The Beast Queen knew better than anyone just how brutal and ruthless the divine trial of the Sacred Pond truly was.
Thousands of years ago, her own sister... An Mo’s mother, who was an insanely powerful, high-tier divine beast of the Upper Domain, had almost succumbed to the excruciating power of that very pond!
And now, An Mo had actually dared to drag a frail female from the Lower Domain straight into that lethal, divine energy without any preparation?!
Was he not afraid that his precious mate would die a horrible death right before his eyes?!
As the Beast Queen stood there, breathing heavily in her fury, Elder Cang remained standing in front of them, his aged face tense and dripping with cold sweat. He truly did not know what to say or do.
Feng Yuchen stepped forward, narrowing his dark blue eyes at the old servant, and commanded coldly, "Elder Cang, lead the way to the Sacred Pond immediately."
Elder Cang’s posture stiffened even further. His heart sank into his stomach.
He didn’t want to lead them! He couldn’t! Before departing, Lord An Mo had issued a strict, absolute order: No one is to disturb them under any circumstances until they return on their own. Absolutely no one is allowed near the Sacred Pond.
Elder Cang was stuck in an impossible position, torn between the absolute command of his Young Lord and the raging authority of the Beast Queen. He hesitated, remaining stubbornly rooted to the spot without moving a muscle.
The Beast Queen immediately caught on to Elder Cang’s silent defiance. Her eyes narrowed into sharp, dangerous slits as she recognized his intent to stall.
Just as the Beast Queen opened her mouth to sharply command Elder Cang to lead her sons and stop them immediately, a gentle, calm voice echoed through the silent grand hall.
"Beast Queen, you are here."
The Beast Queen immediately turned around.
Walking toward her with steady, measured strides was a tall, handsome man with a remarkably calm expression on his face.
The moment her eyes landed on him, a strange wave of tranquility washed over her, instantly cutting through the lingering anger in her chest.
Looking at his sharp, majestic features, she felt a powerful hit of déjà vu. He was the absolute spitting image of his late father...almost exactly the same in both presence and dignity. Her chaotic, racing heart instantly settled as she stared into Xuan Long’s deep, emerald eyes.
She took several quick steps forward, stopping right in front of him.
"Child, you are here," she said, her voice trembling slightly as she shook her head in worry. "Why did you not stop An Mo? You know... you know what that Sacred Pond could do to a female from the Lower Domain!"
Xuan Long looked down at the anxious queen. Without a word, he reached out his large, cool hand and gently took her soft, trembling hand in his own.
"Beast Queen, do not worry," Xuan Long said, his voice smooth, steady, and filled with an undeniable sense of absolute confidence.
"She is extraordinarily powerful. If she were to be rejected by the Sacred Pond... then there is not a single female in existence who could take her place."
A look of intense pride flashed across his usually distant expression. He then lowered his head slightly, muttering in a very quiet voice, "There is no one quite like my mate."
Even though he spoke in a low whisper, the entire grand hall was deathly silent. Every single person present heard those words loud and clear.
The Beast Queen’s heart skipped a violent beat. Her slender fingers automatically clenched tightly around Xuan Long’s palm. She stared up at him with wide, disbelieving eyes, her breath catching in her throat.

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