Blaz was now standing in front of the mansion of the Aurora clan, well he called it a mansion but it was built more as a city hall. This was the place where they handled official matters that was related to outsiders, he didn't actually know if there was any other purpose for this building but he had never seen anything else being done in. As a pseudo-member he was usually quickly taken inside the main grounds of the clan.
The building was impressive as it was the face of the clan. It had solid stone foundation but was otherwise build from wood harvested from forest rich with Qi. This made the wood very durable compared to normal wood. But one could also see the difference after it had been treated. It was exuding a aura of longevity, making the building feel bigger than it was, like a sleeping giant.
The double doors were opened by the two guards standing on each side of them. The guards was dressed in high quality leather, taken from high ranking Qi beasts, while still technically leather the actual defensive power from it was comparable to plate armor made from mundane metals. But the most important was that they where both in the middle of the fourth major realm, the "core formation realm". Having fourth realm cultivators standing outside as guards was something either only the pompous did or the large sized sects, there was of course exceptions to this.
He was immediately met by a receptionist sitting behind a large wooden desk when he entered the building. The receptionist was a beautiful black haired lady dressed fine cloths in different shades of blue.
He channeled some of his Qi to the necklace he had hidden under his clothes. The necklace vibrated slightly as it connected to his mind and the inventory of his spatial locket was revealed to him. He mentally isolated a letter and used more of his Qi to fuel the equipments ability. The letter appeared in his hand as he extended it to the receptionist.
The receptionist didn't react in any way, appearing completely calm as if this was just business as usual. Blaz became slightly embarrassed upon seeing that his show hadn't resulted in any noticable reaction.
She quickly opened the letter and Blaz sensed a Qi fluctuation as she scanned the letter. After a few second the letter turned into specks of light as she stood up and bowed slightly towards Blaz while welcoming him with one of his full titles.
"Welcome Grand master of the cadei knights, Blaz. If you would please follow me. I will open up the clan grounds for you."
"Thanks."
Blaz followed he as she entered a door that was behind and to the left of the reception desk. On the other side of the door was a mirror image of the buildings reception area. It even had it's own receptionist that would take note of everyone leaving the clan grounds. This receptionist was dressed in identical clothes, the only difference being that she was slightly younger and had shorter hair.
When Blaz and the receptionist entered this room the second reception looked towards them before walking next to the first receptionist. They then each opened one of the double doors that would lead to the clan main grounds, before bowing slightly to Blaz.
After Blaz left the building the doors were closed behind him. This hadn't been the welcome he had gotten the last time that he had been here. Last time there had been a brutal looking older man that had checked his invitation before just telling what door to enter, the whole time had been extremely uncomfortable as he had believed that the old man would attack him and he would have to defeat the man to gain entrance, even worse was that he knew with his old friends humor that was an actual possibility and not just a one sided misconception born from the receptionists appearance. This was an infinitely better reception, even if it did remind him of the capital.
Blaz was now standing on smooth streets made completely out of stone. The streets looked like it was just one single stone instead of being paved with many smaller ones. This was something done with magic and not something worse. The streets were also without any snow on them. The snow had covered everything else but these roads.
There were three different roads going from the building he had just left, each on leading to different areas of the clan. If he had been a normal visitor then he would have had a guide with him, both so that he could arrive where wanted and to make sure he didn't do anything malicious. But he had been here enough to know that the path straightforward was the path leading to main living area of most of the clan.
Even if he didn't know which path would lead to the living area, since he was now inside then main barrier he could sense his friends aura radiating from the buildings in the distance. His friends aura hadn't weekend in the slightest with age, instead it had only grown. In the past Victors aura had been described as a sword that was constantly being sharpened and if you were in the way then you would be used to test the sharpness of it. Nowadays his aura was more like a sheeted sword. Not that anyone sane would want to be in the receiving end of the sword when it was drawn. It had been well documented by the forces in this region of the world what would happen to those who faced him.
