Chapter 163: Fame Spreads Far and Wide, Enemies Offer Tributes

News that the King of Champoo had finally finished his secluded cultivation and emerged spread rapidly throughout Shampoo City.

Spies secretly observing the city grew both more cautious and more active. They had come to Shampoo City precisely to ascertain the true strength of this seemingly rising power, preparing for the upcoming Imperial Martial Arts Warfare Tournament. Among the Zenit Empire’s two hundred and fifty Vassal States, while most kings and their kingdoms were decaying and weak, there were also ambitious plotters and schemers. Driven by grand ambitions, they planned to factor every potential rival into their future schemes. Therefore, gathering intelligence was particularly vital.

Of course, there were also organizations who sold intelligence for a living. True to their professional nature, they extended their tentacles towards Shampoo City.

Everyone assumed this intelligence would be hard-won, already prepared to pay some price for it. However, what no one anticipated was that, on the very evening of the king’s emergence, this young monarch held a grand celebratory feast for the entire city in the Temple Plaza. Everyone saw the resplendent Shampoo City and the unearthly beauty of his Future Queen Consort, regarded as a goddess. The heads of both Shampoo City’s military and political systems all appeared at the banquet. Beyond many people’s expectations, the esteemed Princess Royal Tanasha of the Zenit Empire also made a very high-profile appearance. During the feast, she chatted amiably with the King of Champoo as if they were old friends.

This banquet offered numerous spies a chance to identify Shampoo City’s key figures of power and observe its strength.

To their even greater delight, at the climax of the festivities, the King of Champoo held a so-called ‘military parade.’ Shampoo City’s two notoriously oddly named military forces, the Saint and the Urban Management, also fully unveiled their mysterious veils, revealing themselves before everyone’s eyes.

The Saint had only fifty members in their full formation, akin to knightly forces. Each rode a fully-armored level-four Magical Beast, a Blaze Beast, spoils from the previous War Against the Nine-Nation Alliance. This was somewhat expected by many. But the weapons in the knights’ hands truly sent chills down the spines of many spies – shields adorned with outward-projecting sawteeth resembled door planks, while each held an identical long-handled, wide-bladed great axe. The blade alone was comparable in length to a long sword… The weapons of the Saint possessed only one characteristic – immense!

The Urban Management currently had two hundred men at full strength. They wore light armor, T-nose helmets, wielded long spears, carried round shields on their left arms, and sat astride magnificent horses, looking formidable. The two hundred galloped past the plaza with raised spears, managing a rather imposing aura of lethality.

The citizens of Shampoo City were overjoyed by the sight.

Compared to the tattered, farmer-like troop from four months ago, this military force represented an earth-shattering growth for Shampoo City. Everyone witnessed the incremental changes over four months; each person bore witness to Shampoo City’s step-by-step strengthening. The lines of proud, spirited soldiers with their bright, cold steel weapons offered a sense of security they had never felt before.

For the spies from various nations, however, reality seemed much more optimistic than their prior imaginings. They had prepared themselves to witness a large, disciplined, sharp-edged army, considering this was a kingdom that had defeated the Nine-Nation Alliance. Yet, who could have guessed the total force presented as Shampoo City’s regular Giants numbered only just over three hundred? And judging by the whispers amongst the Shampoo citizens surrounding them, there didn’t seem to be any deliberate concealment of strength.

“How… is this really all there is?” wondered someone hidden in the dim shadows at the plaza’s edge.

“A measly three hundred soldiers, however brave, what could they really achieve?” Another spy felt a wave of relief wash over him. “It seems the Earl over-worried. Shampoo City possesses nothing worth serious attention.”

“This level of military might falls far short of previous rumors. It seems the Nine-Nation Alliance they defeated was probably just a band of incompetent oafs. What a pity those sixty-plus level-four Blaze Beasts fell into the hands of the King of Champoo! Maybe… there’s a way to take possession of those Blaze Beasts?” Avarice stirred within some; the sixty-plus Blaze Beasts were undeniably eye-catching wealth.

Naturally, not everyone was blinded by greed and short-sighted.

Some spies from other nations, hidden within the dim light, noticed things others missed.

“The aura radiating from the King of Champoo is vast and unfathomable. It seems he achieved a new breakthrough during his seclusion… Rumors say he once slew a Three-Star Warrior. He’s probably close to the Four-Star Level already!”

