XLIX

After recovering, Rokas decided it was about time he gave the Divine Phoenix Empire a visit. Unlike before, Feng Xue'er wasn't isolated from the rest of the Sect. Instead, she had undertaken the role of Divine Phoenix Goddess and Sect Master… leading them to a new era.

'Seems like she took my words to heart.' Rokas observed from the distance, perfectly invisible to all the mortals around him. 'I'm aware of how she feels and it would really be a dickhead move to completely ignore that.'

Alas, he didn't feel the same way about her as he did Xia Qingyue, Qianye Ying'er, Li Suo, Cang Yue or even Huan Caiyi. She was… too innocent. She didn't have the supremely beautiful looks or seductive nature to overshadow that, either. Was boring the word?

'Ying'er really tainted my soul…' Rokas thought to himself. 'All I can think is average… mid. Lord help me.'

[System: That's crazy, best buddy. You got some BB pussy and your whole perspective changed.]

'It seems so.' Rokas sighed. 'I don't know what to do.'

[System: Do what you want to do, it's your life.]

'Even if it means being a dickhead?'

[System: By that definition, Li Suo would be a dickhead. You're not forced to love anyone… nor should you feel forced. Don't be 'nice' and say it the way it is or else your harem will be larger than your true form. I know you don't want that.]

'... Right. That would be a pretty massive harem.' Rokas descended. 'Still… I don't want to break her heart. She is far too sweet.'

[System: That's a you problem, innit bruv. Sucks to suck.]

'Sometimes I wish I was the old me with no pussy in sight. Life was so much simpler…'

[System: Yun Che would spread open his arms and welcome them all.]

'Of course, he would. That man has no standards. Then again, he doesn't have such silly problems.' He shook his head. 'I shouldn't continue avoiding it. Instead, I should be honest with myself and to her in the nicest way possible. Then again… I shouldn't be too direct with it, either. If she confesses, that would be the time to say how I feel. Until then, I should treat her as a friend and ally… don't give any misleading ideas.'

[System: Bro got a whole heist plan written down, gah damn.]

He finally revealed himself.

…

"The work you're doing as Divine Phoenix Goddess is really impressive." Rokas remarked.

"Oh!" Feng Xue'er's heart jumped as she turned. "It's big brother Ke."

"It's been a long while." Rokas nodded. "I just wanted to pay a visit before I ascended again."

"Ascended… to the Realm of the Gods?"

"Mhm… honestly, before, I didn't want to go but did so out of duty. But now… my determination to go there has never been greater. It's where I need to be to ensure the future that I want for myself comes into fruition. I also have a desire to see the entire Universe."

"To be free." Feng Xue'er remarked. "You want to express your Freedom to the fullest."

"You know me." Rokas chuckled. "In that sense, as I'll be away for long periods of time, I want to keep those who are close to me… well, close. Though, ultimately, I'd understand you if you wanted to stay. After all… this is your home and where you truly belong, with your family and people. You are their Goddess."

"... It's a difficult decision to make." Feng Xue'er glanced away. "I feel like I would only get in big brother Ke's way, in the end. By now, you must be so much stronger. Up there, I would just be a burden. Though I'd like to see the Universe just as much… it just wouldn't be wise."

Her saddened expression made Rokas frown. Although this was the decision he had hoped for, her sorrowful powerlessness resounded deeply with him. The way in which she said it…

"One day, I'll be strong enough and take the heavenly treasure that'll close the gap." Rokas promised, smiling reassuringly. "With it, you'll be able to train a thousand times faster than anyone else. That's to say… in no time whatsoever, you'll stand at the absolute peak of the Realm of the Gods."

"Really?" Her blue eyes rippled like a drop had fallen into a calm lake. "Big Brother Ke would do that for me?"

"Of course." Rolas nodded. "A big brother always takes care of his little sister and makes her dreams come true. That's his duty… and he's more than happy to do it. At least, I am."

[System: Sister-zoned like crazy.]

'This works-'

"Big brother Ke is the best!"

She embraced Rokas, surprising him slightly. His eyes widened for a moment before he closed them and accepted her embrace.

"Take care of the Profound Sky Continent until then, Xue'er." Rokas let go, stepping back.

"You're going already?" She pouted slightly. "Is Big Brother Ke in a rush?"

"... Sort of." Rokas glanced away. 'Don't make that look…'

"I want to know more about the Realm of the Gods… though, I can wait if you really have to go."

[System: Guilt trip A! Critical hit!!!]

"I can share some stories."

After some hours of catching up, Rokas managed to say farewell without feeling bad. Although, it wasn't like he didn't like Feng Xue'er's companionship. He enjoyed it, even. Her nature and lack of experience gave way for him to teach her more about the reality of the world, bit by bit. Her kindness and compassion was rather refreshing compared to most other people.

