Perched on a smooth rock by a crystal-clear stream in Water Flower Valley, Bai Lian Hua gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Her flawless, bare feet playfully splashed in the water, her curious gaze fixed on the youth across from her.
"Little An, you're not much older than me, and only at Late Fusion Realm. How are you so formidable?"
Over their sparring days, she'd marveled at Lan An's seasoned combat prowess. His strength was overwhelming; even at full power, she couldn't tear his sleeve. He dominated their bouts while pinpointing her flaws with a mentor's precision, like a true master.
This sparked her curiosity. Her royal brothers were prodigies, and her time at Saint Spirit Academy introduced her to the continent's geniuses. Yet, her instincts told her Lan An surpassed them all, despite his mere Late Fusion Realm.
Lan An fell silent at her question, then answered softly, his voice like a gentle breeze. "This life, this world—it forces me to grow stronger, endlessly."
His black-and-white eyes gazed into the distance, burning with unyielding resolve.
If he wasn't strong, would the Lan Clan spare him? Could he find his mother? Stand beside exceptional women like Yan Yue Qi? Protect them from mighty foes? If he wasn't strong, the System would abandon him for failing its quests.
Too many reasons drove him to grow stronger.
Others saw his wealth of treasures, but not the near-death battles, the agonizing pain, the desperate gambles for survival, or his defiance of the Heavenly Dao. Even mastering the forbidden Immortal Genesis Sutra on Dragon Crossing Star was a trial no one else could endure.
Seeing the complex emotions in his weathered gaze, Bai Lian Hua's heart trembled. Born a cherished jewel of the White Sand Dynasty, she couldn't imagine what burdens shaped such depth in a young man.
"His life must carry heavy responsibilities," she murmured, lips barely moving.
Realizing she'd touched a sensitive chord, she shifted the topic. "Little Nam, you must have grand ambitions."
Lan An smiled faintly, turning the question back. "What about you? Care to share your dreams?"
Her finger tapped her forehead, eyes misty with longing. "I crave freedom, like Big Bear."
"Big Bear?" Lan An's expression quirked. Was she referring to the Ancient Bear Prison Earth?
Finding a kindred spirit, Bai Lian Hua poured out her heart. "I want to leave the White Sand Palace, the Yellow Sand Continent, and see the vast skies beyond. To experience what I've only read in books."
Her eyes sparkled, gazing at the boundless heavens with yearning.
Lan An's heart stirred. Others envied her life, but who knew the gilded cage of a princess was its own prison?
"What do you want to feel? To see?" he asked, a spark in his eyes, eager to do something for her.
Her lashes fluttered, slender fingers counting her dreams. "I want to feel the chill of the Ice Heaven Continent, to see snowflakes blanket the sky—so beautiful."
"I want to witness the endless seas of the Sea Continent, feel the ocean breeze and sunlight, meet kind races like the Elves."
"I want to explore the Dark Origin Continent, home to countless beasts. There must be creatures as lovely as the White Bird Legion or White Sky Horses, right?"
Lan An's gaze softened. "You learned of these through books?"
"Yes!" She nodded eagerly, her smile radiant. "I love reading. It lets me imagine the vast world outside. I adore the desert, but staying here forever gets dull, don't you think?"
Pity welled in Lan An's heart. Her simple dreams went unfulfilled by those around her. With the White Sand Emperor's power, a month-long journey to the Sea Continent or beyond was trivial, yet no one had indulged her.
Anger flared. He grasped her soft hand, looking into her innocent eyes with sincerity. "One day, I'll show you all the world's wonders—if you're willing."
Blushing at his sudden touch, she nearly pulled away, but his earnest promise stirred her heart. She nodded shyly. "I'm willing. Little Nam, you're kind. You wouldn't harm me."
"Haha!" Lan An laughed, ruffling her hair fondly. "Even if I were a villain, I couldn't bear to deceive a beautiful, kind girl like you."
Bai Lian Hua beamed. No maiden disliked clever praise. "Little Nam, have you visited those places? Tell me more!"
He pondered, then grinned mysteriously. "Close your eyes, relax your mind. I have a surprise."
Her body trembled, heart racing, lashes quivering as she shut her eyes, anticipating something wondrous.
Holding her hand, Lan An's thought stirred. They vanished.
Inside the Spirit Realm Pearl:
"Open your eyes," Lan An whispered gently.
Bai Lian Hua's breathing quickened. Though her eyes remained closed, she sensed a shift—rich spiritual energy, soothing melodies, and the fragrance of spirit herbs.
Unable to wait, her luminous eyes snapped open.
