Speech 100

"Looks like my baby boy is starting to mature into a young man." 

My mother pinched my cheeks and smothered me in kisses. It was embarrassing even though I was the only one with her. I wasn't exactly a 'baby boy'... 

"Mother…"

"It feels as if it were yesterday when you were just taking your first steps and now you're on the path to becoming Blue Wind Imperial Family's greatest talent ever."

My mother smiled, embracing me again. She reminded me of my original mother… the mother of my first life a little too much. Well, she wasn't exactly Asian (far from it), but personality-wise they seemed to be almost the same person. Except… this mother was especially ambitious.

"But, the higher you soar, the more wary you must become. There will be more people who wish to drag you down or seek to gain from you. They will pretend to be your companions for their own benefit and nothing else. Most of all, be wary of rival factions and women."

"... I'll be fine, mother. Really." I chuckled, shaking my head.

"I'm not joking, Chao'er. I can smell the seduction attempts months ahead already. Mayors and sect masters will intentionally set you up wherever you go. They will desperately want a piece of your heavenly talent for themselves. After all, the easiest time to earn your favour is when you are young and inexperienced."

"Remember who you are. Cang Chao… he who leaps over and surpasses all. Do not let anyone ever hinder you." 

"I won't." I tried to break free but it was a rather pointless effort. 

"Most importantly, remember to stay safe. If anything worries you… do not be afraid to return immediately. If mother lost her baby boy…"

"I said I'll be fine." I repeated. "Besides that, father will provide me with the best entourage he can. I'd have to be immensely reckless to get into any kind of danger."

"… Except you are immensely reckless."

"I'll be on good behaviour." I smiled. "Promise."

She smiled, patting my head.

"One day, this Empire will belong to you."

~

"Tell me why the days have felt cold, why fulfilment turned to emptiness."

"I reach out for your heart but you turn away."

"You say that I've changed but all I ever wanted was you."

"Together, we could have sought the stars in the sky."

"Instead… I fall to my lowest depths, afraid to say the words that escape my tongue."

"I raised you from the ground, I opened my kingdom to you, I gave you your crown… we stood as equals."

"I thought that it was fate that the heavens would send me a fairy who could match me."

"Yet why did her embrace become a nest of thorns?"

"Why did she shatter my crown and drag me down to my knees?"

"It's just me and my torn heart… singing this song."

"It's just me… for all of eternity."

I stopped singing and all that followed was applause. 

…

As my mother had warned, I received a lot of 'good-will' from others. Though, I wasn't quite as vulnerable as she imagined. I was used to the highs and the lows. I knew how people acted when you were up… and when you fell off. I knew how fake people could be and didn't bother forming any sort of attachment to them.

The nearest city to the Blue Wind Imperial City was the Purple Sun City… my first stop. Yeah, these people gave cities weird names. Anyway, it was decently large. It had its own allure and actively promoted its famous brothels. I was warmly welcomed and showered in praise before I even took my first step inside of the city. 

Of course, I took the time to give them a good show and leave a strong impression with my song. My writing needed some work but I made sure to put my heart and soul into it… and that's the thing that matters most. If you can make your audience feel your emotion, you've won. 

That's precisely what I did with my singing. Pulled on their heart strings.

It was night and a celebratory feast followed.

"My, what a performance from his royal highness." Tai Shun, the mayor, smiled and shook his head. "Truly touching… I and all the residents of this city are beyond honoured to have borne witness to it. It seems that his highness is beyond talented in everything that he touches!"

Everyone toasted to me while I drank water.

"No need to thank me." I smiled slightly. "I should be the one thankful to have such a great audience."

"To be so talented yet so modest, hahahaha." Tai Shun laughed. "That is a rare gift, indeed-"

"I am not modest, mayor. Not at all. In truth, I have great ambitions. Ambitions that most might consider delusional." I interrupted him. "However… I do appreciate the people who come to listen to my performances. I appreciate those who support me and do not wish to take them for granted. I consider them my people… and if I do not give them my best showing, then I only see that as a failure on my behalf. I consider it as failing both them and myself."

"Remarkable. I can see why His Imperial Majesty favours you so greatly. To be so young yet so refined… he has brought up a brilliant prince, indeed."

"I simply try my best, every day," I smiled, drinking some more water. The mayor turned to the girl who sat at his other side and talked about something I couldn't quite discern.

Though, I had a good idea.

"Perhaps after this, your royal highness, might I introduce you to my daughter? Your performance truly left quite the impact… though she is too shy to admit it." Tai Shun laughed.

"Sure. After I'm done eating."

When I was full, I stood up from my seat and went to chat to the chick. Turns out she wasn't shy at all the moment we were in private.

