Zhou Linglong’S Conspiracy

Outside Chang'an City, a massive defense formation suddenly rose, blocking Orion and his forces. The entire city was now enclosed in a transparent shield that shimmered with power, and Orion's eyes widened in awe.

"This... what an extravagant display!" he exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief.

The sheer size and strength of the barrier astonished him. The Zhou Dynasty had undoubtedly poured centuries of planning and resources into this defense. Covering an entire city with a protective shield was no small feat, and its defensive capabilities seemed formidable.

But Orion's astonishment quickly gave way to cold determination. "Hmph, they're just delaying the inevitable!" he sneered. "Xu Chu, Qingyun—destroy that shield!"

The two powerful emperors beside him nodded in acknowledgment. Their pride was bruised—the shield had risen right under their noses without them reacting in time.

Xu Chu and Emperor Qingyun exchanged glances, then summoned their immense power. Their combined energy exploded outward, striking the transparent shield with devastating force. The ground quaked, the sky darkened, and the shockwaves rippled across the land.

Yet, as the dust settled, the shield stood firm, only slightly dimmer than before.

Xu Chu frowned, exchanging a glance with Qingyun. "It didn't break?"

But Xu Chu's sharp eyes caught a faint flicker. "Look closely, the light's weaker. Our attack is working. Let's keep going!" His voice was resolute, his gaze locked on the shield.

Without wasting time, they launched another volley of attacks, each blow shaking the air and land alike.

Inside the city, Zhou Linglong hovered in the air above the city walls, wrapped in the majestic aura of the Holy Emperor's body. Her body absorbed the dynasty's dragon energy, and as the final surge of power flowed into her, an overwhelming force radiated outward.

The void around her seemed to freeze. Zhou Linglong's eyes snapped open, gleaming with golden light, her imperial majesty soaring to its peak.

She felt transformed, her very soul brimming with power she had never imagined before. Those around her instinctively knelt, unable to resist the overpowering presence of her holy body.

Suddenly, Zhou Linglong's gaze turned toward Orion, who was still outside the shield, battering it relentlessly. A strange sensation rippled through her—something that felt like a bond, a tether between them.

For a moment, confusion clouded her mind, but then it hit her.

"I remember now," she whispered, her eyes flashing with sudden clarity.

An ancient text she had once read resurfaced in her memory. It spoke of the owners of holy bodies—how they were destined to clash. Two Holy Body owners could not coexist peacefully; they would inevitably be drawn into battle, each striving to prove their invincibility over the other.

Zhou Linglong's lips curled into a cold smile. "Orion, you've hidden yourself well," she muttered. "I didn't expect you to be the owner of a Holy Body too."

She sneered as she recalled Orion's past reputation—the so-called "worthless prince." Now she saw the truth. His reputation as a failure had been a ruse, a carefully constructed facade. Orion had hidden his true power all along, concealing the immense potential of his Holy Body.

When she spoke aloud, the revelation sent shockwaves through those gathered on the city walls. The whispers spread like wildfire—Orion, the prince everyone thought was weak, was in fact a Holy Body owner!

Orion smiled slightly, shaking his head in resignation. "Well, so much for keeping a low profile," he muttered under his breath. "No more pretending, I guess. Time to show what I can really do."

Though he was curious how Zhou Linglong had discovered his secret, there was no time for questions.

Zhou Linglong's voice rang out, sharp and challenging. "Orion, when two Holy Bodies meet, there must be a battle. It is inevitable. Let's settle this here and now. King versus king, let's see who is truly worthy."

Her confidence was absolute. She knew Orion had no choice but to accept. Refusing would stain his invincible heart, and the shame of retreat would become an unhealable wound in his path of cultivation. He would never be able to progress again.

Zhou Linglong smirked inwardly. It was a perfect trap—either Orion fought and lost, or he refused and destroyed himself.

"Come on, Orion," she whispered, her eyes gleaming with cruel anticipation. "It's time to decide who's truly invincible."