The Heavenly Martial Empress Returns Chapter 301: Merneith's New Machine In The Works

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The construction of Merneith’s new machine was going smoothly, and her brother himself was designing it. He had truly turned over a new leaf here. Unlike the other members of her family, who were imprisoned, he’d been actively allowed to help and work in this place. Of course, I had my suspicions at first, but he hadn’t tried anything funny yet and seemed genuinely sorry for what he’d done, which was surprising.

I guess it helped that in my Inner Realm, time moved much faster than outside. He’d spent far more time here than we’d perceived. While inside, we told him about Djet-Ka and what we’d gone through so he could share his opinion on the matter—someone who’d been part of that Empire for a while before coming here, getting killed, being revived, and now being captured. 

“This is shocking. Why would our father ever try to create an alliance like this with those aliens? Even if the aliens have that technology, wouldn’t it be better to seize it by force? It’s strange—this has never happened. The Empire of the Sun simply invades other planets and makes any civilization on them either surrender or get annihilated if they fight back…” he said, looking puzzled. 

“I think the same. It’s strange. Perhaps the Saurians have a trump card that even our people can’t compete with… Or perhaps Father has strange new motives,” sighed Merneith. “Whatever the case, it seems they’ve improved their technology now. A single Divine Soul can imbue divine power into lesser divine machines, making them stronger much more easily.” 

We’d also brought him some of those machines, though they were ruined. We had to clean them out since there were dead corpses inside, but… yeah, he seemed to like them. 

“Fascinating. It seems they’re making up for the lack of Machine Gods by creating lesser ones that can channel their energy and transform,” explained Merneith’s brother. “Perhaps one or two can’t do much, but if there are hundreds of these machines—or maybe even thousands—they’d become stronger than any other machine army we’ve ever had…” 

“I was wondering if you could imbue this engine into the new machines you’re building with your team,” I said. “For example, when Merneith fights using her machine, she can imbue the ones protecting Earth with divine power to make them even stronger.” 

“Yes, I believe it’s possible,” he nodded. “The engine and the interior will need some analysis. Even if I hurry, it’ll take over a month or more.” 

“It’s fine, take your time, son,” I said. “Also, I’ve brought you something. You’ve worked hard, so you deserve a reward.” 

He opened his palm as I handed him a small bracelet. 

“A-A bracelet?” 

“It’s a special artifact. If you wear it, you’ll receive my protection and feel stronger, more energetic, and with much more vitality than ever before. You may even take much longer to get tired.” 

“Amazing! How did you even craft such a thing, Heavenly Empress Bing Xue?” 

“Just call me Boss,” I shrugged. “And it’s part of one of my Skills, so I don’t think you can easily imitate it. But if you want to, give it a try.” 

“Thanks!” he said happily. 

I’d created the bracelet using my [Cursed & Blessed Blazing Starlight Relic Creation (SS)] Skill, which always came in handy in these situations. I’d thought about incorporating it into the Machine Immortals as well, so if he could manage that, it’d be even better.

With that done, Merneith ended up staying with her brother. She decided to open up more with him after seeing how much he’d changed, and the two seemed to get along just fine, making up for all the time they’d lost as family, as siblings.

Also, it was best if she was there to give him directions on the machine that was going to be hers anyway, right? 

After that, I walked on my own toward another facility inside my Inner Realm, where a large group of refugee Cultivators from Murim lived—mostly immortals.

It was a huge white tower, home to over thirty immortals I’d taken under my wing. The majority had come with the other invading forces to kill me but surrendered and ended up becoming my disciples.

Well, not really my actual disciples—more like they were my prisoners, now paying for their crimes of daring to attack me or my family by working for me!

No worries, I’m not an abusive person. I give them plenty of free days, meals, and even resources so they can slowly get a bit stronger.

Murim Cultivators are total freaks who, as long as you give them even a speck of resources to grow a tiny bit stronger, will feel fulfilled and even think the job is worth their time.

Yeah, for them, everything and anything has to be about growing stronger… that’s the general mentality. 

“Ah! Master Bing Xue! It’s been a couple of weeks since we last saw you. Welcome, welcome!” 

A nerdy-looking immortal with a gentle, high-pitched voice greeted me. He wore glasses and had a long black ponytail, dressed in simple white and blue Murim robes—like those clothes from ancient China, I guess. 

“Good day, Xue Xenxue. I came here to see how your job is going and the various tasks I’ve given you,” I said. “And also to supervise your workers.” 

I walked inside the tower, greeted by him and several immortals who panicked and knelt in front of me without saying a word. My sole presence scared them out of their wits. 

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