~~~

  “Again,” Liu Jin says.

  Feng Hao closes his eyes. He is sitting cross-legged on the floor surrounded by multiple flames, each one no larger than a candlelight. They started with one. Then Liu Jin made Feng Hao split it in half, then again, and again, and again.

  Currently, their number is trying to be eight thousand one hundred ninety-two.

  “It is hard, Elder Brother,” Feng Hao says. Sweat shines on his brow, not because of the heat but the strain. “It’s too many. I can’t-”

  “Focus,” Liu Jin cuts him off. “If you doubt yourself, it will never happen. It is your power. Control is not merely a suggestion. It is an absolute necessity.”

  Feng Hao takes a deep breath. His Qi sharpens as he tries to heed Liu Jin’s instructions. The seals on his body tremble, but there is no risk of them breaking. Before they left Imperial Cloud City, Feng Hao’s parents sent men to finish the sealing process that had been interrupted by Feng Zhi. As long as those are in place, Feng Hao’s cultivation will not advance.

  Slowly, each one of Feng Hao’s flames begins splitting in half. The process is irregular. Some of them, Feng Hao gets right immediately. Others threaten to destabilize and fizzle out, but Feng Hao barely manages to avoid that. Several minutes go by, and Feng Hao has almost completely succeeded in doubling the number of flames under his control.

  Liu Jin lifts a finger.

  A small spark of purple flashes through the flames.

  The effect is instantaneous. Feng Hao’s concentration is broken, making the flames destabilize and pop like fireworks. The effect cascades throughout the room, unleashing thousands of small explosions. Feng Hao barely has time to cry out in surprise before his whole body is engulfed by light and smoke.

  Liu Jin waves his hand to clear out the smoke. He has not a single hair out of place. Even his robes are clean. By contrast, Feng Hao is covered in soot. The young child breathes heavily as he glares at him.

  “Why?!”

  “You were not focused,” Liu Jin says.

  “I was splitting over four thousand constructs simultaneously!” Feng Hao yells at him. It was an act that would have been unthinkable a few days ago, but explosions have a way of loosening one’s tongue.

  “You failed at splitting four thousand ninety-six fireballs simultaneously,” Liu Jin corrects him, making him flinch. “You only managed half that number. The rest you did by hundreds, dozens, and then twos and fours. Not only that, but you allowed your concentration to falter at the first interruption. Only two dozen fireballs required your active control when I interrupted. The rest you simply needed to maintain. You failed.”

  Feng Hao flushes in anger and shame.

  “You didn’t tell me you would interrupt!” Feng Hao counters weakly.

  Liu Jin does not need to answer right away. Instead, he merely raises an eyebrow. Feng Hao’s blush grows as he realizes how silly his objection is. Only then does Liu Jin speak.

  “When you leave these walls and fight your own battles, will you complain when you’re caught in an ambush? Will you tell your would-be assassins to come back after sending a letter of challenge? When you’re in the middle of a battle and someone sneaks behind you, will you cry about the unfairness of it?”

  By this point, Feng Hao’s face is doing an extremely good approximation of a tomato.

  “I am not saying this to be cruel,” Liu Jin says. “I am saying this because you will one day hold the Eternal Flame in one hand and the Crimson Cloud in the other. So much power demands control lest you be controlled by it instead. Imagine if this had happened in the heat of battle. If, instead of trying to control a simple ball of fire, what you had in your hands was an attack with the full might of a completed Inheritance?”

  He waves his hand at the soot-covered training room.

  “Do you think the damage would have only been this?”

  Feng Hao does not answer. He does not need to. They both understand well enough. The power Feng Hao will one day have will be enough to sunder entire countries. When that time comes, he cannot afford to make any mistakes. One merely needs to look at the battle between Feng Gui and Meng Yue to understand that. Those two are not known as the most restrained of people, yet that their battle failed to spread beyond the Crimson Cloud Arena other than a few ripples in time speaks volumes.

  Feng Gui and Meng Yue have had centuries to hone their craft. Feng Hao does not. If it weren’t for the seals on his body, his cultivation would already be on the higher levels of the Earth Realm. Perhaps even higher than that. Already, his normal flames are more gold than orange. He’s an alarmingly powerful child.

  And yet, he’s a child still.

  Liu Jin’s face softens. He walks over to Feng Hao and gives him a pat on his shoulder.

  “Come on,” he says. “Let’s end it here for the day. Go clean up.”

  “What?!” Feng Hao is immediately on his feet. “But I am still conscious.”

  It is genuinely worrying that is the standard Feng Hao holds himself to, but Liu Jin supposes he’s partially to blame for that. Feng Hao’s tutors in the Eternal Flame Clan praised him too much and pushed him too little. Facing actual challenges and finding himself wanting is a novel experience for the young prodigy, one he likes a little too much.

  “You are,” Liu Jin says. “That is the point. We arrive at our destination today. I’d rather you be awake for it than not.”

  “I see,” Feng Hao says. He tries not to sound disappointed, but he cannot help himself. “I understand, Elder Brother.”

  Liu Jin sighs.

  “One spar. How about it?”

  The large grin on Feng Hao’s face is all the answer he needs.

