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....
The evening sun dipped low over Glory City, casting a warm golden hue across the sprawling streets and the towering stone walls that encircled its heart.
Within the ancient monument courtyard near the City Lord's Mansion, the spatial teleportation array hummed to life. Its ancient stone pillars pulsed with a light.
A sizable crowd had gathered around the perimeter. Elders clad in ornate robes and guards in polished armor stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes fixed on the glowing platform.
"Is it opening again?" an elder from the Alchemist Association murmured, as he adjusted his silver-trimmed cloak, peering at the glowing inscriptions.
"Could it be Young Master Nie Li returning?" a guard ventured, his spear butt tapping the cobblestones rhythmically.
"Someone run to the City Lord's Mansion, tell them they're back!" another barked, as he waved toward a young man, who turned on his heel and darted off through the bustling streets.
It had been a few days since Nie Li and his companions vanished into the mysterious formation, a span that had felt like an eternity to those left behind.
The entire city had buzzed with speculation. Several formation masters had attempted to breach the array's secrets without the slightest success, their efforts met only with failure.
Panic had gradually crept into the edges of the major families, and now, as the array flared anew, the gathered elders and guards stood vigilant, holding their breath in anticipation.
The pillar of light intensified, and silhouettes began to solidify within the brilliance.
First came Du Ze, as he steadily onto the stone platform, his blue-tinged robes catching the light as a broad smile crossed his face, looking around at the gathered crowd.
Lu Piao followed right behind, stretching his arms with a long, relieved groan, a grin tugging at his lips.
Xiao Xue appeared next, while Cao Wang trailed just behind her, his guarded expression softening at the sight of familiar faces.
The elders let out a sigh, as a wave of relief washing over them.
Stationed directly around the array were four Black Gold rank elders, two from the Alchemist Association, one from the City Lord's Mansion, his posture rigid with authority; and one from the Winged Dragon Family.
The Winged Dragon elder's eyes narrowed as he scanned the newcomers. His heart skipped a beat when he failed to spot Xiao Ning'er among them.
Panic flared in his chest, and he took a hurried step forward, his voice rising, "Where's—"
The elder from the City Lord's Mansion caught his arm in an instant.
"Wait," the City Lord's elder whispered, his voice low and steady as he nudged subtly toward Cao Wang. "That's Nie Li's man, let's not stir the pot yet." His eyes flicked back to the still-glowing platform. "The array isn't done. They're coming."
The Winged Dragon elder exhaled a breath, nodding reluctantly as he stepped back.
The tension in the air hung thick as the runes continued to hum with spatial energy until another figure stepped through the light.
It was a complete stranger. Tall, muscular, and imposing, with jet-black hair falling over his scarred shoulders, and a pair of massive, dark dragon wings spread wide against his back.
Duan Jian's presence hit the elders like a thunderclap as awe-inspiring aura rolled off him.
The elders flinched, their hands instinctively drifting toward their weapons as they dropped into defensive stances, their eyes locked warily onto this unknown powerhouse.
Duan Jian's gaze hardened in an instant. Sensing their hostility, his wings twitched, and the power coiled within his meridians surged like an impending storm as the intent to kill flashed within his dark pupils.
"Who dares?" he growled in the deep, guttural tongue of the ancient Woodland Era, his voice rolling through the courtyard like thunder.
Lu Piao jumped between them, waving his hands frantically with a nervous laugh. "Whoa, whoa, easy there, big guy!" he exclaimed, his tone laced with urgency. "No need to start a brawl, they don't know you yet! Rest easy, Duan Jian. It's just a misunderstanding, they'll see."
Du Ze shot Lu Piao a deadpan glare. "He doesn't speak our language, stupid!"
"But he understands our intention!" Lu Piao retorted.
Hearing the tone and seeing Lu Piao's frantic gestures, Duan Jian reined in his spiritual force and took a measured step back, though his sharp eyes never left the elders.
Cao Wang stepped forward, as he addressed the gathered masters. "He's a friend, not a foe," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. "One of Young Master Nie Li's own."
Moments later, the array flared with one final, brilliant burst of radiance.
Nie Li stepped out onto the stones, his hand clasped firmly with Xiao Ning'er's. Their fingers remained intertwined with quiet intimacy, a sight that instantly softened the lingering tension in the air.
The Winged Dragon elder's shoulders sagged in relief. A breath escaped his lips as he saw Xiao Ning'er standing unharmed.
"Thank the heavens," he muttered under his breath.
Nie Li's sharp eyes swept across the courtyard, catching the defensive stances and the lingering unease among the guards.
"What's going on here?" he asked, with an eyebrow lifting as he surveyed them.
Lu Piao chuckled, waving it off casually. "Nothing serious, just a little mix-up," he said with a teasing grin. "New guy spooked 'em, that's all."
Nie Li glanced sideways at Duan Jian, then back at the elders, and nodded in understanding. "No need to fret," he said, "He's one of mine, family now."
The elders quickly approached the platform, their expressions a swirling mixture of respect and curiosity.
"Young Master, it's good that you're back safe!" the first Alchemist Association elder greeted.
"What happened out there?" the elder from the City Lord's Mansion asked, as he searched Nie Li's calm face for clues.
"Where've you been?" the second Alchemist elder chimed in, hands clasped behind his back.
Nie Li raised a hand, "I'll explain later, everything to the City Lord directly. I've got intel and some interesting things he'll want to hear."
Meanwhile, the Winged Dragon elder stepped closer to Xiao Ning'er, his weathered features melting into warmth.
