Apotheosis

What Zen had accomplished was far beyond Roger's understanding of the marrow refining level. 'After chasing after the queen blade locust, in the insane manner Zen did, he not only survived but dealt with her and brought back her crystal core!' contemplated Roger in awe.

His mouth formed a thin, sour line. "You talk a big talk, and it sounds great, but, it's just empty talk!" he said chuckling abruptly, his head bobbing so hard that the ponytail in the back of his head shook. "But... " There was a serious look on Roger's face. He paused and then added," I like it! You're very ambitious, Zen. So, I have decided to get involved and help you with this mess!"

At Roger's acceptance to help, Zen's face lit up.

Almost any dispute could be resolved when one of the top seven noble clans was involved because no one would dare push back except another member of the same elite class. So, since Roger consented to assist in resolving the issue, things would go much smoother.

"One thing though, Zen. What did you mean when you told me that Fren the loony had attempted to kill you multiple times?" Roger asked unexpectedly.

"It's sort of a long story. My dispute with the Zhuge family came about during the Blooded Test at the Cloud Sect," stated Zen. After a brief pause, he recounted the stories of what happened that got Chad kicked out from the Blooded Test and how he severely beat Fren the loony's steward, Thomas at Drizzle Peak.

With Roger staying to lend a hand with things, Sun gave up his plans to leave, even though he knew his presence wouldn't really do much. Everyone acted for their reasons, and in Sun's case, he decided, 'Since Roger thinks highly of Zen, there's no harm in befriending him!'

Shortly thereafter, the three turned in, sleeping the rest of the night soundly, and the next morning, first thing, the three men strode to the Dragon Fort's center.

Housed in the Dragon Fort were thousands of barracks for squads

ently cut Jon Gou off again. Even before Jon Gou finished, Roger knew what he was about to say.

"But, the Zhuge family..." Jon Gou blurted out, unsure if Roger truly understood what he was trying to say.

"I know that Jon, I already told you that!" snapped Roger, his face set and hard.

Immediately, Jon Gou nodded briskly and said," Well alright then, if you insist, I won't worry about it, Young Master. Follow me!"

He led the three men deeper into the main barracks.

Deep in the main grounds, there was a courtyard, where four people sat at a blue stone table. It was laden with fruits, wine, meat, and many other tasty foods.

While the imperial army was permitted drinking, it wasn't allowed in the barracks, and anyone caught would face disciplinary action.

But, the four men were sitting around drinking, unconcerned that they were violating the rules.

"Actually, we should drink a toast to you, Randall!" Liam said laughing as he went on," Without you, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly!" Raising his glass, Liam then chugged his drink down.

To the toast offered, Randall He tilted his head back and let the wine slide into his lopsided mouth before casually saying," Don't mention it, Master Fren entrusted the assignment to me, and it was a piece of cake."