Chapter 501: Report
"Dragon really are creatures that grow stronger just by sleeping. After this nap, my Strength has increased noticeably." Kai Xiusu observed his newly reinforced, more monstrous physique.
Yet compared to the previous transformation—when he absorbed the Ancient Dragon Bloodline and underwent a metamorphosis akin to becoming an entirely new dragon—this latest change in appearance was far less dramatic.
How immensely powerful the Red Dragon had become from digesting the Ancient Dragon Bloodline and growing naturally through time was something only he truly understood. It was a complete, all-around enhancement.
Opening his Character Sheet confirmed the shift.
[As a True Dragon bearing an Ancestral Bloodline, you have grown during your slumber, seeking the legendary Strength of primordial Bloodlines, and become even more powerful.]
[Strength: 34 → 36]
[Constitution: 30 → 33]
[Intelligence: 17 → 18]
[Wisdom: 20 → 22]
[Charisma: 35 → 36]
[All dragons develop inner magical abilities as they mature. The oldest among them trace their spells back to the Nine-Faced Dragon God.]
[You gain an additional 3 levels of Sorcerer Spellcasting.]
[Your current Spellcasting Level: 24]
Even an Ancient Red Dragon’s innate Spellcasting Talent rarely exceeded Level 19. With Kai Xiusu’s current Arcane Ability, only someone like Oszedro—the "Dragon anomaly"—could possibly rival him.
"Huff."
The Red Dragon inhaled deeply, feeling the surge of Magical Currents in the air, carefully controlling each infinitesimal particle of Elemental Energy.
Kai Xiusu had a sensation: he no longer needed to rely solely on the magical heritage embedded in his Bloodline. He could now use his own innate Arcane Ability to craft spells.
While mages meticulously construct their Spellcraft Models, sorcerers create spells like master artists painting on the tapestry of magic—using their innate gifts to weave visions into reality.
Now, at Kai Xiusu’s level, casting a Nine-Ring Spell was as routine as breathing. If he ever obtained those Forbidden Spells, he might even be able to manipulate forces beyond the Ninth Layer of the Weave.
After feeling the full extent of his transformation, the system’s assessment of his power also shifted.
【Emperor of the Ashen Flame – Kai Xiusu】
Challenge Rating: 28 (125,000 experience points)
Even the most powerful common dragon—such as a Great Ancient Gold Dragon—only reached a Challenge Rating of 26. Now, Kai Xiusu could effortlessly defeat one.
"With this strength," he mused, "I could easily rank among the greatest in all of the Feiansuo Continent."
Kai Xiusu stretched his long neck, flexing the massive wing-back muscles as he pulled his Dragon Wings back, nearly lying flat on the ground, savoring the surge of vibrant Life Force flowing through his body.
"Huh-huh!"
The Red Dragon snorted, exhaling a plume of intense white smoke from his nostrils—waste heat expelled from within.
His gaze drifted toward the mid-slope of Dragon Mountain, where the once-magnificent Palace had been reduced to ruins by his "Morning Wrath"—charred walls, shattered remnants scattered across the land.
But this wasn’t the first time. Kai Xiusu had long since adapted.
"Perfect. The old Royal Palace was too cramped. Now’s a good chance to expand."
"Been a while since I used Empire Domain abilities." He muttered to himself, offering a casual excuse before focusing, channeling all his strength.
【Empire Domain: Terrain Manipulation】
"Boom—"
The earth trembled once more.
Dust roared into the air, debris flew in all directions. But this time, it wasn’t destruction—it was creation.
The ground slowly rose. Stone pillars emerged from beneath the soil, gradually taking shape into the form of a palace. Rock and steel, like being sculpted by an invisible hand, formed walls, columns, domes, even intricate murals.
It was nearly a perfect replica of the original Royal Palace—yet the new one was larger, grander, and truly integrated with the mountain itself.
"Is that… the Royal Palace?"
"Kai Xiusu is above us!"
The soldiers guarding the entrance stared up in stunned disbelief as the palace rose from the earth with a thunderous rumble.
Though they’d heard tales of the Red Dragon shaping mountains and bringing warmth to Anzeta, seeing stone rise and build a palace before their eyes was beyond imagination.
To them, it was nothing short of a miracle.
But Kai Xiusu didn’t care. He welcomed the growing faith—more faith meant more capital for Deification.
Suddenly, a magical message echoed from the ruins.
Without hesitation, Kai Xiusu lifted the prohibition.
With a clatter, the shattered mirror slowly rose, pieces falling away.