Blaz started to move towards the living area at a normal man's walking pace. He wanted to see if he could sense the aura of anyone other celestial. He rarely saw anyone else from the clan after the war.
He had to give up after passing through most of the buildings inside the living area. He was now standing at the entrance of a proper mansion. Officially it was one of the houses for the main family of the clan, unofficially, the private house for Amelia, but Blaz had read that it had been seen as the main house since she moved in simply because Sigmund had started using it as the main house then, and since none of her children had their own spouse yet they were also staying there for now.
Blaz composed himself a little. It had only been five years since he had last been here but time moved so quickly for the young ones, he didn't know how big his grandchildren had become at this point.
When Blaz was about to knock on the door it was opened before his knuckles could hit it. Making him hit nothing but air. Victor was standing inside and had opened the door.
"I thought you were going to stand there for a century before trying to knock."
"..."
"Well are you going to come in or what?"
"Fucking asshole! Don't you know that it's rude to invite someone else into a ladies house? Jeez what am I going to do if my grandchildren turn into mannerless cretins like you?"
"Ha! Would you rather them turn into backstabbing nobles, who hide their intentions behind meaningless manners?"
"You know that their is a middle ground right? I mean, just look at me. The pinnacle of manners, honor, and strength."
"Strength huh? Is that something you would like to test?"
After a few seconds of silence they both started to laugh. Blaz entered the house, closing the door behind him. Victor gave him a proper getting after he had entered.
"It's nice to meet you Blaz. It been too long."
"What do you mean too long? It has only been a little over five years since we last saw each other."
Victor stopped and thought for a while before realizing that he was right.
"I guess that it's only been three years. It feels like its been longer. Well you know how it is, watching children grow messes up your sense of time."
"Ah. I guess so. I can still remember when Amelia was growing up. It seems so long ago but also like she was born just yesterday."
Victor started leading Blaz to Amelia after a short talk about how it is watching children grow up.
Victor stopped in front of a set of doors that would lead to his daughters study.
"She is inside. I will go and check up on the children. See you at dinner later."
"Yeah I will see you soon."
Amelia didn't have strong spiritual senses so she wouldn't know that he was here. Blaz gently knocked on one of the doors and then waited for a response. A soft voice spoke inside the room
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
"It's unlocked. Please do come in."
As he entered he saw his sweet daughter sitting behind a desk with various papers on it. She wasn't looking at them right now, instead having focused on the doors to see who would enter.
Blaz saw her expression change from surprise to one of happiness. She quickly stood up and almost ran over. She hugged him and he reciprocated. Blaz had to let her go after a minute. It wasn't until now he truly realized what his friend had said with how it had been a long time since they saw each other. He was used to not seeing his friends for several years as that was the norm for cultivators. But not seeing his daughter for so long had left a imperceptible shadow over his heart. It wasn't until now when he hugged her that he noticed it and it disappeared.
Amelia
"How have you been sweetie?"
"I've been good. What about yourself? I've heard that the capital is getting more hectic."
"That's just some kids getting excited, nothing your father can't handle."
"Hmm. If you say so. You know you can send me a letter if you need help right?"
"Of course. My little daughter has grown up to be such a competent lady. But let's talk about more pleasant things. How are the children?"
"Good. They have grown a lot since you last saw them."
"I can guess. Children always grow up too fast."
Blaz and Amelia conversed about various topics until a servant came and informed them that dinner was ready.
Blaz and Amelia entered the dinning room. A seat had already been prepared on at the end of the table for Blaz.
Blaz watched as Aaric entered the dining room. Aaric had apparently been informed that Blaz was here as he didn't look surprised. Instead he just greeted Blaz as if meeting an old acquaintance.
"It's good to see you healthy grandfather."
Blaz gave a look to Victor as he assumed that Victor was the culprit who ruined the surprise. Victor just shook his head as he denied that he had informed him.
After that quick look, he went to hug Aaric.
"Don't be so formal you little brat. I'm your grandpa you know, no need to be so reserved."
"Alright, as you say grandpa. It's nice to meet you again."
