LV

"The aura I sensed… you survived the purge that brought an end to True Gods. For that, I am truly glad, my dear disciple." Li Suo smiled, although she frowned slightly upon closer inspection. "Although…"

"I do not have the freedom that I once did." Shen Xi nodded, glancing at Rokas. "I would like a more secluded talk, my lady. There is so much to catch up on and discuss."

'Whatchu looking at? I'm a married man.'

[System: Gotta taste the flavour before ya marry it. You made a promise to the Dragon God, don't you remember?]

'I did.'

"Certainly." Li Suo nodded, joining her in the bamboo hut.

"Lady? Could it truly be the Lady Goddess Li Suo?" Long Bai's eyes widened with shock. 

"Yes, that's her." Rokas nodded, side-eyeing him. 'You better not switch up on your simp target or I'll flash the fully-charged Titanic Sea God Cannon on your ass.'

"That's… truly a miracle. To think that a being of the Creation God Realm still lives in this dark age." Long Bai smiled. "Shen Xi must truly be glad to see her master once again. For the Realm of the Gods, this is truly great news as well. There is hope yet that we can reach the True God Realm once again."

"You called your wife senior, though?" Rokas raised an eyebrow, doing a little but of trolling. "What's that about?"

"Although my Dragon Queen, she is still my senior, of course." Long Bai deflected the question… sort of.

His voice was strangely quiet when he said 'my Dragon Queen'. Of course, Rokas knew. He had technically 'cucked' (not really) him twice already through his writing. He may or may not be going for the illustrious three-peat.

"Well, we might be here for a while." Rokas remarked, opening his Inner World and out He Lin came… bumping straight into He Ling. "What a coincidence, you two really do look like siblings."

[System: What a coincidence, indeed.]

"Big sister…?" He Lin's emerald green eyes widened as if a new world had opened up to him. "I thought…"

He ran over to embrace her tightly. Tears slowly emerged, sliding down from his eyes. 

"I thought… you were dead… but… you're alive. I miss you. I miss you so so much."

Rokas turned away, smiling slightly. He felt a strange sense of jealousy and joy at the same time at such a sight. After all, it was one of his most deep rooted yet unreachable desires to once again see his first family. Even though he could live without it happening… he didn't quite dismiss the possibility.

"Lin'er… I'm truly glad." He Ling closed her eyes, holding her little brother close as he cried out a waterfall of tears. She, too, cried. "We'll never be separated again, I promise."

It was something neither of them could've ever imagined… and yet it happened. Suddenly, randomly, they had been reunited.

After they calmed themselves down, the siblings talked about what they've been up to.

"Eventually, Protector Ke and Lady Li Suo found our village and took us into their paradise. There are hundreds and hundreds of beautiful peaceful creatures there, so many special flowers, so many beautiful sights and the people in there are all nice… it's the perfect world."

"Protector Ke?" He Ling raised an eyebrow, glancing at Rokas.

"Well… I wanted to call him Big Brother Long but he says he doesn't like to be called by his surname." He Lin shrugged. "Though, he has a very good heart and cares for everyone even though he likes to keep to himself. He also protects us from the bad people. So… I think Protector Ke is a good way to call him."

"Well, I must thank you for taking care of my little brother and our clansmen. In these times, it's difficult for us to find reliable protectors… many would rather just kill us for our wood spirit orbs." He Ling frowned, shaking her head. "It seems that there are still some good people…"

"It is the world we live in." Rokas remarked, looking into He Ling's emerald eyes. "I'm not a good person, either. I've done things I'm not proud of, I almost always act in my own interests, my very own weapons even led to the downfall of an entire Realm… I've trampled on so many to stand where I am. I shouldn't be called a good person, ever, because it simply does a discourtesy to the truly good people who exist. People like Li Suo. People like the medical saints who selflessly dedicate their lives to making the world a better place."

"I see…"

"Protector Ke doesn't really like to be called a good person… but deep down, he is." He Lin countered, smiling slightly. "If he truly was a bad person, why would Lady Li Suo stand by his side?"

"What happened to the Southern Sea God Realm was not your intention?" Long Bai, after listening in rather quietly, questioned.

"It was my intention to shatter their pillars, those who could pose harm, and take their treasures." Rokas replied, shaking his head. "The entire Realm being put to the flame was not my idea of a conquest."

"I see." Long Bai nodded. "You don't have to associate yourself with the Brahma Monarch God Realm if you don't wish to. The Dragon God Realm will suit all your needs and desires. Although we do not have a Brahma Monarch Goddess… you won't be forced to do anything against your will. After all, while powerful, the Brahma Monarch God Realm simply cannot compare to the Dragon God Realm."