"I looooved that performance. Your heavenly voice, touching words, how you shined under the moonlight… you stole my heart in mere seconds." She looked at me with sparkling eyes. "Whoever broke his royal highness' heart must truly be an evil girl…"

"No one broke my heart." I countered, shaking my head.

"Oh… forgive me. I thought that only because your words seemed to come from the very core of your being. That is how powerful they felt."

"I appreciate that you think so highly of my abilities." I smiled slightly. "However, I just happen to be an enjoyer of romance… so it all comes naturally to me. Though, I haven't had much luck with it."

"Oh… really?" She blinked. "That's unfortunate. Though… it sounds like you're interested in the prospect-"

"No." I cut her short. "Not at all. My sole focus is the Blue Wind Imperial Family and the Blue Wind Empire as a whole."

"... I see." Her eyes dimmed a little. "Well… uh…"

"You don't need to force yourself to act in any way just because that's what your father expects from you." I stated, looking directly at her. She seemed a few years older than me, probably sixteen or so.

"No… I'm not forcing it. I… truly do admire you, your royal highness." She shook her head. "You're handsome, talented and so… charming. I can't help but want to be closer to you. You're the only person who's ever made me feel this way…"

"It's unfortunate that it had to be me because I can't return your feelings." 

You're just not my type…

Not even for a one-night stand.

Though, I'm not sure if my body is mature enough to be doing it properly anyway.

"... I see…" She looked down, trying hard to hide the sadness in her eyes.

I almost felt bad… but I wasn't obligated to make her feel better or spend more time than necessary by her side. 

"Feelings are like the tides at a beach, they come and go." I managed a smile. "You do not love me, you do not know me… you simply love the idea of who I might be. Alas, those feelings will wash away with time."

I turned away.

"I bid you farewell."

~

Despite being easily the smallest of the seven nations, the Blue Wind Empire was incredibly vast to my Nascent Profound self. Me visiting every settlement was comparable to a normal person walking every inch of France. Probably. Don't quote me on that, I haven't been to France. 

It wasn't just some year-long vacation from politics. It took an incredibly long time even when I tried to be as efficient as possible. Plus I had to keep up with my cultivation from time to time…

Even though my advisor insisted for me to return, I was determined to reach the very corners of the Empire. The lower the place I visited, the easier it was to make a deep impact. No royal prince ever bothered to step foot into the poor outer reaches.

My devotion did bear fruit, in the end, as my cultivation speed clearly grew… but I began to see diminishing returns. My fame had reached the point where small actions didn't increase the overall speed all that much.

A year and several months later…

I finally stepped into the Spirit Profound Realm and reached the Gold rank.

…

 "So, what do I get?" James grinned as he addressed his System.

[King's System: For attaining the Gold Rank, you now gain a roll every twenty days alongside a stimulus check of one super roll and fifty basic rolls. Your summoned limit has increased to three while your storage limit has also increased to ten.]

"You're most kind, System." James nodded eagerly. "Thank you for your blessings. You know me… I do like to gamble and those fifty rolls will no doubt quench some of that craving."

[King's System: Happy to serve, my liege.]

"Gather round, everyone." 

James' throneroom had evolved overtime, featuring a more comfortable wooden chair as the throne. The fence had grown a couple of feet and extended outwards, forming a type of barricade. Meanwhile, at the centre was a golden summon circle where his new vassals would emerge. The treasury had expanded too, featuring countless signed memorabilia from his recent year spent as a celebrity. 

All of James' vassals gathered, except for Yogg-Saron himself who grumbled in his lake. 

"Souls…" Yogg-Saron muttered under the lake with a tone that was almost sad. "I hunger."

"Shall I use the superroll right away?" James wondered, turning to his vassals. "Hm… actually, no, let's keep the best for last."

"Hmph, you're saying we're not good enough?" Saru raised an eyebrow.

"The more the merrier, I say." James countered, shrugging his shoulders. "Can never have too many servants. It's not like I'm paying any of you."

"Of course, we don't need payment." Beatrice smiled, standing closest to him. "Serving you is payment enough."

"Not like we have a choice in the matter." Eri added.

"What, you don't like being here?" James raised an eyebrow.

"You haven't allowed me to see the real world… it's always Beatrice, Senjumaru and Enderman." Eri complained.

"Well, your greatest skill is related to grenades…" James remarked. "Unfortunately, I haven't quite encountered something I'd like to be blown up."

"You're too busy trying to be a celebrity to get into fights." Saru added.

"Trying?" James chuckled. "I am one."

"How do you expect to win the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament without even learning how to fight?" Saru raised an eyebrow. "As far as I'm concerned, you're a coward who fears battle."

"A coward?"

