The Medallion

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.

long story. Let's talk about it later. Where

the direction of the emperor's

As he walked into the emperor's chamber, Malcom's warning rang through his

the real Basil's soul was hidden deep within his body, and it was in the process of awakening. His thoughts and impulse to

why he could no longer unseal the evil power of the Holy Dragon Bead, or

he heard a shaky old voice. "Is

the center of the resplendent, magnificent chamber. The emperor lay on his bed. After everything he had been through, he still had a serenity about him, and his face was much ruddier now, considering how much he had suffered in the

Father," Rocky replied, walking to the

so rashly? You shouldn't have taken the risk of breaking into the Dragon Master Clan just to save me. If something had happened to you again, how could I ever face your mother?" The emperor scanned Rocky's wounded face with a complicated, yet gratified look in

father; It is my duty to protect you. For the Holy Dragon Empire and for—" Rocky stopped on second thought. He knew that

to save me. I owe you so

happened to Alston," Rocky mentioned carefully, narrowing his

did what you had to do. Don't let it bother you. It's not your fault," the emperor said, waving his

he was your son." Rocky had thought that the emperor would be at least a little upset about it, but it seemed

the emperor said with finality. After a pause, he continued, "Basil, I have been through much peril. Although I survived the ordeal, I am much weaker now. I wish to abdicate the throne and announce the new ruler. I want you to take over. The throne would have

should continue to rule the Holy Dragon Empire, Father. I'm not suited to be the emperor." He had been through enough trouble already. Alston was

Rocky knew that things would not be peaceful for long. The Dragon Master Clan, led by Rex, would never give up. A more dire situation would befall the Holy Dragon Empire soon enough. Moreover, with the continuous appearance of the spiritual treasures, the Wild Spirit Land would fall into more disputes and war. And without

he was done with getting enough sleep, Rocky had other plans which were much more important than being the