Li Zongming turned to the king of keys. "King of keys, if I'm not mistaken, the superior kings brokered an agreement that they shall control all new superior worlds in their jurisdiction, unbeholden to all other kings."

The king of keys slowly replied, "That is indeed the case. If you permit other superior worlds to aid you—"

Li Zongming broke him off. "It won't be necessary, thank you. I do not need aid at the present moment."

"You won't even consider it?" the solar king asked, the suns behind him shining with blinding radiance. The scorching sunlight struck Li Zongming's...