Heavenly Harem Sect
Chapter 260 - 260: The Empress Concerns

[: 3rd POV :]

Fresia, with a satisfied smile, observed as the realization of defeat spread among the imperials.

Their once-confident faces now bore expressions of fear and desperation.

"You thought you could challenge the might of the Heavenly Harem Sect?"

Fresia taunted, her voice cutting through the chaos of battle.

One of the imperials, a veteran with silver hair, gritted his teeth.

"This... this cannot be the end! We are the Imperials, we cannot fall to a rogue sect!"

Fresia chuckled, her laughter resonating with an otherworldly echo.

"Imperials or not, your arrogance blinds you to the shifting tides of power''

''Witness now, the true extent of our strength!"

With a wave of her hand, the air cracked, and space itself seemed to shatter before them.

A powerful force emanated from Fresia, creating a vortex that pulled in everything in its vicinity.

The imperials, unable to resist, were consumed by the overwhelming power.

As the space distorted and twisted, the imperials vanished without a trace.

The battleground that was once filled with clashes and chaos became eerily silent.

Fresia, now standing alone in the aftermath, surveyed the empty expanse.

Her mischievous grin remained, but there was a certain intensity in her eyes.

"I hope the Imperials have learned their lesson,"

She mused, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction.

"The Heavenly Harem Sect does not bow to anyone."

From the remnants of the battlefield, a voice echoed, a whisper of awe and fear.

"What... what kind of power is this?"

Fresia turned to face the source of the voice, a surviving witness who had hidden during the tumultuous clash.

''Power that transcends the ordinary, my friend. The power of the Heavenly Harem Sect."

The witness, wide-eyed and trembling, stammered, "Please spare me! I won't speak a word of what I've seen!"

Fresia's laughter echoed once more, a sound that sent shivers down the witness's spine.

"Fear not, little one. Your life is spared. Spread the word of our might, and let it be known that those who oppose us shall meet a fate worse than death."

With a graceful movement, Fresia ascended into the sky, her two juniors joining her.

The witnesses watched in awe and terror as the trio disappeared into the horizon.

As they left, Fresia's voice lingered in the air, a warning to all who dared to challenge the Heavenly Harem Sect.

"Remember this day, for it marks the beginning of a new era. The era of our dominance."

The witnesses, now alone in the aftermath, exchanged glances filled with a mixture of disbelief and dread.

The tale of the Heavenly Harem Sect's unparalleled power would spread far and wide, becoming a legend that struck fear into the hearts of cultivators across the land.

In the weeks that followed the intense clash with the Imperials, Fresia and her two juniors, along with the expanded influence of the Heavenly Harem Sect, worked tirelessly to fulfil Daniel's quest.

The city, once a place of discord, had now fully embraced the principles and teachings of the Heavenly Harem Sect.

As the news of the sect's triumphs spread, more and more people flocked to join, not only from the common folk but also from the noble families who saw the shifting balance of power.

The once-divided city now stood united under the banner of the Heavenly Harem Sect.

Fresia, having successfully recruited not only the female elders but the entire city, stood at the forefront of the sect's newfound dominance.

The streets, once filled with dissent, now echoed with the harmonious resonance of the sect's influence.

Inside the chambers of the Imperial Palace, Empress Lilith sat gracefully on the throne, her regal presence demanding attention.

The atmosphere was charged with concern as the five patriarchs of the Imperial Families, Juno, Illumi, Hilheim, Maeka, and Vastro, stood before her.

Empress Lilith's eyes, sharp and discerning, surveyed the assembly.

"The Heavenly Harem Sect has gained considerable influence in the city''

''I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. What do you all think of their rise to power?"

Patriarch Juno, representing one of the families, stepped forward with a furrowed brow.

"Your Highness, the Heavenly Harem Sect's actions are a threat to the stability of the imperial rule''

''Their recruitment methods and influence have swayed not only the commoners but even members of the Noble families."

Empress Lilith nodded thoughtfully, prompting Patriarch Illumi to speak.

"Their rise is a challenge to the established order''

''If left unchecked, it could lead to chaos. We must take decisive action to protect the imperial authority."

Patriarch Hilheim, known for his strategic acumen, added, "The Heavenly Harem Sect's intentions are unclear''

''We need to assess whether they pose a direct threat or if there's room for negotiation. Perhaps a diplomatic solution can be reached."

Maeka, a patriarch whose family had experienced the impact of the sect firsthand, spoke with a tone of urgency.

