XXIV

"Can demons be told apart from humans at a glance?" Xia Qingyue sent him a sound transmission.

"... Not that I know of," Rokas replied with one of his own. "Except for superior beings like divine spirits, it shouldn't be so simple. Still, our cultivation will draw his attention and that may lead to some trouble."

"If the worst happens, would you be his match?"

"I'd likely win but it wouldn't be easy unless I caught him lacking."

"Then… catch him lacking if you must." Xia Qingyue used his slang, glancing at him. "The Sacred Grounds are your enemies so you shouldn't hold back against them. Not until you surpass them completely, at the very least. This Xuanyuan Wentian person especially… gives me the tone of someone who is just as ambitious as he is ruthless."

"I get what you mean." Rokas nodded.

"My, oh, my. Am I late?" A figure appeared in the skies right after Xuanyuan Wentian, this one representing the Supreme Ocean Palace. "My condolences, I lost the track of time."

"No, no… how could the wise guild master of the Black Moon Merchant Guild ever be late? Could you have come to represent the Supreme Ocean Palace, Zi Ji?"

"Yes… my wife informed me that it was an important affair and, since I reside in this Divine Phoenix City, it wouldn't have been too much of a hassle to make my way here. Alas, I am not a direct member of the Supreme Ocean Palace… so I hope you are not too disappointed."

"Why would I be disappointed? It is a great honour to have you spectate the Ranking Tournament." Feng Hengkong shook his head. "Besides, how could the husband of the Sovereign of the Seas not qualify as a direct member of the Supreme Ocean Palace? Everyone knows that the Supreme Ocean Palace and Black Moon Merchant guild are almost one and the same."

"Well, then there shouldn't be any issues." Zi Ji nodded, sitting down at the side of Xuanyuan Wentian.

Another mighty monarch appeared in the skies, shocking Feng Hengkong and everyone else further. Unlike Xuanyuan Wentian, his gaze was calm like that of a pure Taoist. He looked like a frail and thin young man who did not seem to be any more than sixteen years old. Rokas felt like coughing blood when he analysed the person.

It was Huangji Wuyu, the Saint Emperor himself!

'This man looks almost as young as me… and he's like two thousand years old which is near the end of his lifespan. Whatever he's having, all the old women need it.'

[System: You forgot the Saint Emperor's description?]

'I mean… yeah. Why would I bother to remember such a minuscule detail?'

"Saint Emperor… it is this junior's and the Divine Phoenix City's highest blessing to receive you on such a great day." Feng Hengkong expressed his respect. "Please, do take a seat in the designated section for our honoured Sacred Ground visitors."

"That is the Saint Emperor? He looks far too young." Cang Yue blinked in surprise.

"Perhaps he found the secret to eternal life." Rokas jested, shrugging his shoulders. "Or it's some profound art…"

"Likely the latter." Xia Qingyue added.

"Before I do so, I wish to express my sincerest apologies for what happened to our Profound Sky Continent." Huangji Wuyu spoke with a moving tone that resounded across the entire Ranking Tournament arena and even further beyond. "The Sun Moon Divine Hall acted out of hand, terrorising five of the Seven Nations. If it were not for the intervention of the other Sacred Grounds, that number may have been seven. Alas… that does not change what happened before. Treasuries were robbed, many were slain, profound arts were stolen… countless tragedies had occurred within an extremely short period of time."

'He's playing the role of Saint Emperor well…' Rokas observed, cracking open a can of Sprite.

"All three of us, the Sovereign of the Seas, Sword Master Xuanyuan Wentian and myself have agreed as sacred ground masters to provide financial aid to the afflicted nations. We will begin providing this support right as this tournament concludes. This financial aid will hopefully ensure that the future generations of the Profound Sky Continent are not raised without the resources that they would have had otherwise. After all, they are the profound practitioners of tomorrow… the ones who will carry on our legacies!"

A round of applause exploded across the arena of three million spectators. Even Rokas stood up and clapped quite violently, playing his part. Though… truth be told, he did feel inspired by the speech. The Saint Emperor sure did know how to speak, he couldn't take that away from him.

