23 Promise

"If you don't mind answering how did you escape?" Shi Xiong asked Lin Li.

He knew they both were in the imperial palace when the Celestial Tribulation first arrived. He was powerless, so he didn't try to save them; thinking they were most likely dead due to the destruction caused by the aura of tribulation lightning.

Not only they were alive, but they didn't even have a single scratch on them. Even Divine King experts who were in the outer zones have suffered injuries due to shock waves.

So how was it possible for a Golden Body realm cultivator to have no scratches? The impossible part was that her son, Zhen Han, also has no scratches even though he is just a mortal!

Almost everyone in the first zone died. Few people like Shi Xiong or those with powerful treasures were able to escape from the aura of tribulation since the tribulation was directed at Skyrise Emperor, Blood Witch, and Wang Xixi.

Around hundred people escaped from the first zone either due to their high cultivation or due to powerful treasures. At least 90% of them died after they arrived in the second zone due to the shock waves from the battle between tree and gray sword.

Those who survived were in terrible shape just like Shi Xiong. Barely hanging.

So how can Shi Xiong be not shocked to see Lin Li and Zhen Han without a single scratch!

Forget about a scratch, they didn't even have any dirt on their face!

It was as if the entire incident has been a ride in the park!

"Uncle Shi, I..." Lin Li didn't know what to say. She couldn't tell him about the violet bead or the tree.

"I understand if you don't want to tell me. Everyone has their own secrets," Shi Xiong didn't try to ask for details. He was curious, but he didn't envy her treasures and opportunities.

Shi Xiong was a strong believer in karma otherwise why would he promise a gift to Zhen Han due to a misunderstanding? (Refer Chapter 3).

He treated Lin Li like a daughter. It would go against his beliefs to envy her.

"Thank you," Lin Li bowed deeply.

"Has anyone seen you beside me? Anyone who is currently alive, I mean," Shi Xiong asked.

Lin Li was startled by the question, but she has full trust in him.

"No one."

"Good. I hope you know that you will need a convincing story for the great clans. Plus you also need some severe injuries..."

"I understand."

"I will help you story details but your son will also need some injuries," Shi Xiong said.

He knew the type of crisis the empire was facing now. He was sure the emperor was dead as he refused to believe someone can survive the direct impact of shock waves created by the clash between tree and gray sword.

Very few members of the imperial family survived. Of course, the empire has 108 states and each state has some imperial family members. Zhen Han's grandfather is the son of Skyrise Emperor.

Zhen Han's grandfather doesn't have much influence in the capital even though he is currently ruling over Yue State on the emperor's behalf.

The people who held the main powers are dead. The crown prince is likely to be alive as he has gone to Simba State for a meeting with Yue Clan. But his prospects of surviving for long are low when the information about the death of Skyrise Emperor is passed.

The great clans would fight for the imperial throne now that imperial family is on brink of extinction. In peaceful times, having the surname of Emperor would give you unrivaled power in the empire.

But during the time of chaos, the same surname becomes a curse. The great clans would use every possible opportunity to exterminate the weak imperial family. The great clans would want to cut weeds and eliminate the roots!

Zhen Han and his family can only survive if they play their cards right. A single mistake would lead to their deaths.

If the great clans or even surviving members of the imperial family came to know that Zhen Han and his mother didn't suffer a single scratch...then their fates would be far worse than death!

They would be tortured for the supposed heaven-defying treasure which made them survive a crisis which even a World King couldn't!

"Lin Li, I hate to say it but your son also need injuries. They couldn't be light," Shi Xiong spoke with a sigh.

How could he not know the pain a mother would feel if she was to see her child getting injured?

"Uncle Shi, Han'er is just a child. I..." Lin Li stopped in between. She knew there was no other way otherwise Shi Xiong would never ask her for such a thing.

"Mother, it is fine," Zhen Han said. He didn't understand the politics of the world, but he understood the current situation was worse.

Yesterday, in a restaurant, his mother has explained to him about the workings of the world. She mainly gave him the lecture so that he doesn't become self-satisfied with his talent. From her words, he understood how cruel the world is.

Now he saw her mother and Grandpa Shi discuss a life crisis. According to their conversation, the only way to survive is by taking injuries.

In his heart he was scared, but he was aware he can't let it show. He didn't want his mother to feel guilty.

"Grandpa Shi, please don't hesitate. I am ready," Zhen Han said with a firmness that didn't suit three years old. There was no fear in his eyes.

Both Lin Li and Shi Xiong were surprised about the firmness of Zhen Han's words.

Lin Li knew they lacked time. She clenched her teeth and formed a small spirit bomb in her hands.

"Li'er, let me do it," Shi Xiong didn't want Lin Li to suffer the pain of harming her own child even if it was done to save the child.

"No. I always want to remember this incident of today. It will remind me how I failed as a mother," Lin Li has tears in her eyes as she said the words. She promised herself to become powerful enough to protect her son.

"Mom, please don't cry. It is not your fault," Zhen Han was angry at his weakness. He felt humiliated to see her mother making such a decision to save him. He promised he would never let her mother be sad ever again.

Lin Li used her psychic abilities to make Zhen Han lose consciousness. She placed her son on the ground. The small spirit bomb split into dozens of small particles which attacked Zhen Han.

Lin Li watched helplessly as her own powers hurt her son. His entire body was full of injuries.

"Never again would we suffer this type of humiliation."

This was a promise both Lin Li and Zhen Han made today. A promise which they never broke.