking.

Of course, this only worked on men with weaker willpower and strength.

Like Wadsworth. Although Sharon and Angela saw him as a crude fool, impulsive and easily angered, his power was too great for them to control.

Looking at the maid’s body being dragged away, Angela spat, disgust and annoyance on her face. This wretched woman had nearly caused them to be punished by the Vice President.

The thought of the Blissful Witch Society’s punishment for failure sent shivers down her spine.

Sharon, slightly more composed, looked at the bloodstains on the ground and the receding body of the maid. A sense of unease settled in her heart.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the churning anxiety: “Alright, Angela, that’s enough.”

“Go prepare. We cannot afford any mistakes in the next task.”

…

Elsewhere.

The meeting concluded in a pleasant atmosphere.

The nobles had departed, Augustus and Saint Monique had returned to their respective domains.

Qin Chu was about to leave as well, but Wadsworth stopped him.

“Something else, Your Majesty?” Qin Chu raised an eyebrow, suspicious of Wadsworth’s request.

The matter had been resolved. Qin Chu saw no need for further discussion. But Wadsworth apparently had no intention of dwelling on the Demon Beast girl incident. His brow furrowed: “Brother Qin, Warren should have told you about the Blissful Witch Society, yes?”

Qin Chu nodded.

“That organization might be even more terrifying than Warren described. I suspect even my palace has been infiltrated.”

Wadsworth spoke gravely, not bothering to save face.

The threat posed by the Blissful Witch Society far outweighed any concerns about appearances: “These past few days, I’ve had my most astute investigators scrutinize every woman in the palace.”

“And guess what?”

You haven’t been cuckolded, have you?

Qin Chu wanted to make the sarcastic remark, but refrained to spare Wadsworth some dignity.

After all, these were his consorts. And the members of the Blissful Witch Society… well, with indulgence as their primary tenet, they didn’t care about their own social standing, be it noble lady, miss, or consort, nor did they care about the status of the men they were with, be it knight, servant, or commoner…

If even one consort in Wadsworth’s harem was a member, Wadsworth would have a whole collection of hats.

Green ones.

“We haven’t found a single clue. None of my consorts, daughters, or maidservants have any connection to the Blissful Witch Society.”

Wadsworth spoke calmly. This seemed like good news. No connection meant no cuckolding. Yet, Wadsworth’s face held no joy, only a deeper frown.

Qin Chu understood. The Blissful Witch Society was too thorough.

Even a duchess had been a member, and only a mid-ranking one at that.

Countless nobles were members.

It was impossible for Wadsworth to believe his palace was untouched. The Blissful Witch Society thought they could erase all traces and allay Wadsworth’s suspicions, but they only made him more wary.

It meant this sinister organization was even more terrifying and deeply entrenched than imagined.

After a brief pause, Wadsworth continued: “While we could continue investigating, and I’m confident we’d eventually find something concrete, it would take too long.”

“And since the Blissful Witch Society seems to be targeting you, Brother Qin, don’t you think this is a good opportunity?” A glint appeared in Wadsworth’s eyes.

Qin Chu understood immediately. Wadsworth wanted to use him as bait, to lure the snakes out of their holes and eradicate this cancerous growth within the Empire.

He hadn’t proposed this during the meeting for a simple reason: it would have been met with opposition from Augustus and Saint Monique.

That’s why Wadsworth had kept Qin Chu behind to discuss this privately.

Although being used irked Qin Chu, it was indeed a good opportunity to eliminate the Witch Society.

As Qin Chu pondered, he suddenly felt a strange sensation on his wrist.

He glanced down. The area where the Goddess’s Hair was wrapped around his wrist felt hot.

As if stimulated by something, the power of the Goddess’s Hair had been activated.

Moreover, the small sapling within him swayed its three emerald leaves!

Chapter 273: Wadsworth’s Verdant Headwear

The Blissful Witch Society!

