Amaryllis stared at Raja, bewildered. Was he mad, calling for help so recklessly? She opened her mouth to ask if he was alright—
—and then the air shifted. A figure stepped inside without resistance, the formation bending as though it recognized its master. Jalen appeared before Raja, flicking his forehead with a single finger.
"You are this weak, yet you dare get yourself in trouble," he said, voice calm but edged like steel. His gaze slid briefly to Amaryllis, lingering just long enough to make her breath catch. "And over a beauty at that. Tell me—is she worth your life?"
"I don't know, Father," Raja said honestly, "but I like her. I want her to be mine."
Amaryllis's cheeks flushed crimson at his bold declaration, her heart stumbling as she looked away, embarrassed by his words yet unable to deny the warmth they stirred.
Jalen's stern expression softened into a faint smirk. "So straightforward. Good. A man should always be assertive and always reach for what he wants." He patted his son's shoulder, then let his tone harden, "Even if I aid you now, being with this girl may stir future trouble."
"With you around, Dad, who would dare make trouble for me?" Raja shot back, his tone half‑teasing, half‑serious.
Jalen's eyes narrowed. "Using your father's power to shield yourself?"
"Not shield—protect."
"To protect anything, you first need the strength to do so."
Raja's lips twitched. "Isn't having a capable father part of my own strength?"
Jalen snorted. "You sly brat." He lifted his hand as if to strike. Raja flinched, bracing for the blow—only to feel his father's fingers ruffle his hair instead.
"Clever boy," Jalen said, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Alright—your father will handle this."
He unleashed his aura, and the world buckled. Those beyond the chamber felt as though mountains pressed upon their shoulders; terror seized their hearts, freezing them in place.
"If you continue to harass my son, do not blame me for being impolite." Jalen's words fell like judgment, heavy and inescapable.
The king of Crimson Snow, his guards, and advisors collapsed beneath that weight, knees driven into the earth. Fear stripped them of dignity, leaving only trembling submission.
"Senior, forgive us," the king pleaded.
"Leave," Jalen commanded. His voice rolled like thunder, and the sect forces fled without hesitation, vanishing into the mist.
Back inside the cavern, Amaryllis was pale, her heart racing from all that had unfolded. The memory of her father's voice—shaken, almost pathetic—echoed in her ears. She had never imagined she would live to see such a day. Just who were this father and son? Though she hadn't been forced to her knees like the others, Amaryllis could still feel it—Jalen's strength was vast, unfathomable, a power beyond her comprehension.
Jalen turned to her. "You are safe now. I have already severed your father's spirit sense. He can no longer track you."
Amaryllis bowed deeply. "Thank you, senior."
"Don't thank me—thank my son for choosing you."
Her face flushed hot. This father and son were shameless and so direct.
"Dad…" Raja muttered, embarrassed.
"You're embarrassed now?" Jalen smirked.
Raja's eyes widened suddenly. "Wait… you heard everything?"
"Yes," Jalen replied with a knowing smile. "I heard it all."
He chuckled. "Don't be so embarrassed. It's natural for boys your age to be drawn to the opposite sex." His tone softened, then sharpened again. "But wait until you're at the proper age before thinking of adult matters."
Raja flushed crimson, and Amaryllis's cheeks burned as well.
"Now," Jalen continued, "aren't you going to introduce your father to your companion?"
"Amaryllis, this is my father, Jalen," Raja said quickly. "Father, this is Princess Amaryllis."
She bowed. "Greetings, senior."
Jalen's eyes gleamed with mischief. "I see you haven't completely fallen for my son, since you refuse to call me father‑in‑law."
"Senior…" Amaryllis stammered, flustered. She was not madly in love with Raja, not yet. But he had saved her life—twice—and his presence was impossible to ignore. Handsome, composed, and far too intense for his age, he carried himself with a quiet strength that drew her in despite herself. It felt almost like a blessing to stand beside him. Which young maiden, faced with such courage and beauty, would not find her heart stirred?
"It's alright. If you don't like my son, so be it."
"Dad," Raja protested.
"Let your father tease you a little more," Jalen said with a grin.
Raja regretted calling for his father's help, but it couldn't be helped now.
"By the way, Father, how are Mother and Sister? Mother's not upset that I left home without telling her, right?" Raja asked.
That time when he left, he had been so angry that he departed without permission, determined to prove himself. Yet he had not vanished without thought; before leaving, he recorded a sound message for his mother, telling her he was going out to broaden his horizons, to temper his strength and that she should not worry. It was a gesture that revealed both his defiance and his care, a boy torn between pride and love.
Jalen tugged his ear sharply. "Thanks for reminding me to punish you for sneaking out."
"Ouch, Dad, that hurts!" Raja hollered.
"If it didn't, it wouldn't be punishment," Jalen scolded.
"I won't do it again. I'll return home," Raja promised.
"If you go, how will you explore the cultivation world with your father?"
"Really?" Raja's eyes lit up, excitement bubbling over. He had always wanted to travel with his father, and now the chance was before him. Words could not express his joy.
Amaryllis blinked in surprise. When she first met him, he had been composed, almost otherworldly. Yet before his father, he was simply a boy—vulnerable, eager, and human.
"You don't want to travel with your father now that you've found yourself a companion?" Jalen teased.
"No, Father," Raja stuttered. "I'll go with you."
"Good," Jalen nodded. "Let's go home first."
With a flicker of light, Jalen used Flash Reverse to transport Raja and Amaryllis from the cavern.