Ive never been shy about admitting I have paranoid tendencies, but after taking our history into account, I feel as if my cynical reluctance to accept Shen ZhenWus offer would be more accurately labelled as heightened situational awareness.
When sothing sounds too good to be true, it usually is, which ans sothing is rotten in the Azure Empire. I didnt even have ti to teabag Zhen Shis corpse before discovering ZhenWu has by the figurative balls out here, yet hes willing to make too many concessions just to win over to his side. Granted, a generous offer to allow to swear an Oath of honesty instead of a generic Oath of service seems benevolent and magnanimous at first glance, but it ans absolutely nothing if he already knows I can free myself of Oaths. The question is, was this offer made in good faith, or did he already know no Oath could constrain , so he might as well loosen the restrictions hell demand of ?
Another thing to note is how eager he appears to make his son-in-law, even against the wishes of his daughter who he seemingly dotes upon. How else to explain her willful behaviour? Not only did she try to kill , but she refuses to give her father face in front of the Emperor himself, which Ive been told is kinda a big deal. Despite her obvious reluctance, ZhenWu is still pushing ahead with this marriage and even offering to settle and my loved ones back to the Eastern Province. Probably because he knows Ill balk at living in the East if I cant bring my family with , but this is an unprecedented offer. Overly generous considering the circumstances, which I could write off as an olive branch ant to take away the sting of entering into his service, though I noticed he made no effort to show what Taddy was up to and ntioned nothing about offering protection to the only Ancestral Cloud Chaser Hares in existence. It doesnt matter though, because ZhenWu knows I have no choice, so why not appear magnanimous and win over with more favourable terms?
If that was the case though, hed start praising right now and saying Im well worth the cost, but he rely stands there with a smug smile etched across his all-too handso face. Is it answers you desire? he asks, speaking with a deliberate lack of haste, Or do you wish to save your loved ones instead. Make no mistake, I have pledged to save them, but I cannot be held responsible if they should die before youve made your decision.
The fact that he refuses to engage speaks volus to his intentions. He believes I have no choice in the matter, that I will concede and accept defeat, but hes also trying to rush things along before I find reason to refuse. Again, I have to ask why? You didnt want to go forward with this crusade at first, I begin, thinking out loud and praying my family can hold on for a few minutes longer while I sort this shit out. Thats why you tried to set up during that eting between Shuai Jiao and Jeong Hyo-Lynn. One where they were supposedly discussing Seoyoons marriage to Yong-Jin, but if that was the case, why were you in attendance? You needed a reasonable excuse to strip of my titles and offices so that the north wouldnt rebel, but I didnt give you one.
The giveaway is subtle, a minor tightening around the eyes, so insignificant I even wonder if Id imagined it, but luckily for , Beardy Yang chis in with a chuckle to confirm my suspicions. Head still bowed before the Emperor, the Yang representatives tone is as arrogant as before, even when speaking to my Patron. Played like a fool by a tribal child, and what does the unrivalled Shen ZhenWu do? Offer up his most precious daughter in marriage. Liang Wu Di, you have really lost face for the Liang Family.
Huh. So ZhenWus real na is Wu Di. Invincible. How pretentious. Ill stick with ZhenWu, because even though True Warrior is equally grandiose, at least its a title he earned. That being said, his reaction to the Yang representative is far more telling, a piercing glare that speaks volus to the enmity between them. Rather than speak out however, its ZhenWus uncle who responds, who I now know is Liang Bao Zheng, Grand Marshal of the Empire and the man who consigned Kuang Biao to a life of slavery. Yang Pang Ji, the stately Grand Marshal begins, sohow appearing bold and confident with his head bowed towards the Emperor, This marks the second ti you have spoken without invitation. Best keep quiet before you are reprimanded again, or worse, make even more of a fool of yourself. Just because your son was unable to see value in Falling Rain does not an there is none to be had.