  ~~~

  Grand Storm City is the capital of the Storm Dragon Empire. The city is divided into nine sectors, each one starting near the Storm Dragon Palace and going all the way to the city walls. Each district has a park at its center, and canals made with subterranean reservoirs run between the district borders.

  At Minister Chu’s insistence, most houses and buildings are made out of Imperial Blackwood. Not only is the material incredibly durable and abundant in the Empire, but it also allows the city to project a uniform aesthetic, almost as if the whole thing were an extension of the Storm Dragon Palace.

  As the palace flies over the buildings and houses, some of which are still under construction, the people step outside and cheer for their Emperor. There are even some who climb to the rooftops and wave.

  “I am confused,” Xiao Shuang says as the palace finally lands. She and many others are in the highest room of the palace, watching Grand Storm City through the windows. “I was not aware of the existence of this city.”

  “I am not surprised,” Liu Jin replies. “It did not exist until around two years ago.”

  When his uncle was Emperor, the Grand Storm was active at all times. It created an impenetrable defense that left the area around the palace as nothing but a vast wasteland. However, the Grand Storm was no longer required after Liu Jin took over.

  “It all began with the nobles,” Lu Mei says, smirking. “Those who didn’t rebel were very nervous about their status with their new Emperor. That necessitated several visits to the palace to assure him of their loyalty and support. Those constant trips grew tedious, so they began building residences around the palace. All with the proper approval, of course.”

  “Merchants came around the same time. The Five Blessings Group, in particular, wanted to set up a branch close to the palace,” Liu Jin says. “People started moving in soon after.”

  In particular, there were several normal citizens who needed to be relocated after the civil war. Either because they lived in Murong Bang’s terrible territories or because their cities and towns suffered due to the Fleshcrafter’s creatures. Sometimes both. Minister Chu soon realized the opportunity before them and spearheaded the city's developmental project. The man had a gift for it, being responsible for several projects in Rumbling Thunder City. The opportunity to build an entire city from the ground up was one he thoroughly relished.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  “Amazing!” Feng Hao says, looking out the window. “I also had no idea about this!”

  “That’s natural, Little Cousin,” Feng Zhuo says, messing with his hair. Feng Hao immediately tries to get out of his reach. “I sent reports, but I doubt my Uncle and Aunt bothered to keep you updated on the situation.”

  Feng Hao pouts. Meanwhile, Xiao Shuang turns towards Bai Wen, a questioning, almost accusing look on her face.

  “I also sent reports,” Bai Wen protests, somewhat flustered. “I did not hide this, Little Sister. If you did not know, I imagine it is because our masters did not see a good reason to discuss it. After all, and forgive me for saying this, Your Majesty, it is only a city.”

  Only a city.

  Liu Jin smiles. From the perspective of the Four Great Sects, Grand Storm City truly is nothing more. The city is not home to any powerful Sect or prestigious school. The majority of the nobles who have residences here are simply not worth speaking about, and the civilians are all thoroughly average people. If not for General Nie Dan and the Storm Dragon Palace, this entire city would not even be worth a footnote.

  And yet, it is a city. Small, but growing. The people are happy and healthy. Work is plentiful, and new opportunities appear every day. Some of the soldiers who retired after the civil war have even opened schools.

  A storm does not need to start with large booming thunder. Sometimes, a single drop of rain will do. The rest will follow in time… provided there is time, that is.

  Liu Jin will make sure there is.