"Ning'er, my dear niece, how are you?" he asked gently.
Xiao Ning'er met his gaze, a blush dusting her cheeks. "Uncle, I'm fine," she replied softly, her voice carrying a touch of guilt. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Father, and the family. I didn't mean to."
The elder waved his hand dismissively, his laughter rich with relief. "No, no, no trouble at all!" he declared with warmth. "As long as you're with Nephew Nie Li, we knew you'd be safe. No one doubts his strength, or his care for you."
Xiao Ning'er's blush deepened, her heart fluttering at the open approval woven into his words.
Her clan's support for her bond with Nie Li was known across the city. Though it never failed to fluster her, the knowledge warmed her to her core; she desired that future just as deeply.
She glanced at Nie Li, who met her eyes with a knowing smile.
"We've been on a long road," Nie Li announced to the group, "We will talk later. Ning'er, you should go with your uncle and rest. We'll catch up later and sort everything out."
Before Nie Li could step off the platform, the elder representing the Snow Wind Family stepped forward, as he raised a hand to halt him.
"Hold on, Young Master," the elder said, his voice respectful yet taut with urgency. "The elders from Snow Wind and the City Lord want a word with you. Something important is brewing."
Nie Li's eyes narrowed into sharp slits. A flicker of suspicion crossed his mind as he gave a nod.
"Fine," he answered, his thoughts already spinning through the possibilities. Is it the Sacred Family making a desperate move, new movements from the Dark Guild, or something regarding the Glory Academy? Very few matters warranted the City Lord's summons.
Turning back to his companions, Nie Li instructed, "The rest of you, head home. Your families must be on worried. We'll regroup tomorrow, I have some gifts for all of you."
He glanced back at Cao Wang and Duan Jian, his voice dropping slightly. "You two, with me."
Leaving the monument grounds, the trio made their way down the wide stone streets toward the Heavenly Marks Family's district.
Glory City's grand spires and timber rooftops loomed around them, bathed in the fading purple and gold of twilight, a testament to humanity's resilience against the wilderness.
Nie Li glanced at Duan Jian, whose broad dragon wings cast long, dark shadows across the cobblestones, and began to speak in a calm tone, "This is Glory City, Duan Jian. Three main families hold sway here, the Snow Wind, the Divine, and the Winged Dragon alongside various noble and aristocratic lines. I hail from a smaller clan, but that dynamic is changing rapidly. The array we just passed through? It is tied directly to my future plans. Soon, I will establish the Glory Academy, a new foundation for this entire city. As for the finer details, we can worry about that later."
Duan Jian listened attentively, his eyes absorbing every detail of the alien architecture and peaceful streets with curiosity.
Nie Li's voice softened, "Don't worry about fitting in. I'll provide you with a translation manual for the local language. You're sharp; you'll master it in a day or two. For tonight, we're heading to my residence first. Your training begins tomorrow."
Nie Li paused in his stride, his expression turning solemn.
"You have a brutal battle ahead of you, Duan Jian. That old bastard Sikong Yi has plenty of venomous tricks up his sleeve, and he will likely force his strength to peak Legend rank over the next three months. You will need to fight with everything you have, or there is no telling how it will end. Are you ready for that?"
Duan Jian's jaw clamped shut, his knuckles popping as his fists tightened.
"I'm ready, Master," he vowed, each word dripping with resolve. "I'll face him, life or death. I won't falter."
Before long, the Nie Mansion came into view. The modest estate was warmly framed by climbing jasmine vines and heavy timber gates.
Steward Jin, a veteran Gold rank warrior, stood waiting near the entrance alongside a squad of family guards. The moment their eyes landed on Nie Li, their faces lit up with unbridled joy.
They bowed low, their voices ringing with heartfelt relief. "Welcome back, Young Master!" Jin called out. "We've missed you!"
Nie Li smiled faintly, "How is everyone? My parents, uncle, aunt, and my little cousin?"
"They're at the orphanage, playing with the children," Jin answered with a wide grin. "They weren't worried in the slightest. You told them beforehand that you might be away for a while, so a few days wasn't enough to rattle them."
As he finished speaking, Jin's eyes drifted toward the figure standing behind Nie Li. The sight of Duan Jian's towering silhouette, scarred torso, and imposing black dragon wings caused the steward to blink in startled bewilderment.
Nie Li stepped slightly to the side, "This is Duan Jian. He is my brother, part of our family now."
Jin's eyes widened in profound shock. Nie Li was known throughout the clan for his coldness, and often distant demeanor, yet here he was, directly claiming this demonic-looking stranger as his sworn kin.
Recovering instantly, Jin dropped into a deep, reverent bow. "Welcome, Young Master Duan!"
The surrounding guards followed suit without hesitation, their respectful greetings echoing through the courtyard.
Even Cao Wang lowered his head in awe; he had assumed Duan Jian was merely a captured servant or subordinate warrior, completely unaware that Nie Li's regard for the youth ran this deep.
Duan Jian blinked, a flicker of confusion crossing his eyes as the unfamiliar syllables washed over him.
Nie Li chuckled softly, shaking his head as he switched back to the ancient tongue of the Woodland Era, "They're just welcoming you, don't mind the formalities. Come on, follow me inside."
The courtyard stretched out before them, a quiet sanctuary away from the city's undercurrents, its stone pathways perfumed by the blooming jasmine flowers.
With Duan Jian following closely at his heels, Nie Li strode across the gate into the familiar warmth of home.