Jaquan couldn't contain his excitement. The moment he saw his son return, he rushed forward with open arms.
"You're finally back! How have you been? Did that emperor give you a hard time?"
Jalen smiled faintly. "It's all taken care of." He kept his answer vague—he knew if his father ever realized that an emperor had been the least of his worries these past couple of weeks, he'd lose sleep over it.
"Come," Jaquan said, beaming. "Let me introduce you to you baby brother, Jared."
He guided Jalen toward Lara, who stood beside a chubby toddler with wild eyes—and a visible cultivation aura. Seven months old and already radiating Peak Diamond Realm pressure with every giggle and tantrum.
"Mother," Jalen greeted respectfully. Lara looked better than she had in ages—radiant, calm, and... newly pregnant. With twins. Just four weeks along, if Jalen's aura sense was accurate.
Jalen blinked. They don't waste any time, huh? But his heart warmed.
"I see you're making progress, Dad," Jalen teased. "At this rate, you'll give me those six siblings I asked for."
"Six?" Lara gasped in mock surprise, resting one hand gently over her stomach.
Jaquan laughed nervously and smacked Jalen's head. "Don't start mischief, boy."
"Can I hold my little brother now?"
"Of course," Lara said warmly, passing Jared to him. "Jared, this is your big brother. The one I've told you stories about."
Jared stared up suspiciously. Then, without warning, he unleashed his lightning aura in protest—wanting his mother, not this stranger. But the energy fizzled harmlessly against Jalen's cultivation. Frustrated, Jared tried ice next. Still nothing.
Then came the crying.
If not for protective formations around the courtyard, his wails might've shattered every wall within the estate.
Jalen chuckled softly, holding him gently. "I see you're a troublesome one."
Jaquan and Lara exchanged tired smiles.
"He's not your average baby," Jaquan admitted.
The four spent warm hours together. Jaquan and Lara shared stories—laughing over Jared's mischief, marveling at his frightening power. Jalen mostly listened, rocking the child gently as he slept—not naturally, but with a subtle calming aura Jalen applied mid-conversation to end another tantrum.
Then Jaquan smirked. "So, I heard you've got a fiancé."
Jalen blinked. "I don't."
"Don't lie to your old man. Word travels fast."
"I have no romantic relationship."
Jaquan nudged him with a grin. "Don't be shy. Tell your father about your little girlfriend."
Jalen offered no response, his face as unreadable as ever.
"You're as dull as ever," Jaquan sighed dramatically. "At this rate, I won't even become a grandfather."
"You already have a toddler who can destroy buildings by crying—and two more babies on the way. I think you've got your hands full, old man."
Lara smiled awkwardly, one hand resting over her belly.
Jaquan chuckled, then reached up to pinch Jalen's cheek. "Besides, you forget—I've also got a sixteen plus-year-old son that I'll never stop caring about."
That earned a small smile from Jalen, quiet but genuine. Lara watched the exchange, warmth blooming in her chest like slow fire.
Eventually, Jalen met with Simon and Simar for an update on the Ruona Continent.
The Ember Pearl Royal Family had continued to consolidate power. The three top sects, the Stormveil, the Ironshore, and the Verdant Fang Clan, had been dissolved entirely; the two surviving leaders, Sabella Verdant Fang and Artinian Stormveil, are now reduced to mere servants. Crown Prince Kia—along with several older cousins—had reached the Imperial Realm, while Emperor Phillip, Paul, and Jax had ascended to the early phase of the Spirit Fusion Realm, with Jax already stabilizing at mid-tier. Allied factions like the Shadow Sect and Erupt Family had also produced a few early Imperial Realm cultivators including their leaders, each pledging loyalty to the royals.
Yet no move was made against the Flare Family or their allies in Ember Fall. For now, peace held—but Simon and Simar knew better. It wasn't mercy; it was strategy.
"Once they think they've gained enough," Simar said bluntly, "they'll try to wipe us out."
The Flare Family hadn't stood still either. Simon himself is now in the early spirit fusion realm, Simar is at the mid-spirit fusion realm, and Jana is at the peak imperial realm. They had also distributed the enhanced cultivation method devised by Jalen. Several elders—including Ridge—had already broken into the Imperial Realm, making it clear the family wasn't an easy target anymore.
As for Jalen himself? The royal family should consider themselves fortunate. After last time, it was only restraint that kept him from storming Ember Pearl City and ending them outright. There wouldn't be a second warning. If they ever threatened him or those he loved again… he'd squash them like insects.
___
The next day, Jalen brought Lloyd to meet Jaquan, Lara, and baby Jared.
Lloyd was nervous. He expected monsters—but Jaquan was Moon Realm like him, and Lara was just a Peak Enlightened realm cultivator, showing signs of breaking into Star Realm. Still, Lloyd was more respectful to them than most elders.
"This junior greets the seniors," he said with a deep bow. "It's an honor."
Jaquan raised an eyebrow. "You actually have a friend?"
"Why do you sound so surprised?" Jalen replied.
"Well, you were always a loner."
"I still am. People just can't take a hint. But Lloyd's tolerable. Solid drinking partner."
"You drink?" Jaquan blinked.
"I travel across continents and dodge death weekly... and you're worried about alcohol?"
"Fair point."
Jalen's expression softened. "Now that I'm here, it's time for you two to get married. Nothing grand. Just a quiet ceremony to honor the creator—and seal your bond.
I already asked Jana to prepare the courtyard. The wedding will be held tomorrow."
Jaquan looked stunned. "You planned all this without telling us?"
"You're ridiculous," Lara laughed. "But sweet."
"Is it wrong for a son to want to see his parents tie the knot?" Jalen asked.
"Not at all," Jaquan said, smiling.
Lloyd watched silently, smiling—but a quiet ache bloomed inside. Their warmth reminded him of what he'd lost.
Then Jalen turned to him.
"From now on," he said clearly, "Jaquan Hewitt is your father. Lara Hewitt is your mother. I—Jalen—am your older brother. And Jared is your younger one. We are your family now."
Lloyd stared, stunned.
Then he smiled, lips trembling as tears formed in his eyes.
He wiped them quickly. "Why do you get to be the older brother? I'm older than you."
"I'm stronger. And you call me Master."
Lloyd snorted softly, not arguing further.
Jaquan and Lara opened their arms and pulled him into a warm embrace.
"Your son Lloyd pays his respects to his parents," he whispered. It felt strange. Silly, even. But also... right.
Jalen—once unreachable, unfathomable—had chosen him.
And Lloyd, orphaned by vengeance, had found a family.