~~~

“Hear me, for I bring the words of the Crimson Cloud, and those words promise pain and desolation!”

Liu Jin sighs as Emperor Xiang enters his throne room with Granny Zhao and Prince Xiang Rong. Unlike every other time Liu Jin has seen him, Emperor Xiang looks neither tired nor annoyed. One might even dare to say there is a slight spring to his step. He looks relaxed, upbeat…Happy.

Liu Jin has a headache.

“Look closely, my son,” Emperor Xiang says, waving his arm in Liu Jin’s direction. “That is a ruler in his natural state. Tired, annoyed, and desperately wishing for the day to be over. He is young, so he still holds on to the naive hope that his time will one day be his own once more. Make note of it. One day, that will be you.”

“...I sincerely wish you a long and healthy life, father,” Xiang Rong replies. His father laughs, and it occurs to Liu Jin that it might be the first time he has heard the emperor laugh.

Why is it at his expense?

…Right.

“You are angry with me,” Liu Jin says.

"I already spent the entire tournament being angry, annoyed, and worried,” Emperor Xiang says. “Now that we have reached the end of this perilous path, I can take some comfort in knowing we have avoided the worst outcome.”

“What he means to say is that, considering this is all your fault, it is only a fitting punishment that you deal with the aftermath,” Granny Zhao says.

Liu Jin buries his face in his hands.

“I already talked to Lord Feng Gui and Lady Dai Jie. The former is entirely too dangerous. The latter was agreeable, but I could sense she was not entirely pleased about Xiao Shuang choosing to stay here. Most of the Endlessly Raging Valley’s leadership apparently fled the city after failing to kill me. I am sure they will try again later. Then there’s Elder Chen. He seems to have no intention of coming here. He just sent a message saying the offer of the Old Man of the Mountain is still open to me. I am not sure what to make of it.”

“The Old Man of the Mountain is undoubtedly the most reasonable and level-headed person on either side of the Dead Plains,” Emperor Xiang tells him.

Liu Jin leans back against his throne. “I sense a but.”

“He is extremely powerful,” Emperor Xiang says as if that explains it all. Funnily enough, it does.

A man who has amassed so much power cannot be taken lightly. To march into his domain at his request and expect everything to be fine when over half a continent wishes him either dead or captured would be far too trusting.

As it is now, leaving the Storm Dragon Palace at all is a risk too high.

“Does the Crimson Cloud truly wish me pain and desolation?” Liu Jin asks.

Granny Zhao cackles.

“It was far more loquacious in its description. As I am a lady, I will not repeat it,” she says. “You have succeeded in making that old windbag inordinately angry. Congratulations.”

“I am not the one keeping Feng Hao here,” Liu Jin says, feeling the need to defend himself. “That is Lord Feng Gui’s choice.”

“One he would have never been able to make if not for your interference," Emperor Xiang points out. “Thus, the blame ultimately falls on you.”

Liu Jin sighs once more. It is not surprising. It is not even unexpected.

But it is one more thing to add to the pile.

“Ah, that look. I know it well,” Emperor Xiang says. “One day, you’ll know it too, son.”

“Father, I wish you nothing but a long and prosperous rule.”

Liu Jin’s eyebrow twitches. A spark of purple crackles above it.

“Why are you here?”

“I came here to laugh at you,” Emperor Xiang replies shamelessly.

“I found you more agreeable when you were tired and annoyed,” Liu Jin says.

“And I found my city more agreeable when your castle was not floating above it,” Emperor Xiang replies, crossing his arms. “How long is that thing going to remain here?”

And that, Liu Jin supposes, is the real reason why Emperor Xiang is here. The longer the Storm Dragon Palace stays here, the more likely it is to draw those from the other side of the Dead Plains to this city.

Which is partially why Liu Jin has it here.

After everything that happened, it would be natural for those on the other side of the Dead Plains to target the Storm Dragon Empire. Not because they expect him to care about his citizens, but because an insult like that would weaken his position and force him into action unless he wants to be seen as weak. That is how most high-level cultivators would think of the issue.

However, if from the beginning he decides to give off the impression that he does not care about his citizens and is perfectly willing to cowardly hide in Imperial Cloud City, it would somewhat discourage those tactics. His unfortunate reputation will, for once, be helpful to him. Firm Shadow and Alarming Shadow will obviously know better, but they represent only one of the three powers.

That is not to say he can stay here indefinitely. Even if having the Storm Dragon Palace and the Crimson Cloud makes Imperial Cloud City one of the safest places in the entire continent, actively drawing attacks to the city would only add needless tension to his relationship with Emperor Xiang.

“It will not be long,” Liu Jin says. “There are still things I need to do here, but I will not abuse your hospitality.”

“You already are,” Emperor Xiang points out.

Liu Jin glares at him.

“If not for me, you’d have lost the Crimson Cloud,” Liu Jin points out. “You’d be an Emperor in name only.”

A moment of silence falls as the two rulers engage in a staring contest, neither one daring to blink. Xiang Rong looks nervous, but Emperor Xiang grins after three full minutes have passed.

“Good,” He says, “That’s the proper attitude you should have.”

“A test?” Liu Jin asks, raising an eyebrow. “Now?”

“Especially now,” Emperor Xiang replies. “People will make demands of you, and they will be ruthless and petty about it. They will argue with you and scorn you if they do not get their way. Then, they will come the next day as if nothing had happened to make the same demands once more. They will be without shame. No method is too low. If they must, they will tire you out until they get their way. You must stand resolute, or you will be made into a withered husk by your supposed allies before your enemies ever have a chance to wrap their hands around your neck.”

Liu Jin stares at Emperor Xiang. He is not the only one. Granny Zhao looks distinctly proud of him, but Liu Jin has a feeling she’ll immediately change her expression if the man were to turn around.

What a hard life he must have led.

“I will treasure your wisdom until the day I die,” Liu Jin says.

“Use it to make sure that day is very far away, and I will consider the trouble you have caused repaid,” Emperor Xiang replies.

