"Frankly, the Imperium is the worst of all political systems. Power that is centralized enough can inspire the elite, but not enough to control them. Unrestricted capital flow amplifies the desires of those merchants, allowing them to unscrupulously trample upon the law and the dignity of the people."
"This backward system allows desires to run rampant, while also allowing those in the upper echelons to shirk responsibility. Thus, the weak suffer, and the base enjoy themselves."
Guilliman stood up, pacing back and forth, and continued, "We must rectify it. Power and obligation are commensurate. People don't know what is good for them, nor do they know what they should do. They need guidance and protection. If the upper echelons of a system only enjoy power without being willing to bear responsibility, then that system is pathological."
"They deceive the people with freedom and democracy, using every lie to trick the populace, making them forget the terrifying universe they inhabit."
"I allow you to do these things, but your ruthlessness is limited to those in positions of power. The populace is like a flock of sheep; the direction of the flock depends on the lead sheep, not the flock itself. Ordinary people are numb and conformist, completely ignorant of the truth, and can only make wrong decisions based on their limited understanding."
"Therefore, I allow you to do these things and re-guide the populace. Your task is very important; you must ensure that the planets that have been saved do not fall back into the abyss."
Guilliman looked at Ventris, ordered his scribe to bring over a prepared document, and used his biological seal to leave his mark, thereby authorizing Ventris.
"The authorization is complete. Now I'd like to know about the plague outbreak in the Ultramar Sector."
Ventris was silent for a while, organizing his thoughts and language.
Guilliman was not in a hurry, waiting for him to speak.
"In the systems of Zhor, Talassa, and Parmenio, a strange plague has appeared. The symptoms include uncontrollable tearing; viscous, foul-smelling tears will cover the entire eyelid within a short time and cause severe redness and swelling. The most serious consequence of this epidemic is the suppuration and ulceration of the patient's eyeballs, leading to permanent blindness."
"This epidemic has been named the Weeping Pox. The appearance of the Weeping Pox has severely demoralized the Ultramar Auxilia. I have already sealed these systems, investigated the pathogen, and isolated the infected."
"From the current situation, this plague usually only appears among mortal soldiers. So far, there have been no cases among primaris space marines or the Skitarii, and only a few cases among Priests and Sisters."
"I have ordered numerous medical departments to provide support to these systems, but we have not yet found a way to control this disease."
Ventris described the current situation of the Weeping Pox raging in Ultramar in detail.
Guilliman's brow furrowed deeply. His awakening and various actions inconsistent with the original story had already greatly changed the original plotline.
He did not immediately travel to Terra, but instead, after awakening, he focused on technological innovation and the reorganization of the Imperial system on Macragge.
He just hadn't expected that even though the plotline had been changed, the Weeping Pox still appeared.
But thinking about it, it was also normal.
The Weeping Pox was likely a plague Nurgle had prepared long ago, and it was bound to be unleashed into the material universe eventually.
Choosing the Ultramar Sector would hinder Guilliman's progress more than choosing other places.
"Send Ecclesiarchy Priests, the Ordo Malleus, and the Grey Knights to the plague zones together. This disease is by no means as simple as a mundane microbe or virus; there is very likely a Chaos conspiracy behind it. They want to keep me in Ultramar and disregard the rest of the Imperium."
"If necessary, under the advice and supervision of the Grey Knights or the Ordo Malleus, unconventional means can be used to expel the plague."
Guilliman said.
The best way to deal with plagues caused by the Chaos God Nurgle is still to use sorcery or leverage supernatural power.
But doing so also carries great risks.
One wrong move could invite disaster.
If the ritual goes wrong, it could lead to unimaginable consequences.
The Ordo Malleus and the Grey Knights can mitigate this risk to the greatest extent.
Guilliman paced back and forth, then looked at Vordius and Ventris, "There are some things I shouldn't tell you, but now, perhaps you should know some. Especially Ventris, you need to know what kind of enemy you are facing."
Having said this, Guilliman looked at Sicarius, "Help me have the reception room prepared, and also take the blame for damaging the Primarch's reception room. I cannot let those outside know that I might lose control of my emotions; they rely on me too much, and any wrong move will cause them disappointment."
"I understand, my lord," Sicarius said.
Guilliman took Ventris and Vordius through the express lift and private passage into the deepest part of the Macragge's Glory.
As the lift emitted a pleasant sound, the heavy metal door opened with a mechanical groan.
The scent of incense and the sound of chanting came together.
Vordius' eyes became sharp; he smelled the scent of a daemon.
"This is an evil place," Vordius said.
"I know," Guilliman replied, "This is our sorrow. We must rely on extraordinary power to gain the means to fight the warp."
The three walked down a long corridor.