"Yes, a weakling who's unworthy of being my master." Saru doubledowned on her earlier statement with a passionate tone. "Until you can defeat me… that will always be the case!"

"My, my… you are all so loud." Senjumaru sighed.

Enderman blinked.

"Challenging me, huh." James glanced at Saru. His black eyes flashed with an eager brilliance. "Don't worry, I'll fight you soon enough. My focus as of now is attaining a high enough profound strength to match the Heavenly Sword Villa's contestants… namely Ling Yun. There's no point in becoming the perfect warrior if you don't have strength."

"And there's no use in having strength if you can't use it." Saru scoffed.

"You better be as impressive as you think you are." James glanced away. "If I learn that you're all talk, you'll be just another roll shard."

"Hmph… you will see."

"Anyway, let's get to rolling." James grinned. "Go, get all the basic ones out of the way."

[System: You currently have 58 rolls. Which pool would you like to spend them on?]

"You know me."

[System: Of course.]

Grey… grey… grey…

"Fuck off. Fuck off. Fuck off."

James rejected every single grey, having some experience in the rolling aspect. He knew the value of his limited vassal space and didn't want anything subpar taking up space. 

Grey… grey… green…

"Go. Go. Go."

'Is my luck really that bad?'

Finally, a blue light emerged from the sky and broke his grey streak.

[From the Franchise known as Transformers…]

'Optimus Prime???' James got a little excited. 'Oh… right, he's male. Fuck.'

[Nautica.]

It shot down onto the summoning circle and faded away, revealing a pink-golden transformer with fans for wings.

'I don't know this one.'

"So you're my master…" Nautica towered over James as any transformer would. She smiled. "I look forward to working with you."

"So… what do you transform into?" James stroked his chin.

"A submarine."

"A… submarine. Brilliant. I'd like to try that out whenever I can." James' eyes lit up. "Welcome to the squad, Nautica. Stand behind me."

"A pleasure." Nautica stepped forward and joined the other vassals.

Some rolls later, the sky turned blue once more.

[From the Game Fate Grand Order…]

[The 'Queen of Witches', Circe.]

'... Am I the witch magnet or what?' James thought to himself.

A young woman with long pink hair, blue eyes and fair skin appeared before James. She smiled rather innocently as she looked upon her new master. She had black wings that didn't quite look to be part of her body but rather an accessory.

"So… you're 'King James'?" Circe questioned, moving her arms behind her back. She glanced around him rather innocently. "Are you going to reject me like the rest?"

"That depends…" James rested his head on his hand. "What can you do?"

"I know how to turn men into piglets." Circe remarked, storking her chin. "I can also construct tools with mana, I'm pretty good with potions and herbs…"

'Perhaps she could be my personal doctor… or something of the like. Turning men into pigs would be a pretty funny prank on people I don't like too.' James thought to himself. "Sure, welcome."

Only two slots remained.

Grey… grey… red!

"Oh…" James sat up slightly.

[From the game Genshin Impact…]

'Don't know what that is… but I'm hoping it's good.'

The red light split away and revealed a tall dark-skinned female with sky-blue eyes with cat-yellow pupils. Her hair was brown with blonde accents and she had quite the sense of fashion with a black-gold-red colour scheme. Her earring jingled as she looked up at James.

[Dehya, the Flaming Lioness.]

'... Wow. She looks badass and beautiful.' James blinked. 'She's making me question my preferences. Maybe I do like dark chocolate more…'

"Welcome to the team." James didn't even question her abilities, immediately swaying his hand to the side. "Come join us."

"I look forward to training with everyone." Dehya smiled slightly. 

Circe frowned slightly. James questioned her abilities yet this broad got instant acceptance.

'One more slot…'

Everything else was mediocre, all the way to James' total roll of 131. He didn't sweat it too much as he still had the super roll to fill out his roster. 

'Time for the good shit.'

'Go, System. Cook for me.'

[King's System: Yes, my liege.]

[From the Naruto Franchise…]

"This reminds me of your summoning." James glanced at Senjumaru. "I wonder who it is this time."

A golden light split the sky and lightning shook the realm. It shot down, taking a few seconds to disperse and reveal a black-haired individual wearing the Akatsuki robes. He wore a slashed leaf headband and had calm yet serious demeanour.

"You are my master?" 

[Itachi Uchiha.]

"My boy is dropped out… I think I've seen one of those robes before." James remarked.

"Then you know of the Akatsuki."

"... Not exactly, no. I assume you're strong given your rarity, though." James chuckled. "Honestly, I'm kinda glad to finally have another guy around."

Enderman blinked while Yogg grumbled.

"I mean… human male." James added, glancing at Enderman. "It's a bit different."

[King's System: You would get more males if you summoned from the male pool, my liege.]

