Shadow Over the Heavenly Throne

The Queen observed her daughter closely, gently running her fingers over the infant’s delicate body. There was no doubt—Qi, which had moments ago drifted through the air like an invisible mist, was now seeping into her skin, pulsing faintly like a second heartbeat.

This was no ordinary absorption of energy.

Most children born into noble bloodlines were unable to even perceive Qi consciously for the first several years of their lives. Yet, Sylphia was not only absorbing it—her body was already adapting, reinforcing itself from within.

The Queen narrowed her eyes.

"Body refinement cultivation…" she murmured under her breath.

This could be a blessing… or a curse. Certain rare bloodlines gave birth to children with extraordinary abilities, but just as often, it led to tragic consequences. If her body could not withstand such rapid adaptation, it could result in irreparable damage.

The Queen raised her hand, allowing her own Qi to spread subtly through the air, seeking to intertwine with her daughter’s aura. She attempted to examine Sylphia’s condition… but the child’s Qi instinctively repelled hers.

A flicker of surprise crossed the Queen’s face.

"She won’t even allow me near…" she murmured, though there was no frustration in her tone. If anything, she felt a small shadow of pride.

In the end, she chose not to interfere. Nature was meant to be observed, not corrected. Perhaps this was simply her daughter’s destined path.

Sylphia, noticing the shift in her mother’s expression, nearly laughed in her mind.

Hah! See how remarkable I am? Go on, just try to sacrifice me for the family’s sake now.

But her triumph lasted only moments. Suddenly, she felt the energy draining from her body, her eyelids growing unbearably heavy. She wanted to curse aloud, but all she managed was a soft whimper, no different from any ordinary newborn. Her body was too weak. Too weak to endure any longer.

Damn it, again?! This newborn body is a joke! I can’t even properly use Qi before collapsing like some lifeless fish!

The Queen sighed, watching as her daughter succumbed to slumber, before gently placing her back into the crib.

"Good night, little one," she whispered, before turning and stepping out of the room.

Her chamber was just next door, separated only by ornate, massive doors. She had barely shut them when she felt a familiar presence.

Aldrich had returned.

The King stood by the window, gazing into the darkness. In the dim candlelight, his silver hair gleamed faintly, and his sharp features betrayed no exhaustion, despite what must have been a grueling journey.

"You’re unharmed," she said softly, stepping closer.

"There was no reason to be otherwise." His voice was as deep and steady as ever. He turned to face her, his gaze unreadable. "I must inform you of what transpired. The tournament has been decided."

The Queen raised an eyebrow, sensing more behind his words than a mere report.

"A tournament? How is that possible? Under what terms?"

"Vaelthas and Jorath used the situation to force my hand. They knew I could not ignore their movements, so they proposed an official competition. Their sects will send their younger generation to fight in the tournament."

The Queen remained silent for a moment, weighing his words. She knew how much this meant for their house.

"How could you agree to a tournament between the younger generation?!" Her voice rose, sharp and immediate. "You know full well we stand no chance! This is nothing short of handing them victory on a silver platter!"

Aldrich did not respond right away. He regarded her calmly before uttering a single word:

"The Soul Restoration Pill."

The Queen’s breath hitched, her eyes widening in shock.

"The Soul Restoration Pill?" she repeated slowly, as if needing confirmation that she had heard correctly.

"Yes," the King affirmed. "It is the prize for the tournament’s victor."

The Queen inhaled deeply, trying to steady the storm of emotions rising within her. She studied her husband’s face, trying to understand his reasoning. If Vaelthas and Jorath had offered something this invaluable, they must have been absolutely certain of their victory.

At last, she exhaled, clenching her hands into fists.

"I understand…" she said slowly, swallowing her frustration. "That means we had little choice. If the pill is real, then even the smallest chance of obtaining it was worth the risk."

Aldrich nodded, satisfied that his wife was beginning to see the full picture.

"When will it take place?" she asked after a moment, her gaze sharp.

"In twenty years." His voice was firm. "That was the only condition I managed to enforce. I’m also curious how the other sects will react to this news. Will they join the tournament, or simply watch from the sidelines?"

A brief silence filled the room before the Queen finally spoke.

"Sylphia…"

The King turned to her, his expression unreadable. "What about her?"

"She is absorbing Qi. Already." There was something in her voice she could not conceal—a mix of admiration and unease. "And… she did not allow me to interfere."

Aldrich remained silent for a moment. His face did not change, though she noticed how his fingers brushed lightly against his chin in thought.

"Hmmm."

There was no shock in him, nor any excessive joy. But there was… something else. Something he did not voice aloud.

"There is no reason to celebrate. Not yet," he finally said. "Everything depends on what cultivation root she awakens at the age of six."

The Queen frowned. "Is that really all you care about?"

"Potential is everything," he replied evenly. "She may display all the extraordinary abilities in the world, but if her root turns out to be mediocre… she will not go far. Just like our third son, Vaelian. Despite his talent and skill in Qi manipulation, his progress is limited. His Mid-Grade Roots ensure that he will never reach our level of cultivation."

For a moment, she wanted to argue. But in the end, she found no words. Perhaps he was right.

"So all we can do now is wait," she sighed.

Aldrich said nothing, only holding her gaze for a moment before turning back to the window.

The Queen took one last look into her daughter’s room. Sylphia slept peacefully, though Qi still pulsed faintly around her aura.

No matter what the future holds… something tells me she will not be ordinary.

Meanwhile, Aldrich stepped onto the balcony, his eyes scanning the vast city below the palace. The streets, which should have been quiet at this hour, still bustled with activity, as if chaos was slowly beginning to take hold. The kingdom’s affairs were growing increasingly complicated. Alliances wavered, enemies grew bolder, and the upcoming tournament would only add fuel to the fire.

He sighed, gripping the marble railing tightly. The only solace in all of this was that, in the worst-case scenario, he could still make a move… or at least, he hoped he could.

His eyes gleamed with cold determination.

No matter what happens, I will protect the pride and honor of our family until the very end.