Heavenly Procrastinator Chapter 64

As Rokas pulled her up, she moved herself into him. He observed her hopeless expression as she seemingly froze. For a long moment, there was only silence between them.

"You were right all along… I was alone." Qianye Ying'er admitted, digging her head into his chest. "Everything I ever had slipped right through my hands, one thing after the other. My mother, the lie that my father sold me… and then you. I have nothing. All that remains is this broken, scarred vessel-”

"You have me.” Rokas replied simply, embracing her. “These wounds you have are but the consequences of the past. They can be wiped away with time, should you keep your word. You need not hold your head down forever, nor do I want you to. If it were up to a certain few others… you would be dead, left crippled or enslaved. But… that decision was ultimately left to me and I chose to believe in you.”

“Prove me right, Ying’er.” Rokas stroked her golden hair, looking onwards. “Prove me right and I will share this summit with you.”

“... How can I do that?”

“That’s something you have to find within yourself.” Rokas let go, stepping back. “I can’t change for you. I can lead you along the right path… but you’re the one who must walk it.”

“I see…” Qianye Ying’er slowly nodded. “Where is it that you intend to go now?”

“You’ll see.”

[Qianye Ying’er (Magician I): 4 → 5]

…

“I have a surprise for you, Ping’er.” Rokas grabbed her hand and led her along. “Something you wanted for quite some time, if I remember right.”

“What is it?” Long Yinping’s eyes lit up. “A big version of the Barbatos?”

“No, not that.”

“Hmm…  a pet dragon? A cute crocodile?”

“... No.” Rokas chuckled, shaking his head.

“Hmm…” Long Yinping pouted. “What could it be? Is Daddy lying and making me keep guessing?”

Rokas led her to one of his many gardens, where Xia Qingyue meditated.

“Oh… it’s auntie Xia.” Long Yinping stroked her chin. “Why is she fat? Has daddy been feeding her too much?”

“No…” Rokas pat her head, chuckling. “She has been eating for two, though.”

Xia Qingyue smiled slightly.

“...” Long Yinping paused as the realisation came. She walked closer and pat Xia Qingyue’s belly. Upon closer inspection, she sensed something. “It’s… like me. A little dragon. I… am going to be a big sister?”

“Mhm.”

“Sniff…” Long Yinping sniffled, embracing Xia Qingyue… her stomach more precisely. “I’m so happy… we can play games all day, I can show you Barbatos, we can have awesome fights together… I’ll be the best big sister ever.”

‘She has it all thought out.’

“He should be born in about three to four months.”

“He? It’s a little brother?” Long Yinping tilted her head. “And that’s just a little bit after my birthday…”

“Perhaps it was fated that you would have the birthday present you wished for most.” Xia Qingyue replied, smiling. “Though it isn’t your full brother, I don’t believe that you would treat him any differently.”

“Nope.” Long Yinping shook her head. “It’s still daddy’s child, so it’s my brother, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter if it’s my half or my full brother… it’s still my brother, and I will take care of him like any big sister would!” Long Yinping nodded.

“Something tells me that she would make a fine mother herself someday.” Xia Qingyue remarked, sending a transmission to Rokas.

“A doting one, certainly.” Rokas agreed with a smile.

~

After getting everything he needed from the Brahma Monarch God Realm, Rokas set his sights on the Southern Sea God Realm. The Dreadnought unleashed a beam of its energy, cutting a hole in space that led right to the Realm in question. It flew into the hole… teleporting on the other end. Rokas had practised Mo E’s techniques to almost perfection and even added his own improvements to it… which meant that crossing entire regions with relative ease was perfectly possible.

In no time whatsoever, Rokas looked at the sight of the Southern Sea God Realm from the bridge of his ship. He recalled the time the Blitz and Akatsuki, he and Qianye Ying’er, took down the core of the Realm and looted it of all its worth. He also remembered the slaughter that Qianye Ying’er had committed, leaving not a single soul in the burning city.

Then… the Brahma Gods and Qianye Fantian had their turn, finishing what they had started. From a distance, it still looked somewhat the same. Yet, one closer look made the once flourishing Southern Sea God Realm look completely unrecognisable.