~~~

Shortly after meeting Emperor Xiang, Liu Jin finally steps outside the throne room.

It feels good to do so. Be it a few hours or most of the day, something about sitting on a throne feels uniquely uncomfortable. The empty halls of his palace are a welcome change. If he closes his eyes, Liu Jin can almost fool himself into believing his life is a peaceful one.

If only.

Feng Zhi is waiting for him at his destination. For obvious reasons, he looks more annoyed than usual. Still, Liu Jin has a feeling that Shi Qinxia’s presence just a few feet away is not entirely uninvolved with the vein throbbing on his forehead.

“I have made trouble for you,” Liu Jin says.

“Give me one good reason why I should move from this spot,” Feng Zhi says, glaring at him while firmly planting himself on the ground.

Behind him is the door to Feng Hao’s room.

In truth, there’s not a single thing Feng Zhi can do to stop him. Putting aside the difference in cultivation between them and the fact that they are in the Storm Dragon Palace, Feng Zhi is very much outnumbered. Liu Jin could force his will on him and be done with it. The day has already been long enough as it is.

But Feng Zhi deserves better than that.

“If not for me, your brother would already be in the grasp of the Crimson Cloud,” Liu Jin says. “It is up to you to decide how much or how little that is worth.”

Feng Zhi breathes deeply. Steam flares from his nostrils in a way that makes Liu Jin think of a kettle full of boiling water. Wordlessly and with movements so stiff he could pass for a disciple of the Infinite Mountain Sect, Feng Zhi moves out of the way.

Liu Jin goes into the room.

Feng Hao is there.

The young boy looks nervous, and it strikes Liu Jin that it is the first time the two have been alone in… How long has it been? Clearly, too long. The Feng Hao in front of him is much taller than the child in his memories.

“Young Master Feng Hao,” Liu Jin says.

