Chapter 7: The Loyal Amethyst Winged Lion King

The flying speed of a sixth-tier magical beast is incredibly swift, akin to a gale rushing through the sky. The journey from Qingshan Town to the imperial capital takes roughly three days.

Yet, it was during these three days that news spread across most of the empire: the sovereign of the Beast Mountains, the Amethyst Winged Lion King, had left its domain and ventured deep into the heartland of the Gamma Empire.

More astute observers, tracing the flight path of the Amethyst Winged Lion King, deduced that its destination was the imperial capital.

In an instant, the entire Gamma Empire’s attention was riveted on the impending events in the capital—a matter of great public focus.

...

At that moment, in the imperial capital.

Jia Xingtian unfurled his dual wings of Dou Qi, standing high in the sky. His aura was as steady as a mountain, yet his expression was grave as still waters.

It was hard to imagine what great matter could cause this royal guardian, a Dou Emperor at the peak of nine stars, to wear such a solemn visage.

Beside Jia Xingtian stood a woman of dignified elegance, her long hair cascading to her waist, wielding a long sword etched with cloud patterns.

The two gazed into the distance, seemingly awaiting something.

“Old Jia...” Yun Yun’s eyes trembled slightly as she unconsciously gripped the azure blade inscribed with flowing cloud patterns tighter by a third.

“I know!” Jia Xingtian’s voice was low and steady. In their sensing, the aura of the Amethyst Winged Lion King was drawing ever closer, soon to arrive at the capital.

Jia Xingtian had guarded the Gamma Empire for over a century and had not never faced this beast without caution, but he was not overly fearful of the Amethyst Winged Lion King.

What truly made them prepare for battle was the unfamiliar Dou Emperor aura accompanying the beast!

“Six days ago, two unknown powerful auras appeared on the outskirts of the Beast Mountains, seemingly engaged in conflict. Afterwards, the Amethyst Winged Lion King appeared at the mountain’s edge, triggering a beast tide.

But soon after, the beast tide inexplicably dissipated, leaving us baffled. I even sent people to investigate.

In hindsight, it seems that was unnecessary; we will soon learn what transpired that day,” Jia Xingtian said gravely.

Yun Yun’s crimson lips parted softly: “I cannot rival Old Jia’s intelligence network, but the Amethyst Winged Lion King’s ostentatious approach, with no attempt to conceal its aura, suggests ill intent.”

The Yunlan Sect was located on Yunlan Mountain, just outside the capital. Yun Yun did not know the true target of the Lion King’s journey and chose to stand with Jia Xingtian to face the threat.

“Roar—!” A purple light, wrapped in scorching flames, surged forth, halting high above the capital. A deafening lion’s roar suddenly resounded, heralding the arrival of the Amethyst Winged Lion King.

Standing atop the Lion King’s head, Su Yun’s expression was calm as he softly asked, “Who governs this place?”

Jia Xingtian’s expression shifted in astonishment.

He had assumed that the strange Dou Emperor had reached some accord with the Amethyst Winged Lion King, coming together for some hidden purpose.

But the current situation clearly indicated the Lion King had recognized Su Yun as its master!

“Troublesome...” Even without combat, a knot of difficulty tightened in Jia Xingtian’s heart.

Magical beasts were naturally unruly. The Amethyst Winged Lion King was a sovereign among beasts. Unless raised from youth by a powerful figure, such a beast would never acknowledge a Dou Emperor as its master.

Their own guardian beast of the Gamma Empire, the Abyssal Sea Dragon Beast, was just so!

The white-clad Dou Emperor atop the Amethyst Winged Lion King was likely more powerful than anyone could imagine!

Jia Xingtian cupped his hands in respect. “Honored Dou Emperor, may I know your name?”

Su Yun smiled lightly. “You actually consider this sect to be at the Dou Emperor level like yourselves... Well, for now, that is so. This sect is called Su Yun.”

Jia Xingtian was uncertain, his suspicion growing. From his tone, could this be a Dou Sect who had fallen from grace?

Yun Yun furrowed her brows softly, recalling the names of the Dou Sects and Dou Emperors in neighboring empires—none named Su Yun.

Jia Xingtian was direct. “Sir, you’ve come in such a grand manner today. May I ask your purpose?”

“I have awakened in this era and have nowhere to rest,” came the reply.

An ancient relic of the ancient awakening?

“I see,” Jia Xingtian feigned understanding. “This matter is simple. The Gamma Empire is vast and rich in resources, never lacking in land.

How about this? I will grant you the largest city in the northern province, Black Sky City. It’s an excellent place.

If you become its lord, I guarantee no further Imperial interference; all affairs within the city will be under your control!”

Jia Xingtian laughed heartily, his sleeves swaying with an air of generosity.

Hearing this, Yun Yun glanced at Jia Xingtian, her lips moving as if to speak, but she held back.

“Master, don’t listen to him!” The Amethyst Winged Lion King spoke mockingly. “Black Sky City is on the northern border of the Gamma Empire, next to the Izumo Empire.

Izumo is very powerful, with numerous Dou Sect experts. This old man is just taking advantage of your unfamiliarity with the regional power divisions.

If you truly go there, Master, you would become a thorn in the side of the Izumo Empire!”

Though dwelling in the deep mountains, the Lion King had some understanding of human territorial divisions.

“... The Lion King speaks rightly. I did not consider this well,” Jia Xingtian admitted regretfully.

He had indeed planned thus, but the stratagem was seen through by the old lion’s loyalty.

This old lion had only just accepted a master a few days ago, yet was already so faithful!

Jia Xingtian cursed silently in his heart.

“Oh? How do you respond to that?” Su Yun asked coolly.

He had lived on the Dou Qi continent for sixteen years. Without the Lion King’s warning, he might have fallen into Jia Xingtian’s trap.

Still, the Lion King’s loyalty was somewhat commendable?

The Amethyst Winged Lion King’s expression was disdainful. It was not so much loyalty but the realization that if Su Yun went to Black Sky City, the Lion King would be dragged into endless battles, without peace.

Jia Xingtian’s expression remained unchanged. “To show my apologies, I will grant you the choice of two... no, three cities as your territories!

The resources of these three cities shall belong to you. In exchange, should the Gamma Empire face extinction, we would ask for your intervention once.”

Jia Xingtian’s move was a decisive sacrifice. This condition essentially carved out a vassal state from the Gamma Empire.

He felt no regret; the birth of a Dou Emperor represented a division of interests.

Moreover, Su Yun’s strength was extraordinary, having tamed the Amethyst Winged Lion King. His combat power now exceeded that of the royal family.

Though the Abyssal Sea Dragon Beast was also a sixth-tier magical beast, it was heavily injured and could not act freely like the Lion King.

If three cities satisfied Su Yun, that would be ideal.

Su Yun shook his head, speaking softly, “One city is enough.”

“Oh?” Jia Xingtian was surprised; he had not expected Su Yun to be so easy to deal with.

“Thank you for your understanding,” Jia Xingtian said gratefully. He produced a map of the Gamma Empire from his ring, unfolding it in the air. It clearly marked all the cities large and small.

“Please choose...” he offered.

“No need!” Su Yun interrupted without even glancing. He extended his index finger, pointing directly below.

“This city is the one I want.”