King of the Immortal Realm

Empire, Imperial Capital.

Sein's remains were buried by the church in the cemetery behind the Imperial Cathedral, where they were protected by a powerful barrier.

Dugu Qing Frieren arrived at Sein's tombstone and bowed solemnly to mourn the deceased.

After the ceremony, the two silently walked away with the flow of mourners.

After the memorial service, the Empire held a grand reception in memory of Sein the grand hotel across the street.

Outside the hotel, a large crowd surged.

Inside a luxurious aristocratic carriage, the elderly and frail Stark, thin and with dry white hair, sat on the carpet, meticulously disciplining his grandson.

"Dawson, how could you mobilize troops without authorization? Who is in charge of the Lynn Army, you or me?!"

Dawson was around thirteen years old, and like the young Stark, he wore a military uniform and had short, fiery red hair.

"Grandpa, there are Demons causing trouble near the Imperial Capital! I just asked them to help the adventurers wipe out the Demons, it's nothing serious!"

Stark sighed. "How many times have I told you? Use your job title when you're at work! Besides, this is the Imperial Capital. His Majesty the Emperor probably won't think that way. Listen to me, take off your uniform, go to magic school, and train for a few years!"

You'll regret this!

"Hmph! I am the Duke!"

Stark gripped his cane tightly and slammed it heavily on the floor.

"Bang!"

Dawson stormed off, slammed the car shut, and disappeared down the street like the wind.

Outside the train carriage, crowds thronged, with guests coming and going in an endless stream.

Dugu Qing and Frieren nestled together quietly, their gazes darting through the surging crowd, carefully searching for any trace of Stark.

Stark slowly raised his eyes, his cloudy gaze sweeping over the crowd before finally spotting Dugu Qing and Frieren.

His eyes were slightly red, he leaned on his cane, his back was hunched, and he walked towards the two of them with difficulty, his steps unsteady.

"Stark!"

"Dugu Qing, Frieren!"

The three gazed at each other from afar, their eyes meeting, like magnets drawn together, firmly intertwined.

Dugu Qing and Frieren looked at Stark, whose skin was wrinkled, who was hunched over, and who had lost most of his hair, exchanged a glance, and then burst into laughter.

"You... you all!"

Looking at Dugu Qing and Frieren's tightly clasped fingers, Stark's heart skipped a beat, and his eyes were filled with disbelief and shock.

Have these two blockheads finally come to their senses?

That's incredible!

He thought that the two of them would be held back for life because of Fern!

Unexpectedly...

However, this is for the best. He was able to see Dugu Qing and Frieren achieve their happy ending before he died, which reduced one of his regrets. This life is enough for him!

"We're... fine! How about you, Stark? How have you been lately?"

Dugu Qing pointed to the stone table and chairs in the distance, inviting Stark to sit down.

Stark slowly stepped forward, his fingers trembling as if he had Parkinson's, and gently sat down on the stone bench.

"I'm doing well. I got married decades ago and have five sons and two daughters. Over the decades, I've had quite a few descendants."

"It's fine," Frieren replied casually.

Stark let out a deep sigh, a hint of weariness appearing between his brows.

"What's so good about it! My sons and grandsons are always fighting for power and profit. No matter who I side with, I'll be accused of favoritism. Running this family is tough!"

The three chatted about the changes in the world over the past few decades, sometimes bursting into laughter, sometimes falling silent and sighing.

We chatted from 10 a. m. until sunset, and we still felt like we hadn't had enough, like we could never go back to how we were before.

The dignitaries who came to pay their respects—dukes, Earl, ministers, generals, daughters of noble families, and princesses—frequently turned their gazes toward Dugu Qing, and whispered among themselves.

"The savior of the world is unbelievably beautiful, like a goddess!"

"Who else but Dugu Qing deserves the title of the world's most beautiful woman?"

"Peerless in beauty and talent, unparalleled in the world!"

"Stark is going too far! He's so old and toothless, yet he's still clinging to Dugu Qing!"

"Mom, I believe in love again!"

"What are they even talking about?! Stop it already! I want Dugu Qing's autograph!"

