Until then, my destiny seed confined to the Upper Realm, to the affairs of gods and immortals. But that day, when my eyes t Amateratsu’s, I knew my role extended far beyond that. The Underground Realm and even the Lower Realm now entered my chessboard.
One day, I made her a promise.
"I will marry you."
She rely laughed softly, her laughter tinged with irony and disbelief.
[You’re just a child, Qing Long. And far too naive.] She told .
But she overlooked one thing: what I wanted, I always obtained.
That’s how I made the biggest decision of my life.
I abandoned the alliance with the Kitsune.
To the world, it seed like betrayal. But to , it was a necessary act. I chose to stand beside Amateratsu, against everyone else.
After all, if I want peace, I must draw my sword first.
She beca my first ally.
Even if, for now, she still saw as just a kid, a naive prince too young to understand the realities of the world.
I later returned to the Upper Realm, victorious. My na already echoed through all celestial spheres. I had beco a formidable strategist, a leader both respected and feared. For the alliance between the Yama and the Titans had also been broken.
But it was at that mont that everything shifted.
My father and the Jade Emperor had arranged my betrothal to Princess Sun Zihu of the Cloud Dynasty.
This union would have eased tensions between the two greatest powers of the Eastern Continent. An alliance that, according to them, would seal peace and strengthen our dominance before attacking the Western Continent.
But I refused.
Before the entire Court of the Celestial Dragon, I spoke words that resonated as an unacceptable affront:
"My betrothed is Amateratsu."
An oppressive silence fell.
The Jade Emperor said nothing at the ti, but I saw fury ignite in his gaze. My father remained impassive, but I knew he disapproved of my choice. Even if it wasn’t in his nature to force .
I had dared to reject the union between two great lineages for a woman from the Underground Realm. A demoness.
I knew my choice would have consequences. But I had no regrets.
For at the end of the road, I already saw Amateratsu.
And nothing, neither gods nor immortals, would stop from reaching my goal.
...
[Why were you making that long monologue?]
’Ah, aunt, you startled .’
Long Huang’s presence crept into my mind like an icy breeze, giving a familiar shiver.
’You make uncomfortable when you read my thoughts.’
[Tss... Even for , it’s slightly difficult to penetrate your mind. You’re truly a monster, kid.]
Her voice echoed once more with sharp detachnt.
I let out a slight laugh, amused despite myself.
[Ah, aha. Are you complinting , aunt? That’s rare from you.]
Long Huang, called for so reason the Maleficent Dragon, was the person closest to . My father, the Celestial Dragon, was preoccupied with his duties, or rather his conquests, and my mother... I had seen her only once. It was my aunt, my father’s elder sister, who had raised and trained . She was demanding, uncompromising, and of a rigor no one could match. Yet, deep down, she represented everything a mother should have been to .
She had always taught that talent was just a mirage, that there would always be soone stronger, more brilliant. Yet, this ti, she had acknowledged my rit.
[Indeed, your talent is matched only by your stupidity.]
I scratched my head, a bit confused. It wasn’t actually a complint.
’Ah... And I thought—’
"Do you think uttering their na is a smart move?"
’Uh... in my defense—’
[On the Eastern Continent, many don’t bother insulting the Celestial Dragon. And even less so on the other continents. Do you plan to destroy the Empire?]
I sighed.
[I’m not a coward, aunt. I’m not afraid to say what I think. But no, I won’t endanger my people for my personal ambition.]
I turned away and gazed at the horizon. A month had already passed since the beginning of Master PanGu’s trial. It was ti to announce our departure.
"The test is over. Prepare yourselves, our return is scheduled in three days."
The disciples of the sect bowed silently, accepting the order without question. Even though I wasn’t yet officially designated as the heir, many already considered as such. It was a responsibility I bore without hesitation.
[Ah... Still as reckless.]
I smiled slightly.
’Don’t worry, mother. I don’t plan to face them alone.’
[With whom? This Amateratsu? She’s powerful for her age, but certainly not reliable.]
’Not just her, aunt. What do you think of the son of the Predator of the Limbs?’
A silence fell before she replied.
[Hmm... I’m skeptical. I wonder if he’s as stupid as you or as mad as his mother.]
I let out a laugh.
’Ah, ahaha. Anyway, I suspect he’s a reincarnation.’
[The White Tiger?]
’Maybe. Or perhaps, he belongs to another lineage from his unknown father. But I won’t be certain until Feng Zhuqe appears.’
My aunt remained silent for a mont.
[So, all reincarnations will have the mories of their past life... You’ll definitely lose your innocence, you know?]
Reincarnations were of two types. So, like , were born with a new body but lost their mories. They could only recover them with the power of the goddess of Samsara, Zhuqe.
Others, upon reaching Ashkharsh, were chosen by their ancestors. At that mont, they received everything: mories, treasures, and celestial laws. I suspected BaiShe was of this type, as no sign had appeared in the sky at his birth. Like , the reincarnation of the Azure Dragon, or Xuan Shen, the Black Tortoise.
[How can you be so sure?]
’What do you an, aunt?’
[The Predator of the Limbs wasn’t on the Eastern Continent at his birth.]
I froze.
"What? Where was she?"
[You’d better avoid these questions. Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you.]
A hint of annoyance crept over .
’Hmm... Her existence is quite mysterious. Maybe his father wasn’t from this continent.’
As I pondered, a shadow suddenly covered the region. The air grew heavier, charged with overwhelming power.
I hastily looked up at the sky. A massive form was tearing through the air, plumting toward the ground at a terrifying speed.
"Watch out!"
With a leap, I propelled myself to et it.
*Draconification.*
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