'I would… but… Spaghetti man scarred me for life, okay?'

[King's System: Fair enough.]

Itachi stepped forward and joined James' group of vassals without having to be asked.

'... I like this guy. He seems like a professional that gets shit done.' James thought. "Alright, that'll do it. Soon, I'll do an inspection of everyone's abilities and spend more time with you lot. It's been a busy year with these guards always watching… do forgive me."

"It's perfectly understandable." Beatrice smiled. "You don't want to raise questions as to where we are all appearing from."

"Hmph." Saru scoffed.

"I'll figure something out." James nodded.

~

"This matter is not your decision to make! This marriage has affected Xiao Clan's reputation, and since Xiao Clan originated from the Xiao Sect, this means it also affects my Xiao Sect's reputation! I won't allow anyone to tarnish the reputation of my Xiao Sect! Xiao Ba, go and destroy the marriage certificate for me!!"

"Yes! Young Master!"

The entire crowd grew silent. No, the entire city. Practically everyone had gathered to witness this drama. As Xiao Ba roared and leapt from the stage to confront Xia Qingyue, he was blocked by an invisible wall and sent flying back.

"What… was that?" Xiao Ba muttered mid-air as he fell to the ground.

A ball of wind swept through the crowd, splitting it in half and revealing James in his regal attire who casually walked through. He was accompanied by an entourage of one elder, two disciples, Itachi (who got more appropriate drip) and Beatrice. 

'Looks like my ball control is as good as ever.'

Xiao Kuangyun frowned with anger as he observed. "Who dares attack a disciple of the Xiao Sect… and defy my order!?"

"That must be…" Xiao Moshan blinked with shock. "Young Master… that is Long Bu, one of the Blue Wind Imperial Palace's strongest elders. He is most likely even stronger than I. But… that attack couldn't have come from the boy… no, it surely didn't."

Everyone was silent as all eyes turned away from Xia Qingyue and onto James.

Xiao Kuangyun's frown grew slightly. He felt like he had been undermined by the prince's sudden appearance.

"Do not make me repeat myself. Who are you?"

"I am Cang Chao, the Seventh Prince of the Blue Wind Imperial Family." James announced, glancing at Xiao Ba. "Forgive me for the stray attack… my vassal acted on my behalf. Though, I must say, it's never a good sight when a man must force himself on a woman."

"... The Seventh…" Xiao Ba muttered.

"What a strange coincidence…" Xiao Kuangyun managed a smile. "That a prince would visit the same city as myself."

"Strange?" James stepped closer, chuckling. "Not at all. I've been touring around the Empire and just so happened to hear news of a young master of the prestigious Xiao Sect travelling to some small city. I was curious and found the opportunity to greet such a figure most tempting…"

"Cang Chao… I do believe I've heard of you." Xiao Kuangyun nodded. "Though, I'm afraid that you are in the way of Xiao Sect's matters. Step aside. Xiao Ba, proceed!"

"Yes-"

"Chilling." James smiled slightly.

Beatrice flashed forward in front of Xia Qingyue and once again blocked Xiao Ba.

"How do you want me to kill him?" Beatrice smiled rather innocently. "He's quite persistent."

"I'd rather if you didn't…"

"Aww."

Xiao Ba was smashed back again.

"You…" Xiao Kuangyun stood up from his seat. "As I said, this matter is none of your concern. Now you've gone and harmed one of the Xiao Sect's disciples-"

"Oh, not the poor disciple…" James tilted his head, turning his gaze to Xiao Kuangyun. "Honestly, my curiosity has soured to disappointment. What young master acts in such a disgraceful fashion? As much as it might be your Xiao Sect's matter… what I see is an unrelated individual trying to forcefully initiate a divorce between husband and wife."

"And that… is very much against the law, no?" 

Xiao Kuangyun glanced at Xiao Moshan who shook his head. He hesitated to respond.

"Using strength to force yourself on the weak… no, not even yourself… this is not even the doing of your strength. It is the influence of your sect, the strength of others. The hard work of your ancestors and nothing of your own except pure vanity."

James stepped forward at his own pace, an air of majesty accompanying him. His words seemed to have sway over all else to the point that no one dared interrupt.

"There's nothing more that I dislike more than those with opportunity… but not the will to pursue it. Potential but the lack of work ethic to realise it… I despise it, even." James smiled, shrugging his shoulders. "I guess if you have all the simple pleasures in life, why should you strive for more, huh? Why? What's the point?"

"..." Xiao Kuangyun blinked. Strangely the anger in his heart had turned to slight guilt. He didn't expect himself to listen so eagerly… yet he did.

James sat down on the side of the table and had a taste of one of the fruits.

