LVIX

In a beautiful, colourful and overly extravagant garden that seemed to stretch beyond the horizon, the Brahma Monarch Goddess watched over the group of a little over a hundred wood spirits. If not for a certain person running about and causing chaos, she would have felt incredibly bored. She did not descend to speak with any of them… not even once. After all, such weak creatures were not worthy of her attention.

"Brahma Monarch Goddess… I don't know precisely where you're hiding but I know you're here." He Ling stated, looking up at the sky. "Almost four years ago, the Brahma Monarch God Realm promised to protect us. Isn't it funny that you're keeping your word now?"

"Big sister…" He Lin frowned slightly, standing behind her. "I don't think offending the Goddess is a good id-"

"You feel betrayed?" Qianye Ying'er scoffed as she replied. "A race of so many weaklings yet some use… heh, you were fated to be taken advantage of. Whether it would be the Brahma Monarch God Realm or any other force worthy of note. Even now, you are Long Ke's servants…"

"Unlike the Brahma Monarch God Realm, Long Ke's word has meaning. He gave us a home akin to paradise while you…" He Ling countered, her emerald eyes glowing with unmistakable hatred. "You betrayed us, killed our kind by the thousands and almost drew us to the point of extinction."

"I did?" Qianye Ying'er raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that I would waste my time with such obscure matters?"

"... Even now…" He Ling took a deep breath. "I wonder how you would feel if your father and mother were slaughtered. If almost all the people you ever knew were put to the sword and the home you were raised in burned to the ground. I wonder… would you act so nonchalant when all of that happened to you?"

"Such a scenario is ridiculous." Qianye Ying'er scoffed. "Perhaps you'd like an audience with my royal father? I'm certain he'd find your crying amusing. He may even act apologetic just for you."

"One day, your sins will catch up to you…" He Ling suddenly chuckled. "Even now, it slowly is. Here you are, the proud Brahma Monarch Goddess. No greater than a glorified guard dog. It'll be worse when you realise that Lord Ke has lost all interest in you-"

"What did you say?" Qianye Ying'er twitched slightly. "If it were not for his command, you would not be speaking so bashfully to me. Why don't you go back to playing with your pretty flowers like a good little wood spirit princess?"

"Oh, I will." He Ling smiled slightly as she raised a flower up to Qianye Ying'er. "I'll leave vengeance to those with more ability."

"... And who is it that would avenge you, precisely?" 

"You'll see."

"I'm so sorry about my big sis… she's not usually so angry." He Lin scratched his hair. "I don't think you were the one who drew the sword or gave the order. We are grateful for your protection while Protector Ke is away."

"... Lin. She is a person without the slightest shred of decency. You don't need to be apologetic to her."

"Well… she is still Protector Ke's fiance, isn't she?"

"Why do you think they're not married?" He Ling questioned.

"They didn't have the time for it?"

"No, my sweet brother. That is not the reason why." He Ling smiled slightly. "I believe she should know quite well… and yet she doesn't seem to make any true efforts to change. I suppose her pride and twisted ideals are of greater importance than Lord Ke."

Qianye Ying'er sighed, looking up at the sky. There was no use in replying to He Ling. As she saw it, the girl was blinded by hatred and pointed it all at her. In the end, her silence led to siblings moving on.

~

As the days passed by and the Star Gods became aware of the change in the stars, Jasmine felt her heart grow heavy. From what was a few years had been shortened to no more than three months. The Day of the Rippling Stars… the day of her sacrifice had neared by a significant amount.

But… that wasn't what she worried about.

"There has been news of the Brahma Monarch God Realm's powerful Gundams stealing the Eternal Heaven Pearl, led by the Blitz which is known to be Long Ke's who claims to be the successor to the Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor." Xing Ling, Jasmine's Head Star Guard, kneeled and looked at the ground. "Not only that but they also captured Honourable Tai Yu along with many other powerful experts."

'The Eternal Heaven Pearl… so you seek your own power.' Jasmine thought, her lips curling into a slight smile. "Is that all?"

"The Eternal Heaven Realm has called out for the support of every righteous realm in the entire Realm of the Gods with the intent of ending the tyranny of the Brahma Monarch God Realm."

