Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

His bold words drew good-natured laughter from those around him.

Xiao Ce remained by Nie Bing's side throughout, like her most loyal shadow.

He rarely spoke first, but when Nie Bing was talking to a king, if there was a need to delve into a technical or economic detail such as port construction, resource exploration, or trade route planning, Nie Bing would naturally turn to him and ask for his opinion.

Xiao Ce always provided crucial supplements or suggestions with clear, concise, and to-the-point language. His accurate insights and pragmatic attitude left a very deep impression on all the shrewd leaders present.

Cassivs and Kate, witnessing this, were naturally brimming with pride...

However, these conversations were all very superficial. Every time the kings wanted to have a deeper conversation, Xiao Ce would intentionally or unintentionally pull them out of it.

After all, Xiao Ce had said that this was just a welcome party.

After all, there's plenty of time to discuss things later.

Therefore, the entire banquet proceeded in a relaxed atmosphere...

Just as the atmosphere was reaching its peak, a voice came from outside the door: "Guild Master, battle report from the front!"

Then a messenger, looking travel-worn, came over.

Upon seeing the weary messenger, the previously lively atmosphere instantly fell silent.

Nie Bing saw this scene, a hint of doubt in her eyes, then frowned: "Didn't you see I was entertaining VIPs? Who let you in..."

The messenger standing nearby looked embarrassed, then bowed to Nie Bing and said, "President, the people outside said that urgent reports from the front lines can be delivered directly to you..."

Seeing that Nie Bing was about to speak, the kings beside her spoke up one after another.

Okayama Bolton spoke first, saying to Nie Bing, "President, the situation is urgent and cannot be delayed... Please handle it directly..."

"Yes, guild leader, you said it yourself, we're all part of the alliance now... so we're all on the same side, there's no need to hide anything... just deal with it directly."

The kings all said essentially the same thing, telling Nie Bing to handle the matter...

Nie Bing was at a loss for what to do, and subconsciously glanced at Xiao En (Xiao Ce).

At this moment, Xiao Ce wore a smile, an expression of absolute certainty, and they exchanged a very brief glance...

After a few seconds of eye contact, he understood Xiao Ce's meaning...

This was probably arranged by Xiao Ce, but he just didn't tell him.

Previously, Nie Bing would definitely have questioned Xiao Ce's motives...

However, having spent so much time with Xiao Ce, Nie Bing now simply felt that Xiao Ce must have his reasons for not telling him...

Seeing Xiao Ce's expression at this moment, Nie Bing knew that Xiao Ce must have made arrangements.

So he said to the messenger, "Yes, what is it!"

At this moment, the messenger seemed rather quick-witted, looking around...

There seemed to be some concerns.

At this moment, Xiao Ce said to the messenger, "Hurry up and tell them. These are the core members of the future Western Alliance... There's no need to keep this information from them..."

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, the smiles on the faces of some of the kings softened considerably...

Their facial expressions also showed a great deal of approval.

Just then, the messenger didn't hesitate and bowed, saying, "Vice President Victor King has sent a battle report from the front lines."

After hearing the messenger mention this place, Nie Bing couldn't help but feel curious and nervous.

Because there had been no news for so long, he didn't know whether this new message was good or bad...

Just then, the messenger paused, then continued, "President Victor King's ambush was originally intended to intercept those traitorous refugees, including Morgana, but... I don't know how they managed it, they just slipped through our blockade and all escaped..."

The messenger's words shocked everyone present...

Nie Bing's expression froze instantly, momentarily confused as to what was going on...

At this moment, he looked at Sean (Xiao Ce) with a hint of doubt.

Sean (Xiao Ce) remained calm, giving Nie Bing a reassuring look.

Sean (Xiao Ce), who was initially confused and flustered, has calmed down.

Instead, he followed Xiao Ce's directions and observed the situation inside the arena...

Nie Bing probably guessed what they wanted to do by now...

The fact that Xiao Ce dared to send a messenger clearly indicates that he knew something beforehand...

At this moment, Nie Bing's anxiety subsided somewhat...

