The Ancient Gods' Whisper-Chapter 780 - 376: Women Only Affect How Fast I Draw My Sword
In the evening, Ji Zhou stood still in a quiet alley, silently gazing at an old shop where an elderly man was diligently preparing ingredients, and the smell of frying tempura wafted out.
Since ancient times, the country she belonged to naturally stood at the pinnacle of the world, like a majestic and inviolable giant dragon entrenched in the East. Given her status in the Human World, she was akin to an Emperor, and coming to such a tiny island country was like an Emperor visiting a small fishing village; nothing could catch her eye.
Because of the Alliance in the Order World, she had visited this country more than once.
But rarely did she wander in such huge cities.
The last time she walked the streets of Tokyo was sixty years ago. Back then, she visited this little shop, and amazingly, the current elderly shopkeeper resembled the previous owner. Perhaps they were father and son.
The Yingzhou people were like this; any matter they committed to was done for a long time, even passed on to the next generation.
This was certainly something nostalgic for a sentimental person.
Sixty years ago, you visited this shop, and even your own memory blurred.
Sixty years later, you come here again, and this shop is still standing.
Those once-forgotten memories, like faded photographs, suddenly become vivid.
Of course, there were also the familiar faces in memory.
"Senior Brother..."
She raised her head, whispering softly.
The sea of clouds in the sky was dyed red by the sunset glow, faintly revealing a shadow shrouded in mist.
A faint sound of angry roaring arose.
That was Jiang Chunyang’s voice.
Since the decline of humanity’s Golden Age, few of her old friends remained.
Jiang Chunyang was one of the last, once the closest member of the same school, and now, completely opposed to her.
Two hundred years of open conflicts and covert struggles, even when facing a common enemy today, hidden motives lingered on both sides.
Suddenly, she felt a bit weary.
She wanted to resolve the problem in another way, like walking directly up to him and asking what was truly in his heart.
But doing that would most likely start a war.
Yingzhou Island would probably sink, affecting the entire East Asia.
A cruel smile appeared at her lips, thinking she indeed had aged, hovering at the brink of death, and her thoughts had changed from before, as she turned to nostalgia.
Of course, there was another reason she did not confront him personally.
That was the voice deep in her consciousness, too loud.
That was a Mythical Weapon capable of being controlled only at Demigod Level, creating a personal small world. Her Tian Ding Temple was the most renowned, once acclaimed as the Palm Buddha Country. The ancient Buddhist temple was shrouded in twilight all year, the bell reverberating in the mist, and deep within the fog stood a stone stele, towering eight thousand nine hundred feet high.
Magnificent.
If she permitted, even high-ranking Order World personnel could enter Tian Ding Temple to exchange information.
"The President’s injury is not healed; rushing to Tokyo is too dangerous. I have already preheated the Heaven’s Punishment Meteor. Should you lose contact for more than forty-five minutes, I will deliver divine retribution, sinking Yingzhou Island." That was Rhein’s voice, the vice-president succeeded her strictness and cold-blooded style, remaining as domineering as ever.
"I will try to ensure the President’s safety, but please restrain your people, not deploying cruisers to wander near the Yingzhou Sea, as this may attract the military’s attention. That said, the President should avoid leaving my line of sight; I am already almost unable to perceive your presence."
Lin Dong’s severe voice arose: "Negotiations continue, this is a historic moment, the first collaboration between Order and the Dark World, the goal of unifying the Human World is within reach, do not complicate matters."
The vice-president, at least, inherited her vast ambition, aiming for the unification and future of the Human World.
Eagle Faction and Dove Faction were crystal clear.
"The Dawn Combat Sequence has landed in Yokohama, scheduled to encircle Tokyo within three hours."
This was Commander Lu’s voice, old and deep: "According to observations, the dimension where the Qilin Immortal Palace resides has further fused with the real world, and a dimensional fluctuation is expected at 3:35 PM on July 15, when people along the East Sea Coast can see the gigantic Floating Island in the sky, and those holding the key will be able to enter the Ancient God Realm."
Chen Bojun sighed, "So, this means we have to work with them? Honestly, I don’t trust them. Their willingness to share secrets so easily must have ulterior motives."
As the Minister at headquarters, Chen Xingli said solemnly, "But we have no choice."
Even the twelve deputy ministers were discussing this issue at this moment.
Until an aged and imposing voice arose.
"We have Thunder."
That was the voice of the Golden King, roaring like an Ancient Bell: "She has now completed the final evolution and is eligible to bear the Supreme’s Authority, she is capable of wielding the power of the future."
"This is an absolute trump card, the omniscient power is enough to help us do many things."
There was no emotional fluctuation in his voice: "We will have a Ninth Rank Demigod to assist her, preferably the vice-president stepping in personally. Even if the dimensional level is insufficient to bear his power, at least it can keep her alive."
The Silver King maintained his silence, which could be considered as acquiescence to this plan.
The Ether Association’s intention was simple.
