After their passionate morning, Aric and Mia dressed in the traditional clothing of their world. Aric donned a long, flowing robe made of deep red silk, embroidered with golden dragons symbolizing power and strength. His hair was tied back in a high ponytail, secured with an intricately designed jade hairpin. Mia wore a beautiful hanfu, a dress made of delicate layers of light blue and silver silk adorned with cherry blossom patterns. Her long hair cascaded down her back, decorated with delicate hairpins and combs.
As they finished dressing, Aric turned to Mia, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Mia, I want to know more about the families and the world we live in. Can you tell me?"
Mia nodded, taking a deep breath as she began to explain. "We live in the world of Velara, an incredibly vast world filled with sprawling continents, towering mountain ranges, and uncharted wilderness teeming with mystical creatures and ancient secrets. This world is known as the lower realm. Above us exists the upper realm, a place of unimaginable power and strength. The true elites of all the major families reside there, overseeing the lower realm to maintain balance and ensure the continued growth of power among the families here."
Aric listened intently, intrigued by the revelation. "Why do the powerful families stay in the lower realm if the upper realm is so grand?"
Mia smiled, understanding his confusion. "The lower realm serves as a training ground. It's a place where the younger generations can cultivate and prove their worth before ascending to the upper realm. It's also a way to maintain control and influence over a larger territory. The major families, including the Lei and Su families, have deep roots here. They send their most promising members to the upper realm once they reach a certain level of cultivation and skill. To ascend to the upper realm, one must reach at least the Immortal Ascension stage, pass several rigorous trials, and acquire the Celestial Ascension Token, a rare artifact that grants access to the upper realm."
She paused, gathering her thoughts before continuing. "Velara is divided into several major continents. The Lei family is a powerhouse on the Azoria Continent, known for its prosperous businesses and strong martial heritage. Azoria is a land of contrasts, with lush forests, vast plains, and bustling cities. The continent is rich in spiritual energy, making it an ideal place for cultivation. Other notable continents include Eldoria, home to ancient forests and mystical creatures; Zygara, a land of deserts and hidden oases where powerful artifacts lie buried; and Narinthia, an icy continent filled with formidable beasts and rare minerals. Each continent has its unique challenges and opportunities for cultivators."
Aric's eyes sparkled with interest. "What about the Lei family? What makes it so grand?"
Mia's expression grew serious. "The Lei family is one of the most prestigious families in the lower realm. They are known for their powerful cultivators and vast resources. Your family, Aric, is deeply respected and feared. The patriarch of the Lei family, your father Edmond Lei, is a formidable force at the peak of the Divine Transformation stage. He has achieved great things, ensuring the Lei family's dominance in the Azoria Continent."
She continued, "The Lei family has a rich lineage. The ancestors, though few, reside in the lower realm to oversee and guide the family. These ancestors have reached the Celestial Sage stage and act as protectors of the family. The elders of the Lei family are also powerful cultivators. There are ten elders, each at varying stages of cultivation. Elder Lei Feng is at the Spirit Severing stage, while Elder Lei Shan is at the Divine Transformation stage. Their combined strength ensures the family's continued prosperity and safety."
Aric nodded, absorbing the information. "Why is my father still in the lower realm if he is so powerful?"
Mia sighed softly. "Edmond Lei remains in the lower realm to oversee the family's interests and to ensure that the younger generation is properly guided and protected. Additionally, he is waiting for the right moment to ascend. The transition to the upper realm requires not only immense power but also the completion of certain trials and the acquisition of rare artifacts. It is a significant undertaking that must be carefully planned. Edmond is also planning to leave the family to a successor, most likely between you and Jarod. Although he loves both of you, he wants the best to rule. To avoid conflict, one of you will be killed in this road to reach the position of patriarch. Edmond is quite cunning, and he believes that only the strongest, the one who can survive the trials and prove their worth, should lead the family. The other must either submit or die."
She paused, then added, "As for me, I am in the lower realm because I have responsibilities here. As the wife of Edmond Lei and the daughter of the patriarch of the Su family, I play a crucial role in maintaining our family's influence and strength. My father, the patriarch of the Su family, is also a powerful figure, and our family is known for its mastery of healing arts and spiritual techniques. We have a long-standing alliance with the Lei family, which is how we came to be so close. Despite my position, my cultivation is only at the Nascent Soul stage, so I am still considered weak compared to others."
Aric looked at Mia with newfound admiration. "Tell me more about the Su family."
Mia's eyes lit up with pride. "The Su family is one of the most respected families in Velara. Our strength lies in our profound understanding of spiritual and healing techniques. We have healers who can mend wounds with a touch and seers who can glimpse the future. Our family has always been guided by a deep connection to the spiritual realms, and we possess ancient scrolls and artifacts that enhance our abilities. My position as the patriarch's daughter grants me significant power and responsibility within the family. My father, Su Feng, is at the early stages of Immortal Ascension, making him a formidable figure in the lower realm."
Aric's curiosity deepened. "What other families are prominent in Azoria?"
Mia continued, "Besides the Lei and Su families, there are several other powerful families in Azoria. The Zhen family is renowned for their military prowess and control over vast legions of cultivators. Their patriarch, Zhen Wei, is at the mid-stage of Divine Transformation, and their family is experts in weapon forging and have some of the most skilled warriors. The Feng family, on the other hand, is known for their mastery of elemental techniques, particularly wind and lightning. Their patriarch, Feng Hua, is at the late stage of Divine Transformation, making them formidable in battle and possessing unparalleled agility and speed."
She added, "The Bai family is famous for their alchemical expertise and control over rare medicinal herbs. Their patriarch, Bai Chen, is at the mid-stage of Divine Transformation, and they have some of the best alchemists who can create powerful elixirs and potions that can enhance cultivation and heal almost any injury. The Tang family is known for their espionage and intelligence network. Their patriarch, Tang Li, is at the early stages of Divine Transformation, and they have spies and informants everywhere, making them a vital source of information and strategic advantage."
Aric asked, "What about the criteria for first-rate, second-rate, and third-rate families?"
Mia explained, "First-rate families are those with a patriarch at least at the Divine Transformation stage and have multiple elders at the Spirit Severing stage or higher. They possess vast resources, control significant territories, and have a strong influence in their respective regions. Second-rate families have patriarchs at the Nascent Soul stage and elders at the Core Formation stage or higher. They have moderate influence and control over smaller territories. Third-rate families have patriarchs at the Core Formation stage and elders at the Foundation Establishment stage or higher. They have limited influence and control over even smaller territories."
Aric's thoughts then turned to the future. "Mia, what about the succession of the Lei family? I know my father has high expectations."
Mia's expression grew serious. "Edmond is planning to leave the family to a successor, most likely between you and Jarod. Although he loves both of you, he wants the best to rule. To avoid conflict, one of you will be killed in this road to reach the position of patriarch. Edmond is quite cunning, and he believes that only the strongest, the one who can survive the trials and prove their worth, should lead the family. The other must either submit or die."
Aric was left contemplating the future and the complex dynamics of his family. He didn't show his surprise to Mia but thought deeply about the implications of everything she had told him. He then turned the conversation towards Jarod. "Mia, what do you think about Jarod?"
Mia considered her words carefully. "Jarod is a talented cultivator and has a strong presence. He is ambitious, but his ambitions might clash with yours. Your father will be watching both of you closely to see who proves themselves worthy."
Aric nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. The competition between him and Jarod would not only determine the future of the Lei family but also set the course for his destiny.