They reached a chamber made entirely of iron, stained with the color of dried blood.
Exiled Priests, weapons in hand and chanting scripture, saluted the Primarch.
Eisenhorn walked over.
He had grown older, with noticeable wrinkles on his face.
"Inquisitor?" Vordius raised an eyebrow. He recognized the other's identity from Eisenhorn's tattoos.
"I am Inquisitor Eisenhorn," Eisenhorn introduced himself to Vordius, the Grey Knight Grand Master.
"Did you lure the Primarch down this dark path?? You should understand that the warp corrupts everything, yet you still brought him down this road?"
Vordius' voice was full of questioning.
"Yes, my lord found me. We need to use daemons to control information from the warp, ensuring we can get some news from the gods," Eisenhorn said. "This is crucial for our victory."
"There is only lies and deceit in the mouths of evil creatures!" Vordius shouted. "You are blinding and deceiving the Primarch."
"We seek information. The truthfulness of the information from daemon mouths needs to be discerned by us. Besides this, we have no other way," Eisenhorn was fearless, even facing a Grey Knight.
"Stop arguing," Guilliman looked at Vordius. "I brought you here not for you to argue, but for you to see with your own eyes what we are doing. Daemons are full of lies, and any cooperation with them is poison. But you must know that currently, humanity can only swallow this poison to have a glimmer of hope."
The heavy iron door made a sound, then slowly opened.
Guilliman stepped inside.
Ventris felt the horror within.
The things held inside gave him a feeling of his hair standing on end.
He tried hard to suppress the fear in his heart and followed the Primarch inside.
"Light," Guilliman said.
Following his voice, the lumen lamps in the dim cell flickered a few times, then emitted light.
In the center of the room, countless adamantium chains extended from the walls, tightly binding the daemonhost standing in the center.
Chaos had deeply affected this daemonhost.
His skin had turned a sickly red with spots.
On his exposed torso, one could see that it was covered in various kinds of boils, and even a small head had grown.
His body had also become emaciated, revealing twisted bones.
Legs and bone spurs had also grown.
There was also a pair of daemon horns on his head.
The daemonhost's arms were fixed to the crossbeam of a shining metal trapezoidal frame, and his feet were also bound, like a suffering Jesus.
His hands were shackled to metal rods.
Locked with adamantium handcuffs carved with countless runes.
His elbows and waist were bound with razor wire, keeping him in the proper position.
He was covered in iron chains etched with runes.
An iron nail etched with complex sealing runes was driven into the flesh of each limb, restricting his power.
A giant hexagram array appeared in the chamber, emitting a dazzling light.
Ventris' helmet activated light-sensitive filtering, reducing the impact of the blinding light.
"Holy Thirteenth Primarch, the Emperor's most beloved loyal son, Lord of Ultramar, Great Lord Guilliman, welcome."
Cherubael spoke with utmost reverence.
After multiple 'adjustments', this daemon prince had become much more docile.
Just like a lovely lady finally succumbing to the uncle next door.
"Your attitude is very good this time," Guilliman said.
Vordius could feel the power and essence of a daemon prince within Cherubael.
His eyes showed disbelief.
Since when did daemons become so easy to talk to?
The harm caused by a daemon prince is unimaginable to ordinary people.
Vordius had witnessed it firsthand.
An entire system could be corrupted by a daemon of this level, becoming a paradise for Chaos.
The Grey Knights had banished those daemons and imprisoned many others.
These creatures were always chattering incessantly, uttering all sorts of curses and temptations, promising various conditions like eternal life and knowledge.
With the slightest carelessness, one could be exploited by the daemon, planting the seed of corruption.
Now, this daemon prince's attitude towards Guilliman was one of utmost respect.
It was truly unbelievable.
Like a prodigal son finding love in a bar.
Listen to these words full of flattery.
What difference was there between a dignified daemon prince and those disgusting bureaucrats outside??
Ventris had little contact with daemons, but he also knew that daemons absolutely did not behave like this.
Could it be a fake??
Are daemons being faked these days?
The attitude of the daemon prince towards Guilliman surprised both Vordius and Ventris.
They truly never imagined they would one day see a daemon display such fawning behavior.
In this daemon prince, they saw the same hypocrisy as those disgusting bureaucrats.
There was almost no difference between them.
"They feed on our emotions and souls," Guilliman said, seeing the surprise on their faces. "Born from the reflection of countless emotions, possessing intelligence, they naturally also possess life."
"With life, they naturally fear losing it, entering a state of eternal oblivion. In the past, they were so reckless and arrogant precisely because humanity did not possess the power to destroy them, so they were unrestrained. Once the power to destroy them is mastered, these daemons will behave themselves."