A burning gaze fell upon Dugu Qing, and many princesses and noble ladies were eager to step forward and strike up a conversation.

The newly enthroned emperor, dressed in a marshal's uniform and wearing a crown, walked among the crowds.

His gaze repeatedly drifted towards Dugu Qing, seemingly wanting to join in, but he couldn't find an opportunity and could only patiently wait for the three of them to finish their conversation.

"Buzz!"

In the vast sky, winds rise and clouds surge.

Amidst the vast clouds and mist, a magnificent golden light poured down, shimmering and radiant, cleansing the heavens and earth.

A towering, imposing figure stood at the center of the clouds, loudly proclaiming a divine decree.

"In the beginning of time, the Goddess created the world, shaping heaven and earth and bestowing blessings upon all Immortal Realm beings. Now, the Seven Realms are adrift, the King of the Immortal Realm has passed away, and the Immortal Realm is without a ruler. His Majesty the Love God King, with his profound understanding of the universe, knows that Dugu Qing gentle and kind, pure and virtuous, possesses unparalleled beauty and talent, and whose achievements surpass all others. Therefore, His Majesty issues this imperial decree, summoning Dugu Qing to ascend to the Aureole to succeed as the Immortal King and rule over the Immortal Realm decree."

The sound caused an uproar throughout the land.

"Is this a decree from the gods?"

"My God! Is the Goddess of Creation real?!"

"A miracle, a miracle!"

"My faith has not been in vain all these years!"

"Is it too late to do good deeds and accumulate merit now?"

"Is Dugu Qing about to ascend to the throne of Immortal King?! How enviable!"

"Does Dugu Qing need any maids? I'm strong, I want to be a maid!"

A commotion arose from the crowd, and all eyes on the street turned to Dugu Qing, their gazes burning with excitement and restlessness.

"Immortal King? Dugu Qing, do you want to be one?!"

Frieren looked up at Dugu Qing, vaguely guessing his decision.

"No, I don't like crowded places! Let's go to heaven right now and explain things to the God-King."

Dugu Qing's heart's desire has always been to retire to the countryside and live out his remaining years in peace; he has no interest in the lofty position of the Immortal King.

The two used Flight Magic, their figures soaring upwards and plunging into the clouds.

"I've become Immortal King! But that's good. After I die, I'll have someone to rely on in Aureole, and I'll probably live a more comfortable life!"

Looking at the distant figure in the sky, the fear of death in Stark's heart dissipated by most.

Dugu Qing and Frieren waved goodbye to Stark.

The divine messenger activated a super-fast teleportation spell, taking Dugu Qing and Frieren with him as they rode on swirling auspicious clouds, heading towards the Aureole.

A few hours later, the majestic and magnificent South Heavenly Gate came into view.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Immortal King!"

The heavenly soldiers on both sides bowed respectfully, their voices in unison.

Dugu Qing and Frieren exchanged a strange glance, but said nothing. They followed the envoy's footsteps and quickly headed towards the Immortal Realm, which ranked second among the Seven Realms.

At the entrance to the Martial Realm, the weather was fine, the birds were singing, and the flowers were blooming.

Fern, holding Grimoire, walked with an elegant demeanor and leisurely gait, heading to visit Flamme.

A series of light, slow footsteps came from behind.

Fern turned around in confusion, only to see Dugu Qing and Frieren following the messenger, about to head to the sixth level of the Immortal Realm. He stared in disbelief, his heart seemingly stopping.

"Dugu Qing! Frieren! What are they doing here?"

Familiar gazes, filled with warmth.

Dugu Qing and Frieren seemed to sense something, and simultaneously looked up in the direction of Fern.

The purple-clad figure, just like when they first met many years ago, was slender, gentle, and lovely, awakening the dormant longing in Dugu Qing and Frieren.

Their eyes were red-rimmed with joy, and an unparalleled surge of energy coursed through them as they excitedly rushed towards Fern.

Hehe... Haha!

With her flowing purple hair, Fern appeared slightly flustered, a bright and radiant smile on her face. She scratched her head shyly, her voice as clear as a silver bell.

[The End]