~~~

  Qi glows faintly around Liu Jin as he floats in the center of the room. Ever since he reached the Heaven Realm, leaving the ground has become all too easy. As if that were what is natural. His existence has become one that yearns for the sky. Alas, he cannot reach for it. To leave the palace in any way would be utter stupidity. One could argue that it is a fitting punishment for his actions. He made himself the enemy of many, and now, he has become a prisoner in his own house.

  Naturally, he must find a way around that problem.

  Liu Jin takes a deep breath. His Qi flows through his meridians with impeccable precision. His middle and lower dantian work in perfect unison. Already the third one begins to stir, but he does not need it right now. Body and soul are enough for what he has planned. After many hours of meditation, Liu Jin holds out his hand in front of him.

  He cuts it off.

  Though Liu Jin disabled his nervous system in preparation for this, the act still makes him flinch. He grabs his severed appendage before it can fall, not wanting it to touch the ground. Already, his regeneration is hard at work. Bone grows quickly ,and muscles, nerves, and arteries spread over it. In a few more breaths, he has a new hand that is not inferior to the old one.

  Liu Jin focuses his attention on the hand he cut off. The flesh and bone bubble as he works his Qi inside it until it becomes a single quivering mass. Liu Jin holds it between his hands, squeezing and kneading it as though it were dough. The fleshy mass seems to grow as he does. It is not quite the same as what the Death Fashioning Scripture uses to make their creatures, but it will have to do.

  His middle dantian thrums as he moves to the next step. Reaching the Heaven Realm has put his soul more completely under his control. Things that would have been hard before now require a simple thought to be put into action. A wisp of his soul swirls in his hand and takes the shape of a pure white snake. Its crimson eyes glow as it sees the mass of flesh and dives right in.

  Liu Jin is hit with the familiar sensation of being in two places at once. He exists as his own person while simultaneously existing within the mass of flesh. He has no eyes or ears, no nerves or brain, yet he is. To call it disorienting would be an understatement. Things like these are exactly why it is so important to establish a hierarchy when creating a soul fragment.

  However, Liu Jin deliberately chose not to do that. For what he has in mind, he requires there to be no distinction. He needs his soul, all of it, to be his soul and nothing else. Because the soul knows the shape of the body. Even though it has been separated, the soul remembers, and that memory resonates with the memories within his flesh.

  The mass grows at an accelerated pace. Bone and muscles take shape, forming arms and legs. Organs appear inside the body, and blood rushes to flow through its veins. Only when everything is working as it should does Liu Jin finally establish a hierarchy

  Liu Jin stands in front of Liu Jin.

  “Congratulations,” the copy says, patting his own body. “I seem to be in perfect condition.”

  “Vital systems?” Liu Jin asks as he floats around the copy.

  “New but complete,” the copy says. He takes a deep breath. His Qi rises. “Interesting. I seem to lack dantian.”

  “Really?” Liu Jin asks, intrigued. “I assumed the soul would form it naturally.”

  “You did,” the copy replies. “However, the Qi is generated by the soul fragment that comprises me. It seems to have formed a core in my center. That makes me more like Spirit Beast, I suppose.”

  “Interesting,” Liu Jin says, his feet finally touching the ground. “I was not expecting to accurately copy Serene End’s technique, but I also did not expect so many differences. Hers had a complete set of dantian.”

  “Her copy possessed no soul. She was just projecting her consciousness,” his copy says. “You wanted to give me more autonomy, but you already knew that.”

  Liu Jin nods. Even this conversation is relatively needless. If he wishes, he can synchronize his thoughts with those of his copy, instantly sharing any information the other might know. Talking to someone who is him just happens to be a unique experience.

  “Is there anything you need?” Liu Jin asks.

  His copy looks down.

  “Clothes would be nice.”

  ~~~

  “I like this,” Lu Mei says, seeing Liu Jin standing beside Liu Jin.

  “I do not,” Xiao Fang says. His left eye twitches uncontrollably as he looks at the two Liu Jin. “I very much do not like this.”

  The two are seated at a long table along with many others of Liu Jin’s closest confidants. Liu Jin has gathered them for dinner and plotting. That seems to be the norm nowadays.

