At Kun Island - Heavenly Spear Alliance - Tianzhen City,
The Storm Dragon King descended from the clouds, its massive wings stirring the winds across Kun Island. As it glided to a majestic halt on the landing terrace, shimmering scales reflecting the setting sun, the Su family looked down at the vibrant world beneath them.
Below, the verdant central valley stretched like a paradise sculpted by the divine. Aether mists drifted from crystal ponds, spirit beasts chirped from elevated roosts, and the towering Stormspire loomed above—lightning arcing gently around its summit.
The newly constructed Su Clan Manor awaited them, nestled at the heart of this sacred valley. It was an architectural marvel of obsidian-infused stone and skyroot wood, shaped in sweeping curves and layered tiers. Runes etched along the beams pulsed with spiritual energy, offering both protection and elegance. It radiated strength and grace—a bastion worthy of a family with divine bloodlines.
Yue Mei, Ji Yeyan, Rao Lin, and the other Hallmasters stood at attention alongside elite disciples. They bowed deeply as Su Leilong and Long Xuemei dismounted—not as parents of Su Mengtian, but as legends in their own right.
"Lightning Dragon Emperor... Astral Phoenix Empress... it is our honor," Yue Mei said softly, her hands forming the ceremonial salute of respect.
Su Tianlei and Su Lingyue, eyes wide with childlike wonder, stared in all directions—the aerial wyvern perches, elemental springs pulsing with light, and grand pavilions etched with ancient runes.
"Sister, is this a dream?" Tianlei whispered, nudging Lingyue.
"No," she replied, her voice awed. "This is a realm of miracles."
Bai Yueying, radiant in robes of silver-threaded crimson, led Long Xuemei on a private tour to the Hall of Luminous Veil. There, floating celestial orbs drifted above silver pools, casting mirrored illusions through dream mirrors.
Long Xuemei's eyes misted. "You've built more than a sect. You've built a sanctuary—a family stronghold."
That night, a banquet was held at the Heavenly Soul Palace. Lanterns floated across the reflecting lake, their flickers mirrored by dancing fireflies. Wind chimes of star-metal sang in gentle harmonies.
Ji Yeyan stood and raised a goblet of spirit-wine. "To the roots that now nourish the spear of the heavens. May they grow strong and deep."
Su Mengtian nodded. "To family. To unity. To a realm reborn."
At the Council Hall of the State of Records—a grand dome of jade crystal with floating glyph scrolls and seated oracles—Su Leilong met the full cadre of the Heavenly Spear Alliance.
The ten Hallmasters and eight department heads welcomed him, some with visible nostalgia.
"General Su," an elder from the Hall of Ironblood whispered. "It has been too long. I still remember your stand at the Northern Spine..."
Ji Yeyan stepped forward. "We propose that you take the mantle of Grand Strategist of the Alliance."
Rao Lin added, "And to guide the formation of an elite cross-hall battalion, trained for threats from beyond our known continents."
Su Leilong placed his halberd on the ground. "Titles mean little in battle. Let my halberd and mind prove their worth, as they once did."
Baojin nodded. "Then let us begin anew, with the master of storms returning to the field."
Within the Trial Chambers of Valor, Rao Lin personally tested Su Tianlei's resonance.
As Tianlei channeled his qi, storm clouds gathered above the training arena. A bolt of golden lightning erupted from his body, splitting the stone beneath his feet.
Rao Lin stared, stunned. "Grand Lightning Dragon... and divine-grade at that?"
Tianlei stepped forward. "I will not live in my brother's shadow. I want to stand beside him—as an equal."
Across the citadel, in the sonic sanctum of the Hall of Echoes, Lingyue stood before Kai Chan.
She gently released her qi. A melodic vibration flowed across the hall, shifting the entire atmosphere into an ethereal harmony.
Kai Chan blinked. "Celestial Halo Phoenix? Divine-grade again?"
"I believe... power should soothe as much as it strikes," Lingyue whispered.
Shock rippled across Kun Island. The Su family had produced four divine bloodlines. The legacy of the Lightning Dragon and Astral Phoenix was undeniable.
At Su Family Manor,
That evening, beneath a sky of violet stars, the family gathered in the garden behind the manor.
Su Mengtian knelt, planting a Heaven-grade Thunder-Phoenix Tree into sacred soil. The roots glowed faintly with light and storm.
Xuemei rested her hand on the young bark. "This tree will feed on legacy. But its roots must grow in love, not fear."
Leilong joined her. "Mengtian, the world you face soon will be more than this island, more than the Empire. But wherever you go—remember, these roots will always welcome you back."
Mengtian nodded solemnly. "Then let this tree grow as our testament—not to conquest, but to legacy."
The tree shimmered. A breeze carried its first leaves into the air—glimmering with golden veins and crackling lightning.
The next day, the central plaza of Kun Island was filled with thousands. Cultivators, citizens, allied clans, and spirit beast emissaries gathered.
Su Mengtian stood on the stone dais, Yueying beside him, holding the Su clan crest etched with twin wings of lightning and fire.
"I declare today, the Su Clan stands as the Heartblood Clan of this realm. Not in pride—but in duty, carved in sacrifice and tempered in unity."
The Hallmasters stepped forward in respect.
Su Leilong and Long Xuemei were named Founding Elders. The audience erupted in respectful cheers.
A monument was unveiled—The Storm-Forged Pillar. It bore the names of those who fell in the liberation of Kun Island.
Tianlei and Lingyue were offered positions as junior successors.
"I thank you," Tianlei said, bowing. "But I must first walk the world and test my resolve."
Lingyue smiled. "And I must understand before I lead. The world has many stories left untold."
The Hallmasters nodded, proud.
Yueying took the stage. "As per our founding decree, all fringe clans, righteous sects, and beastkin tribes under our alliance shall now have permanent seats in the governance circle of Kun Island."
Applause echoed across the plaza. The realm was changing.
As the moon rose, Su Mengtian walked to the cliffs at Kun Island's edge. The wind carried salt and mist.
The Void Storm Spirit emerged beside him, formed of mist and memory.
"It grows stronger, your realm," the spirit said. "But with growth comes winds that may yet try to uproot it."
Mengtian looked into the stars. "Then I will grow with it. I will not rise to escape the earth—but to carry it into the storm."
The spirit nodded. "Then may the storm remember your name."
Mengtian closed his eyes.
The island behind him was alive. The roots of his blood, his people, and his legacy had found new soil. The storm would come—but this time, they were ready.