Emperor's Bane

Chapter 647: Debut

Chapter 647: Debut (I)

"Towards absolute purity."

"How on earth did you come up with such a slogan, my brother Luo Jia?"

“It’s so… unique.”

Fulgrim's tone was no more steadfast than the wine in his glass. The burgundy mirror reflected his perfect face and added luster to his already shining hair. Even on the Endurance, a ship as dull and boring as its owner Mortarion, the Phoenix Lord still released his brilliance, as if he was the master of this world.

Such an act of usurping the throne naturally would not receive any good feedback: as the host, Mortarion just watched his brother fooling around without any sadness or joy. He still wore his huge respirator, and every breath urged the expansion of the green miasma. The stench from Barbarus made the remaining three chairs keep a subtle distance from him.

The Primarch didn't care about it at all, he even felt a unique sense of pride, no one could deny the power of his brothers, and even such powerful beings still avoided the air he was accustomed to, which fully proved Mortarion's tenacity: just like the name of his flagship.

"No one wants to discuss your concerns about art right now, Fulgrim."

The Lord of Death spoke first because the rest of the people were not paying attention: Luo Jia seemed to be from two different worlds than them. Although he was invited to the Endurance and participated in this hastily organized brotherhood party, he seemed to lack sufficient interest in toasting and drinking among blood relatives.

This is different.

Fulgrim leaned back on his throne: this soft, lavender chair was certainly not the property of the Endurance, but was specially moved from the Emperor's Children's flagship. Fulgrim could stretch his bones comfortably on it, cross his legs lazily, sit at a slightly higher angle, but difficult to be noticed by outsiders, and carefully observe the three brothers.

Phoenix's gaze first focused on the Great Speaker: in his impression, Luo Jia was not a person who liked lively occasions. He was not really interested in cocktail parties and banquets. He liked to stay in his prayer room, copying poems or praying alone. However, due to his well-known good temper, the Great Speaker was not opposed to participating in banquets between brothers.

What's more, Lorgar's evaluation and popularity among the Primarchs are actually very good: the brothers do criticize his martial ethics in their hearts, but no one will deny his good temper and warm heart. Apart from the two special talents Horus and Morgan, Lorgar may be the Primarch who cares most about mediating conflicts between brothers.

In short, a nice guy who is a bit pedantic and can't accomplish anything great. This is Fugeri's impression of Luo Jia before: although it sounds a bit like the queen of the Far East, the two are actually very different in nature. Although Phoenix also thinks that Morgan has the potential to become the second nice guy, no one will deny that the Spider Queen has indeed created a career in her land that was originally not worth looking forward to.

A career that can surpass his.

Seeing this, Fulgrim's eyes were temporarily filled with dimness, and he lowered his head, seemingly tasting the wine, but in fact he was wasting time to wipe away the jealousy in his pupils: fortunately, the three Primarchs present did not have the habit of staring at their other brothers.

"And to be honest, Phoenix, if I were you, I would not discuss topics related to art in the next few years. After all, it is a self-humiliating behavior: although all of us are brothers to each other, it is really embarrassing to lose to another brother in an invisible battle, isn't it?"

But this doesn't affect their poisonous mouths.

Fulgrim smiled, remaining elegant in front of Mortarion: but the Phoenix had to admit that when the Lord of Death responded to his transgression with a mocking tone, the sensitive heart of the Chemos man twitched, pulling him back to his most unbearable memories.

Mortarion used the most direct way to make Fulgrim recall his original unwillingness. He recalled the time when he had just reunited with the Third Legion. At that time, he was actually secretly jealous of many of his brothers in his heart, especially Guilliman, who owned five hundred worlds.

The reason was simple: when he was left with only the last 200 soldiers, looking at the mighty Ultramarines and Ultramar spanning the universe, how could Phoenix not feel jealous? But this jealousy was gradually dissipated by the pride and honor that followed.

But now, all the honors disappeared like the receding tide, and his original unwillingness was revealed again: in the aspect that he was most proud of and boasted about, his other blood relative defeated him so easily, and Morgan didn't even make the slightest effort for it.

