Lan Zhen had been studying in the Holy Beast Academy for one year, a long, lonely separation from his parents. The academy life had been rigorous, filled with training, tests, and battles, but even amidst his growth, his heart often longed for his family's embrace. Now, after that year of absence, the moment of reunion had finally arrived. The instant his eyes met his mother's, emotions swelled like a tidal wave. Lan Xin rushed forward, her arms wrapping around him tightly, and tears spilled down her cheeks.
"My little Zhen… you've grown taller… stronger…" she whispered, her voice trembling with relief and pride.
Lan Hua, Zhen's father, stood nearby, joy glistening in his eyes. He had always appeared stoic, yet the corners of his lips betrayed a smile that refused to fade. "Xin, let me also hug our son," he said warmly, his voice betraying the yearning he had held for so long.
But Lan Xin clutched Zhen even tighter, refusing to let go. "No… I want to remain like this with my little Zhen for a while longer. Just a little longer."
Lan Hua chuckled with a mix of amusement and resignation. "You're still as selfish as always when it comes to him," he said, but his tone carried no reproach—only affection.
Just then, Naer appeared, her eyes shining with delight. She bowed politely, her soft voice carrying across the courtyard. "Hello, Uncle Hua and Aunty Xin."
Lan Xin's face lit up further at the sight of Naer, who had been Zhen's closest companion throughout the year. "Come here, Naer," she beckoned, opening her arms. Naer, though shy at first, quickly stepped forward and was embraced just as warmly. The bonds of family extended beyond blood, and Lan Xin had always treated Naer as her own.
Zhen straightened proudly, puffing his chest out like a child eager for approval. "Dad, you know, my bond power has reached rank 18! And Naer's bond power has reached rank 17!"
Lan Hua and Lan Xin widened their eyes in astonishment. They knew how difficult cultivation was at such a young age, yet their son and his friend had progressed at an extraordinary pace. "We are very happy for you both," Lan Hua said firmly, his voice filled with genuine pride. "The path you walk is not easy, but your efforts are shining through."
Suddenly, a loud growl came from Zhen's stomach, shattering the serious atmosphere. Naer giggled, and even Lan Hua couldn't suppress his laugh. Lan Xin's expression softened immediately. "Oh, Zhen, you must be starving. Let's go home. Tonight, I will make you the most delicious food you've ever had."
Zhen leapt in joy. "AWESOME!!!!!!!!!" Naer's face also glowed with happiness, her stomach rumbling faintly in agreement.
The small family walked home together, unaware of the figure cloaked in black shadows lurking in the distance. His teeth gnashed, his eyes glimmering with malice as he watched the joyful reunion. His fists clenched. "How dare they laugh so freely…" he muttered before disappearing into the night.
That evening, the table was filled with steaming dishes, aromas rich with warmth and nostalgia. Zhen devoured his mother's cooking like a child who had been starved for years. Chopsticks moved at lightning speed as he piled food into his mouth. Lan Xin's brows furrowed in concern. "Zhen, don't eat so fast, you'll choke."
Between bites, Zhen's voice muffled but full of joy. "But Mom, it's your handmade cooking! I've dreamed about this for a whole year. I just can't stop!"
Lan Xin's lips trembled, her heart swelling. "Oh… my little son still loves my food." She smiled warmly and reached to place more food on his plate. "Don't worry, I cooked more than enough. Eat to your heart's content."
"Thanks, Mom!" Zhen exclaimed happily, his eyes glittering.
Lan Hua folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Honey, don't spoil him too much. If he keeps eating like this, he'll grow fat."
Lan Xin smirked and tapped his forehead playfully. "Nonsense. You're the one who's getting fat, not him."
The room filled with laughter, warm and genuine, the kind of laughter that stitched broken time together. For that moment, the family was whole.
But in the Zhao Clan, storms brewed. Zhao Xiong had overheard his father Zhao Hai's sinister intent. His heart raced, panic tightening around his chest. "What should I do? I must warn Zhen… but how? If Father discovers…" He clenched his fists, resolve shining in his eyes. "No. I owe him. He helped me change, helped me see the right path. I will help him no matter the cost."
He rushed through the clan grounds until he stood before the Second Elder's mansion. The guards stiffened at his approach. "Third young master, why are you here at this hour?"
"I must meet the Second Elder… please," Zhao Xiong panted. His urgency broke through their hesitation, and the gates opened.
Inside, he found Zhao Xing, the Second Elder, sitting in meditation. Her aura was calm but immeasurably deep, her power radiating from every breath. Kneeling, Zhao Xiong spoke with respect. "Greetings, Second Elder."
Her eyes opened slowly. "What is it you want to tell me?"
