My Wife Turns Out to be an Empress of the Dynasty

The pain this time was multiplied several times compared to before. He was now powerless to resist, and cold sweat dripped down his forehead. Struggling to hold himself up, he fell to his knees in the void, not daring to say another word, and repeatedly begged Gu Lan for mercy.

"Please, senior, show mercy!"

He wasn't afraid of death, but he couldn't bear the terrifying torment inflicted by Gu Lan. Rather than continue like this, it would be better to put an end to it. But Gu Lan had no intention of showing mercy. Upon hearing his voice, Gu Lan showed a faint smile.

"It's not impossible. Follow me for a thousand years, and after that, I'll return your freedom."

He had no other choice now. In comparison to what Gu Lan had said, he could only nod in agreement.

"I am willing to obey your arrangements, master."

Gu Lan was pleased with his compliance, smiling faintly and nodding before he stopped hesitating and withdrew his aura. The intense pain in Shadow Slave's body began to ease.

However, just as Gu Lan was about to mark his soul with a seal, he suddenly felt something else within. There was another force hidden within his soul.

Gu Lan had long since become accustomed to such things. After all, this man had once served Dark Master.

"Trying to fight against me?"

The moment his power neared, it was repelled by the strange force. Gu Lan didn't mind and, with a sneer, activated the Rule of Five Elements, shattering the soul seal left by Dark Master in an instant. His power successfully merged into Shadow Slave's body.

As this new force entered, Shadow Slave wisely knelt to the ground, fully aware that he had no other choice now. Seeing this, Gu Lan waved his hand indifferently.

"No need to behave so formally in the future. From now on, you will follow me to Lanyan Royal School."

After speaking, Gu Lan didn't say any more. He simply turned and walked forward with a calm expression.

Shadow Slave, understanding his place, quickly followed behind, and in the blink of an eye, both of them disappeared without a trace.

Meanwhile, Dark Master, who had fled earlier, arrived at a more remote location. As soon as he stopped, he materialized a wisp of black energy in his hand. He froze for a moment, and his expression darkened.

"He was actually killed!"

He could clearly sense that the power flowing within Shadow Slave had completely vanished. The only way this could happen was if Shadow Slave had been killed.

"That damned bastard! I will make him pay for this!"

With a vicious growl, Dark Master turned and vanished from the scene, leaving not even a trace behind.

Shadow Slave had followed him for a long time, and though he hadn't achieved any great feats, he had certainly endured a lot of hardship. The reason Dark Master had fled was that he had no other choice; had he stayed, he would have lost his life.

Before long, Gu Lan and Shadow Slave arrived at Lanyan Royal School. As soon as they stopped, the Empress appeared before them, a hint of concern on her face.

"Where have you been? I felt a battle occurring not far from here!"

"It was just a small problem, nothing to worry about."

Hearing this, the Empress had her answer. The power fluctuations she had sensed earlier were indeed related to him. But since Gu Lan had safely returned, there was no need for further discussion. However, her gaze turned toward Shadow Slave, confusion evident in her expression.

"Who is this?"

This man was strong, and she couldn't help but wonder why he had followed Gu Lan here. When Gu Lan had left earlier, he had been alone.

"This is Shadow Slave. He will be a member of Lanyan Royal School from now on."

Mu Yuyan nodded thoughtfully. Gu Lan always had his plans, and it would be unwise for her to question him too much, so she didn't push further.

Soon after, Gu Lan gathered the prominent figures of the Royal School. People like Gu Simu, Chen Feng, Zhongren, and others arrived before him. Zhongren and the others were puzzled and didn't know what Gu Lan's intentions were. Gu Simu, however, spoke up carelessly.

"Father, why did you summon us here?"

Others might hesitate to speak their minds, but Gu Simu was never afraid to voice her thoughts. After all, she didn't want to wait around doing nothing.

"It's for something regarding the Royal School. Since you are all considered powerful figures within the Royal School, starting today, if you encounter Dark Clan members, do not show mercy!"

After saying that, he led them all into the Linglong Pagoda, where he had collected various treasures, though they weren't of high quality.

When Gu Simu saw what was before her, her eyes lit up, and a smile of excitement appeared on her face.

"Father, does that mean I can choose one of these?"

She was about to step forward when Gu Lan immediately pulled her back.

"Your father has already prepared something for you."

Upon hearing this, Gu Simu froze for a moment, looking at him in confusion. Just as she lifted her head, a golden light shot into her mind.

Gu Simu had many treasures in her possession already, so she was sure she wouldn't be interested in these. But when she felt the power of the item, she frowned in confusion.

"Father, you're lying. I can't control this item!"

This wasn't a joke. She could feel that the power was very strong, but she couldn't make contact with it. If she couldn't even touch it, what use was it?

"These items aren't meant for you to control. They will protect you in times of danger!"

Gu Lan was well aware that as they encountered stronger and stronger opponents, he had to be fully prepared. He couldn't just ignore the potential risks to his daughter's life.

The others had already chosen their items, with Shadow Slave being particularly excited. Although he had once served Dark Master, he had never had the opportunity to use such treasures. Despite aiding Dark Master for so long, he had never been granted any true status in Dark Clan, nor had he been allowed to touch their resources.

When everyone had selected their items, Shadow Slave was so moved that he immediately dropped to his knees in front of Gu Lan. Without a word, he deeply bowed.

"Thank you, Master!"

"No need for thanks," Gu Lan responded indifferently. "With your knowledge of Dark Master, when do you think he will make his move?"

Gu Lan wasn't familiar with Dark Master, but he had people around him who understood the situation. They could use Shadow Slave as a source of information.

Not daring to hesitate, Shadow Slave immediately answered.

"From what I know, he won't act anytime soon, but his subordinates are already on their way!"

As a member of Dark Clan, Shadow Slave had a way of sensing their every move, and he had already detected some signs of activity.

This revelation surprised Gu Lan, but he didn't take it too seriously. If they were coming, then he would deal with them—no need to waste any more time.

Turning to Chen Feng, Gu Lan's gaze sharpened.

Chen Feng immediately nodded in understanding.

"Master, don't worry, I will go at once!"