Son. The only Yang Ive interacted with is Jixing, who literally lost his head in the Central Citadel. Judging by Pang Jis ugly expression, my gut is right on the money, which makes him the Pri Minister of the Empire, assuming Jixing wasnt lying about being the Pri Ministers son. Well fuck-a-doodle-doo. Im deep in it now. Or I supposed Ive always been deep in it, and Im only just realizing it. No matter though, because this political infighting is above my paygrade, so I should stick to the relevant bits. Now that I have confirmation that ZhenWu was present at Shuai Jiaos eting with Jeong Hyo-Lynn, I also know he was working against at the ti, except I neatly sidestepped his little trap and didnt give him a good reason to strip of my title as Legate or Minister of Finance. That wouldnt have been enough to stop him from acting against , but I mustve said or done sothing during the eting to change his mind, because once all was said and done, ZhenWu had Shuai Jiao stop obstructing my forces from gathering in Sui Hua and even lend a hand in the preparations. Thats not all either, since Miss Rou tried to murder soon after, which tells that this marriage between us wasnt sothing her father recently ca up with on a whim, but rather a decision he made before I set out to re-take the West. That doesnt make any sense though. Why would he want as a son-in-law before seeing my current level of strength?
Because during the eting, Jorani convinced to trust Shuai Jiao and tell him about my ability to Devour and Cleanse Spectres, and ZhenWu was sitting right there and heard it all. Knowing what I know now, that was a huge mistake, because I thought Id learned how to Cleanse on my own and thus could keep Blobbys existence a secret, except Blobby was linked with all along and simply Cleansing from afar. Thus, ZhenWu probably put two and two together and figured out I have an Elental Spirit, information I doubt he shared with anyone present, save maybe his uncle the Grand Marshal. Thats why this offer seems too good to be true, because he values my ability to Devour and Cleanse and is worried that a slave Oath, even an unenforceable one, might well drive to the brink of despair and result in my soul being Devoured by Blobby.
Being the open book that I am, everyone present notices that Ive arrived at an answer, and ZhenWu ever so subtly nods to confirm my suspicions and keep from saying anything more. He wants my ability to Devour and Cleanse kept secret, but would I benefit more from making it known? Again, ZhenWu is able to read my intentions, but he responds in a manner I was not expecting, an all-too-obvious widening of his eyes in what I can only describe as panic. After cautioning to keep silent with the harshest of glares, he unknowingly glances towards the source of his concern, the Emperor himself.
Interesting. Did the peanut gallery not see Buddy Devour a whole host of Spectres? I always just assud Imperial Scions would be able to see them, on account of how they followed a different Path, but maybe I was wrong. Maybe they cant sense Spectres and no one understands why Zhen Shi started chasing Buddy around. This begs the question though, why would ZhenWu want my ability to Devour kept secret from the Emperor? Because ZhenWu wants Blobby for himself and the Emperor would claim him? Makes sense I guess, though Im sure theres more to it, as Im reminded of an exchange between ZhenWu and his uncle just before I was appointed as Minister of Finance. You always were a clever boy, the Grand Marshal began with a heavy sigh, one which made his praise sound more like a condemnation. Too clever for your own good. Better if you never learned...
But I did, Uncle, Zhen Wu replied, his soft, brown eyes burning with intensity as he crushes a coin within his clenched fist. And I will not go quietly without a fight. This will work. Giving Falling Rain a title seals him to our side, and leaves his allies poised to take over their respective factions or in commanding position over their rivals. Through him, we unite North and Central and bind them to our cause, which in turn puts an end to the political infighting and reassures the Southern Marshal enough to stop threatening to withdraw. With three provinces united behind us, he will have no choice but to agree, or...
Thats about as far as ZhenWu got before he rembered I was still listening, but it is only now that I have enough context to piece it all together. I almost feel stupid for not seeing it soon, because how many individuals are powerful enough to compel ZhenWu to unite the outer provinces behind him? I never gave it much thought because again, I considered these matters way above my paygrade, but now that I think about it, the list of suspects is woefully short; one which starts and ends with the Emperor himself.
So heres what Ive got so far. ZhenWu and the Liang Family have been planning to overthrow the Emperor. ZhenWu secures the job of Legate in order to seek an alliance with the outer provinces, and eventually sets up as Minister of Finance. This is not just to win and my allies over, but also to enable the Liang Family to sell the highly lucrative War Bonds, except the other Supre Families must have seen the power of War Bonds and intervened. Thats why ZhenWu suggested a system of checks and balances to prevent fraud, but in reality was rely the Yang Family making a move to ensure the Liangs werent in sole control of this lucrative economic tool. That being said, ZhenWu made these concessions knowing that War Bonds were rely a stepping stone, an investnt tool and more palatable form of notarized debt to pave the way for the true prize, paper currency, or Treasure Notes. The problem was, how would the Liang Family make the transition from War Bonds to Treasure Notes without those sa checks and balances coming into play?