"Even if it means facing the Young Patriarch of the Dragon God Clan?"

"It is uncertain if the Dragon Monarch approves of Long Ke's actions… although, given his fair nature, I sincerely doubt he does."

"... No, he will not interfere if he's not a fool. Long Ke reaching his potential would only benefit them."

"I will not debate that, your highness. That will be all for now."

It was rather wild to believe that the once stuttering and lazy Rokas would one day lead to the doom of one King Realm and steal another's Heavenly Treasure. At the same time, it wasn't quite so surprising. She had seen his growth first-hand every day. He had become the most controversial figure in all of the God Realm and perhaps even the most dangerous. 

When it came to keeping his promise, Jasmine saw it.

She had supreme confidence that one way or another… he would do it. In regards to the ceremony, she believed that he would topple all his obstacles and rescue her. In a way, he reminded her of Xi Su… her brother. Someone who would go to great, foolish, lengths for those he cared about.

Although… the real question was to whom did his heart belong? Who would he choose? Her or Qianye Ying'er?

His master of over half a decade or his supposed lover of less than a year? One relationship was certainly more intimate than the other. 

That… was where she was conflicted.

'Surely you know what she truly is…'

…

The Eternal Heaven Divine Realm felt far more normal than he expected it to. Time went by normally… or so that's how he felt. Meanwhile, on the outside, it was going by a lot slower. The idea of having well over a hundred years to train when he hadn't lived even thirty years between both lives (excluding Jiufang Ke's memories) was slightly overwhelming and twice as exciting.

The things he could do in all that time… the possibilities were almost endless. 

"We should continue where we left off." Xia Qingyue turned to Rokas, her deep violet eyes glowing with an irresistible allure. She had closed the distance between them and not-so subtly pressed her lips against his. 

"Someone is bold…" Rokas glanced back, seeing Huan Caiyi turn away while Cang Yue looked a tad bit jealous. As for Li Suo, she simply entered his Inner World after a slight chuckle. 

"You want strength, don't you?" 

"I want you more."

Rokas reciprocated her kiss while raising his hand to grasp one of her plentiful breasts. Even when it came to his larger palm, they were more than a handful. He didn't think they'd get any bigger and yet they did. He smiled slightly, raising an eyebrow.

"What do they feed you in the Moon God Realm?"

"Is it too much for you?"

"Me? Never." 

Rokas' palm lit up as he utilised the clothes beam, instantly changing Xia Qingyue's clothing to something more in his liking. You could guess that it was something quite naughty. 

"Your tastes grow bolder." Xia Qingyue observed her lingerie which was more tempting than usual with black fishnet leggings. Her 'top' was similar, practically revealing her entire body. She raised her hand and ripped his entire shirt away. "We're almost even now."

'Well, damn…' 

Rokas chuckled, grasping her breasts more tightly while lowering his head to suck on her left nipple through the fishnet. 

"Mn…" Xia Qingyue grasped his head rather tightly with both hands, keeping him there. As a result, Rokas' palm tightened and his tongue acted more wildly… wrapping itself around teat. "Oh~"

"Do you think that I'll let you keep him to yourself again?"

Cang Yue stepped forward while Xia Qingyue grinned slightly.

"I never said you weren't allowed to share our husband."

Cang Yue pushed Xia Qingyue to the side slightly with a shoulder nudge. Her hand lit up with flames and burned away his pants, revealing his beyond erect member. Her soothing palm graced its length, starting from the root and flowing all the way to the tip. She pouted her lips slightly, kissing the tip rather affectionately.

Meanwhile, Rokas raised his head and shared a passionate french kiss with Xia Qingyue… wrapping his tongue around hers continuously while his hands played with her breasts.

Huan Caiyi observed from a good distance, her face growing more red with jealousy by the second. It was clear that the gap between her and his two wives was astronomical… and yet, she wanted nothing more than to be in that very position. To be by his side, to garner his love, attention and affection. 

She had strived so hard for years to reach that point, to earn the love of the man who had changed her world and taken her heart… and now, there was no better opportunity. 

She slowly stepped forward while the trio were engrossed in their lovemaking with Rokas as the clear focus. 

