The next morning dawned with mist curling around the palace gardens, dew glistening on the stone paths. Jalen rose early, his body still heavy from the night before, yet his spirit restless. He found Rana already awake, waiting for him in the bathing chamber, where a bath was already prepared. Steam rose from the carved marble basin, filling the air with warmth and the faint scent of jasmine oil.
She smiled faintly when he entered. "Good morning, dear."
Jalen stepped closer, his hand brushing her cheek before kissing her lips. "Morning to you too, my love."
"Care to join me?" She slipped into the water, beckoning him with a playful glance.
"You don't have to ask me twice." Jalen joined her, and together they sank beneath the steam. The warmth wrapped around them, easing the weight of yesterday's trials. Their bodies found each other, laughter mingling with sighs, devotion deepening into passion. In that sanctuary of stone and water, they made love—slow, deliberate, as though each touch was a vow renewed.
When at last they rested, the water rippling softly around them, Jalen brushed a damp strand of hair from her face. His expression had shifted—still tender, but shadowed by resolve.
"I have to leave again," he said quietly.
Rana's smile faltered. "How soon?"
"I'm going on a trip to the Erias Continent. It will take me some days to get back here. Afterwards…" He hesitated, then met her gaze. "Afterwards I'll be leaving for Vernon."
Her eyes dimmed with sadness, though she did not argue. "So soon," she murmured. Then, after a pause, she nodded. "Alright. I understand."
Jalen kissed her, lingering. "I promise to make it up to you."
Rana nodded, though her voice was soft. "And what should I tell the twins?"
"Tell them I love them, and that I will be back."
"You know Raja will be sad," she said gently. "That boy wants to go on a journey with you so badly."
"I know," Jalen admitted, his tone heavy. "But there is something urgent I need to take care of. If I take Raja with me, it will only make the time longer."
Rana reached for his hand beneath the water, squeezing it. "Alright, dear. No need to explain further. I'll speak to the boy."
"Thank you," Jalen whispered, kissing her again.
They lingered a moment longer, holding each other in the fading warmth. Then Jalen rose, dressed in his robes, and with flash reverse vanished from the chamber.
_____
It took him nearly half a day to reach the great Erias Continent, and that was because he didn't use flash reverse nonstop, since traveling such distances consumed vast amounts of qi. He conserved his strength in case the enemy from yesterday followed and struck while he was not at full power. It was highly unlikely, since the foe was weakened and would need time to recover, but Jalen would take no chances.
When Jalen arrived at the palace in Alina, Emperor Ameer was stunned.
The young emperor lowered himself respectfully, his aura trembling with awe. "Master… I did not expect you."
"There is no time for pleasantries," Jalen said firmly, his tone brooking no delay. "You will come with me. Your royal guards will remain here to govern the land while you are away. Will, you are in charge. Frost, you will also accompany me to the Flare State."
Ameer bowed deeply. "As you command."
Jalen's orders were swift, his tone leaving no room for argument. Will and the royal guards accepted their duty without hesitation, their loyalty absolute. Frost, silent and stoic, nodded once, his eyes gleaming with quiet resolve.
____
With Ameer and Frost at his side, Jalen departed once more. This time the journey was slower. It took them five days to return to the Flare State, the pace tempered by Ameer's presence.
There Jalen introduced Frost and Emperor Ameer to Emperor Simon and Empress Jana, his in‑law. Jana prepared a secluded place for Frost to cultivate, hidden from prying eyes. Jalen tasked Frost with the duty of remaining at the palace in his stead as he prepared to depart for Vernon.
As for Ameer, Jalen brought him into the heart of his family. He introduced him to his wife and children, his father, his brothers and sister. Ameer bowed deeply to each, his respect evident in every gesture. He was happy—after all, these were his master's kin, the people who had shaped Jalen's life.
Later, Ameer met Jalen's other disciples. He greeted them with utmost respect, though intimidation flickered in his eyes. Their strength was far beyond his own, their presence heavy with cultivation and experience. Yet rather than despair, Ameer felt determination. He looked forward to the day he could stand among them as an equal.
____
Jalen then gathered Nate, Calen, Jael, Ameer, Tyrian, and Zakai in a quiet chamber. The air was heavy with anticipation, the walls glowing faintly with protective wards.
"We are going on a journey," Jalen said, his voice steady, carrying the weight of command. "One that may change everything. I cannot promise safety, but I promise purpose. Are you ready?"
"Yes, father," Jael answered without hesitation, his voice ringing with conviction.
"Always," Nate added, his tone firm, his eyes unwavering.
Calen bowed deeply, his aura calm. "I will follow wherever you lead, Master. Even into the abyss."
Tyrian's eyes gleamed with fire. "I've been waiting for this. Let the path be dangerous—I welcome it."
Zakai inclined his head, his voice measured. "If this path leads to strength, then I will walk it. For myself, for all of us."
Ameer, though newer to Jalen's circle, spoke last. His voice trembled but carried resolve. "I may not yet be worthy, but I will not falter. I will learn, I will endure."
Their voices carried conviction, filling the chamber with a resonance that seemed to echo beyond its walls.
Light's radiance flickered nearby, his presence silent yet probing. He spoke telepathically, his words reaching only Jalen. Where are you taking them?
Jalen's reply was calm but honest. The Origin Shard has revealed a place where we can grow stronger. It insists we take those with Eternal‑grade tools.
I suspect this is that bastard's doing.
I don't trust it, but I cannot ignore the opportunity.
Be cautious. That bastard never acts unless it serves its own interest.
I will. Jalen promised.
Good.
Afterward, they all left for Vernon.