The morning sun cast a pale gold over the Flare Palace, its rays filtering through the fortified barrier formations like threads of silk. The air was calm, but beneath the surface, tension brewed.
Jalen stood on the eastern balcony, his senses sharp. He had felt them before the guards announced it—a group of powerful cultivators approaching the palace gates. But this time, they didn't barge in. No formations were triggered. No threats were made.
They came with restraint.
Simon and Simar joined him moments later, both already dressed in ceremonial robes. Word had spread quickly. Elders, guards, and disciples gathered in the courtyard, their eyes wary, their hands near their weapons despite knowing the enemies' powers far surpassed theirs. Nonetheless, the Flare Palace was their home, where their loved ones resided, and they were ready to die to protect them.
The guards escorted the uninvited visitors to the outer courtyard after receiving instruction from Simon via mind link to do so. Leading them was a woman Jalen recognized instantly—Master Talia. Her posture was regal, her expression unreadable. And next to her, a monster wearing the shell of a young man with blond hair, a mid-Sage Realm expert. Tomlinson.
Behind them stood twenty-three elders, their auras potent and refined. Three of them radiated the unmistakable pressure of Mid Sage Realm cultivators, while the rest were Early Sage Realm experts.
Flanking the elders were one hundred and fifty warriors, their cultivation ranging from Peak Spirit Fusion to Mid Immortal Realm. Their synchronized steps made the ground tremble faintly, and the sheer concentration of power was enough to make the air hum with tension, like a storm waiting to break.
Jalen stepped forward, flanked by Simon and Simar. The crowd parted to let them through.
Master Talia didn't offer greetings. Her voice was direct.
"Is my disciple safe?"
Jalen nodded once. "She is."
His eyes scanned the group behind her. If even a fraction of them turned hostile, the Flare Palace would bleed, wiped off the map to be exact. Still, he didn't flinch. Power wasn't just about numbers—it was about resolve. And his resolve was absolute.
Talia noticed his scrutiny. "There is no need for worry. Like myself, these are esteemed elders and warriors from the Solar Clan," she said. "We are not here for a fight but to meet with Lady Rana."
Jalen didn't doubt her words. But the others' expressions say something else.
"My wife won't be going back to the Solar Clan, so if that's why you're here, you can all leave," Jalen stated firmly.
A Mid Sage Realm elder stepped forward, his tone sharp. His name was Timothy; he looked no older than eighteen but was over three thousand years old. "Elder Talia has told us about your relation with Lady Rana, but regardless, she is the heir to our clan. It is only rightful for her to return."
Jalen ignored Timothy and focused on Master Talia and Tomlinson, who he could tell was the strongest of all those present here. "As I said just now, my wife will not leave this place. So go."
"Not without our leader," another elder added, this one from the Early Sage Realm. His flaming aura was enough to suppress those below his realm on the Flare compound. Lyle.
"That's enough, you two," Tomlinson said firmly. "We are not here to fight." This was enough to cause the early-stage realm expert to withdraw his aura.
Talia turned to Jalen and said, "Look, why don't you invite us inside so we can discuss this in private? I also want to meet with my disciple."
"It's pointless to talk any further on this matter, since I won't change my stance," Jalen replied. "As for you entering the palace, it's not up to me. My father-in-law will decide."
Simon stepped forward, his voice unwavering. "If my son-in-law is not pleased with you people, then you can leave."
Talia's gaze shifted to Simon. "So you're Lady Rana's father, Simon."
Every eye turned to Simon.
She nodded slightly. "Nice to meet you. I'm Talia. I am your daughter's master. I know you don't trust us, given what our clan did to her. But trust me when I say—we have no intention of causing trouble or harm. We just want to protect Lady Rana, our future patriarch."
Simon's expression didn't soften despite feeling overwhelmed that his father had achieved such a high status. "As much as I'd like to warmly welcome the one who tutored my daughter, I'm not sure I can trust your companions." He looked at Elder Timothy and Lyle as he said the part about trust. "Even if you say there's nothing to worry about."
"Elder Talia, we will find somewhere in the city to lodge while you handle the situation here," Tomlinson suggested to ease the tension. He also knows that if anyone could convince Lady Rana to leave here peacefully with them, it would be her master, Talia.
There were grumbles and protests. Some elders felt insulted, rejected by what they deemed a low-class clan. But they eventually left, their pride bruised.
Only then did Simon nod and invite Elder Talia inside the palace.
The halls were quiet, but the tension lingered. She was escorted by Jalen to his private chamber, where Rana waited.
When Talia saw her, she froze.
Rana stood tall, her aura blazing with Peak Imperial Realm cultivation. But what stunned Talia wasn't her strength—it was the two cradles beside her. Two infants, sleeping peacefully. Their hair snow-white, their qi pulsing faintly.
