"We... once promised to marry each other..." Ancestor Dian Alstreim turned his head away.

He lowered his head to look at the sleeping beauty as he reached out his hand but it abruptly stiffened before he reluctantly pulled back.

"It turned out to be nothing but an unreachable dream..."

Davis became silent again. The atmosphere was quite heavy that he was unable to say anything but couldn't leave either. He had to do something about Ancestor Tirea Snow or knew that his life would be in danger.

'This has turned into a difficult situation...'

He inwardly sighed but maintained his silence until Ancestor Dian Alstreim abruptly spoke.

"Back in the days where the Nine Western Territories were still fighting for resources in the now Tripartite Alliance Territory... the Alstreim Family, Towering Cloud Hall, and the Falling Snow Sect were in a loose alliance. We were still enemies who might backstab each other at the right opportunity, and yet, Tirea and I formed a bond that would last us an eternity through many life and death situations."

"At least, that was what I thought until she returned to the Falling Snow Sect, where she became another person as she forgot me, but I knew something was up and confronted her master. That old hag refused to say anything, but I still believe that old hag had done something to my Tirea..."

"However, I was a mess at that time too... The death of my two brothers who had fallen to the previous Vital Tempering Sect Territory's hegemon, and Tirea, the only person who could console my heart, refused to speak with me, even rejecting numerous audiences, while the Alstreim Family became completely vulnerable."

"With many things unfortunate happening simultaneously, I was forced into two paths."

"I had to be daring and kidnap her from the Falling Snow Sect that would prove to be impossible since she was also a Ninth Stage Powerhouse the same as me, not to mention that her master could still perform a suicidal attack. Either that or I should choose to stay as a recluse in the Alstreim Family to protect the millions of lives from external threats."

"I choose the latter, and the result was as you could see... the current Alstreim Family."

Davis's brows twitched. Ancestor Dian Alstreim had explained it in a few words, but how could this be so simple?

It sounded like the life and death of the Alstreim Family was decided at that moment! Ancestor Dian Alstreim sacrificed his personal life to protect the Alstreim Family!

'No wonder it is said that he didn't have descendants...' Davis felt a headache.

This matter was huge and impactful than he initially thought.

Nevertheless, wasn't the Tripartite Alliance Territory conquered a thousand years ago? But the war had continued for thousands of years in the past before the Tripartite Alliance was officially established.

So much time had passed, and yet looking at the miserable situation, it seemed as if they still thought of each other.

However, the last time he saw Ancestor Tirea Snow, she acted aloof and didn't seem to bother much about Ancestor Dian Alstreim.

What was going on? He felt confused.

Could it be that it was truly as Ancestor Dian Alstreim said? That Ancestor Tirea Snow's master had done something to her? How is it possible for a Ninth Stage Powerhouse to be done in by that so-called old hag who should be just another, similar powerhouse?

However, he also felt that intense sorrow and craziness couldn't be faked.

'Or, should it be said that Ancestor Tirea Snow has no need to fake it...?'

He couldn't help but break the resounding silence that seemed to be omnipresent.

"Isn't there only one Ancestor in the Falling Snow Sect now? That means her master had died at some point. Why didn't you do something since everything would've calmed down by that time?"

Ancestor Dian Alstreim couldn't help but smile, "By the time her master ended up dead, it was all too late. It was right around the time when we established the Tripartite Alliance a thousand years ago. Tirea became a complete stranger when facing me that she wouldn't even heed any words I say but would instead stare with hostility."

"Since I had made the decision to protect the Alstreim Family, there were few little opportunities where I could interact and understand what happened to her."

"Since fate deemed us apart, who am I to say otherwise?"

"Fate... fate... Is it really something impregnable...?" Davis was angered, but he didn't show it in his expression but his voice.

Why didn't he just say that he was a loser instead!?

"Sigh..." Ancestor Dian Alstreim turned to look at him, "Davis, do you believe that if the heavens were against you, you could do anything about it?"

Davis frowned, "I'll try-"

"Try?" Ancestor Dian Alstreim interrupted, "Try what? Going against the will of the heavens?"

"Going against fate means exactly that... You would be offending the heavens, inviting a calamity for yourself or your loved ones as you'll be incurring karma."...

