This Time I Must Achieve a Happy Ending with the Empress - Episode 3

Zhao Wu was dumbfounded. After a long pause, he said with utmost seriousness, “Li’er, have you lost your mind? Do you know how formidable the Asura Clan is?”

“Of course, I do. They’re one of the ancient clans that have survived to this day, alongside the Dragon and Phoenix Clans. In terms of overall strength, they’re undoubtedly the strongest in the Wuji Realm.”

Oh? She actually knew?

If she knew, why was she still spouting nonsense?

Zhao Li saw right through her father’s thoughts and chuckled. “Precisely because they’re the strongest in the Wuji Realm. So strong that even humans dare not provoke them lightly. They’re the perfect ones to shield our Fox Clan.”

Zhao Wu’s eyes widened. “And precisely because they’re the strongest in the Wuji Realm, they’d never spare a glance at our Fox Clan! We’re not worthy of them!”

Zhao Li merely smiled without responding.

Zhao Wu pressed on, “And let’s not forget the Asura Empress. She’s the only peak Spirit Emperor in our entire Wuji Realm! What on earth are you thinking? Ah… Back when you told me you liked Qing Tong, I really shouldn’t have scolded you for aiming too high and being unrealistic. Because what you’re saying now is truly aiming too high and unrealistic!”

Oh, so you’re saying you scolded me too early, is that it?

Zhao Li laughed. “You’re right, Father. I really shouldn’t aim too high.”

Seeing her repentant expression, Zhao Wu nodded in relief.

But then, Zhao Li’s tone suddenly shifted. “As foxes, we should aim for the highest and farthest! A mere Flower Clan isn’t worthy of our Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox lineage. If we’re going to choose, we should unquestionably go for the best in the Wuji Realm. So, if we’re going to latch onto someone, it’s only fitting to latch onto a peak Spirit Emperor. Anything less would be an insult to the ancestral legacy of our 92nd-level Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Spirit Emperor forebear!”

Zhao Wu stumbled and fell, clutching the edge of the kang as he slowly pulled himself up, looking utterly defeated. “Why do you have to pause for dramatic effect like that?! Stop bringing up the Asura Clan! Yes, they’re powerful, but they’re also dangerous! Have you forgotten how they launched a massive assault on the humans a million years ago?”

Hmph. The mention of that incident made Zhao Li’s blood boil, she couldn’t help but feel indignant on behalf of the Asura Clan.

A million years ago, the Shadow Realm had invaded human territory first.

At that time, the humans didn’t even have a single 80th-level Spirit Saint among them. They stood no chance against the Shadow Realm’s onslaught.

If not for the Asura Emperor leading the Twelve Asura Lords (all 85th to 89th-level Spirit Saints) to their rescue, the human race would have been wiped out.

But humans proved even greedier than those wretched cats. To protect their own interests and cover up the humiliating fact that they’d been the first to fall to the Shadow Realm, they later went to great lengths to slander the Asura Clan.

The myriad races of the Wuji Realm each had their own territories or rather, small worlds within different planes. These territories were enclosed by barriers, and visiting another race’s land required the use of teleportation arrays.

For example, their Fox Clan had resided in the Qingqiu Realm for millennia.

The Asura Clan, on the other hand, had dwelled for countless eons in a unique world-plane known as the Otherworldly Moon. For millions of years, no outsider had ever set foot there.

The barrier around the Otherworldly Moon was exceptionally peculiar. The universal teleportation arrays connecting the myriad races had no effect on it. Only the Asura Teleportation Array, activated by the Asura Clan themselves, could grant passage.

The Asura Clan had an unwritten rule: no outsiders were permitted to enter the Otherworldly Moon. Only those foreigners personally acknowledged by the Asura King, the Emperor would be welcomed by the Otherworldly Moon.

Members of the Asura Clan rarely left the Otherworldly Moon to venture into the outside world, so the myriad races knew very little about them.

This ignorance gave humans the audacity to slander them without consequence.

Time flew by, and the myriad races gradually forgot about the existence of the Shadow Realm. Only the leaders of a few major clans and a handful of elder-level figures knew of the terrifying presence of the Shadow Realm in this world.

