Reunited

The first four and a half months (nearing five) in the second trial ground went pretty well for the group. With all of my summoned vassals putting in their best efforts, they managed to kill a couple of thousand beasts daily. Mind you, these beasts were all Half-Step Emperor Profound..

Yet… the goal was to kill a million beasts. In less than half the time, too. I needed enough time to prepare for the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament.

It was safe to say that we were not completely on track with 750,000 kills in total and less than a month left until the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament. Even so, I wasn't stressing out quite yet. Quite the opposite.

During this time, I didn't do any slaying myself and focused on cultivating by using the meat from the beasts. My vassals all had the same profound strength as me so if I grew stronger, so would they. The beasts, however, didn't get any stronger. Growth was my biggest edge in this race against time.

I also made the executive decision to open all of Chu Yuechan's profound entrances and share my resources with her so that she wouldn't be vulnerable (I had way too much for one James, anyway).

My progress? Well, after constantly munching on Half-Step Emperor Profound beasts and every resource at my disposal like a fat shit for four and a half months, I reached the prestigious Emperor Profound Realm.

Yes… I had become a Throne.

The highest great realm for Blue Wind Empire standards.

…

I gathered everyone up next to a big campfire where Yun Wuxin had been cooking me some good ol' profound beast barbeque with her Phoenix flames (practically the only thing in my diet for four months). It was perfect for growth… yet the taste could be better.

"As you all know, we have a deadline to meet which is the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament… twenty-seven days from now." I stated, looking across my vassals and Chu Yuechan. "You've all been doing a most splendid job so far but we need to ramp up the effort a little."

"How many beasts did you kill during this time, again?" Zero asked.

"Even though I haven't been directly contributing to the effort… as you may have noticed, Zero, you've been killing a lot more since you started. Maybe it's because you're nine realms stronger than before?" I chuckled, shaking my head. "You all should possess the power to slay most of these beasts almost instantly. As this plane is endlessly vast and the number of beasts is practically infinite, we should focus on destroying hordes of them at once and ignoring the less dense areas."

"That would be wise." Chu Yuechan nodded.

"Only use profound energy for speed and highly destructive profound skills where needed." I added, glancing at Zero. "For this final stretch, all of you will split up into different directions and keep going. The idea is to have a region to each person so that everyone's killing capacity is maximised."

"I trust that you are all capable of keeping your lives should you be overwhelmed."

Everyone nodded and agreed to my strategy.

"Why are you looking at me?" Zero questioned.

"As for you… I think we're the best suited to finish most of what remains." I smiled, recalling her Song which brought death to the world. "I'll explain when we all split off."

Beatrice pouted slightly but didn't say anything.

"For now, let's enjoy this night and the food our dear Wuxin has cooked up."

…

"I'm sorry for borrowing you longer than three months." I stated, taking Chu Yuechan for a talk in private. "It really wasn't part of my plan to drag you along on this journey."

"I should be the one to be sorry." Chu Yuechan replied with a softer tone than she had been using during our first conversations. "I've made this trial far more difficult for you."

"Heh… it's no hassle, really." I shook my head. "Honestly, I'm glad you stepped into this trial ground. Grateful, even."

"How so?"

"I wouldn't have had this kind of rapid growth if the beasts were around my level." I smiled, shrugging my shoulders. "Where the hell do you see hundreds of thousands of damn-near Emperor Profound Realm beasts gathered up so nicely in one place? You should take a look inside of my storage rings… the moment I step out of here, I'll be the richest person in the empire."

"You were already going to be if you kept selling those pellets." Chu Yuechan remarked, seemingly joking. "Regardless, I, too, have experienced rapid growth thanks to you."

"Then the feeling of gratitude is mutual." I curled my lips into a smile. "My hope is that one day, the Blue Wind Empire gains the recognition of the other seven nations and no longer holds its head low in shame. To that end, your progress is something I encourage greatly. I want the Blue Wind Empire to have powerful experts… it doesn't matter whether they belong to the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace, Xiao Sect Heaven Burning Clan or any other sect in our borders."

"To me… we are all under the same banner."

"I doubt that the Blue Wind Empire will hang its head low for long." Chu Yuechan looked at me. "Especially with a genius like you leading the way forward."

"Someone has to." I remarked, shrugging my shoulders. "This Empire is like… a pack of homeless people competing for scraps off the floor rather than seeking something more. That's my view, anyway."

