Vera's POV
I had just seen my Master appear behind the Prime Minister, and after we all greeted him respectfully, he spoke to Mordan in that calm, warm voice of his.
He said he was now taking us—me, the other disciples, and all our families—with him.
My heart raced with excitement.
In all the novels I had read, when a powerful master took disciples, they always traveled on flying swords, immortal boats, or some majestic cloud that soared through the sky like a legend come to life.
So I thought that was what would happen next—maybe a beautiful flying boat would appear, or Master would summon a sword big enough for all of us.
But my thoughts were completely wrong.
Suddenly, everything went black.
Pitch dark.
I couldn't see anything—not my parents, not the garden, not even my own hands in front of my face.
My body froze, completely paralyzed, like someone had turned off every muscle except my mouth.
I heard my parents' voices immediately—panicked, worried.
"Vera! Where are you? Are you okay?"
I forced my voice out, trying to sound calm even though my heart was pounding.
"I'm okay, Mom, Dad! Don't worry—this must be Master's power. We're safe, I promise."
From farther away, I heard other voices—other disciples and their families calling out in confusion, the same fear and questions echoing through the darkness.
The disciples quickly reassured their loved ones, just like I did.
"It's our Master's doing. We're safe. Don't panic."
After what felt like a minute—but could have been only seconds—the darkness began to fade.
Light returned slowly at first, then all at once.
I squeezed my eyes shut against the sudden brightness, shielding them with my hand.
When I opened them again, after a few seconds of adjusting, my breath caught in my throat.
I stood on soft grass beneath an endless blue sky.
Fresh air filled my lungs—fresh wasn't even the right word.
It was heavenly.
One single breath felt like taking several deep ones on Earth, yet it didn't feel overwhelming or uncomfortable—just pure, revitalizing, like every cell in my body was waking up.
And there, in front of me, rose a fortress.
I couldn't even guess how big it was—massive didn't do it justice.
Towers of white marble veined with gold reached toward the clouds.
Floating gardens hung suspended between sections, waterfalls flowed upward into misty pools, crystal bridges arched gracefully between floating islands.
Everything shimmered with soft light, as though the entire structure had been carved from dreams and polished by stars.
This was only the view from outside the massive gate.
I could already imagine what lay beyond those towering doors—true heaven.
My mouth hung open.
Around me, every disciple and every family member wore the same expression—wide eyes, parted lips, complete awe.
My parents stood frozen beside me, staring up in stunned silence.
Then I saw my Master standing calmly at the entrance of the wide-open gate.
He coughed lightly—just a small sound—and instantly every voice fell silent.
All eyes turned to him.
I heard him saying to follow these puppets, and then he vanished.
I was confused.
Why did my Master call them puppets?
Because standing in front of me were twenty beautiful ladies who looked more human than any human I had ever seen—graceful steps, flawless skin, perfect figures, eyes that seemed to hold quiet wisdom, and an elegance that made them look like they had stepped straight out of the dreams of the world's greatest artists.
They could easily pass for top models, supermodels even—each one unique yet somehow perfectly harmonious, like living works of art.
I didn't dare say out loud, "I don't believe these are puppets," because if my Master said they were puppets, then they were.
Who was I to question him?
My Master was so powerful—who could say he couldn't create human-like puppets that looked and moved more real than real people?
Then one of the beautiful ladies stepped forward gracefully, bowed slightly, and spoke in a soft, melodic voice.
"Please follow me. I will guide you and your family to your rooms."
The same happened with the other disciples—each group received their own puppet guide, and they began moving toward the grand entrance in an orderly, respectful line.
POV ends.
After handing the bonus items to Mordan, the Heart Clone moved swiftly, returning first to Dark Haven Fortress in a single spatial step—but he did not linger there even for a moment.
He immediately stepped through the stable passage connecting the two fortresses, emerging directly into the Abode of the Sky.
Dark Haven Fortress held too many irreplaceable things—his family's private quarters, the original cultivation chambers, sensitive vyuhas, and countless treasures accumulated over time—so he had decided long ago that his number of disciples and their families would live in the Abode of the Sky instead.
This new fortress was pristine, expansive, and free of any sensitive secrets—perfect for housing newcomers while they adjusted to their new lives.