Teacher by day, Farmer by passion

"But it's too late," Queen Arlen said grimly.

"The traps are already set. Dismantling and retrieving them would take a week. If we don't use them now, this entire operation becomes nothing more than gift-wrapping our traps to be used for slaughtering our own soldiers. I cannot afford that."

Ace's gaze sharpened. "And you can afford to risk your soldiers' lives instead? Are you truly willing to make that call?"

Arlen didn't answer immediately. Silence stretched between them like a taut wire. Then she turned slowly to her guards.

"Gather the army—" she paused midway, clenched her jaw, then changed her mind. "No. There's no time. Send word to the generals instead. Tell them everything."

One of the guards blinked. "Everything… Your Majesty?"

She nodded solemnly. "Tell them a Divine Step cultivator leads the enemy. Tell them this might be the end. We can either retreat and preserve what we can… or fight and fall as warriors."

Ace stared at her, speechless.

Then Arlen added, voice quieter now, "Tell the soldiers: those who wish to survive may retreat. I will not fault them."

Lily, who had been swaying playfully on the breeze, straightened with a soft frown. Even she didn't have a quip ready for that.

Ace looked back at the Queen. "And what about you, Your Majesty?"

She dismounted.

And as her boots touched the earth, her cultivation surged, rising like a storm, layer upon layer of power unfurling until it reached the peak of Legend Rank.

The air thickened. Even Lily's smile slipped slightly.

"I will fight," Queen Arlen said. Her tone had shifted—cool, composed, resolute. "If we must fall, then we fall standing."

Then, without hesitation, she turned to Ace.

And bowed.

"Sect Master Ace of the Sky High Sect. I formally request your aid in holding back the invaders."

A stunned silence rippled through the camp.

The Queen—their Queen—had bowed.

Dozens of soldiers watched, mouths parted, unable to believe their eyes.

But none dared protest.

Ace stood still.

For a moment, the sound of crashing waves and distant gulls was the only thing that filled the void left by Queen Arlen's bow.

Her cultivation, her composure, and now her humility—it was a cocktail of absurdity and dignity that even he hadn't predicted.

He blinked once.

Then sighed.

"…What a troublesome queen," he muttered under his breath.

Lily leaned toward him and whispered, "She bowed, Master. That means you outrank a royal now, right? Should I start calling you His Highness?"

Ignoring her antics he stepped forward. "Your Majesty, I accept."

Arlen raised her head. Her face remained calm, but there was unmistakable relief in her eyes.

Ace continued, voice clear and even, carrying across the troops:

"I didn't come here to win a war. I came here to prevent a massacre. But if you're prepared to face this head-on—even knowing the odds—then I'll stand with you. My sect was not built on cowardice."

He swept his gaze across the assembled soldiers. "And you. Each of you has a choice. No shame will fall on those who choose to live. But for those who stay…"

His eyes gleamed briefly, almost amused.

"You'll get the rare honor of fighting besides our sects Grand Elder Lily herself."

Lily posed with a hand on her hip and a peace sign. "The pretty one, yes, that's me."

Murmurs rippled through the soldiers again—part confusion, part awe, part terror.

Stories of Sky High Sect's unpredictable yet monstrous strength of their grand elder Lily was not unknown. And if the rumors were true…

One soldier whispered, "Isn't she the one who wiped out an entire cult for talking back?"

Another muttered, "I heard she sneezed once and a mountain evaporated."

Ace didn't correct them.

Instead, he looked toward the distant waves. His gaze turned sharp.

"Prepare positions," he ordered, his tone brooking no debate. "Everyone—breathe, calm your spirit, and wait. When the sea parts, do not panic."

He glanced over his shoulder, just briefly.

"Because whatever comes through…"

His voice dropped.

"We'll be the wall it breaks against."

Queen Arlen smiled,bconfident, composed, every inch the monarch the stories painted her to be.

"So the rumors are true," she said lightly, her gaze never leaving Ace. "The Sect Master of Sky High really does act like the world belongs to him."

Ace blinked, mildly taken aback.

Then her voice dropped just a touch, velvet-smooth but laced with steel.

"…But tell me, Sect Master—did I ever give you permission to command my army?"

Her smile widened, graceful and dangerous.

Ace stared at her, speechless for a beat, before rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"...I miss the days when queens didn't talk back," he muttered.

She laughed softly, a melodic sound that danced with authority. "And I miss the days when arrogant cultivators remembered whose land they were standing on."

Lily leaned in, barely hiding her grin. "Ooooh~ Master, she's scary. I like her."

Ace let out a soft sigh and offered a half-smile. "My bad. Force of habit. You're right—this is your army. If you must, feel free to command us as well."

Queen Arlen chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Good. I much prefer cooperative helpers."

Her tone lightened, but her posture remained as regal as ever. "Now that that's settled, I'll have one of my personal guards accompany you. He'll brief you on the strategy and show you where the traps have been laid."

She paused briefly, then added with calm authority, "I believe seeing the terrain firsthand will benefit you. And since we're running out of time…"

She turned to one of her elite guards—tall, stern-faced, armored in silver and black. "Escort Sect Master Ace through the lines. Show him the trap zones. Make it quick and efficient… then send him to my command tent. Make sure the generals are gathered before he arrives."

The guard gave a sharp nod, but Queen Arlen wasn't finished.

"Oh—and please treat him with the same respect you'd offer royalty."

The guard stiffened. The queen had said please before making the request. A rare occurrence.

He instantly understood the weight of the momentvand the consequences of failure.

"With honor, Your Majesty. Sect Master Ace, if you'll follow me."