“Emperor Qing Jin,” Feng Hao replies.

…

Liu Jin struggles to keep his face neutral, yet he cannot deny that the formal mode of address hurts more than any attack he has received in the entirety of the tournament. It is no less than he deserves, obviously, but still.

“See?” Feng Hao says, pointing a finger at him. “It hurts when people only address you by your title, but you always do it!”

“Feng Hao,” Liu Jin says, not able to bring himself to call him Little Brother after all he has done. “I kidnapped you.”

“It is not the first time,” Feng Hao points out. “You sort of did it during the Dead Plains.”

“I am a terrible senior,” Liu Jin says, bowing his head. “At this point, it is the height of shamelessness to ask your forgiveness, yet I must do so. Know that-”

“I’m not angry about that!” Feng Hao says, raising his voice.

Liu Jin blinks.

“You’re not?”

“I am not a child anymore,” Feng Hao says, glaring at him. “I understand people occasionally do things like this. My parents do way worse to other people.”

Those two really are terrible role models.

“You never hurt me, and you were never going to,” Feng Hao continues. “Even though you say you kidnapped me, the truth is you would have never held me against my will. It was all an act, right?”

“You have far too much faith in me, Young Ma–” Feng Hao glares at him. “Feng Hao. I apologize.”

For all Liu Jin has done, abstaining from being formal with Feng Hao is a small cost. The least he can do is pay it properly.

“I think I have the right amount of faith in you, Elder Brother,” Feng Hao replies. “What I’m really angry about is that you didn't talk to me at all about any of this! I didn’t even know the Crimson Cloud could choose anyone until a few hours ago!”

“I could not possibly approach you with the circumstances being what they were,” Liu Jin explains. “Lady Ling was always around you, and the entire city was after me.”

“You got Feng Zhi to take me away. You could have easily gotten someone else to pass a message!” Feng Hao points out. “Instead, you just made decisions about my fate without bothering to ask what I wanted!”

Just like everyone else does.

Liu Jin winces. Feng Hao’s stare is suddenly a little too penetrating for his liking.

“If I…If I had the power of the Crimson Cloud and the Eternal Flame,” Feng Hao begins to say, “then maybe…maybe I could…”

Then maybe, he wouldn’t be treated as someone who needs to be protected all the time. Maybe, he’d actually be able to protect what matters to him instead.

“You do not want that. Trust me,” Liu Jin says. “It’s still too soon for you.”

“I’m twelve!” Feng Hao yells. “That’s only a few years younger than you were when we first met! Why is it okay for you to put yourself in dangerous situations at that age, but not for me? Why do you get to decide that?”

“...When I was your age, I lost everything,” Liu Jin says. “My city. My home. My father. I saw it all burn and barely got away with my life.”

That takes the wind out of Feng Hao’s sails. The young boy looks visibly taken aback, whatever speech he was about to make trapped at the tip of his tongue. Liu Jin sighs and grabs a chair to sit, then motions Feng Hao to do the same. He does.

“I’m not saying this to diminish you,” Liu Jin says. “I just want to explain why I think of you as I do. I was thrust into danger at the whims of others, and by the time I realized it, that had already become the norm. I gained many things by living as I have, but I would trade them all to get back those peaceful days.”

Liu Jin chuckles. To think there was once upon a time when his biggest troubles were Doctor Wu and his son.

“When I look at you, I see someone who can still live without all that bloodshed for a little longer. Make no mistake. It is not that I think you are weak. You are so much stronger than I was at your age. The trials ahead of you are bound to be harsh, but you are also much better prepared for them than I ever was. Even so, if I can protect you from them for a little while longer, I think that I should. However…” Liu Jin smiles sadly. “You are right. I made decisions on what I thought was best for you without considering your own wants.”

Hasn’t he always complained about others imposing their own rules on him without a care?

When exactly did he become one of those people?

“I am sorry,” Liu Jin says.

