The next few days passed in an atmosphere of outward calm but inward anxiety. Su Nian devoted herself to stabilizing the rear, allocating provisions, calming the unrest caused by the granary fire and the artisan rebellion, while closely monitoring any developments on the northwest front.

Her efforts to promote new plows and review the redemption of slaves did not cease due to the turmoil; on the contrary, they became even more resolute. Ruger's betrayal made her realize more clearly that only by genuinely improving the living conditions of the majority could the breeding ground for hatred be fundamentally dismantled. This was not only a task, but gradually became something she genuinely wanted to do.

On the third day at dusk, as the setting sun dyed the stone walls of the royal court blood-red, the triumphant procession finally appeared on the distant horizon.

The dark, imposing army, like a moving mountain range, slowly returned, carrying the chilling aura of victors. At the very front of the column, the royal banner embroidered with a ferocious wolf's head fluttered in the wind. Beneath it, Helian Jue rode a tall warhorse, his posture still as upright as a pine tree. The dust and dark red bloodstains on his black armor silently testified to the cruelty of war.

The royal court was in an uproar. Horns blared, and the officials, soldiers, and civilians who remained behind surged toward the entrance to welcome their king and the victorious army.

Su Nian stood on the high platform in front of the council hall, watching the approaching procession, her heart pounding uncontrollably. She saw several heads hanging at the front of the procession, carried on long poles—the heads of Arsleng, the chief of the Wind Owl tribe, his sons, and… Modo!

The final expression on Modo's shrewd and calculating face was one of astonishment and resentment, as if he had never expected his fate.

Helian Jue succeeded. With lightning speed, he took advantage of the infighting within Fengxiao to completely crush the biggest threat in the Northwest and personally killed his nemesis, Moduo.

[Host! Modo is dead! The Northwest is pacified! Mission completion rate greatly improved!] 088 excitedly reported, [However, the core missions 'End Tyranny' and 'Obtain the Crown' are not fully unlocked yet. It seems one last step is needed!]

Su Nian did not respond to the system; her gaze was fixed on Helian Jue.

He reined in his horse and stopped at the entrance to the royal court, accepting the cheers of the crowd. His gaze, like that of a hawk, swept across the crowd and finally landed precisely on Su Nian on the high platform.

Amidst the heavy cheers and billowing dust, their eyes met in the air.

Helian Jue's eyes were complex and difficult to decipher. There was the arrogance of a victor, the weariness after a bloody battle, the satisfaction of clearing obstacles, and a deeper, more intense, burning, and focused light, as if he had confirmed something.

He raised his hand and pointed in the direction where Su Nian was.

In an instant, all the cheers seemed to freeze for a moment, and everyone's eyes followed the king's gaze to the young woman standing on the high platform, her figure slender yet her back straight.

The grand triumphant ceremony and the distribution of rewards lasted for a full day. Helian Jue dealt with the remaining forces of the Fengxiao tribe with ruthless methods, reducing most of the captives to slavery, and annexing their land and livestock to the royal court. Luge and others who participated in the rebellion were beheaded and their families were punished, once again using bloody methods to deter all those with ill intentions.

The royal court was immersed in the joy of victory and a deeper reverence for the king.

At night, a grand victory banquet was held in the council hall. A bonfire blazed, the aroma of roasted meat filled the air, and fine wine was served in abundance. The generals who had distinguished themselves in battle drank heartily and sang with abandon, creating a lively and boisterous atmosphere.

Helian Jue sat high in the main seat, accepting toasts from his subjects. He drank a lot, but his eyes grew brighter and sharper. Occasionally, when he glanced at Su Nian, who sat relatively quiet to his left, his gaze carried an undisguised possessiveness and an indescribable probing.

Su Nian could feel the pressure of that gaze. She tried her best to remain calm, sipping her fruit wine, but her mind had already wandered far away. With Mo Duo executed and the Northwest pacified, Helian Jue's prestige reached its peak. Next came the most crucial step—how ​​to guide him truly onto the path of "ending tyranny."

As the wine flowed freely, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively. Just then, Helian Jue suddenly put down his wine cup, and the hall fell silent instantly as everyone looked at their king.

Helian Jue didn't look at anyone else; his gaze was fixed on Su Nian.

"Su Nian," he said, his voice slightly hoarse from drinking, yet carrying an undeniable authority, "Come forward."

