51. valuable thing

Noah sat listening to Lalatina, stunned.

The one before him.

A Grand Princess of a nation. That calm, serious expression surely didn't lie. Indeed, such elegance, such beauty, if not a princess, then what? 

Foolish, should've realized sooner.

This morning, i massaged a princess's entire body.

No, no, that's not the point.

No need for panic. Immortal and mortal realms differ; just a mortal princess, will see plenty later.

...

Then, she told much about the outside world.

After hearing it all, Noah gently took her hands, speaking slowly.

"I know in royal clans, splendor and wealth mix with vile schemes, cruelty beyond common understanding. Thus, you've always been cautious, for one wrong step leaves no return."

"But look around, this isn't the Imperial Palace. You needn't follow its harsh rules. Here, I protect you, you won't marry for anyone's sake. You can trust me."

Lalatina felt warmth from his hands. First time a strange man held her hands, speaking sweet words. Yet, oddly, no shame or shyness arose.

Instead, warmth, care, this was human affection? Gripping his warm hands, she gazed at his plain face, eyes radiant, devoid of lust.

Sighing, Indeed, this isn't that palace, the Manor Lord's a good man, why's my heart uneasy? Inhaling deeply.

At that moment, the token at her waist glowed… the recognition ritual began.

…Half a day earlier, elsewhere…

On a long corridor, Luna, in high spirits, thought, Manor Lord's stern at work, but casual otherwise, thoughtful, like Father Emperor.

I'm gone, Liora's sent off, only Sister Lalatina remains… surely nothing will happen. Yes, just overthinking. Wonder how Madam Kim's doing. Suddenly, she saw Madam Kim staring at the Dao Enlightenment Tree, transfixed. Stepping forward.

"Madam Kim."

…

Moments earlier, Kim Lian, from the courtyard, witnessed something unimaginable. At late Nascent Soul stage, she faintly touched the Charm of the Dao. Such charm, only grasped through epiphany, not pursuit, yet this courtyard had a tree, its charm cascading in clusters to the ground. Each strand, if released outside, would spark frenzied battles, yet here… She moved to gather the strands… a voice snapped her back. Luna, unnoticed, stood behind.

" Mei , this tree…"

Luna, glancing, knew instantly.

"Madam, this is the Dao Enlightenment Tree. Sitting beneath, pondering anything, you enter an enlightened state instantly. A priceless treasure… This morning, I tried it, it truly works."

Seeing Madam Kim dazed, yet quickly composed, she asked.

"Such a treasure, why place it here? Shouldn't it be in a sacred site, heavily guarded?"

Luna shook her head, unsure.

"Madam, I don't know why the Manor Lord placed it here. But he's so powerful, who'd dare covet it?"

"Manor Lord allowed me to spend the afternoon with you. Let me recount everything since you slept. Let's go."

In the room, serene, orderly.

…

"Madam, that's how it went."

Kim Lian, incredulous again. A phenomenon cloaking East Continent, dragon vein homage…

Silent, piecing everything together…

Something felt off. All seemed chaotic, not the work of one person… or deliberately so.

This was a struggle among great powers beyond the mortal realm.

Suddenly, a realization, an opportunity. A grand opportunity. A phenomenon across East Continent, dragon vein homage, Dao Enlightenment Tree in the courtyard, single-handedly suppressing a realm's monster. What kind of person could do this?

An ordinary immortal?

Only one transcending immortals, or higher, could.

A chance to ascend.

Seeing Mie unaware of this opportunity, she must guide her.

"Mie, this is a grand destiny. This manor's might, the Manor Lord scheming across the heavens. If I'm not mistaken, the world will soon face upheaval, profound impact. Otherwise, such a figure wouldn't emerge. But this is a great chance, especially for you, serving the Manor Lord, an advantage."

"You mustn't displease him, understand? Whatever he says, do it."

Luna, eyes wide, pouting, hugged Kim Lian's arm, whining.

"I know, Madam, he's odd but good. Besides, he made you Steward, equal to Sage Zhao, Mie will need your care."

Kim Lian, startled.

"Sage Zhao?"

"???"

…

Back in the kitchen,

Light faded, Lalatina, radiant, skin glowing, robes fluttering. Noah below restrained himself, avoiding her slender thighs peeking through the pink skirt.

Lalatina opened her eyes, gazing at the token hovering midair, its rules, laws, her role, identity, streaming into her sea of consciousness.

Holding the Standard King Weapon, a Crimson Heaven Silk. Glancing down, the Manor Lord's eyes fixed below her. Blushing,

"What are you looking at?"

Noah, face calm, as if nothing happened.

"Nothing, can you continue your story? And about those with you?"