No one had ever seen his true face; it was always concealed under the shadow of a dark helmet. Wherever the Dark Dragon King and his fearsome mount appeared, tremors of fear followed, and he remained silent until the flash of his sword inevitably claimed a victim. "The Dark Dragon King is a symbol of death," people gradually came to believe. However, some claimed they had seen the Dark Dragon King bow to his fallen enemies, offering murmured prayers for their souls. But who could believe that the executioner's blade could weep or wail in sorrow? The enigmatic Dark Dragon King brought nothing but death.
His abilities were a mystery; it was only known that in his whirlwind attacks, he never failed. He had wielded both longsword and spear, and legend spoke of him using a massive two-handed sword, longer than a man's height, to slice a famed Four-Winged Angel, renowned for its speed and agility, cleanly in two during a single airborne strike.
— Chronicles of the King of Kings: The Biography of the Dark Dragon King
Chi Hanfeng rose slowly, walking two leisurely circles on the ground. With all eyes on him, he feigned surprise, "Don't look at me; I'm just thirsty and need some water." He picked up the imperial red jade teacup of Emperor Redstone, filled it to the brim, blew lightly on the tea leaves, took a sip, and then glanced at the king with a questioning look.
Emperor Redstone smiled faintly, shaking his head with resignation, "After so many years, you still have this habit. I can already foresee the outcome."
The Earl inhaled the fragrant aroma of the tea leaves and drank slowly, "Good tea. Indeed, as an emperor, there are advantages beyond the reach of ordinary people. Some corrupt officials always manage to send the best bribes."
"Is that so?" Emperor Redstone chuckled, "I recall that Duke Chi specially gifted this to me, claiming it was harvested from the tea pavilion in the rear garden of his estate. It truly is excellent tea."
The atmosphere in the room lightened immediately.
Chi Hanfeng showed no reaction, calmly diverting everyone's attention with a startling remark, "Let's just let this matter rest. If the investigation's aim is to uncover who did this, we probably know by now. But what then? Old grievances are hard to judge fairly. Even if everything were laid bare, it wouldn't benefit the country or our families. Besides, the Chi family has also profited directly from this conspiracy; we can't demand anything more."
Most present had learned the hard way of the Earl's sharpness and eccentricity. For such a formidable and unpredictable figure, known as the great whetstone of the empire's border defenses, to so easily and sincerely let go of pursuing others' mistakes, was unthinkable. Even Emperor Redstone, hearing these impeccably logical arguments, was taken aback. Seeking to maintain peace, he quickly praised, "Earl Chi's consideration for the public and the nation is commendable, indeed commendable."
"However," the Earl poured himself a second cup of tea, "the Chi family has long been committed to serving the public and nation. This time, having suffered such a significant mental toll, shouldn't the king consider some compensation, like...?"
"Like what?" Emperor Redstone realized his slip and tensed up.
The Earl deftly made a gesture he had just learned from his apprentice, quickly rubbing the thumb against the forefinger and middle finger, "Well, it's nothing much. Perhaps a little promotion, a title upgrade, or some fortune?"
"Oh, I thought it was something major." Redstone exhaled deeply, "A title upgrade is tough; above a duke is only a prince, and that's reserved for direct royal family members. Unless Earl Chi renounces the Chi family and joins the royal family, which we would welcome. Oh, it seems the Earl isn't considering that. As for fortune, you've already used this teapot and teacup; knowing you, you'd ask for them anyway, so I'm officially giving them to you now. They're imported and quite valuable. As for a promotion, I pondered this over lunch. Although Chi Aotian returned with a magical beast, it doesn't get along with others, so he won't need to serve as a personal guard for five years; otherwise, no one else would need to. However, I hope that Chi Aotian, Amy, Daqingshan, and Hoens can serve as guards for three days every two months. I ask Amy, Daqingshan, and Hoens to consider this. Additionally, I recall the Earl served as a guard for less than two years before departing, which I have always regretted. Let's make up for it this time."
With that, Redstone picked up a prepared official appointment from the table and handed it to Chi Aotian, "This is the formal appointment of Earl Chi Hanfeng as the Royal Palace Guard Commander and General of the Scambly Metropolitan Area. The Earl need not undertake daytime guard duties, focusing instead on metropolitan affairs and night watch. Well, I'm tired; I'll head back to rest." With a straight face, trying hard to suppress a smile, Redstone quickly left the room.
The Earl, too, wanted to make a move but, considering he couldn't grab His Majesty's collar in front of others to negotiate, frowned at the promotion letter, knowing he needed to find a way to rid himself of this hot potato.
Upon leaving the palace, Amy couldn't hold back any longer and quietly consulted with Raegor and Chi Hanfeng, "Master, Uncle Chi, the king wants us to be his guards. Does this mean we're to be his personal bodyguards? In the empire, hiring an A-level mercenary group leader as a bodyguard costs how much per day? If it's for such a high-risk person like the king, what's the rate? Is there a fair price?"
Chi Hanfeng, not in the best mood, wore a frosty expression, while Raegor, with a serious demeanor, replied, "Based on past experience, no payment is made. There's a celebrity effect here; just think, if the king needs you as a bodyguard, your credibility skyrockets. When others hire you, with such rare demand, you can naturally negotiate a good price."
Amy shook his head, "Master, I'm serious, not joking. People have value; so do we. Besides, we don't lack fame now. Our small mercenary group has two trump cards: the only holy dragon in service to mortals and the greatest holy dragon rider in history, Daqingshan. We don't lack attention. Without a celebrity effect, it's easy; let Green run to the Earth Dragon in the Imperial Team, and I can create a story about 'The Love Story of the Holy Dragon and Earth Dragon.' Such a headline would spread across Scambly instantly. Moreover, with Aotian and his obedient dragon on my side, think, master, would this title not attract attention? 'A Brief Talk on the Different Life Views of the Holy Dragon and Skeleton Dragon' and similar topics abound. What we lack is money, not fame. It seems Isu III did better in this regard. If ministers are always in deficit, it's not hard to understand why Uncle Chi Hanfeng would go to great lengths to avoid such official tasks, seizing every chance to take some teacups and teapots as salary substitutes."
