SUPREME ARCH-MAGUS - Chapter 1026 - 1026: The Unstopped Horse and the Departure of the Storm King

As dawn kissed the red sands of the kingdom, a hushed anticipation filled the air. From the eastern gates to the misty ridges of the Vermilion Mountains, commoners and nobles alike held their breath, waiting for a sign.

Then, with the trumpet of a conch shell and the clattering of iron-shod hooves, the mighty stallion of the Racing Horse Ritual returned—untouched, unchallenged, and wearing the royal silk on its flanks.

The people lined the streets with garlands and burning incense as the sacred beast trotted through the capital’s main avenue.

Old Emperor Kai, once feared and revered, now followed the horse like a lowly servant. His once-golden robes had been replaced by simpler silks bearing the new crest of the King family—a roaring storm cloud above a mountain. He held the ceremonial staff with humble obedience, never letting the horse out of his sight.

Whispers ran through the crowd like wildfire.

“No one dared to stop the beast…”

“The era of the Kai family is truly over…”

“That old emperor, now just a guard dog in royal clothes.”

Back in the Grand King Hall, celebration rang like a festival of old. Daku King, clad in royal red armor with a crown of fire-ruby, sat at the highest seat. At his right stood Kent, his form tall and imposing, wearing a robe embroidered with storm clouds and sea waves—symbols of his inherited legacies.

One by one, the loyal elders and younger heirs of the King family approached, toasting to Kent with ceremonial wine and bowing deeply. The family had been resurrected from its slumbering legacy, and now, under the thunderous might of the Storm King, it ruled again.

Daku King raised his golden goblet. “My son, my pride, my storm. Today, you’ve not just brought honor to our family but given it a future no one dared to dream of. This day will be written in the scrolls of the stars.”

Kent smiled, lifting his own cup. “The throne belongs to you, Father. I’m merely the storm that cleared the skies.”

Cheers erupted, glasses clinked, and laughter filled the palace.

As servants began laying dishes—beast meat roasted with spirit herbs, golden fruit wine, and dew-sweet pearls from the inner sea—Kent stood up.

Holding a cup of sapphire wine, he turned to the gathered crowd. “My time here is short. By this evening, I will leave for a few important tasks. I hope you all serve the King dynasty with loyalty”

The celebration hushed. Even the wine in their cups seemed to still.

“Brother, why don’t you reconsider!” cried Lady Sia, one of Kent’s cousins. “You’ve just returned! At least stay until the festival ends!”

“Even the court women will miss you!” joked Uncle Marok, already red-faced from wine.

But Kent chuckled, shaking his head. “If I linger here, I’ll be tempted to stay. And I can’t afford such temptation. I have to continue on this path. My duty doesn’t end here.”

At that, Amelia stood up from the wives’ seat, where all of Kent’s companions sat adorned in silk and gold. “We are already prepared.”

The other women—Lily, Neela, Nyara, Lira, and even the shy herbalist Fan Xue—nodded in unison.

“Even I’ve packed,” Fatty Ben called out from behind, munching on a roasted chicken leg. “The Forbidden Forest sounds better than a boring palace!”

Kent’s eyes softened. “Then prepare yourselves. We leave by dusk.”

The old patriarch, whose eyes had long seen battles and betrayals, trembled as he accepted the fact. “This is your home, Kent. The family will await your return, just as I will.”

On the other hand, the priests finished the Racing Horse ceremony and presented the Horse to Daku King. Many people came with gifts and rare foods to greet the new Emperor.

To mark this day, they decided to raise the statue of a Sword with King Dynasty Name at Red Silk City centre.

–

In the newly established royal court, Kent took his final walk alongside his father. Together, they installed trusted family members and allies in key positions. Nobles from loyal lineages were sworn in, and the corrupted ministers of the past were silently exiled or imprisoned.

Then came the final gift.

As Kent approached the Royal Vaults to take his leave, the old Emperor Kai stepped forward with his head bowed. “Storm King… as per the new decree, I, your servant, offer you a parting gift—half of my own possessions and the flying palace, Heaven’s Mirage.”

Daku King raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You’re being generous all of a sudden.”

But Kent merely smiled. “He fears the poison pill I fed him. That fear will keep him loyal longer than chains.”

Kai flinched. “I… only wish to serve well. Please accept these humble offerings.”

The New Emperor Daku King also gifted Half of the Royal Treasury to Kent.

The guards rolled out chests of spirit gold, divine beast bones, soul-grade armors, and rare pills. Heaven’s Mirage, a flying treasure palace shaped like a floating lotus fortress with gleaming jade roofs and silver carvings, shimmered with celestial runes.

Kent’s women were gifted ornate jewel sets and personal spatial rings filled with dresses, potions, and divine-grade accessories. Lily received a pair of golden phoenix earrings that could summon windstorms. Amelia got an ancestral flame brooch that could incinerate illusions. Even Fatty Ben was gifted a cloak woven from Shadow Panther silk.

As the sun dipped behind the Crimson Hills, Kent stood on the floating steps of the Heaven’s Mirage, facing the assembled royal family and citizens.

Daku King hugged him once. “You’ve made me proud.”

“Be well, Father. And take care of the Kingdom.”

The floating palace shimmered with heavenly light, lifting into the air like a divine ark. Runes spun beneath its base, and light dragons circled its perimeter.

From the balcony, Fatty Ben waved wildly, “See you all after we win the Golden Heir Tournament!”

Cheers erupted from below, tears streamed from the women of the palace, and the people raised their arms as the Storm King departed.

And so, with loyal women by his side, treasures in his vault, and purpose in his eyes, Kent began the next chapter of his journey—toward war, destiny, and a tournament that would shake the Mighty Heavenly realm.

–

Bonus-Chapter for Golden-Tickets!