"Ah!"
Her body froze, hands covering her mouth to stifle a gasp. The majestic Palace Tree, the dreamy Elysium Sea with its Crystal Palace, the mystical Four Seasons Mountain with its shifting seasons, the fragrant Spirit Herb Field, the misty Elysium Spring—all overwhelmed her senses.
To a girl yearning for such sights, the impact was profound.
"This is my private space, not quite the Sea Continent or Ice Heaven, but I hope you like it," Lan An said warmly.
"Little Nam, am I dreaming? Is this an illusion?" Bai Lian Hua stammered, dazed.
"Test it yourself," he chuckled, pulling her arm as they soared.
Like celestial lovers, they flew to the winter layer of Four Seasons Mountain, where snowflakes danced.
"Ah! Snow—so cool, so beautiful!" Bai Lian Hua felt snow on her skin, nose, and palms, confirming its reality. He hadn't lied.
To Lan An's surprise, she lifted her pristine dress, frolicking in the snow like an elf returning home. Her radiant smile revealed perfect teeth, never closing.
"I'm finally playing in snow!" she exclaimed, eyes brimming with joy and a hint of adoration for Lan An.
"As long as you're happy. There's a sea here, and kind sisters waiting to befriend you," he teased.
"Thank you, Little Nam!" Her voice bubbled with joy. Curious about this place, she didn't press for answers. For the first time in sixteen years, she felt truly fulfilled.
"To thank you, I'll dance for you!"
Before he could respond, she lifted her dress, revealing flawless legs. Her toes gleamed, treading softly on snow whiter than her skin. Amid the flurries, she danced—elegant, noble, flowing like willows, delicate like plum blossoms.
Lan An watched, entranced, her crystalline laughter echoing, her pure figure etched in his memory forever.
Beneath the Elysium Sea, in the Crystal Palace:
Bai Lian Hua gazed in awe at Hai Ling Long's mermaid beauty. "Greetings, Sister Ling Long."
Both princesses—one of land, one of sea—radiated untouchable grace. Hai Ling Long's golden hair flowed to her tail, while Bai Lian Hua's platinum locks shone. East and West, each was breathtaking, leaving Lan An dazzled.
"Greetings, Sister Lian Hua. Thank you for saving my husband," Hai Ling Long said, clasping her hand warmly.
Their fates mirrored—caged canaries with pure hearts. Hai Ling Long's Seven Orifices Exquisite Heart and Bai Lian Hua's Good Charm bonded them instantly.
"Your tail is beautiful. May I touch it?" Bai Lian Hua asked.
"Of course!" Hai Ling Long giggled.
Soon, they chatted animatedly, leaving Lan An sidelined. Hai Ling Long's soul cultivation had reached Peak Nascent Soul, matching Lan An's, thanks to the Sea God Pure Sound Technique and Seven Seas Mysterious Zither. Her mermaid talent was unmatched.
Hai You Qing, in seclusion, guided Hai Ling Long through song and zither, her soul cultivation breaking through to Early Fusion Realm, surpassing Lan An.
He smiled wryly. He'd lagged in soul cultivation and needed to catch up.
"These mermaids are heaven's treasures. Cherish them," a regal voice spoke from a ring—Tuo Qing Xuan's master.
Her soul, soothed by their songs, felt at ease. Lan An had visited her briefly.
"You Qing and Ling Long are my wives, and I'll cherish them. So is Qing Xuan," he said earnestly.
The ring fell silent, acknowledging his sincerity.
Noticing no further topic, Lan An glanced at Tuo Qing Xuan, refining pills in a Time Acceleration Array. "What level is Qing Xuan at? I don't know alchemy."
"She's tamed two cauldrons and reached Mid Sixth-Grade, stabilizing her realm," the voice replied, proud.
"Worthy of my Qing Xuan!" Lan An exclaimed. Mid Sixth-Grade meant crafting Mid Heaven-Grade pills.
"Thanks to your Time Acceleration Array and resources," the voice sighed, recalling Qing Xuan's past struggles.
"When she restores her body, I won't let her down," Lan An vowed.
"Hmph, call me Senior!" the voice snapped, annoyed at his flirtations.
Lan An grinned, ignoring her ire, and led her to another room where Kun Ming Yue slept, her fiery figure in green robes, her childlike face comically adorable as a Seventh-Grade Beast.
"Ming Yue's condition isn't improving," he sighed.
"Her ailment can't be rushed. Only Ling Long and You Qing's songs will help," the master concluded.
As Lan An bonded with the women in the Spirit Realm Pearl, a majestic figure descended upon Water Flower Valley.