"The Brahma Monarch God Realm…" He Ling muttered, glancing at Rokas. 

"I wasn't quite forced… rather, I lacked the will to act the way I wanted to. There was a moment of time where I could have called the Gundams to action and forged a path of escape. I hesitated, however." Rokas shook his head. "What happened to the Southern Sea God Realm was my fault and I intend to make up for it in the future. Or, at the very least, try the best I can."

"You are quite mature for your age, Long Ke." Long Bai remarked, smiling rather warmly. "Considering your talent, bloodline and all the success you've had so soon… many would be irresponsible, arrogant and blame anything but themselves in your shoes. Everyone makes mistakes and plenty of them in their lives. The difference is those who learn from them and those who do not."

"Couldn't have worded it better myself." Rokas nodded, a grin escaping his lips. "Though… you are wrong about one thing. I am arrogant. Supremely so."

"It is in every dragon's nature to have supreme confidence… which borders on arrogance in some people's view." Long Bai replied, nodding firmly. "We are the mightiest and most revered race in the universe. What some see as arrogance tends to be nothing more than our confidence in proven abilities."

"To say that I believe there's nothing that I can't attain if I put forth all my effort… would that be arrogance, in your view?" Rokas questioned.

"If you don't have the right to believe that you could, who would?" 

Rokas nodded, smiling slightly.

"... I see. Then what would you view as arrogance?"

"Well…" Long Bai stroked his chin. "Currently, you are not quite so strong. An example would be something along the lines of challenging an expert who is far beyond your abilities. Without Gundams or a true way of beating them, of course."

"Ah… so it's foolishness." Rokas remarked. "I value my life too much to throw it away."

"… You said something about the Brahma Monarch God Realm?" He Ling glanced at Long Bai and then Rokas.

"He was the direct disciple of the Brahma Heaven God Emperor and the Brahma Monarch Goddess' future husband." Long Bai replied, nodding. "From the look of things, they did everything they could to keep Long Ke in their grasp."

"I am aware of their ills." Rokas nodded. "Although, at that point in time, I didn't quite have the luxury of choosing the morals of those around me. I wanted my own freedom, above all… and when I returned to the Brahma Monarch God Realm a year later, I strived for the power to protect what is precious to me."

"They kept you against your will?" He Ling questioned.

"Mn… for a time, initially. Though, I won't lie, I succumbed to quite a number of my desires during that time. Qianye Ying'er played me like a fool more often than not. In more ways than one, she is one of my greatest weaknesses." 

"I see…" He Ling nodded, frowning slightly. "Her name is placed alongside my Master's for a reason. Countless men would chase her to their deaths but you were the only one who managed to gain her favour. I'd imagine it was extremely difficult to leave her side…"

'She's still here.' 

"Regardless, you've found your home now." Long Bai grabbed his shoulder. "If you wish, you could take up the title of the Dragon God Clan's Young Patriarch. Of course… with the intention of taking my position when you have the strength to rule the Western Divine Region with your own might. Consider this an offer of protection… one that I do hope you accept."

"... Sounds good to me." Rokas nodded. "I have no objections to that."

"Good man." Long Bai nodded, patting his shoulder. "You'll lead us to even greater heights in the future, I'm certain of it."

"I intend to. With your guidance, I have no doubts that I will."

'You're not gonna make me like you.' Rokas thought to himself. 'No matter how hard you try, I know that we're fated to come into conflict. There's no point.'

…

While Long Bai, Rokas and the two royal wood spirit siblings conversed, so did the disciple-master duo within the bamboo hut. Eventually, they left together. Li Suo joined Rokas' side and smiled.

"So, what were you two talking about?" Rokas asked, although he had a decent idea already.

"Thank you for bringing Long Ke to the Forbidden Land of Samsara." Shen Xi looked at Long Bai, nodding. "Li Suo has sung his praises and opened my eyes to something even greater than I thought possible. He is extraordinary to the highest extent… a being that simply should not exist. And yet, here he stands. The path he takes is one that will undeniably shape the future of the Primal Chaos Dimension. It would not be an exaggeration to say that should he fall, the hope of seeing the golden age of old return will die with him. Should he live to his potential… he will raise everyone with him."

[System: That's a lot of glazing. Foreshadowing?]

'... Probably.'

"The Dragon God Realm is the best place for you." Li Suo added.

"The Dragon Monarch and I have already discussed that matter… I've agreed to be the Young Patriarch of the Dragon God Clan." Rokas reaffirmed, shaking his head. "I don't need more convincing."

"Oh… that's brilliant." Shen Xi nodded. "This Forbidden Land has countless resources that will further your growth in the profound way. Before you spread your wings and see the land that will one day be ruled by you… it would be wise that you strengthen your foundation here. Your body, your soul, your mind. All these important aspects of your existence would be refined and prepare you for the future."