"Your Highness, the Heavenly Harem Sect has disrupted the balance of power''

''Their actions cannot be ignored. We must act swiftly to protect the interests of the Imperial Families."

Vastro, the last patriarch, hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Empress, while their actions are concerning, we should not underestimate the power they wield''

''A direct confrontation may not be the wisest course''

''We should tread carefully and gather more intelligence before making a decisive move."

Empress Lilith turned to her side, addressing her daughter Tilith, who seemed lost in thought, her mind preoccupied with the recent events involving the Heavenly Harem Sect.

"What about you, my daughter?"

The empress's voice carried both authority and concern.

Tilith snapped out of her reverie, her eyes focusing on her mother.

"Oh, my apologies, Mother. I was...lost in thought."

Empress Lilith raised an eyebrow.

"Lost in thought about the Heavenly Harem Sect, I presume?"

Tilith nodded hesitantly.

"Yes, Mother. Their rise to power and their methods... it's intriguing."

The empress sighed.

"Intriguing or not, we must address the situation. What are your thoughts on how we should handle this matter?"

Tilith hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Provoking the Heavenly Harem Sect might not be the wisest choice''

''You see, Mother, they obliterated the slave continent without breaking a sweat''

''The sect master, he...he saved me. We might owe them more than we realize."

The empress regarded her daughter with a mix of curiosity and concern.

''Yes, he did save you my daughter and for that, I owe him one'' The Empress said.

''Let me hear it from you, how powerful is he'' She questioned.

Tilith recounted the events of her rescue by the sect master, emphasizing the power he displayed and the debt she felt owed to him.

As she spoke, the empress's expression shifted from curiosity to contemplation.

Empress Lilith, absorbing her daughter's perspective, considered the implications.

"So, the sect master holds a debt over us, and you believe provoking them would be unwise?"

Tilith nodded.

"Exactly, Mother. They are not to be underestimated. If we approach them with hostility, it might lead to consequences we cannot handle."

The empress sighed again, deep in thought.

"Very well, Tilith. Your insights are valuable''

''We cannot ignore the debt we owe to the sect master''

''I have decided. We will seek an audience with the Heavenly Harem Sect''

''I will personally meet their sect master and discuss the current state of affairs."

Tilith's eyes lit up with a glimmer of satisfaction, while some of the patriarchs exchanged wary glances.

The decision to seek a diplomatic resolution with the Heavenly Harem Sect was met with mixed reactions among the imperial advisors.

Empress Lilith, resolute in her decision, rose from her throne.

"Prepare a delegation. We will meet with the Heavenly Harem Sect and find a way to coexist without unnecessary conflict."

Empress Lilith, determined to establish diplomatic ties with the Heavenly Harem Sect, turned her attention to her daughter Tilith.

"Tilith, do you have any information on the location of the Heavenly Harem Sect?"

Tilith furrowed her brow, recalling the details the sect master had provided her during their encounter.

"Yes, Mother, the sect master gave me the coordinates, but when I went to visit, the sect wasn't there. It was as if they had vanished."

The empress raised an eyebrow, finding the situation peculiar.

"Vanished? That's unusual. A sect doesn't just disappear''

''Did the sect master give any indication of their movements?"

Tilith shook her head.

"No, Mother. It's like they can relocate at will''

''But I remember the coordinates he gave me. It's just strange that they weren't there when I went."

One of the patriarchs interjected, "Your Majesty, we have received recent intel that cities are indeed being conquered by a group calling themselves the Heavenly Harem Sect''

''It's possible they are on the move, expanding their influence."

Empress Lilith pondered this information, considering the implications.

"Conquering cities? Tilith, what do you suggest we do to track their movements?"

Tilith's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"I have an idea, Mother''

''We could maintain our spies in the higher-ranked states''

''If the Heavenly Harem Sect is indeed conquering cities, we should be able to gather information about their activities and whereabouts."

The empress nodded, acknowledging the wisdom in her daughter's suggestion.

"Maintain our eyes on the higher-ranked states. If the Heavenly Harem Sect is making significant moves, we need to be informed. Well done, Tilith."

Tilith beamed with satisfaction, pleased that her idea found favour with her mother.

"Thank you, Mother. I believe this is the best course of action."

Empress Lilith couldn't deny her daughter's enthusiasm.

"Well, I am also curious about the identity of this sect master. We shall meet with him personally when the time comes. Until then, let the spies do their work."

With the plan in motion, the imperial delegation prepared to gather intelligence on the movements of the Heavenly Harem Sect.