“I am the son of Patriarch Feng Gui of the Eternal Flame. My life is never going to be peaceful,” Feng Hao says, sounding older than his years. “Elder Brother, I don’t want to be helpless.”

“I still think the Crimson Cloud is too dangerous for you,” Liu Jin replies. “Besides, your mother would kill me.”

“Then make me strong some other way!” Feng Hao says. His small fists bang on the table. “Train me! Not like before when you’d just give a few pointers. I want you to train me seriously! I want to be ready for what's ahead of me!”

Clear golden eyes look at him without a shred of hesitation. Feng Hao’s posture is firm. His Qi is unwavering. Without a doubt, he has made his resolution.

Liu Jin reaches over and ruffles his hair.

“Hey!” Feng Hao says, pulling his hand away. “I am serious!”

“I know,” Liu Jin says. “I couldn’t help it. I am proud of you.”

Feng Hao’s eyes shine. “Does that mean…?”

“Rest,” Liu Jin says, heading for the door. “We start at dawn.”

“Yes!”

~~~

“Look! He finally shows his face.”

“...”

Despite her words, Lu Mei greets him with a smile. Xiao Shuang, however, keeps her face blank, something she is unfortunately a little too good at.

“I have made you wait,” Liu Jin says.

“It reflects poorly on you. Rudeness and cowardice are both poor qualities in a man, but given the circumstances, I will overlook them,” Lu Mei says, going up to him and kissing him on the cheek. “Congratulations on your victory.”

Xiao Shuang’s stare grows heavier, but it is not jealousy that guides her actions.

“As I thought, you enable him too much. That encourages him to be reckless.”

“I support him,” Lu Mei corrects her. “It is far healthier than trying to trap him in a block of ice.”

“He’d have been safe there,” Xiao Shuang insists.

“He’s safe now without needing to be under the heel of the Divine Frozen Palace,” Lu Mei replies. It strikes Liu Jin that they have had this conversation multiple times while he was busy dealing with everyone else.

“He’s safe for now,” Xiao Shuang says, stressing the last two words. Her gaze shifts to Liu Jin. “They will come again and in greater numbers, husband. However, I will admit the Storm Dragon Palace gives you a great tool to use against them. I did not know you could summon it at will.”

“I couldn’t,” Liu Jin replies, making both girls blink. “It is like I said when we were trapped in the domes. The tournament forced all the Emperors to focus on me. Without even thinking about it, they raised my standing.”

He waves his hand at their surroundings.

“This is the result of that. The Storm Dragon Palace is a reflection of its ruler. My value has grown. Thus, the might of the palace grows with it.”

Had he not done it like this, summoning the Storm Dragon Palace and even making it float would have been impossible. Even so, keeping it like this is not the easiest thing in the world. The Storm Dragon will always feel more comfortable in the Storm Dragon Empire. That can only be circumvented for so long.

“It is certainly impressive,” Lu Mei says, taking a moment to look out one of the windows before turning to him. Her smile is a little too sharp. “I suppose it is time to talk about why you felt the need to do something so impressive, isn’t it?”

Somehow, Lu Mei finds a way to make the word impressive sound like a negative.

“Do not misunderstand,” Lu Mei adds. “I understand the need for secrecy, so I am not angry about that. Nevertheless, when I see that other people clearly knew what you were going to do, a lady cannot help but feel a little impatient.”

“I, on the other hand, am angry,” Xiao Shuang says calmly. “I was wrong to doubt your ability to make it through the tournament, and since you won our duel, I will trust the path you decide to take. However, I wish you hadn’t put yourself in this situation to begin with.”

Liu Jin smiles weakly. Yes, he supposes he has put this off long enough. They both deserve an explanation.

“Very well, this might take some time, but I promise it will make sense by the end," Liu Jin says. “You have probably heard about my master from others by now, haven't you?"

"I was told that Art of the Roaming Thief is a technique known by uniquely troublesome individuals, and the last one was of great interest to those on the other side of the Dead Plains," Lu Mei says.

"My master said he was someone with great and dangerous knowledge," Xiao Shuang says. "She said he was someone with many enemies."

