Chapter 1258: Leaving Gardam Family Merchant Headquarters
Aldrian nodded in understanding.
"I see, it must be tough for all of you," he said. "But in the near future, you will not have to live while hiding your true origins anymore. You will be able to live proudly as the true denizens of this universe."
Emilia’s heart trembled upon hearing those confident words. She could not help but feel moved as she imagined the long-held dream of her family, who had been forced to hide their identity, finally becoming reality. They would once again be able to live openly as the true people of this universe.
It was the same dream shared by many others who had chosen not only to hide their identities but also their very existence by living within hidden bases.
They were resistance fighters who had become the spear that constantly caused headaches for the invaders’ followers. They also served as a distraction so that the disguised resistance members could carry out their tasks more easily.
She felt pity for them, but Aldrian’s words truly made her glad that their struggles would soon pay off.
"Your Majesty, will you launch a counterattack in the near future?" Emilia asked.
"I will have to meet with the other resistance members first to determine the right time, but I do not think it will be long. My followers in the First Heaven are already craving battle, and with their strength, I believe it is only a matter of time before we can retake the Second Heaven," Aldrian replied.
Emilia’s eyes brightened. Her anticipation grew, and her heart became more spirited. She looked at the cup of tea on the table for a moment before turning her gaze back to Aldrian.
"Your Majesty, I heard about the commotion that came from the First Heaven. I’m truly amazed by whatever Your Majesty did in the First Heaven to make the followers of the two gods fight each other."
"Those invaders’ followers are also confused by the First Heaven suddenly becoming sealed, which prevents them from descending there. I can only imagine that even Avergis and Tarius are confused as well."
"Forgive me if I sound too presumptuous for prying into Your Majesty’s secrets. If I may ask, how did Your Majesty do it? I truly cannot comprehend Your Majesty’s great power, and I simply could not help but feel curious."
The twins frowned.
"Don’t—" Zervan wanted to reprimand Emilia, but Aldrian raised his hand to stop him. Zervan immediately fell silent and swallowed the words he had wanted to say.
Aldrian smiled at Emilia.
"Well, you do not need to apologize. Curiosity is normal. But if you ask me how I did that, well, I could only say that it is simply one of my abilities..."
Aldrian then told her how he could use the energies of others and turn them to his advantage.
As for controlling the heavenly laws of the First Heaven, he could only tell her that as long as he reached the Central Region of Heaven, he could already say that victory was within their grasp. It was simply his innate power and ability that allowed him to do so.
He did not mind telling her that much, as he would tell the other resistance members the same thing anyway. They needed to know what he was capable of so they could understand what kind of abilities he possessed for the future war and how they could achieve victory.
Emilia released a sigh filled with amazement and admiration. Just hearing about it already sounded absurd. Her mind and knowledge as an Immortal Saint cultivator could not comprehend how someone who had yet to reach the Divine Realm could accomplish all of that.
No, she even doubted that a god could easily do what Aldrian had done. If that were the case, then they would have had no problem fending off the invaders in the first place, and invading gods such as Avergis and Tarius would be able to control the heavenly laws as easily as Aldrian.
If that happened, then there would be no way for the resistance forces to accomplish anything in the Second Heaven. Every action they took would be instantly known to Avergis, and they would be defeated far more easily.
’No wonder countless beings placed their faith in him, and the resistance groups, especially the older generations, never lost their belief in him. If he could already do all of that when he was not even an immortal, then what about now? What about when he reaches godhood? Just what kind of power will he wield once he reaches the Divine Realm?’
Emilia shuddered just imagining it.
’Now I understand why many elders said that even if he were alone, he could retake the Second Heaven. His abilities and power are so ridiculous that even the heavens obey his will.’
Emilia sighed once more.
"Your Majesty is truly mighty. Hearing what you did in the First Heaven has truly broadened my horizons. It has also raised my spirits for the future war. I believe that victory is already in sight," she said.
Aldrian smiled and did not say anything, merely sipping his tea.
