Capítulo 55: LIV
"Likewise, Dragon Monarch. It's not everyday you get to see the strongest profound practitioner in the Realm of the Gods." Rokas nodded, smiling slightly. 'Seriously, what the fuck are you doing here?'
"Hahaha…" Long Bai laughed warmly. "At your age, I was hardly someone worth noting. You've already made quite the habit of shaking the Realm of the Gods with your talent and ingenuity. I can see why the Brahma Heaven God Emperor was so quick to grant you the highest honours and privileges he could."
"Is there anything wrong with that, Dragon Monarch?" Qianye Fantian smiled slightly. "Long Ke is no ordinary person. He's worthy of everything he's been given and more."
"Mn… not ordinary at all. If someone were to take the title of the strongest profound practitioner from me, it would most certainly be him."
Long Bai nodded, looking at Rokas with a strange sense of care. The aura of the Dragon God coming from him was indisputable, flowing around him freely. And yet… it was not quite the aura of the Dragon God. It was something far mightier, far more terrifying. Far more dominant. It was the nine-headed Divine Chimaera which merged all of the inheritances it had gathered into one, supreme bloodline.
"With all due respect… the Dragon Monarch wouldn't come to visit my Brahma Monarch God Realm by mere chance, would he?" Qianye Fantian questioned.
"No, not at all. I came here to see the prodigious Long Ke for myself." Long Bai replied, a smile forming on his face as he nodded firmly. "Yes, he is truly someone special. The complete inheritance of the Dragon God flows through him and that makes the prospect of bringing him to my Dragon God Realm rather impossible to resist. It would be, after all, the perfect home for such a person. I dare say that he is destined to rule the entire dragon race in the future… no, it isn't just a thought or desire of mine. It is the undeniable truth."
Qianye Fantian, for a moment, frowned. He wasn't too happy about the prospect of his direct disciple being taken away to the Dragon God Realm… especially when he was starting to build a proper bond with him.
"Respectfully, Long Ke has already chosen to become my royal father's direct disciple and the future Brahma Heaven God Emperor alongside myself. It wouldn't quite be right for you to drag him to the Dragon God Realm, would it?" Qianye Ying'er questioned, staring at Long Bai. "The Brahma Monarch God Realm is his home."
"I would not dare to force the Dragon God's complete inheritor to do anything against his will." Long Bai denied, shaking his head. "In the end, I merely offer to show him around the Western Divine Region. It would be a good learning experience, he would see more of the universe and meet his people. After that… it would be his decision whether he wants to choose it as his home or not."
"Besides, if he were to succeed me as the Dragon God Clan's Patriarch, would it not benefit your Brahma Monarch God Realm more?"
'It seems that he looks upon me more kindly because of my Divine Authority… even if I do not actively exercise it.' Rokas thought to himself. Before anyone could put up an argument, he looked at Long Bai and nodded firmly. "I'll go."
Qianye Fantian closed his eyes, smiling slightly. "I see."
"What about your training?" Qianye Ying'er questioned.
"Postponed." Rokas replied, glancing at her. "The Dragon Monarch is right. By bloodline and inheritance, the Dragon God Realm is my home and domain. That doesn't make my allegiance to the Brahma Monarch God Realm any less meaningful, however. We're still bound to each other through our future marriage which will now do better in regards to uniting the Realm of the Gods."
"... Fair enough."
Although she seemed to agree with it, her words carried a cold tone. Although the Brahma Monarch God Realm didn't have the best history with him… in her point of view, he was still treated almost perfectly. The fact that he was willing to dip the moment something better came along was rather hurtful.
In Rokas' point of view, this was an ideal scenario. The Dragon God Realm was more upright than the Brahma Monarch God Realm, he would gain an avenue to meet Shen Xi and it was a place where he could properly exercise his Divine Authority to the fullest. Also… it was a way to move away from Qianye Ying'er's grip and gain his complete freedom.