Sneakily, she shyly went to the opposite side which remained open and touched his chest with both hands while pressing her large bosom against him like a pillow. Xia Qingyue and Cang Yue paused almost simultaneously, turning to Huan Caiyi with rather disapproving expressions. They weren't too keen on sharing with a third.

[Now Playing: Who Invited This Kid MP3]

Rokas cracked out a chuckle.

"You're going to do all of that in front of my face and not expect me to act? If you wanted privacy, you should've gone someplace else." Huan Caiyi questioned, pouting slightly. "Hmph!"

"She has a point… it was rather indecent to act that way." Rokas glanced at Xia Qingyue, shrugging his shoulders. Her initial expression changed as she smiled slightly.

"It was your decision to bring her here… with the intention of spending many years together." Xia Qingyue remarked, turning to Rokas. "If it's what you want, I have no quarrel with it. I can see that her love for you stretches beyond mere infatuation given that she has come this far."

"Yue, what do you think?" Rokas asked, tilting his head.

"She can have you in your own time." Cang Yue stated, pushing her to the side. "However… I don't think that time is now."

"I agree." Rokas nodded, grabbing Huan Caiyi's arm and slipping her inside of his Inner World. "Where were we?"

"Here." 

Cang Yue opened her mouth and took his tip right inside, engulfing it with her warm tongue.

~

The threesome seemed to last an eternity as they danced in all types of ways, pleasuring each other countless times. Xia Qingyue was especially keen on taking his seed as she refused to waste any of it. Before long, her cultivation strength had caught up with Cang Yue's and they all began to equally boost one another. It was a return to the good ol' days… except now, they shared him together simultaneously instead of separately. 

Though, despite their outrageous stamina thanks to their maxed Confidant ranks, eventually Rokas outlasted both of them and gave them time to rest. His absurd recovery ability and divine constitution made for an almost undefeatable monster in bed. Even after the intense session that lasted days, he only needed a small breather to get back to feeling good physically.

He found Huan Caiyi meditating in his Inner World, taking in the rich and divine air within. Her cultivation strength had taken great strides… even without dual-cultivation. After the months she had spent inside, she was on the verge of reaching the Divine Soul Realm.

Her eyes opened as she sensed his presence. Immediately, she stood up to face him.

"Those wives of mine are wild…" Rokas remarked, chuckling as he cleaned himself up from all the lipstick. He tied up his wild brown hair into a manageable manbun which made the front of his handsome face completely visible. "I've been wanting to see you but they've kept me rather busy."

"I have no issue with it… they are, after all, your wives." Huan Caiyi stated, looking away. "They have complete priority over me. As for me, well… I don't know what I am to you."

"I've been… neglectful." Rokas admitted, closing the gap between them. "I should have talked to you more. I was too engrossed in pursuing power."

"You had your reasons."

"Yes… but now, we have all the time in the world." 

Huan Caiyi's eyes widened as Rokas embraced her.

"You'd do so much for me… the results speak for themselves. You were willing to work tirelessly to simply fit my preference, you persevered through all my negligence and were even willing to leave your home behind for me." Rokas' voice was like music to her ears. "I don't want to push you away anymore… I don't want to string you along… I don't want to fight it. I want to be honest with you."

"Know that… I want to keep you close."

Rokas' hold tightened while Huan Caiyi dug her head into his chest. She could almost cry… this confession was something she had sought for so long to the point of obsession. The warmth in her heart was incomparable to anything else she had ever felt. Her heart had almost jumped out of her mouth, grew wings and flew away.

She sniffled slightly.

"Are you crying?" Rokas raised an eyebrow as his lips curled into a smile.

"This Empress… is not crying." Huan Caiyi denied, taking a deep breath. "Those words of yours are more priceless than any treasure."

"It's alright." Rokas pat her head before planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'm here for you as you have been for me." 

Huan Caiyi pouted. "Don't treat me like a child…"

"You're still a shortie." Rokas grinned slightly, letting go. "Sit down… I feel like playing a song."

"Very well…"

Huan Caiyi sat down and Rokas followed, sitting across from her. He created a guitar and tried cooking up a masterpiece on his first attempt. Alas, it didn't go so well.

