Reeling from the revelation that she was, in fact, the long-lost mermaid princess, Li Xue listened intently as Emperor Shen recounted the tale of her past life in the mermaid world. The courtiers and guards looked on with a mixture of awe and disbelief, while Lanfen remained by Li Xue's side, a steadfast source of support and comfort.
"Many years ago," Emperor Shen began, "you were born here, in the Mermaid Kingdom. You were a bright, curious child, and your mother, the late Empress, and I loved you dearly. However, when you were still very young, a great calamity befell our kingdom."
The Emperor's voice grew somber as he continued. "A powerful and malevolent sorceress attacked our realm, seeking to seize control and bend the merfolk to her dark will. In the midst of the chaos, you were lost to us, and we believed you had perished. In truth, it seems that the sorceress had used her dark magic to send you to another world."