Quite the dilemma, but ZhenWu is nothing if not determined. He reaches out to Zhen Shi, or maybe was working with him all along. Maybe it goes even deeper, and the Emperor was in on it as well, which could explain why he wanted Zhen Shi captured alive. Whether it was to save an ally, get the nas of his co-conspirators, or so other reason Ive overlooked, I fucked everything up by killing Zhen Shi, which in hindsight, was probably not the best move. Either way, ZhenWu and Zhen Shi joined hands at one point in history to put on a show, faking a botched assassination attempt so the forr can withdraw from the outer provinces, one I was fortunate enough to witness and escape from unscathed, a streak of luck which really shouldve set off all sorts of alarms in my head. At the sa ti, ZhenWu sets up his Imperial Dharma Protector, the bald Yang Divinity who was called away to defend the border where he was subsequently ambushed and killed. With no ZhenWu around, I beca next in line to take up the office of Legate, which Jixing contests by taking on the role himself. Why, I have no idea, but this move is akin to slipping the noose around his own neck, because in the chaos that follows, the Liang Divinity protecting him looks the other way while a Wraith separates his head from his shoulders, leaving the outer provinces in the hands of a crippled boy who is firmly in ZhenWus hands.
Textbook Imperial machinations, using your cats-paws to take out your rivals to keep your own hands clean of blood.
From here, my patron cut off all contact with the outer provinces, leaving free to act as I please without any oversight whatsoever save for the incompetent Administrator Liang Yin Hang, the person sent to oversee my actions as Minister of Finance who was drunk more often than not and spent more ti in the brothels than the office. Thus, I predictably introduced Treasure Notes to pay for all the shit that I could no longer afford, since the Eastern Province stopped sending shipnts of coin every week, Treasure Notes which bore no seal from the Minister of Coin, Grand Marshal, and Chief Justicar of Fraud to legitimize their value. No, I made it so that my Turtle Seal was all that was the only stamp required, setting the precedent of the Minister of Finance being the sole authority in matters of printing Treasure Notes, an office which sat well within the purview of the Grand Marshal, and the Grand Marshal alone.
Thereby giving the Liang Family the ability to print money to use in their conflict against the Emperor.
My role fulfilled, I suspect ZhenWu was eager to be rid of and make his way back into the lilight, which is why Zhen Shi went hard on Castle JiangHu when he did. Had I died as planned, ZhenWu could then reappear at the opportune mont and claim credit for all my work without damaging his relationship with the North. Heres where shit went wrong though, because I didnt die, which was bad for ZhenWu because he knew I was unwilling to bend the knee and he couldnt directly act against without alienating my allies, supporters, and admirers amongst the people of the Empire. Instead of a martyr, he had a still-breathing cripple to contend with, which was why he had Shuai Jiao step up and declare himself Commander General of the Empire while simultaneously convincing Zhen Shi to send so sixty-odd Wraiths to assassinate after I ca back from the monastery. Without Commander General Shuai Jiao to hold things together, the outer provinces might well have fallen apart in the wake of my death, but I ruined ZhenWus plans once more by surviving and making a full recovery soon after.
Man, talking about failing upwards. I guess there must be soone looking out for up there after all, though theyre kinda shit at their job, if Im being honest. Probably stupid to tempt fate like that, but what are the Heavens gonna do? Kill ? Psh. As if they havent already been trying.
Anyway, where was I? So I survive the assassination attempt, which leaves ZhenWu no choice but to break things off publicly by setting up with Shuai Jiao and Jeong Hyo-Lynn. Except then I ruin those plans and change his mind by sharing my ability to Devour, which he keeps to himself as he settles in to watch the show. Though I find more success in the West than he anticipated, the end result is still the sa. Soon enough, my strongest supporters will fall in Shi Bei alongside what remains of almost a million-strong army of Imperial Warriors. Once word of my failure returns ho, I will then beco infamous as the interim Legate who cost the outer provinces dearly, setting the stage for ZhenWu to swoop in and save the day. Easy enough now that Zhen Shi is dead, as theres no longer any threat of the United Defiled to save the outer provinces from, but I dont think ZhenWu planned for that, aning I made his job much easier than he expected. No good deed goes unpunished however, and now I have no choice but to accept his gracious offer and beco his son-in-law in order to save what few people I can, binding firmly to his side, and more importantly, the Liang Family as well.
