Zi Yan frowned and turned to glance at Liu Xi—not out of worry for herself, but for him, fearing he might take offense. "No need. Say it here…"
Liu Xi drew a slow breath, enduring the crushing pressure that weighed upon him. "The secrets of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe are not for outsiders to hear. Elder, please isolate your aura—we'll wait quietly nearby."
Zhu Li's eyes warmed slightly. The man had returned a royal-blooded heir and still knew how to show restraint and respect. "Very well," he said gently.
He extended a hand from his sleeve and flicked a finger. Invisible ripples spread outward through the air. As they brushed past Liu Xi, they felt like a soft breeze. But when he turned, Zi Yan was gone—along with Zhu Li himself.
"Hm?"
Liu Xi, Yao Tianhuo, and Xiao Yixian all blinked in surprise. Even Yao Tianhuo's and Xiao Yixian's expressions grew solemn—both understood just how terrifying Zhu Li's mastery of space truly was.
A booming laugh broke the silence. "No need to worry. The Third Elder would never harm Lady Zi Yan. Since you've brought her home, you are friends of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe."
Hei Qing, who had been left behind with them, smiled with honest warmth.
Liu Xi returned the smile, his tone calm but firm. "Of course, we believe that. But Zi Yan is important to us as well."
Hei Qing felt a flicker of admiration. For someone still at the Dou Zong realm to speak so steadily before a powerhouse like Zhu Li—he himself wouldn't dare. 'What composure this human has…'
"May I know how to address you, little brother? And the two esteemed seniors beside you?"
"I'm Liu Xi," he replied, before gesturing to the others.
"Yao Tianhuo," said the old man with a proud smile, hands folded behind his back.
"Xiao Yixian," came the calm, graceful reply, her tone as pure as snow lotus.
Before long, Liu Xi and Hei Qing were talking easily. The dragon's straightforward honesty made him unexpectedly likable.
Then, ripples shimmered again. From within them emerged Zhu Li, leading Zi Yan back.
The moment Liu Xi saw her, he noted the faint mixture of relief and confusion in her eyes.
Zhu Li smiled kindly. "Hei Qing, arrange quarters for Lady Zi Yan and our esteemed guests. Zi Yan needs some quiet to think."
"Yes, Third Elder!" Hei Qing bowed and turned to Zi Yan. "Please, come with me."
Zi Yan immediately ran back to Liu Xi's side, her small hand clinging tightly to his. He could tell—she was troubled. Knowing her lineage, the state of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, and the burden her bloodline carried had clearly left her lost.
High atop the sacred peak, Zhu Li's gaze lingered on her retreating figure. Complicated emotions flickered in his eyes.
The return of the royal bloodline was a blessing to the tribe—it meant there was hope to reunite all four dragon islands. Yet for the young Zi Yan, it was not so simple. Her strength was still far from enough to command obedience. And the three Dragon Kings—each possessing diluted royal blood—had long coveted the true throne. If they learned of her existence, chaos would follow.
Zhu Li's expression hardened. 'The Dragon Emperor of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe has always been—and will always be—of the Old Dragon Emperor's bloodline.'
---
Meanwhile, Hei Qing looked a little helpless. He had planned to arrange a separate residence for Zi Yan, but she stubbornly insisted on staying with Liu Xi and the others. He could only agree.
"I've already given orders. If you need anything, you may ask freely—but I suggest not wandering around the island."
Liu Xi smiled. "Rest assured, we won't intrude."
Hei Qing cupped his fists and left.
Yao Tianhuo and Xiao Yixian also tactfully withdrew, each choosing their own quarters and leaving the hall quiet.
Now, only Liu Xi and Zi Yan remained.
Liu Xi's tone softened. "How do you feel now that you know who you are?"
Zi Yan puffed her cheeks, furrowing her brows and swinging her tiny fists angrily. "That useless father of mine! He not only lost me but also got himself lost! Now that old man says I've returned, it's my job to clean up his mess and restore the glory of the tribe!"
Liu Xi couldn't help but chuckle. No matter how fierce she tried to look, with her petite frame and childish face, it was simply adorable. He reached out and flicked her little nose. "So, what will you do? Will you take up the mantle and revive your clan's glory?"
Zi Yan's expression softened as she leaned into his touch, her eyes confused. "I don't know… He left behind a mess, and now I'm supposed to fix it. It's not fair."
'She says that, but deep down, she still cares,' Liu Xi thought fondly.
He crouched down, resting both hands on her small shoulders, meeting her gaze with quiet seriousness. "If you're unsure, then grow stronger first. Climb to the very top—so that when the time comes, you'll have the power to choose your own path, not be forced into one."
Zi Yan blinked, then grabbed his wrist tightly. Her violet eyes flared with bright determination. "I understand, Big Brother! I'll get stronger—step by step—until I reach the peak. I'll become Dragon Emperor!"
"That's the spirit."
A deep, aged voice suddenly echoed through the hall. Zhu Li appeared once more, his face brimming with joy and excitement.
Liu Xi and Zi Yan both froze—neither had sensed his approach. The Ancient Void Dragons' control over space was beyond comprehension.
Zi Yan instantly puffed up with indignation, hands on her hips, eyes blazing. "Old man! You were spying on us again! Believe it or not, I'll— I'll pluck out every one of your beard hairs!"
Zhu Li gave an embarrassed chuckle. If it meant she'd accept her destiny, then so be it—his beard was a small price to pay. "Hehe… As long as you're not angry, anything's fine. But power can't be built overnight. I'll arrange for your baptism in the Dragon Blood Pool. From today, the entire island's treasure vaults are open to you. Eat whatever herbs you wish. I'll personally guide your Dou Technique training."
Liu Xi rose, suppressing a sigh. He didn't like being watched either, but with such strength, there was little he could do. "Zi Yan, don't talk to your elder like that. He means well."
Zi Yan crossed her arms, huffed, and turned away, but she didn't follow through on her threat.
Zhu Li's gaze shifted to Liu Xi, a flicker of complexity flashing within. A mere human, yet one who had earned the affection of the tribe's future Dragon Emperor—it was… remarkable.
"Hehe… I'll take my leave for now. Once the Dragon Blood Pool is ready, I'll come to fetch you."
Ripples shimmered again, and Zhu Li vanished into them.
'Let it be,' he thought faintly as he disappeared. 'When she becomes Dragon Emperor—when she reaches the Dou Saint Realm—she'll understand the vast gulf between her and that human…'
---
"Zi Yan," Liu Xi said with a grin.
"Hmm? What is it, Big Brother?"
"When you become Dragon Emperor, make sure to unify the magical beast world while you're at it. From then on, I'll count on you to protect me."
Zi Yan puffed her chest proudly. "Big Brother, leave it to me!"
(End of Chapter)
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