After that, they conversed about other matters, though most of their discussion revolved around the Second Heaven in general and the Purple Lotus Sect’s domain in particular. Aldrian wanted to gather as much information as possible regarding the Second Heaven.
After three hours of conversation, Emilia suddenly received a call informing her that someone wished to meet with her.
"Madam, Grand Elder Zhi of the Logistics Department of the Purple Lotus Sect requests an audience." The voice came from the communication artifact in her hand.
Emilia frowned. She wanted to refuse, but Aldrian spoke first.
"Emilia, you may continue with your business. I believe I have already taken much of your time. I truly appreciate it."
"Your Majesty, it is fine. We can still continue our conversation. I still have free time until later," Emilia said.
Aldrian still smiled.
"No, it is alright, Emilia. I know that something must have come up. I could sense it from you, and it is much better if you attend to it. I do not want to disturb you any further. We can continue our conversation later."
Emilia sighed and nodded.
"Alright. My apologies, Your Majesty, for the disturbance."
She then looked at Ronald and nodded to him before turning her gaze back to Aldrian.
"Your Majesty, you may follow Ronald. He will take Your Majesty to the accommodation we have already prepared. I will have Ronald remain by Your Majesty’s side to assist with anything you may need. Please tell him if you require anything. He is one of my most trusted aides."
"I will inform Your Majesty once all of our resistance group members have arrived. Then Your Majesty may visit the meeting place."
Aldrian nodded.
"Alright, thank you, Emilia."
Emilia showed a beautiful smile.
"It is my pleasure to serve the Great Emperor of All Heavens," she said with a bow.
Aldrian and the twins were then led by Ronald to the rear of the headquarters, where there were fewer people. They entered an ordinary carriage that bore no identifying marks, appearing no different from the countless carriages available for rent throughout the city.
"My apologies, Your Majesty, for the inconvenience. If we wish to remain inconspicuous, we have to use an ordinary carriage," Ronald said with an apologetic expression. He sat across from Aldrian and the twins.
Aldrian smiled at him.
"It is alright, Ronald. There is nothing to apologize for."
They then departed from the Gardam Family Merchant Headquarters.
Because they were riding in an ordinary carriage, they received no special privileges from others on the road. Most people simply assumed they were ordinary travelers who had rented a carriage from some establishment, which was a common sight throughout the city.
However, anyone who saw the carriage’s interior would be surprised to discover that it was actually as luxurious as the carriages used by nobles. To see it, one would have to enter the carriage, as the windows were designed to allow those inside to see out while preventing outsiders from seeing in.
As they made their way through the city, Aldrian calmly looked outside, enjoying the scenery along the road. He could see countless people walking through the streets, and from time to time, he spotted disciples of the Purple Lotus Sect among them.
Aldrian also occasionally saw members of the temples wearing their usual robes. Whenever he saw them, he could not help but feel the urge to do something to them.
Aldrian remained inside the carriage for an hour until they finally arrived at a secluded area surrounded by a small forest.
Not long afterward, they reached a large secluded villa located in the middle of the forest.
"This is one of our private properties. Unless someone wishes to be attacked by the guardians of this place, no outsiders would dare trespass here. All the staff members inside are members of the resistance group," Ronald said to Aldrian.
Aldrian nodded.
They finally arrived at the front doors, and Ronald guided them inside. The moment they entered, Aldrian was instantly greeted by dozens of maids and butlers lined up in two rows.
"Welcome to Hidden Garden Villa, Your Excellencies," they greeted in unison.
’They do not know Your Majesty’s true identity yet, so they merely consider Your Majesty to be an important VIP whom the Matriarch personally values,’ Ronald said through voice transmission.
Aldrian nodded. They were then guided to their rooms by the head butler.
After entering his room, Aldrian observed it for a moment before dismissing the head butler and Ronald.
They obeyed and left Aldrian alone.
After being left alone, Aldrian sat on the edge of the bed and began thinking about what he was going to do next.
’I will meet with the other resistance group members first. After that, I think I would like to visit a few places.’