A part of wants to blow this whole sche up and tell everyone present that the Liang Family intends to rebel, but I have no reason to do so except spite. Theres no guarantee that my testimony is enough to turn the Emperor against one of his Supre Families, especially in light of how scheming seems to be the favoured past-ti of the Eastern Province, and I doubt anyone present would care to shelter from the Liang Familys wrath once all is said and done. Or offer to save my loved ones in Shi Bei, to say nothing of how Mom is still being held captive by Shuai Jiao and the Royal Guardians. `
Which ans no matter how you slice it, my options are limited to one; to accept these offered chains of silk which might as well be steel.
Raising my head to stare up at the skies, I hold Buddy close and heave a long sigh. Sensitive to my misery as always, my doggo nuzzles close while Mama Bun stretches over from her raft to shower my cheek with kisses, but even this much is not enough to raise my spirits. My failure weighs heavily upon , but what hurts more is that I will survive where so many others will die. Others would think fortunate, to fail so horrendously and receive a wife and powerful backer in return, but I place no value on face, honour, reputation, or titles. I have always valued my freedom and independence highly, not just because of my ti in the mines, but because for as long as I can rember, I have always been restricted by circumstances and fate. A long-forgotten mory returns to , of a ti when I stared up at this sa sky, but from a vastly different vantage point. There I lay, upon the cold, frozen ground of the desolate northern wastes, but back then, I only knew it as ho. The dark skies were so vast and far-reaching, yet seed so close all the sa. If I climbed the tallest mountains, would I be able to reach out and touch one of those shimring jewels dotted through the night sky? Could I pluck them all out and plunge the world into true darkness? If only, because then I could better hide my sha and disgrace, hide the tears streaming down my face and pain etched across my face as I ran from my latest defeat.
A shadow appears to block out the stars, but Id sensed his presence long ago. I simply didnt care to react, because if he ant to kill , then there was nothing I could do to stop him even if I tried. His amber eyes settle upon , so bright yet also dull at the sa ti, so utterly lacking in emotion that I wonder if he has ever known hateful doubt or bitter regret before. Unlikely, for he is the Warrior, Blessed by the Heavens, whereas I am the Lifeless, unwanted by all.
Eat, Baledagh whispers, his voice breaking from lack of use as he throws what feels and slls like a bundle of at wrapped in skin upon my chest. The sll sets my mouth to watering and stomach to growling, but I make no move and simply watch him instead. Not because I dont want to eat, but because I dont see a point in doing so. It wont make any difference, because I am too weak and stupid to fend for myself, and this pittance of a al wont change a thing. Itll only weaken him, and he is not so blessed and strong that he can afford to waste his prize, not with the Slayer, the Glutton, the Dagger, and so many others nipping at his heels. From the looks of things, his victory did not co easily, so itd be better for him if he finishes the rest of his prize and waits until he can make a al of too. The rules forbid him from killing , but the punishnt would be well worth the prize, or he could just wait since I will die soon enough, and then I will be lifeless in na and in truth.
And free from this life to move on to the next. Such a sweet, wonderful word, freedom, one I would rather taste instead of the tantalizing morsel resting upon my chest. It wouldnt be long, because I could feel death calling to , the empty night and endless darkness promising an end to all my suffering.
Unlike his eyes, mine betray my every thought, but Baledagh will not let go in peace. Seeing I will not eat on my own, he settles down beside and brings the bundle of at to my lips, which open on their own without prompting. There isnt much, but I am weak and unable to eat quickly, yet Baledagh says nothing as he slowly feeds bite after bite after bite. When the al is finally finished, he pats on the chest and stands before offering a hand to help up. Rather than take it, I look at him and ask, Why?
