Chapter 82: The Ending Ties This Love to the Next Life

As soon as Long Yin finished speaking, Bai Ze stared in astonishment, frozen in place, gazing at Long Yin’s resolute, expressionless face. Kalanen sighed; Long Yin was, after all, a true Long family member—he could torment someone without ever needing a knife.

Long Yin’s feelings for Bai Ze were clear to them all. Long Qin’s lesson for Bai Ze was meant not only to cause pain, but also to let Bai Ze play the victim, so Long Yin’s anger might dissipate. Yet they hadn’t expected Bai Ze’s will to be so strong, so persistent, nor Long Yin’s decision to be so absolute.

Long Qin, unable to bear it, called softly, “Little Yin…”

“Big sister, do it,” Long Yin said, turning away, refusing to look at Bai Ze again. Long Qin glanced at the pitiful, stunned Bai Ze, then finally reached out her hand. There was not the slightest resistance, and in just a dozen seconds, Long Qin withdrew her hand, sighing deeply. Her younger brother had always been decisive; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it. Bai Ze was miserable now—Long Yin was determined to cut ties completely.

“Little Yin…” Long Qin called gently. Long Yin opened his eyes, clear and calm, no longer tormented. He rubbed his brow. “Big sister?”

“Little Yin, how do you feel?”

“My head’s a bit dizzy. We didn’t reach an agreement. Aren’t we leaving?” Long Yin looked puzzled at his family. “Why is everyone staring at me?”

Kalanen shook his head. “Let’s go.” The others understood and began to leave.

“Impossible… impossible…” Bai Ze shook his head in disbelief. Long Yin’s eyes no longer saw him. Bai Ze leaned against the wall to stand, his legs weak. He stumbled, crashing into the wall, watching Long Yin walk away, feeling as if Long Yin was stepping out of his world. Unwilling, Bai Ze shouted, “Long Yin!”

Long Yin turned, confused, at the sight of Bai Ze’s anguished gaze. His face showed surprise. “Young Emperor… what’s wrong?”

“Big sister, why did he suddenly become like this?”

Long Yin’s puzzled question pierced Bai Ze’s heart like a blade. Bai Ze grew anxious, coughing up blood, his eyes clouded with urgency. “Yin, have you really forgotten everything?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Forgotten? I can hardly claim any friendship with the Young Emperor. Our meeting today didn’t go well—I don’t understand what you mean.” Long Yin shook his head. “Your expression… is truly strange.” It was as if they’d shared some unforgettable affection, as if he were a heartless lover abandoning him.

Long Yin shivered at the thought, gripping Long Qin’s hand. “Big sister, let’s go.” His tone made it clear he wanted to avoid Bai Ze.

“Yin…” Bai Ze called, unwilling to let go, but Long Yin only quickened his pace.

Bai Ze stared blankly at the empty doorway, then suddenly laughed bitterly. “You’re cruel, so cruel… I give up…”

The Blood Clan chief had the elders leave rather than watch Bai Ze like this. He came to Bai Ze’s side and sighed. “Do you blame your grandfather?”

Bai Ze leaned against the wall, looking up at the crystal chandelier, his eyes clouded, his thoughts elsewhere.

“Little Ze…” The Blood Clan chief reached out with calloused hands, hesitant to touch Bai Ze, who now seemed as fragile as crystal—one touch and he might shatter.

A sudden, indignant will flashed in Bai Ze’s eyes. He gritted his teeth. “I won’t let him abandon me. He’s mine.”

The Blood Clan chief was stunned, then delighted. This was the Bai Ze he knew—his precious grandson could never be crushed so easily.

“Grandfather!” Bai Ze looked at him.

The Blood Clan chief nodded. “What is it?”

“You were wrong,” Bai Ze said.

“What?” The chief was confused. “What was I wrong about?”

“The Long family has far more chips than you imagine, and their power is greater than you think. Yin is not so simple. Your sudden move caught me off guard—I don’t know why you changed your mind and set your own grandson up like this. You did it well; twenty years of effort, all wasted. Now, in Yin’s heart, I hold no place—just a stranger, shallow acquaintance…” Bai Ze smiled bitterly. “Grandfather, you’re remarkable.”

