The sun had barely risen over the Yang Family estate, but word of Shiv's (Yang Kai's) rapid rise in the Inheritance War had already spread far beyond the family's walls. His strength had grown at an alarming rate, and his reputation was quickly becoming known throughout the cultivation world. Those close to him, particularly Su Yan and Xia Ning Chang, had heard of his achievements and came to visit him, drawn by both concern and admiration.
For Shiv, the arrival of these two women wasn't just a reunion—it was an affirmation of the bonds he had built and the strength that came from those connections. He had already accepted that these women would be by his side, and he embraced that fact with confidence.
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Su Yan's Return with Ice Heart Valley
The first to arrive was Su Yan, the powerful cultivator from Ice Heart Valley, whose icy demeanor had softened over the years, particularly in her connection with Yang Kai. Her sect held her in high regard, and she commanded respect wherever she went. It was with this support from Ice Heart Valley that she arrived at the Yang Family estate, her cold aura preceding her as she stepped through the gates.
Her beauty and strength were as striking as ever, and her presence at the estate was impossible to ignore. The guards immediately recognized her, and word quickly spread to Yang Kai's parents, Yang Zhen and Su Yu Ting.
When Su Yan met Yang Kai's parents, her expression was calm but warm, and her respect for them was evident.
"You're Su Yan, I assume?" Su Yu Ting greeted her, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yang Kai has mentioned you often."
"Yes," Su Yan replied, her voice as cool as ever but carrying an unmistakable warmth. "I've come to see him. I've heard of his progress, and I want to support him."
There was no hesitation in her words. She wasn't here out of obligation or curiosity—she was here because Yang Kai was important to her. Her presence was a testament to the bond they had forged, one that neither distance nor time could weaken.
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Xia Ning Chang's Arrival with Meng Wu Ya
Following shortly after Su Yan, Xia Ning Chang made her way to the estate. She was accompanied by her powerful teacher, Meng Wu Ya, whose reputation preceded him. Though Xia Ning Chang was quiet and unassuming, her presence was a source of comfort to Yang Kai. She had always been a grounding force for him, and her gentle demeanor belied the incredible power she had cultivated under Meng Wu Ya's tutelage.
When Xia Ning Chang entered the estate, Yang Kai's parents welcomed her with the same warmth they had shown Su Yan.
"Xia Ning Chang, you've come too?" Su Yu Ting said, clearly pleased by the support her son was receiving from such powerful individuals.
"I've come to visit Yang Kai," Xia Ning Chang said softly, her voice filled with affection. "I wanted to be here for him."
Her words carried a quiet determination, and despite her soft-spoken nature, it was clear that she cared deeply for Yang Kai.
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Reunion with Yang Kai
When Shiv learned of the arrival of Su Yan and Xia Ning Chang, his heart stirred not with uncertainty, but with a sense of fulfillment. He had always known that these women would play an important role in his life, and their presence at this critical point in the Inheritance War only strengthened his resolve.
He met them in the gardens of the estate, a place of peace amidst the growing tension of the war. Su Yan stood with her usual grace, her icy aura softened by the warmth of the setting sun, while Xia Ning Chang sat nearby, her gentle smile ever present.
"Su Yan, Ning Chang," Shiv greeted them, his voice calm and sure. "It's good to see you both."
The affection in their eyes was clear, though each expressed it in their own way. Su Yan, though still reserved, stepped forward, her gaze meeting his. "You've come far, Yang Kai," she said, her voice steady but filled with quiet pride.
Xia Ning Chang followed, her smile growing. "I'm glad to see you safe. You've grown so much."
For Shiv, these women were more than just companions—they were part of his life, and he had already made the decision that they would remain by his side. There was no guilt or hesitation in his heart. He had decided his path, and that included them.
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Strength in Bonds
As they spent time together, Shiv shared stories of his journey through the Inheritance War, and both women spoke of their own growth in cultivation. Su Yan spoke of her time training in Ice Heart Valley, mastering her ice techniques and growing stronger under the guidance of her sect. Xia Ning Chang, ever humble, shared her progress in alchemy under Meng Wu Ya, her growth as an alchemist contributing to her rising strength.
But throughout the evening, Shiv felt a growing connection between them—a connection that went beyond friendship. He had always known that these women were important to him, but now, seeing them both here, he realized that they were more than just allies. They were part of his future.
As the night deepened, Xia Ning Chang excused herself, leaving Su Yan and Shiv alone in the garden. The air was cool, and the stars began to appear in the sky, casting a soft glow over the estate.
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The Inevitable Flare of Power
Sitting together in the quiet garden, Su Yan and Shiv shared a moment of peace. Su Yan, ever the strong and composed cultivator, let her guard down slightly, allowing her affection for Yang Kai to show more openly.
"You've grown so much, Yang Kai," Su Yan said softly, her voice carrying a weight of emotion that was rare for her. "But I know you've been carrying more than just your own burden. You don't have to face everything alone."
Her words struck a chord with Shiv, but not in a way that made him feel weak or uncertain. Instead, they strengthened his resolve. He knew that Su Yan was someone who understood him, someone who would be by his side no matter what. There was no guilt or hesitation in his heart—he had already decided that Su Yan would be his wife, and this moment only solidified that decision.
"I know," Shiv replied, his voice calm but filled with emotion. "I'm not alone. Not anymore."
He didn't see himself as burdened or struggling. He had always been in control of his power, and now, with Su Yan beside him, he felt more complete than ever.
But even as they sat together, Shiv felt the familiar pull of his Eternal Life ability stirring within him. Being close to Su Yan, with her powerful aura and the energy she carried, triggered the desire to absorb that energy, to grow stronger through her presence.
The pull wasn't overwhelming at first, but it was there, growing stronger the longer he remained near her. Shiv knew that this was a natural reaction to his ability—it was a power he could control, but only to a certain point. And in this moment, with Su Yan beside him, he knew that resisting it wasn't necessary.
"Su Yan," he said, his voice low and steady. "You've always been by my side. And I've decided that you will be with me, now and always."
His words weren't a plea—they were a declaration. He had chosen this path, and he wasn't going to back down from it.
Su Yan met his gaze, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "I will always be with you, Yang Kai. I trust you completely."
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(Scene skipped)
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Aftermath: Power Restored
The night passed, and when it was over, Shiv felt the familiar surge of power flowing through him. His cultivation had risen once more, his strength now surpassing the Ninth Stage of the True Element Boundary. The energy he had absorbed from Su Yan had fueled his growth, but unlike before, there was no lingering hunger or guilt. His desire had flared only when he chose to let it, and now that the moment had passed, he was in full control once again.
He stood by the window of his quarters, watching the early morning light filter through the trees. Su Yan was resting nearby, her presence a source of comfort and strength.
The realization dawned on him that this ability—the power to absorb energy and grow stronger—was something he could use when needed, without being consumed by it. The intense desires that came with the ability only surfaced when he actively pushed his limits, and once the power surge had passed, his body returned to a state of balance.
This understanding brought him a newfound sense of confidence. He had gained a deeper insight into his new power