Chapter #15: Mother's surprise

...

On the other side, after her chatter with Ye Wenling.At the Ye Family estate in the bustling Great Sun Dyansty, Ye Xinyue stood at the forefront of the grand assembly hall.

The room was filled with prominent members of the Ye Family, their eyes fixed on her with anticipation.

Ye Xinyue took a deep breath, her voice strong and clear as she began to speak. "I have gathered you here to day to share some extraordinary news. As many of you know, our alchemy business occupies a large piece of income to our family's income. But recently, we have seen a remarkable transformation."

She paused, causing some of the members to be slightly restless. The assembly murmured with curiosity and excitement.

"Thanks to the blessing of Ye Chen's cultivation on our family mountain, the Spirit Peak, the quantity, quality, and variety of herbs, spiritual beasts, and mystical plants have increased by more than tenfold," Ye Xinyue announced, her eyes shining with pride.

She gestured to a series of charts and graphs displayed behind her, illustrating the rise in sales.

The room buzzed with excitement as the family members studied the data, their face light up with joy. "We owe this unprecedented success to my sons. His dedication and hard work have not only enhanced the spiritual energy of the Spirit Peak but have also brought prosperity and honor to our family," Ye Xinyue continued, her voice filled with gratitude.

After a brief pause, she continued, "So, I propose one thing, I plan on giving him 90% of the income from our alchemy business."

The room fell silent, and then erupted into a flurry of murmurs and whispers. The family members exchanged surprised glances. Ye Xinyue's raised her hand to calm the room. "This decision is not made lightly. Ye Chen's simple cultivation can indirectly make our business rise. I'll tell you all a bit of secret. What many of may not know is that his cultivation can dramatically increase upon the consumption of Spirit Stones. And it is not those indiscriminately taking up the qi on the Spirit Stones, but it is about him, permanently upgrading the 'technique' he's practicing."

Gasps of astonishment echoed through the hall as the family members processed this revelation. Spirit stones were known to be powerful, but their effects were often considered unpredictable and dangerous. For Ye Chen to be able to harness their power was extraordinary.

The room's noise slowly diminished, the gravity of her words sinking in. Ye Weisheng, Ye Chen's third uncle. Who had been standing quietly, stepped forward. "Ye Xinyue, your decision is wise. Ye Chen has proven his capabilities time and time again. Our family is in good hands."The family members, now reassured, began to voice their agreement and support.

After that, they continued all the details and plans of other projects.

...

At the Star Empire, Ye Guang stood at the entrance of the manor, his belongings packed and ready for his journey. His siblings, Ye Wenling and Ye Chen, stood beside him, their expressions filled with sadness. Their grandfather, Zhu Yongzheng, watched from a distance.

A soft hum filled the air as a figure approached, cloaked in a robe adorned with intricate runes that seemed to shimmer with their own, golden inner light. This was Master Tian Shuo, a Tier 8 Rune Master, renowned for his profound mastery in the aspect of Runic magic.

"These must be your Family?" Master Tian Shuo said, his voice carrying a calm, yet powerful presence. His gaze particularly lasted longer at Ye Chen then slightly gave him a nod.

Ye Guang, replied. "Yes, Master. This is my sister, Ye Wenling, my brother, Ye Che, and my grandfather, Zhu Yongzheng."

Master Tian Shuo inclined his head in respectful acknowledgment. "It is an honor to meet the family of my promising disciple. Your support has clearly nurtured a talented young man."

Zhu Yongzheng stepped forward, his gaze steady and respectful. "Master Tian Shuo, we are grateful for the opportunity you are providing Ye Guang."

Ye Wenling exchanged glances with Ye Chen, both of them were fleeing a mix of sadness and pride. They stepped forward, giving their brother a final embrace.

"Be safe, Guang," Ye Wenling whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

"Learn well, and come back stronger," Ye Chen added, his voice was encouraging.

Master Tian Shuo extended his hand towards Ye Guang. "It is time. Are you ready?"

Ye Guang took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, Master. I am ready."

Master Tian Shuo raised his hands, and the air around him began to shimmer. He drew complex runes in the air with his fingers, each symbol glowing brightly before floating into place. The runes formed a circle around him and Ye Guang, creating a radiant barrier of light and magic.

