A sharp blue sword spun through the air, cutting straight toward Wei. With a calm flick, he caught it between two fingers and snapped it apart.
From the shadows, a figure cloaked in black appeared. His face was hidden, his stance composed, both hands folded neatly behind his back. Yet behind him, a crimson blast was silently forming, growing heavier by the second.
Wei narrowed his eyes and stepped forward.
"Who are you?" he asked, voice low but steady.
The man didn't answer. Instead, he moved in closer, releasing the glowing blast straight at Wei.
Wei reacted instantly. He snatched a flower pot from the side and hurled it into the path of the attack. The pot shattered under the force, the blast still pushing through and tossing Wei backward, though only slightly.
The crash jolted Lu awake. He staggered to his feet, his frail body wracked with pain, but he forced himself toward the door. Just as his trembling hand reached for the handle, a sword shot at him with blinding speed. He twisted his body and barely avoided it.
"What in the world is happening out there…?" Lu muttered, his voice thin but sharp. He leaned forward, stretching his neck to catch sight of the chaos.
By then, Wei had already unsheathed his sword. With no time to weave advanced techniques, he ignited the blade in emerald flames. Across from him, the figure unsheathed his own weapon, its edge cloaked in blue fire.
The clash was immediate. Their swords collided with a deafening crash, sparks bursting like fireworks, a violent gust sweeping through the courtyard. The air itself seemed to tear apart under the weight of their auras, the shockwaves so fierce even Lu had to shield his eyes.
He stood silently, studying the intruder's movements. Something about the techniques gnawed at his memory. The aura, the flow—it was too familiar.
Then, the man did something uncanny. His sword floated up, moving as if alive, striking at Wei with precise, merciless swings while its master simply stood aside, watching calmly.
Wei roared, meeting each strike head-on. He gathered his strength, his blade blazing brighter, and unleashed a powerful slash that sent the floating sword flying. In a heartbeat, he leapt forward, driving his flaming weapon toward the cloaked man.
But the strike was caught—effortlessly. The man raised his bare wrist, blocking the sword as though it were nothing. With his free hand resting lazily on his waist, he smirked before driving a brutal kick into Wei's stomach, slamming him hard against the wall.
Wei coughed, his body weakening under the impact.
That was when Lu stepped forward. His frail voice trembled with fury.
"How dare you barge into our home and create this chaos? Who do you think you are?"
The masked man finally turned his head toward him. "Old man, don't overestimate yourself. Do you really plan on stopping me?"
"You don't belong here," Lu snapped, his fists clenched. Then, despite his weakened body, he charged with a sudden burst of strength.
The man's composure faltered for the first time. He raised his hands quickly.
"Wait, wait—"
But it was too late. Lu's punch crashed against his cheek, the crack of impact echoing in the hall.
"Argh! Damn… this old man's still got some strength left in him." The figure staggered back, rubbing his face.
Lu advanced slowly, every step radiating determination despite his frailty.
Cornered, the man tore off his mask in desperation. His voice rushed out, almost pleading.
"Wait—it's me!"
Both Lu and Wei froze. Their eyes widened, voices overlapping in shock.
"Longwei!?"
Wei rose to his feet in pure joy, his body stiff but his heart overflowing. The moment was too much to contain, and before he could think, he threw his arms wide in an embrace.
The rest of the family appeared soon after, smiles lighting their faces—every one of them, even those who had been away on the business trip with Longwei, had returned. Their applause filled the hall, echoing with the sound of shared happiness. Lu's heart swelled at the sight, overwhelmed to finally see his eldest son after nine long years.
Wei rushed forward, pulling his brother into a tight hug.
"Oh, Longwei… I've missed you. It's been so long."
Lu joined them, his own arms wrapping around both. The warmth of the reunion broke him down; tears slid freely from his eyes.
But exhaustion soon took its toll. Lu's body gave way, and before he could fall, Longwei caught him and carried him carefully to his room. They laid him on the bed, letting him rest in peace.
Outside the chamber, Wei and Longwei lingered together.
"You've grown stronger, little brother. I've missed this," Longwei said with a smile.
"Don't start that again," Wei laughed softly. "You still beat me just like before."
Their words were cut short. Out of nowhere, a beast's roar thundered across the skies, shaking the ground beneath their feet.