Chapter 27 Precious Love
Chapter 27 Precious Love
I turned to the eight scribes and said, “Follow the butler. He will take you to your rooms. Rest for now. I will come find you in the afternoon. Remember, you are not allowed to step outside your room unless I permit it. Do you understand?”
“We understand.”
It was clear that these men were well trained. Their expressions did not change in the slightest. The Beast Emperor had certainly spared no effort in training them.
I turned around and saw the surrounding servants and women staring at me, their work completely forgotten. Rage immediately flared in my chest.
“What are you staring at? Get back to work!”
Instead, everyone suddenly dropped to their knees and shouted in unison, “Congratulations on your promotion, Third Young Master!”
I almost wanted to laugh and curse at the same time. These Beastmen, who only revered strength, had begun flattering me the moment I gained even a little authority.
“Enough. Get up and return to your work.”
I waved my hand impatiently, then turned and left the courtyard.
After eating a quick meal, I went to the large room the butler had prepared for the scribes. The moment I entered, the eight Beastmen stood up and saluted.
The room was enormous, about seventy feet long. Beds were arranged along both sides of the room. At the head of each bed stood a large desk, each already prepared with paper and writing brushes. I was not sure whether they had requested them or whether the butler had arranged them in advance.
I swept my gaze across the eight scribes.
“Time is limited, so your workload will be heavy. All of you are shorthand experts. I will speak quickly, and you will take turns recording what I say.”
“None of this information may be revealed to anyone. If you are curious about what happens to those who betray me, you may ask the servants.”
“Today, each of you must complete one book. After recording it, you must organize the volumes, chapters, pages, and paragraphs properly so the text makes sense. Do you understand?”
After they confirmed, I selected a Wolfman to begin recording.
The Wolfman calmly stepped to his desk.
“Your Highness, you may begin.”
I pulled a chair over and sat down. After thinking for a moment, I spoke.
“Write carefully. The title of the book is The Revelation of Military Affairs on the Continent. It consists of ten volumes and sixty-six chapters.”
“Volume One, Chapter One…”
I began reciting from memory while the scribes wrote furiously. Their writing speed surprised me. It allowed me to increase my dictation speed several times over.
The entire afternoon passed with me sitting at the desk, reciting the works I had memorized while they recorded everything I said.
By evening, I leaned back in my chair and stretched.
“It is time to eat. Let us stop here.”
“You all performed very well—far beyond my expectations. Originally I intended to complete eight books today, but I did not expect you to finish sixteen. Your shorthand skills are truly impressive.”
“I will certainly report your hard work to His Majesty.”
Completing sixteen books left me feeling extremely excited. Without realizing it, I had even offered words of praise. It was the first time I had complimented anyone.
Yet the scribes’ expressions remained unchanged.
They calmly stood and saluted.
“Thank you for Your Highness’s praise.”
At that moment, a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I realized that I had used my mind intensely for the entire day.
“You should all rest early. If you need anything, you may request it from the servants.”
After leaving the large room, I went straight to Mother’s bedroom. A maid was just stepping out as I arrived.
She immediately bowed.
“Third Young Master.”
“Has Mother eaten?”
“She finished her meal just now.”
“You may go.”
I pushed the door open and entered.
Mother sat in a chair, staring at the two gems I had given her.
“Mother, I’m back.”
She glanced at me briefly. Her complexion looked much better than yesterday. A faint trace of rosiness had returned to her face.
“How are you feeling today?”
Mother looked at the gems with a pleased expression.
“Much better than before. These two stones truly are magical. Especially the Turquoise. I had heard that it could transform natural essence into vitality, but I never imagined it would be so effective.”
“I can already feel their combined effects.”
It was the first time Mother had spoken so much to me. It seemed hope had truly returned to her heart.
I smiled.
“These are the Duke’s feelings for you. Of course they are effective.”
Mother shifted her gaze from the gems to me.
But to my surprise, her expression turned cold.
She laughed bitterly.
“You plan to use me as a bargaining chip so you can return to the Dragon God Empire, don’t you? If you think that will succeed, you are gravely mistaken.”
Fury surged through my body.
I slammed my palm onto the table.
The solid red sandalwood table instantly shattered into pieces beneath the force of my strike. The candle flame flickered violently in the gust of air.
Mother was not intimidated at all.
Instead, she raised her head.