She reminded him of himself, in more ways than one. Though, he was never quite as kind as she was. Before, in his first life, his 'kindness' was simply because he wanted to avoid problems and wanted to be on everyone's good side. It was because of a lack of strength. In this life… his kindness is from a position of power, ironically enough. Like a billionaire throwing money at the homeless. It's effortless.

And yet, because no one else does it from the heights he stands on… he is considered kind. Or so, that's what Rokas thought of himself.

Though, one thing was for sure… he cared about Feng Xue'er and did not wish to hurt her. In a way, he really did see her as a younger sister.

[Feng Xue'er (Hierophant V): 4 → 5]

After that, he only really had one more place to go.

~

"This Demon Empress has been waiting for a significant amount of time…"

Huan Caiyi stepped her feet as she sensed Rokas' presence. Though, he hadn't come alone. Cang Yue and Long Yinping bothaccompanied him. She paused, raising an eyebrow.

"Hello, Demon Empress." Rokas smiled, looking into her golden eyes. "Well, have you made your decision?"

"Is she the big bad empress?" Long Yinping stroked her chin. "I thought daddy didn't like her very much."

Rokas chuckled. "No, she's a good friend. Our ancestors, the Jiufangs, are in fact one of the twelve guardian families loyal to her."

"Jiufang… that was daddy's original surname, right?"

"Mn."

"I like it better than Long. Why did daddy change his name?"

"... It's complicated." Rokas shrugged. "I don't want to associate with the Jiufangs."

"That's your daughter, eh?" Huan Caiyi stepped forward, looking at her from a closer distance. "What a monster…"

"Monster is a mean word." Long Yinping pouted slightly. "I am a dragon."

"Yes… but you must grow used to 'mean words, shouldn't you? Monster is a compliment, if anything. Your father is certainly one. He was the Heavenly Demon who brought untold chaos upon the Profound Sky Continent."

'Can't shut your mouth, can you?' Rokas frowned.

"I know." She nodded.

'What!?' His frown grew deeper.

"Daddy's trueform had nine heads and so did the Heavenly Demon. Also, only Daddy could be that strong. But… he didn't bring chaos. He brought peace. All the Sacred Grounds stand together as one because of him."

'Maybe there were some loose clues… though, figuring all of that out is pretty impressive.'

"I see." She nodded. "It's good that you are proud of your father. You have every reason to be… he is a great man, quite unlike any other."

Cang Yue crossed her arms, glancing at Huan Caiyi. A wave of pressure overwhelmed Huan Caiyi for a moment. Huan Caiyi turned to her, smiling slightly.

"You must be Cang Yue, Ke's first wife. I don't believe I ever had the pleasure of formally greeting you, have I?"

"No, you did not, Demon Empress… but I already know all about you. You're quite the ardent admirer of my husband." Cang Yue stated, tilting her head. "Your dedication is truly remarkable."

[System: Check the temperature of the room.]

'It's getting hot and cold.'

"Yes, I doubt it was nearly so difficult for you. I can't help but wonder why? I suppose the trash of the Jiufang Family is an easier catch than the Heavenly Demon."

'This shit getting personal, gah damn.' I sighed. "Shut up, Caiyi."

"..." Huan Caiyi turned to Rokas, frowning slightly. "Am I wrong?"

"My dear, why don't you give Yinping a tour of the Imperial City?" Rokas suggested, glancing at his wife.

"Sounds like a brilliant idea. Come, Ping'er."

"Daddy looks really angry…" She remarked, grabbing her mother's hand.

When they left, Rokas glared at Huan Caiyi.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?"

"That fire… now that's the Heavenly Demon."

"You should never, ever, insult Cang Yue." Rokas closed the gap between them, pressing her against the wall. "Especially… not like that. Those are poisonous words of jealousy and that's the last thing I need in my inner circle. If you're going to be a thorn at my side… I won't be kind."

"She was passive-aggressive from the beginning."

"I don't care." Rokas stepped away. "You better get on her good side if you expect anything from me."

"Seems that I matter very little to you." Huan Caiyi scoffed, turning away. "You-"

"Take a moment and think about where you would be without me." Rokas smiled, shaking his head. "I am grateful for your assistance… however, I will not tolerate such insults to my family. Do you understand, Caiyi?"

"I'll be on my best behavior." She pouted slightly.

"Good girl." Rokas pat her head as if she was the same short, petite, Little Demon Empress. "Now, your decision in regards to joining me?"

"I will go to the Realm of the Gods." She moved away his hand, frowning. "However, you still owe me a favor for collecting all those Profound Arts…"

"What would that be?"

"Hmmm…"

"You haven't even thought about it?" Rokas chuckled. "That's rather pointless, then."

"I'd ask for a night together but you'd run away."

