Eyes narrowed, Adam read the introduction aloud.
A stunned silence followed his words as Wei’s pupils constricted. He covered his mouth with a trembling hand, questions raging in his mind. The bloodline of House Reverie? The council? Did his ancestors stumble on this book by chance? Could Adam really read the blank pages, or was he messing with him?
The answers struck him like a lightning bolt from the person he least expected.
Qing pointed at the second page, where a painting of the author gazed back at her. Her grip loosened on Adam’s head, and she almost toppled from his shoulders. "They have pink eyes like me!"
She giggled as Adam caught her and settled her back onto his shoulders, her eyes never leaving the elegant blond man in the painting.
He had long, straight hair that curled at the tips like arabesques, framing a dream-like handsomeness. She imagined his frilled white shirt rustling, his long dark coat lined with golden embroideries flapping in the wind, and the thuds of his cane with each step he took.
After a year with the witch, she could tell the cane was more than a walking device, especially with the pink symbols snaking its sleek surface. Even more striking were the claws clutching a fist-sized gem at its top.
"Is this a mage’s staff? So pretty..." A soft gasp escaped her lips.
"It is." Closing the book, Adam scrutinised Qing.
Mana ignited in his sky-blue eyes, organs, bones, and veins appearing in his vision. Everything worked in perfect harmony—except for her missing dan tian.
’So the witch hadn’t fed on it. She never had one to begin with.’
Though he hadn’t paid attention earlier, he began to have doubts after rescuing the children. But now that he knew what to look for, the ethereal circuits superimposed on her veins reflected in his gaze. Unlike his chaotic ones, hers seemed intangible and fleeting. Even more startling, he only saw a weak dan tian rest in Wei’s abdomen.
Questions popped into his mind, but he dismissed them with a shake of his head. Settling the children first, then read the grimoire.
He patted Wei’s shoulder while tearing space open with his other hand. "Forget about it for now. It’s time to meet new friends and pick your new homes."
He turned toward the grinning children, who gazed at him with eyes burning in anticipation. "You, too, or I can drop you off at your parents."
They shook their heads, lips twisting in unison. Parents who had sold them? Never again! Just like that, they left the remains of the Verdant Peak sect to step into a world of wonders that forced the very breath out of them.
Amidst the verdant forests, howls of magical tigers, hiss of colossal serpents, and thundering caws of birds broad enough to drown their short figures in their shadows, they huddled themselves against each other for comfort.
Even Wei staggered back before Adam chuckled.
"You’re safe in my blessed land. Look behind you."
They all turned, their eyes widening at a city of towering buildings, each casting a soft light that set the night sky aglow.
With a mysterious grin, Adam walked down the streets, gesturing for them to follow. He heard them question every building, cog, and poster, but didn’t answer. Rather, he wouldn’t steal the pleasure from Misha after all the trouble she went through to make her city as perfect as possible.
Thinking about her, he spotted her at the foot of the city hall, deep in conversation with William about management and other tedious matters he couldn’t be bothered to follow.
Fortunately, Misha’s nose scrunched, and she snapped in his direction. A smile crept onto her face before it froze. Her eyes darted between the twenty children and Wei, then narrowed at Qing, who hugged Adam’s head on his shoulders.
The atmosphere became heavy enough for William to step back as she pursed her lips. "A lost bird seems to have found shelter in your hair." Her voice hardened. "Let me help you get it off."
As she approached, Qing’s grip tightened around Adam’s head.
"No!" She yelled, sizing up Misha’s immaculate skin and perfect figure. "I admit it, big sister, you’re a beauty. But so am I! I’ll marry big brother, so find another man!"
A feral glint flashed in Misha’s eyes. "Marry?" She tilted her head, tossing her hair with a dismissive voice. "I wish you the best of luck—no, a miracle."
Then she glared at Adam. "Can you explain what this is all about and why you let her spout such nonsense?"
"I already told her that’s not happening..." Adam watched the two girls scowl at each other with a sigh.
Misha and William frowned when he talked about the witch, nodded at Qing’s recovery, then hissed upon learning about her parents and the children’s trafficking network managed by the Verdant Peak sect. Finally, they sighed in relief upon learning he had destroyed it.
While Misha gazed at the emaciated children in pity, William raised his fists in victory. "I can’t believe a mage single-handedly destroyed a sect. There’ll be consequences, though."
"They’ll have to find me first." Adam shrugged. "Back to business. Wei is dedicated and trustworthy. He can help you manage the city."
To his surprise, William shook his head. "I’m an archmage."
"So?" Adam rolled his eyes.
William’s eyes narrowed. "He’s a cultivator. Even if I set my feelings aside, he’s weak. Hierarchy must be upheld or chaos will follow."
Wei lowered his face, agreeing with William.
But Adam didn’t. "A hierarchy enforced by strength—is that what you want? Look closely. This is Misha’s city, a blank page waiting to be painted in bright colors. I won’t let your prejudices taint it. Understood, mister archmage?"
William shuddered. "On what basis do you want to judge people if not by their strength and attainment?"
Adam didn’t answer. Instead, he watched Misha’s lips curl into a bright smile.
She nodded at him, then turned to William. "On their merits..." She pulled her tongue out. "And I appoint whoever I want, anyway."
Eyes wide, William let out an amused laugh. "I guess so. You’re the boss, after all. On a more serious note, I’m curious to see how the city will develop with your strange rules."
He waved at Wei, a hint of hostility in his voice. "I’ll show you around before we discuss what you can do in my office."
"Leave it for tomorrow." Adam picked Qing from his shoulders with a mana hand.
The girl gasped as she felt her Keep reading on NovelHub - where stories come alive! She gazed at Wei with her bright pink eyes, the disappointment of leaving Adam fading into a warm hug.
Adam watched the duo whisper for a moment before he asked them to help the other children pick an apartment. Then, he left for his palace with Misha, whose tall frame reached for the sky because she... decided to sit on his shoulders. Not that it bothered him, aside from his slightly flushed face.
Back in his room after a light meal, he slid under the blankets, holding Misha’s warm hand. They talked for a moment before she leaned her head against his chest and closed her golden eyes. The rhythmical melody of her breath and the softness of her touch kept him company as he retrieved the grimoire.
AN: My head’s killing me. I underestimated the period of convalescence...
Keep reading on NovelHub - where stories come alive!(c)om