Chapter 2463: Seal

“It’s a valkyrie’s teardrop?” Zu An was taken aback. He hadn’t expected that to be the Asura race’s power insignia.

The Asura King nodded. “Our Asura race reveres war, but in our long history, she is the only one whom we deem a valkyrie.”

Zu An hadn’t known the Asura race for long, but he could tell they were proud individuals. A person whom they acknowledged to be a valkyrie had to be truly outstanding.

Princess Ni Huang added, “Our Asura race respects warlike traits like valiance and courage. Tears are deemed to be a symbol of weakness, even for women. Most Asuras never tear up in their entire life, yet she, despite being a valkyrie, shed this teardrop. You can imagine how precious it is.”

Zu An suddenly recalled how Princess Ni Huang hadn’t teared up even though her eyes had reddened. She couldn’t cry even when her close kinsman was facing impending death. This showed just how much of a taboo it was for Asuras to shed tears.

“Then wouldn’t it be considered a disgrace for the valkyrie to have shed a tear?” Zu An asked.

“It is indeed peculiar. There are many speculations about why the valkyrie shed the tear. Some say it was a tear of joy after defeating the Celestials. Some say she was grieving from the death of her lover...” Princess Ni Huang listed several reasons, but in the end, she laughed. “If you ask me, I’d say those are all nonsense. None of these fit the valkyrie’s character. They are all just guesses from nosy people. It’s a pity no one knows the true reason anymore.”

Zu An was more focused on acquiring the Six Paths’ power insignias, so he didn’t probe deeper into the reason behind the valkyrie’s tear. He took the seal and carefully stowed it away. “Rest assured that the forging process won't damage the seal. I’ll return it to you once the forging is completed.”

He had considered collecting the other power insignias first before borrowing this seal from the Asura race, but on second thought, it was possible for something to happen to the Asura race in the meantime, or for the Asura King to suddenly change his mind. It was safer for him to keep it with him.

The Asura King didn’t mind that. “You have saved not only me, but the entire Asura race. If you succeed in your endeavor, our Asura race can be freed from this goddamn place. That is a far greater favor. This seal is nothing in comparison.”

Zu An chuckled. “Put your mind at ease. I’ll do my best to free you from the underworld.”

𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Princess Ni Huang also spoke up. “Big brother Necropolis, I really want to travel with you, but I think I’ll have to stay behind to take care of my royal brother and ensure no one tries anything funny in the Asura race in the meantime.”

Being called ‘big brother Necropolis’ made Zu An’s eyelids twitch, though he was also glad that Princess Ni Huang couldn’t follow him. “Take good care of your brother. I’ll do my best to find the medicine, though...”

The Asura King revealed a gracious smile. “Don’t worry about it. I was already doomed to die, so I’m already thankful to have a shot at survival. Whether you find the medicine or not is up to chance. If it doesn’t work out, I only have my fate to blame.”

Zu An was amazed by the other party’s magnanimity. “Your words put my mind at ease. I’ll be taking my leave then!”

Princess Ni Huang saw him off. Even when they finally parted ways, she remained rooted on the spot while vehemently waving him off, reluctant to see him leave.

Zu An glanced at her with many thoughts in his mind. He had several words at the tip of his tongue, but none came out.

Leaving the Eye of the Ocean, he heard an ethereal yet familiar melody—it was 'Scenery of Home'. In the distance, he saw a beautiful figure strumming a harp, her movements so graceful that they were a feast for the eyes.

Zu An slowed his footsteps for fear of interrupting her. Mermaids were naturally gifted in music. Despite only having heard the melody once, the Mermaid Queen played it with far greater skill and emotion than him.

It was then that the Mermaid Queen noticed him. She was initially stunned, before tossing her Deep Sea Harp aside to leap into his chest, tightly embracing him. Her usually composed voice sounded hoarse as she exclaimed, “I thought you wouldn’t come back!”

Zu An’s arms hung awkwardly in mid-air. He hadn’t expected her to have such a huge reaction. Feeling her trembling body and the dampness on his clothes, he let out a sigh.

Now I know why Gu Long said that a woman’s tears are the most formidable weapon in the world!

Despite knowing it was inappropriate, he couldn’t bring himself to callously push her away. His awkward hands hesitated for a few seconds before gently stroking her back.

However, his reciprocation only brought out the grievances the Mermaid Queen had felt over the past few days, and she cried even harder than before.

Zu An panicked.

Why is she crying even harder now?

Little droplets wouldn’t stop falling from the Mermaid Queen’s cheeks, as if she was made of water. She cried for a long time before slowly regaining her composure.

She then wiped away her tears while awkwardly tidying the hair strands sticking to her cheeks. “Was I very ugly just now?”

“No, you were beautiful.” Zu An wasn’t lying. Most beauties looked ugly when they cried, but the Mermaid Queen still looked like an impeccable work of art that could evoke the sympathy of any spectators.

His compliment made the Mermaid Queen’s cheeks redden. She quickly lifted his arms and examined his body, asking, “Did you sustain any injuries while down there?”

Zu An felt warmth in his heart. “Don’t worry, I’m fine. You must have been afraid, waiting here for the last few days.”

“I’m not afraid of those monsters. I was more afraid that you wouldn’t be coming back,” the Mermaid Queen replied as her eyes reddened once more.

“Look, aren’t I back now? It was a fruitful trip. I received many answers to my previous doubts,” Zu An hurriedly replied, fearing she would cry once more.

“What’s beyond the Eye of the Ocean?” The Mermaid Queen’s curiosity got the better of her. “And what’s the background of those monsters from before?”

“They are the Shaman races...” Zu An quickly filled her in about what happened.

But the Mermaid Queen keenly sensed something. “That Princess Ni Huang must be gorgeous, right?”

Looking into her beautiful eyes, Zu An felt flustered, though he quickly shrugged it off as nonsense.

It’s not as if she’s my girlfriend, and there’s nothing going on between me and Princess Ni Huang either.

Even so, he didn’t give her a direct answer. “The Asuras pride themselves on their strength and valor. Looks are of secondary importance to them.”

The Mermaid Queen nodded in satisfaction. “So, where do you intend to find those power insignias?”

“I’ll make a trip to the Fiend races' territory first.” Zu An was curious about Yumen Beiqing, and there were many questions in his mind that needed her answers.

He grabbed the Mermaid Queen’s hand and flew up with her. All of a sudden, however, his expression twisted. The previously damaged seals had been repaired from outside!