"That is all I wish to say." The Saint Emperor turned to his seat and floated down.

"Everyone is in awe of the generosity of the Great Sacred Grounds…" Feng Hengkong nodded, clapping along.

…

"Such a moving speech, Saint Emperor." Xuanyuan Wentian waved his hand, smiling as the crowd cheered him. Although, in truth, he was indifferent toward all of his admirers. Financial aid? All he was giving was his scraps that barely had any use anyway. "It would not have been quite as effective if anyone else but you had spoken those words."

"That is why I came personally." Huangji Wuyu nodded, sitting down in the middle-most seat.

…

"Such a shame that our Blue Wind Empire won't be receiving dog treats from the three Great Sacred Grounds…" Rokas chuckled. "The speech was wonderful, though."

"He is the Saint Emperor, after all." Cang Yue nodded. "His looks might be deceiving in that regard but his mannerisms certainly aren't."

The Black Moon Merchant Guild's master Zi Ji, Sword Master Xuanyuan Wentian and Saint Emperor Huangji Wuyu… the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament had never had such a distinguished set of guests since its inception. Naturally, the tournament was swiftly underway so as to not waste their time. Feng Feiyan started the profound assessment stage, first calling for the participants of the Navy Tide Nation.

Most of the participants were in the late stages of the Sky Profound Realm and towards the age limit of twenty-five. Of course, there were some outliers. The Black Fiend Nation had an early stage throne and so did the Navy Tide Nation. Right before the great Divine Phoenix Empire, the Blue Wind Empire's participants were called up.

They floated down, with all of the grace in the world, aweing the crowd of spectators. Feng Xue'er being the most beautiful girl around had been disputed… but alas, their beauty was not the most shocking thing.

"..."

When they touched separate Profound Assessment Stones, the entire arena grew silent as the result appeared on a massive array.

Cang Yue, 20 years old, Fifth Level of the Sovereign Profound Realm.

Xia Qingyue, 19 years old, First Level of the Sovereign Profound Realm.

"... This… can't be true, can it?"

The entire arena seemed to erupt with endless waves of shock, bewilderment, confusion and even admiration.

Xuanyuan Wentian sat up, observing the result with a keen interest. He looked around, noticing that Rokas was the only person who was completely calm.

Rokas happened to make eye contact with the Sword Master for a brief moment while he was looking around.

'... I bet he has quite a few questions on his mind. I would, too, in his shoes.'

"Such talent…" Huangji Wuyu stood up from his seat as he ascertained that the stone hadn't lied. His usually calm expression turned to one of bewilderment. "Even in the Great Sacred Grounds, there has never been a monarch so young! To think that the Blue Wind Empire has two heavenly… no, divine, talents is simply surreal."

"How would you ladies like to join my Heavenly Sword Region after this tournament?" Xuanyuan Wentian instantly offered. "Any resource would be at your disposal, from weapons to pellets to my Sword Attendants… anything that your heart would desire. No less, I would be more than willing to take you as my direct disciples despite my old age."

'I'd say that he's moving mad… but Xuanyuan Wentian doesn't strike me as the type to care about women. If anything, he wants to find out how they grew so quickly and perhaps use that to elevate himself beyond the Sovereign Profound Realm.'

[System: I believe he's too old to get it up…]

'Man, you didn't have to do him like that…'

"I must humbly decline the kind offer." Cang Yue shook her head. "My duty is to the Blue Wind Empire and my husband."

"I must also graciously decline your offer." Xia Qingyue added. "As lucrative as it is, what I have now is far more appealing to me."

"... Young man." Xuanyuan Wentian looked directly at Rokas. "You, like them, are not from the Divine Phoenix Sect yet have yourself seated at the centre. From what I've heard, they call you… the 'Lord Phoenix God', am I correct?"

'Saying no to an obvious fact… I'm not that good at waffling.'

"That's… true." Rokas nodded, embracing his new identity. "I am the complete inheritor of the Phoenix in regards to blood, body and soul. You can say that I am the Phoenix reborn."

"... No wonder." Xuanyuan Wentian nodded. "Then can I assume that you are affiliated with these two ladies?"

