Elsewhere, beneath the jagged overhang of a secluded cave, Jalen and Nate reappeared in a shimmer of refracted light. The air was damp, the stone walls cold to the touch, and the silence—comforting. Jalen exhaled slowly, his breath uneven. The use of Flash Reversion, especially outside a powerful formation, had drained him more than expected. Though the containment array hadn't been designed to block his technique, its ambient resistance had made the escape more taxing than usual.
He leaned against the cave wall, eyes closed, letting his qi settle.
"Master, are you alright?" Nate asked, stepping forward with concern etched across his face.
"I'll be fine," Jalen replied, voice steady but low. "Go find a corner and cultivate."
Nate nodded without hesitation. He knew better than to question his master's resilience. As Jalen turned away, Nate found a quiet spot and sat cross-legged, already channeling his qi.
Jalen did the same, deeper in the cave. He needed to reach the Sage Realm soon. The battles ahead wouldn't wait for him to catch up.
___
Days passed in quiet focus. Jalen recovered in solitude, his core slowly stabilizing after the taxing escape. Nate, untouched by the strain, spent the time cultivating—his posture steady, his aura growing sharper by the hour. He stood, stretched, and glanced toward Nate, who was still deep in cultivation. The boy had grown—his aura more refined, his posture more disciplined.
It was time to leave the Great Wave.
Trouble followed them here, and Jalen knew that staying would only invite more. His next destination was the Great Ling Continent, but before that, he made a detour—to the Rouna Continent, home of the Flare Family.
__
The Flare Family residence had transformed dramatically since Jalen's last visit. Once a powerful clan among many, they now stood as the undisputed superpower of the Ruona Continent. After Jalen eradicated the Ember Pearl royal family, the balance of power shifted irrevocably. Emberfall City, capital of the Ember State, replaced Ember Pearl City as the continent's dominant powerhouse. Its skyline now shimmered with spirit towers, cultivation academies, and fortified sect halls—each bearing the Flare insignia.
The three remaining former top sects—Ashwalk, Emberthorn, and EmberRage—remained firmly subservient to the Flare Family. Their elders answered directly to Flare command, and their resources were fully integrated into the city's vault network.
Likewise, the ten top families of Emberfall continued in their roles as loyal vassals, their influence now functioning as extensions of Flare authority.
As for the powerhouses of the Reign Continent—those who once sought to exploit the Flare Family as a weakness to reach Jalen—they had reconsidered. His destruction of the Waveweave Temple and the collapse of the Dragon Meridian Sect had sent a clear message. No one dared challenge the Flare name. Not openly. Not anymore.
As Jalen who was being escorted by a flare family guard stepped through the gates of his parents courtyard with Nate, a small figure launched toward him.
"Daddy!" cried a voice, high and bright. Jael — barely past his first year but already tall and sturdy — floated through the air, arms wide, and wrapped himself around Jalen's neck.
"I missed you so much," the boy said, clinging tightly. "Please don't leave me again. Take me with you!"
Nate blinked, stunned. He had never known his master was a father. And this child radiated a cultivation pressure that made Nate feel like he was being crushed under a mountain.
Then came another.
"Big brother!" shouted Jared as he leapt into Jalen's arms with equal enthusiasm. His qi was formidable for a child, though still shy of Jael's.
The two children, Jael and Jared, immediately began to bicker, pushing and pulling at each other in a playful spat. No cultivation. Just raw sibling energy.
"Cut it out, you two," Jalen said sternly.
They froze instantly, then stood side by side, sheepish.
From the verandah, Jaquan and Lara watched with warm smiles. Lara cradled the twins, Jamir and Jamar, while Jaquan stood beside her, arms crossed with pride.
Jalen approached and bowed slightly. "Father. Mother."
Jaquan chuckled. "You don't need to be so formal, son."
Jalen turned to Nate. "This is my disciple."
Nate bowed deeply. "It's an honor to meet the parents of my master."
"You're polite," Jaquan said with a grin. "I like that."
Jalen's eyes narrowed slightly. He could sense it—Lara was pregnant again.
"You two don't ease up, do you?" he said with a smirk.
Lara blushed, and Jaquan scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
Before more teasing could unfold, a familiar voice rang out.
"I see you're back, my son-in-law," said Jana, arriving with a flourish. She had been away on some important errand, but the moment she heard Jalen had returned, she rushed to come meet with him.
"I'm here for two reasons," Jalen said. "To see my parents—and to formally request permission to marry your daughter."
"Come again." Jana blinked. "You mean?"
She was speechless. For years, she had tried to nudge Jalen toward her daughter, but he had shown no interest in romance. Now, out of nowhere, he was asking for her hand.
"You heard right," Jalen said. "If you and Father-in-law approve, I intend to marry Rana."
"Of course we approve!" Jana said, nearly shouting with joy. "As I said a few years ago, my Rana is your fiancé."
Jaquan laughed. "You actually decided to settle down with a girl?"
Jalen nodded. "It's only natural."
"So what changed?" Jaquan asked. "What made you suddenly open your heart?"
Jalen smirked. "The affair between a man and woman is not your concern."
Jaquan raised his hands in surrender. "Fair enough. I'm just happy for you, son."
"Thank you, Dad."
Jalen turned to Jana. "Where is Father-in-law? I didn't see him when I arrive here, I hope all is well with him and uncle Simar."
"He and Uncle Simar are in seclusion, trying to break through to the next realm."
"I see. I'll tell him when he returns."
"Don't worry," Jana said, pinching Jalen's cheek. "I'll make sure he hears the news."
Then she leaned in and whispered, "You two did the deed, didn't you?"
Jalen didn't react.
That was all the confirmation she needed.
Jalen then turned to Nate, who had been quietly observing everything.
"From now on," he said, "this is your home. You'll train here among peers. When you're stronger, we'll return to the Great Wave."
Nate nodded solemnly. He understood. His master had taught him much—more than he ever imagined. But there were things he needed to learn on his own. Experiences he needed to face without Jalen's shadow.
Here, among the Flare Family and allied sects, he could bond with cultivators his own age. He could grow, challenge himself, and explore hidden realms scattered across the continent.
Most importantly, this was a place beneath the prestige of the Great Wave. The Yale Family, or anyone hunting Jalen, would never think to search here. And Jalen had made sure they weren't followed—using Flash Reversion to mask their trail. Nate would be safe.
___
Jalen spent the next few weeks with his family. He helped reinforce the Flare Family's defenses, assist younger generations of the Flare family with their cultivation. He was even a big help to those his age and older. His presence elevated the entire clan. Even Tory Cantrell, who had issue with him a few years ago as had a change of heart.
He also spent time with Jael and Jared and helped Lara with the twins. He shared meals with Jaquan and Jana, and even offered guidance to the allied sects to brasses.
But eventually, the time came.
He bid farewell to his parents, to Jana, to Nate—who bowed deeply—and to Jared, who clung to his leg until Jalen gently put him to sleep.
Then he turned to Jael.
"Let's go."
The boy nodded, floating beside him.
Their destination: the Great Ling Continent.