Of the seven great battlefields, Blood River, Black Crag, Dragon Mountain, and Sky Origin have all fallen into Ian Song's hands; at present, only Blackwater and Red Sand battlefields have yet to submit. As for West Sea, it can be disregarded—Ian still trusts Brian Bai's integrity.
Holy City.
A gigantic phoenix spirit beast radiating seven-colored divine light descended from the sky. From its back leapt down a man and two women, and the massive fire phoenix soared upward, vanishing moments later.
The man was in his early thirties, dressed in a gold robe and feathered crown, tall and strikingly handsome. Every movement radiated nobility and arrogance. The two women behind him were likely his maids, both in their early twenties and breathtakingly beautiful.
"Gemma, Lily, follow me into the city!"
A faint trace of excitement flickered on the young man's face as he strode toward the city. Overwhelmed by his aura, the gate guards didn't dare stop him.
Once inside, the young man's eyes swept across his surroundings. In his star-bright gaze, a glimmer of nostalgia flickered.
After walking for more than half an hour, the trio finally arrived before a grand mansion.
"Halt!"
A guard at the mansion called out sharply.
"I am Niall Nian. Go in and report that I have returned!" The young noble glanced coolly at the guards, his tone indifferent.
When the guards heard his surname was Nian and that he spoke of returning, his identity was all but confirmed. Their expressions grew respectful, though without verification, they dared not address him as Young Master yet.
"Please wait here, sir. We'll report right away."
Soon, a middle-aged couple hurried to the mansion gate. The guards bowed deeply—they were Steven Nian and Lauren Zhou, two of the estate's masters.
The couple ignored the guards completely, their eyes fixed on the young man.
Lauren Zhou's face lit up with overwhelming joy. She rushed forward, hugging the young man and sobbing with happiness, "My Wuji child, you finally came home! You have no idea how much your mother has missed you all these years."
"Mother!"
Niall Nian called out, his voice full of emotion.
After mother and son had spoken for a while, Steven Nian coughed and said, "Ahem, dear, Wuji, this isn't the place to talk. Let's go inside."
"Wuji greets Father."
Niall Nian released Lauren Zhou, then bowed to Steven Nian.
"Good, my son has grown up. Let's go inside!"
Ever since his son was ten, his own father had secretly sent the boy away. That separation lasted over twenty years, and Steven had often resented his father for it. Now, with his son finally home, he was overjoyed.
Soon, the family entered the inner courtyard of the mansion.
"Wuji, where have you been all these years? Why didn't you ever come back to see your parents?" Lauren Zhou asked dotingly, holding Niall's hand.
"Mother, it's not that I didn't want to come home. My master wouldn't allow me to leave until I'd reached the peak of the Martial Saint realm." Niall replied with a wry smile.
"Who is your master? How could he be so domineering!" Lauren Zhou complained.
"Mother, please be careful what you say. My master is not someone to be spoken of lightly!" Steven Nian said gravely.
Lauren grew even more upset, but Steven Nian sensed something important and quickly asked, "Wuji, who is your master? Which great expert is he?"
Niall Nian's face showed pride. "Father, Mother, my master is none other than the Mistveil Martial God, one of our Human Race's three Martial Gods!"