"One is my wife while the other is my… partner." Rokas nodded. "A close companion."

"Then might you know the reason for their explosive growth?"

Rokas grinned slightly before speaking without shame. "Dual-cultivation with a God, of course."

'It is reasonable… after all, who can say that they dual-cultivated with a 'God' in these past ten thousand years?'

The arena was silent once more. Dual-cultivation with that man would produce such results? That realisation alone would make any ambitious woman think…

"... Then would you wish to join the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region yourself? The same offer stands for you." Xuanyuan Wentian offered with a serious tone. The thought came to him to see just how great these results would be for his female members…

'This man is relentless if anything…'

Rokas paused for a moment, considering his options. If he declined, that would risk the potential of a confrontation he did not desire quite yet…

"I commend your ambition, Sword Master Xuanyuan, but perhaps the Lord Phoenix God would prefer to join my Absolute Monarch Sanctuary instead? I am growing old and am still without a proper heir. Should you accept, the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary would be under your leadership within a short period of time."

"... What of the Divine Phoenix Empire?" Rokas inquired.

"The Absolute Monarch Sanctuary and Divine Phoenix Empire have had a strong bond for a great many years now. For one to be lord and protector of both… this is something that I find more than acceptable, given your circumstances."

"I'll consider these options… jumping to a choice so soon would be unwise."

"Fair enough."

Both leaders nodded in understanding fashion.

~

With the appearance of two sacred ground masters, the showing of strength from Xia Qingyue and Cang Yue and Rokas' rise to future Phoenix God Emperor of the Absolute Monarch Sanctuary… the Divine Phoenix Sect's participants had completely been overshadowed.

While the rounds between the five nations were mostly intense, Xia Qingyue and Cang Yue didn't even fight in their rounds. They only witnessed instant surrender. When the choice came to challenge the Divine Phoenix Empire for the first position, they accepted… and well, won without a fight.

The whole ordeal was quite unfair, to say the least. However, for once, the Divine Phoenix Empire was greatly outclassed… they got a taste of the medicine they had been giving everyone else for centuries.

…

Not even a whole day after, the Primordial Profound Ark opened and Rokas entered alongside Cang Yue and Xia Qingyue. The Divine Phoenix Sect brought the most people, naturally, making up most of the limit of thirty-three.

"Big Brother Ke, would you explore the Primordial Profound Ark with me?" Feng Xue'er asked, approaching him. "Father said I could only go without him if you accompanied me."

"Uhm… sure? Although, I'll be going my own way so you will have to follow me." Rokas replied.

"Xue'er doesn't mind."

"Aight then."

'System, find me that fortress.'

[System: Hmm… do you know how big this place is?]

'I was told that you were omniscient… so go ahead and scan this entire 'region'.'

[System: Ask nicely and I might just do that for you.]

'Pretty please.'

[System: With what on top?]

'... With a cherry on top?'

[System: Alright, I'll locate it for you.]

'Thanks.'

…

After several minutes of flight, Jasmine spoke out to him.

"That Xuanyuan Wentian… he seems to be loosely following you. The Saint Emperor is not all that far away either."

'Man can't catch a break.'

Rokas stopped.

"What's wrong?" Xia Qingyue questioned.

"Your premonition is likely to be correct."

Within a short while, Xuanyuan Wentian appeared before the group. His eyes narrowed as he smiled.

"The foreigner from the Grand Asura Nation named Long Ke… and yet, as I made the entire nation search its records for such a person, he did not exist. You may not even be from the Profound Sky Continent at all…" Xuanyuan Wentian remarked. "I do not know what technique you're using, but concealing yourself to the Tyrant Profound Realm is impressive."

"On what basis do you think that I'm concealing my strength?" Rokas inquired.

"On what basis? The very fact that those Sovereign Profound Realm ladies seem quite comfortable in your protection. It would only make sense… if they are the benefactors of your divine energy, then you should be far stronger than them."

"Alright… so if I was, say, much stronger than you. Why would you be here?"

