Chapter 1012: Monarch Yan's Intention

Staring at the armor in Fang Chen's hand, You Fang's mind turned blank. He started to breathe heavily, and his emotions went haywire. "This is impossible...."

As a Monarch, the only one who could strip him of his position was Monarch Yan, and he had been in seclusion within his palace for many years! How could Fang Chen, a fellow Day Walker Monarch of the same rank, so easily strip him of his official status?

Jing Xue's face was a storm of shifting emotions as she tried to suppress her shock, forcing herself to calm down. She didn't utter a word, sensing that something was afoot.

You Fang's dismissal from his post... was likely not a spur-of-the-moment decision on Fang Chen's end. In fact, she suspected it was very likely orchestrated by Monarch Yan!

Especially since not long ago, only Fang Chen had been summoned to see Monarch Yan. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became.

Qiu Jing's expression shifted slightly. He took a slow breath, his gaze toward Fang Chen becoming more respectful.

Wu Wei, holding the lowest official position there as a mere Day Walker Marshal, felt his world turn upside down as he witnessed the scene.

The position of the Monarch of the Nether Guards Division has just been stripped away....

He was unable to calm himself for a long time. Although he sometimes did not understand the high-level struggles, he knew the rules. For a Day Walker Monarch to dismiss a Monarch of the Nether Guards Division... what level of power did he need to possess?

He could hardly imagine the extent of Day Walker Monarch Fang Chen's influence in the capital.

Fang Chen glanced at the armor in his hand, smiled, and casually tossed it to Qiu Jing. "Monarch Qiu, from now on, you will temporarily take over as the Monarch of the Nether Guards Division."

Temporarily?

Qiu Jing showed no dissatisfaction. He respectfully received the armor and, in front of everyone, removed his own. He put on the armor that once belonged to You Fang.

Instantly, Qiu Jing felt a completely different power surge through him, giving him the sensation that he could command every single Nether Guard!

Qiu Jing revealed a satisfied smile as he approached You Fang to hand over the armor. "Brother You, this is the Underworld Official Division's Monarch Armor."

You Fang did not accept it immediately, his face showing discomfort as he looked at Fang Chen. "Fang Chen, why were you able to take away my official position?"

"It's Monarch Yan's will," Fang Chen simply stated.

"It's impossible... All of this is..."

You Fang shut his mouth mid-sentence and silently put on the armor handed to him by Qiu Jing.

From that moment, he was no longer the Monarch of the Nether Guards Division. Instead, he commanded the Underworld Official Division, a place he once considered an insignificant branch.

Fang Chen beckoned. "Monarch Qiu, let's discuss how to cleanse the followers of the Spirit God Sect and bring peace to the underworld."

Qiu Jing immediately approached Fang Chen. Jing Xue also subtly moved forward two steps.

Watching them, You Fang bowed with a dejected expression. "I will return to the Underworld Official Division now."

Fang Chen waved his hand.

Du Yunxu, seeing this, personally escorted You Fang out. His followers, upon seeing You Fang, became very excited, but they soon sensed something different.

They no longer felt the authority of a superior from You Fang.

"This is..."

Everyone was puzzled.

"I am now the Monarch of the Underworld Official Division. The position of Monarch of the Nether Guards Division will be temporarily held by the former Monarch of the Underworld Official Division, Qiu Jing. Do not defy your superiors; take care," You Fang said.

You Fang's former subordinates' confusion didn't fade even as You Fang's figure vanished from the courtyard. They felt like they were trapped in a fog, completely baffled by what had just happened.

Why had their superior's position changed in the blink of an eye?

The Nether Guards Division... has fallen into the hands of Monarch Qiu Jing of the Underworld Official Division?!

***

In the Judgment Division, Shen Tucang sat in the main seat, surrounded by various people, men and women, young and old.

As the department with the most authority in the underworld, the Judgment Division had far more Monarchs than the Nether Guards Division or the Underworld Official Division. Besides Shen Tucang as the Monarch of the Judgment Division, there were also ten great judges under his command, each a powerful Monarch in their own right.

Those judges were usually stationed in various locations and rarely came to the capital. Although they were ostensibly subordinate to the Judgment Division, their relationship was more akin to cooperation.

"Recently, many city lords have transformed overnight, joining the Underworld Official Division and becoming local city gods."

A girl who appeared to be only eight or nine years old, wearing a little bellyband and with her hair in pigtails, sat with her legs crossed. She softly said, "If this continues, the strength of the Judgment Division will be greatly reduced, and the Yin Lifespan Coins we gather will also decrease sharply. I wonder what plans the Monarch has to cope with this?"

"Indeed, the Soul Capturing Division is acting somewhat better. They haven't done much after re-establishing their offices. But Qi Tianran of the Underworld Official Division has been acting overbearing, pushing us to our limits."

"Monarch, you better think of something fast. If this continues, the underworld will be in chaos. Many of my friends among the Yin Walkers are very dissatisfied with the current situation in the underworld. If they stop coming to the underworld, who will handle our affairs in the Mortal Realm?"

Shen Tucang listened to his subordinates' complaints and tapped his fingers lightly on the table before him. He suddenly chuckled. "Stop coming to the underworld? Yin Lifespan Coins are easier to earn than merit in the Mortal Realm. Now that resources are scarce in the living world, if they don't come to the underworld, what are they gonna do? Go hungry?"

The crowd looked at each other, knowing that Shen Tucang was making a valid point.

Shen Tucang stressed, "The underworld will be in turmoil for a while. During this time, the Underworld Official Division will certainly do everything it can to force the Judgment Division to act. That's why we need to be more patient, not giving anyone a handle to exploit and providing them with an excuse.

"You've all had many good years. Logically, living to your age as Monarchs was rare in ancient times, so now it's just a matter of giving back a little of what you've gained. Don't worry."

As they were speaking, You Fang slowly walked into the hall. The others nodded in greeting upon seeing him, but the young girl suddenly looked puzzled and said, "Monarch You, something's off with your aura; why does it seem very similar to Qiu Jing?"

Reminded by her, everyone carefully observed You Fang, surprising creeping across their faces.

Shen Tucang's expression gradually became serious. "What happened?"

You Fang found an empty seat and sat down before speaking casually. "Day Walker Monarch Fang Chen took away my armor and gave it to Qiu Jing. Now, I am the Monarch of the Underworld Official Division."

"What!?"

"Why would he do that!?"

"You, a formidable Monarch of the Nether Guards Division, how could he take your armor? That makes no sense!"

"Even if you stood still, he shouldn't have been able to take it; what really happened?"

The various judges were astounded.

Shen Tucang slowly stood up, looked toward the direction of the Forgotten River, and murmured, "Is this Monarch Yan's will?"

Everyone fell silent.

Monarch Yan's will? Could it be that Monarch Yan intended to change the current state of the underworld?

Remembering that Monarch Yan had conferred Fang Chen with his position, everyone's expressions grew even graver.

At that moment, the ground began to tremble slightly.

One of the judges immediately flew out of the hall. After a few moments, he returned with a pale face, reporting to everyone. "The Nether Guards Division is mobilizing troops. They're heading to various locations!"