Angelica knew exactly what kind of organization that was.

Indulgent and depraved, beautiful yet covered in sharp thorns, they were like venomous needles, mercilessly piercing the throats of their targets.

The last time, members of the Blissful Witch Society had attempted to assassinate her master, even disguising themselves as her. This filled Angelica with even greater disgust for the vile organization.

However, Angelica never imagined this organization could be so terrifying, infiltrating even the Imperial Palace… one of the most heavily guarded places in the entire Heavenly Continent, corrupted by the Blissful Witch Society.

What made it even more unbearable for Angelica was that these two women seemed to be plotting against her master.

Her gentle eyes turned cold and emotionless. Her departing footsteps halted. Her master was the most important person in the world to her. Even if it meant her own death, Angelica would never allow anyone to harm him. No one.

She held her breath, suppressed her heartbeat to the bare minimum, and completely concealed her mana fluctuations. Like a silent, invisible ghost, she pursued the faint, almost imperceptible sounds in the air.

The palace gardens were somewhat complex.

Angelica kept low, weaving through the flowerbeds.

After a long while, she finally found them. Beneath a pavilion to the right of the flowerbeds, two women sat quietly in gorgeous gowns. Their clothing and jewelry indicated their high status.

Perhaps aware of the prying eyes throughout their living quarters, these two women had chosen the deserted garden for their discussion. Currently, the princes were vying for the position of heir, busily courting influential nobles. No one had the leisure to come to this place.

The Emperor, along with the Hero, Wadsworth, Saint Monique, and some high-ranking nobles, were in a meeting, and wouldn’t be here.

Wadsworth’s consorts and daughters were also accounted for. Angelica had learned they were hosting private banquets, inviting ladies and misses close to them.

So, this place was absolutely safe.

These two women, however, had no idea that a seemingly idle maid would wander over here.

Angelica drew closer, finally seeing their faces clearly.

In that instant, it felt as if a muffled thunderclap had struck her mind.

She recognized them.

Sharon DeLaise!

Angela Goethe!

Angelica’s scalp tingled. These two women…

Were Wadsworth’s consorts!

Moreover, they were his most favored consorts recently.

Sharon DeLaise was the mother of the nineteenth prince, and Angela Goethe, the mother of the twenty-third. Having married Wadsworth just after coming of age and living in extreme luxury with meticulous self-care, despite having borne children, time had left barely a trace on them.

Their skin was still delicate like a young girl’s, their figures graceful and mature. The youthful tenderness and the allure of mature women blended perfectly within them. Combined with their elegant and noble attire, they possessed an astonishing allure for the opposite sex.

Although she’d long known the Blissful Witch Society was terrifying, Angelica hadn’t imagined even the Emperor’s consorts were members.

What about the princesses? The princes’ consorts?

The entire Imperial Palace might be riddled with the Blissful Witch Society’s influence.

Considering the Society’s indulgence and depravity, wasn’t Wadsworth’s head already a vibrant green?

Countless thoughts flashed through Angelica’s mind. She carefully concealed herself, not wanting to miss a single detail.

She wanted to know how these two women planned to deal with her master, and whether there were other members involved.

Angelica understood the danger she was in. The Blissful Witch Society member at the Hero’s Residence, though of lower rank, would have been difficult to handle in a surprise attack. These consorts held a higher position and likely greater power within the Society. If her presence was discovered, her life would be in immediate danger.

But, the more she knew, the less danger her master would face.

For her master, Angelica was willing to take the risk.

Of course, Angelica also didn’t want to be separated from her master forever. She hadn’t enjoyed enough of his affection yet. She hoped to stay by his side for the rest of her life, never to be parted.

Taking a deep breath, Angelica glanced at her own ability.

For her master, she was willing to gamble.

The two women under the pavilion, unaware of being overheard, continued their quiet discussion.

