The Zhenlong estate had been unusually quiet that morning. Haotian was in the garden, holding Tianlan gently as Lianhua dozed in the shade. The child reached for the sunlight, small fingers clutching at air, and Haotian chuckled softly.
Then, the peace broke.
From the outer gates came the sound of hurried steps and raised voices. The dragon-bell at the estate's entrance rang sharply—a sound reserved only for grave matters.
Servants scattered. Guards rushed to their stations. Moments later, a disciple in travel-stained robes was escorted into the courtyard, his face pale with urgency. He dropped to one knee the instant he saw Haotian.
"Saint Son! Urgent news—envoys have arrived from the Nine Northern Sects. They demand audience with you and the Azure Dragon Ancestors."
Haotian's brows furrowed. "Envoys? From the North?"
The disciple nodded, still catching his breath. "They say… strange movements have begun again near the Sea Bridge. The seals are trembling. And the sects cannot agree how to act. They beg for your presence to resolve it."
Lianhua stirred awake at the words, her hand instantly going to her son. Her eyes found Haotian's, worry darkening them.
Before he could respond, a second commotion echoed at the gate. This time, the voice of the gatekeeper rang loud:
"Envoys of the Western Alliance have also arrived! From the Firecloud Sect, the Sky-piercing Hall, and even the Immortal Fang Pavilion—they too demand to see the Saint Son!"
The garden froze. Two continents, moving at once.
Ancestor Yangshen appeared then, his figure looming with solemnity. He looked at Haotian, the weight of the moment in his eyes.
"It seems your days of peace are over, boy. The world has come to your doorstep."
Haotian looked down at Tianlan in his arms, the child oblivious to the weight crashing around them, and then at Lianhua, who held his gaze with silent fear.
His jaw tightened. He kissed his son's forehead once, gently placed him in Lianhua's embrace, and rose to his feet.
"Then let them come. If the seals truly tremble, I cannot hide here any longer."
The Zhenlong household's main hall had been prepared in haste. Long tables were set, incense burned to steady nerves, and guards lined the pillars with solemn faces. Yet even so, the tension in the air was sharp enough to cut.
Two groups waited inside.
On the left, clad in snow-white and pale blue robes, stood the envoys of the Nine Northern Sects. Some bore frost-scarred swords, others talismans humming faintly with qi. They had traveled far, and it showed in their worn boots and grim expressions.
On the right, in vibrant crimson, gold, and jade-green, the envoys of the Western Alliance stood proud. Their sects were rivals to one another, yet here they stood shoulder to shoulder, united by urgency.
Both groups fell silent as Haotian entered, flanked by Ancestor Yangshen and Ancestor Meiyun. His steps were steady, his expression calm, but the sheer presence he carried made the envoys bow their heads instinctively.
"Saint Son," one of the Northern envoys said quickly, voice taut, "the Sea Bridge is trembling. The seals ripple with every passing day. Strange beasts are emerging, half-mutated, half-corrupted. We have restrained them so far, but the sects cannot agree how long to wait—or whether to act first."
Another, this time from the West, stepped forward with a deep bow. "Our intelligence confirms this. The malignant qi spreads faster than before. If left unchecked, it will consume the coasts of both continents. We beg your judgment, Saint Son—what must be done?"
Whispers ran through the hall. Men and women from two continents, once bitter rivals, now stood united in turning to one man.
Haotian said nothing at first. He walked to the center of the hall, his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the envoys. His eyes, sharp and deep, seemed to weigh their very souls.
Finally, he spoke. His tone was calm, but carried a force that silenced even the whispers."The Sea Bridge is not yet broken. But the demon's last words were truth. In three years—perhaps less—the seal will collapse. If we do nothing, both North and West will drown together."
Faces tightened; some gasped softly.
Haotian continued, "There is no more time for quarreling, no more time for petty rivalries. The only path forward is unity. I will return to the Sea Bridge in one year. I will attempt to reinforce the seal, and I will set up slaughter arrays and defenses to hold back what emerges. But for this to succeed, both continents must prepare. If you do not, no miracle will save you twice."
The hall was silent, all eyes fixed on him. Even the Ancestors behind him remained quiet, letting his words weigh heavy.
Finally, one envoy from the Northern sects exhaled shakily. "…Then the Saint Son has spoken. We will carry your words back to our elders."
The Western envoy bowed deeply, his voice firm. "Our sects will also heed you. You have already defied fate once. If there is any hope, it rests with you."
