Chapter 66: The Dynasty

The closer she got, the more she felt the depth of this senior’s mystery.

Even her cold, aloof father never gave her the same overwhelming presence as this enigmatic man.

"My title..."

The mysterious man fell into contemplation. As if too much time passed since anyone addressed him.

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

"I am known as... the Sovereign of Genesis."

Crack.

The moment the words left his lips, thunder split the sky.

Boom.

The winds howled. The clouds churned. Lightning danced wildly, bleaching the world white.

Elara was stunned. Trembling, she looked up.

In the monochrome world, the silhouette of the man grew distinct.

What boundless antiquity!

"Have some tea."

An ethereal voice drifted over. The celestial phenomena abruptly vanished.

Elara’s mind went blank. She nodded dumbly.

As soon as the tea touched her lips, a surge of pure vitality spread through her body.

She recognized this. It was Earth Vein Spirit Dew. A supreme tribute her father bestowed upon her siblings, but never her.

The mysterious man used it to brew this tea.

"You are here because, eons ago, I dropped an ancient ring."

"Only those blessed with great fortune and extraordinary talent can resonate with it."

The Sovereign of Genesis raised his teacup. He paused, simply turning it in his palm.

"I might not be the person you are looking for."

Her head drooped, nearly burying itself in her chest.

Her birth cost her mother’s life. It earned her the Emperor’s lifelong disdain.

She thought all imperial children lived in the cold palace without new clothes.

"I have no talent. My brother took my core."

"Heh. Little girl, do you doubt this sovereign’s judgment?"

"N-no... I wouldn’t dare."

"Elara. Youngest daughter of the Emperor."

Elara froze.

She never introduced herself. How did the Sovereign know?

"Born with a Sovereign Core. Stolen by kin. Now hunted by imperial guards."

Her lips parted slightly. How did he know everything?

"Losing it allows you to forge your own path. How is that not a blessing?"

"In a barren realm, a child had his supreme bone stolen. Yet he later grew a second, then a third. One day, when you stand high enough, all this will be but a fleeting shadow."

His tone was matter-of-fact.

Elara was bewildered. But it sounded incredible.

"The Central Dynasty is but a ripple in the river of time."

The Sovereign chuckled.

He painted pictures in the sky. The clouds swirled and shifted, forming breathtaking scenes. Golden light spilled.

Through a colossal gate, divine palaces stood in splendor. Celestial halls shimmered like a galaxy. True dragons soared.

"This was the Primordial Era."

Elara’s eyes reflected the spectacle. She was entranced.

Compared to this, the Dynasty was indeed insignificant.

A sudden breeze scattered the clouds. The Sovereign’s voice turned wistful.

"All things must end. Now, I am but a remnant soul."

Her heart clenched.

If just a fragment held such power, what had he been like at his peak?

"I wish to take you as my disciple. To impart all I know."

"My request is simple. When you grow strong enough, help me return to life."

"Girl, do you wish to become stronger?"

His words carried an unshakable certainty.

Do you wish to become stronger?

Images flashed before her. Her mother’s gravestone. The Emperor’s cold gaze. Her brother’s bloodstained dagger.

She didn’t know how to refuse...