Chapter 203
Chapter 203
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 203
Chapter Title: Audience with the Dragon-Phoenix King
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After spending some happy times, Yoo Seongwon decided to head back to China, where the Dragon-Phoenix King constellation resided, to resume his original mission.
Of course, before that, it was crucial to send a message to the Olympus Guild. The message informed them that the subordinates of the Slaughter King constellation, who had completely scattered after the previous bombardment, were heading toward neighboring countries. It also stated his intent to join forces with the Dragon-Phoenix King to push back the Chinese Communist Party and apply pressure, vowing to track down those subordinates no matter what.
“What if they reply, ‘Why not just cooperate with the Chinese Communist Party instead?’”
“Then tell them to brush up on Korean history. Why should we trust the culprits who’ve kept us divided as a nation for over a century? No, there’s no reason to trust those who’ve acted with such arrogance just because of their numbers.”
“Well, that settles it.”
“And if the Olympus Guild throws out bait like, ‘Aren’t you just siding with the Dragon-Phoenix King?’ say something like, ‘We’re cooperating with constellations who care for humanity—what’s wrong with that?’ It’s all the same in the end. Their goal is to become Earth’s master, all while pretending it’s for faith and support.”
Even during their rest, they occasionally held meetings like this, and through them, Yoo Seongwon realized the weakness of constellations like the Olympus Guild. In a situation where no single entity had fully taken the lead in guiding Earth’s humanity and governments, they ultimately had to pay attention to human opinions.
“Humanity, raised on reason and logic, shouldn’t be underestimated. Even in this age of miracles, true faith is rare as hen’s teeth.”
“Yeah, most people just see constellations as a perk.”
“Exactly. Of course, thanks to them, all the real cults have vanished. Anyway, this should suffice for handling Olympus. Time to head out. I contacted the Dragon-Phoenix King side, and they replied right away—‘Let’s meet and talk.’ Quick decision-making.”
“That’s because it’s a nation directly run by a ‘constellation’s incarnation.’ I don’t know the details myself.”
Constellations typically stayed in core dungeons or avoided appearing directly in the human world, but the Dragon-Phoenix King had skipped core dungeons altogether. Instead, its incarnation had descended and was ruling China outright.
That’s why decisions were made swiftly, reacting immediately to Yoo Seongwon’s input.
And while others might prepare regular flights or private jets, Yoo Seongwon could simply summon Eldraen and ride it, making his travel speed unmatched.
“Anyway, I’ll see what’s what when I get there. I’m not going with any hostile intent, so no need to worry.”
“I hope so. Still, it’s a shame your honeymoon phase got cut short by this business trip. Things were just heating up, especially after so long without family.”
“…What can you do? People have to do what they gotta do. Sigh~ Anyway, take care of things while I’m gone, Elder.”
“Hoho, don’t worry about it.”
Leaving Korea and the frontline city in Baek Ga-yeon’s hands, Yoo Seongwon set off for China aboard Eldraen with peace of mind.
Under a clear sky, bathed in sunlight, Yoo Seongwon soared across the Yellow Sea.
In the past, as he approached China, the airspace worsened due to incoming fine dust and pollution, but ever since the Dragon-Phoenix King and Qin Emperor constellations seized two-thirds of China’s interior, pollution had dropped by the same margin. Now, both the Yellow Sea and the skies had been pristine for a long time.
“How dirty must it have been back then for people to say that? I know they pushed all sorts of desperate measures right after gates and dungeons opened, racing for tech development… Oh? What’s that?”
As he entered Chinese territorial waters under the clean, clear sky, a massive flying craft approached from afar.
The sleek fighter-jet-like craft hurtled toward him at tremendous speed, then executed a wide turn to match his pace and fly alongside. The canopy over what appeared to be the cockpit slid open, revealing the pilot saluting courteously.
“Are you Hunter Yoo Seongwon? We’ve come to escort you. I’m Owi! Subordinate and apostle of the Dragon-Phoenix King constellation, and captain of the Third Guard Unit. This is the Flying Tiger Type 3.”
“Oh… your Korean is impeccable.”
“Yes. His Majesty the Dragon-Phoenix King sent me specifically so you’d feel at ease. Just follow me. Here’s a communicator.”
“Ooh~”
Receiving an earpiece-like communicator from Third Guard Captain Owi, Yoo Seongwon finally entered mainland China and continued flying toward Beijing.
As he flew, glimpses of Chinese cities began to appear sporadically.
He’d never properly traveled abroad, and his knowledge of China came only from news and hearsay, so he hadn’t expected much. The cities and countryside looked utterly ordinary.
Just regular-looking people going about their days peacefully.
“Hmm… nothing that really jumps out, huh?”
[Is something off?]
“No, I just figured a nation ruled by a constellation would scream their personality or something.”
[His Majesty the Dragon-Phoenix King rules us, but he doesn’t reject this planet’s appearance or civilization. Of course, he strictly controls what’s wrong.]
“I see. Hmm~”
The high blue sky alone, along with the cleaned-up rivers and nature, let him feel China’s transformation.
The cityscapes he passed also weren’t bad. Then, suddenly, a starkly different district caught his eye.
A slum packed with rundown apartments and shanties, a far cry from the neat, orderly cities he’d seen so far.
“Hm? Huh? What’s that?”
[That… it’s the vagrant village. Even if national affairs are designed by His Majesty’s wisdom, we’re the ones executing it… It’s truly embarrassing.]
“Ah~ Well, that’s just how people are.”
