"Alright, Master, please come back soon!" Xian Li said with a hopeful look.
"Certainly!" Xian Tian replied with a smile.
The following day, Xian Yue and the others gathered early in front of the Time Building, eager to witness Xian Tian's transformation. As the sun rose, Xian Tian stepped out, looking slightly surprised to see them all waiting. "Everyone, it's been a while!" he greeted.
Xian Yue chuckled, "It's only been a day."
"For you, yes," Xian Tian replied with a grin. "For me, though, it's been about three years."
Xian Lang's eyes widened in astonishment. "Three whole years?"
Xian Tian nodded. "That's right."
"And how did it feel?" Xian Lang asked curiously.
"Honestly, it was almost like the real world," Xian Tian explained. "I truly experienced those years. But I didn't prepare properly the first time—without Elder's Pills, I would have been forced to leave due to hunger."
Xian Yue raised an eyebrow. "What about your cultivation progress?"
With a small smile, Xian Tian let a surge of energy escape from his body. It radiated like a mighty river, almost suffocating those around him with its intensity.
Xian Yue gasped, "This... what realm have you reached?"
"The Holy Realm," Xian Tian replied calmly, "specifically, the Great Saint level within the Holy Realm."
He then went on to explain, "The Holy Realm has multiple stages: Saint, Great Saint, Ancient Saint, and finally, the Saint King. Those at this level can tap into the very laws of nature—it's completely distinct from lower realms."
Everyone was left speechless. Just a day ago, Xian Tian had been in the Soul formation realm, and now he had ascended to the Great Saint level. It was incomprehensible.
Xian Ran, though impressed, voiced his concern. "Isn't that too fast? Without experience in real battles, your foundation might be unstable. Cultivating without conflict could hinder your combat skills."
"Who do you think is the toughest opponent to face?" Xian Tian asked with a small smile.
The group was confused. "What do you mean?" Xian Yue asked.
"The most formidable opponent is yourself," Xian Tian explained. "In each secluded room within the Time Building, there's a special reflective wall. When you walk into it, you face an identical version of yourself—your perfect sparring partner."
Xian Tian recalled, "I didn't understand its purpose at first, but the Fourth Elder told me the secret. I spent a lot of time dueling with myself within that wall. That's why I stayed at the Great Saint stage. Otherwise, with my talent, I could have gone even further."
Everyone was stunned. "So there's really no issue with a lack of combat experience?" Xian Lang murmured, looking both amazed and inspired.
With newfound determination, Xian Lang handed his identity token with his contribution points to the Fourth Elder and immediately entered the Time Building. Watching him go, Xian Yue sighed as he checked his own points. "I'm still short a few contribution points."
Xian Tian clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll get in eventually. It's just a matter of time."
Xian Yue took a deep breath, nodding as he let go of his impatience. Xian Tian was right; he only had to wait a little longer.
When Xian Tian had unleashed his aura earlier, several powerful family members sensed it immediately. Among them were Xian Yue, Xian Wu, and the Great Elder.
"Amazing!" the Great Elder exclaimed. "In such a short time, our family has gained a Saint Realm powerhouse. This is how the larger sects grow so powerful, surrounded by such resources."
Xian Wu looked at Xian Tian across the courtyard, nodding with pride. "Our family's rise is within reach." He then turned to Xian Yue. "It's time for us to set out."
"Understood," Xian Yue replied.
Nearby, Xian Li looked at Xian Yue with a worried expression. "Master, please return soon."
Xian Yue smiled gently. "Nihuang, Tuntian, take good care of Xian Li," he instructed, glancing at the young girl and an elderly figure by his side.
The two figures bowed in response. Nihuang, a powerful warrior, and King Tuntian, who once dominated his own world, had pledged their loyalty to Xian Yue. Now, they remained steadfast protectors, watching over the household and Xian Li.