“Why are you so angry? Did I strike a nerve? You Beastmen were never anything good.”
I drew a deep breath and forced myself to calm down. I feared that if this continued, I might lose control.
“Mother, you may question my character, but you cannot question the feelings I have for you.”
“You are right. The Duke treated me well. He even considered betrothing his daughter to me.”
“But I have never forgotten that I was born into a Beastman family—even if I am a mixed-blood.”
“Others may call me a hybrid. I do not care. I will prove through my actions that I am the strongest.”
I wiped away the tears that had unknowingly fallen from my eyes.
“You are also correct about one thing. I truly enjoyed my life in the Dragon God Empire.”
“The people there are honest and kind. The rulers are wise and capable. And the people I care about are there.”
“If I truly wanted to stay there, I would not need you as a bargaining chip.”
“Did you know that I never told the Duke that I am your son?”
“I don’t even know whether you consider me your child.”
“I am not the one who harmed you. That was Behemoth King Leo.”
“I am not my father.”
“Why have you hated me from the moment I was born?”
Mother’s body trembled as she listened.
When I finished speaking, she snapped.
“You may not be that beast, but you are his kind!”
“Giving birth to you only brought me shame!”
At that moment, my anger vanished.
Nothing was colder than indifference.
The last trace of hope I held for Mother disappeared.
“I see.”
I spoke calmly.
“Since that is how you truly feel, I will not trouble you any longer.”
“The reason I returned to the Beastmen Kingdom was to assist the Beast Emperor in uniting the tribes and strengthening our people.”
“You may not know this, but the Beast Emperor has already recognized me as his foster son.”
“Why would I seek favor from a duke in the Dragon God Empire?”
“In a few hours I will return to the palace to continue my work.”
“If you wish to see Linden again, take care of yourself.”
“When I believe you are ready, I will send you back.”
“I have no hidden intentions. I only wish for your dream to come true.”
“I hate Leo as well.”
“You should rest.”
“I will take my leave.”
I returned to my room in a heavy mood.
Unable to calm myself, I immediately began cultivating the Heavenly Demon Art.
Morning arrived.
I carried the sixteen recorded books and went to the Royal Palace.
As I approached the entrance, the guards on both sides suddenly lined up and saluted.
“Your Royal Highness, please enter.”
I was surprised.
“Do you not need to report my arrival to His Majesty first?”
The guard captain bowed respectfully.
“There is no need. His Majesty ordered that Your Highness may enter whenever you wish to see him. His Majesty is waiting in the imperial study.”
“Oh? I see.”
Does the Beast Emperor truly have no doubts about me?
With that thought, I entered the palace.
“This son greets Your Majesty.”
“Come in.”
I entered the imperial study.
Only the Beast Emperor was present, seated at his desk reading.
“Father, may I ask why you summoned me?”
The Beast Emperor smiled.
“Nothing special. Father and son should speak often.”
“By the way, are you satisfied with the people I sent you yesterday?”
I nodded.
“Very satisfied. They are first-class shorthand experts.”
“Please take a look. This is the result of yesterday’s work.”
I handed him the compiled books.
“There was no need to rush so much,” the Beast Emperor said with a smile. “You have only just returned. You should rest more.”
I scratched my head.
“There are too many tasks waiting to be done. I thought it best to begin immediately.”
The Beast Emperor began reading.
His expression changed repeatedly.
After a long time, he closed the folder and sighed.
“No wonder the Dragon God Empire is so powerful. The theories recorded here are unheard of in our country.”
“Lei Xiang, you have rendered a great service.”
“I will have people study these materials.”
And he said I was the one rushing.
“Also,” he continued, “working from your residence is inconvenient. Every time I want to see you, I must send for you.”
“Why not move into the palace?”
“It will be easier for us to discuss matters.”
A bird flying into a cage.
I answered tactfully.
“Father, perhaps we should not rush this matter. This son is accustomed to freedom. I might easily violate palace rules if I moved in.”
The Beast Emperor laughed.
“Do not worry about that. As long as I am here, you need not follow the rules.”
“Also, I heard that you have conflicts with your father’s wives.”
“Why not bring your mother here as well? The palace has the best medicines and care.”
“You can avoid unnecessary disturbances.”
Hearing this, my attitude immediately changed.
Once the war ended, the frontline would return.
If Lei Hu discovered that his mother had died by my hand, he would surely seek revenge.