"How will you change that?" Chu Yuechan questioned as I turned away.

"It's quite simple, really." I smiled, glancing back. "I will rule."

…

"Itachi, my guy, we haven't talked in a while. How have you been?"

I walked next to him. He looked at me, blinking once.

"I've been well."

"Say, how do those eyes of yours really work?" I questioned, tilting my head. "You know, the special ones. Where those three symbols join together-"

"The Mangekyou Sharingan."

"Ah yes, the Mango Sharingan. Why don't you use them unless you absolutely have to?"

"..." Itachi chuckled, closing his eyes. "Each time I use them, my eyes see less. If I use the Mangekyou Sharingan enough… I will eventually lose sight completely."

"... And there's nothing that can counteract that?" I questioned, stroking my chin.

"No." Itachi shook his head slightly. "Unless… my eyes evolve further into the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan."

"Eternal, huh." I smiled slightly. "Sounds bloody powerful."

"It would be."

"Well, until you reach that stage, don't worry about it. Just do the best you can." I pat his shoulder. "If you went completely blind, that would be a low blow for me."

"That is why I've been using it sparingly, my liege." Itachi smiled slightly, nodding. "I would be no use to you blind."

"... Yeah. True enough." I nodded, looking up at the sky. "You ever wonder… what purpose you have? Even as my vassal?"

"There is not that much to think about. The reason for my existence as I am now is to serve you, that is all. I would not be alive otherwise."

"So, I technically brought you back to life?"

"Yes…" Itachi nodded.

"I guess that's better than being dragged out of a world you loved." I remarked, smiling slightly. "I feel like you're the kind of guy to have made his peace upon death."

"I still have my share of regrets… but I died with some peace in mind."

"That's good. I mean, who the hell is gonna die without any regets whatsoever?" I chuckled, shaking my head. "We all have them and sometimes there's nothing we can do about it except move on."

"..." Itachi smiled, nodding. "It seems as if you are imparting my own advice to me."

"Sometimes we say shit but don't really follow it ourselves." I shrugged my shoulders. "Sometimes we hear things but they go in through one ear and out the other because we don't want to hear it. Sometimes it's so much easier to let life take you on its course, rather than you taking the reins and decide your fate for yourself."

"What do you believe your purpose is?" Itachi questioned. "What fate have you chosen for yourself?"

"It's funny, really." I chuckled, shaking my head. "I'm doing exactly what I'm talking about. Nothing matters to me. I don't care about anything in this world and don't really have a reason for the things that I do. What I'm doing is simply in my nature… like a tree, I'm growing as tall as I want to because that's who I am. I was born to win and that's what I'm going to do."

"I see." Itachi nodded. "Well, what do you think made you this way?"

"I grew up watching great people, legends… carve their way into history and the hearts of countless people. I watched them compete, push themselves and achieve the impossible. And I always thought to myself; why can't I do that? Why can't I be the greater? Why… can't I be the greatest?"

I chuckled, sitting down.

"Though, I sought the adoration of the world, the fame, the glory… and that was not at all the point. Truly great people do not give a shit about what others think. They're strong on their own. Even if the entire world was against them, they'd remain steadfast and achieve all of their goals."

"Do you not think that an individual could be stronger when he has others behind him?" Itachi questioned.

"... Perhaps, he could be." I nodded. "But one should never grow reliant on others or they'll grow weak. I did… and I paid the price for it. If instead of seeking comfort from others, I sought the strength within… I might not even be here. I might be living my dream in my world."

"So… given the choice between sacrificing us all and attaining our power permanently or leaving things as they are, you would choose the former?"

"Without hesitation." I nodded.

"I don't believe that." Itachi turned to me. "And, even if you did, would it bring you closer to your dream? Would you find your happiness?"

"... It's hard to say." I smiled slightly, closing my eyes. "Some of you… have grown on me. Even with all of that power, I'd have regrets that wouldn't wash away so easily. I'd no doubt become the strongest and yet - I'd truly be alone on the summit of the world."

"You know that would be the end… yet you'd walk that path anyway?"

"It's the way I am." I smiled, glancing at him. "Besides, I wouldn't have to burden any of you with my journey. You wouldn't be forced into achieving my goals anymore."

"... Have you ever forced me to act on your behalf?" Itachi pondered. "It may be true that I am tied to you but everytime I've used my abilities for your cause it was because I chose to."

