Emperor's Reckoning



The day had transitioned into a starlit night as the exclusive banquet of Nirvana School commenced in their grand hall. The hall was adorned with opulent decorations, sparkling chandeliers, and elegant floral arrangements, creating an ambiance of luxury and celebration. The students and esteemed guests, including the young masters and other dignitaries, were dressed in their finest attire, adding to the splendor of the event.

As the evening festivities began, the banquet hall buzzed with excitement and chatter. Lyon, along with his students, found themselves surrounded by admirers and well-wishers, congratulating them on their victory in the graduation event. It was a moment of triumph for Class Six, and they relished in the pride and respect they had earned.

Throughout the banquet, delectable dishes from various regions were served, each one more sumptuous than the last. The culinary delights were accompanied by the finest wines, creating a delightful symphony for the senses.

Lyon, however, remained somewhat aloof from the revelry. He stood near the window, gazing out into the starry night sky. His thoughts were contemplative, his mind drifting to the events of the day and the remarkable journey that had brought him to this point.

He recalled the doubts and challenges he had faced when he first took on the role of teaching Class Six. But now, as he watched his students mingle and laugh with newfound friends and allies, he knew that it had all been worth it.

His heart swelled with pride as he saw Reinhard, Rayus, and Noah confidently engaging in conversations with the students from other classes. They had grown not just as skilled cultivators but as individuals who had forged lasting bonds with their peers.

Amidst the laughter and festivities, Lyon caught glimpses of Selena, Cecile, and Lili. They were radiant, each one adding a different charm to the event. Selena's beauty drew admiring glances from many, Cecile's elegance was admired by those around her, and Lili's mysterious aura captivated the curiosity of those who laid eyes on her.

Nyi approached Lyon, a genuine smile on his face. "You've done well, Lyon," he praised, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Your students are truly exceptional."

"They are," said Lyon. "Kinda makes me proud."

"Kinda?" Nyi raised one of his brows.

"Well, let's just say that our goodbye won't be as sweet as you think," Lyon teased him before darting his glance back toward the starry sky.

Nyi was curious. He tried to pursue the topic before he heard Assid's voice.

"Emperor, your... sparkling water," said Assid as he carried a tray.

Lyon's nose twitched before he sighed. He turned and took the glass, "Call me young master."

Assid nodded approvingly. "Understood, young master."

Assid excused himself from his side and turned to the ladies.

Nyi looked at Lyon who seemed to enjoy advanced water more than classy wine. He leaned by the wall, "Lyon, I've been wondering, are you really an emperor?"

"Hmm? What makes you think that?" Lyon raised his brows whilst his lips were on the ledge of the glass.

"Other than the obvious way that butler called you, the Citadel of Celestia chimed when you arrived," said Nyi.

Lyon gulped down the sparkling water, "That could be a coincidence in any form, I mean you were there as well."

Nyi smiled as he shook his head, "I returned to that ancient fortress but the bell didn't even move."

"Well, if you know, you know, if you don't then you don't," said Lyon as he neither answered with a no nor a yes.

Nyi smiled wryly before his glance caught Lily, the seer who was invited to provide divine foresight.

"Right, what do you want to ask the seer?" asked Nyi.

"I thought it's private?" asked Lyon. 

"C'mon, don't be like that," said Nyi. "Everyone wanted to know as well, and considering how close we were talking to each other, a hundred of the same questions will be delivered to my face before the banquet ends."

A smirk hung on his lips before he said, "I don't, I gave that opportunity to my friend the fox-woman, Kyoko, she is the one needed."

"Really?!" Nyi had his eyes opened wide. "Wow, do you know how valuable this opportunity is? And you just give it away?"

"It's because I know how valuable it is that I give it to her, she needs it more than me," said Lyon before he noticed his three students approaching him.

Lyon found himself surrounded by his students once more. They were tired but elated, their eyes shining with excitement and dreams of a promising future.

"We did it," Reinhard said, grinning from ear to ear.

"And it's only the beginning," Rayus added, with a glint of determination in his eyes.

Noah nodded in agreement. "We'll keep getting stronger, together, and we can't achieve this without both of you."

Nyi had his pride swelling seeing the three of them. He saw them like their own juniors and it was elating to see them triumphed in the unremarkable final round.

"The last round was really one-sided, even when the other two classes worked together, it was too late," said Lyon with a smile.

The three of them laughed merrily.

"So, what did the seer tell you?" asked Lyon with a brimming interest in his eyes, belied by his crossed arms.

The three students exchanged looks with each other before Reinhard stepped forward and said, "We decided not to consult with the seer, but instead, we will give it to you both."

"Huh?" Lyon and Nyi raised their brows in unison. They exchanged looks before Nyi asked them, "Are you guys insane?"

Noah shook his head, "What you've done for us is tremendous, this is the least we can do."

Rayus nodded firmly, "En, this is the time to repay your kindness."

Reinhard firmly said, "Please! Please accept our gifts."

"Ok," Lyon answered quickly. "No backsies."

"Eh?" Nyi looked at Lyon in disbelief. The guy didn't even think too long to agree.

"Yes!" All three of them nodded with a proud smile.

Lyon deliberately stretched his neck as he took a cold breath from his gritted teeth. "Well, since I already have one, that means I got four in total, Nyi why don't you take the two."

"What? I can't do that?" asked Nyi.

"C'mon king, don't be too humble," said Lyon with a smirk. "You might find a way to relinquish and pursue, if you know what I mean, Heh, who am I kidding? You know what I mean."

Nyi sighed, "The Elyrianth will remember this."

"Hah, that settles it then," Lyon laughed.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall. Lily was being accompanied by Cecile and Selena. The seer occasionally looked at Lyon standing by the window, laughing with his students and the king of Elyrianth.

She said, "Well, I must say it's always refreshing to see a man laughing at their heart."

"It is, isn't it?" said Cecile as she grabbed a drink from Assid who was readily available. "So, how are the other seers doing?"

"Funny that you should ask, I've heard Vivi coughed up blood trying to search for someone," said Lily with a smile.

"Oh, are you mad?" asked Cecile with a smirk. "Or are you happy?"

"I'm neither," said Lily. "The seers are not competing with each other, but if one of us got hurt in trying to read fate, all of us will get intrigued."

Cecile gave a sly smile, "Are you interested? Want to give it a try? Considering the color of your gem, you might be able to."

"Fascinating," said Lily, "Not all cultivators know the significance of the gems etched on our forehead, you must have done your research well."

"I know more than just hierarchy," said Cecile before her face leaned forward toward her ears and spoke softly. "How is the mother clairvoyant doing, is she healthy?"

Lily turned to Cecile, surprise evident in her eyes. "You know about my mother?" she whispered back, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Far more than you know," said Selena.

Lily exchanged glances with Selena and Cecile. 

"I take it that Vivi hasn't found your mother yet?" asked Cecile. "Or she didn't dare to."

"You... told her to find mother?" asked Lily. 

"Considering her random appearances, I'm guessing that even you don't know where she is," said Cecile.

"..." Lily was shocked, but she soon composed herself and smiled, "Well, well, it's not every day a seer can be surprised, Vivi warned me about your husband, but to me, true dangers emit from both of you."

Esmeralda gracefully approached Cecile and Selena, a warm smile on her lips as she extended her hand in greeting. "Thank you, Cecile, and Selena, for your hospitality and kind words earlier." 

( I didn't notice it earlier, but... these two are docile compared to seeing Lyon ) thought Esmeralda as she noticed her twin snakes didn't dare to hiss but cowered at the sight of Cecile and Selena. ( What an intriguing couple).