Douluo Continent: Gretchen at the start, empowered by the Star God.

Chapter 144 The Storm Is Brewing

"Miss, the young master has instructed that from today onwards, it is best for everyone not to go out for a stroll, as there may be some unpleasant situations that may arise," Xuan Bing said respectfully to the group who were swimming.

For some groups, this is paradise.

"Hmm?" Little Gretchen didn't go down to play with the others, but sat by the pool, so she was the first to hear Xuanbing's words.

"Does Xiao Du have any plans?" Alicia asked, but she already had the answer in her heart.

"That's right. To ensure everyone's safety, the young master has put away the Anywhere Door and set up barriers around this swimming pool and our house." Fortunately, the people present were all easy to talk to; otherwise, the difference in strength would probably have made Xuanbing not even dare to pass on the message.

"Is that so... I see. Little Du is really domineering~" Alicia said, looking at Seele beside her. "Don't you think so, Seele?"

"I'll listen to whatever Brother Lang Lei says," Xi'er said weakly.

"Hmm...don't go along with him like that!"

Xuanbing breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the others didn't react much and that they hardly complained after hearing that it was Lang Lei's decision.

"However, the young master has already set up a teleportation channel between the swimming pool and the house, so you can walk back and forth if you're bored," Xuan Bing said again. "In addition, there is also a spatial channel between our house in Xingluo City and our house in Tiandou City. The young master said that we should not set foot in the Xingluo Empire for the time being. If you really want to go out, you can choose to visit the Tiandou Empire, and he will take care of the expenses."

"Oh my, as expected of Xiao Du, so thoughtful~" Alicia said, clasping her hands together.

-

Soon after, Lang Lei received the message from Xuan Bing. He nodded and waved his hand, and the soldiers below immediately sprang into action, marching in unison towards Xingluo City.

With the sounds of drums and horns resounding, thousands of troops marched forth in a mighty and unstoppable force, like a river bursting its banks.

The soldiers, clad in armor and wielding swords and spears, stood tall and imposing. Banners blotted out the sky, warhorses neighed, and the entire column moved forward like a giant dragon. The flames of war raged, and the cries of battle shook the heavens; these scenes inspired awe and made the very earth tremble.

Lang Lei was satisfied with the army's imposing momentum. Although he was a novice in warfare, he understood that momentum was an essential element for an army.

Now, this army is focused on a single goal, and all soldiers take Lang Lei's will as the absolute standard. The cohesion of their will is unmatched by any other army.

-

"Report—"

Inside the Star Luo Empire's palace, a eunuch rushed over in a hurry, even stumbling a few times in the process.

The Emperor of Xingluo opened his eyes, his imposing presence radiating authority. Even the eunuch Li Ming, whose gaze fell upon him, couldn't help but shiver.

Unlike the Heaven Dou Empire, the emperors of the Star Luo Empire are all quite powerful, after all, they are the ones who fought their way out from among their brothers, and their character and methods are definitely not lacking.

The hurried footsteps broke the silence in the palace. Under normal circumstances, Li Ming would never have dared to do such a thing, even if he were beaten to death.

The eunuch Li Ming, pale-faced and panting, cried out, "Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! According to reliable sources, a rebel army is advancing towards the capital with great momentum, intending to attack the nation!"

Upon hearing this, the Star Luo Emperor slowly opened his eyes and calmly asked, "Oh? Is this true?"

Li Ming raised his head, his face full of anxiety: "It's absolutely true, Your Majesty! The source is absolutely reliable, this old servant dares not conceal anything!"

Emperor Xingluo sat up, pondered for a moment, and said calmly, "In that case, issue the order to strengthen the defenses of the imperial city and be on high alert."

The eunuch Li Ming said urgently, "Your Majesty, the imperial city's defenses alone may not be enough to withstand the rebel army's offensive. This old servant implores Your Majesty to temporarily leave the capital to ensure your safety!"

The Emperor of Xingluo sneered, "I am the ruler of a nation. How can I easily abandon the city and flee? There is no need to discuss this matter further. You may leave."

After all, they were forged in battle, so they certainly didn't lack pride and fighting spirit. Moreover, the Star Luo Emperor was very confident in the combat power of his army.

What does Li Ming, a eunuch, know?

Li Ming was extremely anxious and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, please reconsider! The rebel army is coming with overwhelming force. If we insist on staying behind, I'm afraid... This old servant is terrified!"

Emperor Xingluo impatiently waved his hand to interrupt him: "Enough, my mind is made up. Go and arrange the guard matters. There is no need to say anything more. Oh, and by the way, inform all the ministers to spread the prestige of my Xingluo Kingdom."

Helpless, the eunuch Li Ming could only kowtow and retreat, secretly praying that the emperor would be safe and sound and that the empire would remain intact.

The eunuch Li Ming walked out of the emperor's bedchamber, his heart heavy as he traversed the palace corridors. The night wind was biting, making his thin frame shiver. He knew in his heart that news of the rebel attack had to be conveyed to the other ministers and generals as soon as possible so that they could discuss countermeasures together.

For a eunuch with little soul power cultivation, all his current wealth and status were given to him by the Star Luo Empire, and he could not afford to make any mistakes.

He strode towards the general's residence and knocked on the gate. The gatekeeper, recognizing the Grand Eunuch Li Ming, hurriedly welcomed him inside. Upon seeing General Liu, Li Ming again informed him of the rebel attack. General Liu was also alarmed and immediately went with Li Ming to the palace to urgently convene a meeting of other high-ranking officials.

Inside the palace's council hall, all the officials gathered. After Li Ming reiterated the news in detail, the hall erupted in commotion. Prime Minister Wang, his brow furrowed, said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this matter concerns the fate of the Star Luo Empire. We implore Your Majesty to take it seriously!"

Emperor Xingluo's expression turned serious, and he nodded: "My beloved ministers, I am aware of this matter. I hereby order the Ministry of War to immediately mobilize troops from the surrounding areas to strengthen the defense of the capital, and at the same time, I order officials in all regions to closely monitor the movements of the rebels and report back at any time."

Seeing that the Xingluo Emperor had not mentioned evacuation, Li Ming grew anxious and stepped forward again, saying, "Your Majesty, this old servant dares to speak again, but the rebel army is powerful, and we fear that our current forces are insufficient to resist them. Your Majesty's health is of utmost importance, and I implore Your Majesty to temporarily avoid confrontation."

The Emperor of Xingluo glanced at Li Ming and said earnestly, "Li Ming, I understand your loyalty. But I am the ruler of a nation. If I were to abandon the city and flee in this time of crisis, wouldn't I be ridiculed by the world? I have decided to stay and defend the capital, to live and die with my soldiers!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ming became even more anxious, but seeing that the emperor's mind was made up, he dared not say anything more. Seeing the emperor's resolute attitude, the other ministers also expressed their support, vowing to live and die with the capital.

After the meeting, Li Ming remained alone in the council hall, gazing at the empty space, his heart filled with helplessness and worry. He knew all too well what the emperor's decision meant; if the rebels breached the capital, the consequences would be unimaginable.

At least, he's finished...

(End of this chapter)