Time flowed like a river, and under the guidance of Master Wu Xiang, Mo Yan was led to the Capital a city that had once groaned under the tyranny of Lin Chaoyuan. As they entered the central city of the Xuemo Sect, Mo Yan walked at the forefront. Behind him, Su Nian, Bao Fang, and the other disciples followed with immense pride. Their every step radiated a profound, soulful respect for their Master; their loyalty was etched into their very beings.

  When Mo Yan arrived, he did not look like a mere cultivator; he looked like an Emperor. The elders and those who had once looked upon King Dao Shuling felt their hearts tremble. It was as if the soul of King Dao Shuling himself stood before them. Though Mo Yan possessed the ethereal beauty of his mother, his regal stride and towering stature were the mirror image of his father.

  In a display of ultimate gratitude and reverence, the people fell to their knees. Heads bowed to the earth, they welcomed their Sovereign. This was the greatest honor bestowed upon anyone in this century not just for a King, but for the Child of Destiny.

  Mo Yan stood tall, his eyes shimmering with deep respect. For the first time, he felt the weight and the warmth of a King standing before his people. Yet, even in this moment of glory, his eyes restlessly searched the crowd for a specific presence. Behind him, Duie and Su Nian exchanged a worried glance; they too could feel the aching void left by Yu Sui’s absence.

  Then, Mo Yan’s voice thundered across the plaza not with the roar of arrogance, but with the resonance of deep devotion.

  "From this day forth, no harm shall ever befall you again. Not while I draw breath. This is my vow to you all!"

  In that instant, he looked toward the heavens, formed a hand seal, and raised his palm. His voice echoed through the high clouds:

  "From this day forth, Bai Long shall serve as the Heavenly Guardian. Even in my absence, he shall watch over you!"

  A wave of joy erupted among the people. As they stood, hugging and sharing their happiness, a thunderous roar like a lion’s shook the earth. From Mo Yan’s back, Bai Long surged forth! The speed was so immense it created a localized vortex, sending dust swirling and robes fluttering violently. Bai Long spiraled toward the sky, his magnificent, supple white body a divine marvel.

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  As he reached the zenith of the clouds, lightning crackled. With a flick of his tail, Bai Long manifested a shimmering, floating surface in the sky?transparent as glass and brilliant as frost. He coiled himself upon it, looking like a radiant jewel set against the firmament.

  The people stared in awe. This was the spirit beast of legends, and here it was, real and breathtaking. Even Duie stood with his mouth wide open until Su Nian gently reached out and closed it for him. "Compose yourself, Du," she whispered.

  "What... what just happened?"

  Duie stammered, his eyes wide. Su Nian simply huffed and turned away, though her own heart was racing.

  Suddenly, a tiny head popped out from Mo Yan’s robes. Ai Yin peeked out at the commotion. Some young women in the crowd couldn't contain their affection. "Oh, look! The Emperor is carrying a tiny kitten in his robes! How precious!"

  But amidst this grand celebration, one soul was missing. While the world rejoiced, Duie, Lady Shiyan Lee, and Su Nian were scanning the surroundings with grim faces.

  The silence of Yu Sui became a deafening roar in Mo Yan’s ears. Suddenly, Mo Yan turned back. Duie and Su Nian followed instantly. Lady Shiyan Lee, Lady Wang Ayi, and Master Wu Xiang remained, stunned by his abrupt departure.

  Mo Yan sprinted through the corridors. He threw open every door, checked every hall. Empty. Nothing but soldiers and shadows. Finally, he reached his own chamber empty. In a final, desperate hope, he burst into Yu Sui’s room.

  There was nothing. Not even a lingering shadow of his presence.

  Mo Yan’s eyes filled with tears. His heart felt as though it were being crushed under a massive boulder; his breath became shallow and jagged. He turned to his disciples, his voice trembling with a terrifying dread.

  "Find Yu Sui. Search every corner. Leave no stone unturned!"

  He flicked a white spiritual mantra toward Bai Long in the sky, commanding the guardian to search from above.

  Hours bled into eternity. Su Nian, Duie, and the disciples searched everywhere. Even Bai Long, with his celestial sight, found nothing. There was no clue. No letter. No footprint. No goodbye.

  Only a hollow, devouring emptiness.

  Suddenly, the weight of the realization hit Mo Yan. His strength vanished. His body went limp, and he collapsed to his knees in the cold, biting snow. Ai Yin tumbled out of his robes. Silent tears began to flow, hot against the freezing air. He sat there, refusing to believe that Yu Sui was gone.

  As a tear fell upon Ai Yin’s head, the kitten looked up at him. Ai Yin scurried away for a moment and returned, placing a small white stone in Mo Yan’s lap with his tiny mouth.