It was to use Thunder’s foreknowledge power, combined with existing strategy data, to explore the Ancient God Realm ahead of time.
In doing so, there would be no fear of the You Ying Group playing any tricks.
Lin Dong was responsible for negotiations in Ying Province.
Then only one vice-president remains.
Everyone is waiting for the President’s response.
Ji Zhou, however, walked into that shabby little shop, ordered a tempura set meal for less than five hundred yen amid the old man’s friendly greetings, and leisurely enjoyed it hidden behind the yellowing curtain.
Even in such a low-tier shop, there was an aura of an ancient emperor dining.
A faint breeze blew by, and two black butterflies landed on her shoulder.
"How is it?"
She picked up a piece of tempura, dipped it in a sauce and brought it to her lips, gently blowing on it.
"What do you mean?"
A black butterfly spoke, its voice sounding like a young man: "If you mean his current condition, it’s unprecedentedly good. According to No.5’s observation, he should have already mastered advanced usage in the Heavenly Person Domain. To achieve this in such a short time is indeed a rare talent."
"As for the Evolution Path, no one knows how far he has come, but a Holy Land level Ancestor released Ancient Divine Language and still couldn’t kill him. Yes, he wasn’t even injured."
The voice paused before continuing: "The only uncertainty is Skylark; that woman should be by his side, but none of us, not even No.5, could detect her. From what we can see, Qilin hasn’t shown any signs of being coerced or calling for help, indicating he has his own plans."
Without a doubt, this is No.3.
The second butterfly fluttered its wings and spoke: "According to No.5’s intel, the beginner tutorial has officially started, and he should already be carrying out his mission. With his profiling talent, it shouldn’t be difficult for him."
This is No.1’s voice.
Ji Zhou said indifferently: "I’m not asking about that; I want to know who the little guy truly likes."
Predictably, both Shadows were visibly stunned.
Gossip among young people is understandable.
But you, as a Human World’s Guardian, caring about such matters seems out of place.
"This is a paramount matter in the Human World."
Ji Zhou seemed aware of her subordinates’ thoughts, coldly said: "Who do you think he is? In nearly four hundred years, he is my most favored successor. Even I can’t find fault with him, except for the slight flaw in his character. Qilin is too stubborn, too earnest about people and things, and not ruthless enough."
"Such a person can’t become President, fortunately Thunder is still around."
She took out a small segment of bone, crystal clear like jade, with a rich exotic fragrance wafting.
This was the Eternal Bone Gu Jianlin brought back from Penglai Fairy Island.
Most was used to prolong her life, only a small piece remains.
This amount is hardly useful, might keep her alive for a few more days at most.
Yet she carries it around like a precious token.
"If Qilin and Thunder can unite, it would be the best thing for the Human World, with unprecedented Order Council stability; both Candle Light Law and You Ying Law would flourish in human hands."
Ji Zhou seemingly remembered something, sighed: "That was my original thought, but after seeing Old Gu’s student today, I can’t help but consider another possibility. What a wonderful girl; cold and vibrant like winter jasmine, transparent and pure like ice. Hard to imagine such a nice girl besides Thunder."
No.1 was silent for a moment, cleared his throat: "Would you waver too?"
No.3 sneered: "It’s truly unbelievable."
"Moon Princess is excellent; with her talent, she could indeed grow into the next Red King. If I’m not mistaken, she’s even mastered the Candle Dragon Forbidden Curse. Across ages, few can master this curse, especially with talent so pure and untainted by external forces."
Ji Zhou said calmly: "Once my senior dies of old age, she could take over the Dark World within ten years. Then the grand vision of a unified Human World could be realized effortlessly without any warfare, ending division."
The Shadows had to admire her; truly worthy of being President.
Always thinking of the Human World.
"Are you resorting to marriage alliances?"
No.3 was visibly shocked: "Should I call you old-fashioned or forward-thinking? Clearly, marriage alliance thinking is from over four hundred years ago, yet you adapt to current trends, reversing gender roles."
No.1 said calmly: "Indeed, I didn’t expect men could be used for marriage alliances either."
Ji Zhou said expressionlessly: "Marriage alliances sound vulgar; it’s a strategy. The little guy’s charm with women shouldn’t be wasted; it might as well serve a purpose."
"I support Moon Princess!"
"I support Thunder!"
No.1 and No.3 said in unison.
The two butterflies exchanged glances, showing the beginnings of factional rivalry.
"What do you mean by this?"
No.1 calmly asked: "Why oppose me?"
No.3 laughed indifferently: "I’m not opposing you; I just think Qilin and Thunder are more compatible. They’ve braved life and death together in the Sea of Eternal Life, even sharing that kind of relationship..."
No.3 said coldly: "But Moon Princess and Qilin are childhood sweethearts."
Ji Zhou waved her hand: "Your opinions don’t matter; what did he say himself?"
No.1 silently turned away.
No.3 sighed: "He said women only slow down his sword drawing."
