Chapter 130: Riding the Diamond Bus!
About three hours later, outside the southern gate, a large group had gathered.
At the head of it stood Xu Tao, with Wu Zetian and Yifa positioned just behind him. Further back was Arthur, leading 34 experts from various races. There was Jehanne with her five soldiers, and finally, the five outer disciples of the Azure Dragon Sect.
Last but not least was the still-asleep Achilles, curled up on the ground by Xu Tao’s feet. His vitality had been drained until he was barely alive, so it would take roughly half a day before he woke up.
"This is everyone, right?" After checking the headcount, Xu Tao asked to confirm. "Then, Zetian, if you please..."
Of course, leaving with all the top fighters meant leaving the settlement vulnerable. They couldn’t risk going out to grow stronger, only to return and find what they were protecting already destroyed.
As such, they needed to leave "guards" behind to help protect the people.
"As you wish, my Emperor." Zetian bowed, then waved her hand. "Come forth! My Astral Tower!"
The next moment, an Astral Tower rose from the ground. No—not rose, but manifested from thin air. As the tower appeared, purple-black portals opened up around it, and from them leapt a dozen or so Celestial Beasts.
Four-meter-tall giant wolves covered in obsidian skin and crackling with blue lightning—beasts that commanded both fear and awe from all who laid eyes on them.
"Woah!"
The people standing closest to where the beasts landed jumped in fright. Some even fell on their butts in surprise... but aside from a slight tingling against their skin, none were harmed.
"My faithful stars," Zetian spoke, her voice calm and commanding, "you are to protect this small kingdom from any malice, until my return."