Seeing Yun Qingxue’s bewildered expression, A’Dai recounted the events of that day once more.
It turned out that just as A’Dai was about to successfully self-detonate his inner core, an overwhelmingly terrifying force suddenly invaded his body, halting his suicidal act.
And that force came from within Yun Qingxue herself.
How powerful was that force?
A’Dai said he believed it was strong enough to annihilate heaven and earth.
Under the control of such immense power, everyone’s self-detonation attempts were abruptly stopped.
And those wicked bat demons, crushed by that overwhelming force, were instantly reduced to ashes, their souls scattered to the winds!
“Master, because I am not of your race, I couldn’t sense the origin of that power. I could only infer from the feeling that it came from within you.
But Zhu Tao and the others all said that the tremendous power belonged to the Flower King’s Token! It was the power contained within the Flower King’s Token.
Although I am of the aquatic race, I’ve heard of the Flower-Wood Clan’s affairs.
The Flower King’s Token… wasn’t it lost during the reign of the previous Flower King?”
“The Flower King’s Token…” Yun Qingxue frowned. She truly couldn’t remember the final events of that day.
All she remembered was the deep-seated hatred, helplessness, and despair she had felt.
That feeling was too agonizing!
Yun Qingxue swore she would grow stronger quickly…
Because she had experienced that feeling far too many times and never wanted to feel it again!
“By the way, A’Dai, how did you… become so huge just now?” Yun Qingxue suddenly recalled how she had almost failed to recognize A’Dai earlier.
“Master, after you fell unconscious that day, the poison in my body remained.
Fortunately, though your power annihilated those bat demons, their inner cores were left intact!
Zhu Tao retrieved the old bat demon’s inner core and had me consume it. Not only did it cure my poison, but that single core also greatly enhanced my cultivation.
So, my body grew along with it.”
A’Dai spoke cheerfully, “I believe it won’t be long before I can transform into human form!”
“That’s wonderful!” Yun Qingxue smiled.
Just then, the door to the room was pushed open, and Daise, looking somewhat haggard, stood at the entrance. Seeing Yun Qingxue standing there, her eyes immediately brightened.
“Master! You’re finally awake!”
Confusion reappeared on Yun Qingxue’s face. From Daise’s tone, it sounded as though she had been asleep for a long time?
“Master, you’ve been asleep for ten days and nights,” A’Dai quickly explained.
Yun Qingxue raised an eyebrow, never imagining that in the blink of an eye, ten days had silently slipped away.
“Everyone has been very worried about you, Master. I’ll go inform them!” Daise said with a smile before turning and running out.
Outside, a clear soprano voice instantly rang out—”The Flower King has awakened—!”
As soon as the voice faded, a thunderous sound of footsteps followed, like a stampede of ten thousand horses.
In just a few breaths, led by the brothers Zhu Tao and Zhu Bai, over a dozen people crowded into the small room.
Yun Qingxue looked at the sea of heads outside the door, realizing that if the space weren’t so limited, everyone would have come in—far more than just this dozen or so.
“Master, do you feel any discomfort in your body?” Zhu Tao immediately stepped forward, kneeling on one knee and grasping Yun Qingxue’s wrist.
“Uh… I’m fine. Sorry for worrying everyone.”
Zhu Tao smiled and released her wrist. “Master, what are you saying? That day, it was our failure to protect you that shames us!
Fortunately, your constitution is strong, and your cultivation is profound. Now that you’re unharmed,
otherwise, even ten thousand deaths wouldn’t absolve our guilt!”
“Long live the Flower King!”
“Long live the Flower King!”
“Long live the Flower King!”
The people inside and outside the room suddenly erupted into cheers.
Yun Qingxue smiled awkwardly and said to Zhu Tao, “Stop talking about ten thousand deaths being insufficient. As your king, failing to protect you is my greatest dereliction of duty!”
“The Flower King will forever be the aspiration in our hearts, the faith we strive with all our might to protect!”
Zhu Tao knelt and prostrated himself before Yun Qingxue in a grand gesture of reverence.
The others outside followed suit, kneeling and performing the same grand salute.
“All of you, rise first,” Yun Qingxue said, gesturing faintly.
Zhu Tao stood up respectfully.
Yun Qingxue’s gaze lingered on him.
Zhu Tao turned to the clansmen who had followed him in and announced in a clear voice, “The Flower King has just awakened from her slumber and should not be overly disturbed.
Moreover, everyone’s health has yet to fully recover. Let us disperse for now!”
“Your subordinates take their leave!” The crowd bowed knowingly and retreated as swiftly as they had arrived.
Only Zhu Tao and Zhu Bai remained.
Once everyone had left, Zhu Tao spoke with composed reverence, “Does the Master have any private orders for this subordinate?”
Yun Qingxue gave Zhu Tao an approving look. He had discerned her intention from just a glance, swiftly dismissing the crowd—his perceptiveness was indeed remarkable.
“There’s nothing to order, but I do have a few questions for you,” she said.
“Master, please ask. This subordinate will hold nothing back!” Zhu Tao clasped his fists in response.
Yun Qingxue nodded. “A’Dai said that day, it was I who saved you all, and the power that rescued you came from the Flower King’s Token. Is that true?”
“Indeed,” Zhu Tao replied with a smile. “Originally, we all believed the Flower King’s Token of our Flower-Wood Clan had been lost for millennia. Who could have imagined it was still in your possession, Master? This is truly a joyous occasion!”
“How did you determine it was the power of the Flower King’s Token?” Yun Qingxue pressed.
Zhu Tao smiled. “Has the Master forgotten? Every subject of the Flower-Wood Clan, whether enlightened or not, possesses an innate instinct to sense the Flower King and the Flower King’s Token!
Of course, this sensing ability usually depends on whether the Master permits us to feel her presence.
But when the Master does not intentionally let us sense her, the only time we can perceive her on our own is when she employs her magical power.
The same applies to the Flower King’s Token. Normally, we cannot sense its aura, but when the token is activated, we can feel that profound stirring and yearning from the depths of our souls.”
“But…” Yun Qingxue murmured, “the Flower King’s Token isn’t on me…”
“How can that be?” Zhu Tao’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That day, every one of us distinctly sensed the power and majesty of the Flower King’s Token.
And that power undeniably emanated from you, Master! This subordinate trusts his senses—they could not have been wrong!
And even if I were mistaken… it’s impossible for all of us to be wrong at the same time!”
“That’s right, Master. I sensed it too—that awe-inspiring power.”
“So did I!”
Zhu Bai and Daise chimed in as well.
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