Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3401

Outside Azure Gate, the sky darkened quickly. Heavy black clouds rolled across the horizon, thick and suffocating. Shiloh’s eyes snapped open from meditation.

“I have to go!” she said, urgency cutting through her calm. “This journey will take me deep into the darkness, straight to the Dark Clans’ stronghold!”

Night fell fast atop Azure Gate, and the cold wind bit like knives. Philip stood before the gathered powerhouses from every faction, his voice low, commanding, and thunderous.

“Anyone willing to join the expedition, step across the white line.”

A white line had been drawn on the ground. On one side, warriors from every faction packed tightly together. On the other, only one figure stood: Andrew. He had positioned himself there early, needing no rallying cry. For Shiloh’s sake alone, Andrew would march into the Blood Sanctum. Beyond that, he had to act.

First, for Holtrien—his homeland, for the people he wanted to protect, and for his son. Second, for the honor of the Lloyd family ancestor, Valerius, whose legacy he still carried from the Outlands. Third, because the Vampire Queen had awakened, rallying forces across the world to besiege Holtrien. There was no choice but to resist with all they had and eliminate the threat.

Moreover, after this expedition, he would have to personally open the path to the Veiled Paradise. The road ahead was fraught with danger, and Andrew had no option but to take action.

Elio was the first to cross the white line. He declared loudly, “Even if I’m torn to pieces on this journey, I have no regrets fighting for Holtrien, for my homeland!”

A hearty laugh followed. Pablo, patriarch of the Hearst royal family, led his clansmen across the line with a casual swagger, standing beside Elio. “Elio, we’re one people, united against a common foe.”

Elio smiled. “Patriarch Pablo, I truly admire your courage!”

Alongside Pablo, the Hearst family brought Nate—the martial god who had once been defeated by Andrew and now appeared more like a down-on-his-luck scholar. Nate bowed slightly to Andrew.

“Mr. Lloyd, we meet again!”

Andrew smiled. “It’s good to see you.”

Zavian and the Hearst family’s last white-haired martial god joined them as well. Many were in awe—every martial god the Hearst family could mobilize had stepped forward, leaving no fallback position.

Next came the Cavendish royal family. Patriarch Atticus led Cormac and Asher across the white line. Cormac’s voice was calm.

“Our family still has one martial god stationed at Cliffside Gate. Beyond the pass, remnants of the Three Empires’ armies remain. We can’t afford carelessness.”

Philip nodded. “The Cavendish royal family owes no explanation. Holtrien has never tolerated cowards, and for a thousand years, the Cavendish family has produced heroes willing to die for this land.”

The others roared their agreement. “That’s right! The Cavendish family has always been a family of heroes!”

Then came the Lloyd royal family.

“Go, Sheena. Follow in Andrew’s footsteps.” Donovan’s smile was tinged with tragic determination.

Sheena’s eyes glistened. “Grandpa, after I leave, please take care of yourself.”

Alongside her, two hidden elder martial gods from the Lloyd family stepped forward. Both over a hundred years old, they walked with steady strides and unwavering eyes.

Philip and Elio exchanged glances. “Andrew, the Lloyd family doesn’t need to do this. You’re already going. Sheena can stay behind. At least leave a spark of the family to survive.”

Andrew said nothing.

Sheena snorted coldly. “No need. If he’s going, I, as his senior, will follow him, even if it means death. Our family has never failed Holtrien—or any of you.”

Everyone was deeply moved. Among the three great royal families, the Lloyd family had quietly risen to the highest prestige, and the others bore no resentment.

Next, representatives from the four noble houses stepped forward, bringing their strongest warriors. Those who had not reached martial god level were excused. Philip and Elio ordered some to return, leaving only a third in place.

Then came the Eight Ancient Sects. Luna accompanied Bridget as mother and daughter stepped forward.

Andrew shook his head. “Luna, you stay behind.”

Luna’s expression was stubborn. “Andrew, I follow your advice in everything else. But not this time. I want to be with you. I am also a general in the military—it’s my duty.”