Asura followed his mother into their home. His sister Xie Ling came rushing up to him.
"Big brother!" she exclaimed, hugging him tightly. Though she was now 15, Xie Ling still clung to Asura like when she was little.
Asura hugged her back gently. "Hey Ling'er, I'm sorry I was gone so long."
She smiled up at him. "It's okay, as long as you're back now!"
Asura spent the rest of the day chatting with Xie Ling and helping his mother around the house. Though Xie Ling was growing up, she still enjoyed spending time with her big brother. Asura treasured these moments of simplicity and family bond.
That night, as Asura laid in his bed, he thought about the kingdom beyond the edge. There was so much he didn't know, so much he wanted to explore, then he thought about the young woman Xie Ling had become. While he wanted to explore the world beyond, he knew he had to protect Xie Ling. For now, being with his loving family was enough.
Asura knew Xie Ling had a natural gift for cultivation that far surpassed his own abilities. From a young age, she displayed an affinity for the Dao that was uncommon. While Asura struggled to progress and all his achievement was obtained by his hard work, Ling'er advanced swiftly.
However, to Asura, she was still his little sister who needed protection. He tried to shelter her from the harsh realities of their kingdom, at the edge of so many dangers.
But Xie Ling was not a child anymore. She was a young woman with ambitions beyond their small home. Asura saw the yearning in her eyes when she spoke of exploring the wider world just like him. He knew the time was coming when she would surpass him and no longer need his protection.
This realization filled Asura with bittersweet emotions. On one hand, he was proud to see Xie Ling fulfill her potential. But a small, selfish part of him wanted to keep her as his little sister to shield forever.
So Asura vowed to cherish the remaining time he had to watch over and protect Xie Ling. He knew someday soon she would fly beyond his reach, following her own path in the world. But for now, he would savor every moment at her side.
He drifted off to sleep with a smile, grateful for the comfort of familiar, familial love.
The next morning, Asura woke up to the smell of breakfast cooking. He got ready and went downstairs to find Xie Ling already in the kitchen helping their mother prepare breakfast.
"Good morning, big brother!" Xie Ling said excitedly. She had grown into a beautiful young woman over the past few years.
"Morning," Asura replied with a smile. He watched as Xie Ling expertly chopped vegetables and seasoned the food. She had become quite the helper around the house.
Soon they were all sitting down to eat together. Xie Ling chatted animatedly about the book she was reading and her plans for the next day. Their mother listened with a loving smile, happy to see her daughter's spirit and joy.
After breakfast, Asura and Xie Ling chatted in the garden. Xie Ling talked about wanting to see what lay beyond their little kingdom, while Asura cautioned prudence. Xie Ling rolled her eyes at his worry but listened patiently.
Though Xie Ling was no longer a child, moments spent together as a family still filled Asura's heart with contentment. He watched proudly as Xie Ling bloomed into a thoughtful young woman full of aspirations. Living on the edge came with challenges, but their love and bond endured. Asura knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together.
Xie Ling suddenly said "Big Brother, let's spar. We haven't sparred recently."
Asura nodded, Xie Ling smiled as she challenged Asura. "Come on big brother, don't hold back!"
But first, Asura lowered his cultivation level to the same level as his sister, which was the second stage of the Temper Realm.
Asura chuckled. "Alright little sister, but be careful." He drew his wooden practice sword. "Ready?"
Xie Ling nodded, grasping her own sword tightly. She lunged forward, swinging the blade at Asura. He blocked her strike and countered, aiming at her side.
She deftly parried his attack. "You'll have to do better than that!" she said with a grin.
They continued sparring, the clack of wood on wood filling the air. Though Asura had more experience, Ling'er was nimble and quick. She darted in and out, landing light hits on Asura.
He was breathing heavily now. "You've...improved so much."
lowered her sword. "Only because you pushed me to practice."
Asura smiled proudly at her. "You were always talented. I just helped you find your strengths."
Xie Ling returned his smile. "Well thank you for being the best sparring partner and big brother." She hugged him.
Asura hugged her back. "Anytime little sister. I'm so proud of you."
Xie Ling beamed. "One of these days I'll beat you for real!"
Asura chuckled. "Keep practicing and you will. But for now, I'm just glad we can spend time together like this."
Xie Ling nodded in agreement. "Me too."