Capítulo 11: Chapter #11: The Star Empire
...
"I want to learn how to fight like that!" she exclaimed, her eyes glittering.
Ye Chen looked at her amusedly.
"With that determination, I'm sure you'll definitely become strong, "Ye Chen said, ruffling her hair.
Ye Wenling immediately slapped his hand away, pouting. "Brother, you ruined my hair!"
Ye Chen chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Oh? Starting to care about your looks now, huh?"
Ye Wenling huffed. "No! I just don't want to look like a mess."
Ye Guang laughed, joining in the teasing. "Our little sister is growing up. Next time, she'll definitely ask for beauty tips."
Ye Wenling crossed her arms, trying to maintain her serious demeanor. "Just you wait! I'll be strong! Strong enough that you wouldn't dare to tease me like this!"
Ye Chen and Ye Guang looked at each other and laughed it off.
...
The journey continued smoothly for several more days, the vast landscape changing from lush forests to plains and majestic mountains. The siblings took the time to discuss their plans.
Captain Feng on the other hand occasionally joined their conversations, sharing stories of the Star Empire and offering some advices on cultivation and combat techniques. Which then, then siblings absorbed his wisdom eagerly.
As they approached the borders of the Star Empire. Ye Chen, Ye Wenling, and Ye Guang watched in awe. The scenery became even more breathtaking. The air was filled with potent energy, and they could see the outline of the grand cities and magnificent places in the distance. Tall towering Spires gleamed in the sky, revealing some sort of rune floating on top of it, there's also those vast rivers that snaked through the Empire's farmland and valleys.
Finally, the sight of a towering castle came into their view. The castle, where the king and the royal family resided, was an architectural marvel. Its walls were made of white marble, adorned with gold and silver that glittered in the sunlight. Tall, elegant towers piercing through the clouds, each capped with a glowing dome. The tallest of these towers had an enormous crystal at its speak, radiating a magical glow that seemed to resonate with the heaven itself.
The castle grounds were expansive, surrounded by lush gardens filled with plants and flowers that bloomed in vibrant colors. There are also fountains of pure, crystal-clear water, their gentle sounds adding to the serene atmosphere.
The siblings marveled at the sight. "It's like something out of a legend," Ye Guang whispered, his eyes wide filled with wonder.
Ye Chen felt a sense of awe and anticipation, replied. "This is where our journey truly begins."
As the carriage descended towards the castle's grand entrance, they could see royal guards in gleaming armor standing with their serious demeanor. The main gate, an imposing structure made of reinforced steel adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to glow, slowly welcomed them.
Captain Feng turned to the siblings, his expression serious yet kind. "Welcome to the Star Empire's heart. Remember, this is not just a place of beauty but also the place of great power and responsibility. Any decisions here can possibly affect the billions of people in the Star Empire's jurisdiction."
The siblings nodded, absorbing the captain's words.
As the carriage touched down softly in the grand courtyard, the siblings stepped out. They exchanged determined glances, knowing that they were about to embark on a long adventure.
...
As they walked through the grand courtyard, the magnificence of the place became even more apparent. The grand marble pathways glistened under the sunlight, it eventually led them through the meticulously maintained gardens filled with a bunch of flowers and towering trees. Statues of what seemed 'heroes' and mystical beasts stood proudly, their intricate details were vividly showing the tales of the empire's past.
Eventually, a group of elegantly dressed officials and servants awaited them. At the forefront stood in an imposing figure, a middle-aged looking man with a regal bearing looked at them. His silver hair hair was tied back neatly, and his piercing eyes shone with wisdom and authority.
"Welcome to the Star Empire," he said, his voice resonant and warm. "I am Zhu Yongzheng, your grandfather. Finally, I am able to meet you."
Zhu Yongzheng smiled, his eyes softened as he took in the sight of his grandchildren. 'As expected of my daughter, to be able to give birth to these geniuses.' he thought.
"You have traveled far, and I am pleased to you see safe and sound. Your journey here will mark a new chapter in our family's history, and I am confident that you will bring great honor to the Zhu family, despite the difference in our surname, we're still a family."
He gestured for them to follow him as he led them deeper into the courtyard. "Come, let us retire to the main hall. There is so much to discuss, and I am eager to hear of your journey and your progress when I wasn't there."