The messenger's voice pierced the previously warm and harmonious atmosphere of the banquet hall.

The melodious music had long since stopped, and the waiters stood frozen in place, the air seeming to solidify into heavy blocks of lead.

Charles Bourbon, the King of Gaul, froze in mid-air with his wine glass in hand. The seasoned and composed smile on his face instantly turned into a barely perceptible hint of contempt and scrutiny.

He tilted his head slightly, his sharp gaze sweeping over Nie Bing, as if reassessing the Illuminati president's control.

A soft chuckle rang out, carrying undisguised mockery.

It was Leclerc of the French Empire

He put down his wine glass, crossed his arms, a playful smile curving his lips, and fixed his gaze on Nie Bing on the high platform like a hawk.

"Ha, a net of heaven and earth? President Nie Bing, it seems that your vice president of the Western branch, and his prized scout squadron, are... not very useful. How come they can't even handle these people..."

"Didn't you say you went to Guangwei together, along with the invincible Iron Legion? How did things turn out like this?"

His voice wasn't loud, but it echoed clearly in the deathly silent hall.

Archduke Franz von Habsburg's already gloomy face darkened further, his eyes revealing deep worry and a hint of disappointment, clearly showing great doubt about the "power" promised by the Illuminati.

Vichy Tels exaggeratedly covered his mouth with a handkerchief and exclaimed "Oh my God!" His eyes darted back and forth between Nie Bing and the messenger, full of anticipation for a good show.

Okayama Burton's hearty smile vanished, his thick eyebrows furrowed, and his large, bell-like eyes were filled with doubt.

King Medici of Rome looked at Cassivs with concern, while Cassivs Aurelius appeared much more composed. A subconscious glance at Sean (Xiao Ce) eased his doubts considerably...

If Sean (Xiao Ce) isn't nervous, then he won't be nervous either...

Ed White's heart leaped into his throat, and a fine layer of cold sweat broke out on his forehead.

He didn't know the truth, so he was extremely nervous.

That bastard Victor King not only failed the mission, but also had to choose this crucial moment to deliver this humiliating battle report in front of all the Western monarchs!

This was a fatal blow to the Illuminati and its president! He almost dared not look at Nie Bing's expression at that moment.

However, in his panic, he glanced at Nie Bing and then at Xiao En (Xiao Ce).

A hint of doubt appeared in his eyes...

Just as this suffocating silence and the doubtful, disappointed, and mocking gazes from all sides were about to engulf the Illuminati—

The kneeling messenger seemed to feel the almost tangible pressure. He gritted his teeth, his voice suddenly rising in pitch, carrying a desperate resolve and an eagerness to finally reveal crucial information, as he loudly added:

"But! President! Vice President Victor hasn't given up!"

This sudden change of direction was like a thunderclap, instantly shattering the oppressive silence. All eyes were once again focused on the messenger.

"After the refugees escaped, Vice President Victor was furious! But he remained calm in the face of danger, knowing that the dignity of the Illuminati and the prestige of the President were at stake! He immediately ordered the scout squadron to spare no effort in searching for any trace of the refugees' escape! Captain Jack even personally led the most elite tracking team, tracking them tirelessly for three days and three nights!"

The messenger's voice was full of dramatic tension, as if he were telling a thrilling legend.

"Heaven rewards those who persevere! They have finally discovered the secret stronghold that the traitor Morgana's forces have temporarily established in the 'Black Rock Rift' in the northwest! Vice President Victor made a decisive decision and personally led his 5,000 elite cavalrymen, traveling day and night, like divine soldiers descending from the sky, launching a thunderous raid before dawn!"

The messenger's voice grew impassioned, as if he himself were in the midst of the fierce battle: "The rebels were caught completely off guard! They thought they were safe once they escaped the encirclement and were resting in Blackrock Rift Valley. They never expected General Victor to track them down so swiftly! Our warriors of the Illuminati, filled with rage and loyalty, fought bravely against the enemy! General Victor himself led the charge, wielding a greatsword, charging left and right through the rebel ranks, unstoppable!"

