Chapter 686. Return.
Kailen decided to spend more time cultivating in the secret realm. However, he didn’t know how long he had been away from the outside world.
"I can return after I check out the situation outside. Also, it’s about time I make those longevity elixirs for them. I am now a rank 9 alchemist after all."
Kailen left the natural expert tier secret realm. When he came out, several people were heading into several secret realms. The moment they noticed him, they were extremely shocked.
"Heavens! He really broke through the rank 1 supreme stage universe level in just five years???"
"Even if he has a tier three elemental mirroring, this is not supposed to be possible."
"Have you forgotten who this is? Perhaps, a few years of laying low and being in seclusion have made you forget who he is right?"
"That’s right. This is Kailen Darkhaven we are talking about. If there’s one thing he specializes in, it’s making the impossible like breathing air."
"I suppose you are right. But it’s still staggering. Seriously."
As various conversations went on, and several gazes were directed his way, Kailen quickly melded with the void and disappeared.
***
Arman Empire.
Imperial Capital.
Royal Palace.
In a Villa.
A tall teenage girl could be seen training in a large training hall with someone. She was beautiful, slim and tall. She bore striking resemblance to Phila. The other person was a teenage boy of similar age. He was tall, athletic and good looking.
The two were locked in combat. Their figures darted across the training hall and collided. They were like two streaks of light, one cerulean and the other purple. Each collision caused metallic clangs to resound in the training hall and shockwaves to spread everywhere.
A man was observing the two with his hands behind his back. He nodded in satisfaction.
"These kids are really monsters. Their progress is very staggering. I wonder how grandson will feel when he returns to find out Felicia awakened the lightening affinity and Joseph awakened the water affinity," Auctevius muttered. "I really miss that brat. He’s been in seclusion for five years."
His gaze returned to the two duking it out. "Both of them are at the S rank. Seriously, the younger generation is becoming more and more terrifying," Auctevius sighed.
Finally, the duel came to an end. Joseph, Anaya’s younger brother, had pointed his trident, shimmering with cerulean water blades at Felicia’s neck. Felicia had also pointed her katana coated in lightning streaks, at Joseph’s neck.
"Looks like you were fortunate this time babe," Felicia rolled her eyes.
"Oh please. Admit it, you feel intimidated. I defeated you yesterday, and it’s a draw today. Technically, it’s my victory," Joseph replied.
Felicia snorted, "Narcissist."
Joseph chuckled.
"Ahem... Enough love birds." Auctevius appeared in front of them. Seriously, kids these days have no shame. Trying to act romantic even in front of their elders.
The duo retracted their weapons, their cheeks turning crimson from the old man’s comment.
"You guys are really improving at a fast rate. It won’t be long before you break into the ascendant level," Auctevius said.
The two teenagers could not help but be shocked. This old man rarely commended someone. It seemed they had been really making some progress for him to even admit it.
However, a glint flashed through their eyes.
"Compared to Uncle Kailen, we are like ants," Felicia said.
Joseph nodded, "I agree."
Auctevius sighed. These kids were always like this. But they were not wrong. His grandson was a mystery. An anomaly in the universe. Everyone had admitted that it was unlikely for someone like him to ever appear again.
"It’s good to look up to your uncle. However you should stop comparing yourselves to others. On the path of cultivation, your goal should be to surpass yourself, while you have it in mind that there will always be someone stronger."
Felicia and Joseph nodded. But inwardly, they thought, This old man was always giving sagely advice. Sigh.
"I miss Uncle." Felicia sat on the floor of the training hall with a sigh. Her gaze was distant.
Joseph joined her as he gobbled down some water. "I wonder when he will return?"
Naturally, like every young cultivator, especially male cultivators in the universe, Kailen was his role model. But to him, it was more personal than that. Kailen had changed the life of his family, so Kailen was more like an uncle to him.
He may have been young at the time Kailen came to Atlantis to visit them. But he remembered everything that happened then and after that till date. He really looked up to Kailen.
"You miss me so much and you didn’t even prepare some sort of welcome ceremony for me?"
Felicia widened her eyes. This voice was too familiar. She turned.
There he stood.
"Uncle!" Before she even realized it, she had jumped straight into his arms.
Kailen chuckled. "Well well. Look at Little Felicia all grown up and beautiful. The young men should be writing fantasies about you in their diaries I suppose."
"Uncle, I miss you and this is the first thing you say when you return? Tsk," Felicia murmured softly.
Kailen chuckled. "I missed you too Feli."
Felicia left Kailen’s embrace. Kailen stared at Joseph, staring back at him with admiration and an otherwise emotional expression in his eyes.
"Wow. Joe. You are all grown up too." Kailen shook his hand and patted his back with a chuckle.
"Uncle Kailen, welcome back," Joseph said.
"He seems more powerful than before. It’s like I’m standing before some sort of deity. As expected of uncle" , he thought.
Kailen smiled. He stared at the last person.
"Grandpa."
"Naughty brat. It’s good to have you back." Auctevius dropped all his refined demeanor and shook Kailen with excitement on his face. His voice was full of warmth.
"Good to see you too Grandpa," Kailen replied.
"I see you’ve been training these two. It seems they will be breaking into the ascendant level soon," Kailen said as he stared at Felicia and Joseph, holding hands.
He was not surprised to see them holding hands. These two had been acting all lovey dovey even when they were kids. He had anticipated a possible romantic relationship between them when they matured. He didn’t comment on that.
Auctevius nodded. "Yeah. With the resources you left behind, and their monstrous potential, it’s only natural their cultivation progresses this fast."
Kailen nodded with pride. Felicia and Joseph were happy to see that Kailen was pleased with their growth. Their uncle was their role model after all.
"Come, let’s go meet the rest. Arrie and the others are still in seclusion, but the rest of us are still around. Also, your grandmother will be more than happy to see you," Auctevius nodded.
"Mm," Kailen replied.
The four left the training hall conversing with warmth.