From within the cracked glass, a familiar voice emerged—shaking with unfiltered excitement.
"Master."
"You—you’re awake!"
A grotesque Ogre face appeared in the fractured mirror, its ugliness barely concealed by the damage. Even broken, it radiated malice.
Kai Xiusu gave a slight nod, his voice calm.
"Come to the Royal Palace. I need to know what’s happened over the past year."
"Yes, Master." Lanpu nodded rapidly, then severed the magical connection.
Seconds later, a spatial distortion rippled before the Red Dragon, and Lanpu stepped through the portal—rushing forward, then dropping to his knees before Kai Xiusu.
"Master."
For some reason, Kai Xiusu sensed this Ogre was no longer as energetic as before. The fat, bulky frame exuded exhaustion. Even the luxurious robes couldn’t hide it. Dark circles shadowed his dull, bloodshot eyes. If Ogres had hair, this Dragonblood Mage would surely be bald.
Had he overworked himself?
Still, this was the very follower Kai Xiusu had personally cultivated—a remarkably useful subordinate.
Lanpu grinned sycophantically.
"Master, you’ve grown stronger again!"
The Ogre cautiously lifted his head, eyes wide with frenzied admiration.
"There’s never been a Dragon like you in history! Your body is as vast as the earth, your wings span the sky, your tail twists like a mountain range!"
"Lanpu," Kai Xiusu interrupted, "I didn’t come here for minstrel’s flattery."
"Of course, Master." The Ogre scratched his head, chuckling nervously. Then, from within his robe’s dimensional pocket, he pulled out a Magic Stone.
"Shwip—"
A cascade of magical images bloomed in midair—rich with text, visuals, and interactive watch grids. If this Ogre were on Earth, he’d surely be rated “expert in Office Software.”
Lanpu slipped on his golden-rimmed glasses. His once-ugly face now wore a serious, focused expression.
"Master, after Stellarfallen’s departure, the Empire faced economic stagnation. Technological progress has nearly halted."
"I expected as much," Kai Xiusu nodded. "After all, Player-class laborers were far too cheap and efficient to be common."
"But the war in the South continues to escalate. Our Military Equipment orders are overwhelming demand. As you foresaw, the Military Industry is booming—monthly net profit now reaches one million Golden Nael."
"Yet the rise of the Military Industrial Group has triggered social issues—increased violence across the realm. So I took it upon myself to implement special measures."
"On agriculture: Matra Great Farmland construction is nearly complete, capable of supplying 70% of the nation’s grain. Storm Ridge’s Original Ox Ranch and Dragon Beast Ranch are breeding superior stock, as you instructed."
"Culturally, the Imperial Propaganda Department has expanded on Stellarfallen’s writings, advancing ideological education."
"Additionally—"
"Page 36."
"Page 87: I’ve compiled the industrial distribution and growth trends."
"Page 121: I’ve analyzed conflict incidents across the various races."
Lanpu’s report spanned over two hundred pages, covering every facet of the Empire’s politics, economy, culture, and military.
After all, this was no longer a small kingdom ruling only the northern regions, nor a monster nest controlling Storm Ridge. This was the Empire of Ashen—a vast, complex, pluralistic empire.
With over eight million people, spanning nearly four million square kilometers, its territory stretched across the Anzeta Great Wasteland, the Cattapa Region, The Underdark, and the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Humans, Serpent Folk, Tieflings, Ogres, Great Goblins, Half-Ogres, Fire Dwarves, Gray Dwarves, Semi-Goatfolk, Goblinoids, Lizardfolk—official statistics listed thirty-four sentient races within the Empire’s borders. And if non-citizens were included, the number would be even higher.
This immense, geographically scattered realm, home to countless diverse peoples, combined with the shock of new technologies, made the Empire’s social structure more complex and dynamic than any previous civilization in history.
As Imperial Prime Minister, Lanpu truly was "working day and night."
But soon, the dry, monotonous report began to bore Kai Xiusu—just waking from his nap.
A regiment of intense fire erupted from his mouth, and thick, scalding gray smoke poured between his teeth.
Ah, yes—being a hands-off ruler was far better. Just toss out a few general ideas, and delegate the rest to your trusted subordinates.
Kai Xiusu stared at the endlessly speaking Lanpu, then asked curiously:
"Lanpu… how do you manage to handle so much at once?"
Lanpu froze. A pained smile flickered across his face—as if recalling a painful memory.
"Your Majesty, I’m only doing my duty."
