BOOK 5: CHAPTER 55

I spotted the Chairwoman Yue Zhi Wen within the crowd of panicked councilmen and pointed straight at her.

“Madam Chair!”

She jumped startled and stared back at me like a dear in headlights, fear pumping.

She perhaps expected me to do something to her, to take vengeance, to make her pay for her ruling and be the first to feel my newly ascended wrath. But I could see the chess moves twenty steps ahead now. Securing her and the High Council’s safety would be the key to securing my own and that of my family.

“Gather the council members and take refuge with my people,” I said, pointing down at Kelsey. “There is a barrier there that will protect you all from the Demonic Qi and my companions will protect you from the rest.”

She opened her mouth as if to say something, but seemed lost for words, shame or perhaps embarrassment filling her soul.

“Just go,” I said. “We can talk about adjusting my sentence after I’m done.”

She managed to nod and then gave a bow with a healthy dose of lemonade.

With that secured I turned my focus to Rhe Su Long.

She was massive. Bigger than anything I’d fought before.

But I had just the thing to take down a big bitch like that.

I blasted off the platform with [Ride the Lightning], quickly reaching supersonic speed.

I was a missile hurling straight at her, but hitting her with speed alone wouldn’t be enough. I needed something that was really going to pack a punch. Pulling out my manifestation techniques in front of a crowd was a no-no before, but I was facing a Fallen God in the midst of chaos and all bets were off now.

Plus, what better way to fight a giant…than to become one?

“[Mark of the Colossus]…”

My Flame Surged as my meridians screamed, sending huge quantities of Frenzy to augment my body to massive proportions. In mere seconds my body grew while maintaining its speed, gaining kinetic energy exponentially.

The world shrank as Rhe Su Long became less of a giant and more equal to me in size. The sudden appearance of a three-hundred-foot-tall demon bull emerging from thin air, traveling at the speed of sound, was enough to take everyone off guard.

It was a free hit that left Rhe Su Long wide open while the crowd gasped in shock.

I couldn’t manifest my weapons at this size but there was no need.

I was the weapon now.

I summoned my Frenzy and threw everything I had into a [Struggler’s Lightning Fist of Fury]. My knuckles slammed into the head of the giant cobra with the force of an atom bomb.

“FAHHHH!”

A huge explosion of lightning and thunder went off, blowing back my hair as the massive body of the snake went reeling back for what had to be a mile.

For me it was just a couple dozen yards, however, and I covered the distance with a sprint of [Lightning Walk] to land another blow to the giant snake’s midsection with a [Lightning] charged kick.

“FAHHH!”

That was enough to send Rhe Su Long crashing into the ground, reeling and hissing in pain.

“Holy shit!” the announcer screamed. “What is this? Has the Duke Iron Bull truly only ascended to the Lesser Deity Realm? What mastery? What sorcery? Just what the hell is he?” 𝘳А𝐍Ǒ𝐛ĚS

My Berserker form was on full display, but I didn’t care.

And neither did anyone else.

The excitement in the announcer’s voice and the lemonade spilling from the crowd was proof of that. Everything I did now was uncharted territory for them. The hidden arts of a newly ascended lesser god. From here on, anything I did would not be heresy—but canon.

“[Muraboshi’s Anvil]!”

I stomped Rhe Su Long with another lightning charged attack, pushing her into the ground. Bone and scale crunched beneath my foot as the black snow and earth cratered beneath her.

Screeches filled the air, bringing jumbled thoughts that invaded my mind.

~Weak Husk of flesh. Insignificant~

“How the hell are you still here, asshole?”

I raised my foot to stomp Rhe Su Long again, but her body slithered from underneath me. I looked up too late to see she had repositioned, her head far away from me now, jaws wide open and spewing black hail and snow. I bolstered myself with [Diamond Lightning] just as the stuff hit me.

It blasted straight through my defensive technique, burning my skin like it was fire.

I bellowed in anger and pain, cultivating both at the same time.

