Shang Li's expression remained relaxed.
To any observer, he and Rose appeared to be exchanging nothing more than casual pleasantries.
But beneath the surface...
Their thoughts moved in silence.
A refined mental technique resembling telepathy, carried their words directly between them.
"I am no master of formations," Shang Li's voice echoed within Rose's mind, calm and measured, "But my position grants me access to information most Divine Pattern Masters would never be allowed to see."
He paused for dramatic effect.
"The Cardinal Formation… is not a singular construct."
Rose's smile did not falter outwardly.
"Go on..."
"There are atleast two Formations," Shang Li continued. "Interlinked, connected somehow."
His tone darkened.
"And as you know, once every five years… the outer barrier shuts down."
Rose's sharp green eyes flickered almost imperceptibly.
"…That's when the Beast Scourge begins."
Shang Li nodded slightly.
"The beasts aren't simply invading."
"They're being Lured."
Rose's expression remained bright, almost amused to any outsiders looking from the outside.
But her internally her thoughts sharpened.
"I've always suspected something was wrong..."
She paused, as she gathered her following words.
"Emperor Marcus…"
Her mental voice lowered.
"To rule for over five hundred years is not impressive in itself."
"But the fact that we have never expanded beyond our borders?"
A flicker of disdain, unease even.
"We are like birds in a cage."
"Tamed."
Shang Li exhaled quietly.
"I share your suspicion."
His gaze drifted toward the distant horizon.
"He and the formations…"
"…are connected somehow, i can feel it."
A brief silence passed between them.
Then..
Shang Li's tone shifted back to normal.
"We should move," he said aloud their secret conversation ending. "If I ignore my brother any longer, he may actually declare war on me."
He chuckled
Rose yawned lazily.
"I really wouldn't put it past him."
The two walked side by side through the estate, often meeting Li clan members and servants who bowed and gave the pair a wide berth.
"My brother has always been hot-headed," Shang Li added casually. "Stubborn as a mule. Dumber than a donkey."
Rose nodded thoughtfully.
"He would have made an excellent Sovereign of Fire."
A heartbeat passed.
Then she laughed, they both did.
Meanwhile...
John sat in what could only be described as a baby chair. A small cloth was tied around his neck as a bib.
His dignity had long since been abandoned.
"Eat up," Yue Li said brightly. "You must grow strong for me, John. I prepared these myself."
She placed a tray before him.
The food was… surprisingly elaborate.
Fruits carved into stars and crescent moons with surgical precision.
Small cuts of meat shaped like animals.
Perfectly sized.
Perfectly arranged.
John stared.
(…I've never seen fruit like this before.)
He grabbed a slice, something resembling an oversized blue orange...and took a bite.
His eyes widened.
Sweet.
Juicy.
But not citrus.
More like…
Watermelon?
He immediately reached for another.
And then...
His gaze locked onto the meat.
(…Are those…?)
He froze.
(…Dino nuggets?)
John picked one up cautiously.
Then took a bite.
His tiny body trembled slightly.
(This is amazing he thought. )
"Do you like it?" Yue li asked, smiling as she gently ruffled his hair. "The fruit comes from our private orchard. And that meat is from a rare bird. Few ever get to taste it."
John didn't respond.
He was too busy stuffing his face.
(Maybe this world isn't so bad after all.)
Elsewhere outside the Sovereign of Earths study.
Shang Li stopped before a large set of doors.
"Elder brother," he called, knocking twice. "It's me. I've brought a guest."
A gruff voice answered from within.
"What do you want?"
The door opened.
A man stepped out.
He was slightly shorter than Shang Li, standing around 1.79 meters, with long gray hair and light bronze skin. His golden eyes were sharp, his expression irritated. He wore silver robes bound with a red silk sash, his hands tucked neatly into his sleeves.
A small goatee framed his chin.
Lord Chi Li.
Sovereign of Earth.
His gaze landed on Shang Li.
Annoyance.
Then shifted to Rose.
Everything changed.
"Ah..."
His posture straightened immediately.
"My dear brother… and Lady Rose."
His tone became smooth, controlled.
"Please forgive my earlier outburst."
He stepped aside, bowing slightly.
"Do come in please, I do believe we have much to discuss."
His sleeves concealed his hands.
But his thoughts, were already calculating