Myth Beyond Heaven

"Shadow Court?" Shi Xuan sneered, his eyes flashing with contempt.

A woman clad in a midnight robe gracefully soared into the air, landing before them with a respectful fist-cupped bow.

"Ying Fei greets Senior Long," her voice resonated with chilling courtesy. "Please accept my apologies for interrupting your journey. Our queen requests an audience with you."

Shi Xuan let out a callous chuckle. "Her nose for trouble remains as keen as ever, wouldn't you say?"

The veiled threat hung heavy in the air, a testament to the lengths Shi Xuan had gone to conceal his return to the Nine Heavens Realm. That Ying Xue could pinpoint his location so swiftly spoke volumes of the Shadow Court's terrifying reach.

Ying Fei remained impassive. Insulting the queen would have earned anyone else a swift demise. But the man before her was a force of nature, a towering figure whom even she couldn't dare reprimand.

"Let me guess," Shi Xuan mused, his voice laced with amusement. "You seek to use me against this Ren Yuan, is that correct, Ying Xue?"

An ethereal chill swept through the air as a voice, sharp as a honed blade, echoed from behind Ying Fei. "It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement, wouldn't you agree?"

The air shimmered, and Ying Xue materialized beside her subordinate, her glacial features devoid of warmth.

"Interesting," Shi Xuan replied, his curiosity piqued. "Why would you assume I'd be swayed by your proposal?"

"Because you have needs," Ying Xue countered calmly. "Yu Huang has already returned to the Heavenly Court."

A flicker of surprise crossed Shi Xuan's face. Yu Huang, the arrogant Jade Emperor, back in the Heavenly Court and acknowledging Ren Yuan as his new master? This was unexpected.

"Even then," Shi Xuan chuckled, a hint of amusement in his voice, "I have no interest in aligning myself with you."

Ying Xue's gaze shifted to Long Qingxuan. "I can take you to the Dragon God Ancestral Land," she said coolly. "Speaking of which, the Dragon Queen's situation isn't… promising. Long Ao has already identified a suitable vessel."

Shi Xuan's pupils constricted at that news. He locked eyes with Ying Xue for a tense moment before speaking coldly, "Prove it."

Ying Xue, seemingly prepared for this reaction, waved her hand. A white jade pendant materialized before them.

Shi Xuan recognized it instantly. It was Long Xi's pendant, without a doubt.

"She entrusted me with finding her daughter," Ying Xue explained calmly.

"When?" Shi Xuan demanded, his voice tight.

"five thousand years ago," Ying Xue answered truthfully.

Shi Xuan opened his palm, and the jade pendant flew towards him. He gently traced it with his thumb before turning to his niece.

"This is your mother's pendant," he said, his voice gruff yet filled with a newfound tenderness. "She always wore it, never letting it leave her side." He offered the pendant to Long Qingxuan.

Long Qingxuan's body trembled. Her eyes welled up as she stared at the pendant. Though she'd never met her mother, a comforting warmth emanated from the jade, filling a void she hadn't known existed. It was an undeniable bond, a connection across time.

Long Qingxuan received the pendant gently. A soft white light emanated from it, enveloping her like a mother's embrace.

Shi Xuan turned to Ying Xue. "I'll lend you a hand. You take care of the logistics, and I'll deal with the muscle."

"Agreed." Ying Xue readily accepted. She knew this was the best deal she could get.

Shi Xuan steered the Cloud Dragon Ark away without another word.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Ying Fei bowed respectfully.

Ying Xue watched the white streak vanish in the distance. "This is our best shot. Don't disappoint me."

"Understood," Ying Fei replied solemnly.

On deck, Long Qingxuan held the pendant close to her chest, tears welling up in her eyes as they squeezed shut.

Shi Xuan observed his niece silently, unsure how to offer comfort. He had just assured her Long Xi was safe, but now the situation seemed dire.

A moment later, Long Qingxuan's voice broke the silence. "What vessel did she mention?"

Shi Xuan sighed, knowing this question was inevitable.

"Your mother is unique. She's the only dragon born with an exceptional affinity for light," he explained. "Her power rivals even the God of Light herself."

"Long Ao, can be counted as your distant cousin, harbors immense ambition and constantly seeks to usurp your father. To surpass him, he, with only Azure Dragon power, must find other power, which is your mother's light power."

"For years, he's searched for a vessel compatible with both dragon and light energies. If Ying Xue spoke truthfully, he's found one. In other word, your mother is in grave danger."

Long Qingxuan's eyes blazed with murderous intent as she met Shi Xuan's gaze. "Tell me everything he's done."

Shi Xuan sighed internally. His niece's sharp mind was undeniable. He had hoped to avoid this topic, but there was no turning back.

Taking a deep breath, he began, "He desired children with your mother, but fearing her strength, he wouldn't dare force her. She would have ended her life before he could succeed."

"The audacity!" Long Qingxuan roared, her emotions erupting for the first time.

Glaring at Shi Xuan, she demanded, "Why didn't you kill him?"

Shi Xuan shook his head. "He's untouchable within the ancestral land. Twelve dragon ancestors loyal to him reside there. My strength alone wouldn't be enough against them, let alone the hundreds of dragon gods under his command."

Long Qingxuan, upon hearing this, gradually regained her composure. Closing her eyes for a moment, she spoke softly, "We'll return once Lintian is safe."

"Alright." Shi Xuan, understanding her resolve, offered no resistance.

Time passed. An hour later, the Cloud Dragon Ark approached a small, verdant star nestled in a remote corner of the Western Region.

As the ark pierced the green star's atmosphere, Shi Xuan and Long Qingxuan were greeted by a vista of sprawling, lush forests that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering mountain ranges, their peaks piercing the clouds, punctuated the vibrant landscape.

Descending towards a cluster of verdant peaks, the Cloud Dragon Ark finally settled upon a flat plateau nestled amongst them.

"We have arrived," Tian He announced, materializing silently on the deck. A hint of nostalgia flickered in his eyes as he gazed upon the verdant landscape.

Lan Qinghe and the others, Yun Lintian safely in their care, had also come out.

"Let's go," Tian He said, stepping off the ark and leading the way.