Guessing the gist from Owi’s words, Yoo Seongwon nodded and let it slide without prying further.
No matter how wise the ruler, the people working under them were still the same old Chinese, so slip-ups and gaps were inevitable.
Plus, overhauling a civilization in mere decades wasn’t easy, so it was understandable.
[Still, we hold hope that it’ll all change someday, and salvation will come for them too. We’re almost at the Forbidden City. Descend gradually.]
“Whoa, what’s that?”
The Forbidden City.
Located in central Beijing, this palace had lost its function in 1924, becoming the Palace Museum and a cultural heritage site. But when the Dragon-Phoenix King chose it as his residence, it regained its palace role.
Now, its grounds had expanded further, with futuristic facilities straight out of a sci-fi flick adjacent to it. People in ancient attire mingled with those in modern clothes and SF suits, creating a scene that finally felt distinct.
“Wooow… this is impressive. And so many people.”
[Follow me to land. This is Owi, Third Guard Captain. I’ve brought Hunter Yoo Seongwon on Flying Tiger Type 3, as planned. Request landing sequence and point. Also, a spot to house his dragon mount. And…]
“Ah, no need for Eldraen’s spot. It’ll come back when called!”
[Understood!]
After finishing with air traffic control, Yoo Seongwon’s Eldraen and the Flying Tiger Type 3 landed safely at a designated pad in the Forbidden City.
Once grounded, he sent Eldraen back and summoned his full Heavenly Sword Knights contingent: Yucheong, Jinseok, Junghan, Gacheong, Seongyu, and Jungho.
Their knight uniforms were Western-style, but their names, culture, demeanor, and etiquette suited this occasion perfectly, so he’d chosen them as escorts and attendants.
“Normally, we should accompany and attend Your Majesty directly, not wait to be called…”
“Comfort’s best. Besides, not all of you can fly like me. Better than an airship—I wanted it easy.”
“No helping it then. Stay alert from now on. This isn’t our frontline city or Iron Fortress anymore.”
“Got it, Yucheong.”
He’d come cooperatively, but his ultimate goal was to drive the constellations off this planet.
The other side, being a constellation, surely knew that, so they wouldn’t be thrilled. They might even try to eliminate him or pull tricks, so vigilance was key from here on.
Soon, Guard Captain Owi approached the group.
“Then, I’ll call the attendants… Huh? When did you bring so many?”
“Ah, summoned them too. One of my skills.”
“I see. Six extra personnel—no need for additional escorts then. Follow me. Vehicles are waiting.”
Under Owi’s guidance, Yoo Seongwon and the knights left the landing pad and boarded a waiting massive limousine.
Unsure if the Forbidden City had originally allowed cars or if the Dragon-Phoenix King had expanded it, Yoo Seongwon wanted to marvel at China’s sheer scale but kept a straight face, surrounded by his knights fore, aft, left, and right.
“If you need drinks or anything, just say the word.”
‘…Man, I wanna look outside.’
“Ooh… You really have to see the heart to grasp the true nature. Far grander than the regular cities I saw flying in—befitting a great power’s core.”
While Yoo Seongwon maintained composure, Yucheong subtly praised the palace to engage Owi.
Owi, in the passenger seat, glanced at Yucheong, seemingly overwhelmed by his poise and aura, and responded without refusal.
“We’re… grateful for the praise. With His Majesty the Dragon-Phoenix King’s incarnation here, the nation’s finest artisans and geniuses poured their efforts into meeting his demands… Hahaha. More importantly, Hunter Yoo Seongwon, who’s that one?”
“My adjutant—don’t worry. He speaks with authority, or think of him as my proxy.”
“Understood.”
Yucheong led all the car conversations. Owi dodged some questions awkwardly while answering others eagerly, hinting at concealment.
Yoo Seongwon, oblivious to the verbal fencing, simply sat quietly thinking of his family back home.
“We’re almost there. This is the audience hall… His Majesty the Dragon-Phoenix King’s palace. Everyone out.”
“Whoaaa… incredible.”
Stepping out revealed a palace even more ornate and towering than the original, with three extra stories added.
For this honored guest, thousands lined up in review: modern military uniforms on one side, ancient armor on another, and SF special forces gear on the third.
Yoo Seongwon’s group passed through under Owi’s lead toward the palace.
“Ugh…”
“Hm? Is Your Majesty unused to this?”
“Obviously? Without you all shielding me, I’d have shrunk under their presence without realizing. Seriously saved me.”
“Hahaha, we’ve commanded ten-thousand-man units as routine—this is nothing.”
As expected, Yoo Seongwon had no experience with such reviews and was quite startled, but with Jinseok and Yucheong flanking him, and the others ahead and behind, he quickly composed himself without showing it.
“O Dragon-Phoenix King! Commander of the frontline city, inheritor of Iron Fortress! Closer of core dungeons, slayer of the Slaughter King’s apostle! Recipient of a constellation’s legacy! Guardian chosen by this ‘star’! And…”
Reaching the doors, a waiting guardsman struck his spear on the ground and announced Yoo Seongwon’s arrival.
Even though it was his own introduction, the grandiose titles flustered him as he stared at the doors.
‘Why so many titles? Can’t they just say I’m here?’
“Looks like they know manners. Not bad.”
“As expected of a nation under constellation rule—different class.”
“Reminds me of old times. Right, Junghan?”
The Heavenly Sword Knights, however, nodded approvingly, taking it as standard procedure.
After the lengthy introduction ended, the heavy doors before them creaked open slowly, revealing the audience hall’s interior.