"..." I chuckled. "You don't have to butter me up, Itachi."

"You may believe that you stand alone but that is far from the truth." Itachi countered, shaking his head. "It is only because you seek individual strength that it may seem so. If you push everything away, how could that ever change?"

"What use is anyone else if I attain the means to do everything myself?" I questioned.

"No one is perfect… not even you." Itachi countered, shaking his head. "No matter how hard you strive to achieve perfection, you will never reach it. There will be people more capable than you in certain aspects and that is the hard truth. You are one man."

'One man, huh…'

"Even so, a King doesn't need to be perfect nor without any weaknesses. Even if you lack in certain aspects… those around you can fill those gaps and, together, the closest thing to perfection could be reached."

"That is why… we are here."

"... I see." I smiled and stood up, dusting myself off. "Thank you for this therapy session, Itachi. Someday, I want to hear your story…"

"Since I know yours, it would only be fair." Itachi agreed.

"Something tells me that you walked your path alone… and don't want me to do the same." I remarked, nodding. "If that's the case… I'll be fine, don't you worry."

"I don't see a reason to worry." Itachi smiled slightly.

"You seem to see the good in me that not even I could fathom." I chuckled, shaking my head. "Nevertheless, I appreciate your loyalty. When I conquer everything under the sky, I hope that you will be there to see it."

"I will be." Itachi promised.

"Alright… you can get to work now. I'd like to return to the Blue Wind Imperial City as swiftly as possible."

"As you wish."

Itachi vanished before my eyes. It was then that I stepped forward and turned my eyes to a presence I sensed earlier.

"Stalking me, Wuxin?" I raised an eyebrow.

"... No." Yun Wuxin stepped out of the shadows, shaking her head. "I was just about to talk to you."

"Oh, really?" I smiled slightly. "And what would you like to talk to me about?"

"..." She paused.

"So, you were stalking-"

"No-"

"Or were you stunned by my glamorous appearance?" I raised my head. "There is no shame in that-"

"No, you're ugly." Yun Wuxin shook her head.

"I'm… ugly?" My eyebrows twitched a little. "Yeah, right, and the sky is purple."

"You couldn't fathom such a possibility, could you?"

"Now, I don't know if the world is delusional or you are because I've never been called ugly. Ever."

"Yeah, right. Cope harder." Yun Wuxin scoffed.

"..." I chuckled. "Alright, what do you want? My company?"

"I was thinking… that maybe I could go fishing after all of this. You don't need me every waking hour of the day, do you?"

"Fishing, huh?" It was one of the things that her dad did teach her, apparently.

"Of course, you'd say n-"

"No, no… fishing sounds like fun. I never did it before so maybe you could teach me a thing or two." I chuckled, shrugging my shoulders.

"... There you go, again." She sighed.

"What horrible thing did I do now?" I blinked. "Sounds like I'm being unjustly antagonised."

"Yeah, you can't fool me with those big 'innocent' blue eyes." She crossed her arms. "I don't get it. Sometimes you're an asshat, and other times you are… well…"

"Well, what?" I raised an eyebrow.

"You know what I mean."

"Damn." I chuckled. "Well, you're not all that consistent either. I'm just matching your energy. If you're going to be a moody bitch, I'm going to be a dickhead. It's only fair, no? Why should I be irrationally pleasant to someone who pushes me away at every turn? I'm not a masochist."

"Yeah, right." Yun Wuxin rolled her eyes.

"If you want to go fishing, we can go fishing right after the Blue Wind Ranking Tournament." I shrugged my shoulders. "Really, I think there's plenty of opportunity to be found in the endless waters of the world. Could you imagine all the natural treasures that have been lurking at the bottom of the oceans, completely untouched?"

"And the countless profound beasts." Yun Wuxin added. "The ocean would be extremely dangerous, especially further in. There is a reason why… why people don't traverse onto the other two continents through flight alone. Not even monarchs. In the attempt to reach them through flight alone, they would only grow tired and fall to the depths."

"... There are other continents?" I questioned. "Interesting. Don't worry, I won't go too far. I know my limits."

"Mhm." Yun Wuxin seemed to doubt me.

"I appreciate your display of faith."

~

As I ordered, everyone split up into different directions. I went with Zero to the north-most region. Once we went deep enough, we were surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of beasts in every direction.

"Why did you go with me?" She questioned. 