"In the vast galaxy, only my father, whom the daemons call the Cursed One, possesses such power. And the Emperor's Sword in my hand also happens to possess this power. It does not fear me, but fears the power of the Emperor's Sword."
"Just as cowards fear death, this daemon prince also fears eternal oblivion."
Vordius' expression was complex; he had never thought that a Primarch could use the Emperor's Sword to control these damned daemons.
The Grey Knights have been fighting Warp daemons for nearly ten thousand years, and it felt like they had been fighting for nothing.
Seeing the daemon prince groveling was already shocking enough.
But the next scene still left Vordius dumbfounded and incredulous.
"Summon a daemon."
After briefly questioning Cherubael about recent events, Guilliman looked at Vinsenhoren and gave the order.
"Understood, my lord."
Vinsenhoren ordered men to bring out the prepared items, cut his palm to offer blood, and chanted a spell containing the daemon's true name.
Where did the true name come from?
Naturally, it was provided by the daemon prince, Cherubael, who was still acting tough.
Soon, the metal-built containment chamber became increasingly cold.
Terrifying cold air invaded from all directions.
Faint whispers lingered in their ears.
All sorts of invisible creatures, their tracks hard to discern, lurked in the shadows, whispering.
Accompanied by bursts of fervent chanting.
A small vortex appeared in the brazier placed beside the ritual circle.
The flames inside were spinning at high speed.
Accompanied by thick smoke and flames, a daemon emerged from the darkness.
Its face was extremely repulsive.
Its inhuman face had countless eyes and countless mouths.
They were watching, they were speaking.
Its body was bloated, its limbs long, and repulsive faces appeared on its massive form, filled with extreme malice.
It was difficult to find any language to describe this repulsive daemon.
Vordius gripped his weapon tightly, watching the daemon before him warily.
The other party brought him immense pressure.
Just standing there, without even attacking, made his hair stand on end.
Ventris was not much better.
Seeing the daemon was like seeing something extremely terrifying.
The daemon stood in the ritual circle, spun once, and then knelt down facing Guilliman.
"Regent."
One of the daemon's mouths spoke, while another emitted a twisted laugh.
Other mouths were whispering and repeating.
"Do you have any recent news? News about the Plague God?" Guilliman asked.
"There is a little, according to some daemons' accounts, they are already preparing to enter the material universe. They will use a plague to form seven, and enter the material universe with the power of the sacred number," the daemon said.
"What kind of plague?" Guilliman asked.
"Regent, this information you seek is hard to obtain. The Plague God has sufficient ability to erase the echoes of his every move in the Warp. The information I have is likely a plague that causes long-term suffering. They might want to keep you in Ultramar."
Hearing the daemon's reply, Vordius was completely taken aback.
It was one thing for the daemon prince to be so fawning.
But why was this daemon talking like this too?
Calling him "Regent" so ardently, one would think this was a loyal servant of the Imperium!
Can it be played like this?
Vordius knew that within the Imperial Inquisition's Ordo Malleus, some Inquisitors did form cooperative relationships with daemons.
The end result for these Inquisitors was never good.
Daemons are never benevolent beings.
They only deceive and trick.
Using eternal life and knowledge to tempt those who are not firm enough.
Once they fall into their trap, their souls and flesh are ultimately devoured directly.
This was also why Vordius opposed the Primarchs getting involved with the Warp.
A slight misstep could lead to repeating the mistakes of Horus.
If that were to happen, it would undoubtedly be a terrifying nightmare beyond human imagination.
He just hadn't expected these daemons to be so afraid of the Primarchs.
So afraid that they were almost becoming fawning bureaucrats.
"What is the situation with the Changer of Ways?" Guilliman continued to ask.
"Regarding that, I don't know much. The only thing I know is the news that Magnus fled back to the planet of Sorcerers in disarray not long ago."
Speaking of Magnus, the summoned daemon carefully chose its words.
The Warp has many ways to learn about the material universe.
Before the plan became clear, it was difficult for daemons to know the truth of the matter.
But after everything was revealed.
They naturally knew what happened on the planet Pharos.
Someone used the power of the Curser and almost killed the daemon Primarch - Magnus.
It is said that even if he wasn't killed, an eternal scar was left on his essence.
The burning sensation from that terrifying scar would torment the daemon Primarch day and night until he collapsed.
Magnus' screams echoed throughout the entire Warp.
Now, who in the Warp doesn't know that the Curser's loyal son designed a scheme that made Magnus suffer, almost getting him killed.
After this incident, many daemons became wary and were much more cautious about entering the material universe.
The summoned daemon was even more respectful.
He didn't want to be killed by Guilliman like this.
As the saying goes, let others die, not yourself.
As long as he could survive, what did it matter if Guilliman turned the Warp upside down?
Kneel when you should, and tell him whatever you know.
