Inside the room.
A bone-deep pain surged from his limbs into his chest. The man kept his lips tightly pressed together, refusing to make a sound.
He had been used to this kind of pain for years, all for the sake of...
This was the price he was willing to endure.
Even if all he got in return was an empty prophecy, he accepted it without regret.
After a long while, the pain faded, and the man collapsed to the floor.
Sweat soaked his temples, and his amber eyes revealed a determination that could shake anyone. A fierce obsession burned deep inside them.
In the moonlight, the ruby ring on his finger reflected faint starlight.
Footsteps suddenly broke the silence of the night.
"Report, Your Highness, there's news from the scout."
Someone entered the room and knelt down to speak.
"Speak."
The man's voice was low, raspy, and tired, as if the pain earlier had drained most of his strength.
"The scout reports that Crown Prince Xhelon has set out for Mount Fenglian. It seems he's going to find the 'Number One Painter' for a portrait."
The guard bowed low, speaking softly in the darkness.
"To find that woman?
Heh.....
All this fuss for one woman. Prince Xavion isn't any better than this."
The man scoffed.
Then, as if he remembered something, a touch of warmth appeared in his eyes, melting the icy coldness in them.
He had already met the most beautiful woman in the world.
One day, she would come back. They would meet again, definitely.
Those common women... only Prince Xavion would treat them like treasures.
He said lightly, "Forget it, tell the scouts not to report such minor matters again."
He leaned lazily on the bed, slowly spinning the ruby gold ring between his fingers.
The veins on his hand stood out slightly, as if reminding him of the unbearable pain he had just endured.
"Yes, sir."
Thirteen answered.
Looking at his master's pale face, Thirteen couldn't help feeling troubled and carefully said,
"Your Highness, why don't I send someone to look for the Divine Medicine Valley again?
They say the old master there is the best doctor in the Beast World. Maybe there's a cure...
Even if not, we could at least get you some medicine…"
The man glanced over and spoke softly,
"No need. What the Shadow Master planned—few in this world can undo it. Besides, this poison doesn't threaten my life.
I accepted it willingly. In the end, I got what I asked for."
As if remembering something, the amber in his eyes softened like water.
A smile tugged at his lips, the coldness between his brows faded, and a gentle look appeared. His whole presence became calmer.
Even his usual icy air seemed to ease.
"But, Your Highness, is it really worth it?
It's been so many years. That prophecy..."
Thirteen said anxiously.
"It is worth it!"
The man's hoarse voice cut him off sharply.
"The Shadow Master's prophecy must be true. She will come to me!
She will come back. She must..."
His voice lowered, and sadness rose in his eyes. In the moonlight, his amber eyes flickered with bits of light.
The tall figure walked to the window and looked out at the moon. In the darkness, he seemed overcome by a deep loneliness.
Usually so cold and distant, now he looked slightly pitiful.
The next day
Spring sunlight filtered through the gardenia outside the window, casting shadows on the floor.
Branches swayed gently, like an ink painting with quiet charm.
Xyliana slowly opened her eyes, got out of bed, and washed up. She got dressed neatly.
She opened the window. A few birds occasionally flew past outside. The early morning breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees, and it smelled wonderful.
The street was full of people. The vendors had already set up their stalls. It was loud and crowded, making the place feel lively.
There were stalls selling buns, porridge, and all kinds of breakfast food, lining the entire street. It looked bustling and full of life.
Looking at the lively scene outside the window, Xyliana felt a familiar sense she hadn't had in a long time. It reminded her of the past.
The breakfast street in front of her home used to be just as lively.
But sadly, she didn't know if she could ever go back again.
She shook her head and tried to get rid of the gloomy thoughts in her mind.
Today was her first day in Yicheng. It was also a very important day.
There were still many things to do later, so she had to stay focused. Xyliana quietly reminded herself of that.
She tidied up a little and went downstairs.
Xyliana didn't know what the future would bring, but she knew she had to do her best to live each day well.
Downstairs, Xerxes, Xicob, and the others were having breakfast in the hall.
Xicob was drinking porridge. When he looked up and saw Xyliana, he quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks and waved her over.
"Eat while it's hot."
A steaming bowl of food that looked a bit like wontons was placed in front of Xyliana.
Xicob smiled and said,
"I got this with Xerxes from a small stall outside. It's a local specialty in Yicheng. Try it and see if you like it."
As he spoke, he handed her a spoon.
The broth was savory and just right. It wrapped around the food that looked a lot like wontons.
With one bite, the rich meat flavor mixed with the fresh taste of vegetables. It was delicious.
Xyliana's face showed a happy expression. She quickly nodded and replied,
"Mm, it's really good…"
The food in her mouth wasn't even swallowed yet, so her words came out muffled and cute.
"Hey, Xyliana, slow down. That whole bowl is yours, no one's going to take it."
Seeing her like that, Xicob joked while smiling, his words showing a bit of affection he hadn't even noticed.
"Where's Zhiyina? I don't see her around." Xyliana asked as she ate, looking around.
"She's probably still sleeping in. She should be down soon."
Xerxes laughed. As her older brother, he knew his sister's habits well.
Just as he said that, Zhiyina and Xayan came down from upstairs, one after the other.
But looking at the two of them, it seemed like they had a small argument. The mood between them felt a little awkward.
Once Zhiyina sat down, Xyliana quietly asked, "What happened? Did you two fight?"
"No, ugh, anyway, don't ask, okay?"
Zhiyina's face turned red, and she quickly answered.
Seeing Zhiyina's expression, Xyliana didn't ask any more questions.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Xayan secretly glancing over at them. His ears were red, and he also looked a bit embarrassed.
"Xyliana, I already sent someone to the local office to pass on the message."
"They've probably prepared a place for you. We'll go there with you in a bit."
"Ah, alright, thank you, Mr. Xerxes." Xyliana swallowed the tasty food and replied with a happy smile.
Zhiyina had told her before that every woman would be given a residence by the government.
But most women on the Beast Continent were pampered from childhood.
They usually didn't stay in government-assigned housing, not to mention their own homes or even the ones their followers stayed in.
When Xyliana first heard about this, she had been thrilled.
She never thought that at twenty years old, she would finally have a house of her own.
"Xyliana, I also had someone prepare some things for you. Later I'll have Xinru and the others send them over."
Zhiyina said while eating her breakfast.
"Xyliana, I had someone gather a few things too. I'll send them over as well, as a gift for your new place."
Hearing that, Xicob quickly added.
Looking at the warm faces of the three people in front of her, Xyliana felt deeply touched.
"Thank you all. If it weren't for you, I might have..."
"Look at you, saying that again. If you keep talking like this, we'll really get mad." Zhiyina quickly interrupted.
"When I'm free, I'll definitely come visit you. You're not allowed to dislike my company."
Zhiyina joked with a cheerful smile. She looked lively and playful.
Hearing that, Xyliana smiled helplessly and nodded, "Alright, alright, I'll have good wine ready for Miss Zhiyina's visit."
Everyone smiled at each other. The table was full of cheerful and warm energy.