"Hmm… this is some good shit." James nodded. "I could have been just like my brothers, you know. Could've had a pick of beauties from lesser lands and families, could have lived lavishly in a palace and carelessly let the days slip past me… but there's a fire in my heart. A fire that wants more and more."

"A fire that strives for greatness every day, every minute, every walking moment of the day. I cannot imagine dying with the knowledge that there was more that I could have done. That there were skies that I could have conquered… but didn't."

"Imagine you die… and all you see is what you could have been. How short you fell." James looked up. "That's… the only thing that terrifies me. I fear nothing else in this vast world."

Xia Qingyue knitted her eyebrows. She couldn't believe that he had waffled on and on until the entire subject changed. Only minutes ago the subject was the marriage certificate but now… it seemed as if everyone had forgotten about it.

He had stolen all the limelight in but a minute.

"Don't you have that fear, too?" James questioned, turning his eyes back to Xiao Kuangyun. "Sorry, I didn't get your name."

"Xiao Kuangyun." He replied and shook his head slightly. "Sadly… I do not."

"You don't?" James tilted his head. "How old are you?"

"Twenty."

'I don't remember him in the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament… and I do have a pretty good memory.'

"Right… don't you sometimes wish it was you on that stage in the Heavenly Sword Villa, hm?" James questioned, smiling slightly. "That it was you who led your Xiao Sect to complete victory over every other talent in the entire nation? Your father would be the proudest father to have ever lived, no doubt… you would bring glory to your sect, your name would be known in every corner of the Blue Wind Empire and perhaps even further beyond."

"Let's not forget all the beauties that would be wetting themselves over the prospect of even talking to a young man so great…"

Xiao Kuangyun lowered his head slightly. He did begin to imagine… and, indeed, it was a wonderful dream. His current life seemed empty compared to that dream.

"But… you weren't. For one reason or another, you didn't put the work in." James stood up from the table. "Instead, you wasted your opportunity on pointless things and here we are. Even so, no matter how low you fall, you can always get back up. It's not over… you're not all that old."

"You can still make something of yourself. It can start right here, even."

Xiao Moshan couldn't quite bring himself to interrupt anything… for that matter, he didn't even want to. Seeing a more refined Xiao Kuangyun would be to the Xiao Sect's benefit. As for the crowd, they ate his words up like gold. The baby-faced prince seemed like the wisest person in the world.

Itachi watched silently, looking at Xiao Kuangyun with his sharingan for a moment.

'God, I'd be the best motivational speaker.'

"It's not easy, of course." James nodded. "If it was easy, everyone would do it. Everyone would be a heavenly talent… I mean, why wouldn't you want to? Given the choice between a nobody and a talent that shakes the skies, everyone with a brain would choose the latter. However, few are willing to do what it takes to reach that point and so you get countless dreamers but only a handful of achievers."

"So… what is your dream?" Xiao Kuangyun questioned.

'Everything. I want everything under the sky.'

"I want to bring glory to my family, nation and people." James answered plainly, although he was lying a little. "You see, we like to act like we're important people… and I suppose in this place, we would be. However, when you look at the other nations? We are all nothing. Poor, weak, irrelevant. We would have been long since conquered by another nation if not for the Heavenly Sword Villa's presence."

"I want to change that."

"... That is a noble goal, indeed." Xiao Kuangyun nodded. "Little brother, I hope that one day it is you that ascends to the throne. I cannot imagine how wise and powerful you will be in just a few years."

"Ah, you flatter me too much." James chuckled. "Whatever this matter is… why don't I help you settle it? I'm here so I might as well, right?"

"... Sure." Xiao Kuangyun nodded, much to everyone's disbelief.

"I wasn't there for the whole thing but from what I've witnessed, you were trying to get that marriage certificate torn up, right?"

"Yes…" Xiao Kuangyun nodded. "The marriage was arranged between the Xiao and Xia Clan but it has turned out that Xiao Che was a bastard without any relation to the Xiao clan whatsoever."

"Indeed, I can see the issue you might have with it." James smiled slightly. "But, if the girl doesn't mind and neither does her father, then is it anyone's business? As I see it, the matter is between them now."

"... I agree." Xiao Kuangyun nodded. "Xiao Ba… return."

Xiao Ba was still recovering from his head injury.

"Really, young master? But…"

"Get over here!"

"Is there anything else?" James asked.

"A Profound Opening Powder which had been stored in the Xiao Clan was stolen and found in that girl's courtyard. It was meant as a gift from the Xiao Sect." Xiao Kuangyun glared at Xiao Lingxi. "Of course, it only made sense as Xiao Che, her nephew is a cripple and she is known to care deeply for him."

"... A Profound Opening Powder? That isn't all that much." James stroked his chin. "I have a few of those."