Lady Caroline, who finally chose to go to the Far Eastern border, had been the target of the Phoenix Lord as early as ten years ago. The Primarch had personally written her an invitation letter and sent the Emperor's Children to invite her three times: but Grand Avalon only needed an accidental encounter to make this great artist, who was famous on Terra, take the initiative to throw herself into their arms.

After the matter was done, because of Fulgrim's previous ostentatious behavior, this originally trivial matter was quickly known to most of the Primarchs and even quite a few mortals: it seemed that anyone could bring up this incident to mock Fulgrim a little.

What was originally a trivial matter now felt like a thorn in one's heart: no matter how broad-minded Fulgrim was, he could not bear it if his brothers brought up this matter. Even Horus and Ferrus would use it to make some trivial jokes with him.

God knows how long these guys have been wanting to do this.

Of course, they didn't mean it with malicious intent.

But Fulgrim... couldn't bear it anymore.

He didn't care at first, but now he has to ask himself in his heart.

why?
Why did he lose?
Just because his sister owns a great kingdom that is famous throughout the galaxy?
……

Ok.

Then he will have it too: he will have a greater and more famous kingdom.

The perfect country belonging to Phoenix.

The jealousy and humiliation brought upon him by Guilliman, Morgan, and his other brothers in the Rift Valley would be ended forever and would never exist again, just as he led two hundred court swordsmen through the difficult days at the beginning: he could govern the Emperor's children well, and naturally he could also govern the mortal people who submitted to him.

As for now?

Just be patient.

Fulgrim smiled and nodded in Mortarion's direction, making the Lord of Death's sarcasm hit like a punch on cotton: Mortarion snorted in his hoarse and heavy voice and ignored it, giving the Phoenix the opportunity to look away.

As for the Lord of Death himself, Fulgrim had little interest in him, after all, this guy had not changed in decades: however, to be honest, Mortarion had indeed become a lot more diligent during this period of time, and he could often be seen hanging out in the history section of the library.

So Phoenix turned around.

"I can stop talking about art, man: but we should talk about something else."

"For example?"

"For example, governing a country: how?"

"Then let's talk about art."

Before Mortarion spoke, the Khan sitting next to him spoke first: Chagatai Khan was still dressed in that seemingly rough but actually exquisite attire, but this time, he chose a robe for himself to attend the warmaster ceremony on Ullanor, which made him look more like a king.

But it was obvious that Chagatai Khan himself was not used to this change.

His voice was also a little hoarser.

"After all, even if art goes wrong, it won't kill anyone."

"Then you underestimate art, my brother Chagatai Khan."

“I don’t underestimate art.”

"I'm not underestimating the danger of someone either."

The Khan did not turn his head. He kept staring at the scene outside the window from beginning to end. In any case, Fulgrim did not understand what was so good about the iron-gray sky of Ullanor and the dark legion fleets in low-Earth orbit: yes, the scene of dozens of expeditionary fleets gathered in one place, quietly waiting for the placement of ground towers was indeed shocking, but that was all. Phoenix never felt that these warships before him were a force worthy of his respect.

Even if these ships were destroyed in a future battle, it wouldn't be a big deal for the Empire, right?
Phoenix leaned forward, making sure that Jaghatai would notice his tone.

"Are you talking about me, bro?"

"It could be anyone, Fulgrim. I just want you to be aware that governing a country is not a light word you mention. Bad art is only a problem with a painting or a piece of music. At most, it can destroy the good reputation of an artist or a theater company. But in terms of threat, its most terrifying upper limit is far less than the mildest lower limit of what you call "governing a country."

"A word you utter casually may mean the lives of thousands of people."

Phoenix raised his brow.

"This number scares you, brother?"

"I will not be afraid, I will just think carefully about their meaning."

"Listen to me, Phoenix: Even if you can't learn to fear and respect, at least you have to learn to consider the value of it."

"It's okay to be ruthless and unrighteous."

“But you can’t be carefree.”

"He's right."

As soon as he finished speaking, before Fulgrim could prepare his counterattack, a new voice rejoined the conversation: The Great Bearer, who had been praying in a low voice, raised his head and affirmed the Khan's words. The colors of war were still reflected in his pupils, which made the remaining three people a little surprised.

