Heaven, Earth, Me Chapter 1538. [Volcanic Endless Forge Sect].

~8 minute read · 1,970 words
Previously on Heaven, Earth, Me...
Yasenia looted the Tao Palace treasury with glee, taking everything valuable. Meanwhile, Andrea contemplated names for her son, with Yasenia jokingly interfering until Andrea playfully revealed her final choices. Yasenia then forcibly acquired a sentient sword and even broke a spear for materials, gifting some treasures to Andrea. Upon leaving the treasury, Yasenia declared Andrea the new ruler of the Tao Dynasty, then departed with Andrea. Yasenia revealed her actions were to build a future foundation for Andrea. As they approached Andrea's sect, Yasenia prepared to assert her claim as Andrea's 'true wife' to deter potential suitors.

Within the fiery confines of the [Volcanic Endless Forge Sect], the usual routines persisted. However, a palpable wave of resentment surged through a segment of the disciples and even some elders, primarily women who harbored deep admiration for Andrea.

"That detestable princess! To even consider laying her grubby hands on our Elder Andrea. Every time I witness her hovering nearby, I’m tempted to tear that insipid smile right off her face!"

"Calm yourself. Elder Andrea belongs to our sect, and no one else will ever claim her!"

A voice of reason interjected with a sigh. "I had thought this was a gathering place to appreciate Elder Andrea’s masterful forging skills. Who knew I’d stumbled into a den of hyenas, all salivating over her."

"Heh. You’ve joined our ranks, so don’t even think about departing. Otherwise..."

The speaker remained undeterred, aware that these individuals, despite their bold pronouncements, were fundamentally timid. They resembled gossiping figures who would never dare utter a word when confronted with a true challenge.

Nonetheless, the presence of numerous venomous vipers within this group meant that underestimating them would be a grave miscalculation.

"Alright, but don't you all already know that Elder Andrea has a wife? She's even mentioned her countless times."

One woman scoffed. "Even if the treasure is possessed, doesn’t mean it can’t be pilfered, right? Furthermore, even if she exists, she’s neglected Andrea for nearly a century!"

The initial speaker shrugged and disengaged. "Whatever. My sole reason for being here is that by some incredible fortune, all of you are remarkably gifted prodigies on the forging path. Is there anyone willing to engage in a friendly exchange, rather than dwelling on discussions about Elder Andrea?"

At that precise moment, a beacon of light illuminated a corner of the expansive chamber, eliciting smiles from the group. "A sister has spotted Elder Andrea’s return! Let us proceed to welcome her!"

"I pray that wretched fly isn't hovering around her today, or my entire mood will be ruined!"

Upon Andrea's arrival at the sect's entrance, she summoned the Sect Master. The woman who was a part of Andrea’s devoted "fan club" had activated a remote viewing device, only to be instantly captivated.

Her gaze shifted sideways, and instead of the anticipated irritating fly, a striking dragon woman, adorned with golden eyes, hair as dark as midnight, and a breathtaking kimono edged with white fur, approached, her arm linked through Andrea’s.

Yet, even as this woman sought to harbor animosity towards the one so close to her idol, an overwhelming sense of inadequacy washed over her. She, who had always considered herself quite attractive, now felt utterly insignificant.

In comparison to this dragon woman, whose beauty surpassed even that of her cherished goddess, what was she?

"Sect Master, please come to receive esteemed guests."

Andrea activated her communication artifact, unfazed by Yasenia’s public display of affection, which involved grasping her arm. More than merely tolerating it, she secretly wished Yasenia would engage in such gestures more frequently. The sensation of Yasenia’s form pressing against her biceps was nothing short of celestial.

The Sect Master, deeply engrossed in forging an artifact, heard Andrea’s voice and frowned. "Andrea, I am occupied with a critical task."

"Old man, I am informing you of this due to the deep bond we share over the years. Come forth, or you will come to regret your inaction."

Upon hearing these words, the Sect Master understood that Andrea did not engage in idle chatter. Thus, with a measure of reluctance, he set aside his forging hammer, tidied himself, donned his Sect Master robes, and ascended towards the entrance.

He observed a few women rapidly approaching, causing his lips to curl slightly. 'Who could have predicted that small fan club would escalate to such a degree? Andrea’s allure consistently leaves me in awe.'

However, upon his arrival and initial glance at Andrea, his vision drifted slightly to the right, and then, the man froze. Despite possessing tens of thousands of years of experience that bolstered his formidable willpower, the sheer beauty of the female presence utterly immobilized him.

He descended, his eyes still ensnared by Yasenia’s captivating figure. Leveraging his extensive experience to suppress his body’s primal attraction, he forcefully averted his gaze from that goddess of enchantment and directed it towards Andrea. "You... Who is this... celestial being?"

Andrea observed his astonished countenance, a slight arch forming on her lips. "My wife."

The Sect Master's mind reeled. Naturally, he had heard Andrea speak numerous times of her wife being a beauty beyond compare. However, he had always assumed she was merely exaggerating out of affection.

But now?

'Woman, you understated your wife’s magnificence! A beauty beyond compare? I must apologize, but your wife is a soul-devourer! A single glance from her enticing eyes nearly ripped my soul from my body!'

Then, recalling his past endeavors to arrange matches for Andrea with others, his bronze complexion flushed with embarrassment. 'I was attempting to sell a common bloom to someone who already possessed a world-class flower. Heavens above, I truly wish to administer a slap to my former self.'

The Sect Master gazed between Andrea and Yasenia, his breath catching before he regained his composure. "It is a pleasure to finally meet Andrea’s renowned wife. Miss, your beauty is truly... it renders me speechless. Please excuse my lack of words; I am, after all, a rather rough-and-tumble man."