  “Do not worry, Big Sister Bai. No offense was taken,” Liu Jin says, walking to the front of them and turning around to face them. “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to our capital, Grand Storm City. I hope you enjoy your stay.”

  ~~~

  “Your Majesty! It is so wonderful to see you!”

  Minister Chu all but runs into the throne room to greet Liu Jin. He looks much the same as when he was still City Lord Chu, although some might say he has lost a bit of weight with all the running around he does these days.

  “First of all, congratulations on your victory!” Minister Chu says after bowing. “Not only is the prize money for winning a welcome addition to the Imperial coffers, but your performance has surely raised the standing of our country in the eyes of many. It is a fantastic achievement, Your Majesty! We have a grand victory feast prepared! The cooks merely need to move back to the palace. You will love the entertainment! By the way, Duke Gong has raised the price of grapes in his territory. I recommend-”

  “Breathe, Minister,” General Nie Dan says as he enters the room. Clad in his dark and gold armor, the man is as imposing as ever. A frown crosses his face. The general meets Liu Jin’s eyes with a questioning look, only for Liu Jin to discreetly shake his head. “The Emperor has just arrived after a long journey and a longer battle. You can attempt to talk him into exhaustion at a later date.”

  “Oh!” Minister Chu blushes red before bowing his head repeatedly. “Of course, forgive me. I lost myself for a moment. It is just so good to have you back.”

  "It is good to be back, and it is good to see you are both well,” Liu Jin says. “Has my uncle handled things well in my absence?”

  Minister Chu grimaces. General Nie Dan frowns.

  “Your Imperial Uncle… performed as was expected of him, Your Majesty,” Minister Chu says, dutifully avoiding his gaze. Coming from a man as tactful as Minister Chu, those words are truly a damning condemnation.

  General Nie Dan is far more blunt.

  “He’s a defeated man,” he says. “Though he does not let that become a bother to the rest of us, it is undeniable that he represents a point of weakness in the Empire.”

  Harsh as his words are, the general is not wrong. It is telling enough that instead of greeting him like General Nie Dan and Minister Chu are doing, his Uncle has already retreated to his room. Liu Jin doubts he will see him during the victory feast. His Uncle will likely remain in his room for a day or two, then start taking sporadic and often melancholic walks around the palace.

  Considering the alternatives, Liu Jin is glad that his Uncle is not making himself an obstacle and instead is aware of himself enough to try to stay out of everyone’s way. If he were anyone else, that’d be fine. Some might even call it laudable.

  However, he is a Qing.

  By the very virtue of living, he has the blood of one of the 108 running through his veins. Just by breathing, he makes it more acceptable for people to kill either Liu Jin or Qing Guo. His very existence represents an unfortunate security risk.

  They cannot ignore that.

  And yet, Liu Jin wants to ignore it for a little longer.

  “We’ll talk about it later,” Liu Jin says. “I have guests to entertain.”

  “Of course.”

  “As you will, Your Majesty.”

  The Emperor has spoken. His subjects will obey.

  Right now, it is time for a party.

  ~~~

  Though the feast organized by Minister Chu is undeniably impressive, Liu Jin much preferred the dinner in Imperial Cloud City with his friends. Some of them are still with him, but many needed to return to the Eternal Flame Clan. Feng Zhi, in particular, could not possibly stay. Liu Jin having the three heirs of the Eternal Flame Clan with him might give some people the wrong impression.

  Still, the evening proves entertaining in its own way, even if he did have to deal with a few nobles here and there. The people of Grand Storm City also enjoyed themselves quite a bit. The entire city has been put on a festive mood due to his return. Even after the celebrations in the palace are over, music and dancing can still be heard coming from the city.

  As the sound echoes throughout the palace, a dark figure moves impatiently through the hallways.

  It turns around multiple corners and goes up and down repeatedly. Somehow, it never manages to run into anyone. This process repeats itself for several minutes, its movement growing increasingly erratic. Some might even call them angry.

  After almost an hour has gone by, it turns to the one place it is allowed to go.

  “You are quite stubborn.”

  Liu Jin greets the intruder as they enter his room. Though a hooded cloak covers their entire body, their figure is undeniably female.

  “You are more cautious than I expected you to be,” she says.

  “I’d like to think that my actions have proven that I am not completely foolish,” Liu Jin says. His eyes narrow. His Qi rises. “Did you really think I would let you have free rein in my city?”

  It happened around the time they left Lei Kong in Thunder Blade Fortress. Someone dared to sneak into the palace. Though she tried to hide her Qi, Liu Jin could never mistake that light scent of death. Having a disciple of the Death Fashioning Scripture so close by could have been a dangerous thing, but making the palace float is not the only thing Liu Jin can do now. He can also freely modify the barriers within.

  The moment she entered the palace, she was trapped, able to wander around but never able to find anyone. The only place she could head was straight to him. For days, she has been trying to bypass those barriers before finally giving up and meeting him face to face.