“A tremendous display of force by the Duke Iron Bull!” the announcer shouted. “Even this deadly breath attack, he’s managing to withstand.”

But the attack turned out to be more of a distraction as Rhe Su Long swept my feet right from under me with a whip of her massive tail. My back slammed into the ground hard, creating a mini earthquake in the process. The massive head of the cobra came flying at me next.

I rolled to the side, causing it to bite into the ground next to me instead.

I found my footing with a backflip, gaining some distance.

She lunged at me again, but I outmaneuvered her with some martial footwork, pushing her massive body to the side with a block and countering with another punch to her head. She reeled from the hit, stunned. I took advantage, spinning with a [Lightning] charged roundhouse kick that had the power of a [One Chop Cleave].

My foot connected with a crack of thunder that sent it flying across the battlefield.

“FAHHH!”

“Another unprecedented attack by the Duke Iron Bull!” the announcer shouted. “Praise the heavens for his courage and strength. It truly is only he that is keeping us alive here today! Let us grant him a new title. From the Iron Bull, to the Iron Marshal and now…the IRON DUKE!”

A huge eruption of screams and applause came from the crowd, along with a healthy dose of lemonade. It was right on time. My Dantian was well below half keeping up all my defenses, along with [Mark of the Colossus] and [Sacred Soul Shield].

I cultivated it while slipping into a defensive stance, backflipping to gain some distance again. Rhe Su Long righted herself and then let out a bloodcurdling shriek.

~Usurper. Traitor~

I had to duck as she unleashed her breath weapon again, the black hail poisoning the landscape with corruption and decay. It served as a shield as she came charging back at me with the speed of a bullet train.

She crashed into me, the force of the hit nearly breaking my [Diamond Core] infused bones. I pushed her away, leaping over another tail swipe. My mind raced to keep two steps ahead of her, reading her patterns, which were sloppy and chaotic, but well telegraphed by her constant screams and yells.

We ping-ponged back and forth in clash after clash, covering miles of distance at a time, me ducking and weaving to avoid her massive tail and fangs. She stopped to unleash her breath again, but the stream of black hail went flying straight over my head.

“Missed, bitch!”

But then an explosion came from behind me.

“By the Nine hells!” the announcer yelled. “One of the battleships has been caught in the crossfire!”

What?

I turned about to see all too late that Rhe Su Long had not been aiming for me. The ship, now half melted by the acidic hail, was tumbling out of the sky. It crashed to the earth in a massive fireball, the impact shaking the ground.

I sensed [Everyone’s Pain] as thousands met their demise.

I looked to the platforms that were still hovering within range of that breath attack as well.

My family and millions more were there.

I needed to end this qui—

Rhe Su Long suddenly broadsided me with a swipe from her tail. I saw stars as I went tumbling end over end, winding up on my back again. I realized then that attacking the ship had just been another means of distraction all along. A mass of tentacles wrapped around my ankle and I found myself being dragged through the snow.

Shit!

The tentacles tightened as her body began rolling me like a cigar, the thick coils of scale and muscle, crushing my arms and legs. They squeezed tighter, pushing my [Diamond Core] to the limit as pain filled every cell in my body.

The massive cobra head appeared, mouth open wide to swallow my head whole. I jerked my neck to the side, narrowly avoiding being eaten alive, but its teeth sank deep into my shoulder.

“Arrgh!!!”

Blinding pain radiated throughout my body as the black liquid seeping from its fangs pumped into me like venom. I yelled with defiance as I fought back with [Sacred Soul Shield], keeping the goop from dousing my Flame.

~Succumb…Whither…Die~

“Screw you, bitch!”

Up close, I could see the tiny face of Rhe Su Long embedded in the monster’s forehead. Her eyes were rolled back into her head, her mouth open in a ceaseless scream.

She was but a vessel now, same as Hun Wu.

Although Rhe Su Long had probably gone a lot further down the rabbit hole than her.