“The relationship between the King of Champoo and the Princess Royal is extraordinary. What profound secret could be hidden within?”

“Shampoo City does have a few noteworthy strong warriors. Perhaps the Viscount would have interest in them? If we could draw these people under his banner, Shampoo City would cease to pose any threat…”

The feast finally concluded in the early morning hours. Except for a very few, the surging undercurrents began to flow silently.

…

Three days later, Shampoo City’s majestic expeditionary force set out to participate in the Zenit Empire’s Martial Arts Tournament.

The autumn wind snapped the long, rectangular campaign banners flying above the troops. Each banner had been painstakingly embroidered stitch by stitch by the Future Queen Consort, Angela. Designed personally by Sun Fei, it depicted a two-headed hound, a Magical Beast image, each head gripping an axe and a sword respectively in its jaws. The creative prototype, naturally, included the Big Black Dog, Black Whirlwind. Banner poles pierced high into the azure sky; the banners stretched taut in the wind, fluttering like fierce dragons trying desperately to break free from their poles and soar away.

Citizens of Shampoo City lined both sides of the street, throwing flowers and leaves symbolizing victory, glory, and bravery onto the road beneath the knights’ horses. These knights were husbands to some women, fathers to some children, sons to some old people, and lovers to some young maidens. Filled with reluctance and blessings, they watched their dearest ascend their warhorses and march towards the unknown, hoping for their triumphant return laden with honors…

Sun Fei wore black light armor. His long, waterfall-like black hair streamed behind him in the wind as he rode the Big Black Dog. Clad entirely in black, he exuded a unique magnetism. Embracing his beautiful fiancée, Angela, he led the procession.

Today, Angela also wore exquisite light female armor, uncharacteristic for her. Beneath her Milan-style helmet, her black hair flowed like silk in the wind, its faint fragrance teasing Sun Fei’s senses. Anyone catching sight of her, a girl radiating pure happiness despite the armor, found their gaze lingering. Wearing battle attire gave Angela an unusual aura of bravery, enhancing her charm immensely.

Behind Sun Fei followed Saint Legion Commander Peter Cech; the two Golden Knights, Drogba and Pierce; Shampoo City’s former foremost fighter, Frank Lampard; Prison Warden Oleg; the blonde little Lori Gemma; and close guard Fernando Torres. This expedition virtually encompassed all of Shampoo City’s elite fighters. Sun Fei left only his father-in-law Best and Gordon Brook to manage the kingdom.

The Princess Royal Tanasha’s Magic Carriage and her retinue were also part of the procession. The Female Literary Sage had remained in Shampoo City for far too long and finally intended to return to the Imperial Capital.

Half an hour later, when the expeditionary force finally disappeared into the golden grasslands at the distant horizon, the crowds of well-wishers reluctantly dispersed. Upon the city walls, Shampoo City’s two military chiefs, Best and Brook, stood for a long time. Only after the last banner vanished from sight on the horizon did they slowly withdraw their gaze.

“When His Majesty returns, Shampoo City might have advanced from a Fourth-Class to a Third-Class Vassal State… perhaps even a Second-Class? Or even a First-Class?” commented the Old Man. His once careworn face held new confidence, a stark contrast to four months ago when despair clung to him.

Brook turned. “Second-Class Vassal State? Gordon, you still don’t fully grasp His Majesty’s ambition, do you?” Best chuckled. “A mere Second-Class Vassal State is probably far beneath His Majesty’s notice… What Shampoo City might gain from this Martial Arts Tournament defies prediction. However, now that His Majesty has departed, we two must not slack off. Our lazy king has indeed left us plenty to finish!”

Brook lightly slapped the Parapet before them, brimming with energy. “Haha, indeed! Just thinking about the blueprint His Majesty painted makes my blood boil! If we can truly achieve those goals, who on the Azeroth Continent would dare look down upon Shampoo City?”

“Hah, who knew this taciturn block of wood could be so emotional!”

“Heh heh…”

…

Shampoo City’s territory was pitifully small. Though the expedition didn’t move particularly fast, in less than four hours, even before leaving the golden grasslands, they had crossed beyond Shampoo City’s borders and entered the neighboring Rais Country territory.

