Chapter 863: The truth about the Honoured One [3]

"…What the actual fuck."

Zhao Tian groaned softly, rubbing his temples as if to keep his head from splitting 'So, my real mother is an ancient angelic essence who split herself into life seeds. My second mother is a human from the Maverick family who gave birth to me. And my third mother is… an Eldritchfiend.'

He could only sigh, muttering under his breath, "At this point, I need a family tree and a drink."

Lilith looked at him and let out a faint sigh "So... you are different from me."

She stepped forward and caressed his cheek as her fingers passed through his skin like mist, but he could still feel a strange tingle "Little brother, from here on... your path will be far more challenging than before."

Upon hearing this, his gaze softened "Hmm, I will try my best."

Lilith smiled at that, though her voice was tinged with sadness "I don't mean to frighten you. Only to warn you. Be careful."

His expression softened and he nodded his head with a smile "Mhm."

Lilith's form flickered faintly, the edges of her light beginning to fade back toward the casket. "Good," she whispered. "Then maybe… we'll both find peace one day."

"Also…" she said, her lips curving faintly, "I see you've been using a dual cultivation technique."

"I can feel the flow of yin and yang energies inside you," she continued in a teasing tone.

"That's why this star's Yin field hasn't harmed you. Instead of being drained, you're absorbing it... converting the Yin into Yang essence. Clever… or maybe just lucky."

He gave a quiet laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… maybe both."

"Then you'll find this planet rather nourishing," she said softly. "The Elven Star's Yin runs deeper than its roots. Let it strengthen you."

Before Zhao Tian could respond, the great doors at the end of the hall opened slowly, spilling a shaft of golden light into the quiet room.

Sylmeria stepped in, but the instant her gaze fell upon Lilith's transparent form, her composure shattered.

Her eyes widened in sheer disbelief and she dropped to the ground, kneeling in front of her "R-Revered Honoured One…"

Lilith turned toward her gently, "You must be the current generation's Queen of Elves."

Sylmeria's breath hitched as she pressed her forehead to the floor. "Y-Yes… yes, I am. Forgive my intrusion, O Revered One. I didn't know-"

"Calm yourself, child. Get up."

Sylmeria looked up and slowly rose to her feet with her head still bowed low.

Lilith's gaze turned back to Zhao Tian, her expression softening again "Provide him with everything he needs. And take good care of him."

Sylmeria immediately bowed her head again, her voice trembling with reverence "As you command, Revered Honoured One. I shall ensure he lacks for nothing."

Lilith gave a faint, wistful smile "See you later, Little Brother."

Her image wavered once more, dissolving into faint motes of white light that sank into the glass coffin.

Zhao Tian stared at the glass coffin in silence, looking at the beautiful woman resting peacefully.

A sigh escaped his lips, and he closed his eyes for a moment 'Heavens is not the end...'

Sylmeria just stood there silently, not wanting to disturb his thoughts.

After a long silence, Zhao Tian opened his eyes and glanced at Sylmeria "Let's leave."

The Elven Queen bowed her head slightly. "Yes, Honoured One."

As the great doors swung open and they stepped into the hall, the sound of their footsteps echoed softly against the marble floor.

Zhao Tian walked slowly with so many thoughts in his head and Sylmeria followed at his side, silently.

He turned to glance at her, his expression softening slightly "Uhm, Miss-"

She raised her hand, cutting him off with a small, graceful bow. "Sylmeria is enough."

He smiled faintly at that. "Alright then, Sylmeria, do you know anything about Maverick family's current situation in the Astral Realm?"

Sylmeria's expression grew more solemn and she nodded lightly before answering "The Maverick family… they are, or rather, were one of the royal families under the Three Great Dynasties of the Astral Realm."

"In the past, our ancestors shared close ties with the Mavericks, bound by respect and reverence for the first Honoured One. That relationship once ensured peace and mutual prosperity between us."

"But that was long ago. The current ruler of the Astral Realm, Jiu Yang, has closed all communication between the High Stars and the Astral Realm."

"Except during the Celestial Tournament... a grand convergence that occurs once every thousand years. During that event, the Astral Realm open their pathways to the higher stars, allowing their geniuses to compete in the tournament. It is the only time information, people, or resources can pass between realms."

(A/n: See Chapter 227 for some details.)

Sylmeria's voice softened "Even so, we managed to gather some fragments of news."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "After your birth… the Maverick family and the whole Dynasty were destroyed."

Zhao Tian stopped mid-step and she looked down, "Because they gave birth to another Honoured One."

(A/n: Read chapter 492 to recall about this.)

His gaze lowered upon hearing this 'A whole dynasty was destroyed because of me...'

Looking at his reaction Sylmeria spoke "Please, don't blame yourself... you didn't choose to be born as a Honoured One... its all fate."

Zhao Tian's eyes condensed 'Fate, huh... a good excuse.'

With a soft sigh, he resumed walking and Sylmeria followed beside him.

The corridor led them out of the sacred hall and into a walkway surrounded by floating gardens.

Sylmeria broke the silence first "If I may… would you like to see your partner? She has been resting since you arrived."

"Mhm."

They soon reached a grand archway of intertwining vines and silver blossoms.

Beyond it, there was a large, tranquil chamber softly lit and fragrant with flowers.

"This is where she's resting," Sylmeria said softly, stopping before the doorway.

Zhao Tian gave a slow nod and stepped forward, entering the room.

Inside the spacious room, Xia Shenyi was sitting on the bed waiting for him.

Looking at him stepping into the room, she hurriedly stood up and walked to him "Tian..."

Zhao Tian stepped closer and hugged her in his arms, placing a kiss on her head "Shenyi."

Sylmeria watched from the doorway with a small smile on her lips.

After a few moments, she spoke softly, not wanting to disturb the moment "I will have the attendants prepare food for you both, Honoured One."

Zhao Tian gave a faint nod "Thank you, Sylmeria."

She bowed her head gracefully and stepped back, leaving the chamber silent once more.

Xia Shenyi looked up at him "Tian, what happened?"