“Hey, I don’t know if you’re still in there or not,” I said. “But you let that rat bastard I’xol’ukz take the controls for a second. I need to talk to his dumb ass.”

She stopped screaming and her crystal blue eyes suddenly shifted, focusing on me. “B-bull man…?”

I jerked back at the sudden transformation.

It was scary as hell.

“C-congratulations on your ascension,” she said. “I-I appear to have failed mine.”

Wow, she’d retained more of herself than I thought, but she was clearly just along for the ride now.

“Please kill me,” she said. “I cannot bear the dishonor of this existence.”

“I’m working on it,” I said. “Now let me speak to that thing inside you.”

“It hates,” she said. “Please rid me of it.”

Her eyes rolled into the back of her head again and she let out a wail. And then as quick as before, her eyes refocused once more, but this time they came with an inhuman stare that chilled my soul.

“Why seek thee wisdom from me, Husk?” it spoke with Rhe Su Long’s voice. “Or is it recompence for thy service that thou doth seek?”

Service?

“What the hell are you talking about? The only thing I seek from you is your death, bitch.”

“Death?” She chortled. “Such concepts are below that of a true god. Take heed in what thou hath unleashed now, Husk, for mine mortal confines are no more. Thou shall find no refuge from mine sight. Not thy seed, nor thy purchase or any of thy kind, shall be spared, for the Herald of the Stars has resumed Its task anew and shall usher in the Cleansing Flame of the Greater Will.”

Its words sent a shudder through my Flame.

“But before this… thou shalt taste the death thou doth seek. For thou art but a mortal. And within this mortal form, thou shalt see me no more. But for this one task. To silence thee.”

Rhe Su Long’s eyes rolled back into her head and the unnerving shrieking resumed.

The coils about my body tightened. My Dantian drained rapidly, struggling to keep my body intact with [Diamond Core]. Bones and ribs cracked. I’d be at death’s door soon but I’d been in this position before. Coiled by a giant snake. Albeit that was on a far smaller scale than this. Still the escape plan was the same.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

“[Wrath of a million Slain Souls]!”

I let off my lightning technique and as expected the coils tightened even more as its muscles contracted. I endured the pain but the beast still wasn’t letting up. Shit, I needed to kick it up a notch. Which meant there was one last lever to pull.

“[Mark of the Arch Demon]…”

My body transformed once more, instantly healing my wounds and bolstering my Frenzy techniques a hundred-fold. I resisted Rhe Su Long’s crushing embrace with my enhanced [Diamon Skin] and [Diamond Core]. I then tapped into [Everyone’s Sorrow and Pain] before releasing the [Righteous Fury of the Fallen].

“[Wrath of a Billion Slain Souls]!”

The massive explosion of purple lightning caused the snakes muscles to swell and burst, covering me with blood and ichor. Its wounded body fell to the ground spasming. I gave into my [Bloodlust], reaching down and slamming its head into the ground repeatidly.

“You won’t succeed!” I bellowed with [Struggler’s Resolve]. “This realm is under my protection, you understand? The Cursed Stars of the Hell Worlds will not prevail against it!”

I grabbed it by the tail and swung its massive body like a hammer throw. It sailed for miles and impacted the side of a snow-covered mountain, causing an avalanche with a tremendous boom! The white snow quickly turned black as it descended with a sound like thunder, rolling the giant serpent within it.

I charged across the distance with [Ride the Lightning], not giving I’xol’ukz a moment’s rest as I dragged its shattered body from the snow. I gripped its massive head and stared straight into its tentacle ridden eyes.

“Run and hide all you want, you bitch. But wherever you go I’ll find you… and then I’ll kill you for real this time.”

With a violent cry I gripped the side of the cobra’s hood and tore its massive head straight from its body. An explosion of dark energy detonated as the wailing screeches of I’xol’ukz shattered the air.

