For eighty long years, Jalen remained within the Qi Chamber, his body and soul locked in a ceaseless struggle against the torrent of energy that surged through him. The chamber was merciless, its infinite qi crystal pouring power into him without pause, threatening to tear apart his vessel with every breath. Yet Jalen endured.
At last, after decades of agony and perseverance, his aura erupted like a blazing sun. His cultivation surged past its former limits, breaking through into the Transcendent Mega Star Realm. The moment his breakthrough stabilized, the Realm of Transformation shuddered violently. Its walls of light fractured, sigils dissolved, and the entire domain collapsed into nothingness. The two thousand-year time limit was up. In an instant, Jalen, Ameer, and Jael were cast back into the Origin World, their feet finding solid ground once more.
The moment they reappeared, Jael instinctively leapt toward his father, as he had done countless times before. But this time, Jalen did not wait for his son's embrace. He stepped forward first, wrapping Jael tightly in his arms. His voice trembled with relief as he whispered, "I'm glad to see you are doing well, my son."
Jael blinked, startled by the sudden warmth. His heart raced with excitement, yet he could not help but look at his father oddly. "Dad… are you okay?" he asked, suspicion flickering in his eyes. Jalen had always been strong but rarely so openly affectionate.
Jalen chuckled, squeezing him tighter. "What? Can't a father hug his son without being questioned? Or do you think you're too grown now for your father's embrace?"
Jael's lips curled into a smile, his gaze lingering on his father's face. "Father, you jest. I'll never be too old for your hugs. You can hold me as long as you wish."
Jalen released Jael and turned to face Ameer, his disciple and loyal companion. "Your Majesty," Jalen said with a faint smile, "it's good to see you in good shape as well."
Ameer bowed his head respectfully. "Of course, Master. I am well." His iron body gleamed faintly, evidence of his resilience even after the ordeal within the chamber.
Jalen studied him for a moment, then asked, "What do you decide to do next, Ameer?"
"I will return to the Ron State," Ameer replied firmly. "I must check on things there."
"Good," Jalen said, his tone approving. Then, with a teasing glint in his eye, he added, "And don't forget to bring forth some royal children. A sovereign legacy should not end with you."
Ameer rolled his eyes, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Master, you never change," he muttered before turning to leave. His footsteps echoed with determination as he departed, bound for his homeland.
With Ameer gone, Jalen and Jael set their sights on the Flare State. Jalen expected turmoil—that cultivator from the Upper Realm might have launched attacks during his absence. Yet to his surprise, the state remained untouched. The skies were calm, the cities intact, and no enemy banners flew across its borders. Relief washed over him, though he remained cautious. Peace was often the calm before a storm.
Upon returning, Jalen reunited with his parents first before meeting up with his wife. Rana greeted him warmly, though her expression carried both joy and concern. She quickly informed him of Raja's departure.
"Raja left on an adventure," Rana explained. "He said he needed to grow stronger. But… he was angry, Jalen. Angry that you left him behind, that you didn't take him with you."
Jalen's heart tightened. He understood Raja's frustration. The boy was ambitious, eager to prove himself to him, and always wanted to go on an adventure with him. Being left behind had wounded his pride. Yet Jalen also knew the dangers of the Realm of Transformation. Raja would not have survived. Still, guilt gnawed at him. "I see," Jalen murmured, his voice heavy. "He will understand in time."
Rana nodded, though worry lingered in her eyes.
News continued to unfold. Jala and Jared, two of Jalen's younger kin, had departed for the Crown Kingdom to participate in the Reign Continent Cultivation Tournament. Their decision filled Jalen with both pride and unease.
"They want to prove themselves," Rana said softly. "They want to stand among the greatest cultivators of the continent."
Jalen sighed, his gaze distant. Danger was inevitable in cultivation. He knew this truth better than anyone. Yet the thought of his children far from his protection unsettled him. His instincts screamed to chase after them, to shield them from harm. But he also knows that they must walk their own path. To shelter them forever is to deny them growth.
With great effort, Jalen resisted the urge to intervene. "They are cultivators," he said at last. "Peril shadows every cultivator's path. I must trust them."
Rana nodded.
"By the way, I've brought back a treasure for you," Jalen said, his eyes glinting. "But I'll only give it to you once we leave the palace."
Rana arched a brow. "You mean we're traveling together?"
Jalen leaned closer, teasing. "What, you don't want to?"
"Of course I do," Rana laughed, poking his chest. "But let me prepare a few things first—and at least say farewell to my parents and in‑laws."
Jalen stopped her gently, his hand closing over hers. "That can wait until later. Right now, it has been two thousand years since I last saw you."
Rana chuckled softly, poking his nose. "For me, it has only been twenty days we've been apart."
"Even a single second away from you is too long," Jalen murmured, his voice low and raw.
Their words dissolved into silence as they drew closer, arms tightening around one another. Her warmth steadied him, his aura folding inward until only the rhythm of her heartbeat mattered. Qi flared between them, not as a battle but as harmony—two currents entwining, weaving a bond that no shard could sever.
For a moment, the walls faded, and only the two of them remained, timeless and unbroken. Their reunion was not merely affection but a sacred collision of spirit and soul, a reminder that even in the endless struggle of cultivation, love could anchor eternity.