"You don't like having me around?" I chuckled. "Besides, if I wasn't with you… who knows what atrocious things you'd do to these poor beasts?-"

"That isn't the real reason." Zero shook her head. "You have some kind of strategy in mind, don't you?"

"... Combining our Songs." I replied, smiling slightly.

"You can confidently use the Power of Song as you are now?" Zero questioned, her eye widening slightly.

"I think that transformation in the first trial allowed me to have a better grasp of the concept…" I replied, nodding to Zero. "Ever since then, I've been working on it on the side and our time together really has aided in this effort of mine. While your Song achieves the Death of all things, mine represents Evolution, Prosperity… Ambition. The power to succeed no matter the circumstance."

"Theoretically, your Song should be stronger if we sang together."

"Do you want to dance together, too?" Zero questioned, seemingly with a tone of sarcasm.

"We can dance, too. Put on a performance for these beasts… the first and only one they'll ever see."

"It's worth a try." Zero put away her sword. "So, you'll start?"

"Mhm… this one's a classic we used to sing all the time in primary school." I grinned slightly, stretching out my hand.

"..." Zero scratched her hair. "One problem… I don't know how to dance."

"I'll teach you." I smiled, shrugging my shoulders. "Come on, just follow my lead."

"Alright."

Zero gave me her hand, and we started practising a little. Meanwhile, the surrounding beasts seemed to get slightly mad for whatever reason (probably jealous of my sick dancing skills). Zero hummed a little, and they all simultaneously combusted. Pretty convenient.

Then… I started to sing.

"When I need motivation, my one solution is my queen, 'cause she stays strong. Yeah, yeah. She is always in my corner, right there when I want her. All these other girls are tempting but I'm empty when you're gone."

"And they say, 'do you need me?' Do you think I'm pretty? Do I make you feel like cheating?' I'm like, 'no, not really' 'cause…"

"Oh, I think that I found myself a cheerleader. She is always right there when I need her. Oh, I think that I found myself a cheerleader. She is always right there when I need her."

I took Zero for a spin, smiling as I felt the nostalgia surge through my body. God, I remember every idiot crying like it was the end of the world. Boo-hoo, everyone's moving to secondary school (usually a different one)... big deal. Meanwhile, Rokas was out there in the back eating his seventh cupcake and eyeing a fourth packet of ready-salted Walker's crisps.

Surprisingly, the beasts stopped attacking and just looked at us in the air. Some seemed to be getting… groovy? Stepping side to side, bopping their heads and shit. Were they vibing to my singing?

"She walks like a model; she grants my wishes like a genie in a bottle. Yeah, yeah."

"'Cause I'm the wizard of love, and I got the magic wand. All these other girls are tempting, but I'm empty when you're gone."

After a good two minutes of singing, I finally finished it off.

"She is always right there when I need her…"

I don't know if my eyes were playing tricks on me, but Zero seemed to get a little… flustered? She was shining a little, too. Her flower seemed to take a more golden tone.

"I bet you sang that song to that girl you liked." Zero remarked.

"You're right…" I smiled slightly, nodding. "My dearest Caroline."

"Like is the wrong word… you loved her, didn't you?" She tilted her head slightly.

"With all my reckless heart."

"How was it… that feeling?" She questioned, her eye narrowing slightly.

"Oh, it was the best feeling in the world. I felt like I could do anything. Not a single day felt dull, not even a single waking moment… I could've spent an eternity at her side. As long as she was there, I felt like I could surpass any trial life put before me. But…" I lowered my head, sighing. "It was too much for her."

"Too much… love?" Zero blinked.

"In a sense, yes… I grew reliant on her and let myself slip. I mean, you can only handle so much of my egomaniac self, really." I chuckled, shaking my head. "The more I look back on it, the less I blame her. We were always fated to part ways. She lacked confidence and wanted to stay on her own, while I had no lack of it and sought the world's attention. We were both willful in our own ways and walked separate paths in life."

"I… was the sun, and she was a distant star."

"Must've been nice." Zero remarked with an indifferent tone. "While it lasted."

"You never knew love, did you?" I raised an eyebrow.

"..." She was silent momentarily, looking straight at me. "No."

"I see." I looked down, spinning her closer to me until she fell into my embrace with her back turned to me. "Well, Zero… you can always love me. Someone who loves too much and another who loves too little. It sounds quite romantic, doesn't it?"

"... Which one of those would you be?" 

