The restoration of the Han Dynasty began with the Horus Rebellion.

Chapter 45: How can we possibly start a rebellion while we're with these insects?

When the Stormbird, Mortalian's personal mount, landed on the deck of the Soul of Vengeance, the Deathguard Primarch's already stern face appeared even more somber.

Not only because the battle had made no progress in the past few days, but the war commander not only did not convene a war council to discuss countermeasures, but also ordered the various legions not to act on their own.

It wasn't just because the lord of the Fourteenth Legion boarded the ship to visit; not only did his brother Horus not personally greet him, but even the basic honor guard was nowhere to be seen.

Rather, it was because Mortalian felt unwell both physically and mentally as soon as he opened the Stormbird's hatch.

The air was filled with the smells of blood and decay, which even his respirator couldn't completely filter out.

From the ventilation ducts, it seemed that wails, chants, and indistinct whispers could be heard echoing.

Those ordinary crew members had vacant eyes, stiff movements, and sometimes even talked to themselves in a strange way.

All of this reminded Mortarian of his adoptive father, whom he hated to the core, and the sorcery fortress that became a nightmare of his childhood.

What exactly is Horus doing? Has he allowed his flagship to become some kind of cult's lair?

How can we carry out a revolution while surrounded by these insects?

Just as Mortarian's anger was rising, he heard hurried footsteps, alternating between light and heavy.

"I'm sorry, sir, please forgive our poor hospitality; we didn't know you were coming."

Seeing Astartes limping toward him, Mortarian made no attempt to hide his disgust and contempt.

"I already informed Horus when I arrived. Where is he waiting for me, Malochist?"

"This...this, the War Commander hasn't told me about it yet..."

Mortarian frowned slightly and strode off with displeasure.

"Forget it, I'll go find him myself. He's either on the bridge, in the strategic command room, or in the Lupecal Hall."

For some reason, Malohrist suddenly tensed up. He ran to keep up with the Primarch in an odd manner and spoke anxiously, panting heavily.

"Please wait a moment, sir, let me go and inform him... cough cough, at least let me show you the way."

After giving a cold snort, Mortarian magnanimously forgave the other party's rudeness and slowed down slightly to allow Malohrest to lead the way.

What an unlikable fellow. It's hard to understand why Horus would continue to keep this cripple as a Primarch's servant.

Although he knew he shouldn't presume to comment on soldiers from other legions, "Twisted One" Malohst embodied all the elements that Mortalian disliked most.

Weak, deformed, morbid, insidious, cunning, obsequious...

Of course, most importantly, he also actively sought out and learned various forms of chaotic magic.

A guy like that might one day deliberately lead his master astray. It would be better to remind Horus to keep an eye on him.

My offspring would never do that.

In Mortarion's eyes, his most outstanding offspring was undoubtedly Company Commander Typhon. Not only was he both literate and skilled in martial arts, but he was also extremely loyal to Mortarion. He unconditionally supported Mortarion's views on psionic energy and always followed Mortarion's ideals, making him a model of Space Marines.

Next is Nathaniel Garro, the combat company commander and Mortarion's most favored son. Unfortunately, he is too stubborn, inflexible, and unable to adapt. Despite having given him so many opportunities, he still chooses to serve that hypocritical tyrant.

But only Mortalian himself knew that when he learned that Garro had managed to steal the Eisenstein and escape despite being seriously injured, his first reaction, besides being furious, was actually a little proud.

Although he chose to stand against his own side, his courage and ability are truly worthy of being Mortarion's offspring.

Speaking of this, Mortarion couldn't help but think of another son who also chose blind loyalty to a tyrant—

Liu Xuande.

When Mortarion learned from soldiers who had witnessed the battle that the one leading the loyalist World Eaters against Angrodron was actually an unknown Death Guard officer, he was undoubtedly astonished.

Therefore, after retreating back to his flagship, the Endurance, he immediately investigated the officer's file and discovered many things that surprised him.

Firstly, although Liu Xuande doesn't seem to be a native of Barbarus based on either his appearance or name, and given that he was a veteran who served as a Twilight Raider before the Primarch's return, many people believe that he, like Garo, is of Terran descent.