King Tuntian, who had learned the truth of his capture, was filled with awe. He realized he had been taken from his world with ease by Xian Yue, a power that even the greatest in his own world couldn't rival. To serve under someone so formidable was an opportunity he could never have imagined. He no longer doubted his choice to remain, knowing that Xian Yue's protection was a rare privilege.
As the group set off, they headed toward the city of Mucheng, where the Yu family resided. Mucheng was a city several times larger than Feihua City, teeming with life and wealth.
Upon arrival, Xian Wu used his senses to assess the Yufamily grounds. A grand banquet was underway, bustling with guests.
Before they entered, Yu Zhen turned to Xian Yue and Xian Wu. "Promise me that you won't cause any trouble here," she said with a firm expression.
She knew her husband and son's strength. They could easily overwhelm the Yu family if they were provoked. She hoped for a peaceful meeting.
"Don't worry, Mother. As long as they don't cross any lines, I won't start anything. And if I accidentally go too far, I can always heal them afterward, so long as they sincerely apologize," Xian Yue joked, but his tone was laced with a touch of steel.
He had little affection for the Yu family, but he respected his mother's wishes. However, if the Yu family showed disrespect, he wouldn't hesitate to respond in kind.
Yu Zhen's expression shifted, and she warned again, "No, you must not act, no matter what."
Xian Yue nodded, reassuring her, and the three of them made their way toward the main banquet hall of the Yu family.
The Yu family estate was filled with grandeur, and many prominent figures from Jingshui City were in attendance. Even the city's lord had arrived to deliver his blessings. Although the Yu family's founder, Yu Cheng, had never managed to become the city lord himself, his strength—reaching the half-step Spiritual formation Realm—had earned him considerable respect. Now that the Dynasty had fallen, City Lord He Tianwu sought alliances to secure his position, making the Yu family a valuable connection.
The grand banquet continued, lively and bustling. The Yu family, once closely tied to the Dynasty, held great influence. At the main table sat the elders, including the family patriarch, whose face showed signs of wear but whose presence commanded attention.
As Xian Yue, Yu Zhen, and Xian Wu approached, whispers swept through the crowd. Some recognized them and watched with curiosity, while others were drawn to their imposing aura.
Xian Yue caught sight of an elder at the head of the room and approached with a respectful bow. "Patriarch Yu, thank you for welcoming us."
The elderly patriarch nodded, his eyes scanning Xian Yue with curiosity and a hint of wariness. "It's been a long time, Xian Wu. And you've brought a son, I see."
Xian Wu nodded. "Yes, and much has changed since we last met."
The Yu family's patriarch chuckled softly. "Indeed, the world changes quickly. But family is family, no matter the distance."
As the night continued, conversations flowed around them. Yu Zhen exchanged memories with some family members, and Xian Yue remained by her side, watching over her.
At one point, a distant relative of the Yu family approached Xian Yue, seeking to gauge his strength. "I've heard much about the talents of the younger generation in the Xian family. I wonder, would you be interested in a friendly sparring match?"
Xian Yue gave a polite smile but declined. "Thank you for the offer, but tonight is about family and celebration. I'm here to enjoy the company."
The relative seemed disappointed but backed away with a polite nod. Xian Wu watched the exchange, sensing Xian Yue's restraint.
Eventually, the family patriarch raised his cup, signaling a toast. "To the ties that bind us, no matter the years or the distance. May we all continue to grow together, in strength and in unity."
As the banquet reached its end, Yu Zhen's face softened. Her eyes held both joy and nostalgia as she embraced her relatives. Xian Yue watched his mother, knowing this moment mattered to her deeply. He nodded to himself, glad he had kept his promise.
And with that, they bid their farewells to the Yu family, leaving the banquet with their bonds strengthened. The three of them returned to their own estate, the night still echoing with the laughter and memories of family. It was a night Xian Yue would remember—a quiet strength beneath the surface, a promise kept, and the peace of a family united.