I smiled slightly, tilting my head to kiss her forehead.

"We can always find out."

"Shameless womaniser…" Jasmine remarked. "You make me sick."

'... Don't be jealous.'

She broke free from my arms and turned to face me.

"It's my turn to sing."

I stretched out my hand.

"Sure thing."

She took my hand and danced with me, beginning to sing almost immediately. She sang in syllables and took a brief pause after each word. It had an angelic yet eerie tone, like the previous one.

"Looking at the machine, leaving hope behind."

"A devilish imagine appears, leaning against it in the strange darkness."

"Someday, we shall be together like the ancient fortune foretells."

Splat… splat… splat.

I heard the sounds of all the nearby beasts combusting from within. 

…

Her Song grew progressively stronger the more she repeated it, seemingly benefitting from my own Song. I heard instruments such as bells and the harsh strokes of a string instrument, too, yet did not see any sign of them. By harsh strokes, I mean harsh. They sounded almost unbearably violent… contradicting her soft voice.

"The scent of blood keeps me from wandering towards its green pastures."

(Instinctively, it flies to barren grasslands)

"My prayers are branded with the reds of death."

(My prayers always centre on your face)

"When I meet the ancient voice, everything will end."

(Paint away my soul to carry my feelings away)

"I give birth to these wings to run away from love."

(Within the cycle of reincarnation, blind to love)

"The angel's price is paid; I burn atop a bizarre plate."

(I became an angel; your light is a dancing memory)

"Burn to nothingness… burn to nothingness… burn away."

When it ended, nothing remained alive in the vicinity… except us. The entire region was painted red in the blood of profound beasts. I couldn't see anything in the distance nor sense a profound beast within about twenty kilometres.

"You're just as breathtaking as you are frightening,"

Well, she did take away quite a few breaths… literally.

The golden glow faded away from Zero.

"That… was our power." Zero looked at me, smiling slightly. "You're not half as useless as you look."

"Well, let's sing some more and get this over with." I stated, shrugging my shoulders. "I got places to be."

"... Hmph." She chuckled. "I think I'm rubbing off on you."

"What do you mean? I've always hated wasting time."

"Yet you prattle on all day long about pointless things."

"Never has a word of mine been wasted." I grinned slightly.

"Yeah, right." Zero rolled her eye. "We are one nation this, we should be united that, we are weak and should work together… how many times did you give that one speech in this lifetime?"

"Well, not everyone has heard it-"

"Mhm…"

~

Zero and I did finish most of what remained in just three days of singing together. Every song of ours seemed to carry part of our soul, allowing us to understand the other better. Or so… it felt that way.

When the second trial was complete, the residual spirit gathered us all together in the original trial ground.

"After one hundred and forty-six days, you have all completed the second trial." The azure eyes of the residual spirit looked at me mainly. "I commend you for being swift and succeeding in less than half the time despite the target being disproportionately high."

"Disproportionately?" I raised an eyebrow. "So you were biased against us, eh, old dragon spirit?"

"Indeed… under normal circumstances, six participants would mean a target of two hundred and ninety-nine thousand, nine-hundred and ni-"

"We get it." Zero interrupted. "Three hundred thousand."

"..." The residual spirit chuckled. "I must admit, you are an amusing bunch. I have learned many things observing you all participate in my trials. Nevertheless, it is time for the third trial. As you know, it is a trial of the heart. It would be quite simple for some… not so much for others."

Its gaze finally turned to me.

"Let's strike a deal, dragon." I looked up at him. "Whatever legacy you would've given me if I passed, give it to Yun Wuxin."

"...?" Yun Wuxin raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?" The residual spirit blinked. "You, give up an opportunity for greater power?"

"I don't need any godly bloodlines," I replied simply, shrugging my shoulders. "It's better if Yun Wuxin had a thicker bloodline rather than it getting split between us."

'Besides, I'd gain it later down the line through her…'

The residual spirit seemed to chuckle.

"Are you certain it's not because you failed the Phoenix's trial and fear doing the same here… James King?"

It said… my real name?

"That does have something to do with it, yeah." I nodded. "I don't want to waste my time doing a trial that's predetermined for me to fail."

"I see…" The residual spirit blinked. "So, you participated in the first two trials to benefit and empower yourself. Now you seek for me to give away some of my divine origin blood to your followers… before throwing me into the mouth of your god-eating friend, hmm?"