"I suspect that you are a Profound God who has descended onto this lesser Realm and fed those women your heavenly resources. There is no other feasible way…" Xuanyuan Wentian stated, furrowing his brows as he lowered himself. "I ask that you guide me with my breakthrough past the Sovereign Profound Realm, Lord Phoenix God. My life is nearing its end… and yet I feel as if I have accomplished so little."

"What would I have to gain by elevating someone like you?" Rokas looked down on Xuanyuan Wentian, playing the part of a 'Profound God'.

"This Sword Master is willing to be your faithful servant."

"Hmm…"

'If I gave Xuanyuan Wentian my blood, would I be able to effectively use my Divine Authority on him?'

[System: Very much so. Giving your own blood directly would be like placing a Slave Imprint onto him… if you used your Divine Authority to its fullest extent.]

'Good.'

"I would not mind such an influential servant…"

Rokas formed an energy sword, aiming to cut his hand a little.

Clang.

'Er…'

Rokas furrowed his brows as the sword didn't cut shit… realising that cutting himself wasn't so simple! Even without guarding himself, his natural endurance was far too great for such a meagre attack.

'Fine, I'll do it the fancy way.'

"Stand still, Sword Master. I shall bless you with my divine blood."

Rokas smiled as he stepped forward. He lowered his hand slightly, pointing his index finger directly at Xuanyuan Wentian's chest. His finger glowed golden as he passed down one drop of his divine blood… the heaven-defying Chimera blood, specifically. After all, since they had all thoroughly mixed, he couldn't quite separate any of them.

The loss wasn't that great, either, since his Dragon God Marrow was continuously producing said Chimera blood to the point where his entire body was filled with it. Rokas stood back as he observed Xuanyuan Wentian focusing on refining his blood.

"Pfft…" Xuanyuan Wentian spat out a mouthful of his blood. "This… blood… is quite fierce…"

'Could I poison someone with my blood?' Rokas suddenly wondered. 'For a peak Monarch to react in such a way…'

"... Are you sure that strengthening him is the right thing to do?" Xia Qingyue whispered to him.

"Strengthening him while also ensuring his loyalty through bloodline suppression," Rokas replied, shrugging his shoulders. "Win-win situation."

"... If that suppression works, then I suppose so."

After what felt like three whole minutes, Xuanyuan Wentian was having an entire seizure on the ground in a pool of his own blood. He was rolling around, holding his head like a mad man. Rokas started to feel concerned… was his Chimera blood simply too much, even if it was only one drop?

"Ah… when will… the pain stop!?" Xuanyuan Wentian screamed in agony. "Make it stop… ahhh!!!"

"... Big Brother Ke, will be he alright?" Feng Xue'er wondered, holding her hands close to her chest.

'The ever-so innocent Xue'er…' Rokas thought to himself. "I sincerely hope so…"

'Come on, best villain, you can do better than that. I need you to teach me some of your sword arts, hand over that Sovereign sword… be the overlord of the Profound Sky Continent in my name… man, you can't just roll over and die from just one drop of my blood!'

After another two minutes, he stopped moving.

'Is he… dead?'

[It is a new beginning for the Sword Master Xuanyuan Wentian and the death of his old self…]

[Xuanyuan Wentian (Death XIII) Confidant Rank: 0 → 1]

Suddenly, Xuanyuan Wentian opened his eyes which shined with magnificence. Although he looked similar to before, one could not deny his overwhelming strength which had broken past the Sovereign Profound Realm.

Realising that this current Xuanyuan Wentian surpassed him, Rokas unleashed his Divine Authority upon him, suppressing his strength back down to the first level of the Sovereign Profound Realm in an instant.

'Brilliant…' Rokas smiled, letting go of his suppression. "Although I granted you greater strength, you should not get ahead of yourself and start thinking you're above me. Do you understand?"

"Why would I betray my greatest benefactor?" Xuanyuan Wentian smiled. "You have my eternal gratitude and loyalty. Even if I had somehow slain you… I'd only be cutting myself short and burning a bridge to even greater strength."

"You are smarter than most… that's what I like about you." Rokas nodded. "Can you go back and tell the Saint Emperor to mind his own business? After that, return to me."

