After returning to the camp alongside Lady Zhuoran, Wang Jian basked in the euphoria of victory.
The atmosphere was charged with jubilation as both humans and beasts reveled in their triumph over the demonic forces.
A feast was prepared, featuring an array of exotic delicacies and the finest wines, as a symbol of their well-deserved celebration.
Laughter and stories filled the air, as tales of heroism and valor intertwined with the clinking of glasses and the delightful aroma of the feast.
Amidst the revelry, Wang Jian's attention turned to the five remarkable women who had harnessed the power of the enigmatic Elemental Sparks to ascend to the coveted King Realm.
Two of them were loyal to Wang Jian's faction, two belonged to Wang Ying's faction, and the remaining one was aligned with Wang Hao's faction.
As their cultivation bases were still in the process of consolidation, they consumed potent qi-infused pellets to bolster their strength.
The energy within these women fluctuated, akin to a dance of power, oscillating between surges and lulls. It was a delicate balance that required their unwavering focus.
The warriors understood the importance of stabilizing their energy flow, ensuring that their attacks resonated with unwavering might when the time came to defend their newfound cultivation realm.
Simultaneously, Wang Jian entrusted the task of securing the cavernous abode harboring the precious Ebon Void Essence Ore Mine to the trusted Liu Family.
His paramount concern was to safeguard these invaluable resources from falling into the wrong hands, preserving their potential for the benefit of their cause.
In a moment of reflection, Wang Jian decided to seize the opportunity to discuss the significance of the mine with Stella during a private meeting.
With a sense of anticipation, he walked towards Stella's position, eager to engage in a conversation that held both strategic importance and the potential to deepen their connection.
Meanwhile, Stella, having successfully resealed the dormant Elemental Sparks within their designated pits, turned her attention to fortifying their containment.
Utilizing a collection of rare and potent materials retrieved from her vast storage, she meticulously crafted a formidable two-layered barrier.
This intricately designed array possessed the ability to not only absorb incoming attacks but also redirect them with an equal measure of force, effectively repelling any threat and preserving the sanctity of the Elemental Sparks.
"Stella, I have urgent news to share," Wang Jian's countenance exuded seriousness, capturing her attention.
Curiosity sparked within Stella as she responded, attempting to decipher Wang Jian's intentions. "Seventh Prince, is this about the mark? Rest assured, I will present it to you as promised."
Wang Jian's chuckle resonated with a mix of confidence and amusement. "I have complete faith in your dedication to our agreement. However, the matter I wish to disclose pertains to a momentous discovery made by my faction—a mine housing the elusive Ebon Void Essence Ore."
As Stella absorbed the weight of Wang Jian's revelation, her brows furrowed, sensing the underlying motive behind his visit. The realization dawned upon her: he sought to secure control of the mine.
"I understand the significance this mine holds for you. While I remain oblivious to its specific application, I beseech you to allow my faction exclusive access to its resources while keeping its existence hidden from my siblings' factions," Wang Jian's eloquent words resonated with determination.
Intrigued by his plea, Stella couldn't help but inquire, "But why, Seventh Prince? What compels you to make such a request?"
A smile, laced with a hint of satisfaction, adorned Wang Jian's face as he embarked on an explanation, unveiling his strategic vision. "Consider this, Stella—while you and your loyal comrades possess formidable power, repelling demonic forces unaided would prove a daunting task. Yet, imagine confronting human forces. Their might would present an even greater challenge, endangering the lives of your comrades unless an escape plan is readily available."
Allowing his words to sink in, Wang Jian continued with unwavering conviction, "I am willing to become that escape plan. Through the expertise of my faction's adept individuals, we can harness the rare resources of this mine to construct teleportation formations. These formations will ensure a safe passage, leading directly to a forest under my clan's meticulous guardianship."
Stella found herself taken aback by Wang Jian's unexpected proposal, acknowledging the sensibility concealed within his words.
She recognized that Wang Jian's reluctance to share these resources with his rivals in the battle for the throne was only natural—an aspiration she respected.
"You present a logical and compelling argument, Seventh Prince," Stella acknowledged genuinely, her voice filled with sincerity.
"Moreover, once I fulfill my pledge and present you with my mark, our alliance shall transcend time, uniting our factions indefinitely. I confess, the prospect of having a foolproof escape plan, guiding me to the sanctuary managed by your faction, brings me profound solace."
With a nod of appreciation, Wang Jian affirmed, his smile growing wider. "Thank you, Stella. I also request your consent to allow human presence within your sacred dominion, facilitating the extraction of these invaluable resources. Such cooperation will undoubtedly serve our collective interests."
