That evening, the manor of House Calvier wasn't just filled with cultivators—it was filled with warmth.
The great hall turned into a banquet of memories.
Taryn sat between his siblings, laughter echoing off the walls. The kitchen had been bustling all day, preparing Taryn's favorite dishes—sizzling fire duck, cloudfish broth, and moon bean dumplings.
His mother personally served him an extra helping, her smile glowing with a quiet joy that only a mother who had once wept in secret could show. His father poured wine for everyone, even for Taryn (a single sip, under strict supervision), announcing proudly, "To our seventh! Strong in heart, stronger in spirit!"
The eldest told wild tales of chasing after spirit beasts who stole his boots. The second sister rolled her eyes and corrected the details, to which the fourth quietly added, "It was a squirrel… and it was one boot."
Taryn laughed so hard he choked on soup.
Later, they lit lanterns in the back garden, letting them float into the night sky. Each one carried a small inscription—hopes, prayers, and silent wishes. His second sister's lantern read, "May your roots grow strong." The fourth's simply said, "Focus."
The eldest's? "Don't forget to smile."
As they watched the flickering lights rise into the stars, Taryn stood still, heart full, whispering, "This… is what I want to protect."
—
The Next Morning
The twin thunder of hooves and heavy winds announced the arrival of the final siblings.
The fifth and sixth brothers, the infamous Twin Blades of the Storm Sword Sect, arrived on matching stormsteel stallions—sacred mounts gifted to only elite inner disciples.
Both wore light silver armor laced with streaks of storm-blue silk. Their faces—almost identical—wore the same confident grin.
"Look who finally got off the bed!" Fifth called out, jumping down and grabbing Taryn into a crushing hug.
"Still smaller than me," the sixth added, flicking Taryn's forehead.
Taryn grinned. "Still annoying, I see."
Without much formality, the fifth slung a long wrapped bundle off his back and unrolled it in front of Taryn.
Within it lay a sleek dual-edged blade, glowing faintly with spiritual energy. It was a deep silver, and the edges shimmered faintly in the light.
"This is Wind Whisper," said the sixth.
"We forged it ourselves under the Storm Sect's thunder forge," the fifth added.
Taryn stared, wide-eyed.
"It will respond to your growth," the sixth continued. "It's meant to cut through doubts as much as enemies."
The twins placed a hand on his shoulders.
"No matter how far we go," the fifth said, "remember, we're your swords too."
Taryn's hands trembled slightly as he accepted the blade. "Thank you… both of you."
The twins gave him matching smirks.
"You better become someone worth wielding it."
—
The family was finally complete. Seven children, two parents, one household glowing with reunion and pride.
And floating nearby, arms crossed and hovering midair, the system grinned like a proud yet mischievous uncle.
"Not bad, kid… now let's see how you handle the next phase."