"... How long would that take, exactly?" Rokas tilted his head.

"It's not a process that should be rushed…" Shen Xi countered, speaking with a divine, angelic tone. It wasn't quite to the extent as Li Suo… but it was certainly more monotone. Li Suo had far more passion in her words. "It could take a few months, a year… a decade. A thousand years, even. It all lies in your hands. However, once you've completed this important process, you'll most certainly be prepared for anything that may lay in your path."

'Is this the long, articulate and profound way of saying 'we bang, okay?'...?'

"What do you say, Long Ke?"

"It would be unwise to reject." Long Bai added, sending Rokas a transmission. "There is nothing greater than Shen Xi's guidance."

"I've already begun a spiritual and physical journey quite similar to the one you've described…" Rokas answered, smiling slightly as he nodded. "I would be honoured to receive any help you may offer. It is my wish to bring out the most out of myself… to be the best me I could possibly be."

"Good… then I will take you under my wing temporarily." Shen Xi nodded, glancing at Long Bai. "Thank you."

"No need…" Long Bai almost looked flustered. "I am merely doing my duty for the Dragon God Clan. I am as overjoyed as anyone at the prospect of having one with the complete inheritance of the great Dragon God blossom and grow under my guidance. I consider it a sacred duty of the highest importance."

"Likewise." Shen Xi nodded.

"... I will depart now if there's nothing more you'd wish from me, Senior." 

"That would be for the best."

'Dry ass convo.' Rokas remarked. 'This man really got critically negative rizz. How does he ever expect to bag Shen Xi?'

[System: If he had the Heretic God Legacy, she'd be sucking him dry no questions asked. Just fax, no printer. She wouldn't give a single shit if he's a junior or not.]

'I mean… if you're locked up for what seems like the rest of time… shit, I'd want my freedom too. What's the point of life if you're chained to one place?'

[System: Yeah, remember that. She's doing it for freedom, not because she likes you.]

'Doesn't matter to me, I'm going to do what I said I would.'

[System: He's got that dawg in him.]

"Come inside… unless there is something you must do first?" Shen Xi questioned.

"Yeah, I want to talk to someone real quick." Rokas nodded, teleporting away.

'Now, if I was a betting man… I'd bet she did not stay around here the whole time.' Rokas thought, observing the Akatsuki. 

Qianye Ying'er left the cockpit, descending down. She faced Rokas, inching closer until they were practically breathing on each other. She raised her hand, gracing the side of his face.

"It seems that you've hid quite a few things from me… firstly, you can keep people inside of you. Secondly, one of those people was… Li Suo. How do you manage to keep a Creation Goddess all to yourself? What else are you hiding in there?"

"... You make it sound like I kidnapped her." Rokas chuckled, shaking his head. "She chose to be by my side, to guide me."

"Uh-huh." Qianye Ying'er nodded, turning away. "That does explain how you've grown so resistant to my temptations. You've been entangling yourself with her."

"We're not really a thing - at least, not in that way." Rokas shook his head. "And you've got it all wrong. It's not that I've grown attached to something better or more attractive. I'm better than being completely blinded by my own desires."

"Yes, keep telling that to yourself. It all makes sense." Qianye Ying'er chuckled. "I suppose it would be hard to match up against one who is a Creation God… even for me."

"It almost sounds like your ego is hurt." Rokas remarked. "Do you think you're inferior?" 

"... Regarding what you said, you haven't done it with Li Suo, have you?"

"... No? What's that supposed to do with anything-"

"Do you desire her?"

"I mean…-"

"In which case, I would be the next best thing as we do look quite alike. And… unlike her, I am far more willing." Qianye Ying'er frowned, stepping further away. There was a slight grin on her face which Rokas did not see from behind. "Don't you see why I would feel hurt, Long Ke?"

"What kind of mental gymnastics… so, you're saying when I dicked you down, I was thinking about Li Suo?"

"... Yes."

"Wow… I swear women come up with the craziest shit." Rokas chuckled, shaking his head. "Do you want pity points from me? If that was true and I really did think in such a twisted and depraved way, do you really think I'd just magically stop?" 

"Regardless of whether that is true or not, her influence on you is clear to me."

"Better a good influence than a bad one." Rokas countered, shrugging his shoulders. "What about it? 

"I want you to show me…"

Qianye Ying'er turned around, slipping off her mask. Her golden hair swayed, covering her radiant eyes. 

"Your love."

Rokas felt the desire to scratch his hair and ask how the fuck they got here…

Alas, he stepped forward.

