...
Inside the carriage, Ye Chen, Ye Wenling, and Ye Guang settled into their seats, the luxurious interior made a comfortable space for their long journey. Captain Feng, took a seat across from them, his stern face softened slightly as he addressed the siblings.
"We will arrive at the Star Empire in approximately ten days," Captain Feng began, his voice steady. "During this time, there are a few things you should know about your mother's relationship with the Empire, and I'm sure she had kept everything a secret from you guys."
The siblings listened, curiosity evident in their eyes.
"Your mother, Madam Ye Xinyue, was originally from the Star Empire. The elders had a marriage agreement with one of the major families, the Zhang family. However, she ran away from the arrangement and was injured along the way. Luckily enough, your father rescued her, and the rest is history."
Ye Chen exchanged glances with his siblings, surprise reflected on their faces.
"Why didn't she tell us about this?" Ye Chen asked, a hint of worry in his voice.
Captain Feng sighed, recalling the past memories. "It was a difficult time for her. After she escaped, the Zhang family was furious, but the royal family, particularly your mother's uncle, the king, intervened. The king has always been fond of her talent and she herself, your mother's relationship with them was particularly good, so he decided to send guards to protect your family in secret. Despite the difference in status between the Ye family and the royal family."
Ye Wenling looked surprised, remembering her past. "So, the royal family has been protecting us all this time? No wonder it always felt like an eye is always looking at me all these time.
"Yes," Captain Feng confirmed. "The king's affection for your mother meant totally no harm to your family, despite the anger of the Zhang family and it's allies. He didn't care about the Ye family's status; his concern was mainly for your mother's well-being. You know, ever sine she was a kid, his uncle treated him like his daughter."
Ye Guang looked thoughtful. "So, our mother's past is more complicated than we thought."
"Indeed," Captain Feng said. "But now, take advantage of this opportunity in your journey to the Star Empire, always remember that you have the support of not just your family, but also us." pausing slightly, Captain Feng warned all three of them: "But... I'll give you a warning, never take advantage of this or else you'll face his highness' punishment."
Ye Chen patted his chest and replied. "Of course!
...
As the carriage rolled steadily onward, the siblings looked at each other, each of them deep in thought about the revelations shared by Captain Feng. After a few moments of silence, Ye Wenling broke the quiet.
"Captain Feng, who's the strongest cultivator in the Star Empire?" she asked curiously.
Ye Chen's eyes widened slightly. "The king? Just how powerful is he?"
"The king's strength is formidable," Captain Feng replied. "In addition to his already impressive cultivation, he possesses a unique ability tied to the empire itself, it allows him to temporarily increase his cultivation when necessary. This ability makes him nearly invincible within the Star Empire's borders.
Ye Guan, as scholarly as ever, adjusted his glasses thoughtfully.
"Manipulating luck... that sounds incredible. So, in times of crisis, the king can become even more powerful?
"Precisely," Captain Feng confirmed. "It's a power that has kept the Star Empire secure and prosperous ever since it's establishment. The king's affinity with the empire's luck is a closely guarded secret.
Ye Chen's curiosity got the better of him. He leaned forward. "Captain Feng, what exactly is the king's cultivation level?"
Captain Feng glanced around to ensure they were alone, then lowered his voice. "Since you're the descendants of Madam Xinyue. I'll gladly tell you, the king is at the peak of the Divine Transformation realm. However, when he uses his unique technique to manipulate the empire's luck, he can temporarily increase his cultivation to the early level of the Divine Lord realm."
Ye Wenling's eyes widened in amazement. "Divine Lord realm? That's incredible!" she reacted despite being ignorant of how far that cultivation is.
Captain Feng nodded, his expression serious. "Indeed, it is. But this information is highly sensitive. You must not share this knowledge with anyone outside of this carriage. It could put you and your family in great danger."
Ye Chen, Ye Wenling, and Ye Guang nodded solemnly.
...
Several days later, the carriage flew steadily through the sky, pulled by the powerful spirit horses. The siblings had grown accustomed to the rhythm of travel, spending their time cultivating and discussing their future in the Star Empire.
Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by a deafening roar.
"What's happening?" Ye Wenling exclaimed, her eyes wide with fear.
Captain Feng, who had been keeping watch, drew his sword and looked to the sky. "Stay inside! It's a Gigantic Sky Roc!"
A massive shadow loomed over their head, blocking out the sunny sun. The Gigantic Sky Roc, a beast of immense size and strength, swooped down on them, it's larges talons outstretched and eyes glinting with beastly intent.