“Little Ze, how could I know he would be so ruthless? If I had known, I would have warned you…”

Bai Ze shook his head. “It’s useless now. Whatever you say, it’s too late.” He looked at his grandfather, his expression resolute. “Grandfather, I ask you—do you dare hand the Blood Clan over to me?”

The chief hesitated, then smiled. “It was always meant for you.”

Bai Ze nodded. “From today, I make all the decisions for the Blood Clan. Is that acceptable?”

The chief paused for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Yes.”

“Grandfather… thank you.”

The Blood Clan chief saw the renewed fire in Bai Ze’s eyes and felt that nothing else mattered. Children have their own fortunes; how much longer could he hold on? If the next generation couldn’t carry the weight, he was only delaying the clan’s decline.

The Long family departed from the Blood Clan’s gates, scattering as quickly as they had arrived, coming in hope, departing in disappointment.

“Big sister, second sister, I’m fine. Stop treating me like a child—uncle is waiting for you!” Long Yin slipped free from Long Qin and Long Qi’s embrace. Only then did the sisters reluctantly let him go.

Long Yin turned, a hint of confusion on his face, recalling the scene before leaving the Blood Clan. He gazed at the white clouds in the sky. Water too pure holds no fish. When all is over, if he survives, he’ll return to the Long family’s base, never to step out of Lizhou again.

A month later.

On the rear mountain of the Federation Card Academy.

Looking at the mound before him, Long Yin said calmly, “Little Hammer, you should leave now.”

Little Hammer shook his head, his voice gruff. “Yin, to break the Dragon Emperor’s seal, you’ll face obstacles. Someone needs to stand guard—I won’t leave!”

“Right now, the area is surrounded by our people; anyone you can stop, they can stop; anyone you can’t, they can’t either. Go back—I don’t want unnecessary sacrifices, especially not you!”

Little Hammer shook his head stubbornly. “I won’t go! If I die, so be it. And His Highness hasn’t left either!”

Speaking of Yuan Shaolin, Long Yin sighed deeply, glancing at Yuan Shaolin hidden in the shadows, and smiled bitterly. “Alright, if we fail, we die together.”

“Jian Ming, Jian Zhen, have you thought this through?” Long Yin asked, looking at the siblings standing aside.

Jian Zhen nodded, then took her brother’s hand. Jian Ming smiled. “Boss, Jian Zhen says we owe you too much. You saved us back then; without you, we’d be dead already. Helping you is our duty!”

Long Yin fell silent.

“Hey, isn’t this just breaking a seal? We’ve prepared so long, and now we’re dithering—are we starting or not?” At that moment, a man with arrogant red hair stepped forward impatiently. Anyone who looked closely would recognize him as Helan Shan, the young master of the He family who had clashed with Long Yin years ago. Back then, he had left in humiliation, but returned, as he had promised, full of pride and stubbornness.

He had taken revenge on the He family, wiping away the shame of being expelled.

This proud, stubborn, and arrogant young master returned with someone else—an old acquaintance of Long Yin: An Qingming. Long Yin never expected the world to be so strange; An Qingming and Helan Shan had ended up together, nor that Helan Shan had brought him to this side. Their story was long, and together, they seemed to have endured much.

An Qingming approached with a gentle smile, pulling Helan Shan close. “Little Helan, calm down. You’re too impatient.”

Helan Shan frowned. “He’s the one dithering. We’re already at this point, and with you here, our chances are better. What’s there to worry about?”

An Qingming shook his head with amusement. “It’s not that simple. Everyone here faces danger. He’s just making sure.”

At this, An Qingming’s expression turned serious. “Don’t be reckless. If you can’t win, retreat immediately.”

“I know, I know—you’ve said it so many times. When did you become so chatty?” Helan Shan grumbled.

An Qingming sighed helplessly. Helan Shan was fine in every way except for his impatience. Seeing An Qingming’s helplessness, Helan Shan softened. “You be careful too!”

An Qingming smiled. Long Yin happened to look over, a flash of humor in his eyes. “An Qingming, thank you.”

An Qingming shook his head. “I promised you three favors. Now I can pay them all at once—what luck. Besides, Little Helan is here; I can’t relax.”

“Whatever the reason, thank you.”

“Coo coo…” A strange bird cry sounded. Long Yin’s expression changed; he drew a deep breath. “They’re ready over there.”