No matter what, Guilliman was just a human.
Even if he lived a long time, he would eventually die.
As long as he endured, he would eventually gain freedom.
Perhaps he could even make a huge profit. It would be best if Guilliman and the Four Gods fought until their brains were splattered.
These Primordial Annihilators could also benefit from the conflict.
Then, wouldn't the good days arrive?
Cower when you should, be flexible, that is the true nature of a daemon.
As the saying goes, a temporary low point is for a better ascent to the peak in the future.
"Do you really not know the Changer of Ways' plan?" Guilliman asked the daemon.
"My lord, that is very difficult. Just as you ambushed Magnus, no one knows your ultimate scheme. The Changer of Ways and his daemons are always secretive about their plots. The ultimate goal will not be revealed until the last moment."
The daemon said, "Perhaps you can seek answers at the Dark Angels' fortress, the Rock. The threads of fate are entangled there. Perhaps the Changer of Ways' plan is centered around them, thus drawing you into the vortex."
Guilliman's brow furrowed when he heard this.
The Changer of Ways wants to use the Dark Angels Chapter to corrupt him?
Does he want him to know about the so-called Caliban Protocol?
Or does he want to tell him that Lion El'Jonson has become a Lucifer with two horns and black wings?
Or does he want to tell him the truth about Caliban's corruption?
And the truth about those strange black-robed Watchers in the Dark on the Rock.
Using the truth to corrupt a target is Tzeentch's usual style.
Tzeentch never lies.
The problem is, the truth he reveals is inappropriate.
Sometimes, Tzeentch is even more despicable; he only tells half the truth.
If it were the original Guilliman, upon learning that the Lion had become a greater daemon and the Dark Angels were corrupted, he would definitely be wary of the Dark Angels Chapter.
Humanity would undoubtedly be divided like this.
The current Guilliman would just say dismissively, "Is that all?"
"Any other news?" Guilliman asked.
"Your traitor brother Fulgrim has already planned against you, wanting to drag you into the abyss of vanity, but the specific plan is unknown. As for other news, there is none for the time being," the daemon said.
"Then leave. Continue to search for information for me in the Warp. I hope you can bring better intelligence, daemon. At that time, you will receive a reward," Guilliman said.
"It is my honor to serve you, Regent."
As the words fell, the daemon disappeared into thick smoke and flames.
The temperature inside the chamber also returned to normal.
The flame in the brazier continued to burn normally.
Vordius was still in shock at this moment, unable to recover from the scene he had just witnessed.
The Primarch had obtained far more information by using daemons than he ever could.
He could never have imagined that the enemy's target was one of the Empire's space marine Chapters, the Dark Angels.
This was undoubtedly a bombshell.
If true, perhaps he could bypass the investigation process and lie in wait at the Rock, catching the enemy off guard.
Vordius pondered the actions of the daemon he was tracking.
If the target was the Rock, then the strange behavior made sense.
The other party was luring the warriors of the Dark Angels Chapter away, making them leave the Rock to carry out missions in different star systems. This way, the defenses of the Rock would become empty.
But why would the other party target the Dark Angels Chapter?
Vordius' heart was filled with confusion; all this might require further investigation to know.
Ventris was also astonished at this moment.
He had never thought that the Primarch would also cooperate with daemons like those sorcerers.
However, unlike ordinary sorcerers.
The Primarch was clearly the dominant party in the cooperation.
Those daemons were more like subordinates working for him.
After the daemon left and he confirmed there was no threat, Guilliman turned to look at Vordius and Ventris. "Controlling these daemons is exhausting. We must be strong enough to fight them and obtain the meager information from their mouths."
"Always remember this. Do not casually cross certain bottom lines, and do not fear or submit to them."
"My lord, isn't your approach too dangerous?" Wardius said.
"This is indeed a very dangerous field, and it comes with a heavy price. However, the conflict between the Imperium of Man and the Warp is becoming increasingly sharp. We cannot be completely ignorant of our enemies. To die in despair or to fight to the death, I believe I do not need to give you the answer to this question."
Guilliman looked at Vordius, his tone firm.
Vordius lowered his head and stopped arguing.
"My lord, I am more concerned about the scheme the traitor Primarch Fulgrim is enacting against you. From the daemon's tone, it is clear that traitor has already begun to act, but we know nothing of his plan," Ventris said to the Primarch, his tone somewhat worried.
"Fulgrim, he craves perfection, but the more complex something is, the harder it is to achieve perfection. We will soon know what his scheme is."
Guilliman said as he turned to look at the bound Cherubael.
Feeling his gaze, the other party quickly put on a fawning smile.
Guilliman did not give him a pleasant look.
These cunning Primordial Annihilators are things that must always be guarded against.