In the twelfth level of the Aetherian Sanctuary, the Sanctum World, the highest three levels are absolute forbidden zones, each constructed with independent and powerful law frameworks. No one dares to step beyond the boundaries without Aurek's permission.
In fact, the internal spaces of each level of the Sanctum World are vast beyond imagination. If a mortal were to walk through them, it would take a lifetime to cross, even if they tried. However, after advancing to the Divine Cleric rank, not only does the speed of movement greatly increase, but one can also adapt to and utilize the rules of the Divine Sanctuary to travel rapidly.
Thus, crossing a single Sanctum World only takes about half a day. But for Aurek, as the ruler who has completely absorbed and mastered the law origins of the Divine Sanctuary, a simple thought allows him to teleport instantly. With mastery over spatial laws, crossing between different planes is no challenge for him.
Accompanied by a flash of divine golden light, Aurek's figure descended into the magnificent first sanctuary!
Inside the sanctuary was a miniature starry sea, materialized in front of him. At the center of it, a throne floated among the stars!
The moment Aurek sat upon the throne, his form seemed to resonate with the sanctuary's laws. To the onlookers, his figure suddenly became colossal, like a god standing at the center of the galaxy, gazing down upon all the worlds.
Behind the throne, the Emperor's Source and holy golden light intertwined and radiated, exuding such majesty that it was impossible to look directly at.
This was the supreme might granted by the imperial throne!
Standing in the hall were Cyriel and War Bear.
"Your Majesty, we bow before you!" they both humbly knelt.
Aurek looked down at them.
Cyriel had reached the God King 5th level, and War Bear had achieved God General 8th level.
It was clear that the repeated battles had greatly tempered and improved them. Combined with the resources Aurek had granted, their progress was nothing short of rapid.
Aurek could guess that the others had likely gained similar boosts.
"How is the situation on the battlefield?" Aurek asked in a deep voice.
War Bear replied, "Your Majesty, the giant elephant demon race has been completely exterminated, and the Dawonru Empire has fallen. The royal family has been escorted back, and the imperial legions are fully taking over the empire's territory, bringing it into the imperial fold."
"General Suggwoth has stationed forces at the border of the Sablecliff region and is preparing for the next phase of the assault on the Demonwing Empire."
As War Bear spoke, he conjured a detailed strategic map of the demon realm in the hall.
This intelligence came from the Court of Darkness.
Sablecliff was located on the western side of the Dawonru Empire's territory, with the Snail Sea to the north. To the east and northeast was the Demonwing Empire.
The northern part of the Demonwing Empire bordered the Snail Sea, and further in the distance was the Yuli region.
The distant corner of the Snail Sea bordered the Holy Kare Mountains!
Aurek studied the map for a moment, then spoke.
"Send a message to Suggwoth. After conquering half of the Demonwing Empire's territory, halt the offensive and transition into defense."
"The situation in Sablecliff and Yuli is unclear. The Court of Darkness is still investigating the Council of the Dark Order's details within the Holy Kare Mountains. There's no need for the empire to clash head-on with these forces at this moment."
"By using the remaining territory of the Demonwing Empire as a buffer zone, we can reduce direct friction and gather intelligence on the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, giving the empire more time to develop."
"As for the Demonwing Empire itself, taking half of their territory will significantly cripple their power. Once we know the full scope of each faction, and when the time is right, a mere empire with a Sage King rank ruler will be no match. We could send an army of millions of God King-level titans marching in formation, and the empire will be flattened in no time."
"Your Majesty, these are some ancient books and secret scrolls obtained from the giant elephant demon race's temple. They contain many secrets of the starry sea. Please take a look."
Cyriel stepped forward and presented the carefully organized texts.
Among them were several secrets about the Endless Star Sea.
Also presented was an ancient star beast bone marked with ancient tortoiseshell patterns, a mysterious stone engraved with runes, and a Shadow Stone.
Aurek placed them into his storage space.
Cyriel continued, "The records on the starry sea secrets were destroyed by the White Lady on the spot. It seems she was... deliberately hiding something from you, Your Majesty."
Aurek furrowed his brows.
"Hiding something?"
Cyriel relayed everything that had happened, including the fleeting glimpse of the snowy world.
Aurek fell into thought.
It seemed he had underestimated the White Lady.
Everyone has their secrets; this was not surprising.
But she was now a powerful force under the empire, one with immeasurable strength. He needed to remain cautious.
However, with his current strength and the means at his disposal, he could suppress any potential risks.
At least for now, it seemed the White Lady held no ill will toward the empire.
And then there was Elizabeth...
Her past was also shrouded in mystery.
"You continue assisting Natasha," Aurek ordered Cyriel.
"The Court of Darkness has extended its reach into the Holy Kare Mountains. Natasha may personally go there, and it's safer for her with you protecting her."
"Understood!" Cyriel replied respectfully.
War Bear also bowed and left to convey the new strategic orders to Suggwoth.
Aurek's mind power swept beyond the Aetherian Sanctuary.
The female members of the Dawonru royal family, who had been escorted back, were temporarily settled in a palace within Eryndor City.
After leaving the sanctuary, Aurek began to cultivate the summoned units.
Now, he could cultivate over 4.5 million new units in a single day!
Among them, titans, void warlocks, and Soul Warlocks at the God King level accounted for more than half.
Aurek paid special attention to the newly born Soul Warlocks!
They were enveloped in dark gray shadows, much like the Elemental Assassins, and emitted mind power waves that stirred one's very soul.
Even Aurek, as he approached, instinctively sensed a slight threat.
There was no need for experimentation—he could feel their power and eerie nature.
This only increased his anticipation for what incredible effects this army would have in real combat.
He deployed the newly cultivated forces to the second sanctuary and the corresponding regions, then returned to the upper sanctum.
As he passed a palace corridor, he saw the gloomy Sophia.
"Miss!"
A nearby maid whispered.
Sophia snapped out of her reverie, and when she looked up to see Aurek, her gloomy expression instantly turned to joy.
She quickly stood up and, with two sweet dimples, walked toward Aurek.
"Aurek, what brings you here?" she asked.
Aurek raised his hand to signal the maid to step aside.
"What's on your mind?" he asked.
Sophia unconsciously fiddled with the edge of her sleeve.
"No... nothing."
However, her thoughts were almost entirely written in her dim eyes.
"Are you not used to life here?"
"No, it's not that!"
Sophia quickly shook her head, then lowered her head, her voice barely audible.
"It's just... with my status, it doesn't feel quite right to stay here forever."
Aurek's gaze shifted slightly. How could he not understand the hidden thoughts of the young woman?
He suddenly extended his arm, pulling Sophia's slender waist and gently drawing her near.
"Then, how about I grant you a rightful title now?"
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