I alone am the Honoured One!-Chapter 859: Elven Star [2]

The ark drifted deeper into Elven Star's atmosphere and the engines hummed softly as Zhao tian looked at the breathtaking view.

Below, vast forests stretched endlessly, broken by rivers and beautiful lakes.

Zhao Tian stood silently at the command glass, his robes stirring faintly with the Yin energy that flowed freely through the atmosphere.

"It's almost… unreal," Xia Shenyi murmured in awe, looking at the breathtaking scenary.

Freya, however, did not share their ease.

She knew too well what it meant to open the barrier without official sanction.

The Everglade name carried weight, yes, but the Elven Council's vigilance was not something even she could dismiss.

The ark's holographic screen flickered suddenly and a soft crimson light washed over the command room as symbols flashed across the display: Unidentified forces detected. Incoming.

From the forward glass, Zhao Tian saw three smaller arks burst through the golden clouds, streaking toward them in formation.

"They're fast," Xia Shenyi muttered in amusement. "Already upon us."

Freya's voice lowered. "…Border forces."

Within moments, the three arks spread out, surrounding Zhao Tian's ark in a tight triangular formation.

The air itself shimmered as energy cannons extended from their sides, glowing faintly with azure light.

"Unidentified ark. You have breached Elven Star's sovereign barrier. Lower your shields, cut your engines, and prepare for boarding. Resistance will be met with annihilation."

Freya took a step forward and glanced at Zhao Tian "Please, don't act rashly. They're only following protocol. Allow me to speak with them."

She activated the comm channel, "This is Freya Arianwen Everglade, daughter of the Everglade Royal Clan. Authorization code, Seven-Silver-Rune. These are my guests, escorted by me personally. The barrier was opened by my hand."

There was silence on the other end, though the three border arks remained locked in position.

Moments later, another voice spoke "Freya Arianwen Everglade. Your presence is recognized. But by order of the Council, no outsiders may enter without sanction. You will return to the outer gate immediately. Hand over the intruders, or face immediate detainment."

Freya let out a soft sigh "These people..."

Zhao Tian chuckled softly beside her "They don't sound very welcoming."

Xia Shenyi tilted her head, "Should we break them, or talk our way through?"

Freya turned quickly, "No fighting! If you provoke them, the entire military will mobilize. Even with your strength, Tian, it will turn into war."

Turning on the comms, Freya spoke again "I am heir to the Royal Everglade Clan. I personally breached the barrier and escorted these guests. You will inform the Council that I have vouchsafed them entry."

"Send this notice to my mother, Sylmeria Arianwen Everglade. She will confirm my authorization." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

A few seconds passed and the comms from the outside ark cracked again "Authorization pending confirmation from the Council offices. Hold position for forty-eight seconds while we transmit and await reply. Any attempt to alter position will be treated as hostile."

And the forty-eight seconds quickly passed.

Then the comms returned, "Verification received. The Council recognizes the Everglade Heir's temporary endorsement. In accordance with Statute 7-A, Article 12, outsiders escorted under a recognized heir's authority may enter, provided they remain under an approved escort and submit to a brief disarmament protocol on approach."

"Do not exceed a velocity of six hundred knots. Land on the specified descent corridor. Any deviation will be intercepted."

Freya turned around and smiled dryly "There we go, it's just everyone is strict about not letting anyone in the star."

With a nod, Zhao Tian replied "Understandable, let's move."

The ark's shifted course as the ship decelerated to meet the corridor's speed constraints.

Holographic schematics of the descent corridor glowed into place on the command table, and small markers indicated escort waypoints flanked by elven sigils.

Outside, the three arks resettled into a protective pattern around their vessel.

As the ark threaded the descent corridor, Zhao Tian's gaze flicked once more to the planet below.

He looked back at Freya and gave her a small nod. "Thank you."

Shaking her head, she replied with a smile "As I said earlier, it is my duty, Tian."

...

The ark's descent grew slower and the trembling hum of its engines faded into a low purr as the clouds parted and the landscape below unfolded.

Zhao Tian's gaze softened as he looked through the viewport, as the faint blue of the atmosphere cast a glow over his face.

The moment they crossed into the lower atmosphere, a dense energy pressed against his body like invisible mist... Yin energy seeps through every breath and heartbeat.

Freya's eyes flickered in brief concern when she saw his shoulders tense "You feel it, don't you?" she asked softly.

Zhao Tian nodded. "It's… heavy. Every inch of this world breathes Yin essence."

Beside them, Xia Shenyi glanced out the window as she also felt the yin energy "No wonder men can't live here. The balance itself is hostile to them."

Freya turned to Zhao Tian and spoke "There are still no signs of any discomfort for youm right?"

He chuckled softly "Guess my constitution's not that fragile."

The ark glided into a vast landing platform, suspended above what looked like a city built entirely from living trees.

When the hatch opened, a wave of cool, fragrant air swept inside the ark, and the scent of blooming spirit flowers rushed in.

Zhao Tian stepped forward first, followed by Freya and Xia Shenyi.

The moment his boots touched the ground, the Yin essence around him seemed to pulse, probing him.

He exhaled slowly, centering his aura, and the probing sensation faded into a calm murmur.

Before they could take another step, a group of elven women stepped forward in formation.

They were clad in silver-green armor, their long ears adorned with faintly glowing runes.

The lead elf stepped forward and bowed deeply, "Princess Freya Arianwen Everglade. The Queen has received your message. Her Majesty commands that you and your guests be brought immediately to her presence."

Freya nodded her head "Thank you, Captain Eloria. Please inform my mother that we are on our way."

The elf nodded and gestured toward a sleek vessel resting on a nearby platform, which is smaller than their ark but exquisitely crafted.

As the escort prepared the vessel, Zhao Tian turned briefly toward their ark.

He raised a hand and, with a ripple of astral energy, the massive craft shrank into a beam of light before vanishing into his storage ring.

Freya smiled gently "Come. The Royal Ark will take us directly to the castle."

The three of them followed the elven guards onto the vessel.

Zhao Tian could feel the flow of Yin even more intensely here; it is more refined, concentrated, and almost intoxicating.

He glanced at Freya, who noticed his quiet discomfort.

"Don't resist it," she said gently. "Let your energy flow naturally. The more you fight, the harder it will feel."

He nodded slightly, closing his eyes for a moment, and guided his Yang energy into a gentle rhythm.

Through the transparent floor beneath them, they could see the world below.

As the Royal Ark began its ascent toward the towering palace that floated above the capital, Xia Shenyi leaned slightly forward, "So, we are about to meet your mother... the Queen of the Elves."

Freya's expression softened, though a trace of worry lingered in her eyes. "Yes, Queen Sylmeria. My mother… and the most powerful woman on this star."

She turned her gaze toward the shining citadel ahead "Let's just hope she's in a forgiving mood today."

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!