Rokas teleported away, landing onto the wasteland almost immediately,

‘Nothing but a ruin…’ Rokas looked around, taking a brisk walk through the fallen city. There was not a single structure that remained standing. Everything had collapsed into a giant landscape of trash. Even nature refused to grow in such a desolate area.

“Man, there ain’t nothing good here, boss. We’ve been looking for weeks…”

“Keep looking, they couldn’t have taken it all. One treasure from the Southern Sea God Realm will set us for life!”

“Whatever those Brahma Gods didn’t take was destroyed by their divine weapons…”

‘What do we have here?’

Rokas made himself invisible, observing the group of treasure hunters going through the ruins. There were quite a number of them, nearly fifty. They searched every nook and cranny like starving dogs searching for anything that looked remotely like food. After a while, he made himself visible and spooked out their ‘boss’.

“Ou… who the hell are you?” The bossman took a few steps back. “Don’t come closer or I’ll punch your pretty face into oblivion!”

“Those are big words, for someone who doesn’t know who they are dealing with.” Rokas chuckled, pointing his index finger at him.

Whoosh.

A formation shot right towards him, binding the boss, and stretched out to the rest… chaining all of them at once.

“Uhuh…” The boss nervously chuckled. “You must forgive me if I-”

“I don’t want to hear your horrible attempts at ass kissing.” Rokas shook his head slightly. “Tell me, what has become of the Southern Sea God Realm?”

“Well… you can clearly see with your own eyes, can’t you? This is what’s left of their core. The experts from the Southern Sea God Realm who remain didn’t even bother forming up here again. Who can blame them? The Brahma Gods could return at any moment they please and squash them again.”

“So… did they choose another location?” Rokas questioned.

“I don’t know shit about what those big experts are up to, I’m just a traveller trying to make my way in the universe.”

“Fair enough.” Rokas nodded. “Ying’er.”

“... Ying’er?” All of them collectively questioned. “Wait…”

“Yes?” Qianye Ying’er left his Inner World, appearing beside Rokas. “What is needed of me?”

“I want you to scout the entire Southern Sea God Realm. Find out about its current situation, the strongest factions, what happened to the crown prince… find all you can of value. When you’re done, return to me and report your findings.”

“... It will be done.” Qianye Ying’er nodded, disappearing into a trail of golden light.

“Wait… you can’t be…”

“Yes, I am the man you may know as Long Ke.” Rokas nodded, unbinding them. “I suggest you leave this area before I start fixing it up.”

“Uh… so… if that is true… we could, you know, work for you?” The boss suggested.

“Let’s see if you can.” Rokas searched through their memories. “Wow. Just a traveller making your way through the Universe, eh?”

“Yeah, just a humble band of buddies…”

“Mhm.” Rokas stroked his chin. “You lot as a group have committed genocide on several occasions, abducted hundreds and enslaved them, participated in many blackmarkets, used dark arts to brainwash your victims, initiated countless gang-rapes… is there anything you lot didn’t do?”

[System: Those rapper lawyers can get him off with two weeks of jail.]

“Ahah…” The boss chuckled, scratching his hair. Part of him thought he was fucked, the other expected the opposite. Judging Rokas’ expression was immensely difficult. “There are plenty worse than us. We are just living life.”

“Yes… so am I.” Rokas spit on him. “Enjoy.”

“Enjoy what…?” The boss questioned, wiping away Rokas’ spit. It was then that he realised that his skin was melting away. “What is this…?”

“Poison.”

He sealed them all in a box, allowing it to spread to the rest. The poison burned off their skin and eventually their insides, making them all look horribly ugly. Their deaths were slow and agonising. In the end, however, all that remained as purple mush.

He unsealed the box, cleaning away the mess.

Li Suo left his Inner World shortly after, observing the ruins. She seemed like the one bright spot on the horizon… It was like looking upon a painting. Indeed, she was. Wherever she walked, nature slowly rose from its ashes. Her presence alone was uplifting enough to cause such an effect.