"As you wish." Xuanyuan Wentian turned back.

"The Sword Master… is Ke'er's servant now? That was quite swift." Cang Yue remarked in disbelief.

"He does not intend to stay on this Blue Pole Star forever. To leave someone that he could trust to lord over it… not the worst idea." Xia Qingyue replied. "If anything, it would be quite wise."

…

"Huangji Wuyu… you should mind your own business and turn away." Xuanyuan Wentian confronted the Saint Emperor. "But if you object, I do not mind using force either."

"What do you mean… Xuanyuan Wentian? You would attack me?" Huangji Wuyu frowned deeply. "I had thought that we were allies!"

"Allies… so long as it fits our separate agendas." Xuanyuan Wentian chuckled. "While my Master informed me to remove you from the vicinity, he never said how. For that matter… I've always despised you the most out of the sacred ground masters. The self-righteous Saint Emperor, the man of the people, oh how benevolent you show yourself to be."

"Yet, in the end, you're no better than the rest of us. Despite your Sacred Heart art, greed for power consumes you… which makes you so very easy to manipulate. All of you sacred ground masters, for that matter, are no more than bumbling fools seeking even more power."

"What makes you any better than the rest?" Huangji Wuyu frowned.

"How I've used you all… of course. Without my hand, we would still be Five Great Sacred Grounds, not three. Or have you forgotten that fact?"

"... Sword Master, what gives you the idea that you would best me?"

"I've already ascended past the Sovereign Profound Realm… don't you feel it?" Xuanyuan Wentian grinned. "I am only half a step away from becoming a Profound God, power that you could only dream of!"

"Impossible… how!?"

"My master, of course, the same 'young man' you had the wild idea of making your successor. The Lord Phoenix God, a being above all else in our world, bending his head to a mere Saint Emperor? My master found that idea laughable!"

"Damn you, Xuanyuan Wentian…" Huangji Wuyu grit his teeth. "Did you not make the same offer?"

"I have wisened up since then… and I don't regret my decision in the slightest."

SLASH.

With lightning-fast speed, Xuanyuan Wentian advanced onto Huangji Wuyu and cut him to pieces in only a few exchanges. While the Saint Emperor tried to retaliate, his strongest attacks didnt even bruise the Sword Master's body.

"The Primal Chaos Heavenly Ruler and Saint Emperor Seal… I quite fancy those for myself." Xuanyuan Wentian stabbed his blade deep into the heart of Huangji Wuyu, killing him. He looted him completely, taking everything that the Saint Emperor had in his possession.

"Unless master would prefer them for himself… of course."

…

"Master, I have slain the Saint Emperor as he proved to be quite reluctant in leaving." Xuanyuan Wentian informed Rokas. "He had several valuable possessions that I thought you might be even a little intrigued in."

"Show me them later… there is a place that I must see."

'This man probably went ahead and murked the Saint Emperor intentionally… well, it is what it is.'

~

As he flew towards the Ancient Fortress, he made Xuanyuan Wentian hunt down the surrounding Tyrant Profound Realm beasts, gathering far more than the three that he needed for Jasmine's new body. After several hours, he found the Ancient Fortress thanks to the System and flew up to it.

"Xuanyuan Wentian, go out and explore the rest of the Primordial Profound Ark while I check this out." Rokas commanded. 'This fortress is bloody huge… where the hell does it even end?'

"Yes, master." Xuanyuan Wentian obediently nodded.

"The aura of this fortress is extremely old and it should be a building of the Primordial Era. It might be something that existed along with the Primordial Profound Ark and not something built in later." Jasmine stated, glancing at him. "Was this also something you found in your 'dreams'?"

"It was." Rokas nodded.

"Hmm… well, seeing as you have plenty of time, exploring a portion of this fortress would be worthwhile. If you manage to find a treasure from the Primordial Era, even if it was of the lowest grade, your journey here wouldn't be wasted."

'Thanks for the refresher.'

"Sorry for taking you so far, Xue'er. You must be quite tired because of me." Rokas remarked.

"Well, actually… I've been having a lot of fun, Big Brother Ke." Feng Xue'er smiled. "All this exploring is rather exciting."

