Lord of Prayer

Zhou Chen dug out the documents from the white mouse experiments. The recorded results were astonishing: after being injected with Eternal Energy, senile white mice became young again, and mice missing limbs were healed, regrowing them.

In addition to the white mice, Charles and Howard had also experimented on many other animals. Without exception, every test subject reverted to a complete and youthful state.

Zhou Chen lowered his gaze, stroking his chin in contemplation.

‘Eternal Energy… What exactly is it?’

·

While Zhou Chen was studying the documents, Li Xiye’s parents arrived and called her out for a private word.

In the hallway, Li Xiye’s father stood in an expensive suit, his hair impeccably styled and his expression stern and cold. Her mother wore a women’s pantsuit, her bearing radiating the aura of a powerful businesswoman. Both possessed an extraordinary air; it was obvious at a glance that they were high-society aristocrats.

By contrast, Li Xiye, whose dress and demeanor both screamed “delinquent,” looked nothing like their biological daughter.

“So that Zhou Chen is the Ascender who saved you?” her father asked.

“Yeah,” Li Xiye replied with a nonchalant nod. “Don’t get any ideas. He’s not going to join the Li Family.”

“Why?”

Li Xiye shrugged. “I can just tell. He only came to Hong City to investigate a case, and he’ll leave when it’s over. Besides, he’s this young… why would he need to waste his time with the Li Family?”

‘An Alchemist and Tier Two Ascender this young is bound to have a limitless future. The Li Clan might be a Fortune 500 company, but there’s no guarantee he’d even give us the time of day.’

“It doesn’t matter whether we recruit him, as long as we maintain a good relationship.” Her father paused. “We received a notice from the Star Association. You’ll be staying with them for the time being. If you need money, just let us know.”

“I have my own money,” Li Xiye said.

Her father fell silent, unable to find anything else to say. Her mother then picked up the thread, asking calmly, “He’s been staying with you these past few days. Have you two… done it?”

Li Xiye rolled her eyes. “No,” she said, annoyed. “We just met.”

“You should talk to him more, see if something develops. A partner like him would be a huge catch…”

“Alright, alright, I get it,” Li Xiye agreed impatiently. She sighed inwardly. ‘This is the downside of being born into a major clan. As long as there are enough benefits on the line, even high school students get pressured to find a partner. My cousin, who just started middle school, is already engaged to a member of another family.’

“Here, take this.” Her mother took a Yellow Crystal Necklace from her pocket and handed it to Li Xiye. “It’s a Star Bead Necklace. It can form a Constellation Barrier to block a fatal blow. I don’t know what you’re going to face, but this will at least help you survive a little longer.”

…

‘Wait, shouldn’t this be the part where you say comforting things like “Don’t be afraid,” “I’m sure we can figure something out,” or “It’s going to be okay”? What the hell is “survive a little longer”…’ Speechless, Li Xiye took the Yellow Crystal Necklace and put it on. “You two stay safe, too. Zhou Chen said the Blood Race and the Abyss Church might be targeting the Li Family.”

“We have defensive artifacts as well,” her mother replied, assuring her there was no need to worry.

Just then, a gentle-looking young woman appeared in the hallway. She waved, her face lighting up in a pleasant surprise. “Xiao Ye!”

“Sister Lan?” A smile spread across Li Xiye’s face. She looked back at her parents. “I’m going to go hang out with Sister Lan.”

With that, she darted over and pulled Sister Lan away from the banquet hall.

「The Manor’s Back Garden.」

Lively specks of light drifted through the grass on the summer night. The dancing fireflies looked like stars sprinkled down from the heavens, a truly magnificent and magical sight.

The two of them sat on a bench. When Li Xiye raised her hand, a firefly landed on her finger, glowing softly.

“Little animals still love you just as much,” Sister Lan said, enviously imitating the gesture. But her arm grew sore, and not a single firefly came near.

“I guess you could call it a personal talent. If I ever awaken, maybe I’ll get an Ability like ‘Beast Tamer.’ Hmm… something plant-related would be fine too,” Li Xiye said with a little laugh.

Sister Lan’s real name was Xia Lan. She was Li Xiye’s older cousin, and the two had been close since childhood. Xia Lan was gentle, kind, and deeply understanding. It was fair to say that she was the only reason Li Xiye hadn’t gone completely off the rails and turned into a total delinquent, given her family environment.

Xia Lan studied her for a moment, then suddenly asked, “Are you okay?”

“Hm? Of course I’m okay.”

“No, you don’t look okay at all.” Xia Lan reached out and tapped the spot between Li Xiye’s eyebrows. “You’ve been frowning the whole time. What’s on your mind? Is it about what happened earlier?”

Li Xiye fell silent and sighed, her head bowed. “Of course I’m feeling down after what happened to so many of my classmates. And now it looks like more bad things are coming…”

“It really is heartbreaking,” Xia Lan said. She paused, then added earnestly, “But if more trouble is on the way, that’s all the more reason to pull yourself together. Want me to give you a head massage?”

“Yes, please! It’s been so long since I’ve gotten to enjoy Sister Lan’s magic hands.” A smile returned to Li Xiye’s face as she lay down on Sister Lan’s lap without a second thought.

“Still such a baby, just like when you were little. I feel like you’re never going to grow up.” Sister Lan chuckled fondly, gently massaging Li Xiye’s temples.

“I’ll always be a kid when I’m with you, Sister Lan…”

“Then listen to this grown-up and stop fighting. I heard you ran off and got into another fight last night. Did you get hurt?”

“Nope. There’s no way those little bitches could ever be a match for me.”

Xia Lan tapped her sharply on the forehead. “No swearing.”

“Alright, alright…”

The night breeze was cool. As Li Xiye enjoyed her gentle cousin’s head massage, she felt all her worries drift away, her heart filled with an unprecedented sense of peace and relaxation.