Yasenia offered a gentle smile, her already exquisite features radiating a brilliance that outshone everything else. "Do not concern yourself. I am grateful you have looked after my Andrea these past decades. I was unable to visit, but I am here now and wish to speak with you. After all, I shall be taking my wife away soon."

Even with the beautiful woman’s smile, the Sect Master felt a prickle of unease, as though he were under the scrutiny of a dangerous predator.

He cleared his throat and smiled. "Certainly, please follow me. Our sect may not be the most opulent, but we have several suitable locations for someone of your esteemed status."

Yasenia gave a single nod, then turned her gaze to Andrea. Her eyes conveyed a clear message: she would align with whatever plans Andrea harbored.

Andrea planted a kiss on Yasenia’s forehead and smiled. "Let us proceed to my forge. I am certain you will find it agreeable, as it is where I spend the majority of my time."

Yasenia’s eyes lit up with delight, and she nodded, her tail giving a subtle wag behind her.

Those observing from the entrance felt their hearts lurch. 'Tail wags... from someone like her... are... illegal... Ugh!'

Meanwhile, Andrea’s Fan Club could only stare in astonishment as a procession of over 300 peerless beauties entered the sect, resembling a gathering of celestial maidens. Those who prided themselves on their looks felt utterly diminished, while those confident in their strength felt as insignificant as ants gazing upon colossal giants.

As Yasenia moved forward, she abruptly halted, her attention drawn towards the Fan Club. She looked in their direction, having detected a trace of Andrea’s scent emanating from them. The reason for this scent was that the rewards they had sought were items crafted by Andrea.

When Yasenia’s gaze fell upon them, the group could perceive her more clearly, and their feelings of inadequacy intensified. Yasenia narrowed her eyes. "You... why do you carry my wife's scent?"

Andrea blinked, glancing over, and the corners of her lips curved upward slightly as she suppressed a smile. 'So, you are here.'

The individual addressed stammered, her voice trembling, "Wh-What does this senior mean?"

Yasenia vanished from everyone's perception in an instant, reappearing directly before the woman before anyone could even register a shift. The Sect Master's heart pounded. 'Wh-What? Was that spatial movement? No... there are no spatial distortions... How can she possibly be that swift!?'

Yasenia extended her hand, her eyes narrowing as she spotted a small forging chisel. "This... give it to me."

The woman shook her head, her body quivering. However, Yasenia paid no heed, her hand moving with lightning speed to snatch the tool. She then surveyed the others, detecting the faint but discernible scent on them, and her possessiveness ignited. Her draconic pupils constricted as she spoke in a chilling tone. "Surrender everything that bears Andrea’s scent. She is mine, her possessions are mine, and none of you are worthy of her belongings. Even less so when each of you reeks of lustful thoughts directed at her."

"Y-You cannot possibly do this!"

Yasenia turned her attention to the speaker, her energy fluctuating subtly, intertwining with her voice. "Oh, but I can. May I not? Relinquish whatever you possess that belongs to Andrea."

The woman’s soul trembled, and her eyes became glazed. She then extended her arm, a faint flush coloring her face. "Y-Yes. Please, take my belongings, Mistress."

With a wave of her hand, Yasenia stored everything within Garest. She then ceased her energy projection, turned, and departed, leaving behind her signature floral fragrance.

The Sect Master had considered intervening on several occasions, but Andrea had placed a hand on his shoulder, restraining him. Though Andrea had not been with Yasenia for an extended period, she understood that attempting to obstruct Yasenia when her possessive and obsessive nature flared was a surefire path to the underworld.

Once Yasenia rejoined Andrea’s side, her imposing aura subsided, her intense emotions settling as she rested her head on Andrea’s shoulder. She looked up with a tender smile. "Let us go, Darling."

Andrea smiled, gently patting her head once. "Very well, let us proceed."

Shortly thereafter, the entourage departed the area, leaving many individuals collapsing as if released from a powerful enchantment.

"W-Who was that?"

"I felt as though my body was not my own when I looked at her."

"My goddess... When shall I behold her again?"

"I cannot. I must return and immortalize her on canvas! She shall be my muse!"

Shouts, ranging from terror to exhilaration, echoed through the air, while many experienced a profound shattering of their confidence.

Meanwhile, within Andrea’s forge, Yasenia surveyed her surroundings with a curious expression. "Hm... It is not an unpleasant place."

Upon hearing Yasenia's words, Andrea understood that her dragoness was trying not to judge her possessions. Thus, a smile graced Andrea's lips. "If you believe it's lacking, please don't hesitate to say so." Glancing around the expansive forge, Andrea continued with a smile, "While I've grown quite fond of this place, having worked here for such a long time, I acknowledge it pales in comparison to the locations you've frequented."

The Sect Master listened intently, a wave of surprise washing over him. 'This forge ranks among the top ten globally. Yet, she claims it's not good enough? Where does this woman hail from? What is her true background?'

Yasenia turned her gaze to Andrea, a warm smile playing on her lips. "You are correct. However, this forge possesses something all those other places lack."

Andrea tilted her head, curiosity piqued. "And what might that be?"

Yasenia's smile widened, radiating beauty. "You."

Andrea's heart gave a slight lurch, a blush rising to her cheeks. 'What a potent, unexpected strike.'

Sect Master: 'A sudden pang of jealousy strikes me. What am I to do?'

After successfully eliciting a blush from her Darling, Yasenia let out a soft laugh. She then turned her attention back to the Sect Master. "Very well, Sect Master. Let us commence our discussion."