In response, Baledagh rely shrugs and says, Because you are Amigui. Not lifeless, even though that is what my na ans, but because I am , aning my brother will not stand idly by to watch die. A foolish act, since we are all in competition, and even though I am no threat, I am also of no value to him. Reaching out to take his hand, I force myself to my feet, and follow him back to camp without any other thought. Freedom will have to wait, but it will co in ti, so I might as well be patient and wait.
That was how I lived my life in those early years, not just ready to accept death at a monts notice, but yearning for it, except when it truly ca ti to die, I balked and killed Baledagh instead. I dont know why I didnt just give up and let him kill , but I still rember the look in his eyes as he died, so relieved that I finally found it in to fight even though my choice had cost him his life. I shouldnt have won, survived only due to dumb luck, wouldve died years ago without Baledaghs rcy, and yet, I lived. From that mont on, even though I desired death, I knew I could no longer willingly accept it, because I had to cherish the gift of life my brother bestowed upon . I was unwanted by the Heavens, unwanted by my parents, but my little brother wanted to live, so live I must.
And yet, throughout it all, I still yearn for the freedom I once dreamt of, the freedom of death and oblivion, a freedom which has forever sat outside of my reach, and will remain out of reach a while longer.
That is why I pursue strength, so that I might remain free. Free from conflict, free from strife, free from worry, just... free. Thats what I told ZhenWu when he wanted to know why I cared nothing for Imperial secrets, because what he had to offer was not worth the asking price. It still isnt, but now, I have no choice but to accept and sell myself into service so that my loved ones may live. Even knowing this, I cannot bring myself to accept it as I reflect upon all the trials and tribulations I endured to get here, and for what? To be an unwitting and unwilling pawn in Imperial gas of intrigue and deception, gas in which blood is spilled like water and the only constant is suffering without end. Is this my inescapable fate, one decided for by the Heavens Above?
Well, if so, then fuck fate, fuck the Heavens, and fuck Liang Wu Di too.
No.
The refusal slips out before I can think better of it, and I continue to stare up at the Heavens above, but why, I cannot say. Perhaps I am hoping for a miracle, or maybe Im looking for a sign to point in the right direction, but as things stand, I can only go with my gut and play it all by ear. Wu Di is obviously not expecting this, as it takes him a good three seconds to formulate his response, an incredulous utterance of, What?
It's nice to see I can still surprise him, but thats cold comfort in light of what cos next. I said no, Liang Wu Di. I refuse. I will not marry your daughter and beco your son-in-law. I will not swear any Oaths and beco your puppet. I will not ekly accept that all is lost and the soldiers of Shi Bei are dood, for where there is life, there is hope, and from what you showed , I see that they all still have hope yet. As per usual, the Heavens have no miracles for , but I was expecting as much, so I am only mildly disappointed as I lower my gaze to et Wu Dis eyes. That is my answer, one which will not change, no matter how many tis you ask, for I have seen the value of your favour and know that it shifts more often than the sands around us. Materializing my Natal Sea once more, I set Buddy aside to float in its currents and take up Unity once more, but not to point it at my forr patron or at anyone else. I simply stand there with glaive in hand like the warrior I have beco, the warrior I always envisioned my brother would be, and say, I have no more ti to waste with your political double dealings. I care not for the gas of the Imperial Clan, only for the struggles of my fellow man, so I am leaving to join the battle in Shi Bei, and I ask that you do not bar my way.
Thats all that I say, but even then, I know it wont change a thing, as Xing Ao Tian makes his move and charges forward with spear in hand. This ti, Im ready and waiting however, and the currents of my Natal Sea sweep him off of his feet as he approaches. Only for the briefest of monts before his boots sink down into the sand once more, giving him the purchase needed to continue charging headlong towards . Rather than resist his efforts to close in, I instead help him along, using my Natal Sea to dig a channel beneath his boots and smile as he disappears into the sands below.
Theres no ti to appreciate my handiwork however as Wu Di makes a move himself, and imdiately I understand why he was given the title of Divine True Warrior. His opening Movent is simple and unhurried, an almost lazy overhand slash of the sword, yet as I work my way through all the possible responses, I realize hes sealed off all my paths of retreat. If I make a move to get away, then I will leave myself open to grievous injury or death. My only choice then is to advance into a range wherein my glaive will be useless, but the Emperor still has my sword and my shield is too far away, except I rember that I am the Sword and Shield both. Unity drops from my grasp, and Peace and Unity appear in hand as I charge in to execute Pierce the Horizon from point-blank range.
