The Grand Priest continued with a serious expression, "However, seeing this video means I am no longer in this world, and Saint Roman must have encountered an unprecedented crisis."
He sighed and began to recount how he had taught and helped Sai Lepeisi, how she had ascended the throne step by step, and the contributions he had made in recent years.
Xiao Xun felt a headache coming on from the Grand Priest's report-like speech. He wanted to fast forward but couldn't find the remote after searching for a long time.
The other party seemed to sense Xiao Xun's thoughts, "Stop looking. You have plenty of time. Can't you spare a little to listen to an old dead man ramble for a bit?"
Xiao Xun was stunned, "Are you still alive? Are you actually hiding somewhere and video-calling me?"
But the Grand Priest didn't answer. Xiao Xun reluctantly sat back on the sofa and watched the big screen.
"Although I don't know who you are or if we've met, your presence here means you have gained the recognition of my twelve students. Their approval is not easily earned.
I hope you can help me take good care of them. While they are highly skilled, their minds are not yet mature, and they tend to be stubborn. A little guidance is all they need. Please do not punish them.
They are also inexperienced with the world, which is why they eschew unnecessary social niceties. But their hearts are pure, and they are good people."
Xiao Xun nodded, signifying his agreement.
On the television, the Grand Priest continued, "My successor, listen carefully. The prophet once said that whoever can call out the names of my twelve disciples is the Divine Emperor. That was a lie I told them. Since you answered my password correctly, you must also be able to call out their names.
They will then recognize you as the Divine Emperor. You must command them in the capacity of the Divine Emperor to protect Her Majesty Sai Lepeisi.
For the ancient texts record that the great ancient demon king Nero will eventually awaken. Before Nero's awakening, the Legion of Calamity will serve as the vanguard, descending upon the human world and bringing suffering. Following that, an army of undead will press forward, intent on ruling the world and ushering in the demon king's arrival. At that time, the entire world will be plunged into abysmal suffering..."
After finishing this sentence, the Grand Priest stared motionlessly, his face grim.
Xiao Xun thought the playback was over and got up to turn it off, only to hear the Grand Priest continue:
"Empress Sai Lepeisi is the key in the prophecy to saving the great army from dire straits. She is the hope of the entire world, the only one who can subdue the great demon king. However, before that, she will face three calamities. If she fails to overcome even one, the demon king will turn this world into hell. You must protect her safety, remember, remember..."
With that, the video vanished, and a story about a sponge began to play...
Xiao Xun held up three fingers, "Three calamities? How do I avoid them?"
He glanced at the digital clock on the wall, "Damn, it's past dinner time."
He got up to leave. As he neared the door, he grabbed a can of sparkling beverage from the refreshment cooler. He walked out while drinking it. Upon exiting the main hall, the beverage bottle in his hand turned into fine sand and fell to the ground.
Xiao Xun turned back to look at the main hall, "Can nothing from inside be brought out? What a shame."
At this moment, the twelve apostles gathered around him again, "Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
Xiao Xun pointed to the main hall, "Your mission is to remain in your respective side halls and protect the main hall. By the way, do any of you know space magic?"
Aries walked forward, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I do."
"Then, besides Aries, the rest of you will remain here. You are not to go anywhere without my command."
He then said to Aries, "You will take me back to Her Majesty the Empress's castle first."
Aries nodded in agreement. With a flash of orange light from his hands, he brought Xiao Xun to the castle entrance.
A smile spread across Xiao Xun's face, "It's truly fast and convenient. I wish I had brought him along during the fight in the barbarian territories last time."
He then turned to Aries and said, "Alright, you come into the castle with me and be responsible for my safety. Remember what I said, do not call me Your Majesty outside."
Aries bowed, "Yes."
Upon entering the castle, the head butler, also known as the chief steward, bowed to Xiao Xun, "Lord Swain, you have returned."
Xiao Xun nodded and bowed to the butler, arranging for Aries's accommodation, and then took the elevator directly to the master bedroom.
Mu Jiahe sat by the bay window, hugging her knees, gazing at the blue moon outside, lost in thought.
"Your Majesty, it's cold. Please come down!"
Mu Jiahe turned to look at Xiao Xun, "Tell me, am I destined to be a solitary figure like other emperors?"
Xiao Xun didn't understand why Mu Jiahe would say such a thing, "What do you mean by that?"
Mu Jiahe walked barefoot towards Xiao Xun, "Now that Teacher is gone, how carefree I was back then. When I was tired in that world, I would return to this world to rest. Sometimes, I feel like I'm going mad, unable to distinguish which world I'm in."
Xiao Xun looked at Mu Jiahe, "Don't say that. You still have me, so how can you be solitary? Saint Roman cannot do without you, and I cannot do without you either."
After saying this, Xiao Xun didn't know what happened, but his face suddenly turned red.
The two returned to the other world. Xiao Xun thought a year had passed, but in reality, only a little over a month had gone by.
Mu Jiahe informed others that Xiao Xun had gone abroad on business, so no one suspected anything. This was, in fact, only told to Yun Mei; others didn't care about Xiao Xun's well-being.
After breakfast, Xiao Xun took Mu Jiahe to the company.
Mu Jiahe looked at Xiao Xun, "You've worked hard these past few months. How about I give you a vacation so you can rest well!"
Xiao Xun waved his hand, "Once you're used to being busy, you can't stay idle. If you're idle, you'll surely fall ill."
Mu Jiahe smiled and shook her head, getting into the elevator without a word.
Xiao Xun took another elevator. As soon as he exited, his phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number.
"Hello! Who is this?"
"It's me, an old classmate. After just a few years, have you forgotten your old classmates now that you're a big boss?"
Xiao Xun searched his memory for the voice, finding it very familiar, "Is that you? Fatty?"
"It seems our boss Xiao hasn't forgotten about us poor classmates."
"Stop joking, do you need something?"
Fatty directly said, "I heard that the big star Yu Shiwen is holding a concert in G City. My client's daughter really likes her and wants to get a few tickets. Can you help out somehow? Money is not an issue, I can even pay a premium."
"You think too highly of me. I'm not familiar with the organizers. Why don't you buy scalper tickets?"
Fatty sighed, "Don't mention it. The tickets are being scalped like crazy online. Even the scalpers regret selling them early. I heard you have a good relationship with Mr. Zhao of Millennium Group. Can you help?"
"Mr. Zhao? Zhao Yuman... Is she the organizer?"
"Yes, the largest entertainment company in G City is under Millennium Group. Help me out. After this is done, I'll treat you to 'the whole package,' alright!"
Xiao Xun was in a difficult position. He had only met Zhao Yuman a few times and wasn't very familiar with her. Asking for a favor right off the bat felt too abrupt. He decided to drive and find her in person.