Chapter 389: Carnival day, Aleron concerns
On the main street, a grand parade unfolded with dazzling splendor. A massive dragon made of thousands of neon lights coiled among the spectators, its body glowing in alternating shades of blue, red, and gold. Its large, gleaming head moved slowly, as if alive, observing every person along the way.
Behind it, a giant shark-shaped balloon floated gracefully in the air. The balloon looked so realistic, as if it were swimming in the endless ocean of the sky. Beneath it, a troupe of dancers in shimmering costumes moved in perfect synchronization. Their movements followed the rhythm of traditional music fused with modern beats, creating an enchanting harmony.
On the sidewalks, a group of young people gathered, their faces filled with awe. Dressed casually, they watched the spectacle with eager excitement.
"Hahaha, it's so lively… I never thought I'd see something like this after moving from Earth," said a young woman with a wide smile and sparkling eyes. She seemed captivated, savoring every moment of the celebration.
"Yeah… I'm also moved to see this. All of this is thanks to Mr. Lein," replied her friend, another young woman, her eyes glistening with tears. A stream of joyful tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Come on, let's not miss out. Have the others arrived yet?"
They were just one of the thousands of youth groups joining in the festivities that day. Their destination was the Tree of Life Source, the center of the grand event scheduled to take place later that afternoon.
On one of the city streets, a large bus cruised steadily along a dedicated flying bus lane. Inside, dozens of families enjoyed the view through the wide-open bus windows, giving them a perfect vantage point to witness the excitement outside.
"Look… that giant balloon!" exclaimed a father to his daughter sitting beside him. The little girl, around five years old, gazed outside with wide, sparkling eyes.
"Daddy, what is that picture?" she asked curiously, her tiny finger pointing at a giant superhero-shaped balloon.
"That's called Spider-Man. He used to be a hero, like Mr. Lein," the father replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia, recalling his younger days watching Marvel movies. Continue your journey on empire
"I want one," said the girl pleadingly, her face full of hope.
"We'll get one tomorrow, okay?" the father replied with a smile.
"Promise?" The girl looked at her father with unwavering confidence.
"Promise."
Beside them, the mother watched the interaction with a gentle smile on her face. Her eyes glistened with emotion, filled with gratitude for this beautiful moment with her family. As she turned her gaze back to the window, her heart swelled with wonder at the extraordinary parade rarely seen.
This family was just one among thousands attending the grand event. They had chosen to use public transportation to reach the Tree of Life Source, where the main celebration would take place.
However, this joy wasn't limited to ordinary citizens. Government officials, community leaders, and alliance representatives from all corners also attended. A massive teleportation portal had been opened not far from the main city, providing access for residents from other alliances to join. Lein, in his wisdom, granted additional access to everyone to ensure smooth and unhindered movement.
Everyone, without exception, realized that this wasn't just a celebration but a symbol of unity and hope that Lein had built in this world.
***
Karang Ayar Hotel – Main Continent
Inside a spacious hotel room, a large bed with pristine white sheets dominated the space. Elegant ornaments adorned the walls and a table in the corner, reflecting a sophisticated charm. Near a large window overlooking the main street, a young man sat casually in an armchair.
His gaze was fixed on the bustling scene below, where the colorful and vibrant carnival parade unfolded.
Outside the window, flying objects moved incessantly. They carried goods, captured images, or transported passengers. Every movement entered Aleron's view, forming a living tableau that seemed to dance in the air. The lively sounds from the street below blended with the soft hum of modern machinery, creating a unique harmony.
Aleron's sharp eyes reflected deep admiration. The carnival lights dancing off the glass window played across his irises, revealing a rare warmth. It had been a very long time since he had witnessed something like this in his realm.
Even during his world's golden age, events like these were reserved only for high-level cultivators. Ordinary people were never allowed to participate, let alone enjoy them.
Aleron let out a long sigh, as if immersed in memories. In his original world, the existence of mortals was barely felt. They were mere shadows, rarely appearing before cultivators. But in this Divine Sky Realm, he saw them every day—walking the same streets, sharing the same spaces, even working together.
"This realm is so different from the others," he murmured softly, almost as if speaking to himself. "Although still relatively new and small, they live side by side."