  “It is a necessary measure,” Liu Jin says as he sits down. He looks at his copy, wondering if he would like to sit, but the copy shakes its head. “I cannot leave the palace, and Xiao Nan will need proof that the message he receives is coming from me.”

  “I could-”

  “No,” Liu Jin, Xiao Fang, and Bai Wen interject at once. Xiao Shuang pouts.

  “Besides,” Liu Jin adds, “if he followed my advice, there is a high chance that Xian Nan is with the Duke. He is someone I need to address personally, or at least, as close to personally as I can.”

  When Liu Jin was in the Dead Plains, he was helped by the Duke, a Renegade Realm cultivator who came from the Storm Dragon Empire. He had become a Renegade long before the Civil War, so he was shocked to learn what happened to the country in his absence.

  He told Liu Jin that he’d kill him if he was not satisfied with the state of the Storm Dragon Empire upon his arrival, but that’s an unimportant detail.

  “Usually, we send Renegades away,” General Peng says dryly. He is attending the meeting in place of General Nie Dan, who is organizing the army to strengthen their borders. “It is the first time I heard of a plan that involves bringing them closer to us.”

  In the Earth Realm, the Earth will try to hold you down. In the Heaven Realm, the Heavens will strike you for daring to rise up. However, the danger of the Renegade Realm is your own self, your flaws and virtues taken to the extreme. Renegades often become a danger to themselves and others, which is why they are usually sent to secluded areas. Cases like the Yun Sect’s Yun Peng, who remained in Eastern Port City despite being a Renegade, are extremely rare.

  For the Eternal Flame Clan, there is Pyre’s End. As of the last report Liu Jin received, Elder Chang, Warden of the Punishment House, is still there, working hard to overcome the Renegade Realm. He appears to have made considerable progress, but not everyone is so lucky.

  In the Storm Dragon Empire, Renegades are cast out to the Dead Plains. In particular, Murong Bang forced several of his own men out of the Heaven Realm and threw them to the Dead Plains. None succeeded. They turned into wandering madmen or died. The latter usually followed the former.

  And yet, Liu Jin wants to bring two Renegades to the Storm Dragon Empire.

  “Unfortunately, our situation is critical,” Liu Jin says. “However, your concerns are well-founded. Assuming all goes well, we'll need a place to house them until they have reached the Emperor Realm,” Liu Jin says. “I could contain them in the palace, but I’d rather keep them away from civilized areas.”

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “You want to build a prison?” Lu Mei asks him.

  “Not a prison,” Liu Jin hurries to say as indignant looks begin to appear on Xiao Fang and Xiao Shuang’s faces. Xiao Nan spent years trapped by Bright Sword. Liu Jin would never subject him to something like that. “Putting aside the costs and other logistics, few things would anger a Renegade more. I just need a place where they can stay without harming anyone.”

  “Sad as it is to admit, our nation is not exactly devoid of desolated areas,” General Peng says.

  Liu Jin sighs.

  “Murong Bang’s territory?”

  “Aye,” General Peng says. “Most of the people there were either relocated or fled of their own volition. There is no better place for two Renegades. I recommend Cloudburst City's arena. The place was made for battles between high-level cultivators.”

  Should Liu Jin lament all the destruction Murong Bang wrought or be thankful he can take advantage of the aftereffects of his actions?

  “We’ll prepare the arena,” Liu Jin says. “Next, we should decide who goes to retrieve them.”

  Su Daji raises her hand.

  “I want to go, Boss,” Su Daji says. “And I want it on record that I’m annoyed you didn’t invite me yesterday evening.”

  “You would have just said I brought this on myself,” Liu Jin points out.

  “And I’d have been right,” Su Daji says, crossing her arms and nodding to herself. “I still want to go. That witch toyed with me for years, so I want to enjoy my freedom.”

  “You can go,” Liu Jin says, sighing. It is not completely safe for her to do so, but a trip to the Dead Plains is never going to be anything other than dangerous. Besides, a part of her is still a former Divinity, who managed to cling to life beyond all possibility, and the other part is a normal girl whose ego partially survived possession by said former Divinity.

  She is not the sort who dies easily.

  “Thank you!” Su Daji says with much cheer.