~Seek then mortal, but thou can not slay a god~

With a massive gong-like sound of thunder, the sky instantly cleared, the black shroud lifting and turning the snow white again. The dark miasma that filled the air dissipated and the presence of Dark Frenzy went with it.

“He has done it!” the announcer cried. “The Iron Duke has defeated the Fallen Goddess Rhe Su Long and lifted the curse of planet Luxor!”

As the crowd erupted with cheers and praise, the tiny face of Rhe Su long animated, her eyes shifting to me once more.

“Thank you, Bull man… for this mercy… knowing what you are now, I had no place challenging you… not even… as a god.”

A final dose of lemonade was the last thing I sensed before she finally closed her eyes for good.

I looked down at her twisted and mutilated body.

There was one thing left to do.

One thing to ensure that bastard didn’t return to desecrate her body and soul once more.

I knew snake anatomy well and quickly found the segment that would contain her core. I tore back the scales to retrieve it and when I pulled it out, it was a mixture of beauty and pain. A brilliant sapphire gem, encrusted with a cancerous black scale.

I used my transmutation technique to store it within my inner world, the same as I did with Lysandra’s, keeping it safe from the outside world. I looked up at the Qi-screens now focused on me. Even with my [Mark of the Arch Demon] I didn’t look much different from my normal [Sacred Soul Form] now.

Not that anyone seemed to notice or even care.

The outpouring of lemonade was constant.

I dropped my [Marks] and flew back to the court platform with [Lightning Walk].

I found my friends admits a circle of smoldering demon corpses, evidence that there were more than a few casualties this day. I said a silent prayer for them. It was a reminder of what could happen all too quickly if the Hell Worlds ever reached our homes.

“Max!”

Fia came running out of the crowd of councilman, Bryce in her arms.

I embraced them both, finally feeling settled in my soul.

My companions all joined in with me. Kelsey and Blue Rose, Mal’Kira and Tu’lok. I hugged Mother Dong and Master Hei Dong especially hard, thanking them for bringing my family back together to fulfil my plan.

After a moment, the chairwoman Yue Zhi Wen finally pushed herself to the front of the crowd and bowed. “We thank you Duke Iron Bull, for what you have done here today. Your actions will not go unnoticed by this council.”

“Then make things right,” Fia said. “We have suffered too much this day to let things go unsettled.”

Yue Zhi Wen paused for a moment and then nodded. “You are right, Lady Silver Light. And spoken as one soon to become a Duchess.”

Fia’s eyes flashed open with surprise and so did mine.

But I guessed it was true.

When we married, she’d carry the same title as me.

Yue Zhi Wen then bowed to me. “While I cannot speak for the council, what I can say, is that for what you have done here today, any member would have a very difficult time opposing any reconciliation you might request.”

That was exactly what I wanted to hear.

“Ling Wei, Jian Yi,” I said. “I might need your help drafting something.”

“Of course,” Ling Wei said.

Yue Zhi Wen then made her way back to the dais.

“Hear me now!” she shouted, her voice echoing across the stadium. “The High Council and all of Yee society has this day suffered a devastating blow. But we will not revel in our wounds. As the Duke Iron Bull has demonstrated, we must fight through any adversity we face. Even this. As such, the work of this council is not yet done. There will be a three-hour recess while we set things back in order, whereupon this special session of the High Council shall resume. In that time, I expect for all representatives and their royal counterparts to return to the assembly.”

She then looked down at me.

“And for Heaven’s sake, someone get the Duke some new robes.”

* * *

The aftermath of Rhe Su Long’s failed ascension would take a heck of a lot longer than three hours to clean up, but with the time given, the officials made a remarkable recovery nonetheless.

Bodies were collected, streets purified. One and all pitched in, self included.

It was a bittersweet moment filled with both grief and joy.

People mourned the loss of their loved ones while others rejoiced at being alive. Those unaffected did their best to console and support them. It was like something you’d see in the aftermath of a hurricane, neighbors helping one another in the midst of devastation. Seeing that solidified my decision that the empire at its core needed to be protected.

