Chapter 393: Homecoming Amid Gathering Storms

Homecoming Amid Gathering Storms

"The rest will continue training according to the schedule."

No one questioned his decision.

Within minutes, Shera carefully chose twenty-four of the strongest and most disciplined cultivators.

These men represented the finest results of months of relentless training.

They possessed not only strength but unwavering loyalty.

After making the selections, Shera wasted no further time.

Through the influence of the D’Aurelius family, a chartered aircraft had already been prepared.

By evening, the group boarded the waiting plane.

The massive aircraft roared down the runway before lifting into the crimson sky.

Below them, the vast African landscape gradually disappeared beneath layers of cloud.

Inside the cabin, silence prevailed.

Most of the twenty-four elites quietly closed their eyes, conserving their energy.

Others polished their weapons or silently cultivated.

Shera sat beside the window.

His gaze remained fixed on the endless sea of clouds.

Although the patriarch hadn’t explained everything...

His instincts told him that something extraordinary had happened in Valemont.

Otherwise...

The patriarch would never recall him so urgently.

The flight crossed continents through the night.

Hour after hour passed.

Finally...

The aircraft descended toward Valemont International Airport.

The moment the plane landed, the efficiency of the D’Aurelius family’s influence became immediately apparent.

Several helicopters were already waiting on the private runway.

Their rotors were spinning, prepared for immediate departure.

Ground personnel respectfully greeted Shera before quickly guiding the group toward the waiting aircraft.

No time was wasted.

Within minutes, all twenty-five men had boarded.

The helicopters rose into the sky one after another.

Looking down from above, the lights of Valemont stretched across the landscape like countless stars scattered upon the earth.

The helicopters sped toward the D’Aurelius family estate without slowing.

At almost the exact same moment...

Julian D’Aurelius had just returned from Silverhaven City.

His black hair swayed gently as he stepped out after completing his journey.

His striking golden eyes remained calm, but beneath that calmness lay quiet contemplation.

Throughout the return trip, countless reports had continuously reached him.

Some came through trusted contacts.

Others arrived through urgent messages from influential households throughout Valemont.

Piece by piece...

The entire picture gradually became clear.

Everything pointed toward a single hidden force.

The Obsidian Wing organization.

The deeper he looked into the information, the colder his expression became.

He never expected that during his trip to Silverhaven City, these people would be so audacious as to try and rob his home.

As he stepped off the helicopter, a faint frown appeared between his brows.

Something still bothered him.

For some reason, the divine tree within him had weakened a bit.

Its once-vigorous life force had become noticeably quieter, as though much of its energy had been consumed.

Although it remained alive and continued protecting him, its presence was no longer as overwhelming as before.

Julian silently sensed its condition.

There was no answer.

Only a faint pulse of vitality echoed from deep within his spiritual sea.

Without the suppression of the divine tree, that damned Tyrant System completely ignored his calls.

No matter how many times he tried communicating with it, absolute silence answered him.

Let alone revealing the plot or giving rewards!

It behaved as though it had vanished from existence.

Julian couldn’t help grinding his teeth inwardly.

That unreliable system always disappeared whenever he actually needed it.

If it weren’t for the divine tree’s warning this time, by the time Julian returned to Valemont, everything might have already changed.

That thought alone sent a chill through his heart.

The Obsidian Wing’s actions had been swift and merciless.

Had he arrived even a little later...

The consequences could have been unimaginable.

Without delaying another second, Julian strode into the manor.

His pace remained calm on the surface, yet every step carried unmistakable urgency.

Servants respectfully greeted him as he passed.

Guards bowed immediately.

The familiar atmosphere of home gradually eased the tension in his heart.

Rushing home, seeing everything was safe and sound, Julian finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The manor remained peaceful.

No signs of battle.

No blood.

No destruction.

The people important to him were still safe.

Only then did the weight pressing against his chest finally lessen.

He had already received a call from his grandfather on the way, so upon returning, he brought Lina Ashford and Liza Voss to see Patriarch D’Aurelius immediately.

Neither woman spoke during the walk.

Both quietly followed behind Julian.

Lina’s long green hair swayed gently with every graceful step, while Liza’s black eyes calmly observed everything around her.

Although their expressions remained composed, both women understood that something major had happened.

Tonight’s atmosphere inside the D’Aurelius household was far more serious than usual.

The manor’s security had visibly increased.

Elite guards patrolled every corridor.

The elders entering and leaving the inner residence all wore solemn expressions.

Clearly...

The entire family had entered a state of heightened alert.

Soon, the three of them arrived before the quiet courtyard where Patriarch D’Aurelius usually stayed.

The peaceful little courtyard contrasted sharply with the tense atmosphere surrounding the estate.

Ancient trees swayed softly in the night breeze.

The fragrance of tea drifted through the air.

Just as Julian stepped inside...

Shera had just arrived with his men.

Months beneath Kimora’s blazing sun had transformed him.

His skin had become considerably darker, and his physique appeared even broader than before.

Years of discipline combined with relentless training had forged an even more imposing presence.

His sharp black eyes immediately lit up when he noticed Julian.

Without hesitation, he clasped his fists respectfully.

"Young Master Julian."

His voice echoed firmly through the courtyard.

The twenty-four people standing behind him simultaneously stepped forward.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized.

Every one of them stood tall with disciplined posture.

Absolute loyalty shone within their eyes.

Together they shouted,

"Young Master Julian."

Their powerful voices blended into one, shaking the quiet courtyard.

Julian blinked in surprise.

His gaze swept across the unfamiliar faces before finally landing on Shera.

"Old Shera, long time no see."

A smile appeared on his face before he looked toward the group behind him.

"And these are...?"