Although I did not fear him, I could not guarantee Mother’s safety.
If she lived in the palace, she would be much safer.
After considering it, I nodded.
“If that is the case, then this son thanks Father in advance.”
The Beast Emperor laughed.
“There is no need for thanks between father and son.”
“I will send people with you to move your belongings.”
“And do not forget to bring the scribes.”
“Yes, Father.”
I returned to the mansion with several guards.
There was not much to pack.
The palace already had everything necessary, and of better quality.
I packed a few clothes and brought Black Dragon from the stable.
Then I walked slowly to Mother’s door.
Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for whatever reaction she might have.
Even if I had to force her, I would bring her to the palace.
It was far safer than staying here.
“Mother… may I come in?”
Unexpectedly, she responded, “Yes, come in. Sit down.”
I entered the room and said plainly, “We are leaving this house.”
Mother smiled faintly, a trace of sorrow in her expression. “I have never truly had a home. How could I speak of leaving one? Tell me, where do you intend to take me?”
Seeing her like this made my heart ache.
“The Beast Emperor has decided that we should move into the imperial palace so that I can work more conveniently. After killing Lei Hu’s mother, you will only be safe inside the palace.”
Mother raised her head. Her gaze no longer carried the usual icy coldness. Instead, she smiled.
“Silly child, you have been fooled.”
I barely heard her words. All I could see was her smile. Although Mother looked aged, with graying hair and wrinkles, I could still vaguely glimpse the graceful beauty she must have possessed in her youth.
“Huh? What did you say?”
Mother smiled again.
“I said, silly child, you have been fooled.”
She had called me silly child. I was stunned. I secretly pinched my thigh, and the sharp pain confirmed that I was not dreaming.
I asked almost childishly, “Why do you say that I was fooled?”
Mother replied calmly, “Isn’t it obvious? He fears that you might not work hard enough. By inviting us to live in the palace, he can watch your actions more closely. If he sees anything suspicious… well, I do not need to explain what would happen.”
Her words shattered the illusions in my mind. After all, I was not the Beast Emperor’s real son. Why would he trust me so completely? So this was the real reason he invited Mother to the palace.
I scratched my head.
“So that is why he invited you. Why didn’t I think of that? In that case, it would be better if you stayed here. I will speak with the Beast Emperor and explain that you cannot go.”
Mother gave a cold laugh.
“No. I will go with you to the palace. If I do not go, he will become suspicious and might even turn against you, regardless of whatever excuse you give him.”
“But would it not be dangerous for you to enter the palace?”
Mother smiled bitterly.
“Nowhere is truly safe. Staying here may be even more dangerous. You cannot watch over me at all times.”
“For now, entering the palace is the safest option.”
She paused before continuing.
“Oh, son… experience matters. In the future, if you do not understand something, you should consult me. After all, I was once a talented student at Tianshou Academy.”
Son.
She had actually called me son.
My eyes immediately filled with tears. I dropped to my knees.
“Mother… are you finally willing to accept me?”
Mother’s eyes reddened as well. She placed her hand gently on my head.
“Child, I thought about it carefully yesterday. You were right. What wrong have you done? The one who was wrong was him.”
“I should not have directed my anger toward you for so many years. Mother has wronged you.”
“From today onward, I will make it up to you.”
After hearing those words, I rested my head against her knees and cried like a child, releasing years of suppressed grief. The bitterness that had accumulated in my heart finally poured out as tears.
Mother’s tears dripped onto my head. Her hand was so warm.
Mother… the thing I longed for the most has finally happened, just when I believed all hope was gone.
After a long time, my crying gradually stopped.
I raised my head and wiped away the tears on Mother’s face.
“Mother, I swear to you that even if I must risk my life, I will fulfill your cherished wish. I will never allow you to cry in humiliation again. I will make you the happiest mother in the world.”
Mother grasped my arms as tears fell once more.
“Good child. Quickly get up. Help Mother pack her things so we can move into the palace.”
“Once we pass through those palace gates, life will be as deep as the sea. I do not know if I will ever leave again.”
I stood up and supported her.
“You can rest assured. The imperial palace cannot trap us. I intend to spend three years strengthening the Beastmen Kingdom. After three years, we will leave. No one will be able to stop us.”
“Enough talking. Have you packed your things?”
I nodded.
