A week had passed since the coronation.
The newly crowned emperor of the Ron State, Ameer Ron, was escorted to Alina by fifteen Sage Realm experts—all under Jalen's command.
Ameer was confused. He knew nothing of Jalen's feats, nor of the man himself. All he remembered was the chaos: the elders of Ron State had rebelled, seized the capital, locked down the city, and expelled the royal family. His vicious brothers and their factions were slaughtered—some expelled. He had expected to die in the purge.
But instead, he was spared.
Not only was he spared—he was crowned emperor.
At just eighteen years old, at the Peak of the Pearl Realm, Ameer now ruled one of the continent's most powerful states. It didn't feel real. No matter how many times he closed his eyes or pinched himself, the truth remained: he was emperor.
Two of the generals who had crowned him told him he must meet the benefactor who made it all possible. Nervous but obedient, Ameer followed them to Alina—the same town his father and brothers had struggled to recruit from for months.
But when he arrived, it was nothing like he remembered.
Alina had transformed. The streets were clean, the formations buzzed with power, and at the center stood a massive palace—grander than the Ron capital itself. Jalen had ordered Will and the others to construct it in preparation for Ameer's arrival.
Ameer was stunned. The palace radiated strength. The formations woven into its walls pulsed with refined qi. As he entered the throne room, the first thing he saw was a young boy floating mid-air, his aura dense enough to crush him. Jael. Nearby, Calen hovered as well—slightly older, not as overwhelming, but still stronger than Ameer. The two were playing tag, Calen chasing Jael, who jeered playfully.
"Greetings, Your Majesty," Jalen said politely.
Only then did Ameer notice the young man beside the throne.
"Apologies for the commotion," Jalen added, gesturing for Jael and Calen to take their sparring outside. Calen obeyed instantly. Jael hesitated, then followed.
Once alone, Jalen explained everything: the rebellion, the purge, the emperor's downfall, and the reason Ameer now wore the crown.
The truth shook Ameer to his core.
Ameer swallowed. "Even if I did… what could I do about it?"
Jalen smiled faintly. "You're as smart as the rumors say. But as long as you rule righteously and stay strong, your reign will last longer than your father's."
"What if I choose not to rule?"
"That would be your choice. But I know you want to rule. The road is clear now—you won't turn it down."
"You're right," Ameer said, his voice trembling. "I've always wanted to rule. To take vengeance on my brothers… and my father, who refused to deliver justice when they orchestrated my mother's death. She was his favorite plaything, and they hated her for it."
Rage stirred in Ameer's heart. Even after all these years, the pain hadn't faded.
"Your debt has been settled," Jalen said. "You didn't have to lift a finger. Now, all you need to do is lead."
"But I'm powerless," Ameer whispered. "How can I rule such a strong state? I'll just be emperor in name. No one will truly follow me. Are you sure you didn't pick the wrong Ron?"
"The fact that you're humble makes me believe I chose right. And don't worry—I won't leave you stranded. Your subjects will help guide you in making decisions for the state."
Ameer broke down, tears streaming down his face. "So this is real?"
"You've been emperor for a week and still doubt it?"
"It's just…" Ameer choked, then looked up at Jalen, who didn't seem much older than him. "Thank you, senior."
"Who are you calling senior? I'm only a few years older," Jalen smirked.
"Is that true?" Ameer asked, stunned.
Jalen nodded. "Don't try to figure it out. Let's just say I go against cultivation norms."
Ameer was still processing when Jalen gestured toward the throne atop twenty massive steps.
"Come. Sit on your new throne. From now on, this is your palace—and Alina will be your royal capital."
Ameer climbed the steps and sat. The moment he did, his qi stirred and his blood boiled.
"This throne is built atop a vein of the earth spirit root," Jalen explained. "It will help you cultivate. I've also left behind techniques to help you grow faster."
Ameer stepped down and bowed deeply. "Thank you… But why are you doing all this?"
Jalen's expression hardened. "Don't you know? An emperor should never kneel to anyone."
"Forgive me. I'm new to this," Ameer chuckled.
"I did this to protect Alina. And now I'm leaving it in your hands."
"I hope I don't disappoint your expectations, elder."
"Call me Jalen, Your Majesty."
"Elder Jalen."
"Now that you are emperor," Jalen said, "you can start producing heirs."
Ameer blushed. "I don't even have a girlfriend. I was the bastard prince of a concubine."
"Now you're emperor. I'm sure many young ladies will flock to you."
"I'm fine with just one."
"Well, I'm sure you don't need my help in that situation. Just find someone who is not beautiful outwardly—but internally."
"I'll heed Elder Jalen's advice."
"Alright. Come in," Jalen's voice echoed toward the entrance.
Will and his five companions—Flame Sage Raye, Metal Sage Elias, Wind Sage Lionel, Void Sage Tobias, and Gravity Sage Latia—entered the room like ghosts. They all lowered their heads and greeted Ameer with utmost respect—not out of reverence, but out of fear. After all, just days ago, Ameer was nothing in their eyes. The emperor's youngest son, born from a concubine. Of no value or importance. Now he stood above them.
Jalen turned to Ameer. "These six will be your personal bodyguards. They will ensure no harm comes to you whatsoever."
He then looked at the six. "I've placed my spirit sense on the emperor. If he dies, none of you deserve to live."
The six trembled.
"We will guard him with our lives," Will said. The others backed him up, swearing their loyalty to the emperor.
"The rest of you can come in as well," Jalen ordered.
Those who escorted Ameer entered—but not only them. Two Sage Realm experts from each of the three states—Ethion, Petal, and Trident—were present. They all kneeled and greeted Ameer as emperor.
Jalen turned to them. "You are all responsible for the emperor's cultivation and growth. You will spare no effort or resources to help him achieve greatness."
They all bowed to Jalen respectfully.
"Now you all have jobs to do. You may leave."
They exited.
Ameer breathed deeply and sat on the throne. "That was intense."
Jalen smiled. "You'll get used to it."
He then said, "Now that my work here is done, I'll leave the kingdom and governing in your hands."
"You're leaving already?"
"I'll spend two more months here before I move on."
Jalen vanished.
Ameer took one more glance around the beautiful palace.
This is surreal.