Truths and Choices
The aftermath of the shadow invasion left the Celestial Clan battered and broken. The grand halls of the Celestial Fortress, once a symbol of unmatched power and prestige, now bore the scars of a devastating attack. The towering walls were cracked, the once-vibrant banners were tattered, and the courtyard, where warriors once trained with fervor, was now littered with ash and bloodstains.
Tianyang stood on a balcony overlooking the remnants of the clan's ancestral grounds. The air was thick with the scent of smoldering wood and the cries of those mourning their lost loved ones. His hands gripped the cold stone railing as he gazed at the ruins below, his heart a storm of emotions—rage, sorrow, and an unyielding determination.
---
Patriarch Wulong approached him, his steps slow and deliberate. His father's once-imposing aura seemed diminished, the weight of recent events etched deeply into his face.
"Tianyang," Wulong began softly, his voice carrying the weight of the clan's current plight. "We must talk."
Tianyang's shoulders stiffened, but he turned slowly to face his father. His usually calm eyes were hard, like tempered steel.
"We've lost too much," Tianyang said, his voice low but steady. "Half our elders are gone, our forces are crippled, and the other families will smell blood in the water. We're barely holding onto our position in the top ten."
Wulong sighed deeply, running a hand over his face. The lines of age and exhaustion were more pronounced than ever. "You're right. They'll come for us, and we'll have to be prepared."
---
The two retreated to Wulong's study, a room once filled with an air of authority now cluttered with maps, damaged artifacts, and hastily written reports. Scrolls and books lay scattered across the desk, detailing the extent of the clan's losses.
"We need to strengthen our defenses," Tianyang said, unfurling a large map of the Celestial Clan's territory. His finger traced the borders as he spoke. "Reinforce the protective formations and increase patrols along the outer perimeter. We can't afford another surprise attack."
Wulong nodded, his brow furrowed in thought. "And alliances? The Eternal Bloom Clan has already stood by us in our darkest hour. Perhaps we could strengthen that bond further. Maybe… reach out to others as well."
Tianyang paused, his fingers lingering over the map. "That's… complicated. I'll speak to Yuqing about it first."
Wulong regarded his son with a mix of pride and concern. "Good. But there's something else we need to discuss. Something you've been pestering me about for years."
Tianyang's head snapped up, his eyes sharp. "You mean Mother."
Wulong sighed heavily, the weight of long-buried secrets pulling at him. "Yes. It's time you knew the truth."
---
The silence that followed was heavy, stretching out as Wulong struggled to find the right words. Tianyang waited, his heart pounding in anticipation.
"Your mother…" Wulong began, his voice trembling slightly. "She's alive."
Tianyang froze, his breath catching in his throat. "Alive? But you told me—"
"I lied," Wulong interrupted, his gaze falling to the floor. "I thought it would be easier for you to grow up without false hope. But now… now you deserve the truth."
Tianyang's fists clenched at his sides. "Then tell me. I want to know everything."
Wulong nodded, his eyes distant as he delved into the memories of the past.
"In my younger days, shortly after I became Patriarch, I encountered your mother. She was unlike anyone I had ever met. Beautiful, powerful, and untamed. She was running from an arranged marriage orchestrated by her clan—the Divine Demonic Clan."
Tianyang's eyes widened. "The Divine Demonic Clan? The one from outside the Azure Continent?"
"Yes," Wulong confirmed. "She had sealed her bloodline to escape detection, but her clan's reach is vast. They were relentless in their pursuit."
"And you saved her," Tianyang said, his voice softer now.
"I did," Wulong replied, a faint smile playing on his lips. "She was fierce, independent, and incredibly strong. But even warriors need help sometimes. I gave her sanctuary, and in time, we fell in love. We married in secret, knowing her clan would never approve."
Tianyang leaned forward, hanging onto every word.
"For years, we lived in peace," Wulong continued. "But when you were born… there was a heavenly commotion. Your birth awakened the dormant bloodline within your mother, and the Divine Demonic Clan found us. They sent their shadows to retrieve her."
Tianyang's hands tightened into fists. "And you fought them off."
"I tried," Wulong said, his voice darkening. "But there were too many. Ten shadow assassins attacked us that night. I was gravely injured, and your mother… she had no choice. She made them promise not to harm you or me in exchange for her return."
Tianyang's vision blurred with unshed tears. "She left to protect us."
"Yes," Wulong said softly. "I told you she was dead because I had given up hope of ever seeing her again. But now, seeing your talent, your strength… perhaps you can bring her back. Reunite our family."
Tianyang couldn't hold back his emotions any longer. Tears streamed down his face as he stepped forward and embraced his father.
"I'll find her," Tianyang promised, his voice choked with emotion. "I'll bring her back. No matter what."
---
As the night wore on, Wulong spoke to Tianyang about another pressing matter.
"There's one more thing we need to address," Wulong said, his tone somber.
Tianyang looked at his father, puzzled. "What is it?"
"Your engagement with the Eternal Bloom Clan," Wulong said carefully. "Our clan has fallen," Wulong further explained. "We've lost our strength, our influence. It wouldn't be fair to burden her with our troubles. If she wishes to annul the engagement, we must let her go."
Tianyang nodded slowly, his expression conflicted. "I was already thinking the same thing. It wouldn't be right to tie her to us when we're so weak."
"Good," Wulong said, patting his son on the shoulder. "Go speak to her. Let her decide."
