Chapter 23: Secret Passage Trials (Part 2) — [A Love That Transcends Time]
Three hours had passed. Ji Yao Li sat comfortably in a chair crafted from the wood of the Tree of Existence—a material he had obtained, along with other guardians, during the periodic pruning of the tree's branches, an event that occurs only once every trillion years. From this wood, they fashioned various items, including weapons and furniture. Having lived for an age that defies human numerical comprehension, he was able to harvest branches—each larger than entire fantasy realms—to create whatever he required. He had performed this task throughout his long tenure as a guardian of the sacred Tree of Existence.
In the garden of his private pavilion, Ji Yao Li reclined in his chair, his eyes—which resembled the Yin-Yang symbol—firmly shut. He possessed the "Sacred Yin-Yang Body," a gift bestowed upon him by the Tree of Existence while he was still gestating within his chrysalis. A massive birthmark in the shape of the Yin-Yang symbol, etched with the image of the Tree of Existence itself, adorned his back. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, his gaze—sharp as the edge of a sword—piercing the cloudless, clear sky. The warmth of the sun bathed the surroundings, yet he murmured, his voice laced with bewilderment and surprise:
"Something is amiss... but what could it be? And why does this strange sense of familiarity grip me from within?" "It seems they truly intend to betray me—they want to overthrow me. That is what my intuition tells me. Should I trust it, or not? ... I honestly don't know what I should do."
A familiar voice echoed within Ji Yao Li's mind—this time, it was clearer than before:
"He who does not know himself has no business coveting absolute power. Remember that, Tom Fragelson; remember who you are."
Ji Yao Li's expression shifted to one of shock as he heard the mysterious voice. He then cast his gaze toward the horizon, his expression twisted and complex:
"I don't know what is happening to me, but I shall find out soon enough."
He rose once more and headed toward the palace with steady strides. Upon his arrival, he summoned the head butler; his voice was calm, yet it carried clearly to everyone within the palace:
"Master Yao Li Yong Su, come here at once."
His tone was firm, leaving no room for debate or excuses. Moments later, a man of robust build appeared—his features marked by the gravity and experience befitting a head butler. He was dressed in traditional, ancient Chinese-style butler's attire. His steps were firm, his back as straight as a spear, lending him an air of authority and strength. He stopped before Ji Yao Li and bowed slightly in respect, then spoke in a tone filled with deference and submission:
"What do you require of me, Master Ji Yao Li? Is there something you wish for me to do?" Ji Yao Li stared blankly at Yao Li Yong Su for several seconds before breaking the silence. With his gaze still fixed vacantly upon the palace gate, he replied in a calm tone:
"Summon Astratus—tell him that Ji Yao Li, the Protector and Master of the Guardians of the Sacred Tree of Existence, requests his presence at the upcoming meeting in two days' time. Is that clear, Head Servant Yao Li Yong Su?"
Yao Li Yong Su's expression shifted into a blend of surprise and confusion, yet he responded in a calm, respectful, and submissive tone:
"As you wish, Master Ji Yao Li. I shall inform Master Astratus of your request for him to attend the emergency meeting you are convening. Furthermore, Lady Zhihua Minghua wishes to meet with you in the greenhouse located within the North Wing's garden."
Ji Yao Li listened to the words of Yao Li Yong Su, let out a soft sigh, and began making his way toward the North Wing's garden:
"Very well. Tell my wife, Zhihua Minghua, that I am on my way."
A faint smile graced Yao Li Yong Su's face upon hearing this. He then set off toward Zhihua Minghua's quarters, his steps light and carrying a hint of joy.
The bond between Ji Yao Li and his wife, Zhihua Minghua, was a close one, rooted in deep, mutual love—even though Ji Yao Li could have, had he chosen to, taken multiple wives. Rulers like him would typically take ten or more wives to ensure a diverse and strong lineage, and also to spare their first wife from the overwhelming burdens of her position—whether as the consort of a ruler of an entire imaginary realm or even as the guardian or ruler of the sacred Tree of Existence. Yet, throughout the countless years and centuries that had passed, he had kept Zeihua Minghua as his sole wife.
