Chapter 80: Class of the Seven Stars

Youre here for that power gem, yes? It seems as though youve finally discovered what it does. So you tell me, what price do you think I should ask for? The Empress smiled wolfishly at Lan Jue, a telling light in her eyes.

Arent we the greedy one, Lan Jue muttered.

The Empress simply laughed, swaying back towards her guests. Aww, who says Im greedy? You just want a star map? Its yours.

As she spoke she lifted her right hand. Empty, a light shone in her palm dimly at first, but growing until it encompassed the appendage. When it receded she bore a silver disk, which she handed to Lan Jue.

Lan Jue made no shows of courtesy, taking up the disk and handing it to Keer, who stood at his side.

Thanks. I owe you a favor. Well be on our way. Saying his piece, he turned and began to make his way from the white chamber. He had no intention to linger any longer than he had to.

Stop right there! The Empress charming voice interrupted.

Lan Jue paused, and turned to see that her face had grown agitated.

Unconscionable. Business is concluded and you simply run off! She sounded resentful.

Hey, Keer began, her face sour, watch what you say. Our boss is a decent person, no ones taking advantage here.

The Empress expression darkened. Dont give me that, little girl. Somehow I imagine you all wish he wasnt so decent. Zeus Amazons would any of you claim not to harbor an interest? You know he only pretends not to notice.

It was Lan Jues face that darkened this time. Keer, give her the maps back. Were leaving.

Keer stood stunned. Lin Guoguo and Mika were similarly stupefied, their faces adopting strange expressions. They knew their boss well. This time, he really was angry.

The Empress herself was taken aback, but she made no move to take the disk in Keers hand. Her eyes reddened at the edges, and as she spoke a lump grew in her throat. So you protect them, then. Tell it true, Zeus if I submitted, would you take me under your control as well? Would I become your fifth servant!

Lan Jues brows raised, and he sighed as softness returned to his eyes. Little Yue, you know thats impossible. With a character like yours how could you not? Even then, my protection can only extend so far.

The Moonfiend Empress hung her head. I know. Your three years of seclusion wasnt just because of Hera. It was to benefit the three girls with you as well. Did you know that, Mika? I really do envy you all to have a man like him as your guardian. Sometimes the hard and harsh Lord of his castle, and sometimes the kind-hearted angel. Go then, Im done speaking with you.

Mika, Guoguo and Keer each turned their eyes to Lan Jue.

Lan Jue smiled indifferently, like nothing had happened. Were off. The words still hung in the air as he turned to leave.

It was at this moment a figure appeared, hurriedly rising from the floors below. It was the golden-hooded man from before, whod warned off Luo Shang revealed now as Gao Yong.

Your Majesty. Theyve sent another.

The Empress had regained her noble faade in the space of an instant, and was once again the majestic leader of the Moonfiend pirates. Show them to the reception room. Ill be there shortly.

Gao Yong took a quick look at Lan Jue and his followers before continuing. Your Majesty, this purpose this time is Im afraid we cant put them off any longer.

The Empress sniffed dismissively. Theyll wait until hell freezes over if I want them to. But fine, Ill see to them.

Keer fiddled with the disk in her hand and muttered, mostly to herself. I knew this thing wouldnt be so easy to get.

Lan Jue chuckled. Its for the best, actually. Now I wont need to worry about it later.

Turning back he spied the look on the Empress Face. So, whats the problem, Little Yue?

But she had grown obstinate, and waved him away with her hand. It doesnt concern you. Go on.

Lan Jue turned then to Gao Yong. Maybe youll be more forthcoming.

Gao Yong looked to his mistress, then back to Lan Jue with uncertainty dancing in his eyes. He responded quietly. Mister Lan, its the Purgatory pirate clan. We dont know how theyve gained power so quickly they want to redistribute the territories. They plan to use the ancient pirate way

A duel. Lan Jue said.

Gao Yong only nodded.

What manner of dual, he followed.

Gao Yong answered. Three bouts of adepts. Four for mechas. Seven contests all together, first to four wins. Here we call this Clash of the Seven Stars.

Im surprised, Lan Jue said. With the Moonfiends strength Id assume you wouldnt have such problems.

Gao Yongs smile was a bitter one. Originally our power was absolute, but recently Purgatory has sent for several particularly powerful individuals to bolster their ranks. We suspect they were poached from the Three Alliances, brought over with six battleships. Before the clan was already not too far off in power to us, but now the gap has closed considerably.

Lan Jue looked back towards the Empress. Little Yue, this is something I can help you with. Call it your price, debts settled. Not just for the star map understand?

She looked quietly at Lan Jue for a long moment. The emotions in her eyes were numerous and complicated, but controlled. Eventually she spoke. Up to you.

Keer frowned at the proceedings. Boss lets just go. Its like youre begging to help her. What are we still doing here?

Lan Jue did not answer, speaking instead to Gao Yong. When does the Clash begin?

If it were up to them, in three days, Gao Yong replied. If Mister Lan agrees to help, well respond accordingly.

Lan Jue nodded. So be it. In three days well return to Moonfiend. In the interim we have our own business to attend to. Wait for our return, then well fight in the name of the Moonfiend Pirates.

Gao Yongs face was elated. Many thanks, Mister Lan! Since learning of Lan Jues identity, Gao Yong had grown ever more grateful for Lan Jues decorum and restraint that day on the Avenue.

He made his way from the castle, a small smile ever present as a shadow on his handsome face. His three amazons followed behind.

Boss! Mika called.

Lan Jue paid her no mind, despite the fact they walked shoulder to shoulder. He arm pressed against her for just a moment.

She said nothing further, and walked along with him in silence. Quietly, she tapped a few buttons in to the communicator on her wrist.

As the four left, Lan Jue said not a word. The verti-car theyd hired waited patiently not far off, ready to depart.

A moment, Zeus. The exclamatory voice broke the silence of their trek.

Lan Jue stopped in his tracks, and his features changed, dropping that small smile. Quietly he addressed the voice. Are you going to force me to kill someone?

It looks like my estimates were correct. If I let you leave today, Im afraid you wont be coming back. The Empress remains as affectionate for you as ever, and though I dont know what she insinuated, it looks like you understood.

A large figure was slowly making their way towards them from afar. Reality almost appeared to swirl and bend around them. The various peddlers and pedestrians on the street all quietly vanished. It was clearly felt by Lan Jues three protectors that it was as though theyd entered another reality entirely.