National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

She stared coldly at Raphael and demanded, ”Why has your Bright Holy See suddenly decided to interfere in the affairs of the Great Jing Empire? And what kind of substantial help can you offer me? I don’t even have my freedom. Even with loyal subordinates, how could I possibly accomplish anything?”

Raphael, unhurried and composed, said, ”Her Majesty the Queen, the Bright Holy See has always considered it our duty to maintain world peace and justice. The evil deeds of the Vampire Clan have long since severely disrupted the world’s balance.

We hope to help you drive out these evil creatures and restore the Great Jing Empire to its former prosperity.

What we can offer is immense power.

We possess ancient Magic and mystical Summoning Techniques. These powers are more than enough to fight the Vampire Clan.”

As he spoke, Raphael carefully took an ancient tome from within his robes.

The ancient tome emanated a mystical light. Its cover was engraved with strange symbols and patterns, as if it were telling an ancient and mysterious story.

”This is a sacred relic of our Bright Holy See. It records powerful Magic and Summoning Techniques.

As long as you follow its instructions and help us build an altar in the Great Jing Empire capable of summoning an Angel, the day the Angel descends will be the day the Vampire Clan is annihilated.

At that time, you will retake the throne, and the Great Jing Empire will be revitalized.”

Raphael’s voice was low and bewitching. His eyes were fixed on Ji Shengyue, trying to catch any sign of wavering in her expression.

Ji Shengyue looked at the ancient tome, an intense struggle raging in her heart.

She knew that cooperating with the Bright Holy See was undoubtedly a huge gamble, but her desperate situation left her with no other choice.

She yearned to seize back her power and restore the glory of the Great Jing Empire.

After a period of deep contemplation, Ji Shengyue finally raised her head. Her gaze was firm as she looked at Raphael and said, ”Fine. I agree to cooperate with you.

But you must guarantee that after this is done, you will continue to help me control the entire Great Jing Empire.”

Raphael gloated inwardly, but he maintained a kindly smile and said, ”Please rest assured, Her Majesty the Queen. The Bright Holy See always keeps its word. Once the altar is built and the Angel descends, everything will be as you wish.”

...

After Ji Shengyue agreed to cooperate with Raphael, the two of them began their tense and secretive preparations. Every step was like walking on thin ice; the slightest mistake would be noticed by the Vampire Clan and bring about a catastrophic disaster.

To evade the Vampire Clan’s web of sharp-eyed and keen-eared spies, Ji Shengyue decided to select helpers from among her most loyal guards in the Royal Palace.

One ink-black, moonless night, under the pretext of discussing important matters, she secretly summoned several of her trusted guards to her chambers. The guards filed in one by one, their faces a mixture of confusion and nervousness.

They knew full well that in a Royal Palace held firmly in the Vampire Clan’s grasp, any secret operation could be fatal.

”Everyone, I have summoned you today to discuss a matter of life and death for the Great Jing Empire.”

Ji Shengyue lowered her voice, her gaze sweeping over each of their faces. ”You have all witnessed the evil deeds of the Vampire Clan. Now, we have a chance—a chance to take back control of the Empire and save our people.”

The guards exchanged looks, their eyes filled with both shock and anticipation.

One of the older guards frowned, speaking with great worry, ”Her Majesty the Queen, we are of course willing to serve you, but the Vampire Clan is powerful and has eyes and ears everywhere. How can we possibly act without being discovered?”

Ji Shengyue sighed softly and looked at Raphael, gesturing for him to explain the plan.

Raphael took a step forward and said quietly, ”We need to build an altar in a remote mountainous region of the Great Jing Empire to summon the power of an Angel and fight the Vampire Clan. But the construction of this altar must be done in secret.”

Hearing this, everyone gasped.

Building an altar was easier said than done, and to do it while hiding from the Vampire Clan made it a nearly impossible task.

But seeing the determined look in Ji Shengyue’s eyes, a sense of duty welled up inside them, and they all declared their willingness to give it their all.

Gathering the materials was the first step, and also the most difficult.

All supplies in the Royal Palace were under the strict surveillance of the Vampire Clan, and every single expenditure required Ye Lingyun’s approval.

Ji Shengyue racked her brain, and finally, an idea came to her.