CHAPTER 1446: THE LITTLE SEEDLING III

Not long after Zhao Li Xin returned to his painting studio, the same place he had entered the Mystique Realm, he immediately searched for Lory, eager to share the good news with his beloved wife. Then he remembered he had this marvelous little device called a cell phone.

With a small smirk, he slipped it out from his sleeve and tapped the call button. After a few rings, the line eventually connected.

[Li Xin, where are you?!] Lory’s voice shrieked through the speaker, sharp with anxiety.

Zhao Li Xin instinctively pulled the phone away from his ear, wincing at the volume, before cautiously pressing it back. [I’m in the palace. I just came back from the spatial ring,] he explained calmly.

[Oh my God, you left for three whole days without telling me! I know you sometimes meditate in there, but you always tell me beforehand—not vanish like this!] The barrage of scolding made Zhao Li Xin grimace, but at the same time, warmth spread in his chest. After years of marriage, his wife still cares deeply about him.

Feeling guilty, he spoke softly, [I’m sorry, wife, I didn’t know it would take this long] Later on his tone shifted. [But I have good news for you, it’s about Girsha.]

As expected, Lory’s voice instantly lost its sharp edge. [...I’m in our room. Come here. Hurry!]

[Okay. Wait for me, I’ll be right there!]

A faint smile tugged at Zhao Li Xin’s lips. He ended the call, relief washing over him, then strode quickly toward their bedroom.

When he opened the door, Lory suddenly leaped into his arms and hugged him tightly. Zhao Li Xin froze for a moment; he did not expect Lory will be this shaken. At the moment, guilt welled up in his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and spoke in a gentle voice, [I’m sorry, dear. I won’t do this again.]

Lory lifted her head from his chest, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. [Don’t leave without saying anything. I thought... I thought you’d gone back to your world without telling me.]

[Impossible. I would never leave you.] He brushed away the tears clinging to the corners of her eyes.

Lory sniffled softly. Normally, she never feared Zhao Li Xin’s trips to the Mystique Realm. But ever since she had returned to her own world with him, an inexplicable dread had taken root in her heart. It was fear that one day, he might choose to return to his world and leave her behind.

After all, in his world, Zhao Li Xin was a distinguished figure, commanding thousands and respected and feared by many people. But here, in her world, he had no title, no fame, no authority.

No matter how many times Zhao Li Xin told her that he was content to be here with her and would never trade it for anything, Lory could not silence that quiet fear buried deep within her heart.

Zhao Li Xin pressed his forehead against hers and sighed softly. [Do you still not understand how much you mean to me?] His voice was low, almost tender, as his gaze locked onto her beautiful violet eyes.

[You are the gift from the heavens I never thought I could have. You are the reason for everything I do. And that night, when I begged to follow you wherever you went, no matter where it might be... those words still stand, Lory.]

[I’m sorry... I don’t know why I feel this way,] she whispered. [Maybe because I got my brother back, and I keep thinking there must be a cost I’ll have to pay... like always.]

The confidence that once radiated from her eyes crumbled, and the facade of the strong, dignified princess washed away, leaving only an ordinary woman, anxious, doubtful, and afraid, just like anyone else.

This was the side of herself she showed only to Zhao Li Xin, and he knew it well. He kissed her lips briefly, the touch feather-light, and her heart fluttered helplessly. His smile was dazzling and as irresistible as ever.

[Silly girl,] he murmured, his voice smooth and melodic. Lory’s cheeks flushed red like a ripe tomato.

Feeling the heat rising to her face, Lory quickly covered her cheeks with both hands and turned away. [Okay, enough of that! Just tell me about Girsha!]

[Oh, right... about that.] Zhao Li Xin’s expression shifted as he refocused his thoughts.

He began recounting everything that had happened, how he sliced open the rift to the Oblivion to meet Girsha, and how he then traveled to the world where Scion and Zalchana might be. Lory listened intently, her eyes growing wider and wider with admiration and awe.

[Li Xin... you actually did it.] Her voice was almost a whisper, her lips parting slightly in disbelief. [I know that, as a descendant of Lazarus and Emperor Lei Yu, you’re incredibly powerful, but still... this is just...]

[That’s not important. What matters is that Girsha needs your help,] Zhao Li Xin said, stretching out his hand.

"Oh, right!" Lory grabbed Zhao Li Xin’s hand, but suddenly froze. [Wait! I need to leave a note for the others—ah, stupid, what era we are! Lory slapped his forehead, [I should just message them!]

She quickly pulled out her phone, typed a message to Lucas and the others, and hit send. [got it, let’s go!] Without hesitation, she clutched Zhao Li Xin’s hand, and the two of them vanished into thin air.

A few seconds later, Lory found herself inside the manor in the Mystique Realm.

[Wow, the place has changed so much!] Her eyes sparkled with delight.

The last time she visited Lucas, the manor still felt empty. But now, Elegant furniture filled the rooms, and the wooden floor was polished and gleaming under the soft glow of lantern light.

Then at the corner, delicate porcelain vases were placed, their painted blossoms on the vase surfaces almost lifelike, while plush carpets stretched across the wooden floors, lending the space a warmth and comfort that made it feel like home.

[It’s truly beautiful! It’s just like Nin Jing Manor, don’t you think? Only abit warmer, don’t you think?"] Lory said with a bright smile.