Aaric gave up and hugged back and became less formal when he saw that Blaz had no intention to let him go until he got what he wanted.
Next to enter the room was Harlin. This time Blaz got what he wanted as Harlin was surprised before greeting him friendly.
"Grandpa! It's nice to see you again, you should visit more often."
"Hahaha. That's a good response. It's nice to see you too. I can't believe how much you have grown."
Blaz was happy seeing such a response so he gave Harlin a rougher bear hug compared to the more gentle hold that he gave Aaric.
The third brother was of course the third arrival. Adalgar was surprised and very confused when he entered the room. He had been busy trying not to get caught up by William so these days he was cultivating seriously compared to the lax attitude he had in the past.
His confusion was short lived as he soon recognized who Blaz was and went to hug him
"Now this is the correct response to your grandpa traveling all the way to the capital to meet you. It's good to see you my boy."
"It's good to see you grandpa. Did you bring any souvenirs from the capital?"
"Look at you mister. Seconds into meeting your grandpa and already trying to extort him. I like it. Of course I brought some gifts to you all, but it will have to wait until after dinner."
After a few back and forth the door was opened and William entered it.
William like the others was slightly surprised by Blaz being there but it lasted very shortly because he remembered the 'whispers' and what his mother had told him.
But he was still confused since he didn't remember Blaz at all and so he couldn't be sure who it was. Blaz laughed when he saw that William was giving his mother a confused look. Blaz was slightly sad when he realized that William probably didn't remember who he was, but that wouldn't stop him from having some fun with this.
"Who is this little guy? Wait! Could this be William?"
William kept silent until he saw his mother nod while smiling at him.
"I'm William. Nice to meet you grandfather."
"Hmm. Are you sure you are William? Last time I was here, little William could barely walk. Yet know you expect me to believe that you are a... Wait what! Peak stage 'meridian clearing realm'."
Blaz got surprised seeing the realm of William but he quickly collected himself before continuing. He was also pretty sure he heard the snickering of Victor, he would have to pay him back later.
"You sure are a fast little cultivator. If you continue like this you will hurt your grandpa's heart you know. I barely got to your realm when I was 16 years. You are a little genius aren't you?"
Blaz lifted William with one arm while saying this. He also took the opportunity to pat Williams head and quickly [scanned] him. He wasn't exactly happy with what he saw but he hid it inside himself. Victor would hear his complaints later in private. For now it was family dinner time.
"I'm William, who else would I be? I'm just very good at cultivating."
Blaz would really have to have a talk with Victor later.
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As the dinner concluded Blaz was going to give out some gifts. For Aaric he presented a dagger made by master blacksmith using low-mystical grade metals. It was heavily fire attuned and would allow him to use a few fire spells while also serving as a good dagger. Even if it was unnecessarily gaudy. It was both for appearances and a weapon for anti-personal use, it would fit in perfectly as a nobles dagger.
Harlin got a bracelet that would function as a small spatial storage space.
Adalgar got a ring that could cast several wind spells.
William got several seeds from different a mid-spiritual grade plants.
Amelia was slightly surprised when she also got something. It was seeds from a flower that would bloom in winter by absorbing ice Qi. When they bloomed the would look like high quality ice sculptures. They would also cause a snow fall effect under them. They were popular amongst the ladies in the capital nowadays.
Blaz was quite happy seeing the reactions of everyone as they got their gifts. The only one who confused him a little was William. William had put up the seeds to his ear while having a blank expression.
Blaz bade farewell to the kids before they ran away to do whatever it was that kids did in a isolated clan in the middle of a mountain.
"That's some nice gifts. Don't you have anything for your old friend?"
The mood was ruined by Victors malicious smile and question. But Blaz was prepared, this time Victor had fallen into his trap.
"You know, I actually do have something. I managed to get my hands on some interesting drinking snacks, there was even a snack made by a master chef using dragon meat. But disastrously I got so thirsty running all the way from the capital that I ended up drinking all the alcohol that I brought with me. And I'm to embarrassed to present you with the snacks without any alcohol being there to accompany them."