'It's hard to say I love you… but those cores would be pretty helpful.'

"I love you… like this."

He wrapped his arms around her like a massive polar bear, holding on tightly. He closed his eyes for a moment and stroked his hand across the top of her golden head of hair several times. Qianye Ying'er raised a confused eyebrow. She had expected something more… well, aggressive. Instead, it was a heartwarming, comforting embrace. 

[System: You are such a troll.]

"..."

Surprisingly, Qianye Ying'er did not back away. She stayed. 

Rokas kissed her forehead and slowly stepped away.

"I'm going to be pretty busy for a little while… as such, I think it's better that you do something productive rather than stand around and watch me." Rokas glanced at the Akatsuki. "Something along the lines of getting me some profound cores from Profound Beasts of Absolute Beginning."

"So now you do want my assistance?"

"I don't think you could go wrong with hunting profound beasts."

"What would I gain from it?" Qianye Ying'er questioned, crossing her arms.

"My appreciation." Rokas replied, smiling slightly. "You said something about supporting your companion earlier, didn't you?"

"You also said you didn't want to be fed like a child."

"Hunting beasts is different from attacking Royal Rank Star Realms." Rokas countered, shaking his head. "It's fine if you don't want to make use of yourself. If anything, I'm asking you to go for your own betterment. It's me being considerate. I could use those cores to upgrade the Gundams further… which includes the Akatsuki. It's a bit out-dated by my standards."

"... How much do you need?"

'She loves her power, doesn't she?'

"I mean… as much as you can get." Rokas shrugged his shoulders. "The more, the better."

"Fair enough. I also get to make use of that one." Qianye Ying'er pointed at Exia IV. "From what you've said, it sounds like it is a great deal superior to my Akatsuki."

"... Sure. Knock yourself out."

'System, shut down the Violet Queen if she aims to do anything stupid with it.'

[System: Noted, captain.]

Without wasting much time, Qianye Ying'er took the Akatsuki into storage and hopped in Exia IV.

While making Qianye Ying'er leave would avoid the problem of her being jealous… it created another problem; Long Bai's fury. Now, Yun Che managed to shag Shen Xi for a year without any worries in canon so the likelihood of being caught in the act seemed tremendously low if not nonexistent. At least… that was Rokas' thought process.

At the same time, for him, he only needed one pump to get that light profound energy and increase his effectiveness in battle further.

'System, can you actually work your alerts for once?'

[System: Yes.]

'Knowing you, that's a yes with a mischievous grin behind it.'

…

Li Suo remained outside the hut with the wood spirit royals while she edged Rokas to enter on his own. Naturally, he obliged and had the opportunity to observe Shen Xi up close. Even to one who had seen plenty of beauties in his time, she was still breathtaking. Especially for his body… which hadn't seen any action for a couple of months now. Resisting Qianye Ying'er was almost mission impossible, especially for such a long time… but he had become quite adept at it. His will was strong enough. However, his body's natural desires still existed. He was like a sealed soda bottle that had been thrown around many times over. It wasn't exactly going to explode on its own… but the moment it opened…

"I think I know where this is going." Rokas remarked, glancing at Shen Xi.

"You had a prophetic dream?" Shen Xi questioned, tilting her head slightly.

"Li Suo told you about those?" Rokas smiled slightly, nodding. "Yes… though, I'm not one-hundred percent certain if it was a prophetic dream or just one that my mind made up."

"Out of curiosity, what happened in that dream?"

"It's rather… inappropriate." Rokas' lips curled into a small grin. "I wouldn't dare bring it up before a figure so pure."

"Go right ahead… be honest with me."

They shared eye contact and eventually Rokas closed his eyes, nodding.

"It started off by you offering yourself to me… and then…"

"You did whatever you wanted to?" Shen Xi spoke with a calm, celestial voice that breezed through the air softly. 

Rokas nodded. "That's about right."

"That dream of yours was true… our fates are intertwined." Shen Xi nodded, stepping back and sitting down on her jade-green bamboo bed. "Will you act the same as you dreamed, I wonder? Or will you find a reason to hesitate? Maybe you fear the Dragon Monarch-…"

"You have no reason to question my conviction. I made a promise to the Dragon God right as I inherited his complete legacy. To put it bluntly, I more or less understand why you're throwing yourself at me…"

 Rokas stepped closer with each passing second… eventually, pushing her down and standing over her.

"My goal is to stand at the absolute pinnacle of the Universe and yours is to be free…"

Without any hesitation, he used the great Clothes Beam and dressed her in cyan green lingerie… which left the necessary holes rather exposed. Shen Xi did not utter a word, simply looking up at him with her sparkling blue eyes. 

"In this way, we help each other."