Hearing this, the group’s demeanor shifted to seriousness. “We’re ready too,” they said, one after another.

Long Yin looked around, then nodded. “Begin.”

He, Jian Zhen, and Jian Ming simultaneously sliced their wrists; drops of blood fell onto the mound. Instantly, an arcane pattern spread beneath their feet, and an ominous aura filled the air, making it hard to breathe.

Just then, from the direction of Lizhou, a golden beam of light shot across the states, piercing the rear mountain of the Federation Card Academy. As it entered the mound, a vast dragon’s might rippled outward, and a majestic dragon’s roar echoed through every corner of the Federation.

“Roar…” The dragon’s cry was like an abyss, like a prison.

Deep in Lizhou, the three Emperors, who had been cultivating in slumber, were startled awake by the roar.

“Damn Long family, they’re trying to break the Dragon Emperor’s seal—courting death!” A colorful phoenix flew from Lizhou’s great forest toward the Federation.

“Despicable! The Long family was uncharacteristically quiet—so it was all for this moment, to break the seal? Never!” A white tiger leaped from the forest, glanced at the phoenix already ahead, and quickened its pace.

A black ape was already leading the way, glancing back at the phoenix and tiger, relief in its eyes. “Good thing those two old fools aren’t oversleeping, or it’d be a disaster.”

Phoenix and tiger caught up with the ape, transforming into human form. All three were tall, robust, and rugged, their auras oppressive.

“Old Ape, the Dragon Emperor’s about to break free—why didn’t we get any news?” asked the burly white-haired man, the White Tiger Emperor.

“Exactly, Old Ape! We entrusted you with power—this is how you handle it?” The Phoenix Emperor, now a burly man, also demanded angrily.

Old Ape, one of the Four Emperors, scratched his head. “Don’t blame me—I didn’t know humans were so treacherous. The Mechanic Guild switched sides last minute, the Blood Clan helped cover things up. I received no word at all.”

“Hmph! I always said humans couldn’t be trusted. You said their hearts could be used—use what? Now look!” The White Tiger Emperor, furious, smashed apart a mountain in his path.

“Old Ape, I told you before: don’t trust humans completely. Didn’t I leave you some cunning aides? Were they bought off too?” The Phoenix Emperor scowled, though not as violently as the tiger.

“The Long family’s younger generation has a Card Beast God among them. All your so-called cunning aides were secretly won over!” Old Ape snorted, never expecting a Card Beast God, and that it would be human, to come from the Long family.

“What? The Card Beast God’s avatar? Old Ape, have you seen it?” White Tiger and Phoenix both leaped up. The Card Beast God could command any card beast below the Beast Emperor, outranking even them.

“Seen it? If I’d seen it, he wouldn’t have had a chance to break the Dragon Emperor’s seal—I’d have crushed him long ago. I got this information from torturing my subordinates!” Old Ape growled.

White Tiger and Phoenix’s faces darkened; the three exchanged glances, feeling a dire premonition.

“Let’s move—faster!” Old Ape’s speed surged.

White Tiger and Phoenix followed, pushing themselves to the limit.

Meanwhile, as the Three Emperors rushed over, Long Yin received word, his face tense. “Speed up—the Three Emperors are coming!”

“The only consolation is that the anti-card forces are being held off by the Blood Clan,” Little Hammer said, rubbing his head with relief.

An Qingming, sweating, manipulated his card machinery. Hearing Little Hammer, he caught his breath. “The Blood Clan won’t hold them off for long. I heard Bai Ze is fighting to block a few surviving god-level elders, but he’s in bad shape.”

Long Yin, hastening to break the seal, bit his lip and sped up.

Seeing the blood pour from Long Yin’s wrist, Yuan Shaolin clenched his fists and stepped forward. “Don’t risk your life. I’ll help Bai Ze hold them off!”

Long Yin shook his head. “It’s not for him—the Three Emperors are almost here!”

At that moment, a sharp palm strike flew toward Long Yin’s chest. He couldn’t dodge; at this critical stage of breaking the seal, he couldn’t leave, or all would be lost.

Yuan Shaolin stepped forward, drawing his blade, but the force sent him flying, spitting blood. He was out of the fight.

“Your Highness!” Long Yin cried out.

“The Three Emperors!” Long Yin’s heart sank as he faced the burly man before him.

