Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace…
Deep within the Imperial Palace, the talisman that had lain dormant for many years suddenly lit up.
Buzz!
A faint crimson radiance spread across its surface.
The Emperor, who had been reviewing several memorials on his throne, immediately sensed the fluctuation.
His eyes snapped toward the talisman.
For several breaths, he simply stared at it.
Then a slow smile appeared on his face.
"So… you really are alive."
Years ago, when General Qiang had returned from his search and reported that no member of the Xiao Family had survived, the Emperor had remained skeptical.
The general's conclusion had been reasonable.
The blood trail they had discovered led toward a raging stream before disappearing near a waterfall. Considering the survivor's injuries and the dangerous waters, the chances of survival had seemed almost nonexistent.
But the mysterious existence within the dark mirror had said otherwise.
One inheritor remained.
A child.
And now, after remaining silent for all these years, the talisman had finally reacted.
The Emperor leaned back against his throne.
His eyes narrowed.
This time, however, he had no intention of sending the Imperial Army to search blindly across the continent.
Doing so would attract far too much attention.
If the surviving Xiao descendant had remained hidden for so many years, then whoever had sheltered the child had done an excellent job concealing him.
Moreover, mobilizing the Imperial Army without a reasonable explanation could alert the powerful sects and ancient families.
That was something the Emperor wanted to avoid.
"Guards."
Two Imperial guards immediately entered the throne room and knelt.
"Your Majesty!"
"Summon General Qiang."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
It did not take long before heavy footsteps echoed through the throne room.
General Qiang entered with his usual imposing presence. His heavy silver armour reflected the light from the spiritual lamps, while the massive double-edged sword at his side swayed slightly with every step.
He stopped before the throne and bowed.
"Your Majesty, you summoned me?"
The Emperor nodded.
"General, inform the upper elites, clan leaders, sect representatives, and those under our influence throughout the continent of something."
General Qiang listened carefully.
"If any of them encounters a young boy displaying unusually great or unparalleled cultivation talent, they are to report it directly to me."
General Qiang raised his head slightly.
"A boy with unparalleled talent?"
"Yes."
The Emperor's fingers slowly tapped against the armrest of his throne.
"Especially one whose origins are unclear."
General Qiang's eyes flickered with understanding.
He did not ask unnecessary questions.
"Understood, Your Majesty."
"Do not make the search too obvious," the Emperor added. "I don't want rumors spreading that the Imperial Family is desperately searching for someone."
"This subordinate understands."
"Good. You may leave."
General Qiang cupped his fists.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
He turned and strode out of the throne room, his imposing presence causing the guards outside to instinctively straighten their backs.
Once General Qiang disappeared, silence returned.
The Emperor remained seated upon his throne, deep in thought.
His gaze slowly moved toward the glowing talisman.
The surviving child had remained hidden for years.
But now something had changed.
The talisman would not have reacted without reason.
Perhaps the child's bloodline had awakened.
Perhaps his cultivation had reached a certain stage.
Or perhaps the seal concealing him had weakened.
Whatever the reason, the Emperor knew one thing.
He had to find the boy.
And he had to kill him before he became a genuine threat.
The Emperor's expression became increasingly cold.
He would not repeat the mistake of allowing the last Dragon-Tiger inheritor to escape.
"Father…"
A soft and melodious voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
The Emperor's cold expression immediately softened.
He raised his head.
A beautiful young woman dressed in flowing peach-coloured robes entered the throne room.
Her long hair cascaded down her back like a dark waterfall, while her beautiful eyes curved slightly like crescent moons whenever she smiled.
A saber hung gracefully at her waist.
Her steps appeared gentle, yet the faint aura surrounding her revealed that she was anything but weak.
She was Long Huangli.
Just like her name, she possessed the brilliance of a phoenix and the natural nobility of one born into royalty.
At such a young age, Long Huangli had already reached the First Level of the Profound Realm.
She was also a Core Disciple of the Heavenly Lightning Saber Sect and was regarded as a peerless genius among the Emperor's children.
More importantly, she was the only daughter born to the Empress.
Among all his children, she was undoubtedly the Emperor's favourite.
The moment the Emperor saw her, his previously gloomy mood brightened considerably.
"Huangli."
He happily motioned for her to approach.
"Come."
Long Huangli smiled and walked toward him.
"Father, you looked so serious just now. Did something happen?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with."
The Emperor studied his daughter for a moment before smiling proudly.
"How is your cultivation progressing?"
Long Huangli's eyes brightened.
"I've completely stabilized my cultivation at the First Level of the Profound Realm. Master says that if everything goes well, I should be able to attempt the Second Level before long."
"Excellent!"
The Emperor laughed heartily.
"As expected of my daughter."
Long Huangli smiled at the praise.
The father and daughter continued talking.
For once, the Emperor temporarily pushed aside thoughts of the Xiao Family, the Dragon-Tiger Inheritance, and the dark mirror.
Long Huangli told him about her cultivation, life within the Heavenly Lightning Saber Sect, and several interesting events that had occurred during her time there.
Eventually, she mentioned something that caught his attention.
"Our sect is going to be extremely busy soon."
"Oh?"
"The Heavenly Lightning Saber Sect will be holding another talent-testing ceremony and disciple admission examination," Long Huangli explained. "Master said talented youngsters from different towns and families across the region will be coming to participate."
The Emperor's fingers suddenly stopped tapping against his throne.
"Is that so?"
Long Huangli nodded.
"Yes. There should be many participants this time."
A strange light flashed through the Emperor's eyes.
However, Long Huangli did not notice.
They continued talking until the sky outside gradually darkened.
Eventually, Long Huangli stood.
"Father, I'll return to my palace now."
The Emperor smiled warmly.
"Go and rest. Don't neglect your cultivation."
"I know."
She bowed playfully before leaving the throne room.
The Emperor watched his daughter disappear beyond the doors.
His smile remained until the doors closed.
Then it slowly vanished.
Silence descended upon the throne room.
The Emperor leaned back.
His daughter's seemingly casual words repeated themselves in his mind.
A talent-testing ceremony…
A disciple admission examination…
Talented youngsters from across the region…
His eyes gradually narrowed.
If the last Dragon-Tiger inheritor had truly awakened his bloodline, could such a child remain ordinary forever?
No.
Sooner or later, extraordinary talent would reveal itself.
And what better place for hidden geniuses to expose themselves than during a sect's talent-testing ceremony?
The Emperor slowly smiled.
There was no need to search every mountain, forest, town, and village himself.
He simply needed to create opportunities for the boy to reveal himself.
The Heavenly Lightning Saber Sect's upcoming examination might provide exactly that opportunity.
The Emperor rose from his throne and walked toward the enormous windows overlooking the Imperial City.
Thousands of lights illuminated the capital beneath him.
"A young boy with unparalleled talent…"
His smile gradually became colder.
"Let's see how long you can remain hidden."
A plan was already beginning to form in his mind.