And Luo Jia was immersed in his own understanding.

"You can't let your guard down, Phoenix. Especially when it comes to the God-Emperor, the Empire, the expedition, and everything related to reality, irresponsible words are no different from blasphemy. Your casualness and laxity on weekdays will affect your rational mind when you make choices when necessary. The more frequently you mention something, the less respect you will have for it in your heart."

"Because you think you are strong enough in this area and don't need to be respected anymore."

"I don't think so..."

"This is the truth: it is not affected by your personal thoughts or words."

Lorgar's voice was slow and calm, still with the gentle emphasis that Fulgrim was familiar with, but they were two completely opposite things: Phoenix's face still had the blush left over from the confrontation with Chagatai Khan. He frowned slightly and glanced at Lorgar's face, a face that was extremely unfamiliar to him.

He didn't know how to describe it.

fanaticism?

It had been the same before: but there was something obviously wrong with Luo Jia's current enthusiasm.

firm?

Be a little crazier.

stubborn?

Somewhat appropriate: but lacking in force.

"You are quite different from before, Yurizen."

After hesitating for a while, Fulgrim could only sigh and shake his head.

“This is a necessary change.”

Lorgar smiled. His smile was familiar. This might be the only consolation and reward that Fulgrim could get from him. He looked along the curve of his mouth and saw the thousands of newly carved words on his face: they were still golden.

A gold color mixed with blood red.

And...it seems to have become a lot sharper?

Those arcs left by the strokes were once soft and full of charm and cultural atmosphere, but now they are as sharp as a dagger: Phoenix couldn't help but think of the bloody rumors surrounding the Great Speaker, which were all drowned in the increasingly exaggerated battle record of the Seventeenth Legion.

He couldn't help but speak.

"Do your changes also include your legion and your expedition?"

"Of course: that's the theme."

Luo Jia puffed out his chest proudly.

"Our father, our God-Emperor, personally showed me the path to the future."

"Holy war fanaticism, the iron cavalry of heaven."

"In the name of the God-Emperor, we march toward the land of absolute purity destined for the galaxy and humanity."

"Water it with sword and fire: the blood of the traitors will nourish the fertile ground with milk and honey."

"Isn't this natural?"

The Khan chuckled. "The more blood, the richer the soil."

"Why do we need gods to judge? This is the natural law between heaven and earth."

"But it takes God's permission, brother."

Lorgar turned his head, and Fulgrim could not imagine that anyone could greet the Khan's words with such a firm attitude.

So confident: Luo Jia is even smiling.

"And you, my eagle brother, are more intelligent than others. Your words may seem stubborn and rebellious, but you are only one book away from the true way of serving God. Reason and seeing is believing will help you. When the grace of the Emperor bathes your beard, you will naturally understand and join our path."

Oh my god...

Fulgrim muttered quietly.

It had been a long time since he had seen anyone so presumptuous towards Chagatai Khan.

Who was the last unlucky person?

……

Oh, yes: himself.

"Do you want to say: wisdom?"

The words from the Great Speaker stunned Chagatai Khan. On his handsome face like an eagle, a very strange smile appeared: his left eye was slightly narrowed, while the right eye still maintained a normal curvature. Half of his lips could not help but curl up, while the other half were still pressed down. His face looked a little funny, but the fierce light in his pupils stopped him from smiling.

But Luo Jia didn't care about it at all.

"You can understand that."

He spread his hands.

"The awareness of faith will not change because of the difference in birth and status: even the Khans of Ma are not lacking in piety. In those ancient times when paganism was dominant, even the Khanate on the steppes would respect the pioneers who preached here from distant temples. For a thousand years or even longer, the pace of religion symbolized the pace of civilization."

"Since they can all convert, why should I lack faith in you?"

"Your argument has no credibility."

Khan just shook his head.

"According to this theory, there are no fewer khans who have died on horseback than there are devout converts, and behind the few successful conversions are countless corpses of fanatics: According to your understanding of probability, is this our destined fate?"

"I died on the horse?"

"You died of asceticism?"