There was still the possibility that she could simply use her greater might to make him do something he wouldn't want to. To keep control over him…
Long Bai smiled, nodding. "Good, very good. Make preparations for your leave, I'll be waiting for you."
~
"So… you're leaving the moment something better comes along?" Qianye Ying'er questioned, watching Rokas tuning up his Exia IV. "That's quite ungrateful of you, I'd say."
"I'm not meant to be just a mere Brahma Heaven God Emperor." Rokas replied, glancing back at her. "Nor a mere Dragon Monarch. These titles are just stepping stones to something greater, my true goal."
"That being?" She crossed her arms, titling her head.
"Ruling the Universe." Rokas replied simply.
"Ruling the Universe… hahahahaha… so we have the same desire now. To seize this dream that all people share for ourselves." Qianye Ying'er smiled slightly. "You've truly wisened up in this short period of time you were away from me. Or rather, was it our time together that led to your enlightenment?"
"When it comes to ruling the Universe, why should I tether myself to a single Royal Rank Star Realm… or a single Divine Region, for that matter? The entire Primal Chaos Dimension, from North to South, East to West will be my home. It will be my domain." Rokas further explained, shaking his head. "The titles Dragon Monarch and Brahma Heaven God Emperor are simply too small for those ambitions."
"The Universe still needs a capital Realm from which this great ruler sits, no?"
"We'll have to see about that. I still have a long way to go." Rokas stepped away from his Gundam, turning to Qianye Ying'er. "This'll have to be goodbye for a while."
"Seems like you're relieved that you won't have to see me. It's rather perfect for you… you're not forced to associate yourself with the Brahma Monarch God Realm anymore. The Dragon God Realm can suit your wishes just as well, if not better."
"The more you force something onto me, the more I want to step away. That's just how I am." Rokas looked into her eyes, smiling slightly. "Deep down, I hope there's a day when we finally understand each other. A day when I can wrap my arms around you and call you mine. A day when I can say that I love you without any doubts or guilt in my heart. In the end… it will take two to make that day into a reality."
"... And how is that possible if you keep running away, Long Ke?"
"I can't hide nor run from you nor do I intend to. You'll always be able to find me if you truly want to." Rokas replied, shrugging his shoulders as he tilted his head. "Won't you?"
"Hmph… so now I have to keep chasing after you."
"As I said earlier, my life does not revolve around yours and you shouldn't expect it to." Rokas replied with a confident, authoritative tone. "On the bright side, if you recall my words and learn to act properly, you'll be able to meet my family and we can start anew from there. I won't have to hide anything from you and our mutual trust will naturally strengthen. If you care about being my wife… that is. If what you've gained from me so far is more than enough, then you don't have to do a thing. We can part ways here."
"..." Qianye Ying'er's eyebrows twitched slightly behind her mask. Her soft hands tightened. "You're willing to split paths just like that?"
"It might sound like that… but a part of me would ache. The part that loves you." Rokas replied, shaking his head. "But, in the end, I don't want to force myself to be with you. Nor will I force you to be with me. It has to be mutual between us."
[Now Playing Three Days Grace - I Hate Everything About You {slowed + reverb}]
[System: Only when I stop to think about it… I hate everything about you. Why do I… love you~?]
'Sometimes I do wish there was a shutdown feature.'
Rokas floated up, opening Exia's cockpit.
"... I'm not letting you go alone." Qianye Ying'er stated, breaking the silence. This was a moment of paramount importance and she wasn't intending to let him slip away from her grasp. "It's our destiny to be together, to conquer the Universe and stand at its absolute pinnacle - as Emperor and Empress, as husband and wife. If you choose the Dragon God Realm, then I will go to the Dragon God Realm with you. Wherever you go… I will too."
"And I… won't ever betray your trust. You have my word… I swear on the Brahma Monarch God Realm."
That made Rokas pause for a moment. The Brahma Monarch God Realm was a serious topic to Qianye Ying'er. She wouldn't swear on it loosely.
"I can't promise a smooth beginning. Everyone who knows about you in my inner circle hates you."
