"No—I want to surprise my brother."
Zhao Ziyan's eyes sparkled with determination.
"In the past, he was always the one giving me gifts. I've never gotten him anything in return.This time, I want to make it up to him. My brother... he's been through so much."
While others only saw the glory of Yi Tianxing, standing proud before the world, Zhao Ziyan knew how much pain and effort it took for him to reach that height.
When she received the flyer inviting her to White Crow City, her heart had surged with joy. That meant—finally—she could reunite with her brother.
Her fellow disciples were also excited. Forming a bond with Great Yi promised many opportunities.They'd originally suggested she go find Yi Tianxing immediately and reveal her identity as his sister. Surely a grand reunion would follow.
But Zhao Ziyan insisted on picking out a gift for him first. Even if Yi Tianxing had no shortage of treasures, the gesture would carry her sincerity.
"Junior Sister," said Murong Ziying, dressed in a flowing violet sword robe,"You've brewed a jar of spirit wine every year for the last two decades—each time guided by the Wine God of our sect.
You said you were saving them all for your brother. We've never even had a taste.
Isn't that enough?"
He was one of the few who knew this secret: each year, Zhao Ziyan had gathered spiritual herbs and brewed wine by hand, never letting anyone drink it. Those jars were sealed—reserved solely for her brother.
"Mm... he'll like them, I'm sure," she nodded."But my brother's the Emperor of Yi now. He must have many wives.I can't show up without bringing gifts for my sisters-in-law too."
Now that she was in White Crow City, her excitement and anticipation only grew. But she was also aware—her brother's world wasn't simple anymore. He had his own imperial court, and likely, multiple consorts.
A first impression mattered.
"Excuse me—are you still buying these Green Jade Swords or not?"The stall owner grew impatient."If you're not buying, please make way. I need to do business."
"Apologies," a disciple of Qionghua Immortal Sect said."We're going to the Eternal Bank to exchange coins. We'll return shortly."
These swords were exceptional—even the Qionghua Sect would value them highly. But none of them had Eternal Coins yet.
"No need to wait. Whatever this lady wants, I'll cover it."A voice cut in.
A figure approached—not human. He had three eyes, and an elegant, noble air. His third eye, far from eerie, added to his divinity.
He carried a golden staff, walked with grace and pride.
"Who are you? I don't know you."Zhao Ziyan's expression cooled."And I don't need anyone to pay for me. If I want something, I'll pay for it myself."
Her tone made her rejection crystal clear.
"No manners at all! This is the Fifth Divine Son—Tong Wu (瞳五) of Atlantis!"An attendant beside the man snapped.
The name hit like a thunderclap.
"Atlantis—the strongest Fate Dynasty of the Three-Eyed God Race.They've advanced to Emperor-tier status, with countless powerful prodigies ranked as Divine Sons.Tong Wu ranks fifth—an elite among elites."
"I've heard of him. His third eye isn't a divine eye—it's a demonic eye, and terrifying.Some say anyone who's seen it is already dead."
"He also has... a reputation.He loves collecting beautiful women—can't go a day without them.Is he targeting this girl?"
"She's stunning, no doubt. But this is Great Yi territory.He won't dare cross the line. Rumor has it that another Divine Son was killed by Yi Tianxing with a single arrow.Their relationship isn't friendly... could this spark a clash?"
The surrounding cultivators began murmuring, their expressions a mix of shock and disgust.
"Might I have the honor of knowing your name?"Tong Wu smiled, eyes lingering on Zhao Ziyan.
"No."Her answer was swift and cold.
"Leave," said Murong Ziying, stepping between them."She's not interested. We don't need your help."
There was no politeness—only warning.
"Hmm... you'll change your mind."Tong Wu smirked.
"Aren't you afraid Great Yi will arrest you?"a Qionghua disciple snorted.
"Arrest me? For what?" Tong Wu replied calmly."Have I broken any rules of this marketplace? I don't think so."
He wasn't wrong. Great Yi had rules—and he hadn't crossed any yet.
Offering to pay? Not illegal.
Trying to chat up a woman? Not illegal.
So long as he stayed within the rules, nobody could touch him—not even Yi Tianxing himself.
"You—!"Murong Ziying's eyes turned cold, the urge to draw his sword growing stronger.If not for the city's prohibition against violence, Tong Wu would've already died.
More people gathered, sensing a confrontation.
"Do you even know who our senior sister is?"a Qionghua disciple warned."If you lay a finger on her, you'll die miserably."
"You're just disciples of a human Immortal Sect.Your status doesn't intimidate me," Tong Wu said smugly.
His confidence wasn't unfounded. In Atlantis, he was a prince among gods.
"You are guilty—offending a Great Yi princess, harassing her with ill intent. By law, punishable by death!"
A cold, commanding voice rang out, sending chills through everyone.
All eyes turned toward the sound.
Two figures approached—each step exuding tremendous pressure.
Who else but Yi Tianxing and Nannan?
They had noticed the situation from afar.And the moment Yi Tianxing saw Zhao Ziyan—he trembled, then strode forward with absolute resolve.
"Brother!!"
Zhao Ziyan's face lit up, eyes overflowing with joy.Without hesitation, she ran straight into his arms, wrapping him in a tight embrace.
Yi Tianxing felt it clearly—his chest had grown damp.
They were her tears.