The journey to the Light Clan's domain took less than twenty minutes, but the transition felt like stepping into another world. Nestled in a secluded valley on the eastern edge of Sunlight City, the sect was hidden behind triple-layered formations that shimmered faintly with light qi. From above, it looked like a cradle of radiance—verdant hills wrapped in golden mist, with crystalline structures rising like sun-forged spires.
Jalen followed the seven elders as they descended through the protective layers. Each formation pulsed with ancient runes, woven together by generations of light cultivators. The moment he passed through the final veil, his Luminal Heart stirred. It had reacted faintly before, but now it pulsed with urgency, as if recognizing something it had long sought. Jalen didn't flinch. He kept his expression neutral, his posture relaxed. But inside, he was alert.
The sect itself was a marvel. Pathways paved with translucent stone curved through gardens of glowing flora. Light lotuses bloomed in shallow pools, their petals releasing gentle pulses of qi. Towering halls carved from sunstone reflected the ambient light, casting soft halos around every structure. It was serene, yet powerful—a place built not just to cultivate but to honor the essence of light itself.
As they approached the central courtyard, disciples and masters began to gather. Word had spread quickly. Seven elders returning with a stranger was rare enough—but the fact that they escorted him personally stirred curiosity.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"Who is he?"
"Why can't I sense his qi?"
"He must be someone important. Look—he's walking beside Elder Zohar."
"He's so young…"
Jalen heard it all. Some disciples were hundreds of years old, yet hadn't reached the Sage Realm. To see someone barely past twenty standing shoulder to shoulder with the elders was unsettling. To them, it could only mean one thing: he was from a powerful sect, perhaps one of the hidden clans beyond the continent. Or worse—he was a prodigy born of forbidden inheritance.
Jalen didn't respond. He simply observed. His eyes scanned the sect, noting the architecture, the flow of qi, and the expressions of those around him. He wasn't here to impress. He was here too for information on breaching the seal state.
The elders led him past the courtyard, through a corridor of light-forged arches, and into the inner sanctum—a vast open hall built directly above a light qi earth vein. The air here was thick with energy, radiant and pure. Over a hundred elders sat in meditative posture, their bodies glowing faintly as they absorbed the qi rising from below. Each one was a Sage Realm cultivator, their presence serene yet formidable.
At the far end of the hall, on a raised pulpit, sat a young man.
He looked no older than twenty-five. Dark-skinned, with wool-like hair cropped close to his scalp. His build was average, but his presence was anything but. The light around him bent subtly, as if drawn to his core. His eyes were closed, but Jalen could feel his awareness—sharp, focused, ancient.
This was Zakai, the leader of the Light Clan. An early Sky Limit Realm cultivator. The first Jalen had ever met in person.
Zakai opened his eyes.
He had sensed Jalen long before the young cultivator entered the sect. And unlike the other elders, Zakai knew exactly why Jalen's light qi was so pure. It was the Luminal Heart—a treasure Zakai himself had once sought. Centuries ago, he had attempted the trial to claim it. He had failed. Nearly died. But the voice that governed the trial spared him, deeming him unworthy but not malicious.
After ascending to the Sky Limit Realm, Zakai searched for the Luminal Heart again. But it had vanished. He assumed it was lost to time, buried in a realm beyond reach.
Until now.
Zakai stood. In a blink, he appeared before Jalen, his movement so swift it bypassed perception. Jalen didn't react outwardly, though he was surprised. His instincts flared, but he kept them in check.
"My name is Zakai," the man said, his voice calm but resonant. "Leader of the Light Clan. Welcome, young friend."
Jalen bowed slightly. "My name is Jalen, senior. It's a pleasure being here."
Zakai turned to the gathered elders. "If you all don't mind, I'd like to converse with our guest alone."
Without hesitation, the meditating elders rose and departed. Even the seven who had escorted Jalen left, their expressions respectful.
Now alone in the sanctum, Zakai gestured toward a nearby bench. Jalen sat, his posture straight.
"If senior doesn't mind this junior asking," Jalen said, "why did you wish to speak with me alone?"
Zakai smiled faintly. "Because you possess the Luminal Heart—and I want to know how you acquired it."
Jalen's eyes narrowed slightly. He hadn't expected Zakai to know about it since he had masked his cultivation with breath like dust. But he wasn't shocked for long.
"Don't worry," Zakai continued. "I have no intention of taking something that clearly chose you. I'm simply curious—how did you come by it?"
"Would senior take offense if this junior preferred not to say?" Jalen replied. The Origin Shard was a secret no one could know.
Zakai nodded. "If you're unwilling, that's fine. Then let's speak of your true purpose. You came seeking a way into the sealed realm."
"I did."
"I know a way," Zakai said. "But it's dangerous. Do you still wish to go?"
"As long as there's a way, I'm willing to take the risk," Jalen replied.
Zakai studied him for a moment. "Stay here for three days. I'll help you pass the barrier."
"Why three days?" Jalen's right brow arch.
"Because that's when the barrier will be at its weakest. Every fifty years, it thins for fifteen minutes. After that, it becomes impenetrable again."
Jalen nodded. "Then I'll wait."
Zakai chuckled. "So aren't you going to ask about it?"
"Ask about what?" Jalen played dumb.
"The powerful source of light energy your Luminal Heart is reacting to."
"It'd be a lie to say I'm not interested. But I didn't want to be rude."
"This is a Light Clan secret," Zakai said. "But I don't mind telling you."
"And what's the price?"
"Become an elder of our clan."
Jalen raised a brow. "You people are persistent."
"You meet the requirements. You possess light qi. You have nothing to lose. Becoming an elder gives you a worthy status in the cultivation world. No one would dare move against you—or those you care about—so easily."
"You already know about my background," Jalen concluded.
"Of course. You're a young cultivator who reached realms that take centuries. People inquire. I even know about your little showdown with the Twilight Sect."
"Is this blackmail?"
"I would never resort to such methods. You can reject the proposal if you wish to. But before you do—just know that being an elder doesn't mean you're tied down. You don't have to become a pacifist. You can remain as free as you've always been. But unless you're affiliated with our sect, you won't be able to see the source of light."
Jalen considered the offer. If becoming an elder gave him access to the truth—and protection—then it was worth it.
"I accept."
Zakai smiled. "Good. Then follow me."
He turned into a stream of light particles and vanished.
Jalen activated Luminous Veil Step and followed, his body dissolving into radiant mist.