Under the pure white moonlight, a woman appeared on an enormous stage. She stepped forward and spoke in a calm, powerful voice,
"I am Sofi, the founder of this nation. Today, I welcome you all to this ceremony — a symbol of the end of the war between the immortals and mortals."
The scene shifted. High above the clouds, a beautiful young woman and an old man were traveling through the sky, flying on swords.
"Hey, Dad, come on! How long are you going to fly this slowly? If we keep going at this pace, we'll never make it to the ceremony on time!" the girl said with a playful frown.
The old man let out a chuckle.
"I'm an old man now. It's time for you to find yourself a good man."
The girl laughed.
"Come on, Dad. We're cultivators. You should be thinking about raising your cultivation level, not worrying about my marriage."
The old man sighed.
"What are you talking about? I've been raising my cultivation level for decades, but my meridians aren't what they used to be. I'm afraid you might stay alone forever… just like Miss Sofi."
The girl smirked.
"Ah… just like my master. Maybe. But she's still single for a reason, you know."
Qing Ling turned toward her father.
"And what's that reason, Dad?"
The old man smiled.
"That's simple. Didn't your master tell you anything? She's always been that way. If you really want to know, we'll have to go back in time."
The girl groaned.
"Come on, Dad. You know I hate long stories."
He gave a sly smile.
"Well, if you won't listen to the story, I won't tell you why your master is still single."
She dropped her head in defeat.
"Okay, fine… tell your boring story."
The old man's eyes grew distant.
**"This was back when there was neither peace nor chaos. About ten thousand years ago, Fairy Sofi and her companions laid the foundation to end the centuries-long slavery of mortals by immortals.
Back then, there was a great war. Sofi and her allies fought hard to finally defeat and seal Zo Fang. But in that battle, Sofi's close friend, Li Huan — whom she loved deeply — lost his life. She loved him so much that after his death, she nearly took her own life.
It was Li Huan's dying words that stopped her. He made her promise to keep living and lead a happy life. That promise… is the only reason she's still alive today."**
Qing frowned.
"But Dad… whenever I see Master, she always looks happy."
Her father chuckled.
"Your master is very good at hiding her emotions. And besides… there was also Nikolash by her side."
Before Qing could respond, her father suddenly said,
"Well, here we are."
Qing lowered her head slightly.
"Yeah…"
Her father noticed.
"What's wrong, Qing? Why the long face?"
She sighed.
"Come on, Dad, you already know."
With a warm smile, he patted her head.
"Don't worry. Meeting Sofi isn't easy, and it's not your fault."
At that moment, a man with white hair and a black jacket appeared in the distance. Sofi walked toward him with a smile.
"You gave me quite a scare."
Then, stepping forward before the crowd, Sofi made an announcement.
"Everyone… I, Sofi, wish to tell you all that I will be stepping down from my position as the nation's ruler. From today, my student, Nikolash, will be your new Lord."
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"Long live the Lord!"
Nikolash stepped to the center of the stage and addressed the people.
"As you've all heard, I am now your new Lord. I promise to care for you all, just as my master protected you from the immortals… especially Zo Fang."
Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the stage. A figure in black robes appeared and slowly walked toward Nikolash. Removing his hood, he spoke in a cold, familiar voice.
"It's been a long time, Sofi."
Hearing that voice, Sofi's eyes narrowed.
"This voice… Zo Fang, is that you?"
Zo Fang smirked.
"So you still remember me. Well… it's been quite a while since we last met."
Then, with a teasing glint in his eyes, he added,
"My son must have kept you well entertained."
Nikolash grinned.
"Don't worry, Dad. Once we're back home, I'll make sure to take even better care of Fairy Sofi."
Zo Fang's eyes sharpened.
"Nikolash… don't you know that when two elders are speaking, you don't interrupt?"
With that, Nikolash collapsed to the ground, trembling.
"Forgive me, Dad. I'm sorry… I won't do it again."
Zo Fang turned to Sofi, his expression turning serious.
"Now… let's settle our unfinished business."