As they walked, an awkward silence permeated the air. The grandeur of the surroundings did little to ease the tension between the newly united family members. The siblings exchanged nervous of how to alleviate the gap of so many years.
Sensing their discomfort, Zhu Yongzhen sighed softly. "I understand this must be strange for you. You have grown up without knowing this side of your family, and I deeply regret that. But, there's something I must explain."
He stopped walking and turned to face them, his expression was filled with sorrow. "I was not able to be present in your lives because of certain.. circumstances. Your mother and I had some misunderstandings, and I get her point for someone who was forced to marry an individual whom she doesn't have any relationship whatsoever, it's understandable, and eventually, it led to a separation that kept me from meeting you all these years. She did what she thought was best to protect you and herself."
Ye Chen, who was always perceptive, asked, "Why didn't you try to reach out to us? Like even secretly?"
Zhu Yongzheng's eyes grew misty. "I did, grandson... I did, many times. But your mother had already been determined about keeping her distance from us, the Star Empire and it's political complexities. I respected her wishes, although it pained me greatly. She wanted to raise you in a simpler, safer environment, away from the potential dangers of the Empire."
Ye Wenling, her voice small, said.
"So, you didn't abandon us?"
"No, my dear," Zhu Yongzhen replied, his voice can filled with emotion. "I never abandones you. I watched you from afar, ensuring that you were safe, but I respected your mother's wishes. I sent guards in secret to protect you and your well-being through my trusted channels.
The siblings felt a mix of motions.
Relief, and sadness of the complex dynamics that had kept them apart.
Zhu Yongzheng continued, "Your mother and I have begun to mend our relationship, though we still haven't met each other face-to-face, she agreed it was time for you to know the truth and for us to reunite. I am deeply sorry for the years lost, but I am here now, and I will do everything in my power to make up for that time. Even to our elder brother and sister."
The awkwardness began to dissipate, replaced by a tentative warmth. As they resumed their walk to the main hall, the siblings felt a growing connection to their grandfather, understanding that their family's story was more intricate than they had ever known.
...
Zhu Yongzheng led them through the grand corridors with magnificent paintings. The splendor of the Star Empire's palace was awe-inspiring. They passed through several archways, each guarded by elite warriors who saluted Zhu Yongzheng with deep respect.
Finally, they reached a part of towering, gilded doors guarded by two imposing figures.
Ye Chen used his perception, only to realize their abyss-like power.
As the doors opened, the siblings were greeted by the sight of a vast throne room, illuminated by a dazzling chandelier that seemed to glow with pure golden light.
Seated on a golden opulent throne at the far end of the room, He was an older man with an aura of authority and wisdom. His robes were adorned with symbols of power and his eyes held a depth that spoke of countless years of experience.
Zhu Yongzheng approached the throne with the siblings in tow, subconsciously doing the same thing, they also bowed deeply.
"Your majesty," Zhu Yongzheng began, "I present to you, Ye Chen, Ye Wenling, and Ye Guang, the children of my daughter, Ye Xinyue."
The king, Ye Xinyue's uncle, smiled warmly as he looked upon his great-niece and nephews. "Nonono..." he said, his voice resonant and filled with kindness. "That's only for formalities, you don't have to do that." he said, as he held them up using his power.
Ye Chen, Ye Wenling, and Ye Guang straightened, their hearts pounding with nervousness.
On the other hand, Ye Chen was surprised, feeling that power that wrapped around his body, he felt powerless when he tried to subconsciously resist this power.
The king smiled seeing his look.
The king descended from his throne and approached them in a blink of an eye, his gaze gentle yet piercing. "Welcome to the Star Empire. I am King Zhu Longwei, and it is an honor to finally meet you. Your mother has already told me about you guys. I see it in your eyes, the same determination she has in possession."
Ye Chen stepped forward, "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. We are grateful for your protection and opportunity you gave to be here."
Zhu Longwei placed a hand on Ye Chen's shoulder, then did the same to Ye Wenling and Ye Guang. "You are a family, and family naturally takes care of each other. And also, you don't have to call me king when it's just us, got that?"
The three of them nodded repeatedly.
...
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