"I will accept it calmly, Chagatai."

Luo Jia still smiled.

"If this is the will of the gods."

"Hey……"

After a long time, Fulgrim actually heard a sigh from the Khan's mouth. He found that the Khan adjusted his posture in his seat, facing the Great Speaker with his eyes slightly closed and a faint smile on the corners of his mouth: the Primarch of the White Scars was rarely serious.

"Listen, Luo Jia."

"I'm only going to say it once."

"If you take someone's life just because you are stronger, that is called oppression."

"If you can make others voluntarily die just by talking nonsense, that is called incitement."

"If you can arbitrarily declare the fate of others without any reason, it is called murder."

"I would not call him a god who possesses all three: I would call him a criminal."

"To be able to sacrifice for God is..."

“Sacrificing for anyone is not great, only sacrificing for the collective can be called great: no matter which individual you sacrifice for, it is just authority that happens to meet servility, it is just meanness that happens to meet stupidity. Why do you ask an individual to sacrifice his life for another individual?”

"But the son will be killed by his father."

"A father will die for his son: what has that got to do with your gods?"

"The God-Emperor is the father of all."

"That's a tragedy: the least he should have done was to be certified."

Khan shrugged.

"Do you have any problem with that?"

"of course not."

Luo Jia shook his head, as if all this was not beyond his expectations.

"I take your point, Khan."

"The Emperor is tolerant."

"You can even be a little freer: I don't object to this kind of laxity in details. As long as you abide by a few core principles, pure humans will naturally not violate them, and those who betray them will naturally be punished. Even if they look innocent, they still need to use a heart of steel to implement the will of the God-Emperor."

"It's just like you said: ruthless and heartless, my brother."

"This is our value. As the weapon and thunder hammer of the God Emperor, being ruthless and righteous is the best boast of our rationality, because such a career requires cold emotions. I am glad that you pointed this out so directly, allowing me to see your talent."

“It also solved a puzzle for me.”

"Believe me."

Khan narrowed his eyes slightly, and a hint of coldness flashed between his pupils.

"That was never my intention."

"That is the Will of the God-Emperor: yet another example of His walk among men."

"Humph……"

The Khan snorted lightly, and unusually did not give any response: but Fulgrim knew very well that Chagatai Khan was not speechless because of the rebuke, he was simply afraid that his next words would immediately ignite a fight between the two legions.

Phoenix shook his head: It's time for him to step up again.

So, Fulgrim turned his head and looked at the protagonist here, Mortarion, who should theoretically be the leader of this meeting, but after the Khan and Lorgar interrupted him, he became suspiciously silent: the Lord of Death seemed unable to keep up with this sudden change and completely jumped to the discussion topic in another dimension.

He felt exactly the same way as Jonson did.

"What do you think, Mortarion?"

The Phoenix took the initiative to speak, and after a second, the Lord of Death nodded belatedly.

He was silent for a while before speaking to Fenghuang very seriously.

"What topic do you want to discuss with me regarding the theory of governing a country, Phoenix?"

"..."

For a moment, not only Fulgrim, but even the Khan and Lorgar were silent.

"Did you finally hear my question?"

The Phoenix grinned and instinctively sneered at his brother. Mortarion did not care about this little flaw. He slowly and firmly moved his body in his seat, looking at the Phoenix's face. The eyes of the other two primarchs also moved over.

"Okay, brother."

Fulgrim felt the pressure instantly.

"I am simply curious. We all know that our father will grant us our own kingdoms on the land of Ullanor. This is something we have never imagined before. I am curious about how you will ensure the long-term stability of your own kingdoms after establishing your own rule, and how you will continue for thousands of generations."

“I don’t think about it.”

Khan spoke first.

"No royal court lasts forever: history proves that no power lasts forever."

"Are you too pessimistic?"

"I just don't want to be stupid."

Khan's casual words made Phoenix's smile froze.

He could only look at Mortarion.

"What about you, brother?"

The Lord of Death was silent, but this time he did not remain silent for long.

“My answer is simple.”

“Survival of the fittest, that’s all.”

"I thought that was Perturabo's motto for his realm."