The Draconian guards blinked, inly unprepared for the prisoners to be


    acquaintances of their emperor.


    They hurried forward, working gingerly to free the two from the ck-iron bindings and peel away the suppressing sigils.


    With the seals gone, spiritual energy coursed through Luther at once.


    He shrugged off the remaining grips, rushed to Jared, and scanned him from head


    to toe as though confirming the man before him was flesh and blood.


    "Mr. Chance, do you know how hard you were to find?"


    His words tumbled out. "We waited in the Wastnds for you day and night—wind, sun, not a single hot meal-and you never showed. We thought something happened, that the Celestial Pce or House Wagner had caught you."


    He paused, threw a shaky nce back at the guards, and his voice quivered. "Then, just as we reached these mountains-before we even got close-a whole swarm of... of dragons charged us."


    Grace stepped up as well, smoothing her hair and clothes before she bowed. "Young Master Chance, seeing you safe is all we wanted. These days on the road, worry followed every step."


    Jared took in their disheveled state, and warmth flooded his chest.


    "I''m d you''re unhurt." He nodded lightly. "You''ve had a rough journey."


    After a beat, he added, "Come, let me make introductions."


    He gestured to Hadrian, who still stood behind him with a lowered head. "This is Hadrian, of the Sky Dragon Lineage, a High Immortal Realm Level Nine cultivator. We''re in Sky Dragon Valley—the Draconians'' hidden sanctuary—and it''s my temporary base."


    Luther and Grace drew in sharp breaths, the shock in their eyes growing deeper.


    Draconians?!


    This ce... is really the secret ground of the Draconians?!


    The legendary race truly exists?!


    And Mr. Chance is staying here—Hadrian even treats him with such deference.


    It took Luther a long moment to wrestle his thoughts back under control.


    He faced Hadrian, forced a sheepish smile, and cupped his fists. "So... Lord Hadrian. My earlier offense was ignorance-please forgive it."


    Grace mirrored the gesture with a small bow. "Lord Hadrian, we were rash just now. We beg your pardon."


    Hadrian waved both hands quickly, a modest smile softening his face. "No need for formality. Any friend of His Majesty is an honored guest of Sky Dragon Valley."


    Your Majesty?!


    Luther and Grace froze in ce. Their gazes met for the space of a breath, pupils wide and full of unanswered questions.


    They turned back to Jared, their silent stare openly asking for an exnation.


    Jared caught every ripple on their faces and let a small smile rise.


    "It''s a long story. Come inside the valley first I''ll go through it step by step."


    "Good-good!" Luther bobbed his head at once. Grace offered a light nod and held her tongue.


    Hadrian stepped forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, honored guests, this way, please. Rooms and supper are ready."


    Jared answered with a simple nod, then took the lead toward the valley''s interior.


    Deep inside Sky Dragon Valleyy an elegant courtyard.


    Vivian had been resting there for three full days.


    The Draconian healing pills lived up to every tale; their power felt almost other- worldly.


    In that short span most of her wounds had closed, and more than half of her inner force had returned.


    She now sat on a stone stool by the window, a in white gown on her and dark hair gathered with a single white ribbon.


    A faint pallor still lingered on her cheeks, but her eyes shone far brighter than they had three days ago.


    Beneath that brightness, however,y a thin veil that carried something unsettled and a de-sharp edge that refused to hide.


    Scenes from three nights earlier rolled through her mind without pause, as vivid as moving pictures.


    She saw Father again, regret burning in his eyes while his dying hand


    clutched hers, urging her to ne


    Jared and beg forgiveness content


    The words "I wronged him—it''s my fault" still rang beside her ear, each syble cutting deep.


    She watched every Elder fall, faces set like iron while they shielded her and The Janis Family, until theyy in widening pools of blood, bodies gone without a trace.


    And she saw Jared-a figure descending like a deity appear at her bleakest moment and ce himself between her and every threat.


    Would Jared avenge her?


    Would he ever absolve The Janis Family?


    Those questions circled without rest, stealing her sleep night after night.