The night air was torn by the clash of steel. Fang Leng's army swarmed around them like shadows made flesh, teeth bared and eyes glowing red. Leng Yue's grip tightened on his sword as he sliced through them like a worrier. Tian Yu's demeanor remained calm, yet his strikes were devastating, cutting down groups of vampires at once with each swing of his blade. Wu Zhen fought with brutal precision as well, matching the ferocity of the dark creatures.
The battle raged on for what felt like hours, neither side giving quarter. Vampires fell, regrouped, and fell again under the relentless assault of the trio. Wu Zhen's arms ached and bruises spread across his body, but his determination never wavered.
Finally, after a long, grueling fight, victory came. The last of Fang Leng's forces sent, layed defeated. Wu Zhen had a deep bruise on his left arm, and Leng Yue helped him onto a horse while Tian Yu scanned the surrounding area for hidden traps. After confirming the area was clear, Tian Yu mounted his horse, and they began the journey back to Lianhua. The sun was beginning to rise.
During the ride, Wu Zhen kept glancing at Tian Yu, curiosity and awe written across his face. He had fought like a force of nature, fast as lightning, eyes glowing crimson.
"Is there something you want to ask me?" Tian Yu finally said, noticing Wu Zhen's lingering stare.
"Ah…" Wu Zhen snapped out of his thoughts. "It's nothing… I was just… your fighting… it's… supernatural. I mean, you…"
Leng Yue interrupted with a grin. "He's the vampire prince," he said. Wu Zhen's eyes widened in shock.
"You mean… the one in the prophecy of the time of darkness?" Wu Zhen asked, still in disbelief.
"Yes," Leng Yue replied calmly.
After a brief silence, Wu Zhen suddenly broke the silence.
"So, apart from not wanting the Dark King to use my strength, why did you save me? And where are we heading?" Wu Zhen asked, curiosity and gratitude in his voice.
Tian Yu and Leng Yue exchanged a glance. Finally, Leng Yue began.
"I had a vision a few nights ago. My soul drifted to the past—to a peaceful, beautiful village. It was small, but happy… until Black Scorpion's men attacked, destroying the quiet life. They were searching for a man—the one blessed with the strength of ten men." Wu Zhen's eyes widened at the revelation.
"They burned homes, killed peaceful villagers. The man knew he was their target and worried for his family… especially his little daughter," Leng Yue continued, his voice dropping low. Wu Zhen's eyes had already welled up with tears.
"He hid his daughter in a cart left by traders on the outskirts of the village and went after his wife—but never returned. The traders eventually came back, unaware of the girl hidden in the cart. She was taken to Lianhua, my kingdom," Leng Yue said. Wu Zhen's quickly raised his head in curiosity. Where was he heading? Was his daughter alive?. Leng Yue noticed his curiosity but continued calmly.
"She was cold, weak, and nearly lifeless when they finally reached Lianhua. The traders were shocked. The chief maid in charge of the goods took her in and nursed her back to health. She grew up in Lianhua and eventually became my sister's best friend and personal maid," Leng Yue finished.
Wu Zhen broke down, tears of joy streaming down his face. "You mean… my… my daughter is alive?" he sobbed.
"Yes… and we're taking you to Lianhua where you would meet her," Tian Yu said gently as the continue to ride.
Throughout the rest of the journey, Wu Zhen asked countless questions—about her height, her demeanor, whether she was hardworking, and if she was loved in the palace. Leng Yue patiently answered, feeling the shared joy of confirming the safety of the man's long-lost daughter.
By the time they reached Lianhua, the sun was fully risen, bright and warm over the kingdom.
As they approached the palace, Wu Zhen's curiosity only grew. Leng Yue instructed him to rest and ordered a maid to tend to his injuries. He reassured Wu Zhen that he would see his daughter once she awoke.
Wu Zhen was escorted to the visitor's chamber, while Tian Yu silently teleported back home.
When Leng Yue reached his chamber, he found Mei cleaning his room. She was spreading his bed, completely unaware of his presence. He smiled and slowly walked toward her.
"What a dedicated maid!" he said. Startled, she quickly stood upright, a shy smile on her face.
"Your Highness! When did you return?" she asked, her voice bright with happiness.
"This morning… Ah, I'm so tired now," he replied, and she giggled softly.
Before entering the bathroom for a shower, he turned around," Mei" hmm she answered, "wait for me, I have something important to discuss with you" He instructed.
After finishing his bath and dressing, he emerged to see her sitting patiently on the bed. He approached, and she quickly stood.
"Actually, there's someone I came back with, and I'd like you to meet him," he said.
"Who is it?" she asked, curiosity and confusion flickering across her face.
He gestured." Sit down," while he pulled a chair closer and sat opposite her.
"You know I see visions, don't you?" he asked.
"Of course I do," she replied.
"Well, a few nights ago, I had a vision of someone I needed to save. That person… is connected to you. You were in my vision," he said as he raised his hand and gently held hers.
"I was in your vision?" Mei asked face confusion.
"Actually, there is a man blessed with the strength of ten men. Dark forces have been hunting him, seeking to use his power for evil. I saw this man in my vision… and that man.....is your father," Leng Yue revealed.
"My… My what? F…father?" Mei stammered, overwhelmed. Everything felt strange to her. She had never known her father. Slowly, her expression softened, tears gathering in her eyes.
"If I had a father, why wasn't he there for me?" she asked in a low, trembling voice.
"Trust me, Mei. If he had the chance to be there for you, he would have taken it, even if it could have cost him his life," Leng Yue said calmly. He then stood up and sat beside her on the bed and started recounted how she had been separated from her father and how he had been living all this time.
By the end of the story, Mei was sobbing, caught up in her emotions. Without realizing it, she hugged Leng Yue tightly and wept on his shoulder.
"What about my mother?" She asked, her voice shaking.
"I don't know anything about her yet." He said pating her shoulder.
After a while, she finally calmed down. "I want to see my father," she said softly. Leng Yue smiled and led her to the visitor's chamber.