The journey back to his family estate was peaceful but filled Arin with quiet excitement.
Though he had only been away for a short time, it felt like a lifetime.
Grand-Uncle Veylan led him through winding countryside paths, past tall mountains and crystal lakes, until at last they stood before the gates of the Vale Estate.
The tall stone walls and deep blue banners fluttered proudly in the wind, bearing the sigil of the Vale Family — a soaring phoenix wreathed in silver flames.
As they entered, retainers bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with quiet reverence.
News of Arin's return seemed to travel faster than the wind.
Near the main hall, two figures waited.
Arin immediately recognized them.
His father stood tall and broad-shouldered, his presence steady and imposing without being overbearing.
The aura around him was vast — controlled but powerful — unmistakably a cultivator at the Spirit Origin Stage, the fifth realm.
Beside him, Arin's mother smiled warmly, her graceful figure radiating a calmer but equally deep energy.
She stood firmly in the Nascent Soul Stage, the fourth realm — far beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.
And standing between them, practically bouncing with energy, was a young girl about a year younger than Arin.
She had lively eyes and a confident smile.
Her aura was sharp and vibrant, already at the Spirit Initiate Stage, the second realm, just like Arin.
His younger sister — Lyra Vale.
As Arin approached, his father stepped forward.
"You've grown," he said, voice deep and proud.
Without hesitation, Arin bowed respectfully.
"Father. Mother. Lyra."
His mother stepped forward first, brushing a hand over his hair fondly.
"You've done well, Arin. We heard you reached the Spirit Initiate Stage already. Very good."
Lyra grinned mischievously.
"Not bad, big brother. But I broke through two weeks ago."
Arin laughed softly.
"Then I'll have to work harder."
Their father chuckled, a rich sound that filled the courtyard.
"You both bring honor to the Vale blood," he said. "I'm proud of you."
Inside the grand hall, they sat around a low polished table, steaming tea served in delicate cups.
After some casual talk, Arin's father leaned back slightly, his gaze becoming more thoughtful.
"Your grandfather wishes to see you soon," he said. "He's been… busy these days."
Arin nodded, feeling a mixture of nerves and anticipation.
The patriarch of the Vale Family was a figure shrouded in quiet awe — even within their own walls.
His father continued, voice low but steady.
"Our family's strength doesn't come from nowhere," he said, swirling the tea in his cup.
"Long before the world turned its eyes to cultivation, the Vale bloodline was already tempered."
Arin listened carefully.
"There are old methods, old foundations laid long before modern cultivation awakened," his father said.
"And the awakening of spiritual energy in the world only rekindled what was already sleeping in our veins."
He did not elaborate further — yet the message was clear.
The Vale Family's influence and strength ran deeper than simple talent.
"Your grandfather, along with a few other elders, have stepped into the sixth realm," he added casually, as if discussing the weather.
"A realm so rare, even most kingdoms have few such figures."
Arin's hands tightened slightly around his cup.
The sixth realm... He could barely imagine it.
Yet his family treated it with quiet matter-of-factness, not arrogance.
His father smiled slightly, sensing Arin's awe.
"You'll understand in time. For now, focus on your path. It's still long and full of thorns."
Arin nodded firmly.
"Yes, Father."
Across the table, Lyra smirked playfully, but even she sat up straighter at their father's words.
The Vale bloodline was not merely a privilege — it was a responsibility.
And Arin felt that weight settle on his shoulders — not as a burden, but as a silent promise.
Outside the hall, the sun dipped lower, bathing the estate in a soft golden glow.
For now, the world was peaceful.
But deep beneath that peace, tides were already shifting.