Chapter One: The Caro Delegation

Li Bing’s message arrived with remarkable speed. Only three days had passed before she found them. As soon as she saw Kuang Chi and the Phantom Thief, she smiled at Kuang Chi and said, “Mr. Kuang, I am pleased to say I have lived up to your trust. I have already arranged a meeting with an ambassador from your nation’s diplomatic mission. However, I must ask for your understanding—I have informed them of your current situation, and the ambassador wishes to see you as soon as possible. Do you have time to meet?”

Kuang Chi nodded eagerly, his excitement plain as he said, “Miss Li, I truly don’t know how to thank you for all you’ve done for me.”

Li Bing’s face was bright with delight. Then, with a half-joking tone, she said, “If you really wish to thank me, I do know of a way—but I wonder if you would be willing to do it.”

Kuang Chi laughed, matching her tone, “And what would you have me do to show my gratitude, Miss Li? If you don’t tell me, how will I know if I’m willing?”

The Phantom Thief listened to their odd exchange, interjecting with a bemused look, “Miss Li, you seem a little different today. This kind of talk feels so formal, as if we were strangers. If you need anything from us, just ask. As long as we can help, we absolutely won’t refuse.”

Li Bing smiled at him, then glanced at Kuang Chi before continuing, “You’re too polite, sir. If I had known earlier that Mr. Kuang was the heir to a family that has produced two War Gods, I wouldn’t have dared treat you with such casualness. Please forgive any past discourtesy.”

She tried to go on, but the Phantom Thief, clearly uncomfortable, interrupted, “Alright, Miss Li, if you have something to say, just say it. You haven’t been anything but kind to us. If not for your care these past months, we wouldn’t have had such an easy time. Don’t be so formal with us; Kuang Chi and I are both straightforward people, and your words make us feel awkward.”

Li Bing’s smile grew even more captivating. Seeing their discomfort, she continued, “Then I won’t stand on ceremony. There is indeed something troubling me, and I hope Mr. Kuang can help.”

She paused, then said, “As far as I know, your family has many innate masters, doesn’t it?”

Kuang Chi nodded, somewhat puzzled. Though the Kuang family’s Dragon Technique was not easy to master, centuries of effort had produced an effective method, and with each generation, many reached the realm of innate power. This was no secret in the Caro Empire, or in all of human society. After all, a family that had produced two War Gods could hardly lack a multitude of masters.

Seeing his nod, Li Bing’s expression grew serious. “Our family has encountered a problem. Our main business is interstellar trade, but in the past century, for various reasons, our martial strength has declined. As a result, our trade volume has decreased, and many long-distance routes have been abandoned.”

At this, the Phantom Thief interjected, “Miss Li, are you hoping to recruit a group of masters from the Kuang family?”

Li Bing gazed at Kuang Chi and nodded. “That’s correct. I don’t imagine it would be much trouble for your family.”

Kuang Chi pondered for a long while, pacing the room before finally meeting Li Bing’s eyes. “Our family does have many masters, but we are a family, and most who practice the Dragon Technique are kin. The dangers of long-range space transport are considerable, so it would be difficult for family members to come to the Gale Empire.”

Li Bing’s disappointment was obvious as she listened. After a while, she asked, “Could you not recruit from your family’s War Dragon Star?”

“That’s possible,” Kuang Chi replied, “but Miss Li, the Gale Empire and our Caro Empire are separated by the Democratic Alliance, which has long been our bitter enemy. Even if I returned to War Dragon Star and recruited some experts for you, how would I deliver them?”

“Please don’t worry, Mr. Kuang. Not long ago, the Democratic Alliance and the Caro Empire reached a trade agreement. Citizens of your empire can now enter the Democratic Alliance with little difficulty, and my family does extensive business there. We could send someone to receive your people within the Alliance. Given your family’s influence, arranging for a group to enter the Alliance shouldn’t be hard.”

That was, of course, not difficult. Still, Kuang Chi looked over at the Phantom Thief. He knew he was not yet cautious enough in such matters, and with the Phantom Thief’s experience, it was wiser to let him make the decision.

The Phantom Thief understood at once. Nodding to Kuang Chi, he turned to Li Bing. “Very well, Miss Li. Once we return to War Dragon Star, we’ll help you recruit a group there. Just let us know before we leave how you wish to handle the handover, and how many people you need, and if there are any special requirements.”

Li Bing smiled and nodded her agreement.

Li Bing’s efficiency was truly impressive. The next day, she informed Kuang Chi that his meeting with the Caro Empire’s diplomatic mission was scheduled in three days.

The meeting was to take place in that very building. On the day, Steward Sun led Kuang Chi and the Phantom Thief straight to the hotel where the meeting would be held.

Verifying Kuang Chi’s identity was almost effortless. The head of the diplomatic mission was an elder with a full head of white hair and beard, over two centuries old. The moment he saw Kuang Chi, he grasped his left hand and examined it, then asked him to summon his battle dragon. Kuang Chi’s black battle dragon was his unmistakable signature—many things could be forged, but this creature, born of pure energy and conjured instantly from within, was impossible to fake.

Once his identity was confirmed, the ambassador burst out laughing and said, “Excellent, it really is you! At last we’ve found you. Do you know, your family has turned the entire Caro Empire upside down searching for you? The whole empire has been in chaos. Especially your grandfather—when I left, he was still arguing with His Majesty at the palace! Not only did your grandfather go to the capital, even the Kuang family’s Elder Council sent twenty-three permanent elders there.”

Kuang Chi hadn’t imagined his disappearance would cause such an uproar.

The Phantom Thief asked, “Ambassador, do you know who attacked this kid? Has it been discovered?”

The ambassador shook his head and replied with a wry smile, “The culprit covered their tracks exceedingly well. Even the special investigative team appointed by the Emperor found not a single clue after two months of searching.”

Afterward, Kuang Chi and the Phantom Thief moved out of Li Bing’s family’s building to take up residence with the Caro Empire’s diplomatic mission, joining their thirty-some members.

Even among the mission, Kuang Chi’s sudden appearance caused a stir. It was clear his disappearance had thrown the Caro Empire into turmoil. When the ambassador introduced Kuang Chi, even these envoys—away from home for nearly a year—cried out in surprise.

Brothers, cast all your votes for me!