"... So you knew." I smiled slightly. "Since when?"

"Since the moment you walked in here, young human."

"So, why'd you let me participate?" I raised an eyebrow. "If you knew that I came here with malicious intent, why did you let me grow so much? Was it merely to waste my time?"

"... Not all gods are the same. I am not the Phoenix's residual spirit." 

Its azure eyes seemed to glow even brighter as I saw flashes of… a boundless dragon. It was vast beyond comprehension.

"I am a fragment of the Primordial Azure Dragon!"

Its voice sounded overwhelmingly proud and mighty. Even I felt its pressure crash down upon me like a mountain. It was difficult to suppress the feeling of inferiority… yet I did not let that feeling overwhelm me. I looked right up at its azure eyes.

I didn't believe that it would attack me. It would've killed me a long time ago if it wanted to.

"We can never have too much dragon meat," Beatrice remarked, stepping closer to me.

"You have courage, pride, confidence that edges on arrogance and delusion, boundless determination, endless ambition… it is very much unlike you to believe that you would fail without giving it an attempt."

The residual spirit stated, almost making me blush with such a barrage of heart-warming compliments.

"What can I say?" I shrugged my shoulders. "My heart is simply lacking. I'm 'evil', so to speak… how could a person like me possibly possess your bloodline? Are you not a righteous god?"

"Hahahahahaha… hahahahahaha! The Phoenix has truly gone soft. Among these six participants, no one is more worthy to be my complete inheritor than you!"

"..." I blinked. "Complete inheritor?"

"Yes, my complete inheritor. My soul, bone marrow, all of my drops of divine origin blood… everything."

It was tempting… no doubt, the Dragon God's complete inheritance would grant me great power and would accelerate the process of me becoming the strongest in the world.

At the same time, it went against my decision to 'fuck the Gods' from the trial of the Phoenix.

I didn't need some Dragon God's bloodline to plant my foot on the world and conquer everything under the sky. I alone was enough to accomplish that. 

"... No." I shook my head. "Unfortunately, I object."

"... Oh?" The residual spirit blinked. "Do you not desire power?"

Even Yun Wuxin was shocked.

"I don't need your power. I'm more than capable on my own."

"... Now, this is a first." The residual spirit genuinely sounded surprised. "Truly, I did not expect you to reject my proposal. You never cease to surprise me."

"Besides that, I hardly did anything in this trial. It would not be earned." I shrugged my shoulders. "You may give this power of yours to any one of my vassals… but I don't want any part of it. I thank you for being considerate, however."

"... After hearing this answer of yours, my desire to grant my complete inheritance to you has only strengthened. You possess more than enough talent, pride and willpower to become the ruler of heaven and earth. Someone truly qualified to bear the Dragon God's bloodline."

'You are not worthy of me bearing your bloodline.'

"I'm honoured that you have such a high opinion of me, residual spirit." I smiled, shaking my head. "Alas, I must double down on my decision. When I say I will do something… I do it. A man's words are worthless if he bends to the slightest inconvenience."

"How much of a fool do you want to be?" Jasmine scoffed. "Are you so vain and proud that you would object to something like this falling into your lap!?"

"I have never met a human like you…" The residual spirit seemed to sigh. "How unfortunate. I looked forward to testing your resolve. There is one thing I forgot to mention, however…"

"Those who can't pass my trial ground… are to die."

I prepared to summon Yogg-Saron while the rest of my vassals stepped closer to me. 

"... If you're offering your complete inheritance, then that means I've either passed in your mind or you believe that I have a good chance of doing so." I frowned slightly. "So, why must you force my hand?"

"I was merely stating the rules of the trial ground. Alas, this is a… special scenario. You may relax."

"... Right." 

I didn't relax. Not completely.

"As it is your intention to make use of all of my energy one way or the other… I've chosen someone else to pass down my complete inheritance to rather than be that beast's food." The residual spirit looked across my group of vassals, its eyes landing on Yun Wuxin. "You are a generational inheritor of my bloodline, a close one at that. You are also the inheritor of the Heretic God and a generational inheritor of the Phoenix. Indeed, your father was no ordinary fellow."

"And you… your talent should surpass even his. Perhaps it is better this way." The residual spirit kept looking on. "As for Itachi and Chu Yuechan, you two will gain three drops of my divine origin blood."

