The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1323: Sovereign Emperor

"Actually, you don’t have to take this path just because of me." Ye Shikai felt a bit troubled. Not only was this downhill path rugged and difficult, but it was also very narrow. Fortunately, once they got past this section, there would be a large forest ahead, where they would be relatively safe. As long as they found the right direction, they wouldn’t lose their way.

"If your safety is compromised, it would be a blow to all of us." Ji Qian replied indifferently, pointing at the Shadow People behind her. "You don’t need to worry about them. They’re just opportunists meant to be used. Since they want to use us for safety, they should be prepared to be exploited."

Ji Qian’s words were indeed true. Especially with unfamiliar interest groups, there was no such thing as genuine bonds, only mutual exploitation and risk avoidance. Don’t forget, these Shadow People were their enemies an hour ago, and if it weren’t for them, Aphrodite’s plan wouldn’t have succeeded so easily.

"Of course, I understand everything you’re saying. I don’t care about their lives. I care about you, about Old Wang, and about Nightmare and the others."

"Then rest assured." Ji Qian pointed to the forest below. "Look at that forest; it’s spacious enough. We can spread our people out there. This way, even if Aphrodite has any tricks left, we won’t need to fear her." Ji Qian explained.

Indeed, while the dense and boundless woods were an advantageous place for ambushes, compared to the visible and extremely narrow mountain path, it was much safer.

"In that case, let’s hurry." Ye Shikai quickened his pace, and the others followed closely behind.

"What are we here for? Aren’t we afraid of being ambushed?" Emily entered the forest, looking at the branches overhead. Almost every tree was over twenty meters tall, with extending branches blocking all the sunlight and a faint mist lingering. If anyone were laying in ambush on the trees, it would be certain death for everyone. No matter how you looked at it, this place was extremely dangerous.

"Spread out and look around for a water source." Ji Qian ordered everyone to disperse. They had been out for almost a day, and the drinking water was nearly gone. Although the Holy Mountain was different from the surrounding mountains and might not have water sources, Ji Qian still wanted to try, even if it was just gambling on luck.

"Nightmare, take some people to scout the area. If there’s any danger, report back immediately."

"Yes, sir. I’m on my way." Nightmare took a few Hidden Guards and moved ahead. Ji Qian had everyone search for water sources also as a means of scouting for ambushes.

.................................

The group stayed in the forest to rest for a while. Ye Shikai took a beef stick out of his pocket and handed it to Ji Qian.

"You’re hungry, aren’t you? Here, have this."

"Why do you still have food?" Ji Qian took the beef stick, ate half, and then shoved the remaining half back into Ye Shikai’s hand.

"It’s a habit left over from training at Dragon Teeth." Ye Shikai chuckled. Back then, they often had wilderness survival training, so he’d occasionally bring food with him, which proved useful in critical moments.

"We can’t stay here too long. We’ll depart in two hours." Ji Qian glanced at her watch. It should be dark in about an hour. Although traveling in the dark was a big taboo, Ji Qian decided to take the risk. Aphrodite’s destruction of the original downhill path left them having to detour, which meant at least fifty more kilometers of mountain roads.

"Wang Kai, are you feeling any better?" Ye Shikai turned to ask. In the previous battle, he had expended a lot of Inner Strength and hadn’t recovered yet.

"Don’t worry, I won’t die." Wang Kai shook his head. Even with the setting sun casting a red glow on his face, his pallor was still apparent. It seemed he had depleted his essence this time. If Wang Kai hadn’t fought Doris to the death, the situation could have been much worse.

Half an hour later.

"Boss, we’ve searched everywhere. This broken mountain doesn’t have any birds, let alone a drop of water." Soul Destroyer said wearily, sitting on the ground. The Holy Mountain was different from the outside mountains; it was a relic. Although it looked similar from the outside, there was no underground water here.

"Let’s all take a break."

"Do you regret coming to the Main God Conference this time?" The two leaned back-to-back. Ji Qian suddenly asked.

"Even if I hadn’t come, Aphrodite would still have schemed for her next move. As long as she lives, she’ll target me, won’t she?" Ye Shikai retorted, with a bitter smile. "But honestly, I do regret it quite a bit. If we were outside, Aphrodite’s schemes wouldn’t easily succeed."

"Actually... I suspect that one of the reasons why the newly joined Main Gods could be recruited by her is fear of us."

"What do you mean?"

"Since your last display at the Holy Mountain and Atlantis, the people in the Underworld fear and hate you. They dread you but want to surpass you and crave the War God’s Three Temples. Once the new Main Gods take power, everyone becomes vigilant, keeping the Three Temples at a distance. This just gives Aphrodite the perfect opportunity to recruit them, forming a new interest group. Not just before, nor now, but in the future, as long as our Three Temples are around, they’ll remain our enemies." Ji Qian analyzed.

In essence, the Underworld has "Kings" but no "Emperor." Zeus and Ye Shikai were "Kings," but neither had enough power to completely crush all opposition. The Three Temples could defeat Zeus but lacked the strength to eliminate the other Main Gods. This would lead to a second and third "Zeus." Without becoming the "Emperor" of the Underworld, the conflict would never end.

To become the "Emperor" of the Underworld seemed an impossible feat for anyone. Could Ye Shikai be the first? Self-mocking, he considered that he was now a cripple without Inner Strength, possibly unable to hold onto the Netherworld King’s throne, let alone become "Emperor."

"Enough rest, let’s move out."

The group set off again. The night was dark, but they didn’t have many flashlights, so they resorted to the traditional method of lighting torches.

Even late at night, the forest was filled with mist. The sky was void of stars or the moon, pitch-black, and you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. Ji Qian held Ye Shikai’s hand tightly, afraid something might happen to him.

"Wait, everyone stop." As they reached a thicket, Ye Shikai suddenly ordered the group to halt.

"What’s wrong?" Ji Qian carefully observed the surroundings, but visibility was too low, and she didn’t notice anything unusual.

"There’s movement around us."