Stella's response was swift and resolute. "Certainly, Seventh Prince. I foresee no impediments in granting your request."
Wang Jian, desiring to prolong their conversation, called upon a nearby beast attendant to procure some wine. A striking black and white rabbit, though physically feeble, swiftly heeded Wang Jian's command, darting off in search of the requested libations.
The rabbit returned bearing two delicate glasses accompanied by a sizable jar brimming with the legendary monkey wine, known for its potency and rich flavor.
As the golden liquid cascaded into their glasses, Wang Jian and Stella partook in the nectar of the gods, their senses enlivened with each sip.
Immersed in the ambiance of their exchange, they found themselves deeply engaged in dialogue, their words intertwined with the vibrant notes of the wine.
With each passing moment, Stella found herself captivated by Wang Jian's company, finding solace in his attentive presence.
As the monkey wine coursed through her veins, she felt a sense of liberation, opening up about the intricacies of her life within the forest's embrace.
Wang Jian, an attentive listener, delved into Stella's revelations, cherishing the opportunity to understand the depths of her experiences.
Through their conversation, their connection grew, transcending the confines of their current circumstances.
As the midnight hour approached, casting an ethereal glow upon the land, Stella found herself growing weary, her eyes heavy with the weight of slumber. She mustered the strength to express her gratitude to Wang Jian before bidding farewell to their heartfelt conversation.
"Seventh Prince, it has been an extraordinary pleasure conversing with you. I cannot recall the last time I had the fortune of engaging in such stimulating discourse with someone as remarkable as yourself," Stella expressed, her voice soft but brimming with sincerity.
"Your attentive ear, quick wit, and playful banter have truly elevated my spirits. I find myself wishing for a world where we can freely converse without the constraints of duty and responsibility. But alas, I understand the demands that accompany your role as the Seventh Prince of the Everlasting Mystic Empire, and the obligations that await you."
With a gentle smile gracing her lips, Stella continued, "However, I hope that you will visit me from time to time. With the mark bestowed upon you, you will possess the ability to teleport to a designated location within this sacred dominion. It should be effortless for you to grace me with your presence."
Wang Jian's face lit up with genuine delight as he responded, his eyes shimmering with sincerity, "I, too, have thoroughly enjoyed listening to your captivating tales. Despite your tender age, you have borne the weight of becoming the Queen of your race and the caretaker of these magnificent beasts. Even in the absence of formidable strength, you have shouldered the immense burden of earning the respect and trust of your loyal comrades. I can only imagine the trials you have faced. However, Stella, I, Wang Jian, the Seventh Prince of the Everlasting Mystic Empire, make this solemn promise: I will forever stand as your unwavering ally. Whatever challenges you encounter, be they trivial or monumental, know that you can always rely on me for assistance. I will be by your side, without hesitation."
Wang Jian's heartfelt vow elicited a radiant smile from Stella, her countenance illuminated by the moon's gentle radiance.
In that moment, she exuded an ethereal beauty that captivated Wang Jian's gaze, causing his eyes to linger upon her face.
"Very well, let us make our way back," Wang Jian suggested, breaking the spell of the moonlit reverie.
Side by side, they strolled toward the camp, their steps accompanied by the symphony of nature, echoing their newfound bond and the promises shared beneath the watchful gaze of the full moon.
A surge of exhilaration coursed through Stella's veins as she reminisced about Wang Jian's solemn promise. The depth of trust she felt for him swelled within her, prompting her to take immediate action.
Upon her return to the camp, she planned to ask her loyal comrades and issue a command: prepare the altar for the ceremonial presentation of her mark to Wang Jian.
While Stella could have directly presented the mark to Wang Jian without any elaborate ceremony, she understood the significance of the occasion.
By conducting the ritual, the spiritual energy that Wang Jian's spirit would gain from the mark would be amplified to its fullest potential, unlike the meager fraction he would receive without it. The legends of the Butterfly Spirit Race stated that the difference of spiritual energy that the individual receives would be as wide as ten times.
Naturally, this ceremony was shrouded in utmost secrecy, reserved exclusively for Stella's most trusted allies and Wang Jian's closest confidants.
The exclusivity of the event meant that members of Wang Ying's and Wang Hao's factions would receive their marks from the esteemed members of the Butterfly Spirit Race before being discreetly asked to withdraw from the proceedings.
Within the sacred confines of the private ceremony, Stella and Wang Jian would solidify their alliance in a sacred union of trust and mutual respect.
