The first rays of dawn illuminated the Hage mountains where the Long estate was located, now silent after the previous night's tribulation. However, beyond its boundaries, a shift was underway. Across the globe, an invisible force pulsed through the air, touching every corner of the earth. Today, the air feels cleaner, and people feel livelier and more energetic.
In the streets of bustling cities worldwide and the quietude of rural villages, people began to feel something awakened within them. Martial artists, who had long trained their bodies and minds, experienced surges of energy coursing through their veins. Dormant bloodlines, forgotten for centuries, stirred to life, and individuals with unique constitutions suddenly felt the change.
In ancient libraries and secluded temples, sects that had been living a life of seclusion stirred to life, searching their archives for ancient cultivation manuals sparked by the resurgence of spiritual energy. Once mere stories, the great sects and families of old were beginning to rise again, their legacies rekindled by the world's transformation. All martial artists were looking forward to the possibility of becoming immortal cultivators.
For Aiden and his family, the morning began on a somber note. The tribulation had brought them new strength, but it had come at a cost. Outside their estate, the bodies of their slain employees lay scattered everywhere. Aiden and his father silently collected their bodies, choosing to bury them in the family burial ground since most of them were orphans taken in by the previous family head.
Standing at the graves, Aiden clenched his fists. His father, Drake, stood by his side, his expression resolute. Alysa, tears glistening in her eyes, knelt to place flowers on each grave.
"They stayed with us when the world abandoned us," Drake said, his voice heavy with emotion. "We will not let their sacrifice be in vain."
Aiden nodded, his voice firm. "I swear, those responsible will pay. This won't go unanswered."
Drake placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "And we will do it together. But first, we must return to the capital."
Alysa rose, wiping her tears, her gaze sharp with determination. "We've been on the sidelines for too long. It's time to reclaim what's ours."
Aiden was slightly surprised by his sister's words, and he realized that starting the journey of immortal cultivation had somewhat altered their worldview.