"Shan Bu, you have done well. You have not betrayed my trust." The revived King of Thunder, Lei Shen, sat upon his throne, one arm resting against its edge as he supported his face. The mutated cloud serpent, Storm Lord Nalak, flew joyfully around Lei Shen.
Shan Bu knelt respectfully beneath the throne. The wait of tens of thousands of years had finally come to an end, and the Mogu warlord, who had always worn an expressionless face, now displayed an exceptionally rich range of emotions.
"This is my mission, great Emperor. For tens of thousands of years, I have awaited this day every moment. Only you can truly lead the Mogu to rule this world. Only you are supreme!"
For tens of thousands of years, Shan Bu had led the powerful Shan'ze Clan. Given the clan's strength and Shan Bu's own power, he could have declared himself king long ago. Yet he had never done so, instead waiting for tens of thousands of years. Such loyalty was beyond description.
Lei Shen nodded at Shan Bu, then said generously, "Shan Bu, speak. What do you want? Your achievements are worthy of a great reward. A title, women, or power?"
Given Shan Bu's status, a title would likely mean kingship. After all, Lei Shen's imperial throne was supreme, and the Mogu rarely granted the title of king, for Mogu emperors feared that kings would threaten their positions. But Shan Bu's loyalty put Lei Shen completely at ease.
Most of the Mogu were male, with fewer than three women among them. Two were in Lei Shen's grasp: the Mogu Twin Empresses. Although Lei Shen regarded them as his personal possessions, he might agree if Shan Bu requested them.
Power was what most people desired. With Highkeeper Ra's heart, Lei Shen's strength rivaled