“Yes. Just like you, I have no attachment to this house. There is nothing worth bringing. In truth, I would not even bring anything at all if it were not necessary to wear clothes.”
Mother said nothing. She carefully placed the two gems I had given her into her pocket.
“Very well. Let us go.”
Seeing that she had brought nothing else, I asked blankly, “You are not taking any clothes?”
Mother smiled and shook her head.
“Since the Beast Emperor needs you, how could he treat me poorly? Let us go.”
Only then did I realize that after regaining hope, Mother’s wisdom far exceeded my own.
After leaving Mother’s room, I called for the butler.
“For the time being, I will not return to this residence. If Father comes back, report everything I did to that woman. Do not hide anything.”
“Yes, Third Young Master.”
“Mother, let us go.”
I helped Mother into the carriage while I mounted Black Dragon and departed from the Behemoth King’s residence.
I turned around and looked at the place where I had lived for more than ten years. Strangely, I felt no desire to ever return again.
Perhaps leaving was a kind of relief for both Mother and me.
The Beast Emperor had already arranged a residence for us. It was a quiet independent courtyard with four maids and many guards stationed outside. The environment was peaceful, with various trees and plants decorating the grounds.
Mother smiled faintly and said softly, “It seems the Emperor values your achievements highly. Among the Beastmen, even a true prince might not receive treatment like this.”
“That is only because he wants to make use of my abilities,” I replied. “Still, this environment is good for you to recover.”
“Mother, there is something I have wanted to ask for a long time. When you studied at Tianshou Academy, did you learn any magic or martial arts?”
Mother looked around the courtyard and shook her head.
“No. I mainly studied literature, history, and etiquette at the academy. Linden probably told you that I was a princess of the Dragon God Empire at that time.”
“What use would learning combat have been? If I had possessed strong abilities, perhaps things would not have happened as they did…”
She sighed.
“That is wonderful,” I said happily.
Mother looked at me in surprise.
“How is that wonderful? It only means you must bear more burden.”
“That is not what I meant. It is wonderful because if you have never practiced martial arts or magic, there will be no conflict of energies when I treat you with magic.”
“Healing magic? You also know Light Magic? I cannot imagine you using it.”
I smiled mysteriously.
“You will see in a moment.”
I turned to the maids.
“There is no need for your service here. You may all leave.”
Having them around made me uncomfortable. Besides, they might have been placed here to monitor us.
After confirming that no one else was nearby, I activated the Heavenly Demon Art and whispered to Mother.
“Mother, what I learned is not Light Magic… but dark magic.”
Mother looked at me in surprise.
“Dark magic?”
“Yes. I learned it accidentally some time ago. However, it also contains healing techniques similar to Light Magic. It may even be more effective in your current condition.”
“I will also teach you a breathing technique for circulating energy. If you practice it daily, your blood circulation will improve and your recovery will be faster.”
Mother smiled gently.
“Let things take their natural course. I will follow your arrangements.”
“There is not much time, and I will not be able to stay with you for long. Let us begin now.”
I helped Mother sit cross-legged and reminded her seriously.
“No matter how uncomfortable you feel, you must endure it. I will control the process carefully.”
Mother closed her eyes.
“Go ahead. Let me see how capable my son’s magic truly is.”
Sweat formed on my forehead. My strength lay in using magic to kill, not to save lives. And the person I was trying to save was my mother. I could not afford the slightest mistake.
I took a deep breath to calm myself and began chanting.
“By my life as the price, by my soul as the sacrifice… O great God of Darkness, as your servant I beseech you—grant me the power of darkness to restore life…”
This was a fourth-level recovery spell known as Darkness Repair. According to the Heavenly Demon Art scroll, it could correct abnormal conditions within the body and restore vitality.
It was the first time I had ever used it.
A purplish-black sphere of energy gathered in my palm. I separated a small portion and slowly guided it into Mother’s body while observing her condition carefully.
Mother’s body trembled and her face turned pale.
I quickly placed my other hand on her head to inspect the condition of her meridians.
Her meridians were extremely weak. Even such a small amount of energy circulated through them with great difficulty. However, the spell worked remarkably well. Each time the energy passed through a channel, it repaired and widened it slightly.
I carefully guided the energy through hundreds of meridians before finally withdrawing it.
Only then did I notice that night had already fallen.
Just as when I first practiced the Heavenly Demon Art, a dark substance began seeping from Mother’s body.