A superlative attack that would have injured even Gerel, one delivered from inside the range of my foes longsword, yet Wu Di avoids with effortless ease by sliding back a half-step out of range.
Kill or not to kill, that is the question, one which I do not ponder for long. My Domain Materializes and bursts forth from Peace, extending its reach far enough to hamr ho against his Runic Plate, but having made the conscious choice to not empower the blow with Sword Force, Wu Dis armour holds firm. The shriek of tal sounds out as he retreats once more, the engraved dragons and phoenixes of his breastplate scarred by the touch of my Honed Domain, even if his body remains wholly unhard. The anger in his expression is palpable to behold, for he has long since seen as soone far beneath him, a lowly bug he could crush at any ti he so pleased, but now I have divested him of that notion.
It matters not if he is the Divine True Warrior, because I would fight on even if he were a god given flesh, and as far as I can tell, hes not even a Divinity. It appears his title is more about his potential than his actual strength, but I have strength and potential enough to bleed him. I dont want to fight, I say, which I imdiately realize is a mistake, because you never back down before a bully. No one here is my enemy. My enemies are in Shi Bei, so once again, I ask that you step aside.
Before my forr boss has a chance to respond, Xing Ao Tian makes his return in spectacular fashion as he explodes out of the sands, but I sensed him coming almost a tenth of a second in advance, which is more than enough ti to prepare for his arrival. The mont he erges, a powerful rip-tide of Water Chi surges forth in combination with his montum to send him flying away, while simultaneously scattering his efforts to Manifest his Domain and Cloud-Step away. A trick I picked up from Taddy, who used it to keep Vyakhyas Demonic Divinity on the back foot, one comprised of Honed Deflections and so other skills that just fall into place. Though I am no match for Ao Tian in a direct fight, so long as I utilize my advantage of a Blessing of Water, then I can at least keep him at arms length, or at least I hope so considering the alternative is learning what his spear tastes like. That sounded dirtier than I intended, but its clear that Wu Di is not yet striking to kill, yet Xing Ao Tian has no such qualms about keeping alive.
Buddy? I Send, even as I retreat from Wu Dis dizzying array of thrusts aid at keeping contained, and I suddenly find myself bleeding from thirteen fresh wounds, though only two are life threatening. I could really use so help now, so if you could I dunno? Do sothing? Like pass along all the Heavenly Energy you Cleansed after gobbling up Zhen Shis Spectres? That would be great. Or better yet, use it to do sothing and get us out of this ss. Anything at all Buddy. Despite continued pleas, one look at my doggos sweet, stupid face is enough to tell Im barking up the wrong tree, because much like he has no idea what hes doing, but hes also happy in his ignorance.
God damnit Buddy, you are so fucking cute, but would it kill you to at least paddle a little harder so you actually look like youre swimming? Floating through the gentle waters of my Natal Sea, Buddys helpless expression is almost enough to give diabetes, but the montary distraction is all it takes for Wu Di to disarm , and I an that quite literally. Both arms fall to the sands almost simultaneously as his sword slaps across the face multiple tis before stopping to rest against my throat, highlighting just how easily he couldve killed . Still not ready to give up, I Will Peace and Tranquility out of my hands, but Xing Ao Tian returns and stomps them both flat before looming over in barely restrained threat. Thankfully, he spares my arms the sa fate and leaves them both intact, which is nice since Im fresh out of usable Heavenly Energy to regrow them. Heaving a sigh of regret, I wisely discard the first three responses that co to mind and simply shake my head instead. Congratulations, I deadpan, picking my arms up with my Natal Sea so I can reattach them once more, but Wu Di slaps them away with the flat of his blade so quickly its as if his sword never left my skin. You win, I continue, rolling my eyes and giving up on my arms for now. Whoop de do. Co collect your prize. Hardly seems worth the price of admission, but what do I know?
