In the early morning, radiant sunlight bathed the lush mountains and forests, casting golden rays that filtered through the leaves, creating a tapestry of shimmering light upon the verdant ground. A gentle breeze caressed the densely wooded slopes, stirring the sea of trees in a delicate dance.
Along the narrow path winding through the woods, a woman walked with grace, enveloped in the refreshing coolness of the green shade.
Above her, birds occasionally chirped with vibrant calls, while around her, towering trees formed a lush canopy. The woman, strolling amidst this natural beauty, exuded an ethereal elegance that seemed to merge with the very essence of the surroundings, her presence blending seamlessly into the forest.
Adorned in a minimalistic yet exquisitely crafted robe of a priestess, embellished with delicate tassels, her long, silken hair cascaded like moonlight over her shoulders. While others were engrossed in the study of arcane mysteries, she had forged her own path, communicating with the celestial bodies within the boundless expanse of stars and oceans.
Time had left no trace upon her visage; her countenance remained eternally youthful, reminiscent of a blossoming maiden.
The power of the stars bestowed upon her a complexion as mysterious and noble as violet. Her once fragile feet transformed under the starlight's favor, becoming resilient and unyielding hooves. The faint golden horns adorning her forehead imparted an aura of majestic mystery, as formidable energy coursed through her being, yet she chose to wield this power in guardianship of all creation.
The people of Ionia revered her as the noble and benevolent guardian deity, the Child of the Stars.
As the path through the forest came to an end, the brilliant spring light dazzled and warmed the surroundings.
A crystal-clear lake came into view, its serenity enhanced by the quaint wooden cabin nestled by its shore, exuding an air of transcendence and tranquility amidst the picturesque landscape.
A man clad in a lightweight white robe reclined comfortably on the wooden floor beneath the eaves, squinting as the warm sunlight enveloped him. The melodious chirping of birds filled the air, while a lively koi fish leaped from the water, splashing playfully before disappearing beneath the surface.
Sensing her presence, the man, whose eyes had been gently closed, opened them upon seeing the approaching woman and smiled, "Ah, it is an honor to welcome you, Lady Soraka! Your arrival brings a joyous melody to the birds of Celestial Blue Mountain. However, I must ask, why have you ventured so far across the seas to my humble abode at the Ancient Moon Pavilion instead of remaining in Ionia?"
Observing the man's relaxed demeanor, Soraka remained silent, her expression cool as she tossed her bundle toward him.
"What is this? A gift for our reunion? Ha! After all these years of friendship, there is no need for such formality!" Scratching his head, the man caught the package and opened it, only to find an odd triangular head rolling out. "Uh... a human head? Or is this the head of that creature, Morten?"
With a bemused sigh, he repackaged the peculiar head and lamented, "Indeed, you doctors have quite the peculiar taste, carrying such macabre items... Never mind, please take this back. The Eternal Nightmare is far too menacing; if its companions were to discover that I possess its head, I would be unable to bear the consequences."
With a slight gesture, the package soared into the air, but this time, Soraka unleashed a beam of light that shattered it mid-flight, scattering fragments into the once pristine lake. Instantly, the man became agitated.
"Hey? What are you doing, Soraka?" He jumped up, waving his hand to suspend the fallen pieces and water in midair. With a slight tremor of his right hand, he disintegrated the fragments and water into fine particles. "Why pollute my lake? If you have grievances, direct them at me; my lake is innocent."
"Indeed, the lake is innocent, which is why you should assist it," Soraka replied, her tone cool as she nodded. "Yet, what of the thousands of travelers who were ensnared in this creature's nightmare, nearly losing their souls? Celestial Blue Mountain is so close to the Shurima Desert; why do you not extend your help to them?"
"Uh... cough, cough... I sensed your approach, my esteemed lady. Since you are undoubtedly going to take action, I shall refrain from complicating matters," the man replied sheepishly.
"Easy, you are simply too indolent," Soraka pointedly criticized.
"Uh... please don't say that; it puts me in an awkward position," he retorted, scratching his head. "Besides, those ancient tribes are quite pitiable. Their once-mighty magical kingdom crumbled, leaving only a few to survive, while their kin and friends have perished. They are treated like pariahs, so their resentment is understandable. It is only natural for them to act out in frustration; we should show compassion for these lost souls. But why must you resort to execution without hesitation? We could educate and reform them."
"And then release them to wreak havoc upon innocent lives?" Soraka's beautiful eyes narrowed as she questioned him.
"Uh... must you be so serious? Cough, cough... I was only joking," he mumbled, diverting his gaze. "You are far too serious, which is why you have yet to attain true divinity."
Though his complaints were murmured softly, how keenly attuned were Soraka's ears? Her expression turned cold, "What significance does becoming a true deity hold? Shall I merely sit on a divine throne awaiting your slaughter?"
"Pfft... cough, cough... O, Child of the Stars! I beg you, spare me from your scorn!" He nearly choked on his own saliva. "That was a matter from so many years ago; must we dredge it up again? I have not been particularly happy of late."
At this, he sorrowfully wiped his eyes. "In my youth, I acted thoughtlessly, committing unspeakable atrocities, and it pains me deeply! I have been reflecting on my past mistakes. To demonstrate my resolve, I have even given up vegetables; I've lost several pounds over the past two months."
"..." Watching the man lament his regrets, Soraka felt an overwhelming urge to stamp her foot on his face.
"And what of the excavation of Xerath's tomb in Shurima?" she pressed, struggling to suppress her rising anger. "Why have you allowed this to happen without intervening? Do not tell me you were unaware of it!"
"Xerath's tomb? What is there to worry about?" He lazily stretched his limbs, reclining without a care on the wooden floor. "Not to mention the tomb's impenetrable seals, the guardians within certainly do not seem like they could be defeated by a group of ninth-tier youngsters."
"Moreover, my dear disciple is also present there. With him around, what is there to fear?" He lay back on the boards, adding, "My beloved disciple is quite formidable; should any calamity arise, I trust he will handle it. If he can manage it, why should I, as his teacher, intervene? That would only diminish my own stature."
"Your disciple? Are you referring to the Beastmaster who slaughtered over two hundred thousand innocent civilians in Tianshin City with a single strike?" At this topic, Soraka's demeanor darkened with barely contained fury. "How can you even mention him? I have yet to question you! Yi! What are you thinking? Why would you teach such a heartless individual the true way of the Wuji Sword? Do you truly intend for him to inherit your legacy?"
"Of course! How could it be otherwise? I'm getting on in years; it is time for me to find someone to succeed me. I have grown weary of the chaos of gods, demons, and war on this continent. Is it not reasonable to find a suitable successor?" The man rolled his eyes.
"But why allow such a person to inherit everything you possess?" Soraka's anger flared at her friend's nonchalance. "Have you visited Tianshin City? Do you know? It has been utterly erased! Truly erased! When I passed through, the vast pit was filled only with the anguished cries and wails of innocent souls! All of this is the work of your disciple!"
"With no hesitation, he is capable of slaughtering so many innocents! Such a cold-hearted nature! Yi! Why would you choose such a person to inherit the Wuji Sword? Surely, others would suffice! Why not choose your other two disciples—Garen or Lux? Why not select these kind and exceptional young individuals instead of this heartless wretch?"
Soraka was consumed with rage. "The greater the power, the greater the harm it can inflict! You understand this principle better than I! Have you not already experienced the suffering that comes with great power?"
"Alright, alright, do not be so agitated; it is not good for your health, especially for us old folks," the man, appearing no more than thirty, sat up awkwardly, attempting to soothe her. "Can you not allow me to explain myself?"