Empress Xiao's sudden scream split through the air.
In an instant, hundreds of masked figures in black ambushed their entourage.
Shuilu soldiers charged forward to protect the Emperor and Empress, but one by one, they fell.
The attackers moved with deadly precision.
They surrounded Emperor Xiao Yu Qing and Empress Xiao—both already wounded.
A masked leader stepped forward and shouted,
"From today on, we will rule this world! Kill them both!"
Emperor Xiao Yu Qing fought fiercely, but even he was overwhelmed.
Soon, both he and Empress Xiao collapsed, gravely injured.
In the Shuilu Kingdom
Prince Long Hua and Princess Xiao Yufan were still walking through the gardens when the sky suddenly turned a deep, ominous red.
Prince Long Hua frowned. "What is that?"
Princess Xiao Yufan's faces paled. "Red clouds… it means a ruler has fallen."
At that moment, a soldier staggered into the courtyard—covered in blood, barely breathing.
"Your… highness… Emper—Emper—"
Before he could finish, he collapsed and died at their feet.
A burning pain flashed on Princess Xiao Yufan's forehead—the phoenix mark glowed bright red.
Her heart dropped.
She understood what had happened.
"Tell my royal brothers to come to Porland—the gate to the Heaven Realm," she said.
Prince Long Hua hesitated. "But—"
Before he could finish, Princess Xiao Yu Fan vanished in a burst of golden light.
Prince Long Hua immediately went to find Prince Xiao Yu Song and Prince Xiao Yu Lang, telling them everything.
Princess Meiling followed them as they rushed to Porland.
In Porland
By the time they arrived, Princess Xiao Yufan was already fighting dozens of attackers alone.
Prince Xiao Yu Song saw their father lying on the ground.
He rushed forward. "Father, hold on! Please, you will be alright!"
Emperor Xiao Yu Qing shook his head weakly.
His voice was fading.
"No, my son… our time has come. Your mother has already gone ahead."
(Empress Xiao's body lay motionless beside him.)
The emperor grasped his son's hand tightly.
"Promise me… take care of your sister. She was born to protect this world. She will be the next Empress of Shuilu Kingdom after we're gone. Promise me."
Prince Xiao Yu Song clenched his trembling hands.
"I promise, Father. I will protect her."
With a final breath, Emperor Xiao Yu Qing closed his eyes.
Both he and Empress Xiao turned into shimmering dust that drifted into the sky and disappeared.
The masked leader shouted, "Retreat!"
The attackers vanished into the shadows. Princess Xiao Yufan fell to her knees.
She cried until she could no longer breathe. Everyone knelt and bowed deeply in mourning, sending off their fallen Emperor and Empress.
A beautiful grave was built for them, and the royal families of all four realms came to pay their respects.
A Week Later – Royal Palace of Shuilu
Prince Long Hua stood before the court.
"According to the final wish of Emperor Xiao Yu Qing," he announced,
"Princess Xiao Yufan will become the next Empress of the Shuilu Kingdom.
On the sacred lunar day of the Ancient God Calendar—one week from now—she shall be crowned."
The hall erupted in whispers. Everyone was shocked.
In Princess Xiao Yufan's Chambers
"Brother… I don't want to become Empress," she cried. "I'm afraid I won't be able to do it."
Prince Xiao Yu Song's expression hardened.
"You must. This was Father's wish. You were born for this duty."
"But—"
"No buts," he said firmly. "As a Princess of Shuilu Kingdom, this is your responsibility. I will hear no more."
He left without another word.
Princess Li Long scolded him gently.
"Why did you speak to her so harshly?"
Prince Xiao Yu Song sighed.
"Because she needs strength now, not comfort. I believe in her—she can do this."
Princess Xiao Yufan cried for a long time, but in the end… she made her decision.
She would accept her destiny.
A week later—on the sacred lunar day…
To be continued.