The courtyard of the Flare family shimmered under the soft glow of hanging lanterns, each flame flickering like a heartbeat. The trees had been draped with silver thread and fragrant flowers—orchids, sunbursts, and blooming moon lilies—all carefully chosen by Simar for their symbolism of unity and new beginnings.
It wasn't a lavish affair. Only the three most important people in the Flare family—Simon, Simar, and Jana—were present, joined by Jalen, Lloyd, little Jared, the priest, and the couple: Jaquan and Lara.
Jaquan stood tall in robes of deep crimson, embroidered with sunfire sigils representing endurance and vitality. Lara wore a flowing gown of pale gold, her veil sheer and glittering with tiny flecks that caught the light like stars. Her hair was loosely braided down one shoulder, adorned with pearl pins gifted by Jana herself.
The priest's words were few—but sacred. When Jaquan took Lara's hand, the world seemed to still. In that moment, the weight of war, duty, and loss lifted off their shoulders, leaving only the thrill of committing to one another.
They spoke their vows with trembling voices—soft, but sure.
"With this bond, I promise to stand by your soul, even when it burns, even when it falters."
"I will meet you in all lifetimes, at the edge of fire or tide. Wherever you go, you'll never walk alone."
When the priest declared them husband and wife, Lara leaned into Jaquan's arms, and he wrapped her in a quiet embrace. There was no cheering crowd, but the silence itself felt divine—as if the universe had paused to witness their love.
Jana wiped the corner of her eye and muttered, "It's too dusty out here," though everyone knew that wasn't true. Even Simar and Simon cracked a rare smile.
Afterwards, a small celebration was held. Warm food, affectionate smiles, laughter that echoed gently through the courtyard. Eventually, the newlyweds slipped away for some well-earned solitude.
Jalen and Lloyd took over babysitting duties, but Jared—as usual—was a tiny whirlwind of chaos. He howled, launched objects, and demanded attention with relentless gusto. Jalen, unamused, casually knocked out the noisy contraption with a sleep spell, bringing silence.
"You're so heartless you even bully an infant," Jana teased with a chuckle from across the room, flicking a playful glance his way.
Jalen didn't dignify her with a response. He turned his attention back to Lloyd, guiding him through advanced training techniques. The days passed swiftly.
A week later, Jalen sent Lloyd off—not just to gain experience, but to master his skills until he broke through the Spirit Fusion realm. Only then would revenge be possible. Jalen didn't intend to do all the work himself; he'd stand as backup, protecting Lloyd from harm when necessary.
Lloyd agreed without hesitation. He bade farewell to his newfound parents, his baby brother, and Simon and Jana, who gifted him words of wisdom and warmth. Surprisingly, Jared clung to Lloyd more than Jalen—a little detail that didn't escape anyone's notice.
With bags slung and resolve burning in his chest, Lloyd departed for the Great Wave Continent, north of Ruona. A new journey had begun.
Jalen spent another quiet week with the Flare family. Conversations with Simon about strategy, training, and peace left a lasting impression, while Jana's lighthearted banter softened the looming goodbyes.
Then, Jalen said his own farewells. He had no fixed destination, but his goal was clear—become strong enough to protect those he truly cared about from any future threats. He briefly considered visiting the continent where Rana now trained but then changed his mind. He didn't want his presence disturbing her growth.
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Jalen had decided to head the Rale Kingdom—renowned as one of the most powerful realms on planet Radiant. Not by flying but by a ship, which will take him about a month to get there, by the way. But He wasn't in a rush; slow travel meant more time to observe, reflect, and relax.
Jalen mostly kept to his quarters. And the one day he decided to step out for some fresh air, he stumbled upon a brewing conflict in the passageway.
Three mid Imperial Realm cultivators had cornered a young woman—about twenty-two and at the Enlightened Realm—and her protector, a man at the Imperial Realm who looked oddly her age but was centuries old.
"Hand over the royal token and we'll be on our merry way," one of the attackers demanded.
"If we fight here, the ship will be destroyed. Innocent lives will be lost," warned her bodyguard.
"There's no need for that—just give us what we want."
"You know we can't do that."
"Then die."
One of the attackers lunged—and his aura alone made the ship creak and groan under pressure.
Normally, Jalen avoided meddling in issues that didn't concern him. But this was different. If the ship sank, he'd lose his peaceful ride, and countless others would perish—not that he was too fussed about that.
He extended his spirit sense. Its sheer force stopped the attacker in his tracks.
"Until I arrive at my destination, no brawl is allowed on board," Jalen said calmly.
Everyone turned in shock. The attackers, the girl, and her protector—all reeled at his age… and his terrifying aura. That was not a boy. That was a monster wearing youth like a disguise.
The three Imperial cultivators debated internally. Messing with him meant death. They backed off.
Jalen turned and walked away.
But the girl and her bodyguard followed.
"Wait," she called. "I'm Jaya. This is my bodyguard, Walford."
Jalen didn't react.
"Is there anything we can do to thank you for your help?"
"I didn't do it to help you," Jalen said. "I didn't want my peaceful ride disturbed."
"Even so… You saved us, senior. Thank you."
"Who are you calling senior?" Jalen snapped. "I'm just sixteen."
Walford's expression froze. He had felt the aura earlier, but hearing his age aloud confirmed it—Jalen was no ordinary cultivator. Sixteen… and already at the Spirit Fusion realm? This is unheard of. Impossible. And yet.
"I know you're younger than me," Jaya said. "Your life energy in that spirit sense attack gave it away. But your realm ranks much higher. That makes you my senior according to cultivation rules."
Jalen didn't bother wasting any more words with her; he just headed for the kitchen. Though he no longer needed food, he indulged from time to time.
"How about you come have a meal at my cabin?" Jaya asked sweetly.
It was a calculated offer. She knew that if she could convince this stranger to ally with her, her chances of winning the royal competition would skyrocket.
But to her disappointment, Jalen burst into light and vanished.
That's because he used his Luminous Veil Step to get away.