"Yeah, yeah. I see where this is going you old schemer. I will go and take out some alcohol from the storage. I'll find you when I'm ready, so talk some more with Amelia while you are here."
"Hahaha. Sorry for the trouble."
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Night had fallen before Victor had picked up Blaz. Blaz was currently following Victor as they quickly moved to the top of the mountain. They were both using body enhancement techniques while their movement techniques were also activated.
the climb was precautions. It was as if the top of the mountain itself didn't want them to progress. Strong winds would push them downward while sometimes turning into blades of wind that would cut trough even the toughest of mundane metals. The ground beneath them would also sometimes disappear, or turn into mud, making any stable ground a trap just waiting for them. If that wasn't enough. The cold kept growing, at this point it had even started generating both cold Qi and ice Qi. Both those types of Qi had the unpleasant effect of freezing other Qi that came into contact with them.
luckily they were both masters and had a very pure and dense Qi. Dense and pure enough to offset the freezing effect. As long as the ice and cold Qi didn't grow much denser and purer at least. Luckily that kind of pure and dense Qi was not found in normal areas of the world. This mountain was technically a normal area so it shouldn't have these kind of effects. Blaz also knew these effects was because the creature sleeping inside the mountain and not because the mountain itself was anything special, except being slightly taller than the standard mountain.
They soon arrived at the top of the mountain. Where according to Victor there was an ideal drinking place. The various effects that had bombarded them suddenly stop when they arrived at the tip. Blaz had sensed that they passed through a barrier at the top of the mountain.
The tip of the mountain cut off. The ground was so smooth that you could mistake it for a floor that had been ground down with sandpaper until no uneven surface was left. Blaz immediately recognized his friends handiwork.
At the middle of the cut off peak was a tree that stood tall. It was unnaturally tall and wide. Blaz had some trouble discerning what it was before realizing it was a house made using forest elves techniques.
William took note of his silence, before asking him what he was thinking of.
"What? The drinking spot is next to you."
Blaz had been to busy trying to figure out what the deal with the house was to recognize that there was a gazebo a few meters to the right.
The gazebo was also built in the style of the forest elves, probably by using authentic forest elves techniques. Instead of being one giant tree like the house, the gazebo was made from eight different trees that stood at two and a half meters before curving to meet each other and merged while their branches extended to the sides before also merging and forming a complete roof.
The floor of the gazebo was also made from branches, but these were unnaturally smooth feeling like they had been treated to feel so smooth. In the middle of the gazebo was a bench formed from branches who extended from the floor, the only spot were the floor had any outcrops. There was also a little bench inside the gazebo. But this was not an outcrop from the trees that made up the gazebo, instead it was a stone table. There was several bottles without any labels on the table waiting for them.
Blaz took out the snacks and placed them on the table before sitting on the bench. The view from here was incredible, if one had enough perception to see through the fog that was surrounding the higher parts of the mountain.
At the middle point of the mountain there was various lights piercing the darkness of the night coming from the clan grounds. There were occasionally flashes of different colors coming from various spots of the clan grounds. These were coming from different cultivators trying out their techniques outside. Red, green, blue, yellow, purple, orange. The clan had many different cultivators of many different alignments so there was no end to the different color of the lights.
Further down the mountain you could see the lights coming from the city. there were so many lights many of which moved around. You could almost hear the different sounds from the city being carried by the wind to their location at the top of the mountain.
Even further away you could see the start of the forest. In the beginning the forest was made from trees so small that they weren't even noticable from here. The further one looked the taller the trees became. Soon enough the trees were taller than even the city walls. Further in you could see trees that had no right being so tall, it was as if they stretched and wanted to touch the sky. You could occasionally see different lights from the deeper parts of the forest. These were from different creatures fighting each other. There were even lightning shows appearing here and there, different creatures undergoing heavenly tribulations.
Blaz thoroughly enjoyed the view.