The Ultimate Fire Master of Avatar

Chapter 196 The End (The End) A Sudden End and a Beginning

New Year's Year -

After several discussions, it was finally decided to rename the Fire Nation as the Phoenix Empire, with Azura as the Phoenix Emperor and Karn appointed as Prime Minister.

Although Azura wanted Kahn to become her queen, Kahn's strong personal opposition aside, they were indeed still too young.

According to Kahn, it will be at least three or four years before we can discuss marriage.

However, he would never become empress.

In the first year of the agreement reached with An Ang and others, their first task was to consolidate their power and restore the people's livelihood.

The consolidation of power was mainly reflected externally by thoroughly suppressing the resistance forces, while the internal political environment was hardly a concern.

As the founding emperor who accomplished unprecedented feats and established such a vast empire, Azura wielded ridiculously great power, and the entire court was essentially her personal fiefdom.

Even when her boyfriend was parachuted into the position of prime minister, officials in the court could only accept it with a heavy heart.

The work to restore people's livelihoods was also very effective, and in the process of advancing this work, the world witnessed for the first time just how terrifying energy a unified empire could unleash.

The Earthworkers are renowned for their construction skills, but due to their limited numbers and distribution, only a few powerful and wealthy cities can actually make full use of them.

Now, Azura and Kahn have drawn manpower from across the country to form twenty teams, each with ten people, totaling two hundred construction teams composed entirely of Earthmasters, to carry out construction work throughout the country.

General Hao, one of the five members of the former Tuqiang Kingdom Council, served as the captain of this team, Koli, the daughter of the governor of Yudao, served as the vice captain, and Master Bumi was appointed as the technical advisor.

Ten earthworkers can build a small town out of thin air in just one night, and the reconstruction work is progressing at a rapid pace.

In addition to the Earth Masters, the two also transferred 120 Water Masters from the Arctic Water Clan, almost draining all of the Arctic Water Clan's strength.

Of these 120 water masters, 20 were sent to Antarctica to help the Antarctic Waterfowl rebuild their home, an act for which Katara and Soka were grateful.

The remaining one hundred water management officers were also dispatched in units of ten to various parts of the country to assist local residents in dealing with water-related issues, including dredging waterways, altering river courses, building canals, and resolving floods and droughts.

At the same time, some of the arsenals in Huolie were also ordered to be transformed into various civilian tool production plants. Under the unified national dispatch, raw materials were continuously sent from all over the country to these plants, and then finished products were shipped to all parts of the country from here.

At this time, the airship fleet, originally designed for war, also took on the important task of transportation.

These airships, which transport supplies over the skies across the country, have gradually transformed from terrifying aerial monsters in the eyes of the people into a strange and spectacular sight.

Not only water and earth masters, but fire masters also quickly joined in, taking charge of restoring fields abandoned in the war and carrying out land reclamation.

The weeds growing on the land are cleared away by the fire masters at designated locations. This ensures that the burning is thorough and prevents fires. Whether clearing overgrown wasteland or reclaiming wasteland, the efficiency is astonishing.

So when the Earth Masters, Water Masters, Fire Masters, and airships from the former Fire Kingdom appeared among the people, they gradually began to have a vague understanding of this new empire.

It seems pretty good?

While reconstruction efforts were in full swing across the country, Kahn, along with Azura, quietly issued a policy:

Interethnic marriage is permitted and encouraged.

For Kahn, this was an excellent experience passed down for thousands of years from his ancestral home; for Azura, this was a successful case from the colonies. In short, there was no reason not to promote it.

Meanwhile, Airo opened a teahouse in the former Fire Country.

As time passed, the first year came to an end. The scattered resistance groups were completely suppressed, and the reconstruction work was a great success. This was undoubtedly a good start.

The following year, people welcomed more policies and reforms.

First, the compulsory education model of the former Fire Kingdom will be implemented in relatively wealthy cities such as the Arctic Water People, Yonggu City, and Omashu City, and will be gradually promoted downwards until it is implemented in every place.

Secondly, not only in the army, Azura promoted more officials from the Water and Earth tribes to the court, which aroused dissatisfaction among the former officials and nobles of the Fire Kingdom, but was met with Azura's strong suppression.

