Guardian of the Heart

Prologue

Beyond the vast grasslands lay Alimari, a landscape intoxicating like a painting, where the grandeur and beauty of the grasslands merged seamlessly with the desolate expanse, vividly showcasing the unique cultural atmosphere of the Mongolian ethnicity.

On these grasslands, the emerald grass stretched to the horizon like an endless ocean. A gentle breeze caused the grass to rustle melodiously. In the distance, majestic mountains stood tall, with a series of streams flowing down their sides, their pleasant sounds echoing in this tranquil land. Sheep, horses, cattle, and rabbits could be seen freely roaming, adding vitality to the land. At nightfall, the starry sky was brilliant, and the moonlight cast a dreamlike glow over the grasslands.

A beautiful Gobi and desert wasteland also adorned this land. The sandy terrain, devoid of trees and vegetation, radiated a unique beauty. The vast desert with its flying sands and wind-blown sounds created unique dunes, as if sculpted by an artist's hands. The dunes, sometimes tall and imposing, sometimes small and exquisite, resembled golden sculptures of the earth. This place bore no human footprints, only the low hum of the wind and the echo of the sand, imparting a sense of infinite tranquility and remoteness.

Zhu Yuandi felt a wave of fatigue. Disguised as a man, she had traveled westward from the capital, following her imperial elder brother Zhu Zhanji and cousin Zhang Ziqian, crossing mountains and rivers through a long journey. Despite her weariness, her heart was filled with curiosity and excitement for this new place and its unknown culture.

Zhu Zhanji reined in his horse and turned to smile at her, "Alimari, we have finally arrived."

Zhu Yuandi asked nervously, "Is this the legendary Alimari?"

"Yes," Zhu Zhanji replied with a smile. "This is the heart of Chagatai, the legendary capital of the Great Khan." He patted Zhu Xuan's shoulder, "We will stay here for a while, so you can fully experience the beauty of this land."

Zhu Yuandi looked up at the distant mountains and grasslands, her eyes sparkling with deep curiosity. Her mood was as vast as the land, filled with a longing for the unknown. The setting sun dyed the sky red, casting a warm glow on her, as if cloaking her journey in a mysterious aura.

"Alimari," Zhu Zhanji's voice rose softly in the wind, "is a place full of legend and mystery. Here, time seems to stand still, flowing with the ancient tales of the grasslands and the resilient spirit of the Mongolian people."

Listening to Zhu Zhanji's words, Zhu Yuandi felt a surge of emotion. She seemed to sense the depth of the land, history intertwining into a splendid tapestry. She gazed silently at the distant desert, where the dunes glowed golden in the sunset light, like slumbering dragons. The grains of sand danced in the wind, telling tales of the ages.

As night fell, the stars twinkled brightly, and the grasslands shimmered like a silver sea under the moonlight. Zhu Yuandi felt the tranquility of the land, as if time had stopped. She took a deep breath, immersing herself in the stillness of the earth, her soul quieting with the land.

"Here, you will find your answers," Zhu Zhanji said softly. "Alimari is not just a land but a sacred place of faith and heritage. You will discover that every inch of this land is steeped in the history of the Mongolian people, and every starry sky records their traditions."

Zhu Yuandi listened quietly, feeling a unique charm emanating from the land, as if she had formed an indescribable connection with it. She smiled faintly, as if finding the courage and direction to move forward in that moment.

Zhu Zhanji turned to her, his eyes filled with concern, "This is a place of miracles, and the end of our journey. Are you ready, Ajiu?"

Zhu Yuandi looked up, her eyes shining with determination, "I am ready, big brother. Let us step onto this mysterious land together and seek our miracles."