"... Oh. Ask Cang Yue if she'd be alright with it." Rokas grinned slightly, turning away. "If you have the green light, sure."

"... Is that so?" Her golden eyes widened slight. "Including… dual-cultivation?"

"Yes?"

"Very well, I will earn her approval."

Rokas was rather surprised, glancing back. "I'm surprised you'd go that far for me."

"I wholeheartedly understand your reasoning. You value your family and the bond you share with your wives. I, on the other hand, have acted rather impudent… and would like to apologise. I… this Empress longs for the day that she may call herself your wife. This desire has turned to jealousy of those around you… I… have grown bitter and impatient. Forgive me."

"... You're forgiven." Rokas smiled slightly, turning to her. "Let's move past all of this, alright?"

'I don't need anymore negative energy in my life.'

[System: Spiritual Rokas in the building, cyaamon.]

"Mn…" She nodded, her golden eyes glimmering with hope whole her smile carried a bewitching charm. "I look forward to exploring the greater realms by your side, Jiufang Ke."

"Good."

…

"I'm going to be moving up to the Realm of the Gods again." Rokas told Xia Qingyue through his Gundam video chat. "There's little more I can do without ascending. Hopefully, I get to see you again soon."

"Take your time." Xia Qingyue nodded. "If there are urgent matters you must attend to first, do so… though, you'll always have a home in the Moon God Realm. My royal father would accommodate your wishes as best as he could."

"That's good to hear." Rokas managed a smile. "Although you act like it's not a big deal, I can see it in your eyes. You miss me."

"Well…" Xia Qingyue's lips curled into a smile. "If that's what you believe, should you keep me waiting?"

"As long as nothing out of the ordinary happens, I should be right there… soon."

"Mn… you look good." Xia Qingyue remarked, looking into his eyes. "Your aura certainly has changed, bit by bit, during this time we've been separated."

"I've been working on myself." Rokas leaned back, smiling. "Sorting out my bad habits, learning new abilities, challenging myself. I feel much better than I did leaving the Brahma Monarch God Realm. I have a greater sense of clarity in regards to what I'm doing in the future. Of who I want to be… it feels great. Even though I'm far from my goal, I know the road I'm going to take."

"Yes, you've grown… I take it you and Cang Yue are doing well?"

"Mn, of course."

"That's good." Xia Qingyue nodded. "I'll see you soon… should nothing out of the ordinary happen, as you said."

"Don't jinx me."

Xia Qingyue chuckled.

…

After saying their farewells to the Blue Wind Imperial Family, Rokas ascended to the Realm of the Gods once more. He took everyone he planned to take with him inside of his Inner World and departed… driving Exia higher and higher. Compared to the original Exia which had explored Space, the MK IV Violent Queen was countless times faster. Even without the benefit of Trans-Am, its travelling speed was comparable to a Divine Master.

Also, he activated its invisibility cloak which was similar to the Blitz Gundam's to ensure that he wouldn't be kidnapped a second time. For a week, it was smooth sailing. Now… where was Rokas going, might you ask?

The perfect place to test his new strength and attain some goodies along the way… the Darkya Realm!

'Oh great System, can you disable the livestream feature of the Inner World?'

[System: Shut it down?]

'Things might get…. messy. You know the vibes.'

[System: I suppose a child is watching… sure. I got you, OG.]

'Thanks.'

[Now Playing River, Vinland Saga Season 2 Opening.]

'What the…' Rokas paused. 'Season two!? It's out???'

[System: Yes…?]

'This is a banger… holy shit.' Rokas laid back in the cockpit. 'Put that on loop.'

…

At the center of the Black Soul Divine Sect, Rokas observed the world beneath him from inside his invisible gundam.

[Now Playing Deadz by the Migos… On full blast!]

'... You can't be serious.'

From the Violet Queen, a resounding sound spread across the entire Black Soul Divine Sect. From the sleeping ancestors to the wide-awake disciples training… everyone heard it. It shook the very core of the land.

"You niggaz in trouble."

"You niggaz in trouble."

"What on earth is that sound…?"

"You niggaz in trouble."

"What is it referring to by the word 'niggaz'? What does that profound word even mean?"

"You niggaz in trouble."

"Who dares disturb my closed-door cultivation!?"

The Realm King himself awoke, leaving his chambers.

'It's go time.'

Rokas put the Violet Queen back into his Inner World and presented himself as the silver-haired Heavenly Demon. Wearing white-crimson robes, he drew out the Heavenly Demon Saber. Its mighty appearance shook the entire Black Soul Divine Sect, suppressing everything beneath it with its tyrannical crimson aura.

"Sinner Lei Qianfeng, Realm King of the Darkya Realm… come answer this Heavenly Demon's summons and face your judgement!"

Rokas grinned as he looked down on everyone below him, his crimson eyes raging with power.

The Heavenly Demon had returned.