Thus, the Qingqiu Realm was now completely unaware of the Shadow Realm.

Meanwhile, the human race began to rise gradually. A genius among them finally reached level 90 in cultivation, declaring himself the Human Emperor and leading his people to conquer the surrounding lands. The smaller clans all submitted, laying an indestructible foundation for humanity.

In their bid to claim dominance over the Wuji Realm, the humans turned their spear toward the powerful Asura Clan. They twisted the truth of the rescue mission from a hundred thousand years ago, framing it as an act of aggression.

With the world’s ignorance of the Asura Clan and humanity’s rise to become the third most powerful race in the Wuji Realm, other races, eager to curry favor, tacitly accepted this narrative.

From then on, the Asura Clan was branded as terrifying and bloodthirsty in the eyes of the myriad races.

This was also why, in her past life, when Qing Tong spoke ill of Empress Yelan, Zhao Li had believed it so easily.

The only ones who knew the truth—the Dragon Clan, who had arrived to aid the human realm after the Asura Clan chose to stand aside and do nothing.

No one spoke up for the Asura Clan.

But the Asura Clan themselves didn’t care. What did slander matter to them? They had always been the type to walk away quietly, their deeds and names hidden in obscurity. Moreover, their overall strength placed them at the pinnacle of all races in the world. People only dared to gossip behind their backs. Who would dare to provoke them openly?

Zhao Li shook her head and said, “Father, even what we see with our own eyes may not be the truth, let alone hearsay. We’ve never interacted with the Asura Clan. How can you be so sure they’re cruel and bloodthirsty? Besides, the ones known for cruelty and bloodlust are the ‘Asuras,’ not the ‘Asura Clan.’ The Asura Clan is a race of battle gods—powerful and formidable, but not bloodthirsty monsters. Don’t confuse the two.”

Zhao Wu was stunned. “…How do you know so much about the Asura Clan?”

Zhao Li flashed an innocent, adorable smile and said cheerfully, “Well? Isn’t your daughter incredibly knowledgeable and sharp-minded? Go on, praise me!”

Zhao Wu: “…”

Zhao Li sighed. “Father, how about this? Let’s not rush into any marriage alliances. Whether it’s the Flower Clan, the Asura Clan, or any other race, let’s take the time to learn more about them before making a decision. I used to be infatuated with Qing Tong, but now that I think about it carefully. Was it really love? I was only twelve at the time, completely clueless about romance, yet at that age where emotions start to stir. The slightest kindness from someone could make me mistake it for love, when in reality, it might have just been simple, blind admiration.”

“Marriage is a lifelong commitment. After thinking it over, I realize I shouldn’t have made such a hasty decision before. Just like you and Mother, you went through trials and tribulations together before uniting. That’s why your love has remained steadfast and unwavering. It’s been seven years since Mother passed, yet you still miss her and haven’t remarried. That’s what true love is. What I felt for Qing Tong… I don’t think it was the same kind of love you had for Mother.”

Zhao Wu let out a long sigh, affectionately patting Zhao Li’s head as he said gently, “Love comes in many forms. But now, daughter, your words truly sound like something my own child would say. Matters of marriage shouldn’t be decided in haste. When you insisted on marrying Qing Tong before, I supported you; now that you want to take time to reconsider, I’ll still stand by you. As long as you’re happy, I’ll always support you.”

Zhao Li replied, “I admire Qing Tong’s talent, and I’m grateful she saved me back then—but whether these feelings include love, I still need to reflect carefully.”

—This was the explanation Zhao Li gave her father. She had made a pact with the God of the Other Star, and everything that happened in her past life could not be revealed to these people.

Zhao Li couldn’t say that this was a reversal of time. Nor could she reveal that Qing Tong had caused the death of their entire clan, warning Zhao Wu to be vigilant.

Though she could claim she no longer loved Qing Tong even hated her to the bone, wishing to desecrate her corpse after death such a sudden change would be too much for Zhao Wu to accept.

It had to be gradual.

“Father, I’m grown now, and with my cultivation as a Spirit Lord, it’s time I shouldered some of your burdens and helped manage the clan’s affairs.”

Zhao Wu was surprised. “Before, you always found these matters troublesome and avoided them.”