"Ahem…" Rokas cleared his throat. "This might take a few attempts."

"Take your time."

Rokas smiled slightly as he looked at Huan Caiyi's shining eyes.

"Alright."

As the System provided him with guidance, eventually Rokas got the hang of playing the tune rather swiftly. His absurd comprehension wasn't limited to just profound arts. Eventually, he started to play the song in its entirety… even deploying clones to play the rest of the instruments.

"Well, you only need the light when it's burning low." Rokas' smooth voice replicated the original song almost perfectly, surpassing it even. "Only miss the sun when it starts to snow. Only know you love her when you let her go. Only know you've been feeling high when you're feeling low. Only hate the road when you're missing home. Only know you love her when you let her gooo~…"

…

When he finished, Huan Caiyi gave him a round of applause.

"Thank you, thank you." Rokas and his clones bowed before dispersing. "That was easier than I thought it would be. I guess… I'm not that rusty."

"I wonder why you keep your voice to yourself…" Huan Caiyi questioned, crossing her arms. "With a performance like that, you could conquer the hearts of any audience. Especially the women."

"See… I spent many of my early years being afraid of what others thought of me." Rokas looked down slightly before looking up into Huan Caiyi's golden eyes. "I wanted to be as normal as possible, I wanted to avoid any and all conflict. I wanted to be the way everyone else would want me to be. That meant… I was afraid of dancing, afraid of singing, afraid of standing up for myself, afraid of expressing how I truly felt. I was afraid of… being myself. Back then, I would have rather been a grey wall than me."

"I don't see why you would have felt that way." Huan Caiyi shook her head. "The real you… is the most beautiful. It's not the heavenly demon, nor any other mask you put on to hide yourself. It's Rokas… the real you. The man who is willing to do anything for those he loves, the one who is not afraid of speaking his mind, the one who does what is right and the one… who acts like himself."

'How does she know my real name?'

"That is… the person who I fell in love with."

[System: Critical hit!]

'... It was.' Rokas was still for a moment, not knowing what to say. "Well… that's reassuring to hear. Although, I'm not the same person I was when I felt that way. It was Cang Yue and Qingyue who helped me break out of my own shell."

"You're not fully out of it, though… are you?" Huan Caiyi questioned. "Otherwise, you would sing to the world. Or… share your other hobbies. I believe there's plenty that you've yet to show."

"How many hobbies do you think I have?" Rokas chuckled.

"You seem like the type of person to seek out everything… someone with a broad, creative and colourful soul."

"Stop it, you're gonna make me blush." Rokas smiled before stroking his chin. "Hmm… if there was something that I was truly obsessed about and I've yet to share it would be my love for a certain sport. It was the one thing that got my fat ass outside and working out."

"A sport?" Huan Caiyi asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. "What was it?"

"It's silly… especially to us profound practitioners, who can fly and shatter worlds." Rokas chuckled, shaking his head as he thought of basketball. "Though… it would be fun to play it again. Especially since I wouldn't nearly be so horrible at it."

"You should live your life the way you want to. You'll have the power to do so… even to the point of having the universe revolve around you should you wish it. Whatever you want, you can make it happen." 

Huan Caiyi grabbed his hands, edging ever closer as her eyes fell into the gaze of his.

"I will…"

Rokas nodded, feeling a certain urge as she edged closer.

This time… it came from the heart.

He did not fight it… proceeding as he wanted to.

Their lips pressed against each other as they shared a kiss.

The first was the shyest of countless more to come.

…

[Huan Caiyi (Emperor IV) Confidant Rank: 4 → 6]

After having spent quite a while with Huan Caiyi, Rokas felt uplifted. Although, he was quite curious as to who had given her so many clues about himself. He went to see Li Suo right after.

"You might happen to know who it was that gave Huan Caiyi my real name?" Rokas faced Li Suo whose lips curled into a slight smile.

"I might." Li Suo replied with a sweet, innocent tone. "Since she pledged to you so devoutly, it would only be right for her to know your true name."

"I didn't know you were fond of her."

"She has been quite helpful around this place." Li Suo stated, observing as a butterfly landed on her finger. "Have you thought about what you'll do after you save your master?"