Not long after I finished, Mother exhaled deeply.
“Ah… that feels good.”
“How do you feel, Mother?”
Mother opened her eyes and stretched.
“Oh my… this is terrible!”
Her cry frightened me.
“What is wrong? Are you in pain anywhere?”
Mother shook her head.
“No, my body feels fine. But look at me—I am completely filthy. What happened?”
Relieved, I explained, “This is normal. The accumulated impurities in your body were forced out by the magic. Just take a bath.”
“Oh.”
I called out loudly, “Servant!”
Two maids rushed in.
Despite the terrible smell filling the room, they showed no reaction.
“Your Highness, what are your orders?”
I chuckled when I saw Mother’s embarrassed expression.
“Assist my mother with a bath and prepare a nutritious meal afterward.”
One maid stepped forward.
“The hot water is already prepared. Madam, please allow us to assist you.”
However, Mother stood up on her own.
“No need. I have not felt this comfortable in a long time. My chest used to feel tight, but now it feels much lighter.”
“This is only the beginning,” I said with a smile. “You will need several more treatments. Your meridians are still weak, so we cannot push too far today.”
“It has already been many years,” Mother replied calmly. “I am not in a hurry. Just lead me to the bath. I cannot stand this smell anymore.”
Perhaps because we had resolved our misunderstandings—or perhaps because of what I had told her about Linden—Mother had become much more cheerful.
After she bathed, I noticed that the paleness had disappeared from her face. A healthy glow had returned, and even many wrinkles had faded.
That night I slept extremely well.
From the next day onward, my life became busy. Each day I dictated books for the scribes to record while also selecting and training people to spread the Beast God Religion.
Half a month later—
“Reporting to Father Emperor. This son has completed recording everything learned in the Dragon God Empire. Time is limited, and I wish to begin eliminating the bandits as soon as possible.”
“Very well,” the Beast Emperor said. “I have reviewed the books you recorded. They are extremely valuable.”
“How many men will you take with you?”
“The twenty men I selected will be enough,” I replied confidently. “Did Your Majesty not already assign them to me as bodyguards?”
The Beast Emperor frowned.
“Only twenty? That may not be enough. You know how many bandits there are.”
I answered firmly.
“Even if there are many bandits, most are weak. Large groups are rare and scattered. We can eliminate them one by one.”
“If we encounter a large group, I can request reinforcements from Your Majesty.”
After thinking for a moment, the Beast Emperor nodded.
“Very well. But you must be careful. This time you cannot rely on local forces. Everything will depend on you.”
“If you encounter danger, I will send soldiers—but distance may delay them.”
“You must be cautious. Prepare yourself. You will depart in three days.”
I knelt and bowed.
“This servant obeys the imperial command.”
At last, the campaign would begin. No matter what, I would eliminate the bandits and remove those malignant tumors from the people.
Mother had begun practicing the Natural Chi Circulation technique I had chosen for her. It was not powerful but was excellent for strengthening the body.
In just ten days, Mother’s condition had improved significantly. Her complexion was healthy, her skin regained elasticity, and she no longer looked so frail.
Our relationship improved rapidly as well. Her careful concern for me allowed me to finally experience what true maternal love felt like.
Whenever something arose, I would consult Mother. Her wisdom and foresight earned my deep respect.
Hearing my footsteps, Mother stopped cultivating.
“Lei Xiang, you are back?”
“Yes. But why did you stop cultivating?”
Mother opened her eyes and smiled.
“Cultivation should not continue endlessly. Progressing step by step is the correct path. Acting with too much haste can cause deviation in energy circulation. Remember that.”
“I understand.”
Mother stood up.
“Come inside. Let us talk.”
There was a trace of worry in her expression. Perhaps it was because I would soon depart.
Once inside, she gestured for me to sit.
“The departure date has been decided?”
“Yes. The Beast Emperor ordered me to depart in three days. I will take twenty escorts.”
Mother nodded.
“That is good. Fewer people make things easier. But you must be careful. Even when facing a weak opponent, you must give your full effort.”
“Do not worry. I understand the principle of a lion hunting a rabbit.”
“I will make preparations now. Tomorrow I will perform another energy circulation treatment for you.”
“Go,” Mother said gently. “I feel well. Recently it feels as though my strength has returned.”
“It seems there truly is hope for restoring my appearance.”
“I will take my leave then, Mother.”