Chapter Twenty: The Majesty of the Sacred Sovereign

This stark contrast only deepened his anguish; he was uncertain if he could ever reclaim the man he once was. “If Tian Yu were still here, what kind of life would we be living?” Li Ziyuan found himself lost in thought. He imagined strolling along mountain paths with Tian Yu, watching sunrises and sunsets together — the life he once longed for most.

Yet now, all of that had become but a fleeting illusion. He was resolved to avenge Tian Yu, no matter the cost.

Li Yuer lay on the bed, her eyes fixed intently on Li Ziyuan, who was resting on the floor. Her heart brimmed with loss and worry. She could sense the chill in Li Ziyuan’s demeanor and understood that he harbored many secrets within. Memories of their past flickered through her mind — back when he was always by her side, his smile radiant and warm. But now, he seemed a stranger to her.

She couldn’t fathom what had transpired to bring about such a profound change in him.

“Ziyuan, what has happened? Why have you become so distant?” she silently asked herself. She longed to draw near, to understand his pain, to share the burden with him. But she feared her attempts might only deepen his aversion. Watching him remain silent, her heart felt as though it was being torn apart.

She knew he carried his own secrets, but she yearned for him to open up to her. “I will stay by your side, no matter what hardships you face,” Li Yuer resolved quietly. She believed that with enough patience and tenderness, one day Li Ziyuan would open his heart and accept her.

Yet, each moment without his response was agony. She feared this coldness might endure forever, that their future would become bleak and uncertain. But she was unwilling to give up. Her love for him made her willing to endure anything.

The Sovereign’s Might and the Plot to Exchange Hearts

Elsewhere, Li Ziyuan’s parents sat quietly in their room, faces grave as their eyes met, both deeply concerned about the future of Li Ziyuan and Li Yuer. They had witnessed Li Ziyuan’s clear indifference toward Li Yuer and were filled with worry.

Li’s mother furrowed her brow slightly, her mind already made up. She knew they could not allow the situation to continue; for the sake of their children’s happiness, she resolved to act secretly without informing Li Yuer.

What kind of plan could compel such caution from her? What secrets lay hidden beneath this decision? Behind every choice was the profound love and hope of a mother, who silently prayed that all would unfold as she wished, guiding her two children toward the path of happiness.

Yet, would this mysterious plan succeed? And how would it change Li Yuer? A veil of suspense, like swirling mist, shrouded the entire story.

The next morning, dawn barely breaking, mist rose gently in the mountain valleys.

Li’s father soared through the sky with astonishing speed, streaking like a meteor across thousands of miles of rugged terrain until he reached a vast, primeval forest. Here dwelled a gentle species of spirit beasts — the Healing Spirits.

Over millennia, these beasts had evolved to take human form, a remarkable sight. As long as their hearts remained intact, no injury, however grievous, could not be healed by the spiritual energy emanating from within.

Li’s father stood aloft beneath the heavens, like a god surveying the world below.

Before him, a group of humanoid lion-tiger beasts appeared, each towering and fierce, their faces marked by savage expressions. Golden hair streamed wildly, their chiseled features sharp as blades yet cold and ruthless. They were encircling three humanoid Healing Spirits, intent on slaughter.

The Healing Spirits, transformed into human form, resembled angels descended to earth. The male had short, neat hair and gentle eyes, clad in a pale blue robe that exuded calm dignity; the female’s long hair floated gracefully, her bright eyes shining beneath a flowing white dress, beautiful and elegant.

They radiated an aura of softness and healing.

The lion-tiger leader laughed heartily: “Run if you can! We haven’t eaten in ages; our stomachs are growling. Brothers, let’s feast on them!”

The smallest Healing Spirit wailed in terror at the ferocious beasts. The adult female cradled her tightly: “Don’t be afraid, my child. Mother will protect you.”

The adult male engaged the lion-tigers in combat. Though he had a slight speed advantage, his attacks and defenses paled before the ferocity of the beasts, and he was soon knocked to the ground.

The leader’s hand suddenly sprouted razor-sharp claws, ready to deliver the fatal blow.

Just as despair gripped the remaining two Healing Spirits, a miracle unfolded. Suddenly, a golden aura descended from the sky, instantly pressing the lion-tiger beasts to the ground.

The surrounding space seemed to warp slightly; the air crackled softly under the force of this overwhelming power.

A man appeared, wearing a mask and rough hemp clothing, marked by unique symbols on his forehead. His golden pupils and hair shone brilliantly, five golden dragons coiling around him. Mysterious runes glowed in the sky, resonating with the symbols on his body.

All who witnessed this were stunned. He was a mighty figure of the Spirit Saint Realm’s fifth tier, a power capable of destroying heaven and earth, commanding the forces of nature itself. Both the Healing Spirits and lion-tiger beasts trembled involuntarily in the presence of such force; some weaker ones even fainted.

Li’s father stood as a godlike presence, inspiring awe and reverence.

He withdrew his oppressive aura, and no one dared look up or resist.

At that moment, the elders of the Healing Spirits were gathered in council when a sudden alarm struck their hearts. The clan leader exclaimed, “A Spirit Saint Realm master! We must go out to greet him! Offending such a sovereign invites extinction!”

Elsewhere, Li’s father spoke coldly: “From this day forward, the lion-tiger clan shall no longer cruelly hunt the Healing Spirits. If they do, their clan shall be annihilated.”

Having ascended to the legendary Spirit Saint Realm, his words carried the weight of heaven and earth. The lion-tiger leader struck his head in submission.

“I vow that the lion-tiger clan shall never again set foot in Healing Spirit territory.”

“Then be gone!” Li’s father commanded.

Upon hearing this, the lion-tiger beasts fled at the fastest pace of their lives.

After their departure, the family of three Healing Spirits knelt trembling, save for the little one.

The small Healing Spirit was the first to speak: “Thank you for saving us.”

The adult male quickly covered her mouth, scolding, “Do not speak without the Sovereign’s permission.” Then, bowing before Li’s father, he said, “My daughter meant no offense. I am willing to atone for her.”

Li’s father smiled kindly and lifted the small one into his arms. “Does the Sovereign have so narrow a heart? What is your name?”

“I am called Ling’er,” she answered.

Li’s father smiled warmly. “Ling’er, you have beautiful eyes.”

After a while, the clan leader of the Healing Spirits, accompanied by all the clanspeople, knelt before Li’s father. “We did not anticipate the honor of your presence, Sovereign.”

“This Sovereign requires a heart... In exchange, I promise the lion-tiger clan shall never again encroach upon your Healing Spirit territory.”

To them, receiving the Sovereign’s promise was the greatest honor; offering a single Healing Spirit heart would secure his protection.

But who would willingly offer such a heart?

“To be under the Sovereign’s protection is the utmost honor for our Healing Spirit clan,” the leader said devoutly.