The tension was palpable as the room descended into silence, like a heavy fog after his grandfather's stern admonition. His heart thundered in his chest, echoing the severity of the patriarch's words that seemed to reverberate against the walls of their estate. Without another word, Kaisin turned on his heel and strode outside, the cool air doing little to soothe his burning thoughts. He signaled to one of his attendants, his voice firm despite the turmoil within. "Arrange a carriage to Grand Cloud Medical Hall, immediately," he commanded, his eyes not meeting those of his servant, lost in thought about the confrontation he had just faced.
As the carriage clattered through the cobblestone streets of Grand Ridge City, Kaisin gazed out of the window, his mind racing as fast as the horses before him. The city was alive with the vibrant bustle of daily commerce and the cheerful chatter of its inhabitants, yet all of it felt distant, like a painting he was observing rather than a reality he was living. Soon, the imposing structure of the Grand Cloud Medical Hall came into view, its majestic white marble walls and sprawling courtyards a stark contrast to the city's exuberance.
Upon entering the Grand Cloud Medical Hall, Kaisin felt a momentary relief wash over him, as if the serene ambiance of the place could somehow cleanse the distress that clung to his soul. He made his way to the reception area. The pristine environment, marked by soothing colors and the gentle sound of flowing water, did little to ease the urgency of his visit.
He leaned slightly over the sleek marble counter, the cool marble of the counter a slight comfort to his heated palms. "Good afternoon, I'm Kaisin Warflow. I need to see my father, John Warflow, as soon as possible."
The receptionist, a young woman with her hair pulled back in a neat bun, initially maintained a professional demeanor, but upon hearing the name 'Warflow,' her expression subtly shifted. Her eyes widened briefly, betraying a flicker of recognition and nervousness. The Warflow Clan was not just a family but a symbol of formidable martial prowess within the empire, known for their high-ranking cultivators. Stories of their exploits, especially those regarding their Supreme Elder, a Spiritual King Rank Cultivator, circulated widely.
Caught up in her thoughts about the clan's fearsome reputation, she momentarily forgot her duties, her mind racing with both awe and fear. These were no ordinary visitors; they were individuals of significant power and influence.
Noticing her distraction, Kaisin's voice cut through her reverie with a sharp edge of sarcasm. "Hello? It seems I still stand before you as Kaisin from the Warflow Clan, here to visit John Warflow. Is there a problem?"
Caught somewhat off guard by the presence of a Warflow in front of her, the attendant paused for a brief moment, her usual routine of welcoming guests disrupted by the significance of the name. "Oh! Mr. Warflow, I—I apologize," she stuttered slightly, quickly trying to mask her initial reaction with a forced smile. "It's not every day we have the honor of assisting the Warflow Clan here."
Kaisin's eyebrows lifted slightly at the attendant's reaction, a mix of annoyance and amusement flickering across his features. "Yes, well, the urgency of my visit concerns my father's health, not our family's reputation," he responded with a slight edge to his tone, emphasizing his priority. "Can we expedite this process, please? It's critical that I see him without further delay."
Realizing her lapse in professionalism, the attendant nodded quickly, her cheeks coloring with embarrassment. "Absolutely, Mr. Warflow. I'm very sorry for the holdup," she replied, regaining her composure. "Please follow me; I'll take you directly to the Sapphire Wing where your father is currently receiving care."
The attendant led him through the labyrinthine corridors of the hall to the Sapphire Wing, reserved for those of high status. The soothing paintings adorning the walls and the soft murmur of water features did little to calm Kaisin's growing apprehension.
John Warflow, Kaisin's father, lay in a room suffused with gentle light, his form frail yet exuding a residual strength that spoke of a life of resilience and power. His eyes, though shadowed by illness, brightened upon seeing Kaisin. "Ah, Kaisin, it's good to see you, my boy," he greeted, his voice weak but imbued with warmth.
Grasping his father's hand, Kaisin felt the fragile bones under the papery skin, a stark reminder of the man's mortality. "Father, how are you holding up?" he asked, his voice thick with concern. Kaisin's brow creased deeply, mirroring the confusion and growing anticipation inside him as he sought clarity from his father. John Warflow, despite being a seasoned cultivator of the Core Formation Realm, appeared unusually fragile and weary—a stark and disconcerting contrast to the robust warrior Kaisin had always known.