They all watched in awe, even the royal guards nearby, as the runes continued to multiply, each one more intricate and more beautiful than the last. The symbols danced and intertwined with each other, creating a mesmerizing pattern that pulsed with energy. The ground beneath them seemed to respond, resonating with the power of the runes.

Master Tian Shuo's eyes glowed, as he chanted an incantation. The runes responded, their glow intensifying until they formed a dome of pure, shimmering power around both of them. The air inside the dome felt charged with magic.

With a final gesture. Master Tian Shuo brought his hands together, and the dome of energy pulsed, sending a wave of light outward. "It's time to say your goodbyes." he said, as the runes blazed with an almost blinding brilliance.

"Farewell, Ye Guang! I hope we'll see each other soon!" Ye Wenling called out, her voice tinged with emotion.

"Take care, brother!" Ye Chen added.

Both of them started to wave.

Zhu Yongzheng on the other hand nodded, a proud smile on his face, despite it was only a short time of meeting this grandson, he knew that this was for the best. "Remember, grandson. Be safe, and may your journey be prosperous."

Ye Guang replied, "I will grandfather, goodbye everyone!" He waved one last time, his heart filled with both sadness and anticipation for the path ahead of him.

As the runes reached their peak, a brilliant flash of light consumed the space where the two of them stood. The light intensified, and with a final, resounding him, they vanished from sight, leaving only a wisp of magical energy in the air.

As they stood in silent, a soft glow began to emanate form Ye Wenling's space bag. She reached inside and pulled out her jade talisman, its surface was shimmering with an ethereal light. The talisman pulsed gently in her hand.

Ye Wenling held the talisman close and activated, "Ye Wenling, can you hear me?" Ye Xinyue's voice was clear and filled with warmth.

"Yes, my dear. I am already on my way and should be there by tomorrow," Ye Xinyue said, her voice carrying a hint of excitement. "I have a surprise for your big brother."

Ye Wenling's eyes widened with curiosity. "A surprise for big brother? What is it, Mother?"

Ye Xinyue chuckled softly. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it? Just let him know that it is something that will greatly accelerate and help with his cultivation."

Ye Wenling's heart swelled with anticipation. "I'll tell him, Mother. We can't wait to see you."

"And I can't wait to see all of you," Ye Xinyue responded, "Stay safe, and I'll be there soon."

The talisman dimmed, the connection fading as Ye Xinyue's message ended. Ye Wenling turned to her grandfather and brother, her face glowing with excitement.

"Mother is on her way, and she said that he will be here tomorrow! And she has a surprise for big brother"

Ye Chen's eyes eyes lit up with curiosity. "A surprise for me? I wonder what it could be."

"She said that it'll greatly help you with your cultivation, big brother." She replied.

'Spirit Stones!' Ye Chen's eyes lit up.

"Xinyue..." Zhu Yongzheng murmured, his old eyes started to tear up.

...

The next day, everyone eagerly waited for Ye Xinyue's arrival...

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, a figure appeared in the distance, approaching swiftly.

The sky seemed to shimmer as Ye Xinyue descended, two giant azure blue illusory wings unfurled behind her. The wings flapped gracefully, creating a gentle breeze that stirred the trees and rustled the grass.

Ye Xinyue landed gently in the courtyard, the wings fold behind her and then fading into shimmering light. She looked around, her eyes warm and filled with emotion.

"Mother!" Ye Wenling cried out, running forward to embrace her.

Ye Chen and Zhu Yongzheng approached, their expressions a mix of joy and reverence. Ye Xinyue released Wenling and turned to her son.

Ye Chen stepped forward, curiosity and excitement evident in his eyes. "Mother, what is it?"

Ye Xinyue smiled and reached into her space bag, pulling out a small, intricately carved box. She handed it to Ye Chen, who opened it carefully. Inside, nestled on a bed of velvet, were several large, glowing spirit stones.

"These are Earth-Tiered Spirit stones," Ye Xinyue said.

Ye Chen's eyes widened in awe. "Mother, these are incredible. Thank you."

Zhu Yongzheng stepped forward, his eyes misty with tears. "Xinyue... it's been so long." he took a deep breath and continued.

"There is something I need to say to you."

...