Reunion

After analyzing the intricacies of his soul space, Luke began preparing himself for what to say to his parents.

Six years had passed since they last saw him outside the cultivation chamber.

He knew they would be worried, filled with questions, and perhaps even suspicious of the changes he had undergone.

Luke planned carefully what he would tell his parents. He decided not to reveal the full truth. Instead, he would say:

"Even though I was tested as a green-tier soul, I pushed myself to attempt soul refinement with 40 iterations before breaking through to the Soul Refining Realm. That's why it took me six years."

It was close enough to the truth to be believable—enough to explain the long retreat, the hidden cultivation, and his current strength.

But far from the whole truth.

They didn't need to know about the hundred iterations, or the mysterious realm, or the fact that his soul space was already beyond what most cultivators would dream of.

Luke opened the door of the cultivation room.

He glanced around the hallway but found no one nearby.

With calm steps, he made his way to his father's office, which was located close to the secluded cultivation room.

Inside, Wilson sat at his desk, tiredly flipping through a towering stack of documents.

The moment he looked up and saw Luke standing there, he froze.

For a brief second, Wilson looked like he wanted to shout his son's name—but he restrained himself.

Instead, he quickly stood, walked over, and pulled Luke into a firm embrace.

"You worried us, son," he said, his voice low with emotion.

After a quiet moment, he let go of Luke and called out, "Mary."

The maid appeared almost instantly, and Wilson instructed her in a calm but urgent tone, "Bring the news to Lady Sarah—and inform Gray to come examine Luke discreetly. No one else must know."

Luke explained everything he had prepared to say to his father, Wilson, and his mother, Sarah. He told them how, despite being a green-tier talent, he attempted to reach the Soul Refinement Realm through forty iterations, which was why it had taken him six years.

After the discussion, Gray arrived. The family doctor examined Luke thoroughly, checking every vital sign and ensuring there were no lingering issues from his long cultivation.

Finally, Gray turned to Wilson and Sarah. "He's perfectly healthy," he said with a small smile. "Stronger than ever, in fact."

Wilson nodded slowly, then fixed Gray with a serious look. "What happened today—you must forget it. Speak of it to no one."

Gray gave a respectful bow. "Yes, my lord."

The next day, Wilson gathered the elders and key members of the Raindal family for an official announcement. With a calm yet authoritative voice, he declared,

"Luke Raindal has fully recovered from his long illness. Not only that, he has broken through to the Soul Refinement Realm at the age of nine, with his soul refined twenty-five times."

After the announcement, the elders gathered among themselves, murmuring quietly before stepping forward.

Elder Harren, the most senior among them, cleared his throat. "Lord Wilson, while we are truly relieved and glad for young Luke's recovery," he began, "we hope you understand—it is necessary to verify his current cultivation."

Another elder added, "Six years have passed, and we had no access to his condition. For the sake of fairness, and the standing of the Raindal family, a simple test should be conducted to confirm that he has indeed entered the Soul Refining Realm."

Though their words were respectful, the meaning behind them was clear: they didn't trust the claim, and some suspected deceit.

Wilson's eyes narrowed slightly but remained calm. "Very well," he said. "Luke will undergo your test. But I expect absolute silence from this point forward if he passes."