“This place weighs heavily on you.” Li Suo remarked, glancing at him as a butterfly formed between her hands. “You still fault yourself for what happened?”

“Yes… I do.” Rokas nodded, looking around. “When I look upon this place, all I see are my mistakes. The oceans of blood on my hands. I could have done so much better…”

“You can’t change what happened.”

“I know…” Rokas took a deep breath. “That’s why I am here. To change the future.”

Li Suo smiled, offering her hand.

“Let your actions do the talking.”

“I will.”

When Rokas joined his hand with Li Suo’s, their profound energy almost became one. A dense aura of divine essence spilled from them, engulfing the entire ruin. The trash rose from the ground and allowed for grass to rise in its place. The trash was then completely transferred into pure creation energy… allowing for it to be used for good.

“What are we cooking?”

Rokas glanced at Li Suo. “... ‘Cooking’?”

“Isn’t that what you say? ‘Let me cook’... yet you never truly cook. Rather, you say that when you’re creating something.”

[System: I wouldn’t have that, me personally. She said you can’t cook.]

‘Shut up, you bastard.’ Rokas chuckled. “Right… let’s cook up a paradise. Firstly, it's called the Southern Sea God Realm and yet its core looks like a desert. We need to change the landscape and create more water to fit it.”

“Mhm… so this city will incorporate water.”

“Yes, I’ve had it in my mind for some time.” Rokas nodded. “I wish to make my own version of Venice.”

“Oh… I see.”

With their combined power and creativity, they truly began to cook. The once barren ruins transformed completely and the surrounding region was bent to Rokas’ creative vision. It took quite a while to get it right… but he was satisfied after an entire week of playing the cultivator edition of creative mode. The land which he intended to use was a great deal higher than the surrounding lands, featuring a massive waterfall at its end which spanned a hundred kilometres. There, he had built his castle on top of the waterfall. There were many bridges along the waterfall, all leading to either land or the castle.

The castle itself was colossal, its central tower piercing the skies. Most of its exterior was made of white marble with its roofs being coloured purple. It featured its own garden which was large enough to be considered a forest, in which heavenly flora from both their energy formed. The castle's central bridge was long, stretching out along the vast body of water below to where land had been formed for the city itself.

The foundations of the city had been built only slightly above the water, allowing for natural canals. At the very centre of this land stood a massive tree that touched the skies and had thousands of branches, many of which bore various different fruits. Around this land was a horizon of water, eventually leading to large white cliffs which acted as a natural barrier. The city itself was no more than an empty field… awaiting its first residents.

Rokas laid back on the peak of his tower, observing the beautiful scene. There was plenty of space for expansion along the ocean of water… should the city ever grow so large. The lands beneath could be used as well. Due to the massive waterfall, Rokas had made a vast beautiful lake to accommodate it and even made a system that recycled the water to avoid flooding.

The density of profound energy in Rokas’ plot of land was especially dense and primordial, a credit to his constant exertion. An invisible formation had been erected around it, keeping that energy within. Even a cultivator who had meditated in the purest of chambers would orgasm with only a single breath of this paradise.

For now, it was all too quiet except for the waterfall below.

"I can say with certainty that your skill in regards to creation has improved greatly." Li Suo remarked, sitting down beside him. "You did not even need my help, truthfully. It seems as if you took my hand to merely hold it."

"Didn't you enjoy the dance of creation?" Rokas glanced at her, smiling slightly. "Besides that, you offered your hand knowing that I could do it alone… so who really only wanted to hold hands?"

"Hmmm."

"Hmmm, indeed." Rokas chuckled. "Anyway, I can't really be a King without any people… those outlaws could’ve been a fine bundle of founding citizens. If they didn’t commit every crime under the sun, that is.”

“Your presence alone will bring people here… and with a little further advertising, it will be thriving with more people than you can count. Regardless, don’t you already have your first settlers within you?” Li Suo pointed at his chest.

“You’re right… though I think they’d prefer my Inner World.” Rokas shrugged. “I suppose asking wouldn’t hurt.”