Breathless, Zhao Xiong confessed everything about his father's plan to harm Lan Zhen's family. Zhao Xing's brows knitted in surprise. "Xiong… I had feared for you. You were once arrogant and aimless. Yet someone has changed your heart. That boy at the academy… he must be extraordinary, kind-hearted."
Zhao Xiong's voice cracked with emotion. "Yes. That's why I cannot let Father harm him. I must protect Zhen and his family, even if I cannot fight my father directly."
Zhao Xing's gaze softened, but sorrow lingered. "Your father is consumed by arrogance and his lust for power. He will not be swayed. I… I wish I could intervene, but the rules of the clan forbid elders from clashing. Even if I am stronger, I cannot."
Zhao Xiong clenched his teeth, despair gripping him. "But Second Elder, if you cannot act, what hope do we have?"
Zhao Xing stepped closer, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder. "Tell me, what is Lan Zhen's bond?"
"Dark Dragon," Zhao Xiong said quietly.
The elder froze. Her eyes widened, her composure faltering for the first time. "Dar…k Dra…gon?" Her voice quivered with awe. "If his bond truly is Dark Dragon… then your father cannot harm him. There are forces far greater at work than your father can comprehend."
"But… why?" Zhao Xiong asked, confusion flooding his face. "Father is a Rank 79 Holy Lord. Zhen is only a Spirit Forged Master. How could he possibly—?"
Zhao Xing's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Because she will not allow it. She will protect him."
"She?" Zhao Xiong repeated, startled.
Zhao Xing's eyes glimmered with certainty. "You will see. Do not despair, child. Nothing will happen to your friend."
Back at Zhen's home, after a feast filled with laughter, Lan Hua rose from his seat with a smile. "Come. Let us walk to the small mountain and gaze upon the city lights. It has been too long since we shared such a view together."
The suggestion delighted everyone, and soon they climbed the gentle slope under the starlit sky. The city stretched before them, glowing like a sea of stars below. "It's so dazzling," Zhen whispered in awe.
Naer clasped her hands together, her smile radiant. "Yes. It's beautiful."
For a while, they simply stood there, breathing in the night, feeling peace wash over them. But as they descended the mountain path, their serenity shattered. A man cloaked in black blocked their way, his aura thick with malice.
Lan Hua, ever polite, tried to deescalate. "Sir, are you here to enjoy the view? The city is quite beautiful from here."
The man's lips twisted into a cruel smile. "Enjoy? Oh, yes. ENJOY CRUSHING YOU ALL!" He lunged—it was Zhao Gao. Lan Hua intercepted, power clashing in the dark.
"So, you are a Holy Tyrant too? Then let's see whose strength reigns supreme!" Zhao Gao sneered.
"Zhen, take Naer and your mother away, now!" Lan Hua commanded, his eyes never leaving his foe.
Zhen hesitated but obeyed, guiding Naer and Lan Xin. But before they could escape, another figure appeared, cloaked in blazing fire. The air burned, suffocating them with its intensity. Zhao Hai, the Third Elder, stood arrogantly, his eyes gleaming with cruelty.
"None of you trash will escape. Tonight, I'll vent my anger by crushing you all! Hahahaha!" His voice thundered like fire consuming wood.
Zhen staggered under the suffocating aura, his knees trembling. "Wh… who is this man? Why us? Why is he doing this?"
Lan Xin, though trembling with pain, stepped forward, shielding her son and Naer. "Please… let them go. Take me instead."
Zhao Hai smirked darkly. "Fine. I'll crush you first."
"NOOO, MOM!" Zhen screamed, his voice raw.
Lan Xin turned her head, her eyes full of love. "Don't worry, Zhen. Mom will always love you, forever." She braced herself as Zhao Hai's fiery blow descended.
But the strike never landed. A deafening roar split the sky. Dark clouds swirled, lightning crackled, and the earth trembled beneath their feet. A dragon's roar echoed, primal and ancient.
Zhao Hai's face drained of color. "This… this aura… pure darkness. WHO ARE YOU?!"
A cold, imperious voice cut through the storm. "Hmph! Just a Third Elder of Zhao Clan dares to harm my disciple?"
From the heavens descended a woman in her twenties, her every step radiating terrifying might. Darkness swirled around her form, her eyes glowing blood-red with fury. The aura of the Dark Dragon blanketed the mountain, pressing down on all who stood.
Zhao Hai staggered back, disbelief etched on his face. "Holy Lord… Long Yi?!"
The suffocating heat vanished instantly, replaced by overwhelming darkness. Zhen gasped in relief and shouted with joy, "Teacher!"
Long Yi landed gracefully before Zhao Hai, her gaze cold enough to freeze fire. Her voice carried the authority of a lord. "Zhao Hai, how dare you try to harm my disciple and his family?"