[Feng Xue'er (Hierophant V) Confidant Rank: 1 → 2]

'For someone trapped in two places during most of her life… I can see why.'

"Maybe you'd like to see the Blue Wind Empire sometime. While it is not as vast or impressive in regards to profound strength as the Divine Phoenix Empire, we have places like the Snow Region of Extreme Ice." Rokas offered.

"The Blue Wind Imperial Family would be honoured to receive a visit from Princess Snow herself." Cang Yue added with a smile. "The snow is quite beautiful and endless in the Snow Region that Ke'er mentioned, it's unlike anything you'd see in the Divine Phoenix City."

"Really… such a place exists?" Feng Xue'er's eyes widened. "I'd love to go… of course, but my father would have to approve first."

"I don't think he'd mind if I asked…"

Thereafter, the group entered the ancient fortress and started to explore it. Before long, the lingering spirit approached Rokas and led him to the coffin of Eternity where Hong'er had been sealed away.

He flipped open the Coffin and used his Sky Poison Pearl to cure her poison. She was like the cutest thing Rokas had ever seen in his life… other than his own daughter, of course. Before long, the petite girl opened her vermillion eyes which matched the colour of her long hair.

"She is…" Li Suo herself left Rokas' Inner World, surprising him. "This aura… there is no mistaking it…"

Rokas stepped back, observing Li Suo approach Hong'er.

"Lady Li Suo…" The lingering spirit observed in bewilderment.

"Ni Jie, do you remember me?" Li Suo pat Hong'er's head after she took her out of the Coffin of Eternity and kneeled next to her.

"Woah… who is this big sister?" Feng Xue'er blinked in surprise. "She is so beautiful…"

"A long story." Cang Yue replied.

"No… I don't remember… big sister, who are you?" Hong'er tilted her head.

"… I was your godmother, in a way. My name is Li Suo and we'll take care of you now, alright?" Li Suo spoke in a tranquilising tone that made Rokas a little dizzy.

'Jeez… what rank would her Charm be if she had it?'

[System: A to EX, obviously.]

'Seriously?'

[System: EX against you especially.]

'Fair enough…'

"Hmm… something about big sister is very calming." Hong'er nodded. "You wouldn't let the baddies take me away, would you?"

"No, I wouldn't." Li Suo chuckled, shaking her head. "You would be safe with me."

"Hmm… then does big sister have food for me? I'm hungry…"

Li Suo glanced at Rokas. "Could I have one of your swords?"

"... You can have this one." Rokas nodded, taking out one Emperor Profound Realm sword he had found in the Sun Moon Divine Hall. "Why would you need a sword?"

"This is why…" Li Suo gave it to Hong'er, who swiftly snatched it and started eating away.

'Seeing this in person… sheesh, it's somewhat hilarious.' Rokas smiled slightly. 'Well, my Sun Moon Calamity Fan is far superior to that weapon anyway so it isn't much of a loss.'

"Damn…" Rokas acted surprised, raising an eyebrow. "She can eat swords?"

"Mn… this food is yummy…" Hong'er kept crunching the sword to pieces, bite by bite, without a care in the world.

"I hope you did not mind too much…" Li Suo smiled slightly, standing up. "I promise to make it up to you later."

'Hold on… make it up to me?'

[System: Get your mind out of the gutter…]

'Ironic for you to be saying that.'

"In what way?" Rokas wondered, scratching his hair.

"Given that you have the Sky Poison Pearl and I have all knowledge of vegetation, I can gather the right ingredients so that you could refine them into the best resources possible." Li Suo replied. "What do you think?"

"Oh, that would be great…" Rokas nodded.

"Then that's settled." Li Suo glanced at the Lingering Spirit. "Would you grant me control of this Profound Ark?"

"Of course, Lady LI Suo…" The lingering spirit agreed without hesitation and slowly began to fade. "Mistress… is finally cured… and with such a caring guardian… I've completed my duty."

"You can rest now…" Li Suo nodded.