Rokas introduced the wood spirits to his humble lands, offering them a home separate from his Inner World. Though, unsurprisingly, none considered permanently moving initially. They were like one large family which did not wish to part… and as the majority had grown attached to his Inner World, such a decision was inevitable. However, it was He Ling who convinced them to break out of their shells and see the wider world. To be the ones to set an example for the future settlers.

It was then that Rokas helped them build their homes alongside Li Suo. Many chose the centre of the land, where the colossal tree stood, while others chose the canals and harbours. With that, his new city started to have some life at last.

Atlantis, so it would be called.

~

After establishing his city’s foundations, Rokas awaited Qianye Ying’er’s return. Even before he publicly opened, many travellers would stumble upon his lands. However, due to the invisible formation, entrance was impossible without Rokas’ permission. He would greet any curious individuals and make a background check before allowing them to settle.

Given the richness of the lands and Rokas’ generous nature, he was able to convince every last traveller to settle down. The ones he wanted, at least. The bad apples were either denied entrance or outright killed depending on their memories. For now, there were no official list of laws yet… though he made it very clear that others should treat others the way they would expect to be treated and anything immoral would lead to a suitable punishment.

After several weeks, Qianye Ying’er had returned and came to inform Rokas directly. He stood at the balcony of his castle, watching his growing city from afar.

“So… what do you discover?”

“Compared to its peak, the number of flourishing regions is… well, there is hardly anything of note.” Qianye Ying’er once again wore a golden mask, this time for different reasons. “Qianye Fantian and the Brahma Gods had made sure to take anything of value and burn down the rest after our incursion. After that, the surrounding King Realms and High-Rank Star Realms scoured what could have possibly remained and abused their superior power to take apart the ruins. A great majority of the remnants split from their roots, joining these other realms for a better future.”

“That is to say… the Southern Sea God Realm is truly a wasteland that could not even be called a middle-ranked Star Realm as it is now. Even their crown prince is nowhere to be found.”

“The Brahma Monarch God Realm’s mercy,” Rokas remarked, popping open a can of cherry coke. “Crushing a King Realm so deep into the ground is quite impressive.”

“...” Qianye Ying’er lowered her head slightly. “I am not proud of it. We should not have trampled the entire Southern Sea God Realm in such a manner. It would have been far better to conquer them.”

“So, from what you’ve told me, it seems that my city doesn’t have any competition?” Rokas questioned. “Nothing at all?”

“Nothing significant, no. Should you make yourself known, everyone who lives in the Southern Sea God Realm would eventually migrate as close to you as possible.” Qianye Ying’er retrieved several papers, giving them to Rokas. “Despite this, I’ve made a list and mapped out every settlement I could find.”

Rokas took them and had a read. Despite the devastation it suffered, the Southern Sea God Realm was still incomprehensibly vast. The number of small settlements that remained from the catastrophe was not small in the slightest, at least in number. Though, no large cities or sects remained.

He took the map that showed the center of the Southern Sea God Realm, where Atlantis stood and its surrounding area.

“I want you to visit and convince all the settlements in the region to move in. That way, expanding our borders won’t be too difficult, and we should have more than enough people for a small city.”

“Are you certain you wish for such a drastic surge in people?”

“Well, I plan to be the God-Emperor of the Universe. If I can’t handle a couple ten thousand people… how will I fare in the future?” Rokas questioned. “Besides that, I have plenty of capable women by my side. Would I be wrong?”

“Not at all.” Qianye Ying’er shook her head. “I alone would be capable of handling all ruling matters.”

“You focus on bringing our new arrivals while I prepare for them.”

“As you wish…”

“One last thing… don’t use force. If they don’t want to move, then that is fine. Let them stay where they wish.”

“Only a fool would deny an offer to live directly under the rule of the strongest being in the universe.” Qianye Ying’er remarked, nodding. “But… I will keep that in mind.”

…

“Do you tire of living like ants, scrummaging for scraps?” Qianye Ying’er questioned, making herself known to the closest settlement. “Do you wish for protection, a flourishing land and a better life?”

“Who the hell are you?” One of the people asked.