There were indeed people here worth saving.

On the other hand, the royal princesses returned in their space yachts once everything was more or less cleaned up. I spotted Lunalah and her mother taking a spot within the gallery of the lower court. Princess Ul’vera and Princess Rheutera was there as well, accompanied by Tai Su Long.

I managed to make eye contact with him and he balked before looking away quickly.

Damn coward.

I’d just defeated the Su Long family’s greatest champion.

They had nothing to come back at me with now.

But there was one more blow they needed to be dealt.

One for the sake of the entire empire.

After a few more minutes the entire assembly of councilmen was seated and Yue Zhi Wen banged her gavel to call them to order.

“I now resume this special session of the High Council,” she said. “Duke Iron Bull, for the unprecedented display of both martial supremacy and bravery in defending both this council and the empire, this tribunal has unanimously determined that you shall face no charges. This concludes the matter.”

She banged her gavel again and Empress Revenah’s mouth hung open with a gasp.

“To the Princess Lunalah,” she continued. “I suggest you take what has happened as a rebuke from one of a superior station. Accept it and simply learn from it.”

That sent a chill throughout the stadium.

A rebuke from the highest level.

It was a reinforcement of the only truth in Yee society. Despite all the bullshit and laws, in the end, strength was the only thing people truly respected. And I’d just displayed a level of strength they’d perhaps never seen before.

Lunalah’s eyes found mine and in that instance, I saw her go through all the emotions again. Pain, hurt, pleading and then what I figured it would all devolve to at the end…anger, fury and hate.

Her brows lowered into a scowl, her chest heaving, but I looked away from her with a cold shoulder of [Indifference].

“I understand that the Duke Iron Bull now wishes to make a petition before the council,” Yue Zhi Wen said. “As Speaker, I shall exercise my privilege to hear this request. The legal counsel for the Duke may step forward.”

Hei Dong, Jian Yi and Ling Wei stood from the gallery and approached the dais.

“Madam Speaker,” Ling Wei said. “While the Duke Iron Bull is grateful for the issuance of land in the name of the 4th planet within the Terran system, we believe with both his title and the endeavors undertaken to earn it, that it would be only rightful, the he, as a native born Terran, be granted his birthright and declared ruler of Terra.”

“What!” Lunalah cried. “That’s my planet! You can’t possibly—”

“Order!” Yue Zhi Wen shouted. “Third Princess Luanalah, I beseeched you to learn from your experience. I beseech you to do so again. Please learn faster.” She then looked back to Ling Wei. “Apologies. Do continue.”

“Thank you, Madam Speaker,” she said with a bow. “With this request the Duke Iron Bull will freely accept any who wish to remain on Terra as his subjects. Madam Speaker, I must here declare my interest, for if granted, I shall be the first to accept the Duke’s most gracious offer.”

Ling Wei glanced back at me with a quick smile and I nodded back.

“Further,” she continued. “As the Duke Iron Bull has liberated not one, but two planets, this day, we believe it only fitting that he be granted a second plant to rule also. For this he requests rule over the planet Lung Zept, home of the Legionnaire Academy of Du Gok Bhong.”

Governor Tai Su Long was now the one to open his mouth in shock. He quickly whispered in the ear of Princess Rheutera who in turn gestured to her councilman within the assembly.

“Madam Speaker,” the man said as he stood. “I rise to object to this proposal on behalf of the Princess Rheutera. Lung Zept is within her sovereign domain and is already owned by the Su Long Family.”

“You shall have ample opportunity to object during the debate, councilman,” Yue Zhi Wen said. “I shall hear the proposal in full.”

She then nodded to Ling Wei to continue.