The Phoenix Clan’s priestess began assisting the clan leader with affairs at the age of seven. The heirs of other clans were much the same.

Zhao Li had lost her mother at a young age, and Zhao Wu, acting as both father and mother, had doted on her, never forcing her into duties she disliked. Now, hearing her newfound ambition, he was delighted but didn’t want her to push herself too hard.

Zhao Li sighed. “I was too immature before. Xiao Xiu, a mere Level 15 Awakened Spirit Master, had to serve as my maid just because she was a Medicine Fox, while I, a foolish Sky Fox, did nothing.”

“Don’t speak so harshly of yourself. Xiao Xiu serves you willingly.”

“Yes, I know she does. But if I enjoy the devotion of my clansmen without giving anything in return, how can I call myself a princess?”

Hearing this, Zhao Wu no longer objected.

…

For three days, Zhao Li diligently studied under Zhao Wu’s guidance. To his astonishment, she grasped everything instantly, earning his praise as a genius.

In truth, during her reincarnation in the Flower Clan, Zhao Li had already managed their affairs. Back then, the Flower Clan was besieged on all sides, yet she handled it all with ease. Compared to that, the peaceful affairs of Qingqiu were child’s play.

Zhao Li compiled a list and presented it to Zhao Wu. “Father, for the greater good of Qingqiu, I believe we should strengthen our ties with these clans. Here’s the gift list, please review it.”

Zhao Wu scanned the list, mildly surprised.

Her selections were meticulous and perfectly reasonable. The gifts for each clan were thoughtful yet cost-effective, maximizing goodwill while minimizing expense.

At the top of the list was the Dragon Clan.

As the second most powerful race in the Boundless Realm, maintaining friendly relations if not outright alliance was essential.

Dragons shared one universal trait: their greed for hoarding treasures.

Zhao Li planned to gift them one of Qingqiu’s secret treasures—the Hun Tian Ling.

Dragons loved water, and their realm, the Dragon Palace, lay beneath the Celestial Clear Sea.

The Chaos Ribbon was a water-attribute magical artifact with a certain restraining effect on the dragon race.

Gifting this artifact to the dragons would indeed demonstrate the goodwill of the Qingqiu Fox Clan.

Zhao Wu didn’t feel particularly reluctant. After all, the Chaos Ribbon wasn’t of much use to the fox clan anyway.

Truth be told, the Chaos Ribbon was actually Zhao Li’s diaper from when she was a child.

As long as the dragons didn’t mind the smell, Zhao Wu had no objections.

“Then tomorrow, I’ll send an elder to the Skybright Sea.”

“An elder won’t do,” Zhao Li shook her head. “To show sincerity, Father should go personally. But since you must preside over the clan’s ceremony and can’t leave, why not let me go in your stead? As the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Princess and the future ruler of Qingqiu, I won’t be seen as disrespectful by the dragons.”

“But you—”

“Father,” Zhao Li interrupted, “I must go out and gain experience sooner or later. If you’re worried, you can have Xiang Liu accompany me. With him by my side, you can rest easy, right?”

Xiang Liu was the son of the Fox Elder. Though young, he was mature beyond his years, meticulous in his duties, and highly trusted by Zhao Wu.

After some thought, Zhao Wu finally nodded in agreement.

The next day, Zhao Li set off in full regalia, bringing Xiang Liu along to deliver the gift beyond the borders of Qingqiu.

In the Boundless Realm, apart from flying races like dragons, phoenixes, and winged clans, only Spirit Emperor-level powerhouses possessed the ability to ride clouds and mists. For other races to travel between realms, they either relied on teleportation arrays or mounts—spirit beasts.

To ensure the dragons wouldn’t look down on the fox clan, Zhao Wu specially prepared two Jade Qilin for them to make a grand impression.

Qilin were divine beasts—fast, capable of flight, and undeniably majestic. They were practically the standard ride for the wealthy.

Father really doesn’t hold back when it comes to spending.

Zhao Li sighed inwardly as she raised her right hand and stored the gift inside her bracelet.

Her bracelet was a soul artifact. A storage device with immense capacity, capable of partitioning different sections for easy organization. Even living things like medicinal herbs could be stored inside, kept fresh and alive. Extremely convenient.