Haotian's gaze sharpened, though his voice remained steady. "Hope does not rest with me alone. It rests with all of us. Remember that."
The envoys lowered their heads in unison, and for the first time in generations, disciples of both continents echoed the same words together."Yes, Saint Son."
The chamber was still, only moonlight spilling over the bed. Lianhua lay back against the pillows, Tianlan sleeping softly against her chest. Her eyes lingered on Haotian, full of both love and quiet fear.
"They're already calling you back into destiny," she whispered. "And I'm afraid… afraid that once you leave, the world won't let you return."
Haotian sat beside her, one hand gently brushing over Tianlan's tiny head. His voice was steady. "Destiny may call, but I will always return here. This household, you, and Tianlan—you are my anchor. As long as you wait, I'll find my way back."
Her lips trembled. "Safe… but without you."
He leaned close, cupping her cheek, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Not without me. Not truly. My heart stays here, even when I must leave."
Then he softened, his eyes shifting to Tianlan. "Lianhua, there's something else. Something good."
She blinked, uncertain. "Good?"
Haotian nodded. "Since the day I planted the Nine Element Formation of herbs, its influence has been reshaping the chi of this household. The herbs, the formations, the environment—everything has changed. And Tianlan has been exposed to it since he was still in your womb."
Her breath caught. "You mean…?"
Haotian's lips curved into a quiet smile. "He was born carrying the Nine Elemental Physique. His body already resonates with the nine affinities. In time, when I complete the formation with Darkness herbs, he will awaken the tenth. Then… he will inherit the Ten Elemental Physique, just like us."
Lianhua's eyes shimmered, tears welling. She looked down at their son, voice breaking. "Even before he opened his eyes… he was already walking the path you carved for him."
Haotian placed his hand gently over hers, covering Tianlan's tiny body. "That's why he is hope, Lianhua. He will have the power to stand against the chaos that's coming. All we must do is protect him until he is ready."
Tears spilled down her cheeks, but this time they carried both relief and pride. She whispered, "Then he truly is heaven's gift… our Tianlan."
Haotian kissed her softly, then rested his forehead against hers. "Heaven's gift, and our responsibility. That's why I fight, Lianhua. For both of you, and for the world he will inherit."
The chamber quieted, only the rhythm of their son's breathing filling the silence—a fragile sound, yet enough to steady Haotian's heart against the storm ahead.
Time flowed like a calm river through the Zhenlong estate.
Haotian spent his days watching Tianlan grow, guiding his family, and tending to the altered herb formation. When he finally introduced the Darkness herbs into the grand array, the effect spread subtly through the estate. The air thickened with balanced qi—ten elemental flows woven into one harmony. Within weeks, Tianlan's physique began to shift toward completion, and even the servants and disciples of the household found their own bodies resonating. The entire estate was slowly being blessed with the Ten Elemental Physique.
At night, after the estate quieted and Tianlan had fallen asleep, Haotian would rest in bed beside Lianhua. Those were the rare hours where he could set aside duty, and simply be her husband.
That evening, Lianhua leaned against him, tracing a finger idly along his chest. "You said you plan to strengthen the Moon Lotus Sect when you return. How will you do it?"
Haotian brushed a hand through her hair, answering with calm resolve. "By teaching them new methods of cultivation, guiding their alchemy, and setting up formations to elevate their qi foundation. It won't be easy, but if I focus, I can raise their strength before the seal breaks."
Lianhua nodded softly, but then hesitated. Her cheeks began to color, and she turned her face away.
Haotian noticed instantly. "What's on your mind?"
"Nothing…" she said quickly, pulling the blanket higher.
He smiled faintly. "Lianhua, I know you too well. You've thought of something, but you're hiding it."
She bit her lip, then slowly whispered, "You… could… dual… cultivate."
Haotian blinked. "…You mean…?"
Her face flushed crimson. She covered her cheeks with both hands.
Realization dawned, and Haotian gave her a sly smile. "Oh? You mean you want to dual cultivate? Then should we start now? I'll set up the formations."
Her palm smacked his chest before he could finish. "No! That's not what I meant!"
He laughed, holding his ribs where she struck. "Then what did you mean?"
Still hiding her face, she muttered, "If you… if you need to strengthen the Moon Lotus Sect quickly… dual cultivation is the fastest and most effective method. If… if you had to, with them…"
Haotian froze. "What?"