"That's accurate," Liu Jin says. "Of course, I did not know about any of this when I met him. He was already dying, so he focused on teaching me and did not tell me much about his past. He only told me that his knowledge had caused others to try to kill him, but he rarely mentioned the Dead Plains or the other side. Looking back, I think he feared that mentioning the other side too much might somehow draw their eye to him."

Liu Jin smiles a little as he remembers those carefree days. To think his master had been carrying a burden so heavy even back then...

No, he cannot dwell on that now.

"As my master's death approached, he gave me a box full of memory jades. It was a way for him to continue passing down his teachings after his death. At least that is what he claimed," Liu Jin says. "The more I saw of them, the more I began to realize there was something else to them.”

His master’s travels with the masked woman, those memories weren't just a way for him to learn the same lessons his master had.

"He was telling me a story told across scattered memories," Liu Jin says. His face grows serious. "As I saw them, I realized something important. One of the people hunting down my master…He undoubtedly wished to tear down the barrier surrounding the continent."

Lu Mei and Xiao Shuang do not shout or exclaim in surprise. Both possess far too much self-control for that, yet Liu Jin can feel their shock all the same. He sees the slight widening of their eyes, the way Lu Mei's head leans back slightly, and how Xiao Shuang's body goes completely still for a full second.

“Are you certain of this?” Lu Mei asks, looking at him seriously. “As I understand it, people thought your master’s teachings were lost forever until you showed yourself in the tournament. Wouldn't that person have already acted? They have had years to do so."

"The ceremony," Xiao Shuang whispers. Liu Jin nods at her.

"Indeed," Liu Jin says. "To ensure the continuation of the barrier around the continent, a special ceremony is required. The coming ceremony will be the first one since the death of my master. If that person wants to destroy the barrier, he will need to act there and not before. The reason he didn't do it while my master was alive is that he believed he could still acquire his knowledge. With him dead, that is no longer a factor. That is why I needed to give him something he could not overlook, something that would force him to act."

He waves his hand at the palace.

"The tournament presented the best stage for it, unfortunately. I'd have liked more time to grow stronger, but this was the best way to ensure he would know while also keeping me in relative safety. Now that he knows the teachings he sought are still alive, he's forced to go after me while preventing the others from killing me."

"The Temple of the Thousand Shadow wants you dead," Xiao Shuang notes. "That means he's from the Death Fashioning Scripture, then?

Liu Jin is about to answer when another cuts in.

“The man’s name is Cao Bian.”

Xiao Shuang and Lu Mei take a step back as the Wandering Wind appears in the room. Su Daji is beside her, looking distinctly dazed. The speed at which Wandering Wind moves is instantaneous. If Liu Jin hadn’t expected the woman to break into the room from the start, he’d have been caught by surprise as well.

“I wondered whether you’d show up.”

“I made a promise, didn’t I?” The Wandering Wind says. “Cao Bian, the Shape of Death. The grand leader of the Death Fashioning Scripture and most likely the one behind the plot to harvest the Storm Dragon. That is who you are talking about, isn't it?”

With graceful strides, the Wandering Wind makes her way to the center of the room and turns to face Liu Jin.

“However, you are making a mistake, child,” the Wandering Wind says. “Regardless of whatever grand designs Cao Bian has, he is not the one who should be your main concern right now. After all, he needs you alive. Thus, he could not possibly be the one who killed your master. The ones who did… Well, no one knows for sure who it was. No one was even sure he had died. However, there was one particular clan that chased after him relentlessly. Above all, they were the ones who could not tolerate his existence.”

Liu Jin’s Qi rises. Sparks of purple flash around him. He tries to calm himself down, yet his emotions will not listen to him. Even though he knows better, the question leaves his lips all the same.

“Who?”

The Wandering Wind smiles at him.

“Their name is Qin.”

~~~