Meanwhile, the guard on duty noticed their companion lying on the ground and immediately approached to investigate.

"They're still breathing, and there are no fatal injuries. They're probably just unconscious. You go find a doctor, and I'll report this to the king," one of the guards commanded the other.

The two quickly went their separate ways.

"Knock, knock, knock." Urgent knocking sounded at the door.

"Who is it? It's late at night..." Iris rubbed her eyes and spoke lazily, her voice hoarse and filled with traces of sleep.

"We apologize for disturbing your rest, Your Majesty, but two demon brothers guarding the palace have been knocked out," the guard outside replied.

Upon hearing this, Iris instantly woke up, sitting up and quickly getting dressed. She went to the door, opening it while asking, "What happened exactly?"

"We're not sure at the moment. The assailant showed great precision, not causing fatal harm to the two demon guards, only knocking them out," the guard replied respectfully.

Iris frowned. She had already guessed a few possibilities, although there was no evidence.

"You return to your post and make sure to inform the other guards to be extra cautious of any suspicious individuals. We cannot afford to be careless."

"Yes!" The guard acknowledged and left.

Iris quickly arrived at the spot where the guards were unconscious, carefully examining their injuries. She then closed her eyes, quickly arranging various possible conjectures in her mind.

"Such precise attacks targeting vital points, skillfully luring the guards into lowering their guard... It seems the assailant is not an ordinary person. But it doesn't seem like a professional assassin either, as they would usually kill with their first strike. This behavior seems more like... wanting to escape without causing fatalities."

Iris suddenly opened her eyes, a cold light flickering in them. "Baixi, you troublemaker! What trouble have you caused again?"

At this thought, Iris immediately sent someone to check Baixi's palace, only to find it empty, with no sign of Baixi.

Standing in the empty palace, Iris felt a mix of emotions. She knew Baixi must still be fixated on the idea of resurrection. If there really was a method of resurrection, why would she go through the process of conceiving a new "Lilia" through ten months of pregnancy?

"Some things are better kept hidden from Baixi..." Iris sighed, realizing she had been too indulgent with her daughter, allowing Baixi to become unruly and reckless. It was necessary to teach her a lesson, as who knew what trouble she might cause in the future.

The topic of resurrection in Southernborder would undoubtedly attract countless heroes to explore. Although Southernborder was not under the jurisdiction of any other country, in the pursuit of such heaven-defying secrets, conflict and bloodshed were inevitable.

Baixi was a "dragon" unlike any other in this world. She had her own mysterious origins and transformation. Originally a python, she became a complete dragon body due to the two Jian Bing uncles' parting gift.

Perhaps Baixi did not realize that she herself was a precious treasure. If someone with ill intentions were to notice, they would undoubtedly view her as an invaluable treasure and spare no effort to capture her.

Currently, dragons were extremely rare. Their scales could be refined into armor and armguards. Such rare treasures, once known, would definitely trigger a frenzy of looting.

In the world, there was no other dragon like Baixi. Possessing her was equivalent to having access to the resources to forge unparalleled weapons, allowing one to soar to fame and become a figure admired by all.

Waiting for Baixi was a fate worse than death.

Imprisoned in a pitch-black cave with dampness, coldness, and a putrid stench. The cave was like a massive prison, with solid and icy rocks tightly confining Baixi.

Brightness and freedom are out of reach, only the sound of iron chains and shackles accompanies her ears.

Bone and blood are extracted for alchemy, and dragon scales are completely removed, exposing a body emitting a faint blue light in the damp and cold air.

Although dragons cannot be tamed, their bloodlines can be used to nurture creatures that can bond with dragons. Although these half-dragon creatures are not as good as the original, they are enough to surpass most other monsters.

Monsters with dragon bloodlines are always proud and highly intelligent. If they are raised from infancy, they will consider you as family and never bite you back.

If there are any rebellious ones, they are killed in advance. The ones with good temperament are kept, and the ones with bad temperament are killed directly.

Anyway, dragons have a long lifespan, and generation after generation of cultivation is Iris’s swirling thoughts, but her face remains calm.

The reason for this calmness is that Iris can sense Baixi's whereabouts and condition.

Baixi is not only Iris's daughter but also her summoning beast. The special bond between them makes it impossible for Baixi to disobey Iris's will.

It is absolutely impossible for Baixi to break the contract on her own, just like trying to catch the moon in the water. Unless Iris voluntarily releases the contract, she will always have to obey Iris's commands.

Iris regards Baixi as her daughter, so she naturally will not use this relationship to force Baixi to do things she doesn't want to do.

When the time comes, when Baixi matures, Iris will naturally release this contract. It's just like what Lilia did to Iris, planting the mark of discipline, making her dare not disobey.

It is hopeless for Baixi to unilaterally terminate the contract with Iris, just like trying to catch the moon in the water. Only when Iris is willing, the contract can be eliminated.

As a mother, Iris will not use the contract to force Baixi to do things she doesn't want to do. She regards Baixi as her daughter and hopes that she will grow into a capable and independent person.

When Baixi is ready, she will release this bond, just like when Lilia released the restriction on Iris, allowing her to grow independently. Iris will do the same when Baixi's wisdom and strength mature, and release the contract's restraint.

The love of a mother makes Iris look forward to Baixi's growth, rather than forever bound by this relationship. When Baixi is ready, the contract is no longer necessary.

Except for Baixi, she will carry the White Flame mark on her body for her whole life, after all, she is Lilia, capable of anything rebellious.

...

At the eastern horizon, the starlight faintly turns white, and the dawn is about to break.

The beauties in the palace are still asleep, waiting for the sun to rise and wake them up.

The gentle morning breeze blows, and the flowers in the garden shake off their dew, blooming with dazzling colors.

The morning light shines through the cracks of the window lattice, giving the curtains in the bedroom a golden edge.

The sky changes from black to blue, and the clouds turn from gray to white. The sun slowly rises and sprinkles warm sunlight.

Life is rejuvenating on the earth, and the crisp chirping of birds echoes through the woods, everything is full of vitality again.

Iris packed her luggage, pushed open the door, and walked on the soft morning mist, leaving the palace.

Wearing a white muslin dress with tassels at the waist, several emerald hairpins were inserted in her updo, setting off her snow-white skin even more radiant. Her footsteps were steady and her movements were elegant, like a beautiful painting, astonishingly beautiful.

Her appearance is cute like a girl next door, but also with a touch of charm.

"My girl still has to work hard!" Iris exclaimed, spreading her blood wings and soaring into the sky, leaving behind a beautiful arc.

...