  “Would it really be so bad?” she asks him. “Your Majesty, I am not like the savages of the Temple of the Thousand Shadows or the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak. I am not here as your enemy.”

  “The Fleshcrafter did not leave behind the best impression of your Sect,” Liu Jin says, carefully observing the intruder.

  “He was gifted but ultimately too caught in himself to serve a greater purpose,” the disciple says, bowing before him. “Rest assured, we would never dream of harming your lands, Your Majesty. We only wish for cooperation between us.”

  “Cooperation? How can I cooperate with someone I do not know?”

  “A name is what you seek? Very well, this is one the Serene End,” she says.

  “That is not what I meant,” Liu Jin says. “You are not really here, are you?”

  Serene End goes absolutely still in a way that would be impossible for a living being. Slowly, her head rises to look at him. The motion throws her hood back, revealing pale white skin, long black hair, and a perfectly symmetrical face with full red lips and grey eyes that almost look like steel.

  “Very good,” she says approvingly, before standing up and doing a little twirl in front of him. “Do you like it? There are not many people who can make such a perfect replica of the human body and control it remotely. I can also make changes to suit your preferences if you so desire.”

  As she speaks, the curves beneath her cloak grow noticeably.

  “It is impressive,” Liu Jin says. “Blood clearly flows through your veins, and your breathing is natural. A flesh puppet has no need for circulatory and respiratory systems, but you recreated them regardless.”

  She looks at him, shocked, before laughing. “You really are one of us!”

  Liu Jin frowns.

  “I am not sure I agree with that.”

  “But you are!” Serene End insists. “I knew it the moment we fought over control of my creature. I was quite proud of it, you know? However, you immediately knew how to control it. It was fascinating. Even if my true self was nowhere near, what you managed is a feat only a fellow disciple could have. Don’t you see? You have a place with us.”

  “You only want the knowledge in my head,” Liu Jin rebukes her.

  “That doesn’t mean we aren’t willing to accept you as well,” Serene End says. “Think about it. If you join us, the Death Fashioning Scripture will finally be complete. The combined might of the Peerless Heavenly Sword Peak and the Temple of the Thousand Shadows will not be enough to oppose us. Without us, however, you leave yourself at their mercy.”

  She is not wrong. Against two of the powers from the other side of the Dead Plains, the only reliable protection is the help of the third. However, giving the Death Fashioning Scripture what it wants is entirely too dangerous for various reasons.

  “Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I can trust easily.”

  “Unfortunately, I am not giving you time to think about it,” Serene End replies. “You will give an answer, Your Majesty. Shall I throw this body as an incentive? Feel free to toy with it if you wish.”

  Liu Jin glares at her. “You ask me to touch your tainted flesh? Do you think me that foolish?"

  Serene End smiles at him and moves closer. The scent of her perfume tickles his nose.

  “Your Majesty, someone as gifted as you hardly has a need to be scared of me.”

  “You are right.”

  Without warning, Liu Jin’s hand wraps around her neck. Serene End tries to speak, but her vocal cords no longer work.

  “This is my Empire. You will not come into my palace and make demands of me. Your request has been heard. It shall be considered. However, since you are not a guest, I only have one thing to say to you right now. Begone.”

  The construct explodes.

  Liu Jin sighs.

  “Well,” he says, willing the barrier behind him away to reveal Lu Mei and Xiao Shuang. “What do you think?”

  It takes them a long time to form an answer.

  ~~~

  Mini-Character List

  Liu Jin: Our Protagonist. Negotiator. Clearly.

  Feng Hao: Young Master of the Eternal Flame Clan. Small but powerful.

  Xiao Shuang: Disciple of the Divine Frozen Palace. Realizing she needs to become more familiar with gore.

  Lu Mei: Disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan. Might have helped make the nobles paranoid.

  Feng Zhuo: Disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan. His reports are messy, unclear, and occasionally full of riddles.

  Bai Wen: Disciple of the Divine Frozen Palace. Her reports are neat and detailed. Sometimes, they will have diagrams.

  Minister Chu: Minister of the Storm Dragon Empire. The sort of man who likes building models only now the whole city is his model.

  General Nie Dan: Heavenly General. Emperor Realm Cultivator. Blunt and honest. The latter two are the more important qualities.

  Serene End: Disciple of the Death Fashioning Scripture. Was the one behind the creature Liu Jin and Xiao Shuang fought in the final.

  AN