Two days had passed since the eruption at Waveweave Temple. Deep within the Rage Forest, nestled in a cave shielded by jagged roots and lightning-forged stone, Jaquan Hewitt finally stirred.
His body ached, but it was no longer broken. The healing technique Jalen had used—Flare of Recursion—had mended his cracked core and restored his flesh. His qi was still low, but his spirit was intact.
The first thing he saw was Jalen, seated a few feet away, meditating. Flame qi pulsed gently around him, flickering like a heartbeat. On his head sat a small boy—no older than two—whose features mirrored Jalen's so perfectly when Jalen was that age. Jaquan's mind began to race.
Then the boy spoke.
"Dad," he called out, voice bright. "Grandfather is awake!"
Jalen didn't open his eyes. "Calm down, or I'll put you to sleep."
That was enough. The boy quieted instantly, though his eyes sparkled with mischief.
Jaquan sat up slowly, stretching his limbs. He found a folded robe nearby, left there by Jalen, and got dressed in minutes before approaching his son.
"When did this happen?" he asked, gesturing toward the boy.
Jalen cracked one eye open. "I thought you'd be happy I made you a grandfather."
Jaquan groaned. "Not this early."
Jalen arched a brow. "When did you get me again?"
"Near my eighteenth birthday," Jaquan replied. "But that's not the point. You're seventeen—with a kid who looked to be two-year-old. Clearly, cultivation wasn't the only thing you've been keeping from me back then. So tell me—how long have you been doing the deed?"
"First of all Jael is just a little over a year old." Jalen smirked. "And second. Do I ask about your bedroom activities?"
"I'm the father. You're the son. That gives me the right."
"Age is just a number in the cultivation world," Jalen said coolly. "And seniority is determined by realm, not years."
Plus, Jalen had spent over three centuries in the shadow realm, making him way older than his dad.
Yeah, it's complicated. But that's the cultivation word for you.
Jaquan scoffed. "Don't give me that cultivator nonsense. I'm your dad. My seniority will always outrank yours."
Jalen shrugged. "I could've had a kid at twelve if I wanted."
Jaquan grabbed his ear. "You rude brat. So you've been active since twelve? Earlier than your old man!"
Jalen winced but laughed. "Are you mad because you think I'm having sex at twelve or because you think I've done it before you?"
"Keep talking smack and I might have to spank your behind."
As Jalen stood, Jael—who had been perched quietly on his head, listening intently—floated off and hovered nearby. Jalen pulled his father into a hug.
Jaquan hugged back, pressing a kiss to the top of his son's head. Jael watched silently, eyes wide with curiosity.
Jalen pulled away. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Dad."
Jaquan's expression softened. "I'm sorry I keep putting you in situations where you have to rescue me. I should be the one protecting you."
"Don't apologize," Jalen said. "If anyone should, it's me. They attacked you because of me—because of what I did."
Jaquan placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "Don't blame yourself for the actions of vile people. That's not on you."
Jalen nodded, though the guilt lingered in his eyes.
He smiled faintly. "Aren't you going to ask about your wife and your litter of lion cubs?"
Jaquan chuckled. "I figured if you're here, they're safe. Still… I miss them. My wife, my kids—and now, apparently, my grandson."
"They're safe," Jalen confirmed. "I made it in time." His voice darkened. "But what if I hadn't?"
The thought haunted him. If he hadn't met Sion and his daughter, he'd still be lost in the Mystic Realm, chasing rare treasures and powerful cultivators' legacies while his family suffered. Just imagining it made his blood boil. His aura flared.
"I'm safe now," Jaquan said gently, pulling him into another hug. "Your mother and the boys are fine because of you. So there's no need to dwell on what didn't happen."
"You're right," Jalen said, exhaling slowly.
Jaquan smiled. "So… aren't you going to introduce me to my grandson?"
"This is Jael," Jalen said, gesturing to the floating boy behind him.
Jael looked at him, as if asking permission. Jalen nodded, and Jael launched into Jaquan's arms, knocking him back with a laugh.
"Wow, you're strong!" Jaquan chuckled, tickling him. Jael giggled uncontrollably.
"Peak Star Realm at two? You're even more monstrous than your father and your little uncle."
Jaquan patted Jael's head, then turned to Jalen. "So… where's his mother?"
Jalen's expression dimmed. "She died."
Jaquan's face fell. He hugged Jael tightly. "You poor kid."
Then he looked at Jalen. "Did you love her?"
Jalen raised a hand. "Before you misunderstand any further—Jael is a dragon. I'm still a virgin. But he's still my son."
Jaquan blinked. "What?"
"I am," Jalen said.
"Yeah, he's my dad," Jael added, floating back to Jalen's shoulder.
Jaquan stared for a moment, then nodded. "I have a grandson. Blood or not."
Jalen smiled. "Thanks, Dad."
Jaquan's expression turned serious. "So what now?"
"First, I'm taking you back to the Ruona Continent," Jalen said. "And I'll leave Jael with you."
"I don't want to go!" Jael protested. "I want to stay with you!"
"If you keep this tantrum up, I'll spank you," Jalen warned.
Jael sniffled. "Okay, Dad. I'll stay with Grandpa."
"And be on your best behavior. Listen to everything Grandpa says. Understand?"
"Yes, Daddy."
"Good boy." Jalen ruffled Jael's hair, making a mess of it, and the boy chuckled sweetly.
"Daddy, that tickles!"
Jaquan didn't know whether to laugh or cry—but he was smiling. "You really are a dad."
Jalen nodded. "Alright. Let's get you two out of here."
With that, Jalen activated Flash Reversion a few times. Due to this, it took them seven hours to get to the Ruona continent—deep beneath the Emberfall ranges, at the hidden mountain refuge where the Flare family had carved out their sanctuary.