In the Faerie Realm, Gao Yize set his heart on protecting his home, a place that thrived in beauty and wonder.

In this realm, at night, the forests gave a soft glow under the moonlight. By day, rainbows arched across the sky, lighting up gardens and clear rivers. The sky a sapphire blue, the forest a rich green, and the flowers a deep purple as butterflies left brief trails of shimmering light.

And with fear of the Demon King now jeopardizing this realm, Yize sprinted to Lord Muchen's palace, approaching the throne room as his long silver hair swayed in the breeze.

The massive doors swung open, revealing Muchen seated on his throne. Yize took a deep breath and met his lord's piercing gaze as his finger tapped the armrest.

"Why have you come, Yize?" Muchen questioned in a composed tone.

"My Lord, a spy in Astara has provided crucial information. Feng Deming plans to battle an entire Western Astaran army by himself."

A flash of surprise crossed Muchen's eyes, but he concealed it with a faint smile. "How amusing... Determine the outcome and report back to me immediately." Catching Yize's hesitation and averted gaze, he pressed, "Speak. Is there anything else I need to be made aware of?"

Yize's brows twisted. "Feng Deming is immortal." Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, but Muchen's silence caused his muscles to tense. 'Why is he... not surprised?'

"I see. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. You may leave now."

Yize stood frozen, his mind reeling. "Yes... as you wish." He turned away, his footsteps carrying the lingering doubt that occupied his mind.

Striding out of the throne room, Yize found a secluded spot in the gardens. The palace entrance stood under the midday sun, throwing long shadows across the stone pathway.

He leaned against a tree in solitude, glancing at the glowing flowers with his vibrant blue eyes. 'Muchen... I was not yet of age to serve him when Feng Deming was imprisoned... but I can't fathom...'

As he pondered, a memory of Deming's bitter accusation resurfaced: "Just as you did all these years, watching me suffer."

'What did Lord Muchen do to him?' Doubt and suspicion entangled his mind, yet he could not shake the memory of blood on the dungeon walls. 'Did he truly suffer?'

"How amusing... I suppose it is your lucky day," Deming's voice echoed in his memory.

"How amusing... Determine the outcome and report back to me immediately," Lord Muchen's words came back to him.

Yize's expression darkened. His breathing quickened, his chest tightening as he replayed the phrase. "How amusing...?" Swallowing the lump in his throat, he stared at the grand entrance to the palace, a glare forming in his eyes.