[Hm. I’m thinking of adding a few peach blossom trees since you like them,] Zhao Li Xin murmured thoughtfully, already picturing the changes.

Before Lory could reply, a sudden shriek rang out.

"Zhao Paaaapaaaa!"

A small boy with greenish curly hair and amber eyes came running toward them, his short, chubby legs moving faster than they seemed capable of. Behind him, the fire spirit frantically flew after him.

"Wait up! How could you be running so fast?!" the spirit cried.

The boy dashed forward like a bullet, clinging tightly to Zhao Li Xin’s leg and crying pitifully. Zhao Li Xin looked down at him with clear annoyance, while Lory clutched her chest in mock outrage.

[Husband, how could you?!] She make dramatic gestures like a betrayed wife.

[...] Zhao Li Xin gave her ’are you done’ look.

Lory tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and gave him a sheepish smile.

[Tehe~... I always wanted to try saying that at least once.]

[Stop watching those mess-up dramas, from now on" Zhao Li Xin reprimanded her.

Lory pouted, then crouched in front of the boy. "Are you really that thing called Scion?" Lory tilted her head to examine the boy further.

Hearing her gentle voice, the boy slowly lifted his head. His chubby cheeks were flushed, and his amber eyes glistened with tears.

"So cute~!" Lory squealed and immediately pinched the boy’s cheek.

Startled, the boy released Zhao Li Xin’s leg and hid behind him with his little head peeking curiously behind Zhao Li Xin’s leg. Zhao Li Xin snorted at the little boy’s timid behavior and casually stepped aside, leaving the boy exposed.

The boy froze, wide-eyed for a moment, then scrambled to chase after Zhao Li Xin again. "Papa! Zhao Papa!"

But in his rush, he tripped over his own foot and fell face-first onto the pavement.

Lory gasped and ran toward him. "Oh no! Are you hurt?" She lifted the boy gently and examined his injury with worried eyes. Lory then saw a red mark on the boy’s smooth forehead and chubby palms. "Does it hurt?" Her voice was soft and comforting.

The boy stared at her, his expression filled with curiosity rather than fear.

"Let me help you." Lory carefully pressed his small palms between her hands. A moment later, a soft purple glow enveloped them.

After that, another tiny orb of light slipped from her fingertips, landing gently on the boy’s forehead, then absorbed into his skin. A second later, the bruises faded instantly.

The boy blinked in astonishment. He looked at his palms that had become smooth without a trace of injury, then he rubbed his forehead to check for his injury. However, the pain was gone, and there’s nothing left there. The boy’s eyes widened as he looked at Lory with full admiration.

"It’s my secret power," Lory whispered while playfully winking at him.

The boy’s face lit up with pure joy, and Lory laughed at his adorable reaction.

From the side, Zhao Li Xin watched them quietly. For a fleeting moment, he could almost imagine what it would be like if he and Lory had a child of their own.

He had never cared for children, after all, having children had never been the reason he married her, but watching Lory with the little boy... he found himself thinking that perhaps, it wouldn’t be so bad when it happened later.

"Lory, come on. Girsha is waiting." Zhao Li Xin stretched out his arm, beckoning her to come.

The boy looked at Lory and Zhao Li Xin with hopeful eyes, as if silently begging to follow. Zhao Li Xin rolled his eyes. "Don’t look at me like that. We still need to

check the seal you made."

The boy tilted his head in confusion, clearly not understanding a single word.

Zhao Li Xin narrowed his eyes, thinking, ’As expected, this thing is an idiot.’

Before he could say anything more, Lory cheerfully scooped the boy into her arms. "You hear that, little one? You’re coming with us!"

Zhao Li Xin’s expression darkened with obvious disapproval. "You don’t need to carry him. A boy cannot be spoiled."

Of course, the boy didn’t understand what Zhao Li Xin said, but he knew it wouldn’t be good for him. It was at that moment that his instincts kicked him, telling him to cling to this beautiful woman if he wanted to be saved. Immediately, his chubby arms wrapped around Lory’s neck, holding on tightly.

Lory’s eyes light up and her expression softens. "Oh? You like me, huh?"

The tighter the boy clung to her, the more annoyed Zhao Li Xin became. "A boy needs to learn independence from a young age. If you keep coddling him like that, he’ll grow up weak."

The boy glanced at Zhao Li Xin with teary eyes and whimpered, "Zhao Papa..."

Lory also joined in with pleading eyes. "Just this once, Zhao Papa."

Zhao Li Xin’s gaze glinted dangerously. "Call me ’Zhao Papa’ again, and see what I’ll do to you tonight."

Lory clamped her mouth shut immediately, her face turning red.

With a quiet sigh, Zhao Li Xin turned and walked ahead without another word—a silent sign that he let them do whatever they wanted.

Lory pursed her lips, then leaned closer to the little boy and whispered, "Zhao Papa is scary."

"LORY." Zhao Li Xin’s voice carried a sharp, warning tone.

[I’m coming!] Lory yelped, quickly hurrying after him, the little boy still clinging to her neck. Zhao Li Xin stood waiting for her, his face gloomy and shadowed with that all-too-familiar look of silent disapproval.

Lory grinned playfully the moment Zhao Li Xin turned his back, then followed him with a bright smile, completely unbothered by his glowering mood.

Meanwhile, Zhao Li Xin silently revised his earlier thought. ’Perhaps... no children for now.’