Chapter:3 New journey begins

The moon hung high in the night sky, its silvery glow spilling across the vast imperial palace. Zhe Tian sat quietly in his dimly lit chamber, his heart heavy. A decision had been made, one he knew would alter the course of his life forever.

His gaze drifted to a parchment spread on the table, its surface marred with ink stains as he poured his emotions into words. The letter was addressed to two people he once called *Father* and *Mother*.

---

*"To the Emperor and Empress of the Radiant Empire,"*

*"You have always been exceptional rulers—wise, just, and loved by the people. I can only hope to one day carry even a fragment of the legacy you've built.*

*"However, as your son, I was abandoned. My broken body and lack of talent made me a disappointment in your eyes, and though you hid it behind royal duties, I felt the weight of your silent disdain. Perhaps I deserved it. But I write this letter not to blame, but to inform.*

*"By the time you read this, I will be gone. I have chosen to leave the empire and explore the world, seeking strength and meaning in the face of my inadequacies. Do not look for me. Do not wait for me. If, by some miracle, I survive and grow, perhaps I will return. Until then, I am no longer your son, and you are no longer my parents. From this day forward, I shall address you only as Emperor and Empress, as befitting your roles.*

*"Farewell."*

Zhe Tian's hands trembled as he folded the letter, sealing it with wax. He left it on the table, a solitary candle burning beside it. He knew his mother, Zhe Mei, would find it in the morning. He could already imagine her tears, the guilt in her eyes. And his father, Zhe Han, though stoic, would feel the sting of his departure.

But Zhe Tian couldn't waver. He extinguished the candle, shouldered a small pack of belongings, and slipped out of the palace under the cover of darkness.

The following morning, chaos erupted in the royal chambers when Zhe Mei discovered the letter. Her hands shook as she read it, her breath hitching with every line. By the time she reached the end, tears streamed down her face, her sobs echoing through the hall.

"How… how could he think this?" she whispered, clutching the letter to her chest. "How could he believe we abandoned him?"

Zhe Han stood by her side, his expression grim as he reread the letter. Though he didn't cry, the tightening of his jaw betrayed the emotions roiling within.

"We failed him," Zhe Mei said, her voice breaking. "I failed him… as a mother."

Zhe Han placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice low but firm. "He made his choice. We must trust that he will survive, as he said."

Zhe Mei shook her head, her guilt overwhelming. "But what if he doesn't? What if we never see him again? He's our son, Han! How could we let it come to this?"

The Emperor said nothing, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

---

Zhe Tian moved quickly, his heart pounding as he crossed the border of the Arzure Flame Empire. His transformation from the inheritance of the Dragon God had given him newfound strength, but his cultivation base was still weak. If caught, he wouldn't stand a chance against seasoned guards.

As dawn broke, he reached the outskirts of the border town. The roads were quiet, save for the occasional merchant or traveler. He pulled the hood of his cloak lower, concealing his features.

But fate had other plans.

The rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed down the road, and Zhe Tian turned to see an elaborate carriage approaching. Its design was exquisite, marked with the royal insignia of a neighboring empire. Flanking it were armored guards, their sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.

His instincts screamed at him to run, but it was too late.

The guards spotted him and immediately moved to intercept. "Halt!" one of them barked, drawing his weapon.

Panic surged through Zhe Tian as he tried to evade them, but his low cultivation made escape impossible. In moments, he was surrounded.

The carriage came to a stop, and a woman stepped out. She was stunningly beautiful, her presence commanding yet graceful. Her hair was like a cascade of moonlight, and her eyes held a sharp, penetrating gaze.

Zhe Tian froze as recognition dawned. This was Yue Qingyue, sister of the neighboring empire's emperor and—unbeknownst to many—his fiancée.

At first, she didn't recognize him. Her eyes swept over his disheveled appearance, suspicion evident in her expression. "Who are you?" she asked, her tone cold and authoritative.

"I'm… just a traveler," Zhe Tian lied, his voice steady despite his fear.

But the guards were unconvinced. "He looks familiar, Your Highness," one of them said. "Perhaps we should verify his identity."

Zhe Tian's heart sank as they began their inspection. Though he tried to deny it, the truth was soon revealed.

Yue Qingyue's expression darkened as realization struck. "Zhe Tian?"

He avoided her gaze, still trying to deny it. "You've mistaken me for someone else," he muttered.

Her patience snapped. She stepped forward and slapped him across the face, the sharp sound ringing in the air. "Don't lie to me!" she shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "You think I wouldn't recognize my own fiancé?"

Zhe Tian staggered from the force of the blow, his cheek stinging. Slowly, he straightened, meeting her gaze with defiance. "Fine," he said quietly. "It's me."

Yue Qingyue stared at him, her emotions a whirlwind of anger, relief, and confusion. "Why are you here? Why are you running away?"

Zhe Tian hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It's none of your concern," he said finally.

Her eyes narrowed. "As your fiancée, it is very much my concern. Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here for someone with your cultivation level?"

"I don't need your pity," Zhe Tian snapped, his voice laced with bitterness.

Yue Qingyue's expression softened slightly, though her tone remained firm. "You've changed, Zhe Tian. And… you've become handsome."

Her words caught him off guard, but he quickly dismissed them. "I don't care what you think."

She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're as stubborn as ever. Fine. If you won't tell me why you're running away, I'll drag you back to the palace myself."

Zhe Tian's eyes widened in alarm. "You can't!"

"Oh, I can," she said, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "But first, we'll rest. You're clearly exhausted."

Reluctantly, Zhe Tian allowed himself to be led to the carriage. As they traveled, Yue Qingyue revealed something that left him stunned.

"You have another fiancée," she said casually, watching his reaction.

"What?" Zhe Tian stared at her in disbelief.

"My elder sister," Yue Qingyue explained. "She's always loved you, though she's never said it aloud. You should be grateful for her devotion."

Zhe Tian was speechless, his thoughts in turmoil. His journey was only beginning, but it seemed fate had far more in store for him than he had anticipated.