Rais Country was a Fifth-Class Vassal State, weak overall but notably stronger than Shampoo City in its previous decline. When Shampoo City had suffered hardship, Rais Country frequently took the chance to kick it while it was down and oppress it. Countless conflicts erupted between the two countries, most ending with Shampoo City defeated and humiliated. The Shampoo royal family, angered but afraid to speak out, was extorted of considerable wealth. The King of Rais bragged to other monarchs that he could simply “withdraw” money and beautiful women from Shampoo City at will… Such was the relationship and relative standing between the two nations.

Thus, this nation could definitely be counted as one of Shampoo City’s hostile powers.

“All soldiers, alert! Maintain vigilance!” Cech commanded with a wave. Over twenty Saints were sent out as Scouts. Every movement within a radius of four to five miles around the procession now fell under the surveillance of the Shampoo Expeditionary Force.

A gigantic bird, wings spanning over a meter, soared overhead. Individuals in the procession who had seen it land on Sun Fei’s shoulder earlier, nuzzling and calling affectionately, knew it was the king’s pet. No one committed the blunder of trying to shoot it down with a bow.

About ten kilometers inside Rais territory, they finally encountered a Rais border outpost.

These were the sparse, shabby checkpoints common on the borders of Vassal States, usually manned by five or six impoverished soldiers suffering their posting. They served little purpose if actual conflict arose beyond a visual deterrent. What astounded everyone in the Shampoo Expeditionary Force was encountering none other than the King of Rais himself and most of the Rais royal family at this desolate location.

“Stop—!” Sun Fei raised his hand. The advancing column halted instantly. Even the footfalls of the horses’ hooves seemed to understand the command, stopping perfectly in unison.

However, cold steel flashed in a series of chilling clashes. Weapons were drawn, their sharp points aimed forward at the Rais courtiers. An avalanche of momentum surged forth, unmasked. Every Shampoo soldier radiated undisguised hostility, permeating the air with sharp, intent KILLING. Should the Rais party make the slightest wrong move, a command from the king would unleash a charge to trample them into dust!

Feeling the hostility and icy killing intent from Shampoo City’s side, the portly Rais King turned pale, his heart raced, fear evident. He quickly emerged, fawning, from his ring of bodyguards, holding his empty hands out in a gesture of peace. “Your Majesty the King of Champoo! Honor and grace be upon you! Please do not misunderstand! We bear absolutely no hostility!”

“What do you want?” Sun Fei sat upon the Big Black Dog, eyes narrowed.

“Honored Your Majesty! Upon learning that Shampoo City’s expeditionary army to the Martial Arts Tournament would pass by our borders, I specially led my entire royal family and ministers to welcome you! It is true that Rais and Shampoo had their… moments of friction and enmity in the past, but those are matters of history! From this day forward, the royal house of Rais wishes to be the most intimate friend of the royal house of Champoo! We bring humble gifts to honor your journey…” The King of Rais gestured. Behind him, several guards carefully carried four heavy iron chests forward. With a loud clang, the chests were placed heavily on the ground. Lids opened, revealing dazzling golden light – inside were nothing but gleaming gold coins, Imperial currency.

Lai Si Guo Wang stood here, lowering himself to apologize and seek peace humbly.

Though Sun Fei remained silent, for the commanders and soldiers of Shampoo City, a fiery heat surged through their veins. Every man gripped their weapon tighter, straightening their spines more than ever before. A tide of unprecedented pride washed over each individual.

Sun Fei made a grasping motion in the empty air. A sharp, pitch-black spear appeared in his hand.

The entire Rais delegation gasped. Beyond the fear that the dazzling King of Champoo might ruthlessly turn on them, this display – pulling a spear from the void without a ripple of Battle Qi or magic aura – utterly shocked them. His strength far exceeded their imagination… Shampoo City’s power was truly, as intelligence suggested, beyond measure!

Using the sharply pointed spear tip to casually shift the coins within an open chest, Sun Fei didn’t dismount. After a long moment, glimpsing cold sweat visibly beading on the brow of the now greatly embarrassed Rais King, he finally gestured lightly. A soldier immediately rode forward from the rear ranks, collecting all four chests of gold coins without ceremony.

