[Dear readers, please support me with power stones and some constructive criticism in the comments to help me improve the quality of my content. Also, share my story with friends who like this kind of genre. Thank You.]
After getting back to the Long clan, Kieran and his wives made their way toward their courtyard, where an old man was standing quietly at their gate. He was dressed in dark green robes with silver embroidery; his back was straight, but time had etched deep lines into his weathered face. His long hair was mostly white, and his eyes held both wisdom and weariness. Kieran's steps slowed as recognition struck him.
"Grandfather…?" he said, the words catching in his throat.
He hadn't seen the old man in years, and he looked far older than Kieran remembered. Still, Kieran bowed respectfully, hiding the hint of shock in his expression. Drake Long's gaze softened, but his heart twisted with guilt at the quiet formality in his grandson's tone. Kieran felt like a stranger to him now, and he knew it was his fault for spending too much time away from the clan, and too little time with the grandson who had grown into a man without him.
Drake Long looked at his grandson for a long moment, then turned and said quietly, "Come with me." Kieran glanced at Baixue and Roulan, who nodded in understanding. "I'll be back soon," he told them, before silently following the old man. As they walked side by side, a gentle wind rustling the leaves above, Sindra's voice echoed in Kieran's mind. "He's burned his blood essence… The signs are subtle, but they're there." Kieran's brows furrowed slightly. What could force an Emperor Realm cultivator to do such a thing? He wondered.
They arrived at his grandfather's courtyard, which was just next to his own. The air here was quiet and solemn, carrying the scent of pine and old stone. Inside, his grandfather sat down slowly, motioning for Kieran to do the same. After a moment of silence, Drake finally asked, "Do you blame grandfather?"
Kieran looked at him, his gaze firm but calm. "Why would I blame you?"
Drake's expression relaxed, and with a sigh, he reached into his spatial ring and took out two items. The first was a crystal-clear bottle filled with a milky white liquid that shimmered faintly. "This is Yin Dew," he explained. "Rare and nourishing to the body and soul. A fitting gift for your brides." Then, he brought out a jade slip, its surface glowing faintly with sharp, cold sword intent. "And this… was once your grandmother's. May it serve them well."
Kieran accepted the gifts with a bow. "Thank you, grandfather."
Kieran could see the joy in the old man's eyes when he accepted the gifts, he could tell that even though he rarely saw the old man, his grandfather cared about him. He thought for a moment, then retrieved one of the blood-essence and marrow-enhancing pills and held it out. "A small gift from your grandson."
Drake took the pill carefully, examining it with a curious gleam in his eye. Though he couldn't quite discern its nature, he felt warmth in his chest—not from the pill, but from the gesture. As Kieran left the courtyard and disappeared around the corner, Drake remained seated, gazing at the small pill in his hand. A faint smile touched his lips. "That boy's grown up," he murmured, gently tucking the pill away like a precious keepsake.
Back in the quiet serenity of their courtyard, Baixue turned to Eir, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Eir… why could no one else see you when we arrived at the clan?"
Eir tilted her head slightly, her expression distant. "I don't know," she replied softly. "Perhaps… I'm only meant to be seen by those bound to me." Baixue opened her mouth to ask more, but the sound of footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Kieran stepped through the courtyard gate, a calm smile on his face as he approached.
He handed Baixue the jade slip, pulsing with sword intent. "From Grandfather," he said simply. As Baixue sent her divine sense into it, her eyes widened. "This… is the Moon Goddess's Dance," she breathed. "A heaven-grade sword technique…" Her grip on the slip tightened slightly as excitement surged within her.
Turning to Roulan, Kieran offered her the small crystal bottle filled with Yin Dew. She accepted it with a grateful smile, swirling the liquid gently. "This is incredible," she mused aloud. "Using it as a base for crafting a Yin Pill would yield wonderful results…" As she held the bottle close, a thought passed through her mind, and a blush crept up her cheeks. If Baixue and I improve the quality of our yin qi… then dual cultivating with Kieran will definitely become even more fun and pleasurable. She glanced at Baixue, who was still engrossed in the jade slip, and a knowing smile formed on her lips.
After the excitement settled, Baixue's eyes lingered on Kieran, a hint of hesitation in her expression. Then, with a shy smile, she asked, "Kieran… is it alright if I move into your courtyard too? " Her voice was soft, uncertain, but hopeful. Kieran didn't hesitate—his smile was warm as he nodded. "Of course. You are my wife too." Baixue's face lit up, and with a quick peck on his cheek, she turned and dashed off to inform Lady Meiyun of her decision, her robes fluttering like snow in the wind.
As the courtyard fell quiet again, Kieran turned to Roulan, who was still holding the bottle of Yin Dew thoughtfully. "The Golden Clover Auction is in two days," he said. "I'd like you to prepare. There might be something useful for us there." Roulan nodded, attentive. "Are we all going?" she asked. Kieran nodded his head gently. "Yes. But I'll be heading back to the valley to cultivate for a while. I'll return before the auction begins."
Roulan watched him as he left, the flutter of his robe vanishing beyond the gate. She sighed lightly to herself, a playful pout forming on her lips. I was hoping something would happen… Shaking off the thought with a soft laugh, she turned and made her way into one of the rooms, eyes gleaming with anticipation. Her fingers brushed the surface of the Emerald Dragon Cauldron as she prepared to test it for the first time, excited to refine pills with a divine-grade tool that now pulsed in harmony with her soul.
----
Outside the Long Clan, news of the auction had spread, and the four territories were abuzz with activity—powerful cultivators, nobles, and merchants alike were scrambling to secure an invitation, some even offering outrageous prices just for entry. Amid the chaos, Sheamus made a personal visit to the Long Clan. Though he had already handed Kieran a VVIP pass, he delivered a formal invitation out of courtesy—and strategy. After all, many of the auction's main attractions came from Kieran, and Sheamus was eager to cultivate ties with the clan behind such a prodigy. The Long Clan's patriarch, Draco Long, received the invite with interest and, thinking to involve the younger generation, amusingly decided to send Kieran—completely unaware that the boy already held the highest level pass.