It was clear that Sharon DeLaise held a higher position within the Witch Society. Angela Goethe listened quietly to Sharon’s arrangements:

“The higher-ups want us to use Wadsworth to eliminate the Hero.”

“Angela, you’re young and beautiful, and skilled in the art of seduction after so long in the Witch Society. With Qin Chu’s lustful nature, a little enticement will surely make him take the bait.”

“When you lure Qin Chu in, I’ll inform Wadsworth. As long as you act convincingly, you’ll make him witness you being forced by Qin Chu.”

“Wadsworth is impulsive and easily provoked. Seeing such a scene, he’ll lose control. In his rage, he won’t even bother to see who the man is. He’ll attack immediately. Although Qin Chu is strong, he’s no match for Wadsworth.”

“With one blow, Qin Chu will be smashed to a pulp.”

A cold smile played on Sharon’s lips. Having been with Wadsworth for years, they knew exactly what kind of man he was.

Wadsworth was extremely selfish and cold. His consorts were merely tools for satisfying his desires and producing heirs. He held almost no affection for them.

However, Wadsworth’s possessiveness was also incredibly strong.

He wouldn’t allow any other man to touch his women.

Such incidents had happened before. Wadsworth had once executed a consort and a guard based on mere suspicion of an affair, without any evidence. Such a vulgar man, if not for his overwhelming strength, wouldn’t be able to hold the Emperor’s throne.

Angela’s expression darkened. She knew that as the executor of this plan, she also faced immense danger. In his fury, Wadsworth might very well kill her too.

Seemingly sensing Angela’s worry, Sharon smiled, her delicate fingers gently tracing Angela’s face. Where her fingertips brushed, a tingle seemed to pass, causing Angela to tremble slightly, a blush rising on her cheeks.

“Angela, don’t worry.”

“You’ll be perfectly safe, understand?”

“The great Lord of Pleasure will protect his most loyal followers.”

“And, once we succeed, Wadsworth will bear the heavy crime of murdering the Hero. Augustus and Saint Monique will definitely seize this opportunity, uniting the continent’s experts to eliminate him. By then, we’ll be free!”

Sharon’s voice held a captivating charm. Angela’s breathing quickened, excitement for freedom filling her, and the title “Lord of Pleasure” ignited a mad glint in her eyes.

She shuddered involuntarily, a giggle escaping her lips.

Placing her delicate hands on her chest, her pinky and thumb touching, she chanted in a low voice:

“For the great Lord of Pleasure, I will tempt the world into depravity, and offer you the supreme pleasure.”

Her crazed demeanor made Angelica’s scalp tingle. Their plan filled her with dread.

It was simple, yet incredibly malicious.

If executed properly, given Wadsworth’s personality, it could very well succeed.

Then, not only would Qin Chu be in danger, but Wadsworth would also be ruined.

After reassuring Angela, Sharon began to explain the specific details of their plan. Although Angelica wanted to continue eavesdropping, she knew she had to leave immediately and relay this information to her master, so he could prepare.

While she could tell Wadsworth directly, Angelica had no proof. Without evidence, why would he believe her?

She couldn’t use Information Magic either, as the consorts might sense it.

Calming herself, Angelica quietly turned.

However, as she turned, her pupils suddenly contracted.

A figure stood behind her. Had she been so engrossed in eavesdropping that she hadn’t noticed the presence behind her?

The figure’s clothes were worn and tattered, not at all luxurious. The ice-white long dress even had holes, and her bare feet, as white as sculpted ice, rested quietly on the ground.

The torn hem revealed a section of her fair calf, her skin delicate as snow, spotless.

Ice-blue hair fell messily around her, framing her face and obscuring most of it, preventing Angelica from seeing her features.

She had a good figure, well-proportioned and athletic. The worn dress hinted at graceful curves.

An icy aura emanated from her, reminiscent of Angelica’s first encounter with Anastasia, a breath of winter’s chill.

Who was this woman?

Was she also a member of the Witch Society?

How long had she been standing there?