Chapter 409: Chapter 409

The Sword Flight: A Display of Legacy

With an air of pride, each Shah summoned their blade — a mesmerizing array of ancient, soul-bound swords that shimmered like stars, pulsating with elemental qi. In unison, they sent the blades soaring into the cerulean sky, each weapon hovering gracefully like celestial platforms, defying gravity’s grasp.

One by one, they ascended onto their swords, their presence a blend of elegance and power, each paired with an awestruck trainee whose eyes widened in both wonder and trepidation.

El Padre was the first to rise, his cloak billowing dramatically in the wind, the spirited twins nestled securely in his arms.

"We’re flying! Grandpa Liu is the coolest!" Kim Kim exclaimed, laughter spilling from her lips like music.

"We’re going to crash into the clouds!" Chin Chin squealed, gripping El Padre’s collar with excitement that rivaled his wild imagination.

Even El Capitan, initially reticent, followed suit with a resigned sigh, muttering under his breath, "If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right."

Behind them, the Seven Shah soared with grace, shrouded in traditional samurai garb — elegant black and crimson robes that flowed like liquid night, and silver masks adorned with clan sigils, their majestic yet fearsome presence commanding the sky. Each Shah was closely flanked by a trainee, who clung tightly to their swords, eyes wide with a combination of awe and dreams yet to be realized.

Hidden Valley Watches

As the daring flight pierced through the tranquil skies above Hidden Valley, cultivators below paused mid-motion, their breath taken away by the spectacle unfolding overhead. Elders interrupted their serene morning meditations, disciples dropped their scrolls in disbelief, and even the spirit beasts turned their curious gazes upwards.

The formation of gleaming flying swords, the regal carriage of the Seven Shah, and the undeniable aura emanating from El Padre sent a thunderous message reverberating throughout the valley:

The Li Clan has arrived. They are a force to be reckoned with.

Whispers spread like wildfire, igniting intrigue and reverence.

"Is that really the Seven Shah?"

"Those behind them... could they possibly be new members of the inner disciples of the Li Clan?"

"Who’s that man up front — holding children and radiating such immense qi?"

"That’s El Padre. And those twins? They are the embodiment of his legacy."

’We are not El Padre’s children!’

Arrival at Verdant Bamboo Pavilion

With impeccable precision, the group descended in perfect formation, landing with the grace of descending clouds at the Verdant Bamboo Pavilion, where the Elders stood like sentinels, their expressions a blend of solemnity and anticipation.

Ling Li stepped forward, her eyes glistening with moisture as she caught sight of the twins joyfully waving from El Padre’s arms.

"You made quite the scene, didn’t you?" she remarked, her tone balancing amusement with a hint of exasperation.

El Padre’s grin was infectious. "A necessary one. Let the valley understand that we’re not merely here to visit; we’re here to remind them of who has the power."

Butler Oda, together with the Seven Shah, bowed in unison, a striking display of respect and tradition.

The trainees dismounted, still buzzing with the thrill of the flight, their hearts racing with exhilaration.

And the valley, once draped in tranquility, now thrummed with the awareness that the indomitable power of the Li Clan had returned, their presence felt like a tempest breaking the dawn.

A Reunion of Blood and Spirit

As the group arrived at the Verdant Bamboo Pavilion, the air shimmered with anticipation. Ren and Lily, their hearts racing, broke into a joyous sprint, their footfalls reverberating against the smooth, polished stone like a heartbeat of hope.

"Shi Min!" Ren called out, her voice trembling with an overwhelming rush of emotions, echoing through the tranquil surroundings.

Without hesitation, they launched themselves into his arms, enveloping him in a fierce embrace, tears cascading down their cheeks like liquid silver under the gentle sunlight.

"We were so worried about you!" Ren managed to say, her voice muffled against his shoulder, where she sought solace.

"Big Brother, your successful breakthrough is thrilling... but part of me was terrified," Lily sobbed, her delicate hands clenching his robe as though holding on for dear life.

Shi Min wrapped his arms around them, his immortal aura enveloping them in a comforting warmth that chased away the shadows of their fears.

"I’m sorry for all the worry I caused," he said softly, his words like a balm. "But I had to do it. For all of us."

The Elders Take Notice

Watching from the periphery, Li Shenwu and Li Tianyuan bore witness to this poignant moment, their expressions a mask of inscrutable wisdom.

Li Shenwu’s voice, ethereal and commanding like the whisper of the wind through ancient trees, broke the charged silence. "Ling Ling... are these your children?"

Ling Li stepped forward, her posture exuding a blend of pride and grace, as if she were unveiling a hidden treasure. "Yes. Children, come forth and introduce yourselves to your Great-grandpa and Seven-great-grandpa."

With backs straight and eyes glowing with awe, the children lined up like young saplings eager for the sun’s embrace.

Ren, the eldest, stepped forward with serene confidence first. With her hands pressed together in a sincere gesture, she bowed deeply, her voice clear and respectful as a clarion call. "Seven-Great-Grandfather, Great-grandfather, I’m Ren, the eldest."

Next was Lily, who mirrored her sister’s bow with an air of unyielding reverence. "I’m Lily, the third child and second daughter."

Then came the lively twins, bursting with excitement.

"We’re Kim Kim and Chin Chin!" they chimed, both bowing energetically with small hands pressed together, their eagerness palpable in the air. "I’m Kim Kim, the fourth child and third daughter!"

"I’m Chin Chin, the fifth child and fourth daughter. We’re twins!" she added, her little brow scrunching in earnest concentration.

Li Shenwu’s lips curled into an amused smile, the corners of his mouth lifting like the dawn breaking over a horizon. "If you have something on your mind, little one, don’t hesitate to share it."

Chin Chin blinked at him with innocent curiosity. "Why do we call you Seven-great-grandpa?"

A chorus of laughter erupted, filling the pavilion with warmth.

Li Shenwu chuckled, his voice reminiscent of leaves rustling in a gentle breeze. "Ah, that’s because I’m seven generations older than your parents."

Chin Chin tilted her head, as if processing this revelation.

Ren leaned down and shared a conspiratorial whisper: "If we don’t call him Seven-great-grandpa, we’d have to say Great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather."

Chin Chin’s eyes widened, the realization washing over her like sunlight through the trees. "Ah! Better to call him Seven-great-grandpa!"

"If you don’t comment, I’ll call you Great-great-great-great-great-great-great-reader. That’s fair. Vote, comment, and recommend before I make up more titles. Power Stones and Golden Tickets are yummy. Gifts? I’ll giggle forever."