Captain Feng immediately shouted commands to the guards hidden in the dark. "Prepare for battle! Protect them!"
Out of nowhere, dark figures one after another emerged from the ground, their weapons gleamed as they positioned themselves to defend the carriage. The spirit horses whined in terror, struggling to maintain their course as the beast's powerful wings created gusts of wind.
The three siblings watched, as the guards and Captain Feng fought the giant Sky Roc. The air crackled with the energy of spells and the clash of weapons against the beast's thick hide.
Boom!
Captain Feng's eyes narrowed as he assessed the battle's situation. The Sky Roc's immense wings beat furiously, creating powerful gusts of wind that made the guards and the carriage finally stopped their movements. He drew out a spear, a spear of legendary craftmanship and power.
"Fall back!" Captain Feng commanded.
The guards obeyed, creating a defensive perimeter around the carriage. Feng Guo took a deep breath, channeling his aura. The spear in his hand began to glow brightly, radiating an intense aura of power.
"Sky Piercing Spear Art: Celestial Dragon Ascension" Feng Guo roared.
With a swift, fluid-like motion, he spun the spear above his head. The weapons seemed to come alive, resonating with his energy. Lightning crackled around his blade, creating a mesmerizing display of power. As Feng Guo thrusted the spear forward, it transformed into the image of an illusory flaming celestial dragon, it's scales shimmering with ethereal light.
The dragon, formed by the pure energy and elemental force, surged towards the Sky Rock.
Roar!
The beast attempted to dodge, but the dragon was too fast. It directly struck the Sky in the chest, the impact creating a shockwave that rippled through the air.
The Sky Roc screeched in agony as the dragon's energy course through its body, tearing its defenses and scorching it's flesh. The beast's massive wings began to falter, making it slowly plummet from the sky. Feng Guo followed through with attack, driving his spear deep into the Roc's chest, making a slit that is tens of meters long.
The guards and the two younger siblings watched in awe as Captain Feng stood over the fallen Sky Roc, his spear was still glowing with residual energy. He took a deep breath and scanned the horizon for any further threats. Satisfied that the danger had passed, he returned to the carriage, his expression resolute.
"It's over," he said, his was calm but firm. "We need to keep moving."
As the carriage resumed on its journey, the tension from the battle slowly subsided. Ye Wenling, her eyes wide with excitement, couldn't contain herself any longer. She bounded up to Captain Feng, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Captain Feng! That was amazing! How did you do that? How strong are you? Can you teach me? You're so cool!" she bombarded Feng Guo with questions, her admiration evident in every word.
Ye Chen chuckled seeing her sister's lively appearance.
Captain Feng, was taken aback by the sudden barrage of questions, he tried to maintain his stoic demeanor. But Ye Wenling's enthusiasm and genuine admiration made him lose his demeanor. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and before long, he started to laugh heartily.
"Haha! Slow down, little one!" he chuckled his laughter reverberating throughout the carriage. "I see we've got a future warrior on our midst!"
Ye Wenling beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushed slightly with excitement. "I want to be strong like you one day!"
Captain Feng knelt down to her level, his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, strength comes from a lot of hard work and determination. And a little bit of talent doesn't hurt either," he winked.
"You're amazing, Captain Feng," Ye Wenling said earnestly. "Thank you for protecting us.
"Haha! Slow down, little one!" he chuckled, his laughter booming and infectious. "I see we've got a future warrior in our midst!"
Ye Wenling beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "I want to be strong like you one day!"
Captain Feng knelt down to her level, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, strength comes from a lot of hard work and determination. And a little bit of talent doesn't hurt either," he winked.
"You're amazing, Captain Feng," Ye Wenling said earnestly. "Thank you for protecting us."
Feng Guo chuckled and gently patted her head. "You know, little one, I actually didn't have to make a move this time."
Ye Wenling blinked her cute little eyes in confusion. "What do you mean, Captain Feng?"
Captain Feng glanced meaningfully at Ye Chen. "Because someone else here was ready to step in if I hadn't." he continued. "It is also my duty and honor, young miss. And who knows, with enough training, you're bound to surpass me one day."
Ye Wenling's eyes sparkled with determination. "I'll train really hard! Just wait and see!"
Ye Chen and Ye Guang, watched the exchange, they both couldn't help but smile. Captain Feng's hearty laughter had directly lightened the mood, and Wenling's enthusiasm was also contagious.
With their spirits lifted, the group resumed their journey. The carriage started to move once again, the spirits galloped through the clouds.
...