Then let them offer their loyalty!

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"Apocalypse wishes to see you."

Upon hearing Doris's words, Zhao Ji's face showed a thoughtful expression. After a moment... she looked at Qiu Tu and asked, "Who is Tianqi?"

Qiu Tu: .....

Qiu Tu gave a brief overview of the situation at Tianqi. Zhao Ji looked thoughtful, then turned to Qiu Tu and asked again, "Will this be helpful for our next plan?"

Qiu Tu hesitated for a moment, made a rough judgment in his mind, and then nodded, "It's somewhat helpful."

Upon hearing this, Zehime looked at Doris and then nodded expressionlessly, "Then let's meet her."

Doris responded and then, with the butler in tow, went out to greet Apocalypse.

As soon as Doris stepped out of the drawing room, she froze. Her eyes widened in shock.

'Wait a minute! Isn't this my territory? How did I become a maidservant greeting and seeing off guests?'

'I should be the one sitting in the lobby!'

Thinking this, Doris stomped her foot in anger and then said to the butler, "River God, go and bring Tianqi in."

After saying that, she turned around and went back to the living room without looking back.

At this moment, in the reception room, Qiu Tu was discussing the next steps with Zhao Ji.

When Doris came in, the two men gave her a strange look, then looked away and continued their conversation.

Doris glanced at Qiu Tu, then at Zhao Ji, and seeing that no one was paying attention to her, she angrily sat back down in her seat.

Before long, Tianqi, led by Hebo, entered the reception room.

After scanning the three people in the room, Tianqi finally fixed his gaze on Zhao Ji.

His gaze was intense, filled with excitement and anticipation.

He knelt on one knee, placed his right hand on his chest, bowed his head, and said respectfully, "Your Majesty Xiyue, your loyal follower greets you."

Tianqi's words caused the entire reception room to fall silent.

Zhao Ji was transported back to her past life hundreds of years ago by a single sentence from Tian Qi. Qiu Tu, on the other hand, suddenly learned Zhao Ji's former name and then pondered it.

Of the three, only Doris seemed to have realized something, and then suddenly froze.

A moment later, she abruptly stood up, abandoning her usual charming and languid demeanor, and stared at Zhao Ji with an incredulous expression, saying, "You are Her Majesty Xi Yue?!"

Perhaps because she was too shocked, her voice was a little loud, making the entire reception room buzz. Qiu Tu couldn't help but look at her, his eyes filled with curiosity.

However, despite Doris and Apocalypse's agitation and loss of composure, Zeki's expression remained largely unchanged.

She seemed used to people's surprise at her past life, so she just glanced at the two of them coldly, and then, like a block of ice, exuding a cold aura, said, "That's all in the past."

"In this life, my name is Zhao Ji."

At this moment, Qiu Tu finally realized the connection between Zhao Ji's two lifetimes: Xi means sun; and Yue, of course, is the moon.

The character 曌 (zhāo) represents the sun and moon in the sky. Therefore, when the sun and moon are combined, they form the character 曌.

Based on Doris's excited reaction, Qiu Tu roughly guessed that "Xi Yue," who is now Zhao Ji, is most likely the legendary goddess she mentioned a few days ago.

'Looks like I guessed right....'

Thinking this, Qiu Tu couldn't help but turn his gaze to Apocalypse and Doris, wanting to see if the two of them would reveal any more information.

After all... during this time, Qiu Tu had also subtly inquired about the details of the "Cataclysm of the Gods" back then.

However, the "Cataclysm of the Gods" seems to be the most sensitive topic in the "Boundless Heart Sea." Qiu Tu has gathered very limited information through various channels.

Now, there are four people in this room, three of whom are survivors of the "Cataclysm of the Gods." Qiu Tu feels that if he can communicate with them more, it might help him understand what happened back then.

The only problem is that we must not rush things.

Thinking this way, Qiu Tu calmed down and patiently observed the situation.

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, Tian Qi lowered his head slightly and said respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty Zhao Ji."

"As your most loyal follower, your orders are my mission."