"I suppose the dragon doesn't like bright-haired people," Beatrice remarked, glancing at Zero. "For once, we're on the same boat."

"You don't fill the moral quota." I added, smiling slightly. "It is what it is."

The residual spirit closed its eyes and imparted its divine power to his people of choice. Afterwards, its aura seemed extremely weak. It was fading rapidly with each passing moment.

"I've imparted my final wishes onto you, Yun Wuxin…" The residual spirit spoke with a softer tone. "I have no doubt that you will live up to your father's name."

"I won't fail you." Yun Wuxin nodded.

"... As for you, James King."

"Hm?" I raised my head.

"I have utmost faith in you."

"..." I raised an eyebrow. "That's… random."

"Even if your heart is not in the right place as you are now… I believed that would most certainly change. You are a natural leader, James King. No matter how cold you act, you would never betray those loyal to you." The residual spirit closed its eyes. "Someone truly evil at heart would not care for such a small nation… yet I'm almost certain you'd burn the rest of the world to protect it. In a sense, it is evil. In another, it shows your dedication to your people."

"Continue striving, James King… be proud, be greedy, be ruthless, be ambitious." 

The residual spirit was speaking its last words… and I found each consecutive one more meaningful than the last.

"Lead the way forward for your people and those you will eventually conquer."

"That is… the meaning of being King."

It… was gone.

Only small azure sparkle-like fragments remained and they faded too. I stood still, looking up.

I felt slightly… regretful.

There was no doubt in my mind that the Dragon God that this spirit was created by was truly great, almighty and wise. A force of nature that commanded the respect and obedience of the countless divine beasts under it, from mighty dragons who could shake worlds to the most insignificant of ants.

[Attained the fragments of the Primordial Dragon God.]

"Thank you," I spoke with a solemn tone. "Even if you have passed by now, I want to say… that I am truly grateful for all that you've given me."

"... You really are something else, golden boy." My red dragon remarked. "To reject the legacy of such a mighty divine being… hahahaha! I do not know whether to hide my head in shame or be extraordinarily proud that you are this King's pact partner!"

"Feel however you want." I looked at the imprint on my hand before turning away. "Let's get going. There's nothing left here."

…

In the wake of the future summoning, I dismissed everyone except Yun Wuxin after leaving the trial ground.

"As promised." I smiled, tossing all of the pellets I agreed upon giving and more. "Since you had to accompany me for five months, I feel that it is only right that you get an even greater reward."

"This bloodline is more than reward enough." Chu Yuechan shook her head. "I could not have completed it alone. No less, you opened all of my profound entrances and pushed me past the Sky Profound Realm. I owe you a lifetime of gratitude."

"Oh, please…" I chuckled, waving my hand. "There's no need for all of that. You contributed to the victory."

"If there is anything you need, do not be afraid to ask. I would do my utmost to repay you." 

I glanced at Yun Wuxin, grinning slightly.

She rolled her eyes.

"... Perhaps, in the future," I stated, stroking my chin. "When I take a greater role in Blue Wind's affairs, I'd like to have the support of the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace. In truth… I want it to become an extension of the Blue Wind Imperial Family."

"... To serve it?" Chu Yuechan questioned.

"To serve each other." I smiled slightly. "I would do my utmost to see the talents of those loyal to me prosper. Both parties would greatly benefit, I think. Our Blue Wind Empire would be one step closer to unity, its overall strength would be greater and the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace could easily eclipse every other sect in the land."

"That… is not something I can decide upon alone." Chu Yuechan remarked, nodding slightly. "However, I do see the vision you have in mind and do approve of it. Given my new strength, I might be able to influence such a decision and see it become a reality."

"If you can do that, then I would be most grateful to you." I smiled, placing my hand on my heart. "Wholeheartedly. Our cooperation could elevate both factions beyond the skies."

"I know." Chu Yuechan nodded, turning away. "The Blue Wind Ranking Tournament is imminent… I shall be going now."

"Will you come and see me win?" I kept my smile. "It would be a great shame if you missed the show, Chu fairy."

"... Perhaps."

"Then I look forward to it."

She took to the skies and left my sight rather swiftly. After that, I turned to Yun Wuxin.

"How is it, the Dragon God's complete inheritance?"

"You would've loved it." Yun Wuxin remarked, clenching her fist. She smiled slightly. "You really are an unreasonably proud fool sometimes. Most of the time, actually."