"It's the principle." Xiao Kuangyun shook his head. "They dared to steal from my Xiao Sect, lowly as they are…"

"On my behalf, do forgive them." James smiled. "Imagine someone you loved was sickly and you had the opportunity to save them… even if it meant going against what was right. Wouldn't you take it?"

"..."

"Sometimes when punishments are chosen, one must see in the shoes of the one who committed the crime. In this case… it seems that she only acted out of love and care. An act of desperation." James glanced back before looking at Xiao Kuangyun. "Isn't that reason to be more merciful? It was not an act done to offend your Xiao Sect… but rather to aid someone close to her heart."

"It's not like the Profound Opening Powder was lost, either. Sometimes as someone with greater power than the rest, one should show compassion where others would not. Be the better man, Xiao Kuangyun. No one will see you in a lesser light because of it… the opposite would be true, for that matter. Believe me."

"..." Xiao Kuangyun was swayed once again by James' seemingly magical words, nodding. "Yes, of course. Even so, there must be a punishment for crimes… what do you think would be suitable?"

"Eh, some community service for a month or so alongside a suitable fine."

"..." Xiao Kuangyun chuckled. "You are quite the lenient prince, Cang Chao."

"She does not look like a criminal to me." James remarked. "That's all."

"Hm… what of the bastard Xiao Che? He should be exiled from the Xiao Clan."

"Sure." James smiled. "Is that all?"

"... Yes." Xiao Kuangyun fixed his robe. "Thank you for your presence, Your Highness. You are quite unlike anyone I've ever met before."

"Mn… I'm glad I helped you settle these matters." James turned away and his cape fluttered with the wind. "If you don't mind, can you get these people out? I'd like to taste the tea of the Floating Cloud City."

"I won't be long."

"You sure do love to talk, my liege." Beatrice chuckled. "Jeez, you guilt-tripped him so hard his entire perspective on life changed."

James passed by everyone, stopping at 'Xiao Che' and Xia Qingyue. He took a glance and felt his heart rumble for the first time in a long time. What he saw was not Xia Qingyue but rather the person who held dearest to his heart, his second half…

'Caroline…?'

They exchanged looks before James snapped out of it, shaking his head.

"Forgive me, you just look… eerily similar to someone I once knew." James smiled slightly.

"Thank you for your intervention." Xia Qingyue replied with an indifferent, cold tone.

"Well, I could have tried a bit harder to prevent your exile." James turned to 'Xiao Che'. "But, since you're married, her family could sustain you… no?"

"I don't intend to rely on the Xia Family." Xiao Che shook his head. "But I thank you for your consideration."

"What about joining my entourage?" James stroked his chin. "You know, I was there for a good while before I acted. You were cooking that man to the point that he had to pull the strength card…"

"I appreciate the kind offer… but I must object."

"Fair enough." James shrugged. "I won't force you."

"Idiot." Beatrice remarked. "When my liege-"

"Shush." James chuckled. "I want some tea."

Before he could leave, however, the air turned cold.

"Cang Chao… I see that you are concealing your profound strength."

'Who?'

James turned around to see a fairy floating in the sky. In every moment, she looked to be a different age. Thirties, twenties, sometimes in her teens. Though, in all angles, she was as beautiful as the moon. Her black hair lightly fluttered with the wind as she looked directly at James.

He recognised her from the previous tournament.

"Could that be… the Profound Floating Technique?"

"Why is someone so powerful here?"

The crowd was even more shocked than before.

"It's a four major sect bargain sale today, huh." James chuckled. "Even if I am, what does it matter?"

"I am curious. You did say that you would win this upcoming Blue Wind Ranking Tournament, did you not?"

"..." Xia Qingyue looked at James. 

"That… I did." James nodded. "Are you scouting me ahead of time? Fine, I'll give you something to add to your report apart from 'devilishly handsome'."

Profound energy surged out of James, howling like the wind. Its force was so great that weak spectators who stood too close were pushed back, especially Xiao Che. That man almost fell to the ground and surely would've collapsed if Xia Qingyue didn't hold him up.

James' wild long hair waved violently with each wave of wind as he looked directly at Chu Yueli.

"The… Spirit Profound Realm…" Chu Yueli blinked with shock. "And you're only fourteen and a half years old."

"Fourteen years old… Spirit Profound Realm…"

The mere thought seemed to blow everyone's mind.

"Mhm." James grinned slightly. "Though… it's a bit weird that you're keeping track of my age. What happens when I'm a few years older?"

"..." Chu Yueli didn't seem to get the joke.

"Right." James chuckled. "Oh… by the way, why are you here in the first place? Did you start stalking me?"

