The Heavenly Emperor silently watched the small figure, his deep eyes full of relief and affection.
Mandala stroked the black flower in her palm. Her dark eyes met that familiar face, and ten thousand years of longing and hurt came pouring out.
She stepped lightly through the air and flew straight into the Heavenly Emperor's illusory embrace like a swallow returning to its nest.
The Heavenly Emperor caught her and wrapped his illusory sleeves gently around her. He patted her little head as he had once tended the young flower in the hills behind the Ancient Heavenly Palace, when it had endured so much and nearly withered away.
"My young friend." The Heavenly Emperor looked up at Han Feng, who hovered nearby. A note of pleading entered his clear voice. "This remnant of my soul is at the end of its strength. Only a lingering wish keeps it here. Before we part, please help me one last time."
Han Feng stood with his hands behind his back, then cupped them in reply. "Please tell me, Senior. If it is within my power, I will do my best."
The Heavenly Emperor lowered his head and gazed fondly at Mandala in his arms. "I wish to use the Heavenly Emperor Sword as a conduit and pass on all that remains of my lifetime's insight into the laws and the foundations of my true spirit. It should help her break through the limits of the Earth Supreme realm and ascend to Heavenly Supreme in one step."
After a brief pause, the Heavenly Emperor looked toward the shifting void ahead. "The transfer will surely bring forth a vast phenomenon and a heavenly tribulation. When that happens, experts from across the Daluo Territory and even the Northern Realm will come. I cannot be disturbed while