Kahn privately convened a meeting with the nation's most influential clothing merchants, hoping they would produce more diverse garments not limited to a single ethnic group. He personally delivered a batch of unusual costume designs, which quickly became popular throughout the country.

Following this, Azura established an oversight team to conduct covert investigations across the country, examining issues such as corruption, embezzlement, and discrimination by officials during their tenure, with Zuko serving as the head of the oversight team.

Meanwhile, under Kahn's supervision, the railway began to be laid across the former Flame Country.

Shortly after that, An Ang, who had been silent for a year, suddenly reappeared and punished a former Huo Lie Kingdom official who had been exploiting the people.

Upon learning the news, they invited An Ang to the palace. After discussing a series of issues, Kahn announced in a high-profile manner that An Ang had joined the review team, causing a huge uproar.

For ordinary people, life seems to be getting better and better.

The third year

With the reconstruction work largely completed, the Earth-Controlling Corps began to fully shift its focus to road construction, while the Water-Controlling Corps joined forces to build dams and alter river courses according to the plan.

Thanks to the smooth progress of farmland restoration and land reclamation, grain production has gradually increased.

Compulsory education has begun to be extended to lower-tier cities, reaching even second-tier cities.

A section of the freight railway in Huolie County has been completed and has begun trial operation.

With the restoration of peace, exchanges between different ethnic groups began to deepen, and the number of families composed of different ethnic groups began to increase.

Tuofu's Earth Manipulation Dojo and Metal Manipulation began to gain national fame, attracting many Earth Manipulation Masters to come and learn. A report entitled "The Application Space and Future of Metal Manipulation" also appeared in the imperial court and became the focus of discussion.

With the groundwork laid in the previous two years gradually bearing fruit, the entire empire is showing signs of revival and prosperity.

So, in the fourth year—

"You're quitting!?"

Zuko hurriedly caught the crown that Azura had casually tossed to him, and said incredulously:

"Do you know what you're saying?!"

"Of course I know."

Azura leaned on Kahn's shoulder, looking relaxed, and said:

"Didn't you hear me clearly? I'll repeat it again: I'm not going to be emperor anymore, whoever wants to be emperor can have it."

Zuko felt a headache coming on, wondering what was wrong with Azura this time. He scolded:

"Do you think you're some waiter in a teahouse, able to quit whenever you want? You're the ruler of a nation!"

"What are you thinking?!"

"It's nothing, I just got tired of it and lost interest. I really don't know what I was thinking back then."

Azura shrugged, then said with an annoyed look:

"I became emperor not to issue orders to a bunch of idiots every day, nor for some bullshit idea of ​​benefiting the people."

"I've really had enough."

"I prefer to act recklessly and manipulate people, you know? I'd rather be a tyrant than a seemingly naive and obedient child!"

As Azura spoke, she glared angrily at Kahn.

Kahn simply touched his nose and said nothing.

Clearly, Azura's failure to fulfill her wish was related to someone else.

So she simply gave up and said:

"Anyway, I'm not going to be this stupid emperor. You can be him if you want."

"I?"

Zu Kou pointed to himself, feeling like his mind was a little foggy.

"Hmm, you tried to take it from me before, but now I'm just letting you have it. Aren't you happy?"

Azura winked playfully and smiled:

"Didn't you want to restore the balance of the four tribes? Once you become emperor, you can do whatever you want. Wouldn't that be great?"

That's all in the past.

Zu Kou remained silent.

Having witnessed firsthand the changes in the world over the past three years, he had long since come to agree with Kahn's view and no longer considered restoring the balance of the four races.

"Really? Whatever, I don't care anymore."

"you!"

Seeing Azura throwing a tantrum, Zuko had no choice but to look to Kahn for help:

"Kahn, aren't you going to say something?"

Kahn scratched his cheek and smiled sheepishly:

"Zu Kou, you know me, actually I also..."

The reason he has been so diligent these past few years is simply because he was doing his job. He had actually wanted to run away for a long time, but he could only endure it for the time being because of his agreement with Azura.

