The scene developing in front of Xu Qing confirmed his previous theory. Back when the three gods achieved their breakthrough, a mysterious cultivator arrived to block a sudden attack in the form of a giant hand. That mysterious cultivator was the empress.[1]7

No wonder things went so smoothly when the Firemoons called for a ceasefire. I felt all along like I was just serving to provide an excuse for them to do what they already planned to do. And now it makes sense why High God Starfire was around in the imperial capital.... Even back then, shē and the empress were working out a deal.... [6]3

The entire situation just made him feel increasing admiration for the empress.0

I hope... that she succeeds. Xu Qing couldn’t think of any reason not to wish her well, especially after what he had experienced in striking the drum.3

The empress was supremely confident and a model ruler. No matter what happened, she could deal with it. She could overcome any problem, and look calm the entire time.5

Back before joining Seven Blood Eyes, Xu Qing’s understanding of the world, and his experiences, were very limited. Perhaps back then, he would have understood her calmness in a different way.0

But given everything he had been through, he knew that, because of her status and position, she couldn’t afford to reveal any emotions. In everything she did, she kept humankind as a whole in mind. She was the ultimate source of inner strength for all humans in Revered Ancient. If she became afraid, humankind would be afraid. If she got alarmed, humankind would be alarmed.10

What was more, it was impossible to determine how many experts from the top species were watching this spectacle play out among humans. The same went for gods. It was easy to imagine how every facial expression, word, and action would be noticed and analyzed by such people.1

And if omniscience were applied to that, it could lead to extreme danger. It would truly be walking on thin ice. That was why she had to remain calm.3

As Xu Qing contemplated those things, deafening booms rocked the dome of heaven, and the sensation of cracking grew more intense....0