Eternal Emerald Dragon

Chapter 1172 - 1171 - Gathering

The Rubyfire Kingdom was currently hosting many powerhouses but the greatest was the man with pale violet steel hair and ash gray eyes. His robes were of peak Law Grade materials.

The symbol of his empire was nowhere on his robes as the circlet on his head was enough. It was also a peak Law Grade artifact made of storm steel. It was an artificial material but highly sought out as it was able to allow a cultivator to summon an ultimate Art.

It was the Storm of Devastation Art. Unlike 6 elementals, conjuring storms that could bring multiple avenues of destruction was very difficult even for Immortals that had access to all 6 elements.

Artifacts to create that effect were in high demand as widespread but directed power like that was highly sought after.

The circlet was not a crown originally but just an artifact wielded by the founder of the Empire. Their success and canny connections allowed the Empire to be born. It was now a powerful artifact held by every Emperor or Empress.

They had far more, of course, but the symbol and power of the circlet was enough to identify the Emperor on sight.

It was notoriously difficult to create storm steel but if he knew a man existed that was but one of many with a full set of Storm Arts coming to the 2nd layer, he might have ordered their death on principle!

The Emperor was currently calmly drinking tea with his wife as he looked over the jade slips and journals of his deceased daughter. He had many children but even the least gifted was valued by him.

Publicly, he had to have the standard of only valuing the powerful or useful, but privately he loved them all. They were his children!

One had betrayed them all and fallen to darkness but the other was tricked into a heart demon after an unacceptable time of banishment.

She had been so close but now she was gone.

"What is your evaluation of this Lind Frey?" Unlike many, he knew the true name of the Emerald Immortal. Before he could look at his daughter's materials, he had to swear an oath not to reveal it but it was a small price to pay.

"Given where we are currently sitting, beloved, I would think you should understand he is not normal. He is a dragon, a True Lord, but that seems a small part of him. A Triple Maester, seemingly able to purify Fiend Qi, and even restore the soul of our dying daughter so she could enter Samsara. I would say we should tread carefully as this is not a future powerhouse we are dealing with but a current one." He slowly nodded.

The fact the floating land had not only been restored to the sky but expanded spoke volumes.

A chime went off and the Emperor waved his hands to disable the formations. Petryn came in and knelt on one knee.

"King Risselle has called the gathering." The Emperor narrowed his eyes at the wording but it was a subtle message from the Emerald Immortal. This was the Rubyfire Kingdom and they were all guests here.

Technically, the Emperor was superior to the Rubyfire Kingdom in hierarchy but since the kingdom was previously a floating land, it technically was outside his power.

The Corruption had reduced the sphere of influence all powers once enjoyed yet old ties were supposedly holding. Now, the Rubyfire Kingdom had been elevated above all literally and figuratively.

It had shattered the power balance and offered hope.

"You confirmed what I inquired about?" Petryn nodded as they marched out from the tower room and down the steps to the lower floors.

"The gateway has been sealed in some way no one can unlock or repair. Nothing seems wrong but it is neither allowing receiving or sending of anyone." He narrowed his gaze at his son's back and saw him flinch.

"Your wife should know something as the main owner of the new gateways." Petryn sighed before he looked back with a resigned look.

"Father, the Emerald Immortal designed them." Those words made the Emperor glance at his wife to see her smirk at him. She had told him to be wary. The Emerald Immortal was not a naive fool it seemed at all.

Just when they thought they had a grasp on him, a new layer was revealed.

"We will be having a talk about this later." They continued down until they reached a main hall to head inward and back up in the palace. They saw the other powers gathering.

He saw the horned head of the most infamous Beast Lord, Ran, walking alongside the far too slim being next to him.

Emperor Fionan understood some powers had to compromise with beasts but the extent the Rubyfire Kingdom went to was far beyond his understanding.

Still, it was not his place nor his people.

The veiled phoenix beauty of the Golden Vermillion Inn nodded to them and he did so in return. While it may seem like only a business, it was far older than his empire. Power that endured that long would always have his respect.

The Divine Sword Sect no longer had a representative since theirs had left earlier but a True Maiden with black and white hair with fierce blue eyes marched nervously down the hall with them.