Aleron recalled how sharply divided the classes were in the cultivation world. Low-level cultivators could only gaze from afar, never truly touching the world of the elites. But here, he saw something unimaginable.
Low-level workers collaborated with masters, sharing tasks and responsibilities without stark hierarchies. They appeared as equals, a sight almost impossible in his former world.
"Is it because Young Master Lein is truly revered?" Aleron tried to find a reason, his thoughts wandering between facts and speculation. He couldn't suppress his curiosity about a leader so influential that he could create such harmony.
While he was lost in thought, a knock on the door broke the silence.
Knock knock…
Aleron immediately shifted his gaze from the window. "Come in," he said briefly, his tone calm yet authoritative.
The door slowly opened, revealing an elderly man dressed in a neat white robe. His appearance was simple yet exuded dignity. Elder Wen stepped inside with light steps, each movement reflecting unwavering discipline. He approached Aleron and bowed respectfully before speaking.
"I bring a message from the Sect Leader, Sir," he said politely. From his hands, he produced a small scroll sealed neatly, which he then handed over to Aleron with great reverence.
Aleron accepted the scroll, his eyes scanning the seal briefly before opening it. As he read its contents, he asked without lifting his gaze, "How is it? Is everything ready?"
Previously, Aleron had submitted a request to the leader of the Life Swan Sect to establish cooperation between the Gunadu Realm and the Divine Sky Realm. He wanted the sect leader to prepare everything necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Furthermore, he had requested their presence directly in the Divine Sky Realm to partake in the grand event happening that day.
"All arrangements are ready, Sir. Our forces are currently in the process of teleportation," Elder Wen reported in a firm and confident tone.
Aleron nodded slowly, though his face showed that his mind was preoccupied with something else. "That crazy woman wants to come along," he said softly, followed by a long sigh laden with burden.
"Who, Sir? The Guardian of the Silent Forest Realm?" Elder Wen asked, his voice tinged with a surprise he couldn't entirely hide.
"Yes," Aleron replied, rubbing his forehead. "I don't know how she found out. But this will slightly undermine our position in Young Master Lein's eyes." His eyes, initially staring straight ahead, now dropped as if weighing solutions amid the deadlock.
He knew very well that Tauriel, the Guardian of the Silent Forest Realm, was not someone easy to deal with. Even though Aleron had many friends among the Guardians and had explored various realms throughout his life, he deliberately did not inform them of this plan. He wanted to be the first to establish cooperation with Lein, as that position would grant him strategic advantages in the future. Now, his perfect plan was threatened by Tauriel's involvement.
Elder Wen appeared deep in thought, recalling their past relations with the Silent Forest Realm. Their relationship wasn't hostile, but it was far from amicable. Every time they attempted cooperation, the Silent Forest Realm always demanded unreasonable compensation. If possible, they preferred to avoid involving Tauriel and her allies.
"What if we temporarily close the teleportation portal, Sir?" Elder Wen cautiously suggested, trying to offer a solution that might mitigate the problem.
"That's not an option," Aleron replied firmly, his tone indicating he didn't even need to think twice to reject the idea. "That crazy woman wouldn't hesitate to destroy our main continent if she felt obstructed," he continued with a tone of frustration.
The image of Tauriel filled his mind. The Guardian, although at the same level of strength as him, had an edge he couldn't ignore. If Tauriel truly became angry, the consequences could devastate everything.
"Alright," Aleron finally said after a long pause. "For now, let her come along." His sigh showed that the decision was made reluctantly. After all, one additional person wouldn't be a major issue—as long as it didn't create bigger conflicts.
"Prepare yourselves. We will head to the Tree of Life Source in an hour. Inform Elder Ming Zhao to welcome our sect members at the interrealm portal," Aleron commanded while gazing into the distance, as if seeking calm amidst his turbulent thoughts.
"Yes, Sir," Elder Wen replied, bowing before turning and leaving the room with steady steps.
Meanwhile, Aleron remained seated near the window. His gaze was blank, but his mind was filled with swirling worries. Tauriel—that name felt like a thorn in his side. He knew the woman was powerful, far stronger than him. If Tauriel decided to interfere, Aleron's position as the pioneer of cooperation with Lein could be displaced.
"Tauriel…" he murmured softly, his eyes still fixed on the parade in the distance. "What misstep did I take for you to find out?"