The Book of Knowledge took over the conversation: "Could the ’Eternal’ be an existence that transcends the limits of the Ancient God?"

Rod felt his thoughts become chaotic, too much critical information was missing. They broke past all prior perceptions but stepped into a larger mist. Everything before them was unknown. Quickly, he regained clarity, casting aside the tangled thoughts because he knew if ’Eternal’ truly existed as such a powerful entity, it would definitely pose a severe threat to the Black Fog. Everything regarding it would surely have been obscured by the Black Fog.

No wonder the Book of Knowledge knew nothing about this.

No matter what, his immediate task was to repel the Black Tide with all his might, until the Long Night passed.

Typically, the Long Night lasts 12 to 31 days, though on rare occasions, it lasts longer. Throughout Trolian’s history, multiple eras ended in destruction during a Long Night.

Based on research by Professor Bins and Professor Barrett, during the times of destruction, it was often when the Holy Fire was nearing extinction that the King would retrieve the Holy Fire Seed from the King Artifact, and retreat with the remaining populace into the sewers to escape the crisis of destruction. Only after the Long Night ended would they emerge from the sewers to rebuild Trolian.

Each cycle of destruction crisis required centuries for Trolian to recover. At its lowest, the population dwindled to mere millions, a stark contrast to the peak era of billions. Keeping this number in times of destruction was quite remarkable.

In this respect, the sewers were practically Trolian’s sanctuary, the origin of life, the cradle of fire.

This also became the key to the Luo Wei theory — because Rod rose from the sewers.

The spread of this theory brought Rod quite the trouble. Not only did the title of Sewer King spread far and wide, but many people even became keen on living in the sewers.

The filthy and terrifying place people usually avoided had now become a popular tourist and residential spot. Naturally, some of this is due to the psychological refuge offered during the Long Night, and the current sewers are far cleaner and safer than before. Hence, Rod and Qingyu chose to ignore this matter.

Of course, in today’s Trolian, abandoning all areas outside of the Royal City as in the past is impossible. They wouldn’t even give up the Lower City District within the Royal City, but only keep the Upper City and its sewers.

All areas within the barrier needed to be preserved — this was Rod and Qingyu’s view and everyone’s consensus.

This also brought them immense pressure. With the exponential increase in Black Fog Symbionts, defenses all over started to become critical, especially as the Black Fog Great Wall gradually lost its effectiveness. Massive numbers of Black Fog Symbionts crossed the Black Fog Great Wall, launching attacks on Trolian’s interior and pushing defenses to the brink of collapse.

At this point, the advancement of Olivia and the Dark Moon Princess was incredibly crucial.

Once the two True Kings joined the fray, the pressure on Trolian’s defenses instantly decreased sharply.

Shortly after, Tai Luo’s awakening was a true lifesaver.

The moment he opened his eyes, all of the Dream Realm was obscured by the golden light from Star Square. The Book of Knowledge and the Book of the Future both shouted together: "Master, divinity, divinity!"

Rod was originally battling in Wind City, where exceptionally strong Black Fog Symbionts were attacking the southern gateway. Upon receiving news, he immediately opened a Teleportation Gate back to the Royal City.

At the Holy Fire Sacrificial Ground, he saw the newly awakened Tai Luo, this fresh star stepping into the Monarch stage, whose soul surged with unparalleled power. It was the legacy of the King of Bright Light, the last wishes of Trolian’s greatest Archbishop Horus, glaring and piercing brilliance, flickered within Tai Luo’s soul, illuminating him from inside out.

"I, what’s happening to me?" Tai Luo hadn’t figured out his current situation, unclear where the King went or why Qingyu was standing before him wearing the Fire Robe, unsure what was flickering in his soul.

Rod, succinctly, informed him of everything that transpired post-coma.

Tai Luo widened his eyes, overwhelmed by the massive influx of information: "The King fell into silence? Qingyu took over the throne? Rod became the King’s consort? Horus... Horus sacrificed himself? I inherited all the legacy of the King of Bright Light?"

Rod nodding: "Tai Luo, the Long Night is coming, disaster is upon us, Trolian faces immense crisis. We desperately need power, I hope you swiftly inherit this power, becoming Trolian’s next Archbishop."

A moment of confusion flickered over Tai Luo’s face, rapidly replaced by determination, and his rugged face revealed that familiar smile once again.

"I understand, Rod, my brother. I will strive with every ounce of effort."

Rod looked at him with some surprise: "I didn’t expect your capacity to accept is so strong."

Tai Luo solemnly replied: "Power equates to responsibility; with a heavy burden on my shoulders, I will not shrink away... Besides, this means I can fight alongside you once more, Rod, my brother. That is my honor."

Rod chuckled, recalling his joint battles with Tai Luo during weaker days. Having never forgotten, Tai Luo was once a key force in the team. But over time, Rod’s rapid growth eclipsed this formerly brilliant star, leaving him far behind, not even the Light Giant could match his pace.