Soul artifacts were quite common in the Boundless Realm.

On the road.

“Vine Bind!”

Using floral magic, Zhao Li summoned vines to wrap around Xiang Liu.

Xiang Liu was stunned. “Princess, what are you doing?”

“To keep you from interfering,” Zhao Li replied with a smile. “Because we’re not going to the Skybright Sea.”

“Then where?”

“The Moon of Another World.”

Xiang Liu’s eyes widened, and he finally understood why Zhao Li had bound him.

Because he would absolutely try to stop her.

“Your Highness, please reconsider.”

“I’ve already thought it through. Everyone in Qingqiu knows the Chaos Ribbon was my diaper. Giving it to the dragons? That’s practically handing them my underwear! No way. Besides, dragons excel in water-attribute magic, and the Chaos Ribbon counters that. We can’t just hand it over. If they ever turn against us in the future, we might still need my old diaper to hold them off.”

“Your reasoning is sound, Princess. But why the Asura Clan?”

“Don’t you think our fox clan and the Asura Clan are a perfect match?”

The fox clan specialized in foxfire—fire-attribute magic.

The Asura Clan wielded the Crimson Lotus Karmic Flame, the pinnacle of fire attributes.

Karma represented cause and effect. The Crimson Lotus Karmic Flame burned away a person’s karma. Something elemental attributes couldn’t compare to.

In other words, while water normally countered fire, even the dragons’ supreme water-attribute magic, Rootless Water couldn’t suppress the Asura Clan’s Crimson Lotus Karmic Flame.

At equal levels, they were evenly matched.

This was also why the Asura Clan was so formidable.

Xiang Liu could only smile wryly.

He had already heard that the princess had suddenly taken a liking to the Asura clan.

To Xiang Liu, Zhao Li was both a princess and a younger sister. He had doted on her since childhood, so he wouldn’t say a word against her decisions.

“Princess, let me go. I won’t stop you.”

Truth be told, the plant vines couldn’t actually restrain Xiang Liu, even if they had paralyzing properties. If he wanted, he could summon foxfire at any moment and burn them away. He simply didn’t want to defy the princess, which was why he allowed her to bind him.

Zhao Li also knew that Xiang Liu treated her well. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have chosen him to accompany her to the Moon of Another World.

Once freed, Xiang Liu took a sobering potion before speaking. “It seems Princess Qing Tong treats you well, even teaching you the Flower Clan’s magic.”

His tone carried a hint of relief. Glad that she hadn’t misjudged the person.

As long as one’s affinity aligned, it was possible to learn spells from other races.

This included the Red Lotus Karmic Flame and Rootless Water.

If the affinity matched, one could master them.

But outsiders with the right affinity for the Red Lotus Karmic Flame or Rootless Water were practically nonexistent. So, while it was theoretically possible, it was practically unattainable.

However, the Flower Clan’s magic wasn’t on such an exalted level. Other races could also have compatible affinities.

But the Flower Clan would never teach their secrets to outsiders.

Which was why Xiang Liu found it rather surprising.

Zhao Li snorted coldly and said in a low voice, “Of course she didn’t teach me. I just watched her use it a few times and figured it out.”

Xiang Liu’s expression turned astonished.

Was the princess really that skilled?!

Of course, he didn’t dare voice that question aloud. Moreover, he could tell that the princess seemed unwilling to talk much about Qing Tong.

Perhaps they had a falling out? Matters of the heart were unpredictable. And honestly, Xiang Liu had never been optimistic about the princess and that Flower Clan princess being together.

Fire was the natural enemy of plant-based beings. Xiang Liu’s instincts told him that Qing Tong had ulterior motives for getting close to their little princess. But without proof, he didn’t dare speculate.

Though Princess Qing Tong had a good reputation in the Endless Realm, she was also quite close to several aristocratic youths from the human race.

Xiang Liu disliked humans. He found them too pretentious.

And with so many suitors pursuing Qing Tong, why would she suddenly take an interest in their princess?

Though their princess was adorably naive, Xiang Liu felt that someone as proud and aloof as Qing Tong wouldn’t have chosen Zhao Li.

