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.

about it later. Where is my father?" Rocky asked.

the

walked into the

within his body, and it was in the process of awakening. His thoughts

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

in thought when he heard

emperor lay on his bed. After everything he had been through, he still had a serenity about him, and his face was much ruddier

Rocky replied, walking to the edge of

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

are my father; It is my duty to protect you. For the Holy Dragon Empire and for—" Rocky stopped on second thought. He knew that it was not really

to save me. I owe you so much already..."

have heard about what happened to Alston," Rocky mentioned carefully, narrowing

he deserved it. You only did what you had to do. Don't let it bother you. It's not your fault,"

be at least a little upset about it, but it seemed

of our lives is over," 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 been yours sooner or later. This is the right time for

been through enough trouble already. Alston was dead, and

dire situation would befall the Holy Dragon Empire soon enough. Moreover, with the continuous appearance of the spiritual

other