Tarian Lysand felt… uneasy. Not just the usual kind of imperial caution, but a gnawing, unusual nervousness he couldn’t shake.The battle between Kaelen Viremont and Lorian Zethar earlier still played over and over in his mind like a relentless storm. The sheer intensity, the speed, the raw, terrifying strength—it had been more than impressive. It had been frightening.Kaelen had fought like a force of nature, a young man capable of tearing the heavens apart. Not just a cultivator, no. A prodigy who had descended into the world, and one powerful enough to unsettle even an emperor. That was exactly why Tarian Lysand felt off balance.He had no clue why Kaelen had asked to see him—alone.The battlefield had quieted. Most of the major figures had left, their presence no longer needed. Only a few elders from the Shadowfang Sect lingered in the distance, observing with cautious eyes.Kaelen stood not far away. Injured, yes, but still emanating a pressure that made anyone nearby instinctive

A soft breeze moved through the Shadowfang Sect’s courtyard, brushing past the wet stones and the little stream that ran through it. It smelled faintly of rain-soaked earth, calm in a way that almost felt unnatural.Strangely enough, the place was peaceful today. Calmer than it had been in a long while.But if you paid attention… There was still something tense underneath it all. Like the air hadn’t fully relaxed yet.Kaelen Viremont stood near the stream alone for a moment, just watching the water move. He was still recovering. Better than before, yes… but not fully back to normal.His steps still felt a bit off when he moved too quickly.The last battle had left behind more damage than anyone liked to admit.Then—Footsteps.Soft, steady, approaching from the entrance.Kaelen looked up.Liethan had arrived.Without thinking too much, Kaelen stepped forward and gave a respectful fist salute.“Senior.”Simple words. Calm tone. But it carried real sincerity.Because Kaelen knew exactly

Kaelen Viremont didn’t often allow himself the chance to come back here.Most of his days were swallowed by responsibilities that stretched across the entire Eldravan Empire. Every choice he made carried weight. Every step sent ripples through forces that never stayed still for long.But this time… he set it all aside.Just for one reason.House Hanwynn.More specifically, someone within it.Mentor Kaelric.Since the day Kaelen awakened in this era—three thousand years after the world he once knew—there had been very little he could truly depend on. The past felt blurred now, like something half-remembered after waking from a long dream. Faces were gone. Names didn’t matter anymore.Except one.Kaelric was still here.The first person Kaelen had ever met whom he couldn’t fully figure out. The first person whose depth he couldn’t measure, no matter how hard he tried. And strangely enough… the only one who had shown him real kindness without asking for anything back.That alone made him

The courtyard of the ancestral hall was unusually quiet, like even time had decided to slow down and take a breath.Kaelen Viremont stood under the dim evening light, eyes locked on Mentor Kaelric. There was something in his gaze—hard to put into words. Anticipation, maybe. Or just that quiet feeling you get right before something important happens.Kaelric noticed it right away.He let out a small sigh and shook his head.“I knew you didn’t come here just for a drink,” he said, calm as ever.No real complaint in his voice, though. Just acceptance.He walked over to the side of the courtyard and casually picked up a wooden sword. Nothing special—just a basic training blade, the kind kids usually swing around when they’re first learning.But in Kaelric’s hand… even something like that felt different.He turned back to Kaelen.“Brat Fenn,” he said with that familiar old nickname, “the road ahead of you won’t be easy. I’ll move these old bones a bit and show you three sword moves. If you

Vermilion Bird City was as busy as ever.At first glance, nothing felt out of place. Crowds everywhere, voices mixing, carts rolling, cultivators moving in and out like it was just another normal day.But if you paid a little attention… There was something slightly off about the atmosphere.Nothing obvious. Just a feeling.Kaelen Viremont stood near the city entrance, quietly taking it all in.The massive gates rose in front of him like ancient giants carved from deep crimson stone. Even standing here gave off a faint pressure—like the city itself had weight.People kept flowing in nonstop.Merchants shouting. Guards checking passes. Cultivators walking with pride. Travelers are dragging their luggage like they’d been on the road for weeks.Everyone had somewhere to go.Everyone had a reason.Kaelen stepped forward without hesitation.Simple. Direct.But the moment he crossed into the outer gate—A voice drifted in from beside him.“Young master… from the way you carry yourself, you’r