“Ha! Long family brat, you’re dead. Who can save you now?” Black Ape Emperor arrived, relieved the seal wasn’t fully broken. White Tiger and Phoenix went after the others, while Black Ape targeted Long Yin. Even if Long Yin could dodge, he wouldn’t; if the Dragon Emperor didn’t emerge, everyone here would die. They had come to help for his sake—he couldn’t let them all perish for his own fear.

Long Yin unleashed his vast mental power, but brute force crushed it instantly.

“Pfft…” He coughed blood, bitterly. “Ancestor, if you don’t come out now, we’re all going to die with you!”

“Young one, prepare to die!” Black Ape roared, his power forming a fist, a chilling wave of death rushing toward Long Yin. Long Yin bit his lip and closed his eyes. If death was coming, let him be the first.

“Pfft…” Blood splattered his face. Long Yin opened his eyes in terror to see Yuan Shaolin, blood at his lips, smiling at him. Long Yin gaped, unable to speak, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Damn human, die!” Black Ape Emperor, enraged that his killing blow was blocked, unleashed an even deadlier attack at Yuan Shaolin.

“Your Highness!” Long Yin finally shouted, his voice filled with agony and sorrow.

Yuan Shaolin clung to Long Yin, shielding him. Tears streamed down Long Yin’s face as he sobbed, “Your Highness, move away—move! You’ll die, you fool, move away…”

Yuan Shaolin smiled faintly, shaking his head, the light in his eyes dimming. Looking at Long Yin, who was crying uncontrollably, Yuan Shaolin murmured, “Don’t cry… I don’t like seeing you cry…”

Pfft—a mouthful of blood mixed with tears. Long Yin forgot the seal, only able to hold Yuan Shaolin.

“Your Highness… you can’t die, you said you’d protect me—how could you die? You can’t, you can’t…” Long Yin tried to staunch the blood, but Yuan Shaolin’s wounds were everywhere.

Yuan Shaolin shook his head, the spark in his eyes fading, blood at his lips, speaking haltingly. “If… if there’s a… next life, you… you’ll only be… Dongfang Ning, is that alright?”

Long Yin nodded, crying.

Yuan Shaolin leaned on Long Yin’s shoulder, sighing softly. “So tired…”

“Your Highness?” Long Yin dared not move, his heart hollowed out, oblivious even to the black ape’s oncoming fist.

“Roar!” A thunderous dragon’s cry split the sky, freezing time. A golden dragon burst from the earth.

The black ape’s grin froze, the white tiger’s hand paused as it tore into Jian Ming, the phoenix’s claw halted as it struck at Helan Shan.

In the Federation Card Academy, the two factions locked in battle stopped. Bai Ze planted his weapon in the ground, looking toward the mountain, smiling at the golden figure, his body battered, falling backward, a sigh escaping his lips, “It’s finally over…”

Bang! His body hit the earth. The Blood Clan chief rushed over, his arm broken. “Little Ze…”

[Postscript]

Six months have passed since that bloody battle—the Dragon Emperor broke the seal half a year ago.

The Three Emperors were torn to pieces by the enraged Dragon Emperor. With the main battlefield decided, the outcome of smaller skirmishes no longer mattered. With the Dragon Emperor leading, victory was assured everywhere. Afterwards came the purge of the anti-card forces. Thanks to An Qingming’s last-minute defection, the Mechanic Guild survived, and under Bai Ze’s leadership, the Blood Clan, though badly wounded and with their chief losing an arm, gained much in return. Several major clans in the Federation were reduced to ashes overnight, while some second-rate families rose to prominence by backing the right side.

The Sasa family led by Sasaki, and the Card House guided by the Jian siblings, continued their rivalry—because being invincible left them bored. Others competed for manpower, resources, and wealth; these two simply battled for surplus energy. In the Federation, everyone knew these two powers were untouchable—even the Blood Clan gave them wide berth.

Daoqi and Gongliang Yi, two card makers who rose from obscurity with Long Yin, each made their own choices. Daoqi, grandson of the Texas Card Maker Guild’s president, chose to lead the Federation’s Card Maker Guild. Having come from the Card House, he aimed to spread the new card system throughout the Federation. Gongliang Yi stayed in Texas, paradise for card makers, nominally president of the Texas Guild but neglecting his duties, caring only for crafting new cards. The Federation and Texas Guilds became havens for card makers worldwide. Aside from the Card House, the other two guilds were destinations for guilds from other states seeking guidance.