  “It will take time to prepare for the trip,” Liu Jin reminds her. “An expedition to the Dead Plains cannot be done lightly. Even once we are there, finding Elder Brother Xiao Nan and the Duke will not be easy.”

  “I have a suggestion,” Feng Zhuo says, cheerfully raising his hand. “Brother-in-law, do you remember the temple you found in the Dead Plains?”

  Liu Jin blinks. The memory of all-consuming pain as golden light burned his body, unable to decide if he was human or demon, flashes through his mind.

  “I remember it, yes,” he says cautiously.

  “As you know, the Eternal Flame Clan has taken possession of that place,” Feng Zhuo says. “I was in charge of it until circumstances forced me to come to the Storm Dragon Empire.”

  By which he means, until he discovered he had a sister and decided to abandon his duties.

  “Since you are technically still a Core Disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan, they are obligated to welcome you,” Feng Zhuo points out. “Feel free to rest your head there while you look for my dearest friend.”

  The entire room blinks.

  “You only fought him once,” Bai Wen notes.

  “My dearest friend,” Feng Zhuo repeats with determination.

  Bai Wen shakes her head.

  “I will go on this journey,” she tells Liu Jin. “I believe I will be able to do more good there. Xiao Shuang’s training has not yet reached the point where my presence is absolutely necessary.”

  Xiao Fang frowns. At first, Liu Jin thinks it is because he has taken offense to Bai Wen’s words, but his next words surprise him.

  “You can take Xiao Heng,” Xiao Fang tells him.

  Liu Jin stares at him.

  “Do you hate him that much?” Liu Jin asks him.

  Xiao Heng, the young man from New Moon Town whom Liu Jin helped such a long time ago, has grown much. In the future, he will definitely become a respected Elder or Branch Master of the Xiao Sect. However, sending him to the Dead Plains right now is foolishness.

  “Shut up,” Xiao Fang says, blushing. “You are rescuing the prized jewel of the Xiao Sect. Someone from the Xiao Clan needs to be there.”

  Xiao Shuang cannot go because exposing herself to potential capture by the other side would be a poor decision. Xiao Fang could go, but Liu Jin guesses he wants to stay by his sister’s side. The events of the Crimson Cloud Tournament are still fresh in his mind.

  “I will take Marrow,” Liu Jin says. The dog yips behind him. “He’s technically your cousin.”

