In the Royal Study, the Sylvia Emperor sat in silence, weighing every word.
"Prince Noah Sky, you must know the Soul Clan's roots run deep. A direct attack could spark a war of unimaginable scale. Moreover, victory is far from certain."
"Your Majesty," I replied, my voice steady, "you need not concern yourself with such matters. Simply bring your forces and handle the aftermath. The fighting—I'll take care of it."
A heavy silence filled the room.
"How does Prince Noah Sky plan to confront the Soul Clan?" the Sylvia Emperor asked, his tone probing.
"That, Your Majesty, will become clear when the time comes. If I fail, your army can withdraw unscathed."
"This is a grave matter," the Sylvia Emperor said after a pause. "I must consult with the Great Clan. You'll have my answer in three days."
"Very well," I nodded. "I await your decision."
After I left, the Sylvia Emperor convened a meeting with the Great Clan. After heated debate, suspecting interference from the Upper Realm, they sought guidance from above. The response was curt:
"Next time, don't bother us with such trivial matters."
In the end, the elders agreed to send troops, but with conditions: if the campaign failed, they would withdraw without further involvement. If successful, the royal family would betroth Princess Sylvia Claire Flora to me, along with granting significant privileges and resources.
During this time, the two sisters kept pestering me. Both were breathtakingly beautiful, masterpieces of nature, their allure magnified when together. Peering into another's past or future only reveals vague shapes and shadows. At first, I had a faint suspicion this tale resembled Rose's, but connecting that soul to the proud, elegant princess before me was like bridging heaven and earth.
"Rose, why didn't you tell me you were a princess?" I asked. "And what's with 'Rose'? How could a refined princess like you act so differently back then?"
Rose, peeling fruit, shot back, "Didn't you also hide that you were the Prince of Sky Dark Nation?"
I rubbed my temple. "I only just found out myself."
Rose recounted her story. "Back then, my bloodline wasn't fully awakened, so I couldn't claim my place in the clan. I wandered aimlessly, half in a daze. My real name is Rose, and my sister is Flora. 'Sylvia Lan' and 'Sylvia Claire Flora' are our royal clan names. If not for you, I might've…"
"Enough with the sob story," I interrupted. "I saved you, helped you, and yet you keep ruining my plans."
"I didn't mean to!" she protested.
"Every time," I sighed. "Lucky for you, I'm quick-witted and always have a backup plan."
Flora, munching on melon, chuckled. "Brother, you should've seen how people would react to Princess Sylvia Lan getting scolded like this. What were you thinking, Sister?"
After stuffing more melon into Flora's mouth to silence her, Rose grinned. "Eat and stop talking nonsense. Brother, how do you plan to take on the Soul Clan?"
"Simple," I said. "I could crush them single-handedly with my current strength. But one person overpowering an entire clan would disrupt the balance of heaven and earth, causing more harm than good. That's why I need the human clans' armies to join me. A war between two great clans would stabilize the outcome."
Flora's jaw dropped. "Brother, are you serious? Do you know how powerful the Soul Clan is? They rival the combined might of all human clans. Where's this confidence coming from?"
"The Soul Clan," she continued, "are souls that refuse reincarnation, seeking to ascend as the essence of heaven and earth. They embody the universal desire to reach the Final. Over time, they've evolved beyond mere souls."
"I know exactly what I'm facing and what I'm doing," I replied. "Thank you for your concern, but rest assured."
Flora blushed, flustered, avoiding my gaze. Then she caught her sister's knowing smile and turned redder. "I need to change the subject," she muttered. "Brother, who are you trying to save from the Soul Clan?"
I sighed. "My elder sister… It's not what you think."
After a lengthy explanation, I concluded, "That's why I must free the souls trapped in the Soul Clan's ancient killing formation."
Flora gazed at the drifting clouds. "Why tell us all this?"
I exhaled softly. "I just wanted to bare my soul to those I trust, to show my true self. Does that bother you?"
She shook her head, her tone earnest. "No, it's just… surprising. You weren't always this confident. In return, one day, I'll show you the real me. Don't laugh when I do."
"I'll be waiting," I said with a smile.
Rose frowned at us. "What's with this secret pact?"
I shot her a disappointed look. So clueless. No tact at all, ruining the moment.
Rose shrank back, mumbling, "Pretend I didn't say anything."
Flora stifled a laugh. "Brother, are you a reincarnated immortal?"
I shook my head, dead serious. "No, I'm a reincarnated Great Emperor."
The sisters froze.
Later, the Sylvia Kingdom declared the Soul Clan as the masterminds behind the princess's assassination. Prince Eldrin Sky had been secretly killed to silence him, but the truth was uncovered. The Sylvia Kingdom would join Sky Dark Nation to confront the Soul Clan.
Soon after, a messenger from the Vitalora Kingdom arrived, bearing the Ancient Emperor's decree: the Vitalora Kingdom would join the alliance and invited me to their Sun Festival.
Everything was falling into place. With the two largest human kingdoms marching against the Soul Clan, the Vitalora Kingdom couldn't stand idly by. My next step: visit the Vitalora Kingdom and display my strength.
On the journey, Flora gazed at the passing scenery. "Brother, do you think we'll find Sister Aspen Lily in the Vitalora Kingdom?"
"I'm not sure," I replied. "But I feel our fates are intertwined. We'll meet again."
Neither Sky Dark Nation nor the Sylvia Kingdom had any trace of Aspen Lily. If she was truly there, our connection was extraordinary.
Rose, sitting nearby, chimed in. "Hearing you two talk about Sister Aspen Lily reminds me of someone. She came from humble origins, with an unusual appearance but an extraordinary gift for music. Her melodies could move birds, flowers, and beasts. Her name is Ju Yi. She might be the Aspen Lily you're looking for."