“Thank you, Madam Speaker,” Ling Wei said with a bow. “Madam Speaker, the Duke Iron Bull is not only a graduate of Du Gok Bhong, but an Imperial Marshal, a rank rarely seen in history. As such, he remains expertly positioned to govern the home of the institution which shields the Empire from the scourge of the Cursed Stars. As we have seen here today, such events can come even to our very doorstep. This signals a change of which we do not yet fully comprehend. But with such uncertainty, it behooves us to place our one pillar of defense under the control of a cultivator far more equipped than any other to tackle the enemy we face.”

That got a series of murmurs and head nods from the council.

Ling Wei and Jian Yi had done a bang-up job with the arguments.

It wasn’t bullshit either.

I’d seen what damage the Su Long family had caused with managing the Academy, that dumb ass prick Jei Su Long a prime example. If we wanted a chance at resisting whatever I’xol’ukz and the First Flame had in store, then I needed to be sure that President Tzu Li Zen and Chief Yora got the support they needed from on high.

“That concludes the proposal. Thank you, Madam Speaker.”

Ling Wei bowed, and the Speaker nodded.

“We shall now debate the proposal,” Yue Zhi Wen said. “Are there any here who wish to make a contribution?”

* * *

The debate took about an hour. Not surprisingly, Jin Yoo Sai and the representative for Princess Rheutera were the first to object. A couple more felt bold enough to join them, but then Princess Valerina came to my defense again, questioning the competency of Lunalah to rule. That opened the flood gates and member after member gave their backing for me to assume rule over the Earth. Surprisingly it was Zin Tai who aided me in the fight for Du Gok Bhong, backing Ling Wei’s claim that I possessed knowledge far beyond even he when it came to the unseen world.

When the final vote was called it was a landslide.

Everyone sided with the new swinging dick on center stage.

And that was just fine with me.

“The High Council has made its ruling,” Yue Zhi Wen said. “On the petition to grant the planets Terra and Lung Zept to the Duke Iron Bull, the motion has been passed. An Imperial Arbitrator shall be appointed to oversee the transition of these lands, to be concluded in a period not exceeding one year. Princess Lunalah, Princess Rheutera, I suggest you make preparations.”

She banged her gavel and the crowd erupted into scandalous murmurs and raucous applause.

“Madam Speaker!” I shouted. “I beg your permission to speak.”

Yue Zhi Wen cocked a brow. “I pray it isn’t another petition Duke Iron Bull?”

“More of an indulgence, Madam Speaker, for but a moment more of the High Council’s time.”

My friends all looked at me perplexed, no doubt wondering what the hell I was doing.

I gave Fia a smile.

“Madam Speaker, I request only that this court now officiate the marriage of myself to the Lady Silver Light.”

Fia gasped as Lunalah let loose a bloodcurdling cry.

I ignored the bitch with [Indifference] and stared into the eyes of the woman I loved instead.

“Max, what are you doing?” Fia said, her eyes searching mine. “You want to get married? Like this? Right now?”

I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I’ve been waiting six damn years and I’m not waiting anymore. I’m going to marry you, Fia. Today. No more delays. We can have a ceremony back home, but I’m not leaving here without you being my wife.”

Her mouth hung open speechless, but her silver eyes shined with tears of joy.

Fia nodded and I looked back to the Speaker. “Madam Speaker, will you allow me this small mercy?”

Yue Zhi Wen shook her head slowly and harrumphed with a smile.

“Normally I would say that such a thing would be in extremely poor taste,” she said. “But who am I to deny the legendary Iron Duke, the savior of the High Council and the liberator of Planet Luxor.” She straightened herself and spoke aloud. “By the power of the High Council, I as Speaker, do officiate this marriage between the Duke Iron Bull and the Lady Silver Light, hereon to be named the Duke and Dutchess of Terra and Lung Zept. In the ancient tradition, I now bless you in the name of the Great Soul Emperor and the Nine Heavens both. May you have a harmonious union that lasts ten thousand years.”

She gave a bow and the crowd erupted into cheers.

Relief and joy like nothing I’d felt before filled my soul.

I kissed Fia deeply, crushing little Bryce between us.

I couldn’t believe it.

