My Xianxia Harem Life

"What is Saint Riley like, Uncle?" a woman asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

They had been traveling for days, their journey stretching across vast plains and treacherous mountain passes.

The air was thick with anticipation, and the solemn yet eager expressions on the faces of those around them made it clear—this was no ordinary expedition.

This was a pilgrimage, a mission of great importance, one that could change the course of their lives.

The balding old man, seated atop his weary horse, stroked his beard thoughtfully before answering.

"Saint Riley? He is the epitome of what a man should be, Princess," he said with reverence.

"Kind, loving, righteous—everything one would expect of a saint. Many worship him, and countless others seek his guidance, hoping to bask in the wisdom and strength he possesses. But…" He paused, his gaze turning somber.

"There is one thing you must never forget, Princess Anya."

She turned to him, listening intently as he continued.

"Before anything else, Saint Riley is an immensely powerful cultivator. And that alone makes him just as dangerous as the rest of his kin," he said, his voice lowering as if the mere thought of such beings commanded caution.

"Men like him do not abide by the same rules as we do. They walk a different path—one where a single word can topple mountains, where a flick of their wrist can split the seas. They are beings of legend, and that power sets them apart from the rest of us.

"You must remember this when you stand before him. Be mindful of your words, tread carefully in his presence, and above all, show the utmost respect. Even the most benevolent saints are not to be taken lightly."

Princess Anya inhaled deeply, as if weighing the gravity of his words. Then, determination flashed in her eyes.

"I understand, Uncle," she said firmly. "I will not dishonor my people. I will do my best to make them proud."

The old man studied her for a moment before nodding approvingly. The road ahead was long, but if nothing else, Princess Anya had the resolve to face whatever awaited them at its end.

"How about Princess Elsa and her people? What do you think they'll say to Saint Riley?" Anya asked, her tone filled with curiosity and unease.

It was important to note that they were not traveling alone.

Another group, from the opposing empire, accompanied them on this long and arduous journey.

Princess Anya was from the Shanks Empire, while Princess Elsa was from the Kaido Empire.

The two empires had been bitter enemies for years, their borders marked with bloodshed and conflict.

Only a year ago, they had been locked in a fierce war, one that seemed destined to never end.

Yet, against all odds, the two empires had now merged under the banner of Saint Riley, creating what was now the Mason Empire.

Despite the unity on the surface, there was a palpable tension in the air. The scars of war hadn't healed for either side, and many of the people still held grudges.

Anya herself wasn't sure how she felt about the Kaido, despite the peace forged by Saint Riley.

The old man, balding and hunched with age, stroked his beard thoughtfully as he looked out across the distant horizon.

His expression darkened, his voice low and cautious.

"I don't know, Princess. Your guess is as good as mine. But knowing those bloody Kaido people, they'll probably have something to say that's more for their own benefit than anything else. They've always been shifty, like snakes in the grass. A snake can shed its skin, but it will always be a snake."

Anya turned her gaze to the distant figures of the Kaido delegation, a group of tall, proud warriors who had been keeping their distance from the Shanks party.

The way they carried themselves with a sense of superiority made her uneasy.

"Don't trust them, Princess," the old man continued, his voice filled with suspicion.

"Not for a second. Especially Elsa. She's an ambitious woman, and I've heard enough rumors to know she's always looking for ways to gain power, to climb higher. She may smile and speak with courtesy, but beneath that exterior, there's a sharpness that's dangerous. Be cautious when dealing with her."

Anya's eyes narrowed slightly. She had seen Elsa's charm in action—how the other princess could make even the most hardened men smile with a few well-placed words.

But Anya wasn't fooled. She had known enough of politics and power struggles to understand that a warm smile often masked deeper intentions.

"I won't, Uncle," Anya replied firmly, her resolve strengthening.

"I won't let my guard down, especially now. There's too much at stake for me to be naive. But… do they still reject my summons for a meeting? I sent word weeks ago."

The old man sighed, the weariness in his voice reflecting years of experience in dealing with difficult people.

"Yes, Princess. They're still refusing. Those Kaido people have their pride, and it's an ugly thing to witness. They believe they're better than us—better than everyone else. They're so wrapped up in their own sense of superiority that they think it's beneath them to even acknowledge us. They've always considered themselves the superior empire. Now that we're united under Saint Riley, they still carry that old arrogance with them. It's in their blood. And I don't think we'll ever see eye to eye with such bloodthirsty savages."

Anya felt a surge of frustration rise within her chest, but she kept it in check. The old man's words rang true.

The Kaido had always been a proud and warlike people, their history stained with violence and conquest.

Even under the banner of Saint Riley, their nature hadn't changed.

"I won't let their pride get in the way of our mission," Anya said, her voice calm but resolute.

"We've come too far, and too many depend on us to let old grudges cloud our judgment. We may not be able to change them, but we can control how we respond. If they refuse to meet with me, so be it. I'll find another way to work with Saint Riley. Our people deserve peace and growth, and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure we get it."