After Si Ji vanished from before him, Ying Long Zai Tian turned to look at Li Si, who was busy organizing the residents, while further ahead, Bai Qi was instructing the soldiers on the fundamentals of individual and formation combat. As Long Zai Tian approached, everyone turned toward him with reverence.
"So, what is the news, my friends? How is everyone faring?" he asked.
"We are blessed by Your Majesty's grace. Everyone is excited for the village's future, and we were just discussing its destiny as a kingdom," Li Si replied optimistically.
"Hmm, yes. That shall happen soon, and in the most magnificent way possible. Keep your spirits high, my dear people."
A smile spread across the faces of the residents. Long Zai Tian then began to inspect their statuses. Most were of Bronze rank, except for six individuals who possessed Silver rank talent. Among the Silver ranks was an elderly man perfectly suited for the [Researcher] profession, and a woman who, along with six others, had decided to work in tailoring under He Yun for the time being. Others were tasked with gathering fruits from the nearby forest under the protection of a few soldiers.
The ten soldiers had already been industrious; following Bai Qi's orders, they had cleared timber from nearby trees and constructed temporary wooden houses. Long Zai Tian's gaze then fell upon five young boys standing together, watching him with wide eyes. Two of these boys held Silver rank talent.
Long Zai Tian smiled warmly at them. "How are you, little ones? Are you happy here?"
The five boys answered in unison, their voices filled with excitement, "We are well, Your Majesty!"
His smile widened. "Good. Have you eaten yet?"
One of the boys stepped forward. "Yes, we ate fruits that our sister He Yun gathered for us."
"Very good. Now, go and play, children," Long Zai Tian said encouragingly. The boys dashed off, laughing as they started their games.
He then turned to the seven young women, who were looking at the ground with modest shyness. "Do not be shy around me, girls," he said gently. "Get used to my presence. I am your Emperor and your lord; be at ease, there is no need for tension. Tell me, how have you spent your time?"
The oldest among them smiled shyly. "We went to gather fruits, My Lord, and now we are learning tailoring from Sister He Yun."
"Excellent. You now have wooden houses to reside in temporarily instead of tents. It is safer for you."
"Yes, Your Majesty. We thank the young men who built them," He Yun added with a smile.
"Very good. And you, elders? How is your health?" Long Zai Tian addressed the five elderly men.
"We are well as long as Your Majesty is well. We thank you for your concern, our Lord," replied one of the elders, his face etched with gratitude.
"Good. You are not required to do heavy labor. Take your rest and move at your own pace."
"We are grateful to Your Majesty," the old man replied, deeply moved by the Emperor's compassion.
Finally, he turned to Li Si, Bai Qi, and the ten new soldiers. "Is everything in order? Have you begun discussing the training, Bai Qi?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. We have just started outlining the training schedule and combat tactics. We are ready to begin at dawn tomorrow," Bai Qi reported with military precision.
"Well done, Bai Qi. Excellent work," Long Zai Tian said, his voice filled with pride. He then looked at Li Si. "Li Si, I must return to my world. I leave the leadership and the care of the residents in your hands. I am counting on you."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. Everything will be managed perfectly," Li Si vowed.
"Hmm, good. Bai Qi, I entrust the soldiers to you, my friend."
"Do not worry, My Lord," Bai Qi replied with absolute confidence.
"Very well. System... return me to Earth."
[Ding!]
[Transporting Host to Earth...]
In a flash of light, Ying Long Zai Tian vanished from before the eyes of Bai Qi and Li Si….
In the depth of the dark night sky, a deep purple light suddenly erupted, shining with a brilliant radiance that outshone the surrounding stars, its beam piercing through the celestial void.
Ying Long Zai Tian returned to Earth, appearing near his private wing within the residential sanctuary of the Clan. He looked around; the grounds were silent. He began walking toward a specific pavilion—the residence of his grandfather and martial master, Ying Feng Rao, a man who, despite being 99 years old, remained vital and radiant. This longevity was a testament to the density of his Royal Bloodline, which granted him vast and overflowing life force.
As he walked, servants and guards bowed in greeting, their voices hushed but filled with excitement. Everyone was talking about the same thing: the Heaven Awakening World.
Upon reaching his grandfather's pavilion and entering the living quarters, Long Zai Tian encountered the Chief Steward, the man who had served his grandfather for decades. His name was Lin Mo, a man known for his unwavering loyalty and sharp eyes.
"Lin Mo," Long Zai Tian called out.
"My Young Noble Lord," Lin Mo replied, quickly stepping closer with a deep, respectful bow. "What are your commands, Young Master?"
"Is my grandfather here?" Long Zai Tian asked, his voice steady and commanding.
"Yes. He has just returned from the Heaven Awakening World, and I was about to prepare his dinner," Lin Mo answered. "Please, proceed, Young Noble Lord. The High Lord is waiting for good news from you. After learning that the legacies of Empires and Kingdoms were being bestowed, he knew he had the right to attempt the trial of inheritance himself. Yet, he chose not to enter for your sake, stepping aside so you might claim it. We are all waiting—tell me, have you inherited the legacy of the Great Qin?" Lin Mo asked, his voice trembling with anticipation.
Long Zai Tian let out a confident, triumphant laugh. "Haha, yes, Lin Mo. I am the Emperor."
Lin Mo's eyes widened with pure joy. "Well done, My Young Noble Lord!
Congratulations! This is a magnificent feat. Truly, you have done us proud, My Lord."
"Hmm, yes, Lin Mo. The legacy did not slip through my fingers. Now, I am going to see my grandfather; go and finish preparing the dinner. Quickly now."
"At once, Your Majesty," Lin Mo replied. He cupped his hands, bowed his head deeply, and retreated with graceful steps.
Long Zai Tian continued forward toward the garden behind the pavilion, the place where his grandfather always sat in meditation. As he entered the garden, he saw the majestic figure of the elder before him.
A smile touched Long Zai Tian's lips as he approached. "Grandfather," he called out softly yet firmly.