"Hmph." I chuckled. "One day, it will be mine anyway should I desire it."

"Oh, really?" Yun Wuxin raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm… you just need to say the magic words." I smiled, changing my tone of voice to match hers. "'Please, my glorious King, protect this helpless damsel in distress~'"

"I am never, ever, doing that again. You shouldn't count on it." Yun Wuxin crossed her arms.

"Speaking of… wouldn't you make a fine dual cultivation partner with all of those bloodlines you possess?" I questioned, taking a closer look at her. "Mhm, you look even more alluring than before all of a sudden. It's tempting-"

"Keep your eyes to yourself, shameless pervert." Yun Wuxin turned away.

"You grow worse every day," Jasmine remarked.

"Girls can't take a joke." I rolled my eyes. "You think I'd lower myself to you? Hmph, you'd have to get on your knees and beg for me to put my hands on you."

"..." Yun Wuxin chuckled, shaking her head. "I pity whoever is your wife in the future."

"Self-pity looks good on no one," I remarked.

"You are always determined, at least." Yun Wuxin acknowledged. "Not that it will change anything."

"If I was truly determined to have you, this wouldn't even be a conversation." I grinned slightly. "You would already be mine."

"... Right. So, you haven't been trying at all?"

"Hardly. You are not at all worthy of my finest efforts."

"And what would be worthy, then?" She questioned. 

"No one."

"I might just pity you instead." Yun Wuxin remarked, turning back to me. "Just because of one thing not going your way, you gave up? That's not at all like you. I believe the person you were before… was someone that I would've liked."

"Hmph… it doesn't matter whether you like me or not. As long as you fulfil your duty to me, that is enough." 

"... Sure."

~

Before making my way to the Blue Wind Imperial City, I decided to visit my throneroom and roll the fragment I gained in hopes of seeing the Dragon God again. Of course, I was at the vassal limit and knew that someone had to go. However, that was a sacrifice I was willing to make.

"Roll the fragment."

[King's System: As you wish, my liege.]

Dark clouds covered the entire sky.

[From Against The Gods…]

A grey light lit up the sky, cutting right through some of the clouds.

A fucking grey light… from the fragment of the Dragon God?

My luck couldn't be that bad-

Then it turned green.

I raised an eyebrow.

Then… blue.

'What the fuck is this?' I questioned, sitting up. 'This shit never happened before. System… you have an explanation?'

[King's System: This… is the best roll you could've gotten.]

'The best…?'

It turned crimson red and grew wider, clearing more of the sky.

Then it became golden and at least a dozen strokes of lightning struck my inner world. The water in Yogg's lake surged as if a storm had erupted out of nowhere. 

Then… it turned black.

The entire world shook.

'Could it really be the Dragon God?' I grinned slightly.

Lastly, the black light… was accompanied by purple.

The entire sky tore open as all the clouds dispersed and showed a clear, heavenly purple light that went as far as my eyes could see. 

Finally, a purple light shined down to the summoning circle, accompanied by all the other colours.

BOOOOOOOM.

The figure descended rather dramatically, crashing down like a shooting star.

[The Strongest.]

'... The… Strongest?' I stood up in anticipation.

The purple light cleared, revealing a decently handsome individual. His hair was brown and decently long, kept in a nice ponytail. His face was a bit puffy and the purple glare in his eyes vanished into a blue one. His physique remained rather… godly. It was as perfect as one could imagine. He wore a Hawaiian shirt and shorts that almost reached his knees. The brand name of his clothes seemed to be 'Sovereign'. Never heard of it but I'd cop.

The more I looked, however, the more… dumbfounded I became. 

He reminded me of someone… someone I knew.

It couldn't be…

That stupid face… how could I forget it?

"I thought you'd sell the bag again and fail to roll me." He remarked, stepping out of the summoning circle. "Well, King James. It looks like you have me on a little loan for a bit."

"You two know each other?" Beatrice questioned.

"... You fat shit… there's no fucking way it's you."

"It is I, indeed." He replied, smiling slightly. "Have you forgotten my name, James? I'll admit… I almost did forget yours after so long."

"Say it, then. Your name."

"Rokas." He replied casually. 

"Rokas who?" I questioned.

"The devourer of forest gateau cakes?" He stroked his chin in thought. "Lover of cherries? The finest procrastinator you ever knew? The… worst goalkeeper in the world?"

"..."

I chuckled after a pause.

"It really is you."