But that's not actually the case. According to long-sealed records, his actual birthplace was the Extreme Starfield. He then served on the Emperor Dream for a period of time before finally being recruited by the Fourteenth Legion in Terra.

His service record contains numerous disciplinary violations, almost all of which were violations of the Legion's orders for gas warfare. Even though the Legion had ordered him to advance regardless of civilian casualties, he still preferred to disobey orders and prioritize the evacuation of civilians.

Normally, such a troublemaker should have been dealt with by military law long ago. However, what is amazing is that every time he violated military orders, he was able to exceed the established strategic objectives set by the legion, thus offsetting his merits and demerits and avoiding punishment. Of course, this was mainly because his direct superior, Garo, would help him handle the follow-up issues, so it did not attract the attention of anyone else in the legion.

This made Mortalian wonder if this outstanding offspring was simply influenced by Garro because he felt his talents were not being recognized. If he, as the Primarch, personally tried to persuade him, would it be possible to get him to switch sides and return to his side?

Based on his analysis of various intelligence gathered over the past few days, as well as his calculations using numerology, he believes that his offspring may still be engaged in a protracted war with Angron.

Whether it's bringing back his crazed butcher brother or trying to win back this promising offspring, Mortarion believes it's worth a try.

That's why he came to the Soul of Vengeance in person, intending to discuss the specific action plan with Horus.

While he was thinking, Mortalian, led by Malohrst, had arrived at Horus's office, outside the Lupecal Hall.

"I see! I understand everything now! Haha, hahahaha!"

Hearing the slightly manic laughter coming from inside the door, Mortarian couldn't help but frown.

"Listen, gentlemen, I was still wondering why Samus failed, but now I know—he must have had the help of the Supreme Being behind him. This is part of the great game of the gods, meaning it's all divine will, the will of Heaven! So I haven't failed after all, hahahahahaha!!"

The High Heaven is another name some civilizations use for the Warp, and the Mortarion certainly doesn't like this more religious-sounding term.

In other words, is Horus talking to a group of chaos wizards or sorcerers?

"But unfortunately, I represent the true will of the Supreme Heaven. I bear the destiny of becoming the King of Darkness. Sun Qian, as a mere mortal, dared to attempt to tamper with the will of Heaven, and will ultimately be devoured by it! Hahahaha!!"

I think you're the one who's already been corrupted by fate!

Unable to bear it any longer, Mortarian pushed aside Malohrist, who was trying to stop him with a terrified look on his face, and kicked open the previously locked hall door without any politeness.

To his surprise, Horus was the only person in the room, sitting in a chair. Although there were chairs around the huge round table, they were all empty.

"Oh? Mortarian... Oh, right, you did say you were coming to see me, but that was so long ago, I almost forgot."

Horus seemed unconcerned about Mortarian's rude entrance and greeted him warmly.

But Mortalian noticed that Horus's eyebrows had turned completely white; although it had only been two days, he looked as if he had aged hundreds of years.

Moreover, it had only been ten minutes since she sent him the message on Stormbird.

"Malohrist, what are you still standing here for? Why don't you pull up another chair for my brother?"

"No, there's no need. I'll just stand here and talk to you."

Mortarian glanced at the empty seats and decided to hold off on asking questions for the time being.

"I want to talk to you about the operation to bring back Angron—"

beep beep.

Just then, the urgent beeping of the communicator on the table interrupted Mortarian's words.

"Oh, sorry, my brother, I have important information from the Fourteenth Legion. Let's continue our discussion later."

what?

The Fourteenth Army Corps?

So who am I?

Am I not the Lord of the Fourteenth Legion, the Lord of the Death Guard?

Before Mortalian could react, Horus connected to the communication channel, and a holographic projection immediately appeared above the table.

"Reporting to the Commander, I have followed your orders..."

Upon hearing his company commander's voice, Mortarian's expression quickly shifted from bewilderment to anger.

Taifeng?! What's wrong with this kid? Why is he reporting directly to Horus without going through me?!

In this Fourteenth Army Corps, who is in charge—me or him?!

Just as Mortarian was about to reprimand him, the next sentence he heard instantly petrified him.

"The bipolar torpedoes are ready!"