With a heavy heart, Kaisin recounted the morning's events, from the haunting dream that had disrupted his sleep to the sharp, inexplicable pain that had seized him, culminating in the harsh exchange with his grandfather. As he spoke, John's expression grew increasingly grave.
"These are troubling signs, Kaisin," John murmured after a lengthy pause, his eyes reflecting deep concern. "The dream, the pain you described… they might signify deeper currents stirring within you, forces that we scarcely comprehend."
He sighed heavily, his face lined with worry and a caution born of deep wisdom. "These occurrences might not be mere coincidences," John began haltingly, his voice weaker than usual, "There's something more... ah, I'll explain it all once I'm better."
He tried to continue, each word seemingly heavier than the last. "You have been raised as one of... part of this family. You do—" His attempt to reveal more was cut short by a sudden bout of coughing, jarring to Kaisin, who was unaccustomed to seeing his father in such a state.
Before Kaisin could delve further into the cryptic messages his father was struggling to deliver, an older healer entered the room briskly. "Mr. Warflow," the healer addressed Kaisin, indicating a need for urgency, "It seems your father needs to rest further. He should not be expending his energy on conversation right now, but rather focusing on recovery."
John gave Kaisin a meaningful look, heavy with unspoken stories and hidden truths, a silent communication of paternal affection and solemnity. "Be cautious, my son. Whatever challenges you face, know that you are destined for great things."
As Kaisin left the room, his mind was a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity. His father's carefully chosen words hinted at secrets deeply entwined with the very essence of his being. What was the 'complexity' his father alluded to?
After stepping out of the tranquil yet imposing Grand Cloud Medical Hall, Kaisin turned to his attendant, who had waited patiently by the carriage. "I'll walk back to the clan estate," he declared, craving the solitude needed to process his recent conversation.
"Yes, young master," replied the attendant with a respectful bow, acknowledging Kaisin's need for space and reflection.
As Kaisin began his walk through the bustling streets of Grand Ridge City, he was immediately enveloped by the vibrant life of the city. Known as the largest commercial and political hub in the Black Sun Empire, second only to the capital, Blackheart City, Grand Ridge was a center of power and influence. Its streets were lively with commerce and chatter, a testament to its crucial role in the empire's affairs. The city was also a crucible where the most powerful cultivation families vied for dominance in a world where strength was paramount, and the weak were merely shadows under the feet of the mighty.
Vendors lined the thoroughfares, each one shouting over the crowd to attract attention to their exotic wares. "Crimson Qi Crystals from the Nightshade Expanse, only the best quality here!" one merchant called out, waving his hands over a display that sparkled with an inner light. Nearby, another vendor promoted his collection of martial arts techniques: "Flame Funday on a Sunday, come get your legendary flame martial technique!" His voice was loud and proud, aimed at drawing in the martial enthusiasts of the city.
Further down the road, the smell of the sea wafted through the air as a fishmonger hawked his latest batch. "Fresh Overlord Tuna from the Westminst Sea! Come get your fill!" he shouted, pointing towards a pile of enormous fish, their scales shimmering under the sun.
As Kaisin moved past these colorful displays, he pondered the major powers of Grand Ridge City. His own family, the Warflow Clan, was foremost in his thoughts, renowned across the empire for their formidable martial prowess and mystical knowledge. He also considered House Martell, momentarily allowing himself a brief distraction at the thought of the beautiful Lady Cynthia from that house. His mind then turned to House Mayrs, known for their dealings in commerce and alchemy; the Sabarth Clan, who are renowned for their skill with the sword; and House Arland, whose wealth and luxury were unmatched in their opulence.
These five houses formed the backbone of Grand Ridge City's political landscape, each playing a crucial role in the dance of power that influenced the entire empire.
Lost in his thoughts about the interplay in Grand Ridge, Kaisin was pulled back to reality when he suddenly heard his name called out.