She peeked out from between her fingers, still red from head to toe. "I'm saying… if it will save everyone, if it will keep our son safe… then I would accept it. Dual cultivating with others—if it makes the sect stronger."
For once, Haotian was stunned into silence. He stared at her, caught between shock, guilt, and the absurdity of what she was suggesting.
Finally, he exhaled, his voice dropping low. "Lianhua… you…"
Her hands tightened around the blanket, her face still hidden, her voice trembling. "Don't misunderstand. I don't want it. But if it's for the world, for us… for Tianlan… I would bear it."
The room fell into silence, broken only by the sound of her quickened breath. Haotian reached out, pulling her hands gently away from her face so he could see her eyes.
"You fool," he said softly, though his tone carried both warmth and weight. "To even think of sacrificing your heart like this for me… for the world…"
He kissed her forehead, lingering there. "I won't do it. Not unless fate leaves me no other path. You are enough, Lianhua. Always."
Her lips quivered, and she finally let herself rest her head against his chest again. "I just… I don't want to lose you."
Haotian held her close, tightening his embrace. "Then don't worry. I'll walk my own path. And I'll come back, every time, to this bed, to you, to him. That is my vow."
The chamber was quiet after Lianhua drifted into sleep, her breathing soft against his chest. Haotian remained still, staring at the canopy above their bed, his thoughts circling like storm clouds.
Dual cultivate… with others?
He closed his eyes, the weight of her words heavy. Lianhua had been serious. He could still see the trembling in her eyes, the way she forced herself to say it even while blushing. She had been willing to sacrifice her pride, her peace of heart, for his mission. For the sect. For Tianlan.
Haotian clenched his fist beneath the blanket.
Would he ever consider it? The truth cut sharper than he liked: he knew Lianhua was right. Dual cultivation was a proven path to rapid growth, especially for a sect of women like Moon Lotus, where their cultivation arts already harmonized with yin and yang. If he gave himself to it, if he guided them, the strength of the entire sect could rise at a terrifying pace. Enough, perhaps, to shift the balance against the demons.
But…
His gaze fell on Lianhua's sleeping face. Strands of hair clung to her cheeks, her lips parted slightly as she dreamed, exhausted from the months of waiting, from the birth, from love itself.
Haotian exhaled slowly. Could I really betray this trust? This warmth?
Even if she allowed it… even if she urged it… the thought left a bitter taste in his chest.
"No," he whispered to himself, the word swallowed by the silence of the night.
If the time came when there was no other choice—if fate cornered him and the world demanded such a sacrifice—perhaps. But until then, he would walk his own path. He would raise the Moon Lotus Sect through his formations, his alchemy, his guidance. Through every method except this one.
He leaned down, brushing a stray lock of hair away from Lianhua's cheek, his lips barely touching her temple.
"You've already given me too much," he murmured. "I won't ask for more."
Haotian lay back, letting his eyes close, though sleep did not come easily. Even in dreams, the weight of choice lingered.
The morning sun burned golden across the peaks as Haotian soared through the skies. His qi wrapped around him like a flowing mantle, carrying him swiftly over mountains and rivers. With every li, the familiar contours of the Western Continent unfolded beneath his gaze.
Before long, the towering gates of the Azure Dragon Sky Sect appeared on the horizon. They were grand and unyielding, carved from jade-like stone, dragon motifs coiling across the archways. Above the gates, banners snapped in the wind—azure and gold, the proud sigils of his sect.
Haotian slowed his pace, descending in silence. But even before his boots touched the earth, the sect guards standing watch stiffened, their eyes widening. One of them dropped his spear outright.
"It's the Saint Son!" he cried, voice echoing across the walls.
The call spread like fire through dry grass. Bells rang, disciples rushed from their quarters, and soon the gates were alive with footsteps, murmurs, and shouts of joy.
When Haotian finally walked forward, the guards bent low in deep bows. "Welcome home, Saint Son!"
Inside, the momentum only grew. Disciples swarmed the steps, bowing, cheering, some even shedding tears. Whispers spread from mouth to mouth—he returned, our Saint Son lives, the one who defied fate.
By the time Haotian reached the Grand Square, the sect elders had assembled. Their robes shimmered with qi-light, their faces solemn but their eyes bright with relief. Behind them, the massive Azure Dragon statue that loomed over the sect seemed to gleam more vividly in the sunlight.
One of the elders stepped forward, voice trembling with emotion. "Saint Son, when the invaders struck, our sect stood on the brink of ruin. But you… you turned the tide. Without you, the Azure Dragon would have been broken forever. Today, we welcome not only your return, but the honor you have brought us."
