While the Heart Clone was deep in the Beast Continent, guiding his beast disciples through relentless sparring sessions—pitting them against each other to hone their instincts, dodging their clumsy but powerful attacks during personal spars to teach them precision and timing, and patiently demonstrating Beast Techniques for Husa and the more intelligent ones—the human disciples had already begun their own training back at the main training ground, following the puppet instructor he had built specifically for this purpose.
The puppet instructor, a tall, serene figure with flawless features and a voice like flowing water, guided them step by step through the Mortal Foundation Scripture.
He also explained how to use the training ground's vyuhas and distributed small vials of basic pills, round glowing orbs that boosted stamina, cleared fatigue, or enhanced focus, warning them to use them sparingly to avoid overreliance.
Xinxuan and the other disciples listened with wide-eyed amazement, feeling a deep gratitude toward their Master for providing such precise, life-changing guidance that made the impossible seem within reach.
They thanked him silently in their hearts, determination burning like a steady flame as they vowed to meet—and exceed—his expectations, proving themselves worthy of the path he had opened for them.
Just as they were immersing themselves in the laws of the scripture, feeling the subtle warmth of pills power beginning to refine their bodies and calm their minds, Kamal, Neelam, Sanya, Rudra, and Astra arrived at the training ground, chatting casually as they prepared for their own daily session.
All twenty disciples suddenly stopped their training, breaths held mid-cycle, and turned to look at the newcomers, assuming these must be senior disciples who had joined Master earlier, perhaps even more advanced on the path.
Xinxuan, ever respectful, was the first to step forward and bow slightly.
"Hi, seniors."
When the other disciples saw Xinxuan greeting them so formally, they quickly followed suit, bowing and murmuring "Greetings, seniors" in unison, voices filled with deference.
On the other hand, Kamal and the rest of the family exchanged confused glances—why were these disciples calling them seniors?
Sanya, with her youthful pride, couldn't hold back her dissatisfaction.
"Why are you calling us seniors? Do you think I'm old?"
Vera, standing near the front, quickly bowed deeper and spoke respectfully.
"Senior, we're calling you that because we thought you were disciples of Master who joined before us—so we would be your juniors, right?"
Hearing this, Kamal and Neelam burst into light laughter, the absurdity of the misunderstanding breaking the tension.
Sanya's eyes widened, then she grinned.
"We're not disciples or anything like that. Your Master is my brother! This is my mom and dad. This little guy is my brother Rudra. And this is Astra, my brother's companion."
The disciples' expressions shifted from confusion to profound respect—realizing these people weren't fellow students, but direct family of their Master himself, placing them on a level far above them.
Xinxuan recovered first, bowing even deeper with genuine remorse.
"Forgive me for not recognizing you earlier. Martial Aunt, Martial Uncle, both Elders, and Senior…"
His voice trailed off respectfully as he glanced at Astra, uncertain how to address her.
Astra stepped forward casually, her massive form radiating quiet power, and spoke in a clear, melodic voice.
"Astra. I am Astra."
Xinxuan and the other disciples stared in surprise, hearing a beast speak for the first time in their lives, but they quickly composed themselves.
After all they had seen and experienced in the last day—from dream worlds to this space fortress—they had become remarkably adaptable.
A talking beast was surprising, yes, but only for a moment.
It simply deepened their understanding of how vast and wondrous the cultivation path truly was.
Xinxuan finished his sentence with a respectful nod.
"…Senior Astra."
Xinxuan had thought he was showing proper respect by addressing his Master's family so formally, but the family—except Astra, who looked quietly pleased—didn't seem happy with the titles.
The other disciples quickly followed suit, bowing deeply and murmuring in unison, "Forgive us for the mistake, Martial…"
Before they could finish, Sanya cut them off with a playful but firm wave of her hand.
"Hey, hey! Who are you calling aunt? I'm only 12 years old right now—younger than all of you here! Just call me Sanya. Okayyyy?"
Rudra, not fully understanding the situation, simply piped up with innocent cheer.
"Call me Rudra, Rudra!"
Kamal and Neelam exchanged amused glances and spoke gently.
"Yes, we're not so old either. Just call us Uncle and Aunt."
Then Kamal and Neelam looked at the disciples—some of whom were clearly older than them—and both sides fell into awkward confusion about how to address each other properly.
Xinxuan stepped forward respectfully.
"But we should still show respect to Master's family… We can't just call you by name like that."
The other disciples nodded in firm agreement—they had to maintain proper decorum.
Kamal thought for a moment, then suggested a compromise with a small smile.
"Just call me and my wife 'Seniors.' Call Sanya 'Little Miss,' and Rudra 'Young Master.' As for Astra… just call her Senior Astra. No problem, okay?"
Xinxuan and the others immediately nodded, relieved and grateful for the clear hierarchy.
"Yes, Seniors. Little Miss. Young Master. Senior Astra."
Sanya lifted her chin proudly, basking in the respectful chorus.
"You were practicing the Mortal Foundation Scripture, right? We're also going to practice it. If you have any problems, ask me—I'm quite strong, you know."
All the disciples replied in perfect unison.
"Yes, Little Miss!"