The prodigal's return
924 Words
Chapter: The Prodigal’s Return
“Look who decided to show his face—our very own prodigal son,” Francis sneered.
“This little bastard wasted five whole years of family resources without a shred of progress, and he still dares to crawl back,” Walter added with a mocking laugh.
“Mind your tongue and leave the boy alone,” Kate snapped, irritation clear in her voice. “He’s still on probation.”
“He was given two months to reach the Energy Refining stage,” Francis scoffed. “Tell me—how exactly is he supposed to pull that off? He’s practically already expelled from the academy.”
“Hahaha… look at him now,” Francis laughed loudly. “Hey, Charlie, why don’t you spar with me? Who knows—maybe you’ll magically break through during the fight,” he taunted.
“Another time,” Charlie replied calmly. “I have urgent matters to attend to.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and quickly disappeared from view.
Do I look like a punching bag? Charlie thought bitterly. An Energy Refining Stage Four expert wants to spar with a mortal like me? Keep dreaming.
Laughter rang through the garden as they watched his retreating figure.
“That reminds me,” Francis said casually, turning to Walter. “What else do we still need for the mission?”
“The map, pills, and supplies are all prepared,” Walter replied. “Relax—this mission will succeed.”
“And who exactly gave you permission to leave on a mission without informing this old man?”
An authoritative voice cut through the air as a middle-aged man strode into the garden. He wore flowing white robes with a mantle draped across his shoulders, black leather sandals fashioned from beast hide on his feet. His dark, handsome features glowed beneath the morning sun.
“If I were to suppress my cultivation to your level,” he continued coldly, “would any of you be able to defeat me?”
“Father!”
All of them immediately stood and bowed deeply.
Kelvin—meticulous, disciplined, and fiercely protective—was the pillar that guided their lives.
“We’ve prepared everything for the mission, Father,” Kate said quickly. “We have three basic formation plates, fifteen escape talismans from Charlie, and healing pills in case of injury. Elder Bland also provided the White Candles Grand Formation to restrain the guardian demonic beasts. All that remains is escorting Charlie safely to the Forbidden Sea.”
“The Forbidden Sea?” Kelvin roared. “Even Foundation Establishment experts fear that cursed ocean, and you plan to send a mortal there?!”
“What treasure is worth risking your lives for?” he demanded.
“It’s the Ocean Eyes Apple,” Francis answered. “The fruit can be refined into pills that enhance potential and improve cultivation talent.”
“Even peak Foundation Establishment cultivators wouldn’t dare enter that sea,” Kelvin said grimly. “Sirens and mermaids rule those waters. How do you plan to survive?”
“It’s simple,” Francis replied. “Their demonic songs barely affect mortals. Charlie will retrieve the fruit while we hide nearby. Once he succeeds, we leave.”
“Our intelligence says the Ocean Eyes Tree grows on an uninhabited island,” Walter added. “And such a low-grade treasure won’t attract powerful sea beasts.”
“We also promised Charlie a pill made from the fruit,” Francis continued. “It’ll improve his talent and allow him to enter the Energy Refining stage within a week.”
“Have you told him the full truth?” Kelvin asked sharply.
“Yes, Father,” Walter answered. “He agreed. It benefits everyone.”
“Call him here,” Kelvin said firmly. “I want to hear it from him myself.”
“Yes, Father.”
Charlie’s Bedroom
Why can’t I