The butterfly flew towards him, landing on the back of his hand. He raised his hand and opened his palm, watching it fly onto its centre.

"Shouldn't you know already? After all, my goal was inspired by your dream."

"A grand ambition has countless small steps leading up to it, Rokas. These smaller steps should be well planned out."

"Well, I do have an idea of where I'd start." Rokas nodded. "A Realm where my actions led to its destruction… I want to begin there and build it all the way to the peak. I want to make a world that upholds my ideals and laws. A place that is safe for people of goodwill, a place that blossoms their talents and one where everyone can find happiness in one way or another. Not everyone has to sell their souls to the pursuit of power… there is so much more to life than that."

"The Southern Sea God Realm?"

"You're right on target." Rokas nodded. "Although I doubt the people there have any love for me… I will take responsibility for what happened in the past and uplift them. I'll be their King. If it works… no, when it does work as I intended, I'll spread the same treatment to those who are willing to embrace my rule. I won't force myself into ruling the Universe even if I have the power to do so."

"So you're entirely confident that you will make it work?" Li Suo questioned.

"I'll do whatever it takes." Rokas nodded, his eyes lighting up with flames. "I already have quite a few ideas of how to improve the livelihood of its people. Although… since I've never ruled before, I'll still need quite a bit of help with managing things."

"We're all here for you should you need assistance." Li Suo smiled as she spoke with a reassuring tone. "Yet… I have absolute confidence that you'll be able to live up to your ambition. The mindset you have now is perfect for that. You're ready to take the necessary steps towards becoming the finest King you could be."

'What's the use of supreme power if it isn't used to its fullest capacity?'

~

Almost two months after Operation Blitz.

"Brahma Heaven God Emperor… where is the thief who claims himself to be the Heaven Punishing Divine Emperor reborn?" 

The Eternal Heaven Emperor, Zhou Xuzi, alongside his subjects and countless more experts rallied above the core of the Brahma Monarch Realm. All of the BMR Gundams except for the Akatsuki gathered up, piloted by their mighty experts. The fifteen prototypes were also assigned to Divine Kings, leaving the main entrance one after the other.

Zhou Xuzi certainly felt the pressure coming out of each and every one of those killing machines. It wasn't just them as a profound weapon… it was the fact that they enhanced the user within. A Brahma God was comparable to a God Emperor and the Brahma Heaven God Emperor himself… Zhou Xuzi couldn't beat him before and now, it would be more foolish to try to do so.

Although, he felt that it would be wrong of the Brahma Monarch God Realm to keep getting away with their actions. Even if they were weaker… the point was to put up a fight against their injustice.

"In closed-door cultivation." Qianye Fantian replied, raising an eyebrow from within Aegis. "What do you think your presence here will accomplish?"

"I demand that the Eternal Heaven Pearl be returned to its rightful place." Zhou Xuzi stated with a (self) righteous tone. "If that is done, your transgressions may be forgiven."

"That is not within my authority." 

"Long Ke was your direct disciple, was he not?"

"No one can command him now, I'm afraid. We will not allow you to disturb him either." Qianye Fantian shook his head. "So… you should scurry away with your little army of justice warriors. Because I, the Brahma Heaven God Emperor, and all of the forces of the Brahma Monarch God Realm are more than prepared to slaughter every last one of you in his name."

"The Brahma Heaven God Emperor, whipped like a dog by a boy." Zhou Xuzi frowned. "Can't you think for yourself?"

"You think I'm not? How laughable. That is my future son-in-law scaling the heavens one leap at a time. Why would I allow you to drag him down with the likes of yourself?" 

"So be it…" 

However, before battle could commence… a truly powerful force appeared in between them.

An arc carrying many, many, powerful Divine Masters of the dragon race had split the sky.

"There will be no slaughter today."

The Dragon Monarch was first to speak, his voice thundering across the world.

"Dragon Monarch…" Zhou Xuzi's frown grew deeper. "You approve of your foolish young Patriarch's actions?"

