The aftermath of the shadow invasion left the Celestial Clan battered and broken. The grand halls of the Celestial Fortress, once a symbol of unmatched power and prestige, now bore the scars of a devastating attack. The towering walls were cracked, the once-vibrant banners were tattered, and the courtyard, where warriors once trained with fervor, was now littered with ash and bloodstains.
Tianyang stood on a balcony overlooking the remnants of the clan's ancestral grounds. The air was thick with the scent of smoldering wood and the cries of those mourning their lost loved ones. His hands gripped the cold stone railing as he gazed at the ruins below, his heart a storm of emotions—rage, sorrow, and an unyielding determination.
---
Patriarch Wulong approached him, his steps slow and deliberate. His father's once-imposing aura seemed diminished, the weight of recent events etched deeply into his face.
"Tianyang," Wulong began softly, his voice carrying the weight of the clan's current plight. "We must talk."
Tianyang's shoulders stiffened, but he turned slowly to face his father. His usually calm eyes were hard, like tempered steel.
"We've lost too much," Tianyang said, his voice low but steady. "Half our elders are gone, our forces are crippled, and the other families will smell blood in the water. We're barely holding onto our position in the top ten."
Wulong sighed deeply, running a hand over his face. The lines of age and exhaustion were more pronounced than ever. "You're right. They'll come for us, and we'll have to be prepared."
---
The two retreated to Wulong's study, a room once filled with an air of authority now cluttered with maps, damaged artifacts, and hastily written reports. Scrolls and books lay scattered across the desk, detailing the extent of the clan's losses.
"We need to strengthen our defenses," Tianyang said, unfurling a large map of the Celestial Clan's territory. His finger traced the borders as he spoke. "Reinforce the protective formations and increase patrols along the outer perimeter. We can't afford another surprise attack."
Wulong nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "And alliances? The Eternal Bloom Clan has already stood by us in our darkest hour. Perhaps we could strengthen that bond further. Maybe… reach out to others as well."
Tianyang paused, his fingers lingering over the map. "That's… complicated. I'll speak to Yuqing about it first."
Wulong regarded his son with a mix of pride and concern. "Good. But there's something else we need to discuss. Something you've been pestering me about for years."
Tianyang's head snapped up, his eyes sharp. "You mean Mother."
Wulong sighed heavily, the weight of long-buried secrets pulling at him. "Yes. It's time you knew the truth."
---
The silence that followed was heavy, stretching out as Wulong struggled to find the right words. Tianyang waited, his heart pounding in anticipation.
"Your mother…" Wulong began, his voice trembling slightly. "She's alive."
Tianyang froze, his breath catching in his throat. "Alive? But you told me—"
"I lied," Wulong interrupted, his gaze falling to the floor. "I thought it would be easier for you to grow up without false hope. But now… now you deserve the truth."
Tianyang's fists clenched at his sides. "Then tell me. I want to know everything."
Wulong nodded, his eyes distant as he delved into the memories of the past.
"In my younger days, shortly after I became Patriarch, I encountered your mother. She was unlike anyone I had ever met. Beautiful, powerful, and untamed. She was running from an arranged marriage orchestrated by her clan—the Divine Demonic Clan."
Tianyang's eyes widened. "The Divine Demonic Clan? The one from outside the Azure Continent?"
"Yes," Wulong confirmed. "She had sealed her bloodline to escape detection, but her clan's reach is vast. They were relentless in their pursuit."
"And you saved her," Tianyang said, his voice softer now.
"I did," Wulong replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. "She was fierce, independent, and incredibly strong. But even warriors need help sometimes. I gave her sanctuary, and in time, we fell in love. We married in secret, knowing her clan would never approve."
Tianyang leaned forward, hanging onto every word.
"For years, we lived in peace," Wulong continued. "But when you were born… there was a heavenly commotion. Your birth awakened the dormant bloodline within your mother, and the Divine Demonic Clan found us. They sent their shadows to retrieve her."
Tianyang's hands tightened into fists. "And you fought them off."
"I tried," Wulong said, his voice darkening. "But there were too many. Ten shadow assassins attacked us that night. I was gravely injured, and your mother… she had no choice. She made them promise not to harm you or me in exchange for her return."
Tianyang's vision blurred with unshed tears. "She left to protect us."
"Yes," Wulong said softly. "I told you she was dead because I had given up hope of ever seeing her again. But now, seeing your talent, your strength… perhaps you can bring her back. Reunite our family."
Tianyang couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. Tears streamed down his face as he stepped forward and embraced his father.
"I'll find her," Tianyang promised, his voice choked with emotion. "I'll bring her back. No matter what."
---
As the night wore on, Wulong spoke to Tianyang about another pressing matter.
"There's one more thing we need to address," Wulong said, his tone somber.
Tianyang looked at his father, puzzled. "What is it?"
"Your engagement with the Eternal Bloom Clan," Wulong said carefully. "Our clan has fallen," Wulong further explained. "We've lost our strength, our influence. It wouldn't be fair to burden her with our troubles. If she wishes to annul the engagement, we must let her go."
Tianyang nodded slowly, his expression conflicted. "I was already thinking the same thing. It wouldn't be right to tie her to us when we're so weak."
"Good," Wulong said, patting his son on the shoulder. "Go speak to her. Let her decide."
---
Tianyang made his way to the guest quarters, where the Eternal Bloom Clan's elders were staying. He greeted them respectfully, exchanging formalities before asking for Yuqing.
"She's already in your room," Elder Hua said with a knowing smile.
Tianyang blinked in surprise but thanked the elder before heading to his quarters.
When he entered, he found Yuqing seated by the window, her expression calm and serene as she gazed at the moonlit courtyard. The soft glow of the moonlight highlighted her delicate features, making her seem almost ethereal.
"You're here," Tianyang said, closing the door behind him.
"I thought it would save time," Yuqing replied with a small smile.
Tianyang sat across from her, his expression serious. "First, I need to thank you. For saving me, my father, and my clan. Without you, we wouldn't have survived."
"You owe me nothing," Yuqing said firmly. "We're engaged. Your fight is my fight."
Tianyang hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "That's what I need to talk to you about. Our engagement."
Yuqing's expression shifted slightly, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Our family has lost half its fighting power," Tianyang began. "We're barely holding onto our place among the top ten ranked families. And now, with enemies like the Divine Demonic Clan targeting us, we're like ants compared to them."
Yuqing's eyes narrowed. "What are you trying to say, Tianyang?"
"My father and I have discussed this," he said, pulling out a scroll from his robe. "If you want to annul our engagement, we won't blame you. Here's the marriage contract. If you want to tear it, you can."
He placed the scroll on the table and looked her in the eyes. "So, what's your decision, Yuqing?"
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Please Read The Auxiliary Volume For Important Information!