Apart from the Authorities of the three Heretic Gods, the last one remaining belonged to Chiyou's mount—a super-powerful war beast capable of going head-to-head with dragons.
The giant panda... the Iron-Eating Beast.
The Iron-Eating Beast's Authority was relatively common: Iron Wall.
It drastically increased defense, allowing it to easily block many powerful physical attacks. Its sole advantage was its low energy consumption.
Combined with a fragile Valkyrie, it would be a perfect fit...
After all, Valkyries were typically high-attack, high-agility, low-HP super-soldiers.
Of course, Bronya and Himeko were exceptions...
That concluded the Authorities acquired this time. In addition to these gains, Phoenix also received over 400 Crystals and a +4 progress update for the main quest.
Only seven more Heretic Gods remained to be conquered to complete the main quest.
"King, are you alright?"
"King! Has the Heretic God been vanquished?"
-
While Phoenix was sorting through the spoils of her god-slaying victory, Liliana and Erica approached her.
Looking at the devastation around them, Liliana couldn't help but swallow hard. An entire mountain range had been nearly obliterated!
Fortunately, China's vast territory meant the losses were contained. Had this occurred in smaller nations like Italy or the British Empire, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
This was the catastrophic threat Heretic Gods posed to human civilization. That's why, despite knowing how difficult Campiones could be to deal with, major powers eagerly sought their patronage.
After all, only Campiones could stand against Heretic Gods. Without their protection, these powers would face certain doom.
"This Heretic God must have been incredibly powerful," Erica remarked, surveying the devastation. "How else could it have destroyed such a vast area?"
Looking around, Erica couldn't help but sigh. She had only witnessed Phoenix's battles against Heretic Gods firsthand—specifically the Undying Phoenix and the Goddess of Love and Beauty—giving her some understanding of their abilities.
However, the Goddess of Love and Beauty was hardly a combat-oriented Heretic God. Compared to the devastation Chiyou had wrought, their previous battles seemed insignificant.
"After all, it's Chiyou! He's incredibly powerful. But... in the end, the 'King' still emerged victorious." Liliana gazed at Phoenix with worshipful eyes, radiating pride.
"Yeah, not bad. But this isn't the place for idle chatter. Let's get out of here. We can leave the rest to the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains."
Now that the Heretic God had been defeated, there was no need to linger. As for explaining such a catastrophe to the people, that wasn't Phoenix's concern.
She entrusted it to the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains—they were professionals at handling such matters.
"Hmm, you're right. This isn't exactly a suitable place for conversation."
-
Three more days passed, and Luo Hao finally emerged from her seclusion.
Her breakthrough in the Martial Dao had significantly enhanced her strength.
Upon learning that a Heretic God had appeared in China during her seclusion and had already been slain by Phoenix, Luo Hao showed no displeasure. Instead, she sincerely thanked Phoenix.
It seemed Luo Hao didn't value Authority as highly as her arch-nemesis, Marquis Voban. While she was certainly interested in Authority, she wasn't obsessed with acquiring it.
Phoenix, who had expected Luo Hao to be upset, was mildly surprised by her reaction.
For the next few weeks, Phoenix remained on Mount Lu, occasionally guiding Luo Hao in her Martial Dao techniques. When boredom struck, she would take her two beautiful Knights and the little fox Higokumaru on leisurely excursions to explore the region.
Every day passed quickly and joyfully.
At the foot of Mount Lu, in a luxurious, antique-style manor, Phoenix reclined in a grand master's chair, idly playing with her phone and sipping tea.
She looked utterly relaxed and carefree, living a life of utter leisure.
Then, Erica hesitantly approached the doorway and called out tentatively, "King, may I come in?"
"Come in," Phoenix replied, glancing at Erica without much interest.
Phoenix rarely experienced such leisurely days, and she couldn't help but wish she could spend the rest of her life like this.
"King, we've been in China for nearly a month and a half now," Erica began hesitantly. "When will we return to Italy?"
Erica's patrons had repeatedly urged her to persuade Phoenix to return, but Erica felt helpless. While Phoenix was approachable in private, once she made up her mind, no one could change it.
Erica's persuasion was utterly futile.
"What's the rush?" Phoenix asked casually, glancing at Erica. "Isn't China enjoyable? Why are you so eager to return?"
"But you're not in Italy. What if the Heretic God or the King of Swords suddenly returns?"
"But they haven't returned yet, have they? Do you expect me to wait there indefinitely for them?" Phoenix's tone sharpened.
"N-no... I wouldn't dare." Erica was startled and nearly dropped to her knees.
Though Erica was somewhat manipulative, Phoenix saw right through her tricks.
"Drop this matter," Phoenix said, waving her hand dismissively. "I'll leave when I've had enough."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Erica opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it, resigning herself. She had done all she could.
Just as Erica was hesitating about whether to leave, footsteps approached the door again. Liliana, her single ponytail swaying, appeared and knocked.
"King, may I come in?" she asked, her tone echoing Erica's earlier words.
"Come in," Phoenix replied, glancing at Liliana. She could guess Liliana's purpose: like Erica, Liliana's backers had likely sent her to persuade her to return to Italy.
"Understood," Liliana said, striding into the room. She gave Erica a surprised glance before turning to Phoenix, ready to speak. But before she could utter a word, Phoenix raised a hand in a firm gesture, silencing her.
"I know what you're going to say," Phoenix stated decisively. "I have no intention of returning to Italy for now. There's no need to try and persuade me."
Phoenix had no intention of returning to Italy anytime soon. If she did, those fools would think she was easily manipulated.
Besides, why should she meekly wait for the King of Swords in Italy? That would be a terrible loss of face. And the food there simply couldn't compare to Chinese cuisine.
Of course, the main reason was that she just couldn't get used to it. An occasional Italian meal was fine, but eating it every day? No thanks.
"Uh... alright! Since the King doesn't wish to return now, I won't press the matter. Then... I've made some new desserts. Would the King care to try them?" Liliana asked, her tone hopeful as she changed the subject.