Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty! Chapter 1680 - 693: The Southern God King Is Actually Them?

With the North God King's backing, securing the position as the head of "Siyuan Pavilion" seemed like a done deal.

This realization sent a brief flutter of excitement through Man Huang's heart.

However, the elation was short-lived as a crucial question immediately surfaced: What about Shu Xia?

Shu Xia, being the "Tree Ancestor's" son, Man Huang's brother-in-law, and an eighth-rank Great Evil God in his own right, actually held a higher claim to succession than Man Huang.

Furthermore, her late husband had explicitly instructed her to look after and support Shu Xia.

These thoughts left Man Huang deeply conflicted and hesitant.

A flicker of internal struggle became visible on her face.

After all, who wouldn't aspire to reach the pinnacle of power and command a domain?

But could she achieve such heights by disregarding her conscience and breaking her promises?

Man Huang found herself unable to cross that line.

After a moment of quiet contemplation, with vivid memories of the "Tree Ancestor's" guidance surfacing, her conscience ultimately prevailed.

With a soft sigh, Man Huang lowered her head and paid her respects. "Thank you, Divine King, for your high regard," she said to the North God King.

"However, I, Man Huang, feel I am inadequate and unsuited for such a significant responsibility. I implore the Divine King to consider another candidate."

The North God King's expression softened upon hearing her words. He observed Man Huang silently for a moment before letting out a sigh.

After a pause, he looked at her and spoke with a surprisingly youthful tone. "Very well. Qiu Tu mentioned in his letter that I wouldn't be able to keep you here, but I didn't quite believe him."

"It appears your mind is already set, so I shall not press the matter further."

Man Huang had just experienced a profound inner turmoil, ultimately choosing her conscience over ambition, and felt a sense of relief and even a touch of pride.

The North God King's words instantly shattered this newfound contentment.

A wave of confusion washed over her, accompanied by a growing sense of unease.

She felt a sudden pang of uncertainty. What did he mean her mind was made up? And what was this about Qiu Tu saying he couldn't keep her?

What was the North God King implying?

Had Qiu Tu inadvertently or intentionally misled her again?

A flicker of panic started to stir within Man Huang.

Before she could fully process her thoughts, the North God King spoke again, his gaze sharpening and his demeanor becoming commanding. "Man Huang, heed my decree!"

Despite the storm of questions raging in her mind, Man Huang immediately knelt on the ground. "Yes."

The North God King's voice resonated with absolute authority. "From this moment forward... I officially appoint you as the Ambassador of the Northern Kingdom, responsible for all diplomatic matters between our kingdom and the Human Camp."

"Effective immediately, you are to remain by Qiu Tu's side, serving as the primary conduit for messages between myself and him."

Man Huang’s head snapped up at the North God King's declaration, her eyes wide with disbelief.

The unsettling premonition intensified. She felt an urgent need to clarify the situation.

However, the North God King offered no opportunity for further discussion. With a swift gesture, he sent the folding fan he held directly into Man Huang's hands.

"Deliver this to Qiu Tu. Convey my message: I have approved the arrangement. Should any complications arise, he can use this fan to contact me directly."

Following this, the North God King made a dismissive gesture with his hand, a trace of weariness evident on his youthful features. "That will be all. You may leave. I am fatigued."

Man Huang's expression shifted rapidly, a whirlwind of emotions playing across her face.

After a prolonged moment, she finally lowered her normally proud head and replied in a soft tone, "Yes, Your Majesty."

As she spoke, the ground beneath her seemed to crumble, and the sky fractured. Soon, the illusion dissolved completely, and Man Huang found herself back to reality, kneeling before a towering divine statue.

Her gaze lifted to the magnificent effigy.

The statue, reaching over ten meters high, was carved entirely from jade and emanated a subtle luminescence even in the darkness.

It became clear that Man Huang had indeed communicated with the North God King through one of the numerous divine statues erected across the vast "Northern Kingdom."

With another reverent bow towards the North God King's imposing statue, Man Huang slowly stood and departed, her expression unreadable.

By this point, the realization dawned on her: Qiu Tu had once again managed to trick her!

Qiu Tu had upheld his word, bestowing upon her the freedom she craved and allowing her to depart. Yet, he had ingeniously devised another method to ensnare her once more!

Furthermore... whatever words had been exchanged between Qiu Tu and the North God King, Man Huang now found herself under orders to remain by Qiu Tu's side, following his every move.

This maneuver effectively sealed her escape routes, leaving her with no avenue for departure, even if she harbored the desire!

Mulling over this, Man Huang's fury surged, causing her chest to heave with intense agitation.

Her teeth clenched, and a dangerous glint flashed within her emerald eyes—she resolved herself to confront Qiu Tu in battle!

.....

Meanwhile.

Within the heart of the Southern Kingdom's capital.

The colossal gates creaked open, and Shao Hua, clad in attire befitting a seasoned warrior, made her way towards the immense stone temple that soared hundreds of meters into the sky.

Throughout the preceding night, Shao Hua had engaged in deep contemplation. Although she harbored suspicions that Qiu Tu might be orchestrating a test, she recognized the peril of inaction.

After all, her recent intelligence gathering on Qiu Tu had painted a portrait of a man who was sharp, adept at finding solutions, and never one to face a confrontation unprepared.

Even more significant was the apparent possession of some enigmatic power attributed to him; he possessed an uncanny ability to discern crucial insights amidst chaos, skillfully weaving them into vital intelligence.

The decades of unwavering stability enjoyed by the "Southern Kingdom" were largely a consequence of the other three Divine Kings remaining unaware of the Southern God King's mysterious disappearance.