~

After the twenty-four-hour period passed, everyone was kicked out of the Primordial Profound Ark. However, instead of disappearing someplace else, the Primordial Profound Ark was taken into Rokas' Inner World. Although Li Suo had gained the control imprint, she gave it to Rokas directly.

"Where is the Saint Emperor?" Feng Hengkong looked around, realising that one person was missing.

"Perhaps he was trapped inside…" Xuanyuan Wentian furrowed his brows with a look of concern, stroking his beard. "Such a loss to the Profound Sky Continent… would be insurmountable."

".. How could someone like the Saint Emperor find himself trapped in the Primordial Profound Ark?" Zi Ji frowned, suspecting someone.

"It is a mysterious place that has never been fully explored." Xuanyuan Wentian added. "Who could fathom what kind of traps lay in its depths?"

'A-class actor.' Rokas turned to Feng Xue'er. "I think I'll be going back to the Blue Wind Empire for a while. After that, I'll come back to check on you and maybe we'll go see the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace together…"

"Mn… Xue'er is looking forward to it." Feng Xue'er nodded.

Rokas didn't linger around the Divine Phoenix City, leaving with Cang Yue and Xia Qingyue. Xuanyuan Wentian later joined his side, inquiring for orders.

"You will take a greater role in carrying out the fallen Saint Emperor's financial aid project," Rokas ordered Xuanyuan Wentian.

"Eh… why would that be necessary?"

'I feel responsible for what had happened…'

"Just do as I say." Rokas frowned.

"Lord Phoenix God is a befitting title of such a virtuous being…" Xuanyuan Wentian nodded. "Very well, I will share the Mighty Heavenly Sword Region's scraps with the common folk."

"Good."

…

"How has she been?" Rokas asked one of the maids as he observed Long Yinping crawling and climbing about in her playground.

"Energetic as ever." The maid replied with a smile. "Putting her sleep is quite difficult… even after an entire day spent doing countless physical activities."

"I've been on the receiving end of that many times." Rokas smiled.

"She also started running not that long ago… which is simply a phenomenon for a girl her age."

Cang Yue went over and lifted Long Yinping up. "Oh… she's getting a little heavy. What have you been feeding her?"

"Well… meat. Lots of it. She has quite the stomach, my princess." The maid nodded.

'This girl is about to look like Mikasa when she grows up.' Rokas remarked, chuckling slightly. "Would you leave us for the day?"

"As you wish."

…

Later, he took his little girl out to the beach under an umbrella. It was the same place where he and Cang Yue had their first kiss over two years ago. He had gotten a beach rug where he, Cang Yue and Long Yinping chilled through the sunny day. Although Long Yinping would alternative between Cang Yue and Rokas, she spent most of the time resting against his chest.

"Guess who's daddy's girl…" Rokas smiled slightly, glancing at Cang Yue.

"It seems that our daughter is." Cang Yue nodded, observing their surroundings and noticing something strange. "Is that… a horde of crabs?"

"Huh?" Rokas sat up, noticing that an army of around fifty crabs had crawled out of the water. They weren't anything too threatening… but it was an amusing sight. "Oh, I have an idea."

He smiled, thinking of something.

'System play… Crab… err, I forgot the full name. You know what I mean, right?'

[Playing Noisestorm - Crab Rave]

'Oh… this is a little nostalgic.' Rokas smiled, asserting his Authority onto the crabs who started their little dance, moving side to side with their arms poking in rhythm. Their clicking had woken up Long Yinping, who turned around to see the display of crabs vibing.

'Dance for me, crabs. You're in a makeshift concert now.'

"So funny…"

Long Yinping laughed a little, clapping along.

~

After some more months beside Cang Yue and his daughter, he saw his twentieth birthday pass. He kissed Long Yinping and Cang Yue goodbye not long after, deciding to return 'home' for a short while. He still had some debts to settle…

Using the Primordial Profound Ark's energy, he teleported straight to the Demon Imperial City.

BOOM.

"Home… sweet home," Rokas muttered to himself, grinning slightly as he descended upon the Jiufang Family. 'Jiufang Yu, where could Yu possible be?'

[System: Pun intended?]

'Certainly.'