We’d done it.

We were finally married.

We were finally one.

“A day to be forever remembered in the scrolls of history,” the announcer chimed in right on time. “All hail the Iron Duke and his true bride, the Dutchess Silver Light!”

That caused even more applause and cheers.

As the air filled with lemonade, the Speaker banged her gavel a final time.

“Council dismissed.”

* * *

I was mobbed by my family and friends, the outpouring of laughter and joy overwhelming. I hugged and kissed Fia again and little Bryce as well. As I celebrated with them, I looked up at the glowing orb of the celestial realm in the center of the brilliant blue sky.

It was unreal to think I was now only a realm away from getting there myself.

Not that I wanted to venture there anytime soon.

There was a heck of a lot to do before that.

But I’d done it.

I’d achieved what I’d set out to do nearly ten years ago now.

I had freed the Earth and deposed the evil bitch who had destroyed my home.

I spied the bitch in question as she ran from the court platform, face baleful with tear-filled eyes. Lunalah glanced at me twice before looking away, huge spikes of anger and pain pouring from her soul. Her mother and stepdad glared at me with even more venom as they rushed her away and into their waiting yacht to depart to who cared where.

Good riddance, I thought.

I then realized a line of well-wishers had formed before us, starting with Princess Valerina. Just like she said she would, the princess curtseyed to us both first.

“Congratulations on your union,” she said. “I will look forward to many great things from you, Duke Iron Bull.”

“As will I,” someone said and I was surprised to see the Speaker Yue Zhi Wen had joined the Princess Valerina at her side.

“Although you will no longer be required to fulfil a debt of servitude as a liberator, I truly hope you will answer the call when needed,” she said. “A cultivator of your talents must realize the special responsibility you now hold. The empire needs ones who are truly strong such as you.”

I chuckled. “I’ll think about it. So long as it’s on my own terms.”

She bowed to me. “That is all we can ask.”

As they moved on, more princesses and councilmen greeted us. Most of whom I could barely remember in name, but Fia and I plastered on the smiles. Ling Wei then nudged me.

“Better get used to this,” she said. “But don’t worry, I’ll make sure you don’t screw things up.”

I laughed. “I’m sure you’ve become an expert at that by managing Lunalah.”

That caused Ling Wei to laugh even harder.

She was going to be a great royal aide indeed.

I then spotted someone who wiped the smile right off my face.

Governor Tai Su Long stepped before me and bowed. “Congratulation on your acquisition, Duke Iron Bull.”

His words were cold and spiteful, but I couldn’t give a damn.

I grimaced at him with [Indifference]. “Thanks.”

“Just a word of advice,” he said. “The expenses of Du Gok Bhong are quite steep. And with this change of ownership, I doubt the royal families would be willing to offer the same patronage as they did before.”

I thought of all the fake black robes and the problems they caused.

“No offense, but it’s just those kinds of people I’m looking at keeping out of the academy.”

“You may think differently when you see the monthly ledgers. Oh, and don’t forget that the Planet Lung Zept comes with two prisons.”

“Huh?”

He grinned like a shark. “Did you forget that the planet is home to Du Bok Shang as well? I wish you luck managing that beast. If you find yourself near bankruptcy, do remember that the Su Long family is one of deep pockets and would be more than willing to offer you a loan. At a favorable interest rate of course.”

Bastard.

“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As he turned to leave a gnawing bitterness entered my soul. He could just be bullshitting, but snakes like him always knew how to leverage control.

“What was that all about?” Fia asked.

I looked at her and smiled.

“Nothing,” I said. “At least nothing we need to worry about right now.”

She didn’t look sold, but I eventually convinced her with my smile.

Worrying could wait.

For now, I had more than earned myself a little R and R.

Time with my family and friends.

Time to enjoy what I’d been fighting for.

I pulled my wife close and then looked to the platform housing the glowing Pai Fang in the sky.

“Come on,” I said. “It’s time to go home.”