She was only a Sliver Tier Immortal but he could tell she was at least experienced enough to not completely botch being their representative.

The harridan currently in charge of that sect was likely pulling her hair out at being locked out of the negotiations.

The Stonelight Guild, despite the recent debacle, had a much better standing since an official branch was in the kingdom. A demoness had on her best robes and was a Law grade Maester based on her badge.

It left no room for doubt on her expertise, plus the strong connection to the kingdom left the main branch likely hardly bothered at the moment.

He frowned as he could not find any sign of the Dawn Imperium. He knew that useless brat Adan was in the kingdom but no one seemed to know where he currently was.

Strangely, his retainers did not seem to be panicking on that front either which made the Emperor even more suspicious.

Had the Imperium made a deal already? How could they have beaten his Empire so swiftly?

There was a final pair of demons that drew his eyes. He looked darkly at the demon and demoness with shimmering blood colored robes.

They were practically beaming with joy about something yet the Emperor knew them of old. If they were happy, something very bad had happened somewhere.

They were responsible for many disastrous battles against the Bloodmoon Sect. The Device Twin Generals were their nicknames for those that had faced them and lived. Outwardly so open and bloodthirsty but in reality, they were clever and dangerous on a scale that even the Emperor would prefer to not confront them.

The only member of their sect more troublesome was the Seductress Immortal. She was a legendary demoness that had not been seen since long before the Corruption. Her tactics, however, continued to the present day.

He did not see anyone else of note which made him happy a bit but the main hall revealed the target of them all sitting at a table just below King Risselle and his family.

As hosts, they had the highest table but the clear positioning of the Emerald Immortal put him above the rest. The Emperor was about to head to the lower table when a young woman intercepted them.

Her eyes and hair were dark crimson which named her family clearly.

"Emperor Fionan and family, please follow me." They were led to a table actually on the same level as the Royal family. He appreciated the gesture but frowned. If they were being held to the same standard as the Rubyfire Kingdom royal family, then what was the point of the meeting?

Who in their right mind would challenge the inevitable conclusion of the talks with this combination of people?

A pair of emerald eyes suddenly looked at him and a chill went down his spine he had not felt in millions of years. The fear of something greater than himself looking down at him!

"Thank you all for coming!" King Risselle suddenly drew all eyes. His normally nonchalant attitude was nowhere to be found. A serious and grim aura hung over him but all noticed his family was seemingly teeming with newfound power compared to a few days ago.

"Before we begin, there are a few points to clarify." The man swept his well muscled arm directly at the Emperor and his table. "The Fionan Empire as their Emperor and Empress here. As they are the leaders of their country, they are on even footing with us in negotiations."

A murmur swelled as many faces frowned or gulped depending on their seniority. Yet, the king swept his other arm out to the 5 Beast Lords just as quickly.

"As native masters here, my counterparts also share equal footing with me." Understanding flashed in the Emperor's eyes. Clever.

By setting a precedent with him, the Beast Lords also represent the apex of their respective native powers.

No one would dare argue it now since the Fionan Empire was recognized at the same time. Further, he would not argue it as it gave him an advantage! Very clever and definitely not the King's idea!

A glance at the emerald haired young man made a thump shake his chest. Dangerous, very dangerous if all of it was his plans.

Was he ruling the kingdom from the background, or was he going to declare ownership before things got out of hand?

"The last thing I wish to point out is that while Lord Emerald Immortal is here to explain what happened, he has also stated categorically my word is law in my own kingdom as it always was." The statement and nod from the focus of all in the room left a shockwave to pass through them all.

The Emerald Immortal would not be claiming the land he raised up?! Why?!

The pure Qi and restored resources alone were tempting even for his Empire, so why would such a man give up an easy claim to a power base? He glanced at his wife only to see her smirking again!

Why?!

"I have but one goal currently and ruling a kingdom is not part of it. Further, I did not intend the current situation but I will take responsibility for my actions. Anyone that dares to declare they are stronger than the Rubyfire Kingdom by rights alone will make me their enemy. Is that clear?" The man finally spoke but his words were like a drum beat on the heart!

What goal would not be easier to achieve with a power base such as the raised lands?!

The Emperor had only questions but of one thing he was certain. He did not want this man to be an enemy. Not ever.