Chapter 376: Empress Ascends

"But this final trial could shatter your soul's endurance, turning you into a bloodthirsty demon completely devoid of self-control. The limit of demonic essence is the manifestation of extreme killing intent and desire for conquest. If you lack the ability to control this power, my disciple, I will not let you have your way. Doing so would only harm you."

Xu Yang knew that King Zhanyu was genuinely considering the Empress's well-being. Their relationship was one of master and disciple, coupled with the responsibility for the nation's destiny. If the Empress lost control, she would not only cease to be an ally but would become the greatest enemy of the Flame Nation.

"Exactly, I support King Zhanyu's statement. This final trial is also your greatest test. Of course, I will personally protect you. If you feel you can't hold on, tell me immediately. I will inherit this power on your behalf, ensuring you won't suffer any harm. This is a promise I once made to you."

The Empress gazed deeply at Xu Yang, then at her master, King Zhanyu, before finally nodding gravely.

"I've cleared twelve stages. This final, most difficult step can surely also be conquered. Bring it on!"

King Zhanyu sighed softly. "You truly are my disciple. You are the Flame Nation's real pride."

Whoosh!

A soul light flashed out. King Zhanyu's soul power instantly locked onto the Empress's body. While gradually infusing black demonic essence into her, he also continuously challenged her soul's endurance, applying constant pressure to her spirit.

After all, resisting pressure is like a spring: it can stretch freely within its limits, but once it breaks past that limit, it shatters and can no longer function. For cultivators, the soul and body's capacity to bear power is exactly the same.

By doing this, King Zhanyu was continuously testing and expanding the Empress's limits.

Aargh!

A furious roar erupted as immense soul power continued to pour out. Within a ten-step radius around the Empress, an incredibly dense black domain energy covered and destroyed almost everything!

"My heavens... Boss, this woman is practically a world-destroying demon god! Are you sure she's your teammate?"

Little Tuantuan leaned closer to Long Kun and whispered, "Not just a teammate, but *that* kind of relationship, hehe!"

Long Kun: "...Damn, I didn't realize the Boss was into violent women."

Xu Yang: "..."

His initial anxiousness about the Empress's condition was largely alleviated by his mischievous friends beside him.

As time passed, the Empress's endurance gradually reached its limit. But just as she was about to give in, Xu Yang immediately entered a state of soul resonance in her mind.

"Girl, I'm here!"

Boom!

In an instant, the Empress's aura erupted once more. This time, she unleashed an unprecedented surge of ultimate demonic power!

"Ah Yang, it's really you!"

To Xu Yang's delightful surprise, his soul resonance at that critical moment not only helped the Empress break through her endurance limit, allowing her to become the strongest in the illusory world, comparable to the Laws of Demonic Essence, but also unfurled her sealed memories, helping her recall everything from her past in the real world!

"And everyone else, this is wonderful, you're all here..."

Xu Yang was filled with both excitement and emotion. He even began to feel fortunate for the experience in the Illusory World of the Endless Pagoda, as it had deepened the bond between him and his companions.

"Whew... you succeeded!"

King Zhanyu, his brow beaded with sweat, finally ceased his actions. Everyone around could sense that his equally powerful aura had completely vanished. At that moment, he appeared to be a calm and ordinary old man. However, only Xu Yang noticed that his eyes were clearer than ever before.

"Lad, I think I've seen that end as well!"

Xu Yang was overjoyed and approached King Zhanyu. "That's because your soul realm had already reached its peak. Demonic essence became your confinement, keeping you trapped within the triangle of the Three Yuan Laws and preventing you from seeing the entirety of the world. Now you've lost that power, but your soul's realm has transcended everything."

It was a happy ending for everyone.

King Zhanyu returned, achieving the Immortal King Soul realm. The Empress attained the limit of demonic essence, becoming one of the three strongest in the illusory world, and regained her sealed memories, truly returning to Xu Yang's side.

"Third Prince, stay here. I will take your father back with my companions and deal with Black Rose and the Endless Sea forces behind her. Remember my words: our true opponent is only the Endless Sea! Order all the stationed forces of the Divine Nation to move towards the southern border. Soon, I will gather the allied armies of both nations to launch the final battle against the Endless Sea!"

"Understood!"

...

Three days later, dark clouds loomed over the Flame Nation's royal city. The Empress, dominating the world, arrived on clouds, surveying the entire city like a demon god. Her terrifying pressure caused tens of thousands in the palace to tremble. Even the powerful figure hidden in the shadows couldn't help but frown.

"Who dares to descend upon the Flame Nation's royal palace!"

The Empress sneered, crossing her arms and continuing to release her aura, offering no response. Instead, another profoundly deep and clear soul voice descended from the sky, accompanying the Empress's overwhelming and heaven-shrouding aura.

"Have the people of the Endless Sea forgotten my name so quickly? I, King Zhanyu, should also return."

"What?!"

Inside the royal hall, Black Rose, seated on the throne, suddenly stood up, intending to resist. But the Empress merely transformed into a streak of light, appearing before her and, simultaneously, before everyone present!

"It's, it's Your Majesty!"

The court officials were utterly dumbfounded. Without a word, they all knelt before the Empress.

The Empress had, after all, been king for several tens of days, and the court officials genuinely held her in awe!

However, for Black Rose, who had seized the throne with the Endless Sea's power, they merely felt fear.

Awe and fear were, fundamentally, two entirely different states...

"Ma-Master... You!"

Black Rose was also flustered. She had originally thought the Empress would surely die, entangled by Xu Yang and Wushuang. She never expected the Empress to not only appear alive before her but also to be vastly more powerful than before.

"Kneel!"

The Empress's regal might was fully displayed, terrifying Black Rose to the point where she completely forgot her trump cards. Her mind was filled only with thoughts of her master.

"Do you realize your mistake? The entire Flame Nation was nearly destroyed by your hands!"

"Master, it wasn't my fault. It was those people from the Endless Sea, that Black Cloak, he forced me!"

"Hahaha... Yes, it was me. Are you satisfied now?"

The shadowy figure in the black cloak suddenly appeared out of thin air, and in the very next instant, pierced Black Rose's heart with a dagger.