Rose grabbed Flora's hand. "I knew bringing you was the right choice!"
I watched the sisters chatter excitedly. Rose's ruined my plans again.
Since I'd opened up to her, I thought Flora might give up hope, but I'd failed. All because of Rose's cluelessness. Yet, strangely, part of me didn't mind. Perhaps having another admirer wasn't so bad.
A pang of unease stirred within me. "You two, I have something important to say. Lately, heavenly tribulations have been targeting me. I feel I may not have long to live, so don't… get too close to me."
Flora laughed. "Are you scared I'll fall for you? Don't worry, your story touched me deeply. I'll follow and help you to the end."
Her serene smile made me feel oddly small. "You're mocking me," I muttered.
"Seeing you smile so goofily is kind of nice," she teased.
For the first time, Flora felt her heart stir for someone. How could she let go of someone so remarkable? At first, she worried she was intruding on her sister's feelings for me, but Rose saw me only as a brother, their bond pure. Rose even encouraged her. When I shared my hidden pain, Flora knew she'd chosen the right person. A wounded heart couldn't love anew so quickly. She'd heal me step by step, no regrets, no matter what came. For now, she'd guard against this Sister Aspen Lily.
Flora smiled. "Didn't you bring some pastries, Sister? I'm craving them."
Rose caught her hint. "Right, almost forgot!" She dashed off.
I blinked, confused. Flora slid closer, her faint fragrance enveloping me. Sitting primly, she gazed at me in the quiet space, her soft hands gently lifting mine. "Tell me about Sister a," she urged softly.
Something felt off. "You know," I said, "if you keep getting this close, one day I might not hold back and do something bad. I told you, I'm a terrible person."
Flora frowned playfully. "So, I must be so beautiful that you're tempted, huh? If you fall for me, I won't let you off easily. Besides, I admire someone who'd do anything for love. If you ruin that image…"
"Wait," she interrupted herself. "My sister's more beautiful, and you didn't fall for her. Why should I worry? You're teasing me! Now, tell me about a."
Along the journey, Flora—or Sylvia Claire Flora—stayed by my side, laughing and chatting. Perhaps she wanted to cheer me up, or maybe she just craved these joyful moments. Either way, I wouldn't waver from my original resolve.
After a month's journey, we reached the Vitalora Kingdom. As in the Sylvia Kingdom, an army awaited to welcome us.
Among the three strongest human kingdoms, Sky Dark Nation wielded the bloodline of the Great Earth, the Sylvia Kingdom the bloodline of the Endless Stars, and the Vitalora Kingdom the bloodline of Dominion over All Life.
Flora turned to us, beaming. "Brother Noah, we're here!"
After a month together, I'd found her vibrant and lively. Perhaps we could share some pleasant times. No, what a foolish thought. How could I soften so easily?
Since merging the legacies of my two past lives, everything had aligned clearly, save for a few core conflicts. Weak thoughts like these shouldn't exist in my mind. My strong will should've crushed them. I should either end things with her or take them further.
Yet, these wavering, hopeful thoughts lingered like stubborn weeds, sprouting in every corner. They surged whenever Flora drew near, like a starving man glimpsing a feast. Why?
It couldn't be from my past lives. Could it be… my Earthly life? But that was purged during the fusion. So why did it persist, so strong it overwhelmed everything?
Flora noticed my silence and stepped closer, taking my hand. "What are you thinking?"
I forced calm. "Nothing, just lost in thought."
"What about?"
I smirked. "I'm thinking if you keep following me like this, in a week, I might do something beastly to you."
Suppressing the cursed weakness gnawing at me, I walked away without looking back. I refused to be so soft, so easily swayed.
After that, she kept her distance, her gaze odd and unreadable. Fine, don't look, don't care.
Three days later, we were escorted to the Vitalora Kingdom's capital. The streets buzzed with life—humans and beasts mingling, laughter and calls filling the air with vibrancy.
General Gao Ling, leading our escort, smiled. "Prince Noah Sky, the Sun Festival is in a few days. You must visit the Thoughtless Valley to join the celebration."
"I wouldn't miss it," I replied.
"First, let me take you to the residence to rest. Tomorrow, we'll meet His Majesty."
"I'll follow your arrangements," I said.
Rose tugged Flora's hand. "Brother, come stroll the streets with us! We can visit Ju Yi tonight."
"No," I said. "I need to rest. We'll meet Ju Yi tonight."
At the residence, I lay on the bed, my body warring within. One side was resolute, the other urging me to apologize.
I should apologize to her. No, that would only entangle us further.
Argh! I needed meditation to calm my mind.
After hours of meditation, my thoughts settled. No, it was too late to apologize. The weakness retreated, leaving me in control.
Exhausted, I collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep.
At dusk, I awoke, my spirit drained, my body weak, a powerful sense of something imminent stirring within. Something I'd forgotten…
"You're awake," Flora said softly.
She sat by my bed, chin resting on her hand, watching me. In that moment, those thoughts surged again, a fierce longing to tell her everything. If only I could hold her.
The desire flooded my mind. I fought to suppress it. "You shouldn't be here."
Her eyes were dreamy, almost entranced. "You looked so peaceful sleeping, so calm. I want that, too."
Her gaze pierced me. No matter where these thoughts came from, they were still mine. Why torment myself by resisting? If the longing was this strong, how could I deny it?
"If you want, would you like to lie here with me?"
Flora blushed, her eyes darting away as she mumbled, "The royal clan is strict. We can't do such things before marriage… But if you promise to behave…"