The journey back to the Hewitt capital took a full month. Not because they were slow but because Jalen took the time out to bond with his son and also allow him to spend more time getting acquainted with his little lover.
When at last they arrived at the Hewitt capital, Amaryllis was stunned. The sprawling city rose like a jewel of power, its walls gleaming, its towers piercing the heavens. Cultivators walked the streets with effortless grace, their strength palpable even from a distance. Compared to the Crimson Snow palace she had grown up in, this place was far grander, more alive, and infinitely more intimidating. Everything she had read about the Rouna State in books seemed laughably false.
Jalen's voice broke her awe. "Raja, show the princess around the palace. Let her see what true strength looks like."
Raja nodded. "Yes, Father." He turned to Amaryllis with a faint smile. "Come, I'll show you the heart of the Hewitt clan."
As they departed, another presence approached. Zakia, the patriarch of the Light Clan, appeared beside Jalen with quiet authority.
"I see you're back, young elder," Zakia said.
"Greetings, Patriarch," Jalen replied, bowing his head in respect.
Two figures followed—Calen and Nate. They bowed deeply. "Greetings, Master."
Jalen's gaze sharpened. "Was there any trouble while I was gone?"
Calen spoke first. "That upper realm cultivator has been keeping an eye on the state, but he has yet to make a move."
"I see." Jalen's tone was calm, but his eyes glinted with steel. He rested a hand on each disciple's shoulder, his presence both reassuring and commanding. "Anyway, it's good to see you two again. Tell me, has there been any progress in your personal lives? Nate, did you find any beauty that captured your eyes? And you, Calen—are you going back to the time realm to pick one of those beauties, or have you found another?"
The pair flushed crimson, their composure faltering under their master's teasing. Nate lowered his gaze, muttering, "Master…" in embarrassment, while Calen shifted awkwardly, unable to meet Jalen's piercing stare.
Jalen chuckled, the sound warm yet edged with authority. "Alright, enough of that. I've just returned, and there are people I need to see."
With that, he left them and found Lara, his stepmother, at her quarters. Her eyes softened when she saw him, relief flooding her features. Jalen spoke gently, assuring her not to worry about Jaquan—that he was safe, still cultivating diligently, and would return stronger than ever. Lara's shoulders eased, and Jalen lingered for a time, playing with his younger siblings, their laughter echoing like bells in the courtyard. For a brief moment, the burdens of cultivation and conflict seemed far away, replaced by the warmth of family.
When his time with them ended, Jalen made his way to meet his in-laws, Simon and Jana. Simon greeted him with the calm authority of an emperor, while Jana, as always, teased him with playful remarks that drew a rare smile from his lips. Their conversation was light, filled with familial banter and subtle undertones of respect. Jalen listened, responded, and allowed himself to relax in their company, though his mind never strayed far from the responsibilities pressing upon him.
Afterward, he sought out members of the Hewitt family, who had migrated completely from the Vernon Continent and now resided on the Rouna Continent. Emperor Simon had chosen the finest location in the Hewitt Capital for them, ensuring their comfort and prominence. Jalen greeted Tian, Weylan, and Sian and exchanged words with Delra and Kaelin—faces he had not seen in years. Each greeted him with respect, their voices carrying admiration for the man he had become. They shared brief chats, raised cups in quiet celebration, and for a time, the gathering was filled with warmth and camaraderie.
After the pleasantries, he excused himself, leaving the company of family and allies to wander alone through the city at nighttime. The streets were hushed, lined with sleek spirit‑qi lamps that glowed with steady brilliance. Each crystalline pillar pulsed faintly, channeling refined qi into light that shimmered like captured starlight, illuminating the avenues without flame or oil. The gentle radiance cast long shadows across the stone, the air humming softly with the resonance of cultivation woven into civic design. He paused beneath an archway, the silence pressing in around him.
His gaze swept the empty street, and his voice cut through the stillness. "So, are you going to show yourself now?"
A ripple of power stirred, and a young man stepped from the gloom, his aura oppressive yet restrained. Dark hair framed sharp features, and his eyes gleamed with arrogance. "I see you've grown stronger in the short time we've been apart," he said, his tone both mocking and admiring. "The Origin Shard is truly a fascinating treasure."
Jalen's expression hardened. "I see you are still coveting things that do not belong to you."
The young man's smile widened. "I am. But at this rate, it would be pointless if we fought now. We're in the same realm. All we'd accomplish is destroying the lower realm—or worse, attracting the attention of the Upper Realm."
"What if I can help you mask your presence from the Upper Realm?" Jalen asked.
The Youngman tilted his head, amusement flickering across his features. "Does that mean you're willing to kill yourself and hand over the Origin Shard?"
The words hung heavy in the air, a challenge wrapped in venom.
"You mistake me," Jalen said coldly. "I don't intend to hand over anything. But I do have a way to keep you hidden from the Upper Realm. Isn't that the true reason you covet the Origin Shard?"
The young man laughed softly, the sound echoing unnaturally in the quiet street. "That's only one of the reasons. I want power—and this Origin Shard, reputed to be the strongest of the Eternal‑grade spirit tools, can assist me in achieving that goal."
"Well, you know it's no longer possible to take it from me by force."
"I could still use your loved ones to threaten you."
"You could," Jalen replied evenly. "But you aren't willing to risk exposure."
The young man's smile faltered. "You're right."
Jalen spoke into the still air, his tone calm yet edged with steel. "So tell me—how will we settle this? Will you accept my offer to mask your realm, or will you keep wasting breath with empty threats?"