Chapter 177 - Informing the Emperor

When Zero left the room, Cale appeared to be in deep thought. With the empire's network, they should be able to learn the culprit's identity in a few days. What would be the emperor's reaction after learning that his own son stole their imperial family's treasures?

He recalled his first meeting with the third prince during the banquet held by the crown prince. The third prince looked amicable and kind-hearted on the surface. If not for Asteria stating that he was hiding his real strength, Cale would have believed that he was a good person.

A viper hiding in the dark was scarier than a lion in broad daylight. 

"I should inform his majesty about this as soon as possible. As of the moment, the third prince might be strengthening his own army for the upcoming battle." Cale muttered to himself.

He then stood up went out of his room. On his way out, all the servants and guards were looking at him reverently as they bowed their heads. "Greetings, Duke Cale."

Cale nodded his head at them and stepped out of his new manor. He then unfurled his Void Wolf Immortal Wings before he flew straight towards the imperial palace.

The guards and servants who saw him fly gaped in amazement. He was like a phoenix soaring unhindered in the skies.

Cale arrived in front of the imperial palace in less than ten minutes. His flight speed was increased further after unfurling his Void Wolf Immortal Wings.

When the gate guards saw the silhouette of someone flying in midair, they were alarmed and they all put on a defensive stance. But when they got a clearer look as to who the person was, their gazes turned into that of surprise and worship. "Duke Cale, pardon our actions. We thought that it was someone else."

Cale smiled at them and waved his right causing his new duke's robe to flutter gently, accentuating his peerless and majestic visage. "I came here to visit his majesty and also to give him a piece of important news."

One gate guard patted his c_h_e_s_t and said in a respectful voice. "Oh, not a problem at all, Duke Cale. Please follow me inside the imperial palace."

Cale nodded his head at the guard and followed behind with his hands behind his back.

Meanwhile, the emperor who was in his throne room was informed about Cale's arrival. "Your majesty, Duke Cale has arrived. He said that he has an important news for you."

The emperor's eyes lit up after hearing the messenger's announcement. 'Duke Cale might know something related to this incident.' 

"Go and bring Duke Cale inside the throne room." The emperor said.

"As you wish, your majesty." The messenger bowed and left the throne room.

Just a few seconds later, Cale came inside with a calm look on his face. "Greetings, your majesty."

"No need for formalities with me, Duke Cale. How's everything in your new manor?" Emperor Aventus stepped down his throne and stood in front of Cale. His face was full of smiles as he spoke. He did not want to put on airs towards Cale who was on par with him in terms of strength.

Cale smiled at the emperor's gesture, but then his face turned solemn. "Your majesty, you might already have an inkling about my abrupt visit. I have learned the identity of the person who stole half of the treasures inside the imperial treasury. You might even be surprised if you hear his identity." He said in a whispering voice.

The emperor's face turned serious after hearing his words.

Cale glanced around the throne room with a stern look on his face. There were still a few imperial guards inside. He did not know if there was someone among the third prince's people here, so he did not continue speaking.

The emperor knew his concerns so he told the imperial guards to step out of the room. One of the imperial guard's eyes flashed with a glint as he stepped out of the throne room.

Cale glanced at the emperor's tired countenance and sighed. The Celestial Sword Empire had experienced quite a few bumps during the past few weeks that severely damaged their foundations. Who knew how heavy of a burden the emperor was currently experiencing? "Your majesty, I had one of my trusted subordinates check on this matter a few days ago. And just this morning, he came back with a piece of news regarding the matter. He learned the identity of the culprit after following their tracks. The culprit is..."

The emperor listened attentively with a solemn look on his dignified face.

"The culprit is the third prince, Amro Doomblade." Cale muttered the name slowly while checking the emperor's reaction.

Contrary to his expectations, the emperor was still calm. The latter then shook his head with a desolate smile. "I have already suspected my third son for quite a while. His presence gave me a sense of unfamiliarity. He might have been blinded by power and sought to aim for more." 

Cale tactfully remained silent and consoled the emperor with his gaze. 

"Duke Cale, thank you for delivering this news. I have to gather our soldiers once again. I am certain that my third son would wage a rebellion." The emperor said with a forced smile. He then told Cale to leave the throne room and to prepare for the upcoming war.

Cale glanced at the emperor's solitary figure. Currently, the emperor's dignified and regal air was replaced by a disconsolate atmosphere. Cale sighed once more before he left the throne room. 'Even a powerful man's heart would crumble into pieces after learning that he was betrayed by his own son...'

Cale went back to his manor and told everyone to cultivate diligently.

All of his trusted subordinates were already at the Immortal-Class level. Even Wenren Wushuang was already at the initial stage of the Immortal-Class level. His cultivation speed increased exponentially after he received resources from Cale. Coupled with his talent and diligence, his breakthrough was not unexpected.

A cultivator's Nascent Soul was the embodiment of his martial arts and soul. As long as his/her Nascent Soul was intact, a cultivator could recreate his mortal body through time.

Only someone at the Earth Enlightenment Realm could cultivate a Nascent Soul, but because Cale received a Sudden Enlightenment, his Nascent Soul was formed earlier than others.

"Third prince, you are merely a stepping stone in my path." Cale muttered to himself with a cold look.