Richest Man: Divine-Grade Reconstruct System Chapter 1017 - 977: Suffering the Consequences

After all, certainty regarding this individual's true identity as the Emperor remained elusive; it had been previously stated that perhaps only Lord Liu possessed the genuine knowledge of who the Emperor truly was.

Yet, in the present moment, as no one could ascertain Lin Yi’s actual identity, a palpable hesitation gripped everyone, and none dared to make a rash move, fearing that a single impulsive action could precipitate immense catastrophe.

And at this precise juncture, Lin Yi suddenly emitted a chilling laugh, commencing to speak once more:

"Haha, a truly magnificent display of turning on one's benefactor.

Merely based upon your conduct earlier, I can definitively conclude that you are a treacherous minister.

Furthermore, it appears you have harbored ambitions of rebellion for a considerable duration.

Haha. Given this revelation, how can I possibly permit you to continue breathing? Guards, seize them for me immediately."

Moreover, as these words left his lips, he directly reached within the folds of his robe, and with a sudden motion, a Seal was extracted from his attire.

The sight of this Seal rendered everyone astounded; they exchanged incredulous glances. Who could possibly cast doubt upon it? This was unequivocally the reigning Emperor.

The rationale behind their unshakeable conviction was that, at that very moment, Lin Yi was holding none other than the Imperial Jade Seal of the nation.

An artifact such as the Jade Seal was certainly not something readily replicated or faked by just anyone.

Naturally, another contributing factor was the burgeoning speculation within each individual’s heart. Observing Lord Liu’s expression and absorbing his pronouncements, the entire situation appeared profoundly irregular.

When coupled with Lord Liu’s initial demeanor and the sudden materialization of this Jade Seal, it was more than sufficient to irrefutably confirm that this was, indeed, the Emperor of the land.

For a fleeting instant, all eyes met, then shifted towards Lin Yi, and subsequently drifted to Lord Liu, who lay incapacitated upon the ground.

In that same instant, they found themselves ensnared in a profound dilemma.

And witnessing this state of indecision, Lin Yi directly unleashed a powerful punch, and then, a deafening boom echoed through the air.

A section of the wall situated not far away was instantaneously obliterated, leaving a colossal void in its wake.

This dramatic spectacle sent shockwaves through every individual present, paralyzing them with fear. For a moment, everyone remained frozen, their weapons inadvertently clattering to the ground. Their gazes then returned to the distant breach in the wall, the very walls that had just crumbled with a thunderous report.

Indeed, a mere moment prior, Lin Yi had casually donned an arm component from the Iron Man Armor, and with a swift ole of his limb, a compact grenade launcher was propelled towards the distant wall.

Naturally, he took care not to demolish the walls within his immediate vicinity, fearing the potential for self-entombment amidst the debris, a rather undesirable outcome.

Instead, he directed the projectile through the open doorway, leaving all onlookers utterly dumbfounded. It wasn't merely the soldiers who were stunned; even Lord Liu, prone on the floor, momentarily ceased his pained cries, his eyes wide with sheer terror as he fixed upon Lin Yi.

Thus, with a simple gesture from Lin Yi, an overwhelming wave of fear rendered everyone immobile. Then, as they began to extricate themselves from their stupor, Lin Yi’s icily sharp voice resonated once more:

"I previously declared that I would afford you an opportunity, a chance to rectify your errant ways.

I perceive that this entire affair does not directly implicate you. You are merely soldiers of the lowest ranks, and you must not harbor any treasonous intentions moving forward. Now, I am bestowing upon you a chance to prove your loyalty. Heed my commands precisely, and execute whatever instructions I issue.

Naturally, refrain from entertaining any thoughts of defiance. As you have all borne witness to my capabilities, a mere flick of my fingers would suffice to dispatch you.

The sole reason I extend this grace is because you are subjects under the dominion of the Zheng Dayou Country.

I possess a benevolent disposition; were it otherwise, I would not hesitate to consign you all to the netherworld."

In truth, Lin Yi found no need for further discourse. The casual deployment of the grenade launcher moments before had already secured the absolute submission of all present, including Lord Liu. He, who had initially schemed with his numerous loyalists to apprehend Lin Yi once they had successfully escorted him outside.

At that intended juncture, he planned to take the Emperor captive and subsequently rally the regional lords to his cause.

However, all such aspirations had now utterly evaporated, and he dared not even entertain such notions.

After all, Lin Yi had just demonstrated a terrifyingly potent capability. Even if he were to muster his entire army of ten thousand men, it was doubtful they could pose a match for Lin Yi.

That single, earth-shattering roar was more than enough to rattle everyone to their very core.

It could be said, without exaggeration, that in the face of such overwhelming power, the very will to resist would be completely extinguished.

It was for this reason that Lord Liu collapsed like a molten puddle upon the ground,

his eyes utterly devoid of their former brilliance.

He understood, with grim finality, that all was lost; his meticulously constructed ambitions were in ruins.

He had once harbored grand fantasies of dominating the entirety of the Zheng Dayou Country, along with those two other adjacent nations,

dreaming that one day he would ascend to the position of supreme ruler over all three realms,

envisioning a future where he would lead his master into the very heart of the Imperial Family.

But now, all such aspirations had dissolved into mere ephemeral wisps, fleeting phantoms.

No, not phantoms, but rather a deceptive mirage. He had perceived a fleeting glimmer of hope, yet before even the initial stages of his plan could be put into motion, it was brutally extinguished. For reasons he could not fully comprehend, a profound sense of regret now consumed him.

He bemoaned his past arrogance and domineering nature, questioning why he had chosen to execute the imperial envoy dispatched by the Emperor.

Why had he elected to eliminate those ten individuals?

He now pondered if, by not dispatching those ten individuals and permitting them to broadcast that decree, perhaps the King of Dayou would have refrained from descending to this plane.

Had the King not arrived, then perhaps he would not find himself ensnared in this present dire strait.

Though the impending proclamation would undoubtedly inflict considerable distress upon his personage, it could hardly rival the sheer wretchedness of his current circumstances.

In essence, he would remain a local Commander, basking in an existence of affluence and opulence.

Merely a slight diminution in his authority, but so what? In stark contrast to his present predicament, that envisioned outcome appears immeasurably more splendid.

At this very juncture, an overwhelming wave of regret washed over him, inciting a profound desire to strike himself repeatedly.

The comfort and ease of past years had truly served to obscure his discernment.

To even contemplate challenging the might of the imperial authority; hah, a culmination such as this is undeniably the fitting recompense for his own transgressions.

[To be continued...]