“I am Qianye Ying’er, the Brahma Monarch Goddess.” She released some of her aura as her golden eye scanned the crowd that gathered. “Fear not, it is not our desire to destroy… but rather rebuild. To the north lies the paradise you seek and a life free from worries.”

“The Brahma Monarch God Realm…”

“You destroy our homes, and now you offer to build another? What of the countless lives you took?” One brave fellow questioned.

“Does he have a death wish?” One whispered in the crowd. “That is the Brahma Monarch Goddess… she can squash him like an ant.”

“Unfortunately, the dead cannot rise from their graves.” Qianye Ying’er replied rather calmly, taking out a few precious resources and leaving them in the centre. Within that bundle was a portal that would open to the city’s center. “However, the living can thrive. Those who dedicate themselves to their new God Emperor shall live like gods and share in his glory.”

“New… God Emperor?”

“Long Ke, he who the Universe will bend to in due time.” Qianye Ying’er ascended off the ground. “Should you give yourselves to his cause, that bundle of resources would only be the beginning. You have the opportunity of being the founding citizens of his first city… I would not squander it.”

Though delivered in a somewhat grand and aloof manner, Qianye Ying’er meant well with her words and actions… moving on to the next settlement.

~

Cang Yue, Huan Caiyi, Li Suo, Xia Qingyue and Rokas all worked towards making a proper city from administering proper laws with suitable punishments for their violation to building a community involving their new settlers. Disputes were few and far between as a wide majority were grateful to simply be there. Land was divided depending on the circumstances of the settlers. Families naturally were given more to work with. Generally, Rokas tried to be as fair as possible and did not discriminate.

Though, truthfully, land would never be a problem. Rokas was perfectly capable of creating miniature secret worlds himself.

[Now Playing: Reign of the Septims, Oblivion’s opening.]

With his new arrivals, Atlantis’ population skyrocketed to a whopping thirty thousand and then some. As Qianye Ying’er’s mission came to a close, Rokas rallied everyone before the bridge that led to his castle.

“Welcome, my dear Atlantians!” Rokas addressed the crowd, wearing a suitable regal attire for the occasion. “This is the first time I address you all publicly like this… so remember my words well! The tragedy which befell this land under the hands of the Brahma Monarch God Realm and the weapons which I made… the Gundams… is a regret that still dwells in my heart. It is a haunting memory, and I extend my condolences to all who suffered loss because of it.”

“Alas… that is why I am here. That is why this city and this beautiful land were created. It is my will to correct that tragedy as best as I physically can.” Rokas announced, his charming voice spreading across the city. “No longer will you have to hold your head low as foreigners scour your home, take what they want and abuse their greater power however they wish… no, never again! No longer will you be trampled by anyone, not experts, not Realm Kings, not even God Emperors… this is my promise to every last Atlantian!”

A wave of resounding cheers followed as Rokas paused.

“It is your right to have land, a home to call your own, a home to raise your children in safety, a land in which to prosper and grow… a land in which to grow your talents and discover your true selves. A right to be safe, a right to live free from war and conflict, a right to freedom! This is the very embodiment of what Atlantis strives to be… and what I intend to accomplish all across the Southern Sea God Realm.”

Another wave of roaring cheers followed.

‘They might just make me blush.’ Rokas remarked, smiling slightly.

“Whether you have been here for a few days or some weeks, this is a rather important meeting that applies to all of you. As you would all know… this is a new city, one that has little to offer other than a home and security. However, that changes today.”

“It is known that the profound way is an essential aspect of our lives. It brings forth a myriad of benefits and is not something any wise individual should neglect. Therefore, I shall be opening an academy not so far from the main castle. It shall be built on the vast tract of land to the east. Precious resources such as these will be given away plentifully, and all manners of the Profound Way will be taught. Essential life skills will be part of the curriculum as well.”

There was a resounding cheer as valuable pellets appeared for each person.

“Should you wish to learn, you shall not be denied!” Rokas smiled, spreading open his arms. “Upon graduation, you will officially earn yourself the right to be an upper-class citizen… allowing for plenty more benefits. You will be given a drop of my divine blood, to begin with, and the right to enlist yourself into various occupations befitting your skills with rather rich wages in the form of resources.”