"These aren't my words, but the words of the Immortals from ancient times." Ancestor Dian Alstreim solemnly spoke as he turned to look at Ancestor Tirea Snow, an intense desire eclipsing his eyes before he suppressed it.

"When I don't even know what kind of ailment is plaguing my Tirea, there was little I could've done. That's why, if I did something to Tirea at that time but ended up knowing nothing but just obtain her ire, it would mean forming an enmity with the Falling Snow Sect, and our two powers would eternally be enemies since I would've committed the greatest sin."

"Not to mention that Tirea Snow's suitors are as powerful... No, even powerful than me. If I really did something foolish like forcefully obtaining her, it would undoubtedly be the end of the Alstreim Family."

*Pahh!~*

"Hahaha!"

Ancestor Dian Alstreim facepalmed himself and laughed. It was as if he were lamenting his fate. Only tears were missing from his eyes.

Even Davis seemed a bit deflated as he looked at the majestic yet towering Ancestor, now be a pale young man who could do nothing about his personal life. The burden he carried included the fate of the Alstreim Family and his own troubles.

'This was a Ninth Stage Powerhouse's fate?'

Davis clenched his fists as it trembled!

Why was he so arrogant, thinking that he could do anything with Fallen Heaven that was full of limitations? When even a Ninth Stage Powerhouse was unable to obtain the woman he wanted in his life, the future Davis could see appeared very dim!

He knew that he needed power and planned to get stronger by hunting magical beasts after this talk was over. However, why did he feel like no matter how he got strong, something would always screw him over!?

It wasn't his own thoughts, but he felt like something was warning him, like instinct.

'Shit! I appear like Ancestor Dian Alstreim now...' Davis shook his head and threw these negative thoughts away.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself down. It was important not to be crushed by the invisible pressure. This was also why the small-sized Territories would not bother to tell about the mid-sized and large Territories' elites to their elites.

"I see..." Davis's expression suddenly became indifferent, "Since you have chosen the Alstreim Family, why isn't Ancestor still killing her yet? This is the perfect chance to kill a defenseless Ninth Stage Powerhouse, no?"

Ancestor Dian Alstreim looked taken aback as if he didn't expect these words from Davis. He hesitated before he said.

"I still haven't-"

"Is this okay?" Davis interrupted, "Once she wakes up and leaves, my existence would be known to the world, and it would be unknown how many people would target me if the Dragon Queen left. Are you really going to sacrifice me for that woman?"

"The future isn't set in stone..." Ancestor Dian Alstreim frowned.

Davis quickly asked, "But can you say with confidence that something like that wouldn't happen?"

Ancestor Dian Alstreim became tongue-tied. Indeed, he was unable to say anything with confidence as he was unable to comprehend Ancestor Tirea Snow's current situation. He would only know if she woke up, but what if she suddenly forgot him again and escaped?

Davis slightly smirked, "If you're going to do it, it's now or never..."

Ancestor Dian Alstreim felt pressured by that voice.

That's why he wanted to know... at least know why he was betrayed before he moved to kill her. But would he be able to land the killing blow?

Even now, he remained hesitant!

"Making this decision is hard, isn't it? Some talented youth who is not a descendant of yours but might lead the Alstreim Family in the future, or the only woman you loved in your life."

Ancestor Dian Alstreim snapped as he shot a look at Davis. The pressure caved him in, and he unleashed his intent. Instantly, he found that Davis's emotions were no different than a bystander's.

"You are testing me...!?" Ancestor Dian Alstreim gritted his teeth in exasperation.

On the other hand, Davis smiled as he now knew that Princess Isabella's words were accurate.

"Truly, Ancestor can use the elusive Heart Intent..." He chuckled as he felt the probe similar to his own but was powerful that he could not stop it just with his cultivation base.

The next moment, he used his Heart Intent. It clashed against the other party's Heart Intent before it reached.

"What are these emotions? Grief? Sorrow? Anguish?" Davis shook his head, "That's not good. If you feel all these to kill her, you're better off not being the Ancestor, running away someplace with her together. In the end, it's just not worth it to ruin yourself."

"You! You can use the Heart Intent too!?" Ancestor Dian Alstreim exclaimed as he became visibly taken aback, his expression trembling!