As soon as Marcia and Rocky pulled out of the Dragon Master Clan, they received some much-needed good news from Moira. The members of the Mu Clan she had sent out earlier had successfully escorted Bryant and the emperor back to the Imperial City. There were some obstacles on the way, but with the elite forces of the Ximen Clan supporting them on Bryant's orders, the group had already returned to the Imperial City safe and sound.
Rocky and Marcia rushed back and headed straight to the Palace City.
They met Bryant and the others outside the emperor's chamber. Lena was with them.
"Master! Basil!" Sabina and Lucilla exclaimed as soon as they saw the two enter. They had been waiting anxiously for a while, and it was obvious that they had been worried sick. Seeing them alive, the group breathed a sigh of relief.
"Basil, are you okay?" Lena asked with great concern, seeing the wounds on Rocky's body.
"My dear disciple, how are you even standing up straight with those injuries?" Sheridan commented, staring at the bloodstains all over him. "I would have passed out a long time ago."
"I'm fine," Rocky assured with a smile.
"Did you hand over the spiritual treasure?" Bryant inquired, looking between Rocky and Marcia.
"No." Rocky shook his head.
"Then, how did you..." Bryant asked doubtfully, and then looked at Marcia. From the look in her eyes, he understood that something must have happened after they left.
Later, he would be surprised to know that the two of them had witnessed an appalling internal war within the Dragon Master Clan.
"It's a long story. Let's talk about it later. Where is my father?" Rocky asked.
"Resting," Bryant said, looking at the direction of the emperor's chamber.
Rocky nodded and walked in. As he walked into the emperor's chamber, Malcom's warning rang through his mind.
He was now sure that the real Basil's soul was hidden deep within his body, and
il..." The emperor tried to argue, but Rocky interrupted, "Father, you should rest now. We can talk about it later."
The emperor hesitated for a moment before he nodded, and slowly closed his eyes.
Rocky stood by his side till he fell asleep and then walked out of the chamber.
Lena, Sabina and Lucilla surrounded him immediately.
"Basil, I gave orders to clean up the Crimson Palace. Let's go back and get some rest," Lena said.
Rocky nodded and then looked at Marcia.
"You may go there first. I have something to talk with Chief Bryant now," Marcia said to Rocky.
"Well, count me out! I need a drink. Disciple, I will see you later!" Sheridan said as he walked away from them, waving his hand in the air. Alcohol, according to him, was the best medicine for any kind of wound.
Chuckling silently, Rocky headed to the Crimson Palace with the three women.
Shirley stared at Rocky's retreating back and her eyes shook violently as if she had something on her mind.
"Shirley, you head back too," Bryant said and then gestured Marcia to follow him. The two of them left the palace together.
Initially, Rocky intended to have a good rest after returning to the Crimson Palace. However, Sabina wanted to cultivate with him to help him heal his wounds first.