Su Nian felt a slight tightness in her chest. She put down her wine cup and, under everyone's gaze, slowly walked to the center of the hall and bowed to Helian Jue.

Helian Jue stood up, his tall figure casting a huge shadow in the firelight, completely enveloping Su Nian. He walked down from the throne step by step and came before her.

He didn't speak immediately, but instead used his deep, cold eyes to carefully examine Su Nian inch by inch, as if trying to etch her current appearance into the depths of his soul.

The hall was completely silent; even the crackling of the bonfire could be clearly heard.

"During my absence from court," Helian Jue finally spoke, his voice resounding throughout the hall, "Counselor Su made invaluable contributions in stabilizing the rear, implementing agricultural policies, and uncovering traitors."

His words were a public affirmation of her abilities.

Su Nian lowered his eyes: "This is my duty. I rely on Your Majesty's prestige and the soldiers' willingness to fight."

Helian Jue suddenly changed the subject, his tone becoming low and dangerous: "But I've heard that you've suspended the approval of slave redemption? And that you're secretly investigating old matters related to Luger?"

These words instantly created a tense and subtle atmosphere in the hall. Some of the old nobles, who were already dissatisfied with Su Nian's interference in politics, revealed a gloating glint in their eyes.

Su Nian raised her head, meeting Helian Jue's scrutinizing gaze, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Your Majesty, the suspension of approvals is for the purpose of rigorous verification, to prevent those with ulterior motives from taking the opportunity to infiltrate, to ensure that the policies benefit those who are truly meritorious and capable, and also to uphold the fairness of Your Majesty's new policies. Investigating past events is to eliminate remnants and prevent future troubles. The matter of Luge shows how deep the hatred is, and it cannot be ignored."

Her answer was clear, forceful, and well-reasoned.

Helian Jue stared at her for a long while, then suddenly let out a low, ambiguous laugh.

“Well said,” he said, and then he did something that left everyone speechless.

He reached out, not to put his arm around her waist, nor to grab her wrist, but... to hold her hand that was resting at her side!

His hands, calloused from years of wielding weapons, were warm and powerful, tightly enveloping Su Nian's cool hands with an irresistible force.

Su Nian froze, instinctively trying to pull away, but he held her even tighter.

【Wow! Host! Holding hands in public! Is this an official announcement?!】088 screamed in her mind.

Helian Jue grasped her hand, raised it high, and faced all the officials and generals in the hall. His voice, like thunder, resounded in every corner:

"From this day forward, Su Nian will be my only queen! She will share this vast empire with me and jointly wield the power of the royal court!"

"boom--!"

The entire hall seemed to have been struck by a thunderbolt, instantly erupting in uproar!

A queen?! Sharing the throne?! Sharing power?!

This was not merely granting a title; it was handing over almost half of the royal power to a woman! In this barbaric, power-driven slave-owning dynasty, this was unprecedented! It was utterly earth-shattering!

Even Su Nian was completely stunned. She had guessed that Helian Jue might grant her a higher position because of her contributions and...some kind of affection, but she hadn't expected such a direct and domineering declaration! Sharing power? This almost touched the bottom line of the power structure of this era!

"Your Majesty! No!" An elderly tribal chief suddenly stood up, his face flushed. "Although Councilor Su has rendered meritorious service, the position of Queen is related to the foundation of the nation. How can it be so hasty! Sharing power is unheard of! The laws of our ancestors cannot be abolished!"

"Yes, Your Majesty! Women interfering in politics is hardly a good omen!"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

Opposition voices rose and fell, mostly from those tribal nobles who clung to tradition.

Helian Jue's face instantly darkened, and he tightened his grip on Su Nian's hand, as if he wanted to crush any dissenting voices. His icy gaze swept over those who voiced their opposition, as if looking at a flock of lambs to the slaughter.

"The laws of our ancestors?" Helian Jue's voice carried a chilling, bloodthirsty edge. "My blade is the law! My will is the rule!"

He suddenly drew his sword from his waist, and with a flash of cold light, slammed it down hard on the bronze wine table beside him!

"Crack!" The wine table shattered with a sound, and wine splashed everywhere!

"Anyone have a problem?" He surveyed the entire room, his eyes as fierce as a beast's. "Step forward and let my blade hear your reasoning!"

