REPORT
In the quiet stillness of his private study, Emperor Shen Hóngtú sat beside the open window of his personal stables. Sunlight filtered through carved wooden lattices, dancing across the parchment in his hand. He wore no ceremonial robes today, only a simple deep-blue brocade tunic. The fierce aura of a ruler was muted by something gentler: the warmth of a father.
Across from him, Princess Shen Ruòxuě sat, her posture dignified yet relaxed. Her elegant robes fluttered slightly in the breeze. There was a smile on her face—subtle but sincere—as she spoke animatedly about her journey.
"Father you still keeps this place the same as always," she said with amusement, her gaze drifting to the stone troughs and polished saddles.
Hóngtú chuckled. "It's been your favorite place since childhood. How could I dare change it?"
He set aside the scroll, giving his full attention to her.
"Tell me," he said with a rare, softened smile, "how is old man Youxuan doing? That stubborn old man still terrorizing young disciples?"
Ruòxuě laughed. "Master is still as strict as ever… but he sends his regards, that old man doesn't want to leave his mountain but he promised that he'll be he for the tournament to watch me."
"Good," the emperor nodded. "He was my companion once. A reliable one and I respect him a lot."
There was a beat of silence before he leaned slightly forward. "And what of your cultivation? I could probe it myself, of course… but I'd rather hear it from you."
Her eyes sparkled as she answered, "I've reached the middle stage of the Elemental Baptism Realm."
The emperor blinked. Then he gave a deep, approving nod.
"Middle stage already… at your age…" he murmured. "Indeed you're truly my daughter who I place my hopes of this empire on, the young truly replace the old."
Shen Ruòxuě bowed slightly. "You flatter me, Father."
He rose from his seat, folding his hands behind his back. "With that level of strength, most of those older sect disciples won't pose a challenge in the upcoming competition. Among your peers… none can rival you, but don't get arrogant the foundations of those sects and clans are nothing to scoff at, there will definitely be some dark horses and secret students or weapons that these organizations have trained in secret so you need to be prepared"
He gave a slight sigh, both proud and thoughtful.
Cultivation in the five continents was divided into two mortal realms:
• The Mortal Tempering Realm, where martial artists begin refining their body using their elemental affinity. It is the most treacherous stage, where a single misstep can leave permanent, unseen injuries. From skin to tendons, bones, blood, and organs—the sixth level marks a qualitative change. By the seventh, the body converts ambient qi into elemental energy. The eighth purifies the meridians. The ninth… stores elemental energy, opening the path to becoming a true elemental cultivator. warriors refined their bodies with elemental energy, forming the foundation for future power.
• And the Spiritual Qi Shaping Realm, where cultivators shaped and controlled elemental qi outside their bodies—bringing their affinities to life in physical form.
Above these two realms, only rumors and ancient myths spoke of a higher path—one of immortality.
Ruòxuě tilted her head. "What of my eldest brother? Do you still hear from him?"
The moment the words left her mouth, the emperor's expression shifted. The warm gleam in his eyes dimmed, replaced by a cold, unreadable sharpness.
"Hmph," he scoffed, clearly displeased.
Sensing the sudden change, Ruòxuě quickly pivoted. "I heard I now have a little brother?" she asked with forced cheer.
This time, the emperor didn't even scoff. His jaw tightened, and he turned his face away, muttering with icy detachment, "I don't wish to talk about it."
That answer… was enough.
Ruòxuě's smile faltered. Her mind raced.
Aunt Qingcheng… hadn't even come to greet her at the gates.
That was strange. Normally, she would be among the first.
Was it truly because of childbirth? Or something more?
Quickly composing herself, she stood and bowed slightly.
"Forgive me, Father. I'm suddenly feeling quite hungry. Mother said she made my favorite dishes. May I be excused?"
Shen Hóngtú frowned. "There is a banquet prepared. The whole imperial court is gathered for you—representatives of every vassal state, noble family…"
She shook her head politely. "Please allow me to sit this one out. I'm tired from the journey."
Before he could respond, she stepped forward, kissed his cheek, and dashed off with a cheeky grin.
"Rest well, my little phoenix," he murmured, watching her vanish through the garden path. He sighed again, this time heavier… almost melancholic.
"This child…" he said softly. "If it were any of the others…"
No one else would have dared to flee a banquet in their honor. But Ruòxuě was different. She always had been.
Moments later, Shen Hóngtú entered the banquet hall alone.
It was held in the Verdant Jade Garden, an opulent courtyard famed for its rolling grass, flowering trees, and a feast table large enough to host a thousand guests. Candied lotus, roast qilin, sapphire wine, flame-cooked sky carp, and other imperial delicacies covered every inch.
As the emperor stepped onto the grassy floor, all conversation died.
Silence fell like snow.
Every guest rose and bowed deeply as he passed. Nobles, ministers, clan leaders—all froze in reverence until he took his seat atop the golden platform.
"You may rise," he said.
Glasses clinked softly as the emperor raised a jeweled goblet.
"I welcome you all," he declared, his voice steady. "The empire's most treasured jewel, my daughter Ruòxuě, has returned from the Yōuxuán Sect. Though she is resting and cannot join us, this celebration is held in her honor."
The crowd murmured their understanding.
Then a tall noble stepped forward. He raised his own cup.
"To the princess!" he shouted. "With her return, the Shen Yao Empire will surely rise to dominate the five continents in the future!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, echoing his toast.
"To the Princess!"
"To the Emperor!"
"To glory everlasting!"
"To Shen Yao and our glorious future "
The feast began in earnest. And as the wine flowed and platitudes soared, Shen Hóngtú sipped in silence—his gaze distant.