The moon hung high over Red Sword City, casting a gentle glow over the Red Pipal Tree Mansion. The red pipal tree, standing tall at the entrance, swayed lightly in the night breeze as if whispering ancient secrets.
Inside the mansion, a tense atmosphere loomed as the firefly lady Khoya stood at the doorstep, facing Amelia.
“Who are you?” Amelia demanded, her sharp eyes scanning the woman before her. She held a defensive stance, her aura restrained but ready to burst into action at the slightest sign of threat.
Khoya remained calm. “I bring a message from Kent,” she said, her voice steady but urgent.
Amelia’s eyes flickered with doubt and hesitation before she nodded. “Come in.”
As she led Khoya inside, the others quickly gathered—Lucy, Sophia, Thea, Lily, and Maya. Their faces reflected a mix of concern, curiosity, and hope. The air grew heavier as the doors were shut tight, ensuring privacy.
Khoya reached into her robe and pulled out a small jade slip, its surface shimmering with a faint glow. “Kent asked me to pass this to you.”
Amelia took the jade slip carefully, her hands trembling slightly. With a deep breath, she activated the message, and Kent’s voice filled the silent room.
“To my beloved wives,
If you are hearing this, then I am far away, heading toward a journey that I cannot avoid. Do not worry about me—I will return stronger than ever. The times ahead will be difficult, but I trust in all of you to endure and grow. Cultivate diligently and protect each other. Do not let anyone intimidate you. The world is vast, and our struggles will only forge us into something greater.
I miss you all, and I promise I will come back. Until then, be strong, stay safe, and believe in me.”
The moment the message ended, silence filled the room. Then, tears began to well up in their eyes.
Lucy clutched her chest, biting her lip. “He… he always does this. Always carrying the burden alone.”
Sophia wiped her eyes, her voice filled with determination. “But he trusts us. He believes in us. We must honor that.”
Lily clenched her fists, trying to suppress the emotions bubbling inside her. “Kent always faces everything head-on. We have to do the same. We must become stronger so we can stand beside him, not behind him.”
Thea, usually the calmest among them, exhaled sharply. “It’s frustrating… not knowing when he’ll return. But we can’t waste time crying.”
Maya nodded, her expression firm. “We need to train harder, prepare for the worst, and ensure that when he returns, he finds us stronger than ever.”
Amelia, who had remained quiet, finally spoke. “Kent has faith in us, and we must not disappoint him. From today onwards, we will cultivate with even greater effort. No distractions, no fear. Only strength.”
The firefly lady Khoya watched them in silence, observing the emotions and the unbreakable bond they shared with Kent. A small smile played on her lips.
“You are strong women,” she said finally. “Now I understand why Kent entrusted me with this mission. I have done my part. Now it’s up to you to do yours.”
The women exchanged glances, their sadness fading into newfound determination.
“We will wait for you, Kent,” Amelia whispered. “And when you return, you will find us stronger than ever.”
The night continued, but their resolve burned brighter than ever.
—
After leaving the Red Pipal Tree Mansion, Khoya found herself navigating the bustling streets of Red Sword City, her sharp eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. She moved with calculated grace, her presence shrouded in mystery as she approached the heavily guarded King family estate.
Kai family soldiers stood on high alert, stationed at every entrance and patrolling the perimeter. The tension in the air was palpable—everyone in the city knew that the King family was under house arrest, and no one dared approach them. But Khoya was not just anyone.
She observed the changing of the guards, taking note of their shifts and weak points in their formation. With her agility, she darted into a hidden alleyway beside the estate, pressing herself against the cold stone walls. She needed a way in—Kent had entrusted her with the task of delivering the jade slip to the patriarch, and she would not fail.
A fruit vendor passed by, wheeling a cart full of ripe, fragrant mangoes. Khoya’s sharp mind instantly formulated a plan. She adjusted her veil and quickly pulled out a small vial from her space ring, spilling a few drops into the vendor’s fruit basket. Within moments, a pleasant, intoxicating aroma wafted through the air. As expected, the guards, already weary from their long shifts, were drawn to the vendor like moths to a flame.
Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, Khoya moved like a shadow, swiftly scaling a side wall covered in vines. She landed soundlessly on the inner courtyard, quickly concealing herself behind a stone pillar. Now inside, she had to find the patriarch and pass him Kent’s message.
—
One month had passed since Kent began his journey across the vast and unforgiving Endless Green Desert. The harsh sun bore down on him, but with Sparky’s incredible speed, they had managed to traverse the desert faster than most could ever dream of.
As he finally crossed the last stretch of dunes, the landscape before him shifted dramatically. The air grew thick with mana, and lush greenery replaced the dry, barren sands.
Towering cities stood proudly in the distance, their spires glistening under the golden sun. The Kuki Nation was far more advanced than the lands he had left behind, and Kent could already sense the presence of powerful cultivators within the cities.
Guided by Khoya’s instructions, he found an Inn near the bustling marketplace. The scent of roasted meat and exotic spices filled the air, drawing him inside. The establishment was well-maintained, with a grand wooden interior and numerous cultivators seated at various tables, engaged in lively conversation.
Kent took a corner seat, his beast companion Sparky shrinking into a small, cat-sized form beside him. He retrieved the jade slip Khoya had given him and poured a bit of mana into it. Almost instantly, the slip vibrated and emitted a faint glow, signaling that the message had been received.
As he waited for a response, he ordered a feast of spiced lamb, fried lotus root, and a jug of honeyed wine. It had been weeks since he had a proper meal, and he intended to enjoy every bite.
A soft chime sounded from his jade slip. The reply had come.
The message was brief but clear: “Stay where you are. I will find you.”