He paused, glancing around at the king and nobles who were stunned by the reversal, his voice tinged with a triumphant excitement:

"This battle! A resounding victory! Our army has killed dozens of rebel leaders! This includes the core commander of the rebels, Frank, as well as Jones Snow and his group! Countless of their key personnel have been killed or captured! Morgana's main rebel force has been completely routed! The remaining forces have scattered and fled like stray dogs, no longer capable of posing a threat! The captured supplies and provisions are piled up like mountains! General Victor is leading his troops in a thorough cleanup operation within the Rift Valley, interrogating prisoners, and searching for the exact whereabouts of Xiao Ce and Morgana, among other important leaders!"

"Whoosh...!"

The oppressive silence was instantly replaced by a tremendous clamor!

Nie Bing's lips curled slightly when she heard this person's way of speaking, which started with a negative tone and then became positive.

"Frank? He was a renowned and formidable general under Morgana! His fame was known throughout the Western countries... He's dead?" King Medici of Rome couldn't help but exclaim.

"Jones Snow, supposedly Morgana's right-hand man... was he also killed?" one of the twelve family patriarchs exclaimed, clapping his hands.

"Destroying the main force and killing the leader... this Viktor King is truly formidable..."

The mockery in Leclerc's eyes had vanished, replaced by a soldier's pure admiration for the victor; he even unconsciously sat up straight.

"Okay! Well done!"

Okayama Bolton slammed his hand on the table, making the cups and plates clatter, his face full of excitement and admiration. "This is the spirit that a great general of the West should have! A desperate counterattack, turning the tide!"

Charles Bourbon nodded slightly, a look of understanding and a hint of barely perceptible relaxation on his face.

Was the initial setback merely a trap to lure the enemy deeper? Or was it a clever scheme by Viktor King?

This composure under pressure and swift pursuit ability is truly commendable.

Their ability to change their tune is undeniably fast.

Tels put on a fawning smile and praised repeatedly, "The Illuminati is indeed full of talented people! General Victor is a truly valiant general! I admire him, I admire him!"

The worry in von Habsburg's eyes dissipated considerably, and his gaze toward Nie Bing was once again filled with awe.

Ed White let out a long sigh of relief, feeling his back sticky with cold sweat. He felt a mixture of exhaustion and elation, as if he had just escaped a disaster. Only then did he realize what Sean (Xiao Ce) and Yin Pan'er's expressions had meant...

It seems they already knew, and this is just a way to see how these individuals react...

Cassies and Kate exchanged a glance, both seeing relief and excitement in each other's eyes.

The atmosphere in the entire banquet hall seemed to suddenly ignite from a freezing point, filled with amazement, admiration, and a renewed appreciation for the Illuminati's powerful execution capabilities.

Nie Bing smiled slightly at these people whose expressions changed faster than flipping through a book, and then said, "Gentlemen, you must believe in the Illuminati... Moreover, some of what you just said is not quite right..."

These kings, realizing they had changed their tune too quickly, now wore somewhat unnatural expressions...

They were all starting to feel a little regretful...

They could only cover it up with awkward smiles...

Nie Bing knew that Xiao En (Xiao Ce) was only doing this to give them a warning, so she didn't intend to continue...

She leaned forward slightly and praised the approaching scout, "Very good! General Victor has lived up to expectations and made such a great contribution. The Illuminati will surely reward him handsomely! You just mentioned that you killed and captured many rebel leaders... Do you have any news about Xiao Ce?"

She pronounced that last name with exceptional clarity, a hint of urgency and deep-seated hatred in her voice. This was the prey she cared about most!

All eyes were once again focused on the messenger.

The messenger, seemingly having anticipated this question, immediately bowed and replied in a loud voice, "Reporting to the Chairman! General Victor specifically instructed us to do this! Our troops repeatedly confirmed this when counting the battlefield and interrogating prisoners!"

"The body of the rebel leader Xiao Ce has not been found! According to the seriously wounded and captured rebel leaders, Xiao Ce does not seem to be in Black Rock Rift Valley! He disappeared long before or after they broke through the blockade!"