For the first time in his life, Chi Hanfeng agreed with someone else's view so strongly, patting Amy's shoulder vigorously to show his approval, "At crucial times, it's my son who understands me."
"Sigh—" Amy sighed deeply, "I'm really worried. Since the small mercenary group's inception, we've upheld a golden rule: business is business, no profit, no business; no rules, no standards. I fear more of these situations will arise in the future."
Chi Hanfeng, clearly more composed now, began to console and advise Amy, "Oh, don't worry. We'll think of a way. We can surely make it so that even the king has to yield to us."
"Haha—" Amy, evidently inspired by the Earl's words, exclaimed, "Thank you, Uncle Chi. I've got it. Since we'll be guarding the king, we'll constantly be by his side. The king frequently changes clothes, gets haircuts, etc. We can collect these items and start an auction house for Emperor Redstone's royal possessions. It's bound to make a lot of money."
"Hmm, that's a good idea." Chi Hanfeng, clearly intrigued, nodded.
"And Uncle Chi, since you're the palace manager now, you must control the supply to ensure prices don't fall," Amy, caught up in the no-cost, high-profit allure, was already gesturing wildly.
Except for Chi Hanfeng, everyone else was dumbfounded. Nolinsi, having never witnessed such a scene and bold money-making schemes that dared to involve the king, stood wide-eyed.
"Fool," Chi Hanfeng chuckled, "haven't you thought about turning collectibles into consumables?"
All four boys, including Amy, widened their eyes, struggling to comprehend.
"For instance, if we take the king's blankets, how can we sell them at a high price? We must add a label: 'The indispensable item for His Majesty to handle his harem of three thousand beauties. Efficacy: one week.' If we get Redstone's hair, it shouldn't just be hair; it should be: 'Hair metabolized after the king exerted himself last night, providing endless energy. Efficacy: one night. Dosage: one strand. Usage: boil in porridge.' This way, each can fetch at least 100 gold coins." Chi Hanfeng, influenced by Amy, was clearly getting into the spirit.
Though they didn't fully grasp Chi Hanfeng's true essence, it didn't hinder the A-level mercenary group's leader, Lord Amy, from understanding the value of money and maintaining his grasp on propriety: "Uncle Chi, could you be a shareholder of the small mercenary group during your tenure, directly overseeing the sale of royal items? Also, let's have Aotian join our organization, keeping the blood fresh. By the way, your suggestions mainly target the wealthy. Could we develop some services for the general public? They might not have much money individually, but with their numbers, the profit is considerable. There's a saying: 'Small profits make big sales.' We should expand our influence."
"Hmm—" Chi Hanfeng and Amy huddled closely, cheek to cheek, whispering their money-making schemes.
"What about launching a 'Date with the King' service?"
"10 gold coins for a day tour of the palace."
"A chance to dine with the king."
"Simulated king assassination games."
"Exploring the many faces of the harem's beauties."
After parting ways, Nolinsi, dazed by the various exciting plans he overheard, was unsure whether to report to His Majesty or approach Chi Hanfeng or Amy about joining. It was uncertain if the now-targeted Emperor Redstone was sneezing endlessly, but it was certain that Earl Chi Hanfeng had long diverged from Emperor Redstone's original plan.
The next day, Earl Chi and his party, citing the empire's need for a king every day, hurriedly urged Emperor Redstone to return to the palace immediately. Hearing this, Redstone thought Earl Chi was deeply devoted to the nation, deciding to raise the Earl's salary. Naturally, the now highly profitable Earl Chi wouldn't care about such salaries anymore.
Upon returning to the capital, the Earl didn't immediately enter the palace to start his plans. He was well aware that he lacked good interpersonal relationships, so he planned to take advantage of his arrival, lighting three proverbial fires as a new official. He intended to dine several times with the seven major commanders and 25 sub-commanders, solidifying necessary connections, corrupting where possible, and decisively replacing those who couldn't be swayed, ensuring unity and coherence within the ranks.
Thus, the Earl, the National Teacher, Amy, Daqingshan, Chi Aotian, and Hoens, accompanied by Little Black, returned home.
Upon passing through the inner gate, they were surprised to find Green emerging. This was a rare occurrence. As a growing young dragon, Green adhered to a principle of eating more and moving less, preferring to sleep immediately after eating beef jerky. Of course, this was understandable; in any dragon legend, if a dragon wasn't sleeping in its lair awaiting adventurers, it was attacking humans for treasure. Compared to the latter, everyone preferred Green's sleepy demeanor.
However, this time seemed different.
Green exuded a battle-ready aura, his wings tightly folded at his sides, his forepaws gathered in front, and his head held high. It was the first time since the Evil Dragon Yin Feng that Green had appeared in such a combat stance. Those familiar with Green, like Amy and Daqingshan, knew that any slight change would trigger him to unleash a level-four or higher spell and take to the skies.
Naturally, everyone noticed that Little Black had been acting unusual since entering, initially thinking it was due to the curious stares and gestures from passersby. Now, however, Little Black looked truly intimidating.
His neck lowered slightly, with the head at the end slightly raised, revealing massive teeth outside his mouth. A low, threatening growl emanated from his throat, and his wings spread wide as if preparing for flight.
In the midst of the tense atmosphere, a military officer from the gate rushed in, "Master Amy, Master Daqingshan, a middle-aged man named Pyrot has come to see you."