Capítulo 25: Reunion

As Ma Hongjun soared through the sky, the wind rushing past him, he felt a sense of exhilaration coursing through his veins. The journey to the Heaven Dou Empire's capital had not been swift, and now, as he gazed down at the bustling streets below, he couldn't help but marvel at the sight.

The capital was sprawling, its streets beaming with life and activity. Merchants peddled their wares, children played in the squares, and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. Descending from the sky, Ma Hongjun landed gracefully on the ground, his eyes scanning the bustling streets.

...

Standing in awe before the grandeur of Sheng Company's headquarters, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and admiration. The sheer scale of the building were beyond anything he had ever imagined. Every detail spoke of wealth, power, and success, from the designed architecture to the polished marble floors.

As he stepped into the grand hall, Ma Hongjun felt a mixture of pride and disbelief wash over him. He knew that his brother had worked hard to achieve success, but seeing it manifested in such a way was truly awe-inspiring.

Walking through the halls, Ma Hongjun couldn't help but marvel at the bustling activity around him. People moved with purpose, their voices echoing off the walls as they went about their business.

After typing the password into a rising platform he was taken to the top floor of Sheng Company's headquarters, Ma Hongjun was greeted by the sight of a hallway that ended with a large door. The team of spirit masters guarding the door bowed to him respectfully as they allowed him entry.

"You are finally here Hongjun" Sheng Jun looked up from his work and acknowledged Ma Hongjun's presence, a warm smile graced his features. Ma Hongjun felt a surge of affection as his brother approached him, embracing him in a friendly hug. It had been two years since they last saw each other, and Sheng Jun couldn't help but marvel at how much Ma Hongjun had changed. "It's been two years, and you've changed a lot. Is this the transformation you mentioned after you managed to control one of the flames? It's truly remarkable" he remarked.

With an excited smile on his face, Ma Hongjun recounted his experience to his brother Sheng Jun, relishing the opportunity to share the details in person. Despite having already communicated the events through the Dalu Link, Ma Hongjun found that recounting the story face-to-face added a personal touch that couldn't be conveyed through Dalu Link alone. As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with excitement, and he gestured animatedly.

"Haha, as expected of my brother" Sheng Jun exclaimed with admiration. "So, not only did controlling the flame boost your cultivation, but it also enhanced your firepower? That's quite the development. Grandmaster and I thought you would need to start from Level 21 once you completely controlled your flames. But due to the unexpected effects of mastering your flame, you should be at Level 28 once you fully control both flames" he said excitedly, his eyes shining with pride for his brother.

However, his excitement was tempered by a sigh and a shake of his head.

"You should be able to catch up to me soon" Sheng Jun reassured Ma Hongjun, his tone carrying a hint of regret. "The company has been in such a critical situation these past two years that I barely had time to cultivate. Even though the situation has finally stabilized to some extent, it won't be able to go on without my constant watch yet. Maybe in a couple of years, the situation will finally stabilize and enter the state of passive development" he added, reflecting on the challenges he had faced and the toll it took on his personal cultivation.

After all, it had been two years since he had reached level 20, but his soul power level was only at level 25. Ma Hongjun was only one level behind him now, a significant improvement considering there was originally a four-level difference between the two of them.

Patting his brother on the shoulder, Ma Hongjun said with a mischievous grin "Don't worry, Brother Jun. Once the time comes, I'll protect you. You can become my little brother instead"

Hearing Ma Hongjun's words, Sheng Jun's face twitched as he smiled, his expression a mix of amusement and mock seriousness. "You brat, it seems that not seeing me for two years has made you delusional. Why don't we 'spar' right now?" he said with a playful gleam in his eyes.

"Uh, Brother Jun, I was just joking! Please wait... wait!" Ma Hongjun screamed, attempting to back away in fear.

An hour later, they exited the office, Ma Hongjun's face swollen from their 'spar', a sight that would surely startle any passerby. Fortunately, the room had been soundproofed; otherwise, the guards might have stormed in. In a good mood, Sheng Jun led Ma Hongjun, ready to begin their journey back home.