"If Long Ke stole your Eternal Heaven Pearl, then I believe that it was for the greater good." Long Bai countered, nodding his head firmly. "Would someone like him reaching his full potential not benefit us all? Was your intention not to share the gifts of the Eternal Heaven Pearl with the youth of the Eastern Divine Region? If the crimson crack is truly what you feared… then Long Ke being that much closer to his peak would make all the difference."

"Hah… of course, you would support him too." Zhou Xuzi shook his head. "You both have stock in him."

"I believe… you should wait until he emerges to hear his reasoning." Long Bai added. "Otherwise, if you truly intend to fight… then you would be fighting a truly hopeless battle against both Brahma Monarch and Dragon God Realms. Is that what you truly want to do? To throw away so many innocent lives when there is no need to do so? The Eternal Heaven Emperor I know would not act in such a selfish and foolish manner."

As Zhou Xuzi looked around, he felt the fighting spirits of everyone deflate. Fighting the Brahma Monarch God Realm and all its gundams was suicidal… but practically all of the pillars of the Western Divine Region on top of that? It was pointless.

"So be it…" The Eternal Heaven Emperor sighed, lowering his arms. "I will wait to hear his reasoning."

Not like he had much of a choice.

"Good." Long Bai smiled.

"That was wise of you." Qianye Fantian added as the Aegis focused on Long Bai. "Long Ke will surely appreciate what you did today."

"I merely did my duty."

~

The Day of Rippling Stars.

Caizhi had already slipped into the Absolute Star Soul barrier which she had been kept in for the sacrifice. It was then that even Jasmine was shocked by her father's actions. Initially, he had ensured Caizhi's wellbeing if she sacrificed herself… but now, he had very clearly shown that he had intended to sacrifice both.

With the ten Star Gods and all but one elder putting forth all their power to keep up the Absolute Star Soul barrier, it was impossible to break out or into.

"You… old villain… even for you… this is truly… sickening." Jasmine clenched her fists, frowning deeply. "You'll suffer for your deceit, I promise you will."

"You must understand, your highness… what the god emperor is doing is truly difficult." Tumi, the Heavenly Origin Star God stated with a 'wise' tone as he stroked his beard. Although he had a sad expression on his face, all Jasmine saw was an old self-righteous bastard. "To sacrifice one's own daughters is not something just any man is willing to do. Alas, this is for the betterment of the Star God Realm. It is for our future… the Star God Emperor will rise above, becoming a True God and lead us into an age of glory."

"Us?" Jasmine scoffed, grinning slightly. "None of you will be alive to see a True God be born."

"Big sister… are we really going to die?" Caizhi's eyes widened as she observed the barrier.

"I… did not want to do this." Xing Juekong, the Star God Emperor, sighed. "But, as the Star God Emperor and the one who carries the dreams of my people… this is something that must be done. We will no longer have to worry about the Moon God Realm, nor the wild and ambitious Brahma Monarch God Realm… especially with their machines of war. Only a True God could defend against an invasion from them. We will not have to be pushed around by any other King Realm ever again… the Star God Realm will stand tall!"

'Now would be a good time…' Jasmine looked up at the ceiling. 'Would you really… forsaken me after all your promises?'

Lightning cracked… white lightning.

Xing Juekong paused, frowning slightly.

It had begun to rain as lightning continued to strike, each blow almost piercing right through the exterior barrier.

Jasmine grinned and let out a chuckle… a chuckle that turned to mad laughter.

"Hahaha… old villain… you said something about a True God?" Jasmine questioned, her crimson eyes staring into Xing Juekong's soul. "Well… you'll have the pleasure of seeing one today!"

"... Long Ke…" Xing Juekong had seen it before. He knew who that distinct white lightning belonged to. "He couldn't possibly break past the Absolute Star Soul barrier… not even the Dragon Monarch has that power."

"Proceed with the ceremony… let us not waste any more time." Tumi advised.

"... Very well." Xing Juekong nodded.

"What are you rushing for?" Jasmine raised an eyebrow as she began to taunt him. "Isn't your barrier impenetrable?"

"ROAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!"

A terrifying roar that shook the entire Primal Chaos Dimension erupted.

Xing Juekong had begun to sweat buckets… he sensed a power that transcended anything he had felt before. All of the Star Gods, elders, star guards… everyone did. Everyone knew.

Long Ke was coming.