"..." Qianye Ying'er chuckled. "What does it matter how they feel towards me? I'm only marrying you."
'I have a bad feeling about this…' Rokas thought to himself. 'Then again, if Ying'er keeps to her word, the situation shouldn't be too hard to manage. At the very least, she shouldn't harm those close to me.'
"Just don't go out of your way to cause problems."
"Mn… I'm ready to leave when you are."
Qianye Ying'er eyed the Akatsuki, swiftly piloting it.
And so… they would leave the Brahma Monarch God Realm. Together.
As the Brahma Heaven God Emperor watched them depart, he was pleased with the result. Qianye Ying'er leaving with him was a way of assuring his loyalty and allegiance doesn't change. Or so, he had confidence in his daughter to keep his former direct disciple in line.
Truly, if the Dragon God Realm and by loyalty, the Western Divine Region could be brought into the fold… who could possibly stand against or even threaten the Brahma Monarch God Realm?
Nothing could.
~
The ride to the Western Divine Region and Dragon God Realm was rather lengthy, although Rokas had the benefit of letting his Gundam do all the travelling for him while he chilled in his Inner World. Given that he had been training like a mad man these past few months, he barely gave his family any time. Naturally, he wanted to catch up and this was the perfect time to do so.
"What have you been up to all this time?" Cang Yue questioned. "You closed your Inner World again."
"Not too much. Almost got killed by Jasmine, went back to the Brahma Monarch God Realm and trained like my life depended on it." Rokas replied, smiling slightly. "Most recently, the Dragon Monarch, the strongest profound practitioner in the Realm of the Gods and leader of the Dragon God Clan invited me to the Western Divine Region. I accepted."
"Hmm… the Dragon God Clan? Wouldn't that make them your subjects, by bloodline? You are his Complete Inheritor, after all." Cang Yue remarked.
"Mn… the plan may or may not be to take over the entire Western Divine Region as all of their God Emperors are dragons. Practically the entire region is full of dragons. There is no better place for us to grow and have our peace."
"I see… that's good. We won't have to hide here anymore." Cang Yue nodded. "Nor worry about the Brahma Monarch God Realm. Though, I doubt Qianye Ying'er would be too happy about you separating from her like that."
"About that… she's coming with."
"What?" Cang Yue raised an eyebrow. "How could you possibly allow that?"
"She gave me her word she wouldn't harm those close to me. Besides, she doesn't have that much sway over me anymore. There's room for her to change into a better person."
"..." Cang Yue sighed, turning away. "She is your problem."
"Right. I know that much."
…
"What are you doing, Ping'er?" Cang Yue raised an eyebrow, walking over with a horrified expression as Long Yinping munched on a massive crystal. "You can't eat that-"
"Hum…" Long Yinping pouted, taking a big bite. "It's very tasty, though. Woah… that's a lot of profound energy."
The wood spirit villagers looked at her like she was a weird creature. Li Suo walked over with a concerned expression as Long Yinping's eyes rolled in a daze. She had eaten a bit too much. Though, after shaking her head, she seemed to be just fine.
"I feel a bit sleepy." Long Yinping remarked, yawning as she was about to fall to the ground.
Cang Yue caught her and took her daughter between her arms, observing the surge of profound energy within her body. It seemed that the boundless waves were being continuously absorbed. None of it leaked out and caused any damage.
"You truly are your father's daughter."
"What's wrong?" Rokas sensed that something was wrong, teleporting to the scene. He had been working on Gundam Kyrios' upgrade the entire time.
"Your daughter fancied the crystals you made earlier and chose to eat one. As a consequence, she lost consciousness but it doesn't seem to be anything more than that." Li Suo remarked, smiling slightly. "It seems that she not only inherited your dragon form but also the ability to consume almost anything. Alongside her rich bloodline, she will definitely be a heavenly talent quite like you."
"Silly girl…" Rokas patted her head. "If you wanted cultivation resources, you should've just asked me."