An Qingming, once expected to revive the Mechanic Guild, chose instead to travel every corner of the Federation with Helan Shan.

The only regret of the war was Yuan Shaolin’s death, which profoundly changed Long Yin. For six months, Long Yin did not leave Yuan Shaolin’s old home, spending every day under its ancient tree, lost in thought.

“This can’t go on,” Daoqi said, having returned to Texas, unable to bear it. “Little Hammer, move aside. I have to talk to him. His Highness died, and we’re all grieving, but that’s no excuse for him to ignore everyone, especially Bai Ze of the Blood Clan, who hasn’t awakened since collapsing on the battlefield. He’s as good as dead, and Long Yin hasn’t visited him once—how hard is his heart?”

Little Hammer rubbed his head and turned away. “I’m so hungry—I’m off to eat. I saw nothing.”

“Thanks, Little Hammer—that’s how you’ll win your Bear Princess someday. May you win her soon!”

“Get lost!” Gongliang Yi, adjusting his thick glasses, kicked Daoqi into the yard.

Daoqi stood, rubbing his backside, grumbling, “He’s nothing like the gentleman he used to be—so polite, so well-behaved!”

Turning, Daoqi saw Long Yin standing in a daze beneath the old tree. Furious, he marched over and punched Long Yin’s shoulder. “Wake up! His Highness has been dead for six months; you’ve cried all the tears you can. Are you going to mourn him for the rest of your life?”

Long Yin staggered back, his eyes slowly regaining focus as he looked at Daoqi. “Daoqi? Why are you here?”

“I’m here to watch you self-destruct!” Daoqi said, shaking his curly hair angrily. “How long until you’re normal again?”

Long Yin shook his head. “The Federation is improving—card beasts and humans are finding balance. Things are moving in the right direction. What’s there to worry about? I’m fine as I am.”

“You? You’re fine?” Daoqi glared. “But we’re not! You ignore the Card House apprentices, ignore the Sasa family—none of that matters, we can handle it. But what about Bai Ze of the Blood Clan? He still hasn’t woken up. Does he mean nothing to you? His Highness died, and Bai Ze is as good as dead!”

“The Blood Clan chief has aged years from worry over Bai Ze. He’s begged you on his knees. How can you be so heartless? Would visiting Bai Ze kill you? Are you really waiting until he dies to see him?”

Long Yin was stunned, then shook his head. “He won’t die.”

“Yes! I won’t die!” Bai Ze’s figure slowly entered from the front yard, looking at Long Yin beneath the old tree. Bai Ze smiled bitterly. “Though I don’t come, will you not go?”

Long Yin gazed at Bai Ze’s unkempt beard, feeling as if a lifetime had passed. He stepped forward, touching Bai Ze’s cheek, feeling the roughness. Long Yin sighed softly. “I have been… but you always kept your eyes closed. You’re awake now… that’s good.”

Long Yin’s words revived Bai Ze’s heart. He hugged Long Yin fiercely. “I thought you’d truly become so cold—that Yuan Shaolin’s death killed your heart as well.”

Long Yin leaned against Bai Ze’s chest, shaking his head. “I just couldn’t face the possibility that you wouldn’t wake. As for His Highness…” As promised, in his next life he’d only be Dongfang Ning…

“No more,” Bai Ze said, shaking his head. “Don’t tell me what’s in your heart—I don’t want to hear it. In this life, having you… is enough!” Bai Ze bent and bit Long Yin’s neck, his sharp canine teeth piercing Long Yin’s delicate skin. Long Yin closed his eyes, tears streaming down.

Your Highness… will there be a next life…

The old tree swayed, showering them in petals.

Author’s note: Well, it’s the end. I did consider writing extras, but I don’t know who to write about. Who do you want to see? Leave a comment! As for ending remarks… I have so much to say and nothing comes out, so I won’t say more. Next up, I’ll focus on updating “Rebirth of the Rogue Godfather,” a younger man raising (and conquering) a naughty cult leader.

Oh, and really: if you want extras about anyone, leave a comment and I’ll write them!