For a mont, the rage behind Wu Dis eyes reaches murderous heights, but then a voice rife with boredom sounds out. Is it done, then? The Emperor asks, and everyone turns to bow and greet him, even Wu Di and Xing Ao Tian who have to turn their backs to to do so. I suppose its a respect thing, to always face the Emperor when he speaks, but seems kind of silly to be honest. Humiliating too, given how little they see as an actual threat, but in light of what I just went through, its difficult to fault them for it. With everyone distracted, I utilize my Natal Sea to sweep up my arms once more, only to have them plucked out of my grasp by the young Tian representative standing half a step behind with waist bent and head bowed.
Now when in the flying fuck did he get there? As if I needed more proof of how outmatched I truly am.
This Sovereign told you, did he not? Slowly making his way over towards us with hands clasped behind his back, the Emperor leaves Zhen Shis corpse behind while regarding us all with a bored expression. This one would sooner break than bend. aning , though Im not sure how I feel about having the Emperors understanding. That implies I once had his attention, and I dont like that much, because I would much rather fly under his radar for as long as we both should live. That ship has long since sailed however, aning I need to make peace with my current situation, but despite knowing there is nothing I can do to get away from this ss, Im still hoping theres a way to make my way back to Shi Bei and lend a hand to the war effort. Not that I expect theres much I can do, but if I can save my loved ones and even one person more, then it will be a net gain in the end, right?
Ah fuck . Ive made a huge mistake, havent I?
As the Emperor cos to a halt before , I cant help but resent the staggering difference in our heights. Its not that hes particularly tall either, as Xing Ao Tian is taller, but the Emperor has this gravitas about him that makes him seem larger than life. He doesnt look too much older than Wu Di, like a healthy man in his late thirties, or maybe early forties at most, but there is a staggering difference in presence between them. Its subtle, yet evident all the sa, not overbearing like the Demonic Divinity or Zhen Shi, but weighty and substantial in a more palpable sense. Its difficult to describe, but if I had to put it in terms of weight, Zhen Shi was a mountain with all the weight that went with it, while the Emperor is rely a man with the weight of a thousand mountains hidden within.
That being said, Wu Di and the Emperor look very much alike, but if Im being honest, Xing Ao Tian and the representatives from the Tian and Di families also kinda look similar to the Emperor as well. Like theyre all brothers or sothing, but I suppose with a harem large enough to fill a city, the Emperor would have plenty of sons to go around. Unlike the amicable good humour of Wu Di, the barely restrained violence of Xing Ao Tian, the neutral indifference of the Di representative, or the empty nothingness of the Tian representative, the Emperor emanates a sense of perfection, and not rely in form or function. His movents seem in tune with the world around him, as if the sands were shifting beneath our feet to bring us closer to him, rather than he drawing closer to us. The air cos alive around him and the heat gives way before his presence, and theres an impression of completion all around him, a oneness that I cannot wholly perceive much less describe, yet can sense under the surface all the sa.
Without so much as a word, the Emperor retrieves my arms from the Tian representative behind , but not with his hands. No, the Emperors Domain is all that he needs to line my severed limbs up next to my shoulders with a deft and delicate touch that is every bit as precise and adept as a master surgeons fingers. The Healing is instant, carried out with such gentle skill that it takes several monts to realize its already finished, all without ever laying a finger on my flesh. This is a mastery which might even exceed Taddys, which I wouldve thought was impossible, but from this one act alone, I can see that the Emperor is on a whole other level from anyone Ive ever seen before.
Which is just not even remotely fair. Like, co on!
So stubborn and intractable, the Emperor declares, his full attention weighing heavily upon and making feel underdressed in my newly sleeveless shirt, But such is your Dao. Were you any less determined, domineering, steadfast, and obstinate, then you would never have reached the heights you arrived at today. Turning ever so slightly to address Wu Di behind him, he asks, Do you rember the story our Imperial Father told us, as he laid upon his death bed?
Wait what? I thought the Emperor was Wu Dis father? Or is Imperial Prince just a title, one only the heir apparent is allowed to use? It would appear Wu Di and this Emperor are both sons of the forr Emperor, but why would the current Emperor appoint Wu Di as his successor instead of one of his own sons? Shits confusing, but surprised as I am by this glimpse into the Royal familys complexities, I am even more surprised by Wu Dis answer. The tale of Akanais rise to prominence and the bloodshed she wrought in Central.
