Two months passed in the wake of Lan Yunlai’s fall.

The Abyss Serpent Clan stabilized under Lan Meishan’s rule, and with his ascension, the rampant spread of demonic qi was gradually suppressed. What once threatened to spiral into chaos was now restrained, held in check by an unspoken alliance among the divine beast clans.

For the first time in years, they stood in fragile unity.

A unity bound, whether acknowledged or not, to a single existence.

Su Ningyan.

Beyond the Abyss Serpent Clan, the unrest within the Azure Dragon Clan had likewise begun to settle, its internal strife quelled before it could fracture further.

The White Tiger Clan remained as it had always been, distant from conflict, yet unwavering in its stability.

Only the Vermilion Fox Clan continued to burn. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

A coup had split its inner court, dividing loyalties and casting a long shadow over its future.

And at the center of it all was Su Ningyan. The one who had once sought to avoid fate now stood entangled within it completely.

He was now married to Yan Wuhen and Rong Yue. To all four beasts he had once intended to keep his distance from.

Whether it was fate... or something far more inevitable... even he no longer cared to name it.

Peace, at last, had settled into his days.

A quiet, hard-earned calm.

Across the three realms, his name had spread, whispered with reverence, fear, and awe.

A divine beast god.

He did not use his time to show off his power. Instead, he stayed close to his children. He traveled between the cities of the Heavenly Realm, staying hidden when he wanted but appearing wherever he was needed.

At present, he resided within Fire City.

A secluded manor bathed in warm light and drifting embers, where laughter echoed freely across its courtyards.

And within the main chamber, Ningyan sat at the head of the hall, clad in flowing white robes, his presence was calm.

Before him stood two elders of the Sky Palace.

A bull beastman, broad and imposing, with heavy horns curling from his brow. And a deer beastwoman, composed and sharp-eyed, her demeanor refined.

Steam rose gently from the cups set beside them.

Ningyan spoke first. "I intend to establish an academy within the Heavenly Realm."

His tone was even. "It will not be difficult to construct."

The two elders exchanged a glance, surprise flickering between them before their attention returned to him.

"An academy...?" the deer beastwoman repeated, her voice heavy with quiet curiosity.

Ningyan nodded.

Children were discarded and broken far too easily in this world. He decided that this was the one thing he would change.

A quiet resolve formed beneath his calm appearance. A dream from his past life that he had long ago abandoned was finally within his reach.

"All academies have resumed since Lan Yunlai’s fall," Ningyan said calmly. "The realms have returned to their routines. I have not and I do not intend to."

His lips curled faintly, though there was no warmth in it.

"I am aware of what you may think. That I lack the foundation, the discipline, or the knowledge required to guide the young. You are mistaken. Besides, I did not summon you to seek approval. Only to inform."

Across from him, the two elders exchanged a glance before lifting their cups in unison, taking a slow sip as if to steady the moment.

The bull beastman cleared his throat. "We understand, Your Divine Grace."

Ningyan’s expression tightened at the title, though he did not interrupt.

"You rose from a shattered core to stand among the strongest beings of the three realms," the elder continued. "Such a path is not walked without insight. We do not question your capability."

Ningyan gave a single, decisive nod. "Good."

He rose smoothly to his feet, sleeves falling into place. "Then this matter is concluded."

A polite dismissal, clear as a closing gate. "I wish you both a safe return to the Sky Palace."

He turned but before he could take a step, the deer beastwoman spoke. "Would you consider residing within the Sky Palace, Your Divine Grace?"

Ningyan paused.

"A domain befitting your status would be prepared. Attendants, resources, authority, anything you require."

Her voice remained composed, but the intent beneath it was undeniable. "Only one of your standing may claim such a place."

Ningyan turned back, a courteous smile touching his lips. "I appreciate the offer."

He inclined his head. "But I am... quite content where I am."

The two elders regarded Ningyan in silence, faint surprise flickering across their features as though they had just witnessed something unnatural.

After all, who would refuse the Sky Palace?

Yet Ningyan had. Without hesitation.

They did not press further.

Escorted by palace guards, the two elders withdrew, their figures soon disappearing beyond the grand hall.

Ningyan did not watch them leave.

He had already turned away.

Moving through the corridor, he stepped out onto the balcony, the night air brushing against his robes.

Above, fireworks bloomed across the sky in brilliant cascades of color, illuminating the heavens in fleeting bursts of gold and crimson.

Below, bright laughter.

The courtyard was alive.

Lan Meishan stood at the center, Xiao Miao perched atop his shoulders, clapping with delighted enthusiasm. Nearby, Mian and Ruo spun clumsily to the rhythm of distant music, their steps uneven but joyous.

Jun Haoxuan remained beside them, his usually composed demeanor softened as he joined in, clapping along in quiet amusement.

It was... peaceful. Warm.

Ningyan leaned against a pillar, his gaze softening.

"...It’s beautiful," he murmured.

"Isn’t it?" a voice came from behind.

Rong Yue stepped into view, his tiger ears flicking as he approached, his expression carrying a trace of curiosity. "Are they gone?"

Ningyan nodded. "They are."

Rong Yue exhaled softly. "Troublesome?"

"A little." Ningyan glanced at him. "But manageable."

Rong Yue shifted to stand at his side, then moved to the other, as though unwilling to remain in a single place for long.

"I told you to let me handle it," he said.

Ningyan gave him a look. "And what would you have done if they refused?"

Rong Yue opened his mouth, paused, then said, without shame, "I would have threatened them. And if that failed, I would have done what I threatened."

His lips curved. "Wuhen would have done the same."

Ningyan scoffed under his breath, shaking his head. "Uncivilized."

Rong Yue chuckled quietly.

Below, the laughter rose again, carried by the wind.

Ningyan’s gaze returned to the courtyard, his head tilting as he watched.

"...It’s beautiful."

Rong Yue did not look away from him.

"Yes," he said again. "Very beautiful."

Ningyan, unaware of the shift in tone, nodded absentmindedly. "It’s better than the mountains."

Rong Yue blinked. "What?"

Ningyan laughed lightly, a touch embarrassed. "That used to be my idea of paradise."

He reached out, patting Rong Yue’s shoulder before stepping past him and back into the hall.

The warmth lingered behind him. But the feeling did not follow him.

He walked with a shaking expression until he suddenly stopped. He lifted his hand and a feather made of gold and flame appeared in his palm. It pulsed in the dark hallway, burning brighter than before.

Ningyan’s pupils contracted. "...No."

The glow intensified.

His voice dropped to a whisper. "They’re here... In Fire City."