But to his surprise, Azura suggested running away before him, which was a pleasant surprise for him.

"You, you all!"

Generally, once Azura has made a decision, only Kahn can dissuade her. However, if it's something that Azura and Kahn decide at the same time—

Then no one can stop it.

The next day, news of Azura passing the throne to Zukor spread throughout the world, causing a nationwide uproar and sparking all sorts of gossip and conspiracy theories.

Upon hearing the news, An Ang and the others rushed to the palace and asked Zu Kou:

"Zu Kou, what on earth happened? You really usurped the throne!?"

"Usurpation? I think I should arrest you for defamation first."

Zu Kou was speechless.

He explained the whole story to everyone, and as expected, he received a shock and silence from them.

Soka suddenly exclaimed in surprise:

"I didn't expect you to be joking around after all this time!"

"I'm not joking."

"...Are you sure you're not kidding?"

Soka was speechless, and at that moment, Tof laughed:

"But I have to say, it sounds pretty cool. I mean, I don't think anyone could be cooler than them!"

"This isn't cool, it's irresponsible!"

Katara replied curtly, then asked:

Where are they now?

"I don't know either."

Zu Kou sighed and shook his head, saying:

"They just said they went on vacation."

"..."

After another moment of silence, Zu Kou said to An Ang:

"Actually, before Azura left, she told me that I could do whatever I wanted, even if it was to restore the balance of the four races, so..."

"I'd like to ask, what are your thoughts?"

"I……"

An Ang paused for a moment, about to say something, but then immediately fell into deep thought.

In the past three years, in addition to learning the art of charioteering, he has also traveled all over the country to broaden his horizons and fulfill his duties. He is naturally aware of the changes that have taken place across the country in these three years.

At first, he planned to recruit as many helpers as possible from all over the country, but at some point, he himself began to maintain this new and vibrant empire.

Kahn, is this the change you're talking about?

An Ang murmured to himself.

Finally, he made a decision and said:

"Let's leave it like this for now. At least for now, it seems pretty good."

Having received a reply, Zu Kou smiled and said:

"I see."

"but,"

Tof suddenly asked Zuko:

"Azura and Kahn are gone, so what are you going to do now? Can you manage on your own?"

"Actually, I am also troubled by this problem."

Zu Kou said:

"Whether it's Azura or Kahn, they are both far more capable than me. The country that the two of them helped each other build is now in my hands alone, and I feel somewhat apprehensive."

"Therefore, I hope to get your help, and I hope that you can work with me to support this empire to continue to grow."

Upon hearing this, An Ang and the others exchanged glances, then smiled at Zu Kou:

"You haven't been influenced by those two, have you? You're actually waiting for us here."

"However, of course, no problem."

-

Above the sea of ​​clouds, Kahn and Azura flew atop Sifang. Azura held Kahn tightly around the waist from behind, and Kahn asked her:

"You said before that you wouldn't care if Zuko really dismantled the empire again?"

Azura countered with:

What do you think?

"I do feel a bit disappointed, considering it took me three years of hard work. As for you..."

Kahn paused, then smiled helplessly:

"I'll probably just feel excited."

"That was a pretty good answer."

Azura looked satisfied and gave Kahn a kiss on the cheek as a reward.

"Compared to ruling the world, I definitely prefer the process of conquering the world. If Zuko really dares to dismantle my empire, I'll actually thank him."

Azura laughed, but the laugh seemed strangely cold:

"I'm grateful to him for giving me another chance to cause a ruckus."

Kahn shook his head. Sigh, this guy is born with antisocial personality disorder; he's truly beyond saving.

Then, Azura rolled her eyes at him and teased:

"Besides, do I not know you? Every time you go out, you act like you want to die out there. If I don't let you out for a stroll, who knows when you'll run away from home one day."

"Don't think I don't know what you're comparing me to."

Kahn said irritably.

"Forget about that, have you decided where we're going on vacation?"

Azura's eyes darted around, and she said:

"How's the big banyan tree?"

"I'd like to see if all that nonsense you're talking about is actually true."

"Traveling through worlds? I don't know if it's even possible, but..."

Let's go!

(End of this chapter)