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Dragon Continent Calendar, Year 7630. Spring.
Long Kingdom, Cerulean Capital.
The streets were bustling with people of all kinds of backgrounds, the stores were overflowing with prosperous people, and the atmosphere resulted in blooming smiles everywhere. In the center of it all, a fairly low-key palace somberly resided. Inside the imperial palace, a dragon-robed monarch sat cross-legged leisurely. Atop the handsome monarch's head, there stood an erect golden crown. Across the throne hall, a young man with cold features was respectfully kneeling.
”Bohai, what is it?” Long Fengge asked the cold man. Five years ago, their father had died of natural causes. Shortly before his end, the white-haired ruler had declared him as the new emperor. His downturned golden eyes slightly fluttered: he had always doted on this little brother.
Facing this new role, Long Fengge could only reluctantly accept. From start to finish, he had been an obedient son. Perhaps, this was his compensation to the sincere, loving family. He had taken the place of their true son; thus, he would repay them with an excellent one. Since birth, he had wholeheartedly trained this naïve, kind little brother into a man fit to rule.
”Royal Brother.” Long Bohai icily replied. He emotionlessly stared at this amazing elder brother of his. From start to finish, he lived underneath his vast shadow. He was severely outclassed in every possible aspect.
Finally, the time was ripe. Long Fengge has always been exceptional at judging people. He could instantly tell that this little brother of his did not come bearing good intentions.
”Mn.” Long Fengge gently smiled. At last, this form of torture would come to an end. Twenty-five years had slowly passed since that fateful day. In this world, it was commonplace to revere the powerful. Regardless, he never felt any sort of gratification. Every day, he would awake in a pool of sweat. The never-ending nightmare of leaving behind his loved ones.
”Fengge!” Suddenly, Long Bohai enragedly roared. With bulging veins, blood-red eyes, the cold man's pretty face became distorted with fury. Immediately, retrieving his steel longsword, he ruthlessly stabbed toward his elder brother's heart. He had expected him to dodge with ease, however…
”Shluk!”
The tall, insurmountable wall he could never beat stood still placidly. Long Fengge had the same amicable smile, but to the cold man, everything was wrong. His peerless elder brother's handsome face was drenched in sweat; furthermore, his entire body was trembling.
”Why…” Long Bohai felt his killing intent quickly fading. He looked down at his right hand: the longsword had pierced directly through his elder brother's heart. He had struck without warning expecting him to complacently dodge like he always has.
Long Bohai finally realized the implications of his action. Previously, he was blinded with jealously. After seeing his elder brother's usual smile, he understood the full enormity of his crime. This colossal tree of the Long Kingdom must not fall!
The current Dragon Continent's peace was dependent upon a single master. A mastermind scholar capable of devising brilliant strategies that would send even the most experienced generals spiraling into a vortex of fear. Furthermore, this man was the Long Kingdom's legendary emperor. The ruler responsible for carrying the entire nation into an era of prosperity: Long Fengge!
”Bohai, don't cry. From now on, Big Brother cannot protect you anymore. From now on… You are the supreme ruler of the Long Kingdom! Don't let Mother and Father down…” Long Fengge's thin lips crept into a doting smile. He was not angry; instead, he felt liberated.
Long Bohai did not know he was crying. Rubbing his eyes, he discovered a pool of moisture. A myriad of childhood memories flashed through his dark eyes… the smiling elder brother who always doted on him without fail. Stunned, he dully watched the longsword in his rough, large hands. ”Big… Brother? Did I...”
”No.” Long Fengge shook his head. This was the fate he had always intended for himself. Though Bohai did not realize, he had fully completed his role. Everything he could accomplish, the little brother could also. He did not blame him.
”Don't leave Bohai... Big Brother, I can't do this alone.” The cold little brother had reverted to his blessed childhood. Facing his doting elder brother, the cold man would reveal expressions only the two of them knew. In the entire Long Family, the sibling duo was all that was left.
”You can. I know it.” Chuckling, Long Fengge softly coaxed. At the same time, he calmly signaled the hidden shadows. Within the hall, thousands of figures entered the light. Simultaneously, they all respectfully kowtowed. The sound of fierce banging heads pervaded the vast palace.
”Master, thank you for everything!” Unfortunately, the Secret Legion could not stop their master. No matter what, Long Fengge would not relent! The bright future he desired... did not lie with them.
The thousands of loyal subordinates, with a crying heart, could only continue to watch with clenched teeth. Long Fengge was not only their master, but their lifelong friend and savior. Every single one of them sobbed uncontrollably; additionally, a beautiful scarlet-robed woman loudly cried: ”Brother Feng, I love you!”
”Xiao Ruo, I am not worthy.” Long Fengge lightly chuckled. Throughout his twenty-five-year-old life, he had heard this phrase numerous times. But, toward this little girl, it was completely different. He truly adored the beauty's temperament.