The hall fell silent instantly. Everyone was stunned by Helian Jue's undisguised killing intent, trembling with fear. They then remembered that the man before them was the tyrant who had fought his way up from the ranks of slaves and ascended the throne over countless corpses! His decisions were never to be questioned!

Under the absolute threat of force, all dissent was forcibly suppressed. Helian Jue, in his usual domineering manner, crowned Su Nian as "Queen" and granted her unprecedented power.

The celebration banquet ended in an eerie and oppressive atmosphere.

Helian Jue, holding Su Nian's hand, left the main hall and headed towards his bedchamber amidst the complex and unspoken gazes of all his subjects.

His hands were still clenched tightly, his palms burning hot. Su Nian followed behind him, watching his tense and imposing back, her heart churning with emotion.

The mission, "to obtain the crown,"... was nearly accomplished in this unexpected way. She became queen, possessing the nominal power to share the throne.

But what about "ending tyranny"?

Helian Jue used even greater violence to suppress dissenting voices and consolidate her position. It seemed like a paradox. She used wisdom and gentle persuasion to drive change, while he paved the way for her with killing and brute force.

Back in his bedchamber, Helian Jue dismissed all the servants. He released her hand, turned around, and gazed intently at her in the flickering candlelight.

“Now, you are my queen,” he said, his tone no longer the tyranny of the banquet, but with a deep, almost obstinate certainty. “My kingdom is yours. You can go ahead and do the ‘changes’ you desire.”

Su Nian looked up and saw the undisguised, possessive, dependent, and slightly ingratiating light in his eyes, and felt a mix of emotions.

Was he expressing his...love in his own way? By using power, by using the country, by using violence to sweep away all obstacles, to lock her firmly by his side, to share everything he possessed with her.

“Helian Jue,” she asked softly, “do you know what ‘sharing power’ means? How much resistance might we encounter? It might even… shake the foundations of your throne?”

Helian Jue stepped forward and reached out to touch her cheek, his movements carrying a cautiousness that was contrary to his nature.

“I know,” he said softly, his gaze intensely focused. “But if you want it, I’ll give it to you.”

He paused, his voice growing deeper: "As for resistance... anyone who dares to stand in your way, I will kill them. If the throne is shaken because of this..."

He tightened his fingertips slightly, forcing Su Nian to look closer into his deep eyes:

"Then I will build another one, even more stable, a throne for only you and me."

The obsession and madness in her words sent a jolt through Su Nian.

Just then, Helian Jue seemed to suddenly feel some intense pain, clutched his head, let out a suppressed growl, and his body trembled slightly.

“Ugh…it’s…those fragments again…” His eyes were unfocused, his expression pained and confused. “Xie Chen…Immortal Lord…Prince…no…I am Helian Jue…you are my…Queen…”

Su Nian's expression changed. His soul fragments were becoming disordered again! And this time it was more severe than ever before!

[Warning! Warning! The target's soul stability has dropped sharply! Impacted by multiple memory fragments! Risk of collapse!] 088's alarm blared sharply.

Su Nian didn't have time to think and stepped forward to support him: "Helian Jue!"

Helian Jue suddenly grabbed her arm, his grip so tight it almost crushed her bones. He looked up, his eyes shifting between madness, confusion, and the familiar obsession.

"Su Nian...don't go...you're not allowed to leave..." he whispered hoarsely, as if fighting against some immense fear deep within his soul, "No world...you're not allowed to..."

Before he could finish speaking, his body went limp, and he collapsed onto Su Nian, falling into a deep coma.

Su Nian supported his heavy body, looking at his furrowed brows even in his unconscious state, and her heart was filled with turmoil.

The throne of Queen, sharing the kingdom... the end of the mission seems to be just around the corner.

However, the violent upheaval in Helian Jue's soul foreshadowed an even greater storm that might be on the horizon.

His last words before he fell into a coma, "You are not allowed to leave any world," were like a shackle that pierced through the barriers of the world, firmly locking her in.

"[Host...]" 088's voice was unusually grave. "[This mission has entered its final stage. However, the target's condition... we may need to speed things up. The next stage of the leap will likely have to be brought forward.]"

Su Nian looked at the unconscious Helian Jue in her arms, feeling his burning body temperature and uneasy trembling, and slowly closed her eyes.

She knew that her time in this world might not be long.

(End of Chapter 123)