Shadow Over the Heavenly Throne

The Queen observed Sylphia for a moment longer, watching as she clutched the newly acquired book. Seeing the triumphant glimmer in her daughter’s eyes, she couldn’t help but let a faint smile cross her lips. Finally, she sighed and took a step back.

“You know I shouldn’t be giving this to you,” she murmured, more to herself than to Sylphia.

Sylphia tightened her grip on the book, her eyes shining with determination.

“I know,” she admitted. “But since I have it now, I intend to make full use of it.”

The Queen looked as if she wanted to say more, but instead, she straightened and gave a small nod. Her gown rustled softly as she walked toward the door, pausing just before stepping out.

“I’ll be away for a few days. Try not to cause any trouble.”

Sylphia glanced up from the book and nodded. “I know,” she replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I’ll be studying.”

The Queen lingered for a moment longer, as if debating whether to say something else, but in the end, she simply exhaled quietly and left. Once the door shut behind her, Sylphia immediately turned back to her book.

She set it on her lap, tracing a finger over the hardened cover before flipping it open and reading aloud.

“Since the dawn of time, there has been a divide between those who could cultivate and those fated to mediocrity. Cultivation roots, bestowed as a gift or curse, determine the path of all who seek true power. Some burn like fire—fierce and overwhelming—while others flow like deep rivers—hidden yet immeasurable. Without a proper foundation, even the greatest talent will be wasted.”

Sylphia raised an eyebrow.

“So cultivators aren’t equal from the very beginning…” she muttered, contemplating the words as her fingers turned the page.

“Classification of roots by quality: Common Roots, Medium Roots, High Roots, Divine Roots. The higher the root’s quality, the greater its potential—but also the greater the burden on the cultivator’s body.”

She scoffed lightly. “Of course. The Divine Roots are at the top. Just like every legend.”

Her fingers glided over the words as she continued reading.

“Roots can also be categorized by their nature and specialization: Elemental Roots (such as Fire, Water, or Wind), Physical Roots (enhancing strength and regeneration), Soul Roots (mental and spiritual capabilities), and Bloodline Roots (hereditary abilities linked to lineage).”

Sylphia’s brow furrowed.

“Bloodline Roots…” she echoed softly. “Inherited abilities? Unique powers passed through families?”

She pondered the implications. If she possessed such a root, what kind of abilities did her family lineage hold? Did her mother know?

Flipping another page, her eyes flicked over the next passage.

“Cultivation roots typically awaken in a child’s sixth year, following the Ascension Ritual. It is also recommended that a child absorb Qi from an early age, as a strong foundation will allow for rapid growth once the root awakens.”

Sylphia paused, her brows knitting together.

She stared at her hands, slowly curling her fingers into fists. Even if she had a powerful root, could her body withstand it? Cultivation wasn’t just about absorbing Qi—it was about forging a body capable of sustaining that power.

“If someone has a weak body, even the best root won’t help…” she murmured, tracing the inked letters. “That’s why some people break under their own strength?”

Sighing, she flipped another page. “That means, before my root awakens, I need to strengthen my body… or none of this will matter.”

She shifted onto her side, pulling the book closer as if it might offer her the answers she sought.

“I wonder what the Ascension Ritual looks like. Is it a test? Or something that happens naturally?” she mused aloud, her finger trailing down the page. “Is it a ceremony? Does everyone go through it?”

More questions formed in her mind, their answers still out of reach. If the Ascension Ritual was necessary to awaken a root, did that mean there were those who failed? Were there people who couldn’t cultivate at all?

Exhaling softly, she gazed at the ceiling. “And why has no one told me about this before…?”

Letting herself sink into the pillows, she felt the steady flow of Qi moving through her body—a gentle warmth, something natural and familiar.

She sighed once more.

I still have three years until the Ascension Ritual...

Sylphia traced her finger along the pages of the book, contemplating what she had just read. Three years. That was a lot of time. If she couldn’t truly cultivate yet, what should she do? The answer was obvious—absorb as much Qi as possible to strengthen her body before her root awakened.

“If I want an advantage, I have to become stronger before everything begins…” she whispered to herself, tightening her grip on the book’s cover.

She flipped another page, eager to learn more.

“Some cultivation roots have the potential to evolve, adapting to the capabilities of their wielder. A common Wind Root, under the right conditions, can transform into a Storm Sovereign Root. A Fire Root may ascend into a Divine Flame Root. However, only a rare few possess the ability to trigger such transformations. It requires not just talent but also unwavering determination and the perfect conditions.”

Sylphia narrowed her eyes.

“So my root… could evolve?” she murmured, lightly biting her lip. “But what determines whether someone can evolve their root?”

She stared at the text, searching for an answer. It couldn’t be just about having talent—there had to be something more. Perhaps it depended on how much Qi one absorbed before the ritual? Or maybe there was another factor she hadn’t yet uncovered.

With a soft sigh, Sylphia closed the book and set it down beside her bed. There was still much she didn’t know, but she had time to figure it out. For now, one thing was clear—if she wanted to achieve more in the future, she had to strengthen her body and absorb as much Qi as possible.

Sitting up straight, she closed her eyes, focusing inward. She reached out for the Qi in the air, feeling its warm flow slowly gathering around her, drawn into her body like a gentle river. This was her routine, something she had done instinctively since she was an infant.

“Three more years,” she thought, concentrating on the steady, measured absorption of Qi.

***

The Queen and the Mysterious Documents

The Queen’s audience chamber was dimly lit, the heavy curtains shifting slightly in a faint breeze. The air carried the scent of incense, a soft, woody aroma that calmed the senses.

Before her, standing with his head slightly bowed, was Velren—her most trusted agent, responsible for acquiring and verifying intelligence. His task was to deliver only confirmed and reliable reports. In his hands, he held a finely crafted dossier, which he carefully placed on her desk.

“These are verified reports, Your Majesty,” he said with deep respect before stepping back.

The Queen slowly opened the documents, though she was already aware of their contents. Now, she merely wanted to confirm everything. Her sharp gaze moved across the neatly written words, and after a moment, her eyes narrowed slightly.

“This is certain?” she asked, her voice cold.

Velren nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. The information has been thoroughly confirmed. This child possesses an extremely rare cultivation root, and she is set to be put up for auction in the coming days.”

The Queen remained silent for a moment, staring at the documents. There was nothing new—no unexpected revelation—but now she had absolute certainty that this was no mere rumor or misinformation. She glanced at Velren before releasing a quiet sigh.

“Our young generation needs talents like this…” she mused, more to herself than to him. “In the times to come, every exceptional child is worth their weight in gold.”

Closing the documents, she leaned against her desk, gazing toward the window. As she considered everything, another thought surfaced in her mind.

“Speaking of which… Sylphia still doesn’t have a personal maid.”

She tapped a finger against the desk thoughtfully before giving a quiet order.

“Make the necessary preparations.”