The aftermath of the Heaven's Eraser attack left Frostwind shaken but unbroken. For several days, repair formations glowed across the capital, and cultivators worked tirelessly to restore damaged structures. Yet beneath the surface of recovery, a deeper change had taken root. Everyone now understood that their Emperor was no longer merely fighting enemies—he was defying the laws of existence itself.
Inside the inner palace, life slowly returned to its gentle rhythm.
Arin spent most of his time with his family, rarely leaving their private courtyard. He trained in the mornings, reviewed affairs at noon, and devoted his evenings to Elara and the children. After nearly losing them to Heaven's assassination, he had grown even more protective, rarely letting them out of his sight.
That evening, soft lantern light illuminated the courtyard as lotus petals drifted through the air. Elara sat quietly on a swing, her hands resting lightly on her abdomen. She had been unusually thoughtful lately, often lost in her own world.
Arin noticed it immediately.
He walked over and crouched in front of her. "You've been quiet for days," he said softly. "What's wrong?"
She hesitated, then smiled nervously. "Promise you won't panic."
He frowned. "That makes me want to panic."
She laughed lightly, then took his hand and placed it gently on her stomach.
"Arin… I'm pregnant."
For a moment, the world stopped.
No divine pressure.
No system alerts.
No fate visions.
Just silence.
Then—
"…What?"
He blinked.
Once.
Twice.
His brain froze.
Elara giggled, tears forming in her eyes. "We're going to have another child."
His mouth opened.
Closed.
Opened again.
"You mean… a third…?"
She nodded.
"Yes."
Suddenly, golden light burst from Arin's body.
His aura skyrocketed.
Nearby trees bent.
Clouds swirled.
The formation arrays trembled.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Emotional Resonance Detected
Bloodline Expansion Confirmed
Destiny Growth +10%
"I'M GOING TO BE A FATHER AGAIN?!" he shouted.
The entire palace heard it.
Auren came running.
"Papa, why are you shouting?"
Ardyn floated behind him.
"Ba?"
Seren appeared on the roof. "Did you win another war?"
Mira rushed in with documents. "Did Heaven attack again?"
Lyra stumbled in last. "Did fate collapse?!"
Arin grabbed Elara's hands and lifted her slightly. "We're having another baby!"
Everyone froze.
Then—
"What?!"
Seren stared, then burst out laughing. "Wow. Emperor efficiency."
Mira adjusted her glasses. "Statistically impressive."
Lyra whispered, "Three heirs… prophecy confirmed…"
Auren blinked. "I'll have a little brother or sister?"
Ardyn clapped. "Ba-ba!"
Elara blushed deeply. "Put me down!"
He did, but immediately hugged her tightly. "Thank you," he whispered. "For trusting me with everything."
She rested her head on his shoulder. "We're family. That's enough."
Later that night, Arin lay beside her, one hand protectively resting on her stomach. Moonlight filtered through the curtains, and the world felt strangely peaceful.
"I'll protect all of you," he murmured. "No matter what Heaven does."
Elara smiled sleepily. "I know."
High Above — Beyond Heaven
In a realm of white mist, ancient runes rearranged themselves.
A new destiny thread appeared.
Brighter than stars.
Stronger than fate.
"Third Sovereign… forming."
"Variable increasing."
"Risk: Uncontainable."
Arin dreamed that night.
Of three children standing beside him.
One wreathed in gold.
One in flame.
One in pure white light.
Together, they faced the heavens.
And won.