  “What?!”

  ~~~

  “Please, take me with you, Your Majesty!”

  Liu Jin hangs his head. Feng Hao looks in confusion at the kneeling young man who has interrupted their morning training.

  “Get up, Lei Cheng,” Liu Jin says. When Lei Cheng fails to move, a laugh escapes Liu Jin’s lips. “How pleased I am to have subjects so loyal that they will ignore my orders when it suits their sense of duty.”

  Lei Cheng immediately pries himself away from the floor as though it were on fire.

  “A thousand apologies, Your Majesty,” Lei Cheng says, bowing his head repeatedly. “I did not think. I just-”

  “You thought you could interrupt my disciple’s lesson and make demands of me,” Liu Jin says. Feng Hao perks up while Lei Cheng flinches. When Liu Jin continues speaking, his voice is softer. “Lei Cheng, you are one of the greatest hopes of the Lei Clan. You are loved by all your cousins and praised by the people. Why would I risk you in the Dead Plains?”

  “Your words are kinder than I deserve, Your Majesty,” Lei Cheng says with his head still bowed. “Although I have gained some meagre renown, the deeds of the Lei Clan under the madman Murong Bang are a stain on the Empire’s history. How will they be wiped away without action on our part?”

  Liu Jin considers the argument. Lei Cheng has a point. To this day, there are people who believe that just killing the Lei Clan's leadership and greatest fighters was too lenient. Many of those people are nobles who wish to get their hands on the Lei Clan’s holdings, but that just means the sentiment is particularly loud in court.

  It is all very tiresome.

  “You are too young,” Liu Jin says at last

  “But Your Majesty-”

  “However,” Liu Jin cuts him off, “I will give you a chance to change my mind.”

  He points to Feng Hao.

  “This is my disciple,” he says. His words make Feng Hao stand straighter. “Defeat him, and I will send you to the Dead Plains with the others.”

  “What?” Feng Hao asks, turning to him.

  “You can begin anytime you wish,” Liu Jin says, already making his way to the side of the training room.

  Lei Cheng stares at Feng Hao.

  Feng Hao stares back.

  Lei Cheng strikes.

  Lightning and fire erupt in the middle of the training room. Feng Hao spreads a barrier of flame around himself to burn away the white lightning wielded by his foe. However, Lei Cheng is too swift for him. He has a clear mastery over the Lei Clan’s [Thousand Steps of the Thunder God], which he uses to move one end of the room to the other, always attacking from different angles.

  Roaring, Feng Hao smashes his fist against the floor. A thousand fireballs burst around him, flying to all corners of the room. Liu Jin dismisses the ones that get close to him with a wave of his hand, but Lei Cheng does not have that privilege.

  The prodigy of the Lei Clan moves in.

  [Art of the Thunder God - Thunder God’s Hammer]

  A brilliant hammer made of white lightning appears in Lei Cheng’s hands. He holds it in front of him as a shield as he dashes through Feng Hao’s fireballs. Lei Cheng is soon within striking range.

  That is a mistake.

  At that moment, within that small distance, the fastest of the two is not Lei Cheng but Feng Hao. His speed and small body allow him to easily dodge under Lei Cheng’s hammer.

  The Eternal Flame flashes in Feng Hao’s hand for the briefest of instants.

  It is enough.

  Lei Cheng’s body is blown back and slams into the wall.

  “Alright,” Liu Jin says, bringing his hands together in a clap. “That should be enough. Do you understand now, Lei Cheng?”

  Lei Cheng groans in pain as he picks himself up. He looks disappointed with himself.

  “I… understand, Your Majesty. I apologize for disturbing you.”

  “The motivation behind your interruption was not wrong,” Liu Jin tells him gently. “Learn to harness your feelings, and you will grow stronger.”

  Lei Cheng bows. “I thank you for your wisdom.” He then turns to Feng Hao. “I will not lose next time!”

  “Huh?” Feng Hao is left blinking as Lei Cheng retreats. He turns to Liu Jin. “Was that okay?”

  “Of course,” Liu Jin says. “He needed to face a foe stronger than himself, and you needed to learn that you are capable of defeating people who lack respect for your status. Most likely, he will challenge you again.”

  Lei Cheng will eventually realize picking fights with a boy many years his junior is a little embarrassing, but considering Feng Hao’s level, it should be fine.

  “I see,” Feng Hao says. He holds up his fists in front of him. “I won’t lose next time either.”

  “I wonder,” Liu Jin says. “Despite your higher cultivation, you seemed to have trouble.”

  “He didn’t land a single hit on me!” Feng Hao protests. “It just took so long because he kept moving around!”

  “People do that, yes,” Liu Jin says, calmly observing his disciple.

  His disciple.

  He said it in the heat of the moment, but that is what Feng Hao is, isn’t he? If that’s the case, then…

  If all goes wrong, there are certain things that can't die with him.

  “Tell me something,” Liu Jin says. “How would you like to learn to be a Roaming Thief?”

  Feng Hao blinks.

  ~~~

  Mini-Character List

  Liu Jin: Our Protagonist. Emperor. Imperating.

  Lu Mei: Disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan. Like the idea of two Liu Jins.

  Xiao Fang: Head of the Xiao Sect. Does not like the idea of two Liu Jins.

  Xiao Shuang: Disciple of the Divine Frozen Palace. Kind of sad she can’t go to the Dead Plains.

  General Peng: General of the Storm Dragon Empire. Aware he is the only adult in the room who acts the part.

  Feng Zhuo: Young Master of the Eternal Flame Clan. Xiao Nan’s dearest friend (self-proclaimed). An adult who does not act the part.

  Bai Wen: Disciple of the Divine Frozen Palace. Everyone’s responsible friend.

  Su Daji: Disciple of the Wandering Wind. Glad to be away from her.

  Lei Cheng: Member of the Lei Clan. Actually older than Liu Jin.

  Feng Hao: Young Master of the Eternal Flame Clan. Filling out his sub-class application.

  AN

  As always, there are more chapters over at the Patreon.