They took her near one of the beaches in his Inner World and relaxed there. Inbetween Rokas and Cang Yue, that's where she looked happiest even while unconcious. Rokas felt like he could stay there for all of eternity. There were few things as comforting as having the family together.
"After this… whenever there is an opportunity, I want to stand by your side." Cang Yue stated, glancing at Rokas. "You shouldn't have to fight all your battles on your own. What's the use in my profound strength if I don't fight alongside you? My Gundam hasn't even fought in a single battle yet."
"We'll go on an expedition later and you'll have that opportunity… though, I don't want to needlessly risk your life." Rokas turned to her. "The last thing I want to do is put the people I love most in danger."
"I'm not that much weaker than you. If you're putting yourself in danger, I shouldn't be watching you fight on your own."
"I've yet to put myself into serious danger, love. Regardless… there's a reason why I'm upgrading the Kyrios. I wouldn't do it if I didn't see you as a fighter."
"... Thank you."
"No need to thank me for something like that. To qualify as my wife, my 'God-Empress', you will need to be strong enough to withstand the jealousy of Qianye Ying'er." Rokas grinned slightly as he joked, turning away. "I'm sure it shouldn't be too much trouble for you."
"I might accidentally trample her when I have the power."
"..." Rokas chuckled. "Maybe not that far."
"I'm not making any promises." Cang Yue smiled, resting her head on his chest. "She deserves a good slap to the face."
"I'm not going to deny that one."
~
"Senior, I've brought the famed Long Ke to you as you've instructed."
Long Bai announced, glancing at the Akatsuki and Exia IV. It was not his intention to bring Qianye Ying'er along at all. However, as the two had insisted, he couldn't deny the request.
"Brahma Monarch Goddess, if you may wait outside." Long Bai watched Qianye Ying'er descend.
"And why should I?" Qianye Ying'er questioned, raising an eyebrow. She had taken note that Long Bai called Shen Xi senior. Which was certainly a weird way to call your supposed queen. "Does the so-called 'Dragon Queen' of yours hold some grudge I don't know about?"
"No, not that I am aware of." Long Bai shook his head. "Merely, she asked to see Long Ke."
"Well, she can see both of us, can't she? What discussions can she have with him that she can't share with me?"
Long Bai sighed, his aura slowly emerging. It was one of supreme power. "I won't ask again, Brahma Monarch Goddess. You will wait outside."
The Akatsuki's engine rumbled as powerful particles engulfed it.
"Relax." Rokas stepped out of the Exia IV. "Just wait outside, it's not that big of a deal."
"... Fine." Qianye Ying'er shut off the Akatsuki, grinning slightly before she left. "I'll wait outside."
While Long Bai led Rokas deeper into the Forbidden Land of Samsara, Qianye Ying'er turned invisible and followed suit. Before her bamboo hut, they paused. The beautiful He Ling stood watch with an intrigued expression as she looked at Rokas.
"You look awfully alike to a wood spirit I have with me." Rokas remarked, smiling slightly. "I think you'd like to see him later."
[System: You love family reunions, don't you? Too bad you can't have your own family reunion, best buddy.]
'I've lived without it.'
"Senior-"
Long Bai addressed Shen Xi, although he was shortly interrupted.
"I've heard everything… you've done well."
Shen Xi left her hut, wearing a long white robe similar to Li Suo. Just like her, she didn't wear any jewellery or ornaments. Her beauty was unmistakable and even more breathtaking than Qianye Ying'er objectively… except Rokas had a thing for haughty blondes so she was automatically lower on the beauty scale. Her long black hair was free, flowing with the wind while her eyes were bottomless blue lakes that sucked in anything that looked into them.
'She sure did inherit Li Suo's fashion sense… if you can call it that.' Rokas remarked.
Li Suo instantly left Rokas' Inner World, presenting herself.
"Master-?" Shen Xi's eyes widened.
Qianye Ying'er was so shocked she almost revealed herself.
Li Suo caught the eyes of everything around her.
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