"I've come to receive my disciple." Chu Yueli answered plainly. "I would have shown myself if not for your intervention in affairs." 

"Your disciple…" James looked around, landing his eyes on Xia Qingyue. "Her?"

"Yes, Xia Qingyue is my disciple."

"... Wow, this little city sure is a place full of surprises. I'm glad I didn't overlook it." James chuckled, turning away. "I hope you're at the next Blue Wind Ranking Tournament… you wouldn't want to miss the spectacle."

"Hmph, do you think that you will win?" Chu Yueli questioned.

"Of course. I wouldn't say anything I don't believe."

"The best you'll be able to get is second place, I'm afraid. Though you will have a chance at a second Blue Wind Ranking Tournament given your youth."

"... You're just feeding me more motivation, senior." James smiled, glancing back for a moment. "I do appreciate it."

"Let's get going. I'm thirsty."

~

Apparently, more stuff happened after I left the scene. The fairy cooked (or frosted) the Xiao Kuangyun lad, took her disciple away, then Xiao Kuangyun picked from the Xiao Clan who'll be going back with him to the superior Xiao Sect…

Lastly, that Xiao Che guy was fully exiled and sent to the streets. As for the other two 'criminals', they did get sentenced to community service as I suggested. All in all, I think I did pretty well. 

Though, I didn't really care about anyone there… it was honestly just something I did for fun and extra fame. Beatrice was right, I did like the sound of my own voice. It looked like the Xiao Kuangyun guy did too. 

That girl, though… ugh. Did she have to look like Caroline's carbon copy? 

Yes, a girl called Caroline did look asian. She just took an English name because people kept mispronouncing her Chinese one (and understandably so, even I couldn't say it properly for a long time). 

When night came, I told Long Du to chill out. More accurately, I coerced him into drinking a bit too much while I slipped away into the night. I made it to the outskirts and summoned Enderman in a forest.

"Wassup, buddy." I looked up at him. "How are you doing?"

He stared at me. I'll take that as he's happy to see me.

"You know why I called you here, innit."

Enderman nodded, teleporting away.

I had a light snack while I waited for him. Next thing I knew, he teleported back with a body. He held it by one leg with his left hand, leaving it hanging in the air. It was so distorted that I could barely recognise who it was. The body's chest was completely torn out and so were his eyes. His arms and legs were twisted in a horrifying fashion.

It looked like something from a horror movie…

"Uhm…" I looked down at the corpse and then back at Enderman. "What the fuck did you do?"

He shook the body like it was some kind of tree that would drop apples.

"Did you… kill him?"

Enderman nodded, proudly so.

"Mate…" I sighed, shaking my head. "He was a fucking cripple. I mean, I even felt bad for him. A little bit. Why the hell would you kill someone like that? When I call you, I want you to find something useful if you can… this is not that."

Enderman shook his head.

"Besides that, he's even more useless dead than alive. What the fuck do I do with a dead cripple?" 

He shook his body again.

"If he has nothing of value, I don't care what you did before, I'm sending you back to wherever you came from."

"Hmmm….HMMMM…." Enderman looked upset, angry even, as he started making weird noises.

"Okay, okay. Relax-"

"HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"

At the peak of his rage, he teleported back inside me.

"Jesus christ." I sighed. 

Some of these guys are like kids. I need more Itachi Uchihas. Clock in, do exactly what I want and clock out. Simple.

Well, Enderman never failed me before… so if he really did go to the extent of killing this guy, I trust that it was for a good reason.

I bent down and took a closer look. He had a normal-looking mirror on his neck. I took that. After more searching, I discovered a green imprint on his hand. It seemed to glow in the dark a little. 

[King's System: The Sky Poison Pearl remains fused with Yun Che's body… would you like me to salvage it, my liege?]

'Salvage? Since when did you get that ability?'

[King's System: Just now. Just this once, to be exact. My creator would see it as a waste for it all to go away and would much rather see this fated one's gifts in your hands.]

'Alright, go ahead.'

The System slurped up Xiao/Yun Che's body and the same green imprint appeared on my palm. Sometime later, a notification appeared.

[King's System: Hmm… I've also forcefully taken the Heretic God's Immortal Blood from the one who rests inside of the Sky Poison Pearl.]

'The what? A God's blood?'

[King's System: So, how would you feel about trading all your current cultivation for a list of benefits? An ability to fight beyond your level, eventual immunity and greater affinity to all of the basic elements, including darkness. Though, your cultivation speed will be greatly lowered as the price.]

'... Greatly lowered?''

[King's System: Of course, to sustain the ability to surpass those entire great realms above you, it will be a longer process.]

'Are you offering an alternative? The way you're talking, I'll be vulnerable for a lot longer than I'd like to be. What's the use in jumping levels if your base level is dog shit?'