"I acquired a Scroll of Multiple Illusion from Thrace. It allows me to create multiple illusionary replicas of myself—so I can handle several tasks simultaneously."
"Ah, I see." Kai Xiusu nodded, unconcerned.
But Lanpu didn’t tell him the truth: each illusion copy maintained a direct mental link to the original. This cannibalistic mage had been running multithreaded operations nonstop for years.
And half a year ago, under unbearable pressure, one of his illusion copies had awakened. It attempted to escape, even plotting to assassinate the real Lanpu—nearly triggering disaster in the Imperial Council Hall.
Kai Xiusu praised him.
"In handling state affairs, you’ve always excelled."
The Red Dragon slowly rose, golden vertical pupils locking onto Lanpu.
"But… have demons appeared?"
"The Prophecy of Demon Invasion draws near. The Empire must prepare."
Lanpu’s expression darkened. He flipped the magical report to the final pages.
"Master, your prophecy was correct. Over the past year, demons have launched multiple small-scale attacks, resulting in hundreds of casualties."
"Most recently, three days ago—on your Coronation Day—a Miyu Demon disguised as a human infiltrated Isdalia, attempting to corrupt the populace and incite rebellion. Fortunately, Miss Misha intervened and killed it."
The Red Dragon’s golden pupils narrowed. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. A sharp fang bared at the corner of his mouth.
"Isdalia… Have the demons grown so bold they dare attack my capital?"
Lanpu’s voice dropped.
"Not just that. Half a year ago, while I was giving a speech outside Isdalia City, a Shi Hun Demon shot me with an Abyssal Arrow. Pierced my ear."
He pointed to his right ear—now a grotesque, jagged gap. Only half remained.
He gritted his teeth.
"Master, I’ve kept this wound as a reminder of the humiliation. I’ll make every Deep Abyss Demon pay."
"But Master, only you can decide the Empire’s fate. That’s why I’ve waited for your awakening."
Kai Xiusu turned his gaze southward—beyond mountains upon mountains—toward the Abyssal Portal hidden deep within the Anstica Mountains.
"I’ll crush them."
His voice was calm, steady.
In his past life, demons had come from the south. They ignited fierce rebellion among the Northern people and Players. The Anzeta people paid a bloody price—only through immense struggle did they secure victory.
Yet that revenant demon—its true form never revealed—had vanished without a trace. As the "Ember of the Ashen Flame" Kai Xiusu was on the verge of death, a massive black claw seized him, dragging him into the Prime Material Plane’s oblivion.
Kai Xiusu suspected that in his past life, the Red Dragon’s body had been seized by a Demon Lord.
And this time? The demons’ assault would be even fiercer.
But the Empire had changed. Compared to the Northern Union Kingdom, the Empire of Ashen now held a crushing military advantage.
Then, as if remembering something, Lanpu added:
"Oh, Master. The Lady Olivia you mentioned has already found reinforcements from Melward. When demons descend, the Silver Dragons should send aid—per our treaty. Their envoy should arrive soon."
"Oh? An envoy?" Kai Xiusu had expected Melward’s cooperation—but still, he was curious.
The old Silver Dragon, whose wings he had personally broken… who would they send as envoy?
---
Isdalia, Gangkalo Palace.
A rare, opulent venue for hosting foreign envoys—yet still unmistakably infused with the Empire’s aura.
In the grand hall, Olivia stood in formal parliamentary attire, her silver-gray eyes filled with anxiety.
She lowered her voice, pleading:
"Auntie, your prejudice runs too deep. You’ve traveled far. Surely you’ve seen how much better life has become for Anzeta’s people."
She hesitated, then continued:
"King Kai Xiusu may not be kind-hearted… but he’s no tyrant."
Beside her stood a noblewoman in a flowing white gown—voluptuous, elegant, with cascading silver hair. In her thirties, radiant with wisdom and beauty. She would have drawn countless gentlemen’s invitations at any noble banquet.
This was Jennyhis—adult Silver Dragon of the Melward Clan, known as the “Pearl of Korda.”
But now, her face was etched with fury.
"Olivia, are you mad? That Red Dragon destroyed a kingdom. Massacred tens of thousands of humans. He injured your grandfather! And you still defend him? You’re a Melward!"
Olivia lowered her lashes, pale but resolute.
"No… it’s not like that. I do it for Anzeta."
Jennyhis sighed, her tone softening slightly.
"Alright, little Olivia. I’ll consider what you’ve said."
(End of Chapter)
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