Our route remained unchanged—still heading west into the Taihang Mountains. But after establishing our "new contract," a subtle change occurred in our group dynamic.

Chongzhen became more "silent." He no longer released his power openly as before, but contained it within. He began to observe—watching how I distributed food, planned routes, soothed Wang Cheng'en's emotions. He was learning how to become "human," or rather, how to more efficiently disguise himself as one.


This made me increasingly vigilant.

Three days later, after braving the elements, we finally reached the Taihang Mountain foothills. The paths were rugged, with no sign of human habitation. Just when we thought we could catch our breath, the unexpected happened.

At a valley entrance, we were stopped by a group of men.


Unlike the rogue soldiers we'd encountered before, this group numbered over twenty—each with an imposing physique, wielding standardized long sabers, standing in orderly formation with piercing gazes. Though not in military uniform, their disciplined bearing far surpassed ordinary mountain bandits.

Their leader was a middle-aged scholar with a stern face that commanded respect without raising his voice. He wore a faded blue scholarly robe washed countless times, yet at his waist hung a battle saber that had clearly tasted much blood.


When he saw us—especially when his eyes fell on Chongzhen—his pupils suddenly contracted.

"Who goes there!" he barked harshly, his hand already on his saber hilt. "This area is a military restricted zone—retreat immediately!"

My heart skipped a beat.

This attire, this aura... A name immediately sprang to mind.

I dismounted and respectfully bowed: "This humble one, Li Qing, pays respect to... Master Sun Baigu."

Sun Chuanting, courtesy name Boya, style name Baigu—the last true pillar of the late Ming dynasty. In my game, he was one of the strongest hero units for the human faction in the late stages, possessing powerful military leadership abilities and an indomitable will.

But according to history and his biography, he should be reorganizing troops in the Sichuan-Shaanxi region now, preparing for a decisive battle with Li Zicheng. How could he be here?

The middle-aged scholar—Sun Chuanting—showed a flash of surprise in his eyes before quickly regaining his vigilance.

"You know me?" he asked coldly.

"Your reputation as Commander-in-Chief is known throughout the realm," I continued. "I never expected to meet you in person here. We're civilians who fled the capital to escape disaster and accidentally entered this area. We hope for your leniency."

I deliberately concealed Chongzhen's identity. Before determining this man's allegiances, revealing Chongzhen would be suicidal.

Sun Chuanting's sharp gaze swept over us. He glanced at the dejected Wang Cheng'en, then at the expressionless, statue-like Chongzhen, before his gaze settled on me.

"From the capital?" he frowned. "The capital was breached by bandits three days ago. How did you manage to escape?"

"Just lucky," I answered vaguely.

"Is that so?" Sun Chuanting sneered. "Outside Desheng Gate, there was demonic activity that killed over a hundred rebel soldiers and destroyed one of their 'Abyss Hunters.' How do you explain this?"

My heart plummeted.

He knew! He not only knew we escaped, but was fully aware of what Chongzhen did outside Desheng Gate!

This had already exceeded the scope of history.

[Intelligence Apology: Failed]

[Analysis: Target possesses an intelligence network far superior to ordinary people, or... he himself belongs to some "resistance organization."]

I looked at Sun Chuanting, and he looked at me. The air seemed to solidify between us.

In this tense moment, the previously silent Chongzhen suddenly spoke.

"Sun Chuanting."

His voice wasn't loud, still carrying that emotionless tone, but it exploded like thunder throughout the valley.

Sun Chuanting's body trembled as he stared at Chongzhen in disbelief.

"You..."

"Stand down," Chongzhen said only these two words.

But within these words was undeniable authority, something engraved deep within the soul... imperial majesty.

Sun Chuanting's face instantly drained of color. His hand unconsciously gripped his sword hilt, but his body, beyond his control... began to tremble slightly.

He wasn't afraid, but rather... resisting. Resisting an absolute command stemming from bloodline and established order.

In the end, he did not draw his sword.

He faced Chongzhen and, slowly and with difficulty... knelt down on one knee.

"Your subject... Sun Chuanting... arrived too late to save Your Majesty, a crime worthy of death!"

The twenty elite soldiers behind him also knelt on one knee in unison, their faces filled with confusion and shock.

Watching this surreal scene, a tidal wave of emotions surged within me.

Sun Chuanting, the most stubborn loyalist of the late Ming Dynasty, had actually recognized this Chongzhen who had long been corrupted by the evil deity.

What exactly was happening?

"Lead the way," Chongzhen didn't ask him to rise, but coldly commanded. "We wish to meet the person behind you all."

Sun Chuanting raised his head, his eyes filled with struggle and pain. But ultimately, he lowered his gaze.

"Yes..." he squeezed out through gritted teeth. "Your Majesty... please follow your subject."

He stood and led us into what appeared to be an ordinary valley.

As soon as I entered the valley, I sensed something off about the magnetic field. A strange force permeated the air... a peculiar energy mixing incense offerings and some kind of formation power.

This place was a sanctuary protected by the "power of humanity."

And Sun Chuanting was its guardian.

What exactly was he guarding?

Or rather, what was he waiting for?

I watched Sun Chuanting walking ahead, then glanced at Chongzhen beside me.

Suddenly, I had a premonition.

This meeting might not be coincidental.

But rather... fate, or perhaps, an... interview arranged by some higher power.