---
Tianyang made his way to the guest quarters, where the Eternal Bloom Clan's elders were staying. He greeted them respectfully, exchanging formalities before asking for Yuqing.
"She's already in your room," Elder Hua said with a knowing smile.
Tianyang blinked in surprise but thanked the elder before heading to his quarters.
When he entered, he found Yuqing seated by the window, her expression calm and serene as she gazed at the moonlit courtyard. The soft glow of the moonlight highlighted her delicate features, making her seem almost ethereal.
"You're here," Tianyang said, closing the door behind him.
"I thought it would save time," Yuqing replied with a small smile.
Tianyang sat across from her, his expression serious. "First, I need to thank you. For saving me, my father, and my clan. Without you, we wouldn't have survived."
"You owe me nothing," Yuqing said firmly. "We're engaged. Your fight is my fight."
Tianyang hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "That's what I need to talk to you about. Our engagement."
Yuqing's expression shifted slightly, but she remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Our family has lost half its fighting power," Tianyang began. "We're barely holding onto our place among the top ten ranked families. And now, with enemies like the Divine Demonic Clan targeting us, we're like ants compared to them."
Yuqing's eyes narrowed. "What are you trying to say, Tianyang?"
"My father and I have discussed this," he said, pulling out a scroll from his robe. "If you want to annul our engagement, we won't blame you. Here's the marriage contract. If you want to tear it, you can."
He placed the scroll on the table and looked her in the eyes. "So, what's your decision, Yuqing?"
Important Information!
Cultivation Level Of Main Characters
1. Tianyang and Yuqing: Spirit Transformation Realm
Tianyang: As a young master of the Celestial Clan, Tianyang's cultivation talent is unparalleled. By reaching the Spirit Transformation Realm at his young age, he showcases a level of skill and comprehension that most cultivators would need centuries to achieve.
Special Attribute: Tianyang's bloodline grants him extraordinary combat strength, allowing him to face opponents above his realm briefly. His mastery of advanced techniques and his high-quality spirit core make him a prodigy.
Yuqing: Equally talented, Yuqing of the Eternal Bloom Clan matches Tianyang in cultivation. Her Spirit Transformation Realm achievements are bolstered by her clan's unique cultivation techniques, which focus on life essence and resilience.
Special Attribute: Yuqing's techniques allow her to heal rapidly and empower her allies, making her a formidable fighter and invaluable in battle.
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2. Fathers: Ascendant Realm (Tianyang's Father is Stronger)
Tianyang's Father (Patriarch Xian Wulong):
Wulong, as the Patriarch of the Celestial Clan, is in the Ascendant Realm, one of the most powerful cultivators in the Azure Continent. His decades of experience and mastery of his clan's secret techniques place him at the peak of the Ascendant Realm.
Special Attribute: His combat prowess allows him to face multiple Ascendant Realm cultivators simultaneously. His mastery of spatial and celestial techniques makes him a fearsome opponent.
Yuqing's Father (Eternal Bloom Clan Patriarch Lin Haoyan):
The Patriarch of the Eternal Bloom Clan, though also at the Ascendant Realm, is at a slightly lower level compared to Wulong (Mid Ascendant Realm). His cultivation focuses on life energy and vitality, making him incredibly difficult to defeat in prolonged battles.
Special Attribute: His ability to summon life-energy constructs and enhance his allies' strength makes him a key supporter in any fight.
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3. Mothers:
Tianyang's Mother (Goddess Of Divine Demonic Clan Yan Xueyao): Immortal Ascension Realm
Background:
Tianyang's mother, a daughter of the Divine Demonic Clan's Patriarch, had sealed her bloodline to escape the clan's oppressive traditions. Before her bloodline was sealed, her innate demonic celestial blood granted her power to rival the best cultivators of her generation.
She reached the Immortal Ascension Realm before she left the Celestial Clan, marking her as one of the strongest individuals in the Azure Continent at that time.
Current Status:
Though weakened due to sealing her bloodline and subsequent battles, she remains at the Immortal Ascension Realm. Her potential to surpass this realm and enter mythical cultivation stages makes her an essential figure in the clan.
Special Attribute: Her ability to manipulate divine and demonic energies simultaneously grants her an unmatched offensive and defensive balance.
Yuqing's Mother (Lin Meiyun): Lower Ascendant Realm
Special Attribute: Ethereal Bloom Physique
Grants unparalleled control over life energy, allowing her to excel in healing, nurturing spiritual plants, and supporting techniques.
Enhances her combat ability by using nature's energy to suppress opponents and regenerate rapidly.
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4. Tianyang's Grandfather (Divine Demonic Clan Patriarch Yan Tianzhao): Celestial Lord Realm
Background:
The Patriarch of the Divine Demonic Clan and Tianyang's maternal grandfather, his cultivation level places him among the most fearsome beings in existence. As a Celestial Lord, his power surpasses mortal comprehension, and he oversees the Divine Demonic Clan's influence across continents.
Strength:
His cultivation transcends the limits of the Azure Continent, Even in the divine continent few can rival him, granting him dominion over laws of space, time, and causality. He can devastate entire regions with a single technique.
Special Attribute: His bloodline ability allows him to merge divine and demonic powers seamlessly, creating attacks that are nearly impossible to defend against.
Despite his overwhelming strength, his actions are bound by the responsibilities and politics of his position as he is one of the three overlords of the divine continent, leaving the shadows and his agents to act on his behalf.