Sheng Jun, always cautious about revealing his true identity, wore a mask during business-related matters, ensuring that only trusted subordinates like the guards, protection team, intelligence team, attack team, and Bernard knew his real face. Thus, the receptionist didn't bat an eye upon seeing him, assuming he was there for business as usual.

...

Outside of the capital with Ma Hongjun's fiery wings spread wide, he effortlessly lifted Sheng Jun into the air. "It's incredibly convenient now that you can fly, after having some control over your flames. The reason you couldn't fly before is probably due to the lack of control over the martial soul flames inside your body" Sheng Jun remarked with a smile. Flying was undeniably faster than traveling by carriage, as long as they avoided flying over dangerous areas and simply followed the road, they should be fine.

...

One and a half months later, they finally arrived at Phoenix Village, the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the quaint homes and winding streets. Sheng Jun and Ma Hongjun couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia as they approached, memories of their childhood flooding back with each familiar sight and sound.

Greeting both familiar and unfamiliar faces among the villagers, they made their way toward their family home, the laughter of children and the gentle hum of conversation filling the air around them. As they neared their house, they spotted a handsome brown-haired man playing with a giggling child, her laughter like music in the warm evening breeze. Beside him stood a white-haired woman, her smile as radiant as the setting sun, her eyes sparkling with joy at the sight of her sons.

"Xiao Jun, Xiao Hongjun, you're finally back!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with warmth as she enveloped them in a tight embrace. Sheng Fu joined them, a wide grin on his face as he balanced Sheng Ba on his shoulder, the little girl giggling with delight.

"Bwother!" Sheng Ba chirped happily, reaching out to Ma Hongjun with outstretched arms.

After Sheng Yu released her sons from her embrace, she turned her attention to Sheng Jun, her expression softening as she gently pinched his ears. "Especially you, young man" she chided playfully. "I know business is important, but not at the expense of time with your family."

Sheng Jun ducked his head sheepishly, a guilty smile tugging at his lips. "I'm sorry, Mom. Things just got really hectic, and..."

Before he could finish, Sheng Yu shook her head, her smile affectionate. "No excuses, Xiao Jun. You're here now, and that's all that matters"

As the conversation flowed between Sheng Jun, Ma Hongjun, and their family, Sheng Jun's gaze softened when he noticed his little sister Sheng Ba toddling about. Her laughter, like tinkling bells, filled the air as she danced around her father's legs, her eyes sparkling with innocent curiosity. Sheng Jun's heart swelled with affection for the adorable little girl.

But as he reached out to pat her head affectionately, Sheng Ba's reaction surprised him. With a squeal, she darted behind Ma Hongjun, peering out cautiously from behind his sturdy frame. Sheng Jun's smile faltered, replaced by a hint of disappointment. His parents around him struggled to hide their amusement, their lips twitching with suppressed laughter. Even Ma Hongjun couldn't contain a rosy blush, his shoulders shaking with the effort of stifling his laugh.

Feeling dejected, Sheng Jun fumbled through his storage ring, his brows furrowing in concentration. Finally, his face lit up with realization as he retrieved a forgotten treat tucked away within. Holding out the sweet towards Sheng Ba with a hopeful expression, he coaxed, "Sheng Ba, it's me, your big brother Sheng Jun. Would you like a sweet? They're absolutely delicious, I promise."

Sheng Ba hesitated for a moment, her gaze flickering uncertainly between her parents and the offered treat. With their encouraging nods, she bounded forward, her eyes alight with excitement as she accepted the candy from Sheng Jun's outstretched hand. "Bwother!" she exclaimed joyfully, her tiny fingers already unwrapping the sugary delight.

Watching the scene unfold, Ma Hongjun's face couldn't help but twitch at the power of sweets. After all, it took him a couple of days for her to start calling him brother…perhaps he'd have to stock up on candies himself for their next visit.