The gathered disciples struck their palms together, saluting in unison."Honor to the Saint Son!"
Haotian lifted a hand gently, his voice steady but humble. "This honor belongs to all who stood their ground, not to me alone. But I will accept your welcome. I have returned."
His words sent another ripple of cheers through the square.
Yet even as the celebration rose, Haotian's thoughts remained quiet. He had returned to the sect, yes—but this was not only a homecoming. It was the beginning of the preparations he knew must be made, the alliances he must forge, the walls that had to be raised before the demon seal shattered.
Still, for this moment, he let them cheer.
For this moment, he allowed himself to be their Saint Son.
The cheers outside slowly faded as Haotian followed two elders into the heart of the Azure Dragon Sky Sect. They passed beneath towering jade pillars and entered the Dragon Hall, a vast chamber whose walls pulsed faintly with dragon qi. Carvings of four colossal dragons coiled around the ceiling, each radiating an aura that seemed alive.
At the center, upon a raised dais, sat the Sect Master—a middle-aged man with sharp brows and hair bound in silver thread, his presence carrying the weight of heaven and earth. Around him stood four figures draped in dragon-embroidered robes, their qi ancient and profound. The Four Saint Dragons, guardians of the sect and pillars of its strength.
When Haotian entered, the Sect Master's gaze softened, and the dragons stirred faintly above, as though acknowledging him.
"Haotian," the Sect Master said, voice low but resonant. "Our Saint Son returns. You have carried the burden of two continents and stood against the darkness where others faltered. Without you, the sect would not stand today. You have my gratitude."
Haotian lowered himself into a respectful bow. His words carried the humility of tradition:"This disciple merely did what was required of him. To protect the sect, to protect our lineage, is the duty I carry."
The eldest of the Four Saint Dragons, Elder Yangshen, stepped forward. His voice was deep, like thunder rolling in distant mountains. "Yet duty cannot be shouldered without steel. You fought as a Saint, child, but now the shadows gather again. Speak plainly. What do you need from us?"
Haotian straightened, his gaze unwavering. "The seal beneath the Sea Bridge will not last more than three years. In one year's time, I intend to return and attempt to reinforce it. Before then, I must strengthen the Moon Lotus Sect and other allied forces in the North. To do so, I wish to borrow from the sect's resources—spirit stones, rare herbs, ores for forging, and formation materials."
The hall was silent for a breath. Then the second Saint Dragon, Elder Yuying, tilted her head, her eyes sharp as blades. "Borrow? What will you give in return, Saint Son?"
Haotian did not flinch. "Alchemy. I will refine high-grade pills to replenish what I use. I will inscribe formations and runes to defend our sect's borders. And though I have not forged in some time, I can still create weapons of considerable strength if the materials are provided. Every resource I take, I will repay in kind, many times over."
The third Saint Dragon, Elder Jinhai, chuckled, his voice gravelly. "Still the same boy who never took more than he earned. Hmph. Tell me, Saint Son, can your hands still match the fire of the forge?"
Haotian allowed a small smile. "Perhaps I am out of practice. But I have not forgotten the principles. If needed, I will temper steel once more."
The last of the four, Elder Meiyun, regarded him with eyes like still water. "And you would do all this while raising a northern sect, guiding disciples, and preparing for the seal's collapse. Do you not fear spreading yourself too thin?"
Haotian met her gaze without hesitation. "I fear more the day when the seal breaks and we are unprepared. Every hand must be raised, every blade sharpened. If we wait, we die. If we act, we may endure."
The Sect Master leaned back, stroking his beard, studying Haotian in silence. At last, he spoke:"Very well. You shall have what you ask. The sect will open its vaults to you—herbs, ores, jade, spirit stones. Take what you need. But remember, Haotian: these resources are the lifeblood of generations. Do not waste them."
Haotian bowed once more. "This disciple dares not waste even a single stone. Every resource I touch will be turned into strength for the sect, and for the world beyond."
The Sect Master's eyes softened slightly, and for the first time that day, a faint smile touched his lips. "Then rise, Saint Son. From this day, the sect stands behind you."
The four dragons bowed their heads in unison. "The Saint Son leads. We follow."
For the first time since his return, Haotian felt the weight of his dual worlds settling into balance—the North, the Moon Lotus Sect, and now, the Azure Dragon Sky Sect. All threads now led to him.
And he vowed silently, I will not fail them.