[King's System: Or you can trade that blood for an ultra rare who will have access to that power and, through increasing your bond, you will also earn the Heretic God's power over time.]

'What…? That's a no-brainer. Give me the ultra rare!'

[King's System: Interesting. So be it, my liege. However, I must remind you that you are currently maxed in terms of vassals. Unless you dismiss someone…]

'Send Eri away.'

I didn't hesitate.

[King's System: Your heart can be quite cruel.]

I closed my eyes and looked inside my Throneroom. There was a weird green portal to the side now. I assumed it had something to do with the 'Sky Poison Pearl'. Also, in the distance, I could see Yun Che's body hanging from a tree. Yogg-Saron must be liking the new addition.

'Summoning time.'

[From Against The Gods…]

'Against The Gods?' I stroked my chin, not even sparing the time to sit down on my throne and look cool.

A rainbow light lit up the skies.

'How spectacular.' I grinned 'Sorry, Eri Kasamoto. I'll remember your sacrifice.'

The light dispersed to reveal the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life. Seriously. She looked like an angel, pure and ethereal like she belonged to a whole different world. Her star-lit eyes slowly opened and revealed the paradise inside. Every inch of her body was beyond beautiful as if God specifically took the time to fix any imperfections. 

Her black hair swayed with her skirt as she floated down to the ground, landing right before me.

[Daughter of the Primal Chaos Emperor/New Heretic God, Yun Wuxin.]

Yun?

Could it be that the guy Enderman killed was meant to be some kind of big shot in the future?

If so… 

Yun Wuxin immediately noticed the hanging corpse of Yun Che in the background. Then she turned to me, her eyes flashing red.

"Dismiss me immediately." She glared at me. "I refuse to serve a man like you."

Frankly, I felt a little bit offended. I didn't do anything to warrant such aggression… did I?

"A man like me?" I raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean, exactly?"

"You took advantage of my father at his weakest point and reaped the benefits for yourself." Yun Wuxin replied, crossing her arms. "Need I say more on the matter? I would never follow your orders. Besides that… you also took me away from my own father. I had a home and you took it away from me."

"Oh right, you weren't just created out of thin air, were you?" I tilted my head. "Interesting. You were taken from the future."

"You're starting to understand… now, dismiss me at once. I won't ask another time."

"Or.. what?" I blinked, shrugging my shoulders. "What the hell are you going to do?"

"..." Her eyes flashed red but she didn't move. "I… will kill you."

"Try it."

I grinned as she immediately drew a sword out of thin air and dashed forwards.

She moved quicker than I could blink.

But… the sword stopped at my neck, shaking heavily.

"You can't."

"..." Yun Wuxin frowned, struggling as much as she could. I mean… I could see quite a few drops of sweat rolling down her forehead. 

"What a stupid broad." Beatrice sighed, shaking her head. "Just dismiss her if she's going to act so entitled. We don't need someone this unruly."

"Seems that she's giving you some trouble, my liege." Senjumaru chuckled.

"I could turn her into a pig." Circe suggested.

"There's no need for any of that…" I glanced back for a moment. "Sheath your sword."

Yun Wuxin did as I ordered, although her facial expression was still one of struggle. 

"Now, I would dismiss you for a full refund and send you back to daddy… but-"

[King's System: No refunds on rolls.]

"Yeah, I thought as much." I smiled, turning back to Yun Wuxin. "Since I spent that Heretic God's blood to summon you, I expect results… and you will deliver - whether you like it or not. Why? Because I am King here. You can struggle as much as you like but I will always have control over you."

"You… bastard." Yun Wuxin frowned, lowering her head. "I…"

"Kneel."

After some struggling, she did kneel down before me. 

"That's a good girl."

"Ugh…" 

Yun Wuxin shook her head.

"I just… want to go back."

Yun Wuxin looked like she was about to cry as she lowered her head.

"I don't want to be here… please… let me go."

"I'm afraid I can't, sweetheart." I raised her chin with my hand. I felt some… pity. "Really, I'm not doing this to hurt your feelings."

"I'm keeping you because I have need of your skills and whatever usefulness you do have." I smiled. "Give me a chance, alright? I won't ever mistreat you if you accept me as your King."

"..." She pursed her lips.

"Well…?"

"I don't. The only man worthy of my respect in the entire universe is my father."

"... Okay." I shrugged. "Believe me, I'll change your mind sooner or later. Matter of fact… I love being posed with a challenge. It would be a little boring if you submitted instantly."

"..." Yun Wuxin frowned, looking up at me. "That won't change. Ever."

"Oh, really? Give it time."

I kneeled down beside her and whispered into her ear.

"I'll make you call me daddy willingly."