My Celestial Ascension Chapter 930: Nerith’s Anxiety

"Are you a cultivator?"

Her sharp gaze fixed on him as she awaited his response. Memories flooded back of how easily he had overpowered her during their fight.

No regular person could exhibit such immense power. Besides, Yuan manipulated Qi rather than Mana, and the vast reserves inside him seemed endless.

Having heard about these fearsome entities, Isolde refused to rule out the chance that Yuan was one himself.

A smirk played on Yuan's lips at her inquiry, and he inched nearer, his eyes meeting hers intensely. "What do you think?"

After locking eyes with him for a few moments, Isolde at last voiced her thoughts. "Your power surpasses anything I've ever seen. An average individual couldn't hold such might. Plus, humans aren't meant to handle Qi."

"A human commanding Qi with boundless strength... given all you've shared about cultivators, how could I view you as anything but special?"

"Is that your view of me these days?" Yuan let out a light chuckle, wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her nearer.

"That's just the reality. You're a cultivator—one who challenges the heavens. Words fail me... you're truly remarkable," she answered, her gaze brimming with awe.

Deep down, she believed Yuan was fated for immense achievements. One day, his abilities would rock the very foundations of the world.

The impending battle with the Undead King and his vast army of millions would only scratch the surface of his true potential.

Over the following minutes, Yuan delved deeper into cultivation's essentials—its basics, levels, and the benefits it bestowed upon its followers.

Isolde absorbed his words in awestruck quiet. Starting then, her whole understanding of reality transformed completely.

More than twenty minutes passed before she could fully grasp what he'd revealed. The notion that Qi might elevate a mortal to immortality via cultivation exceeded her boldest dreams.

Still, the evidence was right there—his embrace holding her, his aura firm and commanding.

Following a lengthy silence, she whispered, "Could I become a cultivator as well?"

"Absolutely, you can," Yuan assured her with a sure grin. "Your rigorous practice has already built a solid base. With a cultivation method under your belt, you'll start collecting Spiritual Energy in your dantian."

"Once you start your practice, your possibilities will know no bounds," he added.

"In our family, everyone except Nyx and Selvariel practices cultivation. Lady Yuyan stands as the mightiest. She entered the Divine Realm ages ago."

"T-The Divine Realm... Her power must be beyond comprehension. Nothing in this realm could match her," Isolde burst out, gulping down her anxiety.

"That's correct. What elevates her further is her status as a Divine Beast—a Dragon," Yuan stated evenly.

"Dragons boast physiques superior to all other species. Even sans cultivation, her innate might could shatter those so-called deities."

"Pair that with Divine Realm cultivation, and she's virtually invincible here. Luckily, she's confined in a private realm. Should anyone truly provoke her... the fallout would defy description." A subtle iciness tinged Yuan's words despite his smile.

Upon hearing this, Isolde gulped heavily. Her face grew a bit ashen, a light sheen of perspiration appearing on her forehead.

"And the lady with dark horns and hair blending crimson and black? Is she a Divine Beast too?"

"Correct. Xi Meili is a Dragon as well. Not merely any—she bears the bloodline of a Primordial Dragon. She's among the most arrogant existences across the globe." Yuan answered with a subtle grin.

"Incredible..." Isolde rested against him, swallowing her unease, shock evident on her face.

"No need to fret; she'll be like a sister to you now that you're with me. That said, mind your words around her. Her mind is still childish, so riling her up could lead to trouble." He cautioned, concerned Xi Meili might react wildly if Isolde misspoke.

"Be yourself with her, and she'll be warm toward you. Only Fang Xiaoyan can tease her safely without peril."

A while after, Yuan and Isolde joined Anna Grace and the rest in their leisure spot. With no other tasks, they merely conversed idly.

The moment Anna Grace and the group spotted Yuan and Isolde drawing near, they shared sly looks right away.

Isolde settled onto the couch, offering Anna Grace and the others a bashful grin. Embarrassment tinged her as she met their eyes, aware they'd soon be her kin.

"Apologies for the delay. I hope holding Yuan from you didn't trouble anyone." She uttered softly, striving to keep a serene and poised demeanor.

"No issue at all. We're quite content." Mireya jumped in before others, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.

Surprise showed plainly on Nerith's face as she regarded Isolde. She was stunned that the cunning vampire had pursued Yuan so boldly, sidelining her without a second thought.

’This is... unbelievable. Is this the same Countess Isolde? She appears utterly smitten...’ Nerith pondered, left dumbfounded.

’Maybe I should... pursue him too? But what if my looks repel him? Scars riddle my skin... it's unsightly.’ Her face wavered between doubt and subtle dread.

Countless scars from battles adorned her form—proof of her trials, unyielding drive to advance, and offerings to the Demonic Empire.

She had to face the stark fact that her figure appeared grotesque and unappealing. No man would crave a woman marred by such skin markings.

This very reason had kept Nerith from advancing. Doubt eroded her assurance in gaining Yuan's affection, convinced her scars would drive him off.

"Princess Nerith, you appear unwell. What's weighing on you?"

A sudden voice echoed, yanking her from her reverie. She turned to find Yuan watching her with real worry in his stare.

"Nothing at all... Don't concern yourself with me." She responded, her tone remote and tinged with subdued sorrow.

Abruptly, she rose and exited the chamber, baffling the others with her sudden departure—Isolde especially seemed confounded.

"Darling, go speak with her. Stay by her side... she seems troubled." Anna Grace advised with a keen, insightful glance, as though she fully grasped Nerith's inner turmoil.

Yuan accepted without protest. He trusted his mother's intent in urging him toward Nerith. He'd also sensed, subconsciously, that Nerith was fostering affections for him.

Moreover, his sentiments mirrored hers. It felt like their paths were meant to cross—ordained to share each other's company. Such was the sensation from their initial encounter.

Thus, Yuan followed Nerith silently.

—

Nerith positioned herself at the lovely lake rear of the fortress, contemplating the moon's glow dancing on the waves.

A gentle wind caressed her face, softly tousling her flowing locks. An odd ache seized her chest—an unfamiliar torment—like an unseen blade had stabbed it.

"This feels so bewildering... Why does my heart seem to shatter? Falling apart... gradually fading to nothing..." She whispered low, raising her sight to the glowing moon, as though seeking its reply to her unspoken query.