Indeed. What do you think was the lesson he intended us to learn?
That the Empire is rotten to the core, and we, his sons, must fix it.
Incorrect. Shaking his head with a sigh, the Emperor continues, If you are to succeed this Sovereigns throne, then you must learn to see beyond the surface. Our Imperial Father should have known better than to grant an audience to a half-beast woman, for in doing so, he set into motion a conflict between this powerful heroine and the conservative elents of Central. Any fool could have seen that they would feel threatened by so accomplished a woman and half-beast, so the Empire would have been better served if our Imperial Father rewarded her in private and avoided all the unnecessary bloodshed, bloodshed which ultimately benefitted neither side and made the Empire weaker for it. eting my eyes and peering deep into my soul, the Emperor explains, Even an Emperor cannot change the hearts of man, that is the lesson our Imperial Father hoped to teach, one you have failed to discern.
This Prince understands.
Do you? This Sovereign thinks not, for even he has yet to wholly understand the complexities of the human heart. Moving aside so Wu Di can see , the Emperor sets his subjects to scrambling so none are standing directly behind him, which would be amusing if I wasnt the centre of attention again. This boy here is a promising young seedling the likes of which this Empire has not seen since before it was founded, a Warrior whose future holds no limits. He is a dragon, yet you sought to break him like one would break a wild horse, truly a foolish endeavour. Even though everything the Emperor says is pleasing to my ears, theres no sense of approval or support, because dragon though I might be, I wholeheartedly believe that the Emperor intends to break all the sa.
You could have won him over to your side with sincerity and nothing else, yet you were unable to do even this. Such is your scheming nature, Liang Wu Di, but your sches have borne so fruit today. A lesson to keep in mind however, to temper your ambition, lest you overreach and suffer for it. Moving his gaze to take in every representative one at a ti, none of them et his eyes, and the Emperor shakes his head at this sorry sight before settling on my forr patron. Liang Wu Di, you have united our brothers against this Sovereign, won over the Pri Minister and Grand Marshal both, a feat most worthy of consideration. Should this Sovereign choose to fight, then victory is all but assured, yet there is no benefit to be gained from our conflict, for our clash would destroy the very prize we seek to contest.
Excuse ? What in the flying fuck is going on? Is this a rebellion?
A question asked and answered by the Emperors next statent, as he turns his full attention back to once more. Very well then, he continues, without any reluctance or remorse to be seen, as if declaring how he would like his eggs while tossing over a rectangular jade seal which I assu is probably important. Long has this Sovereign safeguarded the Empire, yet now your actions would see destroy it, so better to abandon it in full. For the sake of stability, this Sovereign will officially cede the throne to Liang Wu Di once this term is complete, but from this mont forth, you are Emperor in all but na. No longer will this Sovereign ddle in the affairs of the Supre Families, so long as they pay no mind to him and his. Agreed?
Agreed.
Every Imperial Scion present voices their compliance, and I can feel the Energy of the Heavens settle around them, like so sort of group Oath made without blood or effort. Weird, but I dont really care so long as I can leave to save Shi Bei, except life has never been so kind to before, and sees no reason why it should start now. A manifested Domain wraps around and all but drives my Natal Sea away, though it leaves enough for Mama Bun and Buddy to continue floating alongside . Make any effort to escape, and this Sovereign will teach you the true aning of regret, the Emperor declares, leaving no uncertain terms regarding the sincerity of his threat, and in spite of his distant, almost indifferent tone, I whole-heartedly believe him. Rather than Cloud-Step away however, we stand and wait while the others departs, with Wu Di being the last to leave. Not with a smug smile or pompous sneer, nor is there any regret or enmity in his eyes, only a knowing look as my forr patrons holds my gaze for a long second with an ineffable expression before deliberately glancing at Buddy before he disappears.
And once we are well alone, the Emperor wraps us both in a staggering sphere of Domain larger than any Ive ever seen before, at least a kilotre in diater if not more. Do not struggle, he demands, which of course sets to struggling with all my might, but it does nothing to stop him from dragging my consciousness into the Void with an uncompromising, unyielding, unrelenting effort of Will, a tidal wave to my raindrop if I were to make a comparison.
And there in the grim darkness of the Void, I discover that we are not alone.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
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