Lian, cloaked in lightning Qi, relentlessly pursued the sinister shadow at high speed. For hours, they raced through the dense forest in a dizzying chase. However, Lian's lightning power diminished every second, gradually weakening.
Finally, the horizon revealed a vast sea stretching out before them. The black shadow, at a considerable distance from Lian, plunged into the waters. As Lian approached the sea, a dense sense of death enveloped his consciousness. The waters were pure and crystalline green, but he realized that venturing in there would be a near-death experience.
Suddenly, the sea waters turned abyssal black, and a multitude of thunderstorms erupted on the surface. The proximity of the sea was imbued with laws of destruction and death, emanating an oppressive atmosphere. The environment itself seemed to reject any intruder, and everything around was shrouded in a menacing and sinister aura.
Lian remained motionless, immersed in thoughts about that dark shadow. Though unable to fully grasp the nature of what he was feeling, he sensed a profound connection between that black shadow and his own existence, as well as everything related to this turbulent world.
Internally, his body began to succumb to the forces corroding him. The wounds, once sealed by the power of the lightning law from the Beast cores, began to reopen, releasing the pain that had been temporarily suppressed. Determined, Lian took a gulp of the glowing liquid emitted by the divine tree, feeling his body gently renewed.
Aware of the need to strengthen himself, Lian recognized the involvement of that dark consciousness in Anri's transformation, as well as the strange metamorphosis of Wunu within his clan.
He knew that this malevolent force would come with even greater intensity and ferocity in the future. With determination and a firm gaze, he turned away from the sinister sea, feeling a sense of urgency permeate his mind.
After a long and arduous journey throughout the day, Lian returned to the griffins' nest. As he entered, he found everyone already inside, recovering. Those who could move greet him with gratitude and admiration.
Lian made his way toward the small world and spotted Artemis beside Anri, who was unconscious and recovering. Artemis's tender eyes bring memories of Lyn, causing his heart to ache. He walked slowly, unaware of a pair of concerned eyes focused on him.
Inside the small world, Lian replenished the lake with the glowing liquid and submerged himself completely in it. He could quickly recover from his injuries, but he needed to stabilize his newly acquired realm. A slightly slower but complete recovery would be more beneficial.
Unnoticed, his consciousness slipped away as he fell into a deep sleep within the lake. After twelve hours, his eyes suddenly opened, still with Lyn's image fresh in his mind. The haunting dreams were a constant reminder of his weakness in protecting everything he once loved.
The death of his parents was a result of his own weakness, as was the loss of the elf, who was his first love, devoured by demon beasts due to his lack of power. Now, the prospect of losing Lyn as well was a reflection of his own weakness.
He rose from the lake and examined his fully healed body. Then, Lian sat atop a small hill and began to stabilize his mind. He needed to become stronger. Before, there was no rush, but the danger was approaching, and he could no longer afford to fail in protecting others.
Unbeknownst to him, Riria cautiously approached Lian, her expression reflecting a mix of determination and tenderness. Aware of the torments that haunted Lian's heart, she approached him with gentle steps and sat by his side, gazing at the horizon together.
The wind played gently with their hair as they shared a moment of significant silence. Riria gently held Lian's arm and rested her head on his shoulder.
Lian felt the softness of Riria's skin against his, the warmth of her body enveloping him with affection. He couldn't help but let memories of his late wife, Lyn, invade his mind. Lyn warmed his soul and his spirit, and her smile broke down the barriers around his heart.
"Artemis and Anri are very happy together. They want to thank you personally for helping them," Riria began speaking softly.
"It is they who should be thanked. They fought on the brink of death and never once used all the power in their dao hearts. I had to fight to contain myself from killing only because they asked me to," Lian said with a weary smile.
The sound of a sweet laugh echoed in Lian's ears. Riria couldn't believe his words; she had complete confidence that he could do anything, even hold up the heavens if necessary.
She drew even closer, and Lian felt the warmth of her body intensify rapidly, and her breath growing deeper. A nostalgic feeling of comfort warmed Lian's chest. Lyn used to cuddle up like this, and they would have lighthearted conversations filled with smiles.
"Your kindness and gentleness towards others are things I lost long ago. I would have simply eliminated anything that could strengthen me without caring much. It's good to have you as an inspiration to do something good," Lian spoke sincerely.
Riria held Lian's arm, and he could feel the tenderness of her touch and the genuine dedication that emanated from her. Although Lyn's name was not spoken, Lian knew that Riria was aware of her presence in his heart and respected the space she occupied in his life.
With a gentle smile, Riria expressed the words that had been in her heart for so long. "I feel like Sister Lyn might still be waiting for you. Don't give up. I will fight by your side to find her... Trust me a little... and my love..."
Lian's mind was flooded with painful memories and fears from the past. However, as he looked into Riria's bright eyes, he saw the truth and sincerity in her words.
"It doesn't seem like much time has passed since everything happened. It feels like just a few months ago we got married, and she was smiling as we walked together," Lian spoke with a pained look.
Riria felt a tightness in her heart and spoke timidly, "Did Sister Lyn allow you to have other women?"
Lian was momentarily paralyzed. Memories of Lyn trying to introduce some of her friends and even her younger sister came to his mind. He had spent most of his life tormented by the death of his first love. Lyn healed his soul and did everything she could to make him love the world and be happy.
With a negative gesture in response to her question, a smile of happiness illuminated Riria's face like the sun. She had pondered deeply on how to help Lian and concluded that only her love could help heal some of his deep wounds.
Lian looked into her eyes and felt his body and soul warm up. This smile was just like the one Lyn used to give him.
Then, Riria jumped into his chest and hugged him tightly. Lian felt the rapid and affectionate beats of Riria's heart against his chest. At that moment, he realized that Riria was not Lyn, but her love was her own and unique. She had her own way of being, and she respected and understood the importance of Lyn in his life.
Unbeknownst to Lian, a void in his soul began to be filled by Riria's warm presence. It was as if every touch, every gaze, and every moment shared between them engraved an indelible mark on his essence.
Enveloped by the gentle breeze caressing their skin, Lian and Riria felt the intensity of the moment grow. Their hearts beat in unison, echoing the perfect harmony that arose between them.
With an almost reverential gentleness, Lian lifted Riria's delicate chin, their gazes meeting in mutual and deep love. In a gesture that transcended words, their lips slowly approached, seeking the union that only a kiss could provide.
Lian's lips met Riria's in a simple yet emotion-filled and meaningful kiss.