“Ah Guoguo, I had a terrible dream last night.”
“It felt like everything that happened was completely different from now. The Mata Kingdom did not unify the beastman world at all. It was nothing but a nightmare.”
Aoli spoke calmly, yet her heart was anything but calm. That dream had been far too frightening, so frightening that she did not even want to recall it.
“What kind of dream?” Tang Guo asked with a smile. In truth, she could already guess. Even if she had lived this life as Ah Guoguo, it was still not the same as the Ah Guoguo from that other timeline.
“I do not want to remember it. That dream was terrifying,” Aoli said with a light laugh. “I will not tell it and scare you.”
“Then do not,” Tang Guo replied.
Aoli nodded. Her fingers trembled slightly as she looked toward the forest, hatred flashing briefly in her eyes. Then she glanced at Tang Guo beside her and lowered her head with a smile. It was just a dream, right. It had not really happened. They were all doing well now. Ah Guoguo had Yin Yao. She had Mike and Mier, along with their five children. The Mata Kingdom was strong.
Ah Guoguo was the Mata Kingdom’s sage. Yin Yao was the National Advisor. Mike and Mier were the most successful merchants in the Mata Kingdom. Aoli chuckled softly. It seemed she was simply a merchant’s partner, and Ah Guoguo’s good friend.
Three days later, movement came from within the forest.
Tang Guo and Aoli immediately sat upright, staring toward the forest. Yin Yao, Mike, Mier, and the five children all shook their heads. Every year was like this.
But this time, something was different.
A large group of people emerged from the forest.
They looked miserable, wrapped in animal hides, their complexions poor. Even after more than ten years, they recognized them at a glance.
Among them, Ning Luo was being carried on the back of a strong male. She no longer looked young. Her skin was no longer fair or smooth, and it had begun to sag.
Those once handsome males were now covered in scars, deep and vicious, making them look frightening. Around them followed more than a dozen half grown children. From their features alone, it was clear they were the offspring of Ning Luo and her mates.
Besides them were other former members of the Lado tribe, some familiar faces missing, many unfamiliar ones added.
Seeing that group standing helplessly outside the city gates, Aoli burst out laughing. “I thought they might react differently. Turns out this is all they are capable of.”
She recognized Gaien. His body was still tall and powerful, but he had aged. His brows were deeply furrowed, lines etched permanently into his face from years of worry. It was obvious they had not lived well. That made her feel pleased.
“Mike, I need a clear mirror,” Aoli said.
Mier immediately handed her one. Aoli looked at her reflection, still youthful and beautiful, then glanced at Ning Luo’s sallow face, already visibly aged, and smiled brightly.
“Aoli, you have always been the most beautiful.”
“That is right. Aoli is the most beautiful woman,” Mike and Mier hurried to flatter her, and Aoli was very satisfied.
Later, she never considered taking other mates. Even when many powerful warriors pursued her, she only loved Mike and Mier. She liked the way they looked at her, indulgent and affectionate. Her heart held only them.
Just like Ah Guoguo and Yin Yao. They were content with only each other.
“Mata Kingdom?” Ning Luo heard those words and nearly fell from Gaien’s back. “How could the Mata Kingdom’s city walls be built all the way out here?”
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