The Rais King finally exhaled in relief. His obese frame relaxed slightly enough to stand more upright. Smiling fawningly once more, he gestured again. Several Rais Warriors led a dozen young, lovely women forward. Each girl was around eighteen or nineteen, dressed in simple yet alluring translucent gauze, obviously meticulously styled and trained. Caught in the late autumn’s sharp cold, despite forcing bright smiles, their slight bodies shivered uncontrollably.

Sun Fei experienced a moment of startled realization. These women were also part of the Rais King’s tribute meant to appease.

He fell silent for a moment staring at them. Then, he waved his hand again. From the rear, soldiers steered a carriage forward, helping the young women board. Sun Fei chose not to refuse this gift. Because these girls seemed utterly cultivated and treated as expendable commodities or slaves. Even had he refused them, they likely wouldn’t find kinder destinies elsewhere – arguably far worse. Taking them might offer them some form of salvation. Though naturally, he had no intentions of building a large harem.

Witnessing Shampoo City accept both offerings consecutively eased the tension considerably among Rais royal entourage visibly.

“This unworthy king has arranged an honored banquet in Lai Si City to extend all courtesies and cleanse the weariness from honored Your Majesty’s journey and journey of Shampoo’s brave warriors. Might Your Majesty grace…” The Lai Si monarch began fawning efforts seeking deeper reconciliation yet Sun Fei’s simple headshake abruptly choked his continuation, silencing him instantly.

Sun Fei’s eyes fixed coldly upon the pale, corpulent ruler below him. His voice held regal contempt. “This king originally intended to ride through Rais Country trampling it underfoot. To claim back tenfold, hundredfold, every injustice inflicted upon Shampoo City by your kind. You acted with some wisdom, however. The gold I accepted. But matters end not quite here. Maintain this wisdom henceforth. Otherwise,” Sun Fei concluded, his tone sharp as the steel spear tip, “House of Rais cannot endure the weight of this king’s next wrath!” He repeated “wisdom” deliberately, leaving utterly clear his scorn and disdain.

But—

“Yes! Yes, yes, yes… We shall become the closest of friends! Friends, indeed, good friends…” stammered Lai Si Guo Wang rapidly, devoid of any defiance. He felt immense pressure emanating from Sun Fei. His knees buckled and trembled violently. Only quick support from adjacent guards prevented an embarrassing collapse onto the soil before his own retinue, utterly disgracing his rank as King.

“Friends?” Sun Fei’s voice remained icy, sharp and distant. “Never utter that word before me again henceforth. Because… your kind holds no worthiness for it.”

He spat contemptuously onto the ground near the king’s feet then abruptly gestured forward. Ignoring them completely, the Shampoo Expeditionary Force surged powerfully onward like unstoppable torrent of cold iron thundering past their trembling delegation. Hooves struck earth sending vibrations echoing. Sunlight reflected lethally off brilliant armor and sharp steel swords forcing Rais eyes downward avoiding direct gaze. Chilling killing aura radiating from each soldier terrified Rais spectators frozen upon the roadside. Only after seeing Shampoo City column finally receding into distant golden grassland did Lai Si Guo Wang collapse heavily onto knees amidst gasping breaths, guards scrambling to assist him.

A young Noble with bitter, gloomy demeanor assisted the fat King while staring resentfully towards vanished cavalry trail whispering viciously: “Cursed King of Champoo dares humiliate our sovereign thus! Ha! Let him swagger briefly! With modest strength he fancies himself invincible? Hehe, whether these Shampoo braves make journey to Imperial Capital Saint Petersburg intact remains doubtful! Better had they perished at those others… Still…” His tone shifted regretful momentarily…”A pity regarding the lovely one… truly captivating bride-to-be… Quite desirable…”

THWUNK—!

A single arrow shrieked violently from distance piercing base neck precisely below young Noble’s jaw who fell backwards sprawled instantly, gaze fixed skyward filled only stunned disbelief yet comprehension… Thin feathered shaft protruding amidst vibrating buzz… Silence spread among horrified Rais nobles witnessing… Guards hurriedly crowded around frightened King seeking shield frantically…

Over across waving grassland where golden blades met azure sky sat proudly upon Blaze Beast, Shampoo City’s renowned Zhebie Archer, longbow still held in drawing posture. Mane of fiery mount billowed majestically wind… His reputation earned during Nine-Nation Alliance conflict preceding him…