"You gave birth?" Talia asked, surprised. After all, these kids should still be in the stomach forming even by cultivation logic.
Rana smiled. "Yeah, to twins."
"That's wonderful," Talia smiled. She didn't ask how—despite the urge clawing at her curiosity. But when she looked to Jalen, a nineteen-year-old cultivator who had reached Peak Immortal Realm in mere years, she understood. His children would be extraordinary.
Their embrace was warm, filled with unspoken emotion. Talia had trained Rana, guided her, and protected her through trials no disciple should endure. Seeing her alive—and thriving—was enough.
Jana entered the room at that moment, exchanging greetings with Talia. Rana introduced her mother and teacher, the two women who had shaped her life in different ways.
Then Talia turned to Rana, her tone shifting.
"There's something you need to know. The patriarch of the Solar Clan is dead, or rather, he was murdered by Veyron. You know what this means."
Rana's breath caught. "I am now the patriarch," she said, her voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. Though she had always known this day would come, it wasn't supposed to be so soon.
"I know it's frightening," Talia said gently. "A nineteen-year-old governing a top-tier clan filled with powerful experts. But it is your duty—and I will help you carry it out."
Rana hesitated. "What about Master Veyron?" Just saying his name made her shiver. The memories of his cruelty were etched into her bones. "I'm sure he and those who support him won't stand idly by and let me become patriarch."
Talia's expression darkened. "You're right—they won't. But as long as you remain out of their grasp, you'll always be a threat to Veyron's legitimacy. The Raven State will refuse to ally with the Solar Clan, and without that bond, Veyron's reign will remain unstable."
She stepped closer, her voice firm. "That's why the twenty-four elders and I came here to keep you out of Veyron's and that rotten prince's reach. To take you somewhere safe, where you can grow stronger. And when the time is right, we'll stand beside you as you reclaim your rightful place as patriarch of the Solar Clan."
"Again, that's not an option," Jalen added.
Talia's eyes narrowed. "I know you two have a relationship going on, but this is not your choice."
"I'm her husband, actually," Jalen corrected her. "This means I have a say in what decision my wife makes, especially any that affect not only her well-being but our kids' and families."
"While on our way here, we received news. Strong warriors from the Solar Clan are heading for the Ruona Continent. If my sources are correct, they'll arrive in forty-eight hours." Talia said, hoping this would make Jalen back down, but it didn't.
Jalen's voice was low but resolute. "My wife isn't going anywhere."
"I'll admit you're strong, kid," Talia said. "But not even you can take on that many forces by yourself. You'll die a dog's death, and the Flare Family will be crushed despite the Sage-level formations protecting this place."
"You think Rana will abandon her parents? Her family?" Jalen asked.
"They can come with us," Talia offered.
"And leave everyone else to die?" Jalen's voice flared.
Talia didn't answer. She didn't want to offend Rana or her parents. But in her heart, she believed it—sacrificing these weaker people of the family for Rana's safety was a necessary evil.
Jalen saw it in her eyes.
"I don't care how many experts the Solar State sends. I don't care how many Sage Realm cultivators Veyron commands. Rana stays."
"You're being selfish," Talia snapped. "If you do this, many will die."
"And if we leave, many will die," Jalen retorted. As if she cares if anyone dies.
"But at least Lady Rana will be safe. She can grow stronger—get revenge for those who fall."
Jalen's gaze hardened. "You're her master, but you clearly don't understand her."
Talia frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You've said what needed to be said. Now leave," Jalen said, his voice more stern than before.
Talia's fury surged. She felt the urge to slap the arrogant brat across the face. But Jana stepped in, trying to smooth things over.
Talia ignored her and turned to Rana. "Lady Rana, please come with me."
"I'm sorry, Master," Rana said, her voice firm despite the ache in her chest. "My husband has spoken. I'm staying."
"You stubborn girl. I'm sorry for this—but I'm afraid I'll have to insist," Talia muttered, her aura rising.
She was ready to force Rana's departure.
But then it hit her.
A mountainous pressure descended on the room, pressing down on her like a divine weight. Her eyes widened as blood leaked from the side of her mouth. "You…"
Just over a week ago, Jalen was just a Peak Immortal Realm expert. Now, he is a Mid Sage Realm expert.
Not just any Mid Sage Realm—his qi was dense, refined, and terrifying. It felt like he was already brushing the peak.
"I've shown you enough face," Jalen said coldly. "Leave, or I'll make you."
He released a sliver of his aura, and Talia staggered, coughing up blood.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" She gnashed her teeth, fury burning in her chest.
Jalen didn't answer.
That silence was louder than any threat.
Talia turned and left, her pride bruised, her heart heavy. She had to deliver the news to her comrades—though she knew they wouldn't take it well.