But the princess had fallen hard, and Xiang Liu hadn’t dared to dissuade her before.

Now, hearing the coldness even a hint of disgust in Zhao Li’s tone when speaking of Qing Tong, he actually felt relieved.

But the Asura Empress?!

Why did their princess always fall for such intense figures?

Asura Territory.

Passing through the clouds, a vast and majestic fortress city came into view.

But Zhao Li knew this fortress was merely an illusion. A place where the Asura’s subordinate clans resided. The true dwelling of the Asura people, the Moon of Another World, wasn’t here.

Instead, it lay in the sky above the towering central spire at the heart of the fortress.

At first glance, the sky appeared empty.

But the passage to the Moon of Another World was right there.

Zhao Li directed the Jade Qilin to hover above the clouds, then flicked a strand of foxfire forward.

The flame, which should have shot straight ahead, collided with an invisible barrier. The two forces clashed, and the foxfire eventually dissipated.

This was the barrier of the Moon of Another World.

If she entered through the fortress gates below and followed the proper procedures, it might take a month before she could even catch a glimpse of Empress Yelan.

So, Zhao Li chose to pay her visit as an intruder instead.

Sure enough, in less than 20 seconds, the sky before her twisted abruptly, and four imposing men stepped out from a rift in the void.

The Asura clan was renowned for their striking beauty—slender, elegant figures, with men dashingly handsome and women breathtakingly gorgeous.

But the most dazzling feature was their radiant Scarlet Lotus Eyes, which seemed capable of piercing through all illusions.

Jet-black hair and crimson eyes were the hallmarks of the Asura.

Before the Asura could even demand an explanation, Zhao Li raised her hands in a gesture of surrender.

“Ah, sorry for the rude entrance. I’m Zhao Li of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox clan, here to express my gratitude.”

“Express your gratitude?” The leading Asura frowned.

Zhao Li smirked. The Asura truly lived up to their reputation as a clan of impeccable grace and restraint. Even after she had smashed their barrier, they remained courteous.

If this were the human realm, she’d have been tied up on the spot. No chance for explanations.

Of course, the Asura also knew these two posed no real threat.

The guards stationed at the barrier entrance alone were Spirit Venerates at level 60. The number of powerhouses within their clan was beyond counting.

Two Spirit Lords in their 40s causing a minor disturbance at the barrier wasn’t worth mobilizing forces over.

However…

“Little girl, how did you know the location of our clan’s barrier entrance?” The guard’s eyes turned icy.

“Yelan told me.”

Xiang Liu and the four guards were visibly startled.

Zhao Li wasn’t lying. In her past life, Yelan had transferred all her cultivation to stabilize Zhao Li’s soul, infusing it with traces of her own illusionary power.

Yelan was of royal blood, the purest of the Asura. Her illusionary power differed from ordinary Asura. It allowed her to glimpse the past and observe the future.

Though Zhao Li couldn’t peer into the past or future herself, she could use this power to witness Yelan’s memories, her entire life’s experiences.

Watching the bewildered guards, Zhao Li said, “Would you kindly inform the Twelve Asura Lords for me? Tell them that Zhao Li of the Nine-Tailed Celestial Foxes has come to express her gratitude to Yelan for reforging my Heavenly Spirit Root and saving my life.”

According to protocol, anyone wishing to see Yelan had to first go through the Twelve Asura Lords—the twelve Spirit Sage-level elders of the clan.

Xiang Liu was even more stunned.

A Heavenly Spirit Root!

And it wasn’t Lord Zhao Wu who had saved her, but Empress Yelan?!

What in the world was going on?

The four guards were equally baffled.

The idea that the empress would go out of her way to rescue a little fox was utterly bizarre.

Zhao Li grinned. “Just relay it to the Twelve Asura Lords exactly like that. They’ll know what I’m talking about.”

The Asura Chronicles she had read in the Flower Clan after her reincarnation had been written by one of those very Spirit Sages.

“Also, there’s one more message I’d like the Twelve Asura Lords to pass along to Yelan.”

The guard hesitated, then replied politely, “…Go ahead.”

Zhao Li cleared her throat and declared without hesitation, “Yelan, your little cutie is here. Open up!”