“Every settler is highly suggested to apply as it is a path to an even brighter future.”

“That is all for now… more announcements are to come in the future. Should you wish to apply, approach one of the many legionaries patrolling the city.” Rokas gestured to his line of purple and gold coloured Space Marines. “They will answer any questions you may have.”

“Besides that, I hope you all have a wonderful day. There will be plenty more to do in Atlantis in the future.”

Rokas made a bow before fading away in a trial of burning light.

“How could I forget… light the beam!”

[System: Shoutout to the Sacramento Kings.]

“Hail King Ke!”

“Hail King Ke!”

The main tower of Rokas’ castle glowed purple, shooting up an ocean of primordial energy into the sky. This beam struck the invisible formation, spreading all over like one large firework. Everyone observed in awe as the purest form of energy rained down upon them. Many rushed to meditate, enjoying the benefits of such a brilliant occasion.

‘King Ke has a nice sound to it.’

Meanwhile, Rokas retired to his bedchamber and observed from the balcony.

[Now Playing: Secunda, the most nostalgic track in Skyrim aka the wise mystical tree’s theme.]

‘Nostalgic, indeed…’

Li Suo joined him, observing his rather serious expression. She chuckled to herself.

“What’s so funny?” Rokas raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve never seen you have to talk to so many people directly in a single day.” Li Suo remarked. “Not just making an announcement to a crowd… but genuinely meeting new people, learning of their day-to-day lives, their ambitions, their wants and needs. I didn’t expect you to do half as well in that department.”

“... I’ll admit, it’s rather draining to meet so many new people.” Rokas nodded, his brown hair waving with the soft wind. It suited him so well that the wind seemed like a paid actor to make him look more dashing. “But… It's all worthwhile in the end. In my mind, it’s important for a King to be a man of his people, and I can’t truly accomplish that without hearing their voices.”

“… You have grown into quite an admirable person.” Li Suo remarked, glancing at Rokas. “The love of your people speaks for itself; no one has yet to even think of leaving your city.”

“Eh… that’s because everything outside of it is a wasteland. They don’t really have much of a choice, do they?”

“I sense far more than mere greed and a desire for a better life… there are those who are truly devoted to you. Their hearts resound at your every word.” Li Suo countered, smiling slightly. “Perhaps you do not know the power of your own charisma yet.”

“Perhaps not-”

Rokas paused as she grabbed his hand and pressed her lips against the side of his face. A wave of light profound energy spread across his body. It was so sudden that it caught him off-guard… something he hadn’t even remotely expected.

“Li Suo?” Rokas questioned, looking into her emerald eyes.

“For all your hard work.”

Li Suo smiled as she touched his chest and entered his Inner World. Rokas stood still… normally, he’d wipe the side of his face if he had been kissed there. Though, this time, he felt a reluctance to do so. It was the first kiss which the Goddess of Life had given to him.

The Li Suo, which he admired and loved devotedly…

[Li Suo (Empress III): 7 → 9]

(One confidant level was gained during the 150+ years inside the Eternal Heaven Divine Realm.)

[System: Bruddha fumbled the bag like Dennis Schroder smh my head. Shoulda grabbed her hand and returned that kiss innit bruv.]

‘You said shaking my head twice.’

[System: Well, achtually, it was a joke as I knew that all along :nerd:. Besides, you still fumbled the bag. Man froze up like it was the first time he got kissed :skull:]

‘... Nah, I’m good. It was too early to make the big boy moves.’ Rokas smiled, taking a deep breath. ‘We’re getting on the same page, day by day.’

‘I’m getting a second child, my settlement is prospering and the plans for its future are all set… what is there not to like?’

‘This feeling of happiness and security… it has escaped me for too long.’

[System: That’s all that life is about… achieving your dreams.]

Rokas genuinely smiled as he turned away from his balcony and got right back to work.

[System: There’s no rest for the wicked, huh.]

‘I’m just getting started.’