In the distant past, colossal dark beings emerged from the earth, dominating the world for thousands of years. Humans lived in perpetual fear, hiding deep within caves and underground shelters. During this bleak era, a figure emerged whose light dispelled the darkness and instilled hope in humanity.
Julius, the first Human Emperor, appeared, wielding a supreme power known as aura, becoming the first ascendant of humanity.
Empowered with his aura, Emperor Julius led a mighty crusade against these dark beings, known as the Celestial Light Crusade. He drove the colossal entities back into the depths of the earth, sealing them there for eternity.
To this day, these sealed places remain, now known as the Great Thousand Ruins. Most lie hidden beneath the earth's crust, while some remain above the surface.
As the red curtains slowly closed, applause filled the dimly lit theater. The audience in the balconies and seats below showed their appreciation.
"That was a magnificent play, Duke Red," praised a female voice from behind a translucent curtain on one of the balconies.
"This was all prepared by my son, William. I cannot take any credit, Princess Ling," replied a Red-haired man, seated beside the princess with a dignified air in his forties.
He was Duke Red, who had hurried to the mansion upon receiving the letter from the imperial capital, eager to ensure everything went smoothly during Princess Ling's visit.
"I see," Princess Ling acknowledged, turning her attention to William, who stood respectfully beside his father. She nodded approvingly, a smile lighting up her face..
William sensed her satisfaction and returned the warm smile with a respectful nod.
From what he knew, this woman was Princess Ling Yan, the visitor mentioned in the letter from the imperial capital. She hailed from the neighboring Yan Empire, a land renowned for its rich culture and powerful ascendants.
Although the Yan Empire and the Jul Empire had been adversaries in the past, their animosities had long since been resolved, and the two realms now enjoyed friendly and cooperative relations.
As he observed Princess Ling Yan, he couldn't help but be impressed by her regal presence. Her dark hair framed a strikingly beautiful face, her jade-like skin glowing softly under the theater's lights. She carried herself with the unmistakable majesty of royalty, each movement graceful and deliberate. Her attire, a blend of traditional Yan silks and intricate embroidery, only added to her ethereal aura.
Upon receiving the letter, William had meticulously arranged all the preparations, sparing no effort in organizing the finest entertainment and dishes to impress the princess during her visit. The theater play they had just witnessed was carefully chosen for its depiction of history and unity among humanity, aligning perfectly with the occasion.
As the theater play concluded, Duke Red stood and invited Princess Ling, "Let's head to the main hall, Princess Ling."
Nodding gracefully, she extended her arm. A masked attendant, who had been standing silently beside her, stepped forward to support her.
This masked figure was her personal guard. As an ascendant himself, William sensed an air of danger emanating from this masked man. He knew instinctively that this was no ordinary ascendant.
Princess Ling Yan had made a striking decision upon her arrival in the Red State. She left her small entourage outside the state, choosing to enter accompanied solely by this single masked man. This choice was not just practical but symbolic. It demonstrated her immense trust in this man, signaling to everyone the level of confidence she placed in his abilities to protect her.
The masked man never uttered a word, instead, he stood quietly by the princess's side, his keen eyes observing everything around them.
William couldn't help but be intrigued by this silent guardian. He had seen many ascendants, but few who carried such a palpable sense of menace and assurance. It was clear that the masked man was far more than a mere bodyguard; he was a protector of extraordinary skill and power.
As they moved from the theater to the main hall, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation. The transition was smooth, and the opulent surroundings of the hall were a testament to the meticulous preparations made for Princess Ling's visit.
Golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over richly decorated walls, and the scent of exotic flowers filled the air. The tables were set with the finest dishware, and a sumptuous feast awaited the guests.
Duke Red, ever the gracious host, led the way with a dignified air. Despite the layers of protocol and ceremony, he managed to create a welcoming environment, where even the most formal of settings felt inviting.
"Please, Princess Ling, make yourself comfortable," Duke Red said, gesturing towards the head of the table, a place of honor reserved for their esteemed guest.
Princess Ling Yan gracefully took her seat, her movements fluid and elegant. The masked man remained standing a few steps behind her, his vigilant gaze scanning the room.
As everyone settled in, the conversations began to flow, a mix of polite small talk and more substantial discussions about their respective lands. William found himself seated across from the princess, feeling both honored and slightly anxious under her attentive gaze.
As the elegant banquet unfolded and conversation flowed among the guests, a playful voice suddenly broke through the harmonious chatter. "You've got quite a mansion, Marquis. I almost lost my way here."
Heads turned towards the source of the voice, revealing three figures making their way towards the main table.
Seeing the person in the lead, Duke Red immediately rose from his seat and moved swiftly to greet the arrivals. His steps were quick, his posture deeply respectful as he approached the leader of the group.
"I greet your Holy Scion," Duke Red said, bowing slightly as he extended a welcoming hand. His voice carried a tone of reverence reserved for only the most distinguished guests.
This acknowledgment caught the attention of everyone in the hall, including Princess Ling. She observed the exchange with a keen interest, her curiosity piqued by the Duke's unexpected display of deference to someone other than herself.