The nobles who dared to attack Zhang Chen were all powerful martial artists.
Strength, to a certain extent, represented the status and wealth of nobles.
Those individuals possessed far greater financial resources than the nobles who dared not act. Dividing their estates would at least double one's own wealth, and perhaps yield even more.
With this incentive, the previous notions of slaves and the True God Cult felt less unbearable.
After all, Zhang Chen was present, capable of eliminating dozens of people with a wave of his hand.
Who would dare defy him?
Whether willingly or unwillingly, wouldn't they ultimately have to accept Dolores's decision?
It was already good that they were gaining benefits now.
Therefore, all the nobles present kowtowed their thanks, and these three decrees were passed.
Dolores then systematically issued a series of decrees and measures, instructing the nobles present to help gather remnants, issue proclamations of her ascension, and maintain stability in the capital, and so on.
By the time all these tasks were completed, it was already evening.
At this moment, Zhang Chen stood atop the high wall, gazing at the distant scenery with a sigh.
The three little cats, carefree, lay at the edge of the city wall, spitting downwards.
Their tails were held high, wagging with great interest.
In this post-apocalyptic world, the view was dominated by vast, continuous forests of giant trees and slowly moving, mountain-like behemoths.
Now, the scenery outside had become much more normal. The trees were smaller, and every so often, there were clusters of towns with dense lights, forming a chain of prosperity.
"Humanity has finally gained a foothold on this land, and there's no longer a distinction between natives and the inheritors of previous cycles," Zhang Chen mused.
"True God!"
Dolores, having finished her state affairs, rushed to Zhang Chen's side and thoughtfully draped a golden cloak over him.
"The wind on the high wall is strong; you might catch a cold..."
After saying this, Dolores suddenly smiled.
While others might indeed catch a cold, the person before her was a True God. How could a deity fall ill from such a gentle breeze?
She had truly acted unnecessarily.
"Thank you! It is indeed a bit chilly!"
Zhang Chen symbolically tied the cloak around himself.
After all, it was a gesture of kindness, and her good intentions could not be refused.
"Thank you, True God."
Dolores said gratefully.
She was grateful both for Zhang Chen helping her ascend from the lowest of slaves to the pinnacle of power as the Emperor of the Valen Empire, and for his thoughtfulness in accepting her gesture.
"However... I have some bad news... Before I came, I visited the royal private library and discovered that all the ancient texts are gone. I suspect Hawthorne took them all! I'm so sorry..."
Hawthorne, as Dolores referred to him, was her uncle who was obsessed with ancient technology.
He was also the uncle who had possessed the Second Prince through some unknown means.
Dolores lowered her head in shame.
This was supposed to be part of her repayment, and her inability to fulfill her promise made her feel utterly disgraced.
"It's not your fault. You didn't know this would happen, and the ancient texts aren't lost, just taken by Hawthorne."
"As long as we find that fellow, the missing ancient texts can be recovered. This is nothing!"
Zhang Chen smiled indifferently.
Now that the Valen Empire was under the influence of his True God Cult, its reach would further expand. Even if history had a gap, so what?
Others could topple the True God Cult from its pedestal, but he could re-establish it and rewrite future history.
"But... he escaped, and he can constantly change bodies. Finding the real him might be difficult..."
Dolores said, her head bowed.
"Don't worry. I can tell that his target is the throne of the Valen Empire. His plan failed this time, and he will surely return."
"When that time comes, we don't need to hunt him down. When he feels he is sufficiently prepared, he will come to us himself."
"At that time, I will be ready and ensure he doesn't escape again."
Zhang Chen said with a slight smile.
This time, it was because the Netherworld Mushroom wasn't present. Once the Netherworld Mushroom returned to his arm, any consciousness transfer would be rendered useless before him.
"Also... True God, I have a humble request..."
Dolores lowered her head, her cheeks flushed, and spoke shyly and hesitantly.