Hearing Apocalypse say this, Doris, who had many questions to ask, couldn't bring herself to speak and could only sit down dejectedly.

Even so, after sitting down, her beautiful eyes kept glancing at Zhao Ji. Clearly, she was still unable to calm down after learning Zhao Ji's identity.

Seeing that the situation was under control, Zhao Ji sat there calmly, looking at Tianqi indifferently, and then said expressionlessly, "Since you know me, you should be familiar with my personality."

"The housekeeper just said you have something to discuss with me. Just tell me what it is."

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, Tian Qi looked up at her, his eyes filled with admiration and longing. He said, "That's right, Your Majesty Zhao Ji."

“Back then, you voluntarily gave up all your power and chose to reincarnate and start anew, but I have been waiting for you all along.”

"In order to survive, I was forced to rely on the Western God King."

"However, my loyalty has never wavered over the past few centuries."

"I've waited all these years, from expectation to disappointment, and then to utter despair. I originally thought I might never see it again in my lifetime."

"But I never expected that the aura you unintentionally emitted today would allow me to discover your whereabouts immediately."

"After carefully examining and confirming your identity, I rushed here immediately so that I could once again serve Your Majesty."

Upon hearing Tianqi's words, Zhaoji's gaze remained calm, as if it contained a vast ocean.

She didn't answer immediately, but looked at Qiu Tu instead.

For Zhao Ji, what she likes and excels at is cultivation.

She wasn't good at recruiting soldiers, gathering followers, or developing her power, nor did she care about such things.

After all... with her level of strength and talent, subordinates aren't that important anymore. In fact... often, these subordinates are just a burden.

What she needs... is actually someone like Qiu Tu, someone who can help her solve her problems, analyze the situation for her, and even fight alongside her.

However, Qiu Tu is different. Compared to Zhao Ji, Qiu Tu is better suited to developing his power, both in terms of personality and his path to disaster. So, just because Zhao Ji doesn't need it doesn't mean Qiu Tu doesn't.

Moreover, Zhao Ji vaguely remembered that before she went into seclusion, Qiu Tu had analyzed the situation for her and mentioned that Tianqi was someone she could try to win over.

That's why she looked at Qiu Tu, wanting to see his opinion.

At this moment, seeing Zhao Ji's gaze, Qiu Tu couldn't help but ponder for a moment. He quickly calculated the power of Tianqi and the "Mist Hidden Society," confirming that his side could withstand the consequences of swallowing them without being overwhelmed. Only then did he nod slightly to Zhao Ji and transmit his thoughts through mental power.

"Both Apocalypse and the 'Hidden Mist Society' are quite powerful. Moreover... they control the 'Southwest Region' and maintain subtle connections with the Second Sanctuary."

"If I can swallow them and integrate all the power of the human camp, it could greatly improve my strength and even help me reach the peak of the eighth rank."

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Zhao Ji nodded slightly, having made her decision. Then, she looked at Tian Qi expressionlessly and said, "Since you sincerely want to follow me again..."

"Then I'll take you in for the time being."

"From today onwards, you must listen to me..."

She paused for a moment, then added, "Follow my and Qiu Tu's orders."

Although she was good at fighting alone, following Qiu Tu around, she had seen how things went, even if she hadn't done it herself. So she followed Qiu Tu's example and made a promise: "I see that you have been at the peak of the eighth rank for many years. The next step is to break through to the Heavenly God."

"Under the right conditions, I can help you become a god."

"Alright, get up."

Although Zhao Ji was just making empty promises, she's a woman of her word. Once she's made a promise, she'll most likely keep it.

Therefore, upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, Tianqi's eyes were truly filled with surprise.

He quickly bowed to Zhao Ji again, expressed his sincere gratitude, and then slowly stood up.

Qiu Tu observed his every word and action throughout. Perhaps because he was using "Absolute Perception," Qiu Tu was gradually becoming as sensitive to emotions as Zhao Ji. Therefore, he could clearly sense that Tian Qi's defection was sincere and that he was not some traitor with ulterior motives.

But! Strangely enough... Qiu Tu always felt that Tianqi seemed to be somewhat hostile towards him.

Is it... the previous conflict with the "Hidden Mist Society"?

Or... does Apocalypse see me as an enemy and want to "compete for favor" with me?

Because he had just come into contact with Apocalypse and had very little information, Qiu Tu was unable to make a judgment for the time being.

However, what Qiu Tu could sense, Zhao Ji naturally sensed as well.

So although she didn't say it directly, she still hinted at Apocalypse in a roundabout way.

Her deep, cool gaze swept over the three people present before she spoke, "Qiu Tu and I just discussed our next steps."

"There are two main things we need to do next."

"First, help Qiu Tu clear away the obstacles in his path and obtain the 'Celestial God's Rank.'"

"Secondly... I need to go and meet with the Four Great God Kings for Qiu Tu, and seek justice for him."

At this point, Zhao Ji's gaze turned icy, filled with murderous intent, "Moreover... their behavior is very abnormal."

"They seem to know who I am, which is why the three great god-kings arrived together in such a short time to threaten Qiu Tu."

"Now that I've advanced, it's time to settle accounts with them."

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's domineering words, Doris and Apocalypse exchanged a glance, both seeing excitement and... a hint of worry in each other's eyes.

Excitement is... just like Xi Yue in her past life; she never speaks when action is the better part of valor. Whatever the issue, she fights first and talks later.

It was precisely with this fierce determination that Xi Yue rose from an orphan in a desolate world to the pinnacle of godhood.

What I'm worried about is... Xi Yue. Yes, Zhao Ji is indeed strong. But even the strongest person has to abide by objective laws.

Zhao Ji was, after all, only a peak eighth-tier Earthly Deity. The God-Kings, on the other hand, were all Celestial Gods.

If the gods are truly pushed to the limit and directly unleash their true forms, can Zhao Ji really withstand them?

Moreover... besides joy and worry, they also felt some resentment.

After all... it cleared the obstacles for Qiu Tu to obtain the "Godhood".

Who are those obstacles? Aren't they the two of them?

One of them was ranked 3rd, and the other was ranked 4th. If Qiu Tu wanted to get a spot in the "Trial of the Gods," he would have to get past them.

They've been stuck at the peak of the eighth rank for so many years; their biggest dream is to become a god.

In the end, when they were closest to their dream, they had to give up their spot. Even if the two of them were very generous, they would still feel a little unwilling.

However, the two also knew that it was not their turn to speak, as they were just people who had come to cling to someone else's coattails.

Since you have chosen to be a person of subservience, you must obey orders.

So although they felt a little resentful, they ultimately chose to remain silent....

.....

Meanwhile.

Just as Zhao Ji was preparing to seek justice for Qiu Tu.

In that dimly lit room in the northern kingdom, the candle flickered once more.

Dark shadows crawled across the dimly lit room, like endless darkness or terrifying demons.

After a moment, one of the dark figures spoke.

His voice was hoarse and filled with regret as he slowly said, "It's better to let 'Xi Yue' succeed."

"She has now advanced to the peak of the eighth rank. Based on her strength in her previous life, she should have reached the initial rank of the Celestial God."

"Even our clones are no match for her. Unless we use our true form, it will be almost useless."

Upon hearing the words of the dark figure, the entire room fell silent.

A moment later, the second shadowy figure spoke. This figure was clearly a woman, but her voice was neither male nor female, "Or...should we just use our true form and kill her?"

"Even if she is a legendary god who can transcend levels, it's impossible for her to cross three minor realms and then fight three opponents at once, right?"

Clearly, this is the Eastern God King.

Upon hearing the Eastern God King's suggestion, the room fell silent once more.

In some ways, this is indeed the best solution. But... it's also the most dangerous method.

These individuals were all deities who had lived through that era and had witnessed Zhao Ji's power.

Even after hundreds of years, the impression that Zeji was invincible still lingers in their hearts.

Moreover... a legendary god, who knows how many trump cards he holds?

If it were just clones, that would be fine. Even if Zhao Ji had some powerful trump cards, at most she would only cause them to lose some of their strength.