After a few minutes, Ji Yao Li arrived at the garden of the Northern Pavilion—known as the "Sacred Paradise." It was crafted from the very branches of the Tree of Existence, harvested during the pruning cycles that occur every trillion years, making it one of the most beautiful gardens in all of existence. As he approached the conservatory—constructed from the rarest, most exquisite gemstones, gold, jade, and the wood of the sacred Tree of Existence—he beheld a woman of breathtaking beauty. Her form was a masterpiece of perfection; she possessed vibrant, golden hair that resembled spun gold, and bright blue eyes that shone like priceless, rare gems. Her skin was milky-white and as smooth as silk, while her lips were a soft, vivid red, reminiscent of ripe cherries. She wore an elegant, imperial-style gown in a blend of pale violet and mottled pink, her hair styled into a bun and secured with two pins carved from the wood of the sacred Tree of Existence. A deep sigh escaped Ji Yao Li's lips, entirely unbidden, as he gazed at her. He then began to make his way toward the greenhouse, where Zhihua Minghua was waiting for him with eager anticipation.
Zhihua Minghua watched with overflowing joy as Ji Yao Li approached her greenhouse. She had prepared herself with great care, donning her finest and most beautiful attire—she wanted to look her absolute best for their meeting. The moment Ji Yao Li stepped inside, her happiness reached a crescendo, and she spoke in a tone as soft and melodious as a sweet, enchanting piece of music:
"How are you, my dear? Who would have thought you'd finally have some free time, after all these years of tireless labor spent guarding that Tree of Existence?"
As he listened, an expression of profound sorrow washed over Ji Yao Li's face...Chapter 23: Secret Passage Trials (Part 2) — [A Love That Transcends Time]
Three hours had passed. Ji Yao Li sat comfortably in a chair crafted from the wood of the Tree of Existence—a material he had obtained, along with other guardians, during the periodic pruning of the tree's branches, an event that occurs only once every trillion years. From this wood, they fashioned various items, including weapons and furniture. Having lived for an age that defies human numerical comprehension, he was able to harvest branches—each larger than entire fantasy realms—to create whatever he required. He had performed this task throughout his long tenure as a guardian of the sacred Tree of Existence.
In the garden of his private pavilion, Ji Yao Li reclined in his chair, his eyes—which resembled the Yin-Yang symbol—firmly shut. He possessed the "Sacred Yin-Yang Body," a gift bestowed upon him by the Tree of Existence while he was still gestating within his chrysalis. A massive birthmark in the shape of the Yin-Yang symbol, etched with the image of the Tree of Existence itself, adorned his back. Suddenly, he opened his eyes, his gaze—sharp as the edge of a sword—piercing the cloudless, clear sky. The warmth of the sun bathed the surroundings, yet he murmured, his voice laced with bewilderment and surprise:
"Something is amiss... but what could it be? And why does this strange sense of familiarity grip me from within?" "It seems they truly intend to betray me—they want to overthrow me. That is what my intuition tells me. Should I trust it, or not? ... I honestly don't know what I should do."
A familiar voice echoed within Ji Yao Li's mind—this time, it was clearer than before:
"He who does not know himself has no business coveting absolute power. Remember that, Tom Fragelson; remember who you are."
Ji Yao Li's expression shifted to one of shock as he heard the mysterious voice. He then cast his gaze toward the horizon, his expression twisted and complex:
"I don't know what is happening to me, but I shall find out soon enough."
He rose once more and headed toward the palace with steady strides. Upon his arrival, he summoned the head butler; his voice was calm, yet it carried clearly to everyone within the palace:
"Master Yao Li Yong Su, come here at once."
His tone was firm, leaving no room for debate or excuses. Moments later, a man of robust build appeared—his features marked by the gravity and experience befitting a head butler. He was dressed in traditional, ancient Chinese-style butler's attire. His steps were firm, his back as straight as a spear, lending him an air of authority and strength. He stopped before Ji Yao Li and bowed slightly in respect, then spoke in a tone filled with deference and submission:
"What do you require of me, Master Ji Yao Li? Is there something you wish for me to do?" Ji Yao Li stared blankly at Yao Li Yong Su for several seconds before breaking the silence. With his gaze still fixed vacantly upon the palace gate, he replied in a calm tone:
"Summon Astratus—tell him that Ji Yao Li, the Protector and Master of the Guardians of the Sacred Tree of Existence, requests his presence at the upcoming meeting in two days' time. Is that clear, Head Servant Yao Li Yong Su?"
Yao Li Yong Su's expression shifted into a blend of surprise and confusion, yet he responded in a calm, respectful, and submissive tone:
"As you wish, Master Ji Yao Li. I shall inform Master Astratus of your request for him to attend the emergency meeting you are convening. Furthermore, Lady Zhihua Minghua wishes to meet with you in the greenhouse located within the North Wing's garden."
Ji Yao Li listened to the words of Yao Li Yong Su, let out a soft sigh, and began making his way toward the North Wing's garden:
"Very well. Tell my wife, Zhihua Minghua, that I am on my way."
A faint smile graced Yao Li Yong Su's face upon hearing this. He then set off toward Zhihua Minghua's quarters, his steps light and carrying a hint of joy.
The bond between Ji Yao Li and his wife, Zhihua Minghua, was a close one, rooted in deep, mutual love—even though Ji Yao Li could have, had he chosen to, taken multiple wives. Rulers like him would typically take ten or more wives to ensure a diverse and strong lineage, and also to spare their first wife from the overwhelming burdens of her position—whether as the consort of a ruler of an entire imaginary realm or even as the guardian or ruler of the sacred Tree of Existence. Yet, throughout the countless years and centuries that had passed, he had kept Zeihua Minghua as his sole wife.
After a few minutes, Ji Yao Li arrived at the garden of the Northern Pavilion—known as the "Sacred Paradise." It was crafted from the very branches of the Tree of Existence, harvested during the pruning cycles that occur every trillion years, making it one of the most beautiful gardens in all of existence. As he approached the conservatory—constructed from the rarest, most exquisite gemstones, gold, jade, and the wood of the sacred Tree of Existence—he beheld a woman of breathtaking beauty. Her form was a masterpiece of perfection; she possessed vibrant, golden hair that resembled spun gold, and bright blue eyes that shone like priceless, rare gems. Her skin was milky-white and as smooth as silk, while her lips were a soft, vivid red, reminiscent of ripe cherries. She wore an elegant, imperial-style gown in a blend of pale violet and mottled pink, her hair styled into a bun and secured with two pins carved from the wood of the sacred Tree of Existence. A deep sigh escaped Ji Yao Li's lips, entirely unbidden, as he gazed at her. He then began to make his way toward the greenhouse, where Zhihua Minghua was waiting for him with eager anticipation.
Zhihua Minghua watched with overflowing joy as Ji Yao Li approached her greenhouse. She had prepared herself with great care, donning her finest and most beautiful attire—she wanted to look her absolute best for their meeting. The moment Ji Yao Li stepped inside, her happiness reached a crescendo, and she spoke in a tone as soft and melodious as a sweet, enchanting piece of music:
"How are you, my dear? Who would have thought you'd finally have some free time, after all these years of tireless labor spent guarding that Tree of Existence?"
As he listened, an expression of profound sorrow washed over Ji Yao Li's face The words of the person he loved most—Zihua Minghua—carried a subtle, gentle reproach. A faint smile graced his face as he gazed at her, his hand reaching out to touch her skin, which was as soft and smooth as the finest silk.
Zihua Minghua's face flushed a deep, vivid red, caught off guard by Ji Yao Li's sudden gesture. He led her toward a hanging sofa—or something much like it—and they sat down together. With a soft sigh, he pulled her into an embrace, resting her head against the right side of his chest. Zihua Minghua remained silent; her expression was a delicate blend of shyness and suppressed joy.
"Zihua Minghua, I love you so much. You are the sun that illuminates this wretched life, giving it color and meaning."
His tone was calm and tender—a stark contrast to his usual sharp, commanding manner. His love for her simply wouldn't allow him to speak in his customary, stern voice.
Zihua Minghua looked up at him with a gentle smile. Shifting her position to face him directly, she rested both her hands upon his chest. She spoke in a voice so beautiful that it brought a blush to Ji Yao Li's own face:
"I love you, too—and I always will. Even if millions of years pass, or an eternity unfolds, you will remain my one and only love."
He took her milky-white face in his hands and leaned in to kiss her. Ji Yao Li's expression shifted to one of mild surprise, though he quickly adapted to the situation.
Zehua Minghua rested her head against Ji Yao Li's chest, and he embraced her in return. Theirs was a romance straight out of a fairy tale—untainted by any betrayal, a love that was pure and pristine.
Supporting herself with a hand pressed against his chest, Zehua Minghua sat up. She spoke in a calm, gentle tone—yet her words left Ji Yao Li utterly stunned:
"Wake up, Tom Fragelson. Remember who you are. Wake up, my dear—I miss you so terribly. Please, come back to me."
Shock and disbelief were etched across Ji Yao Li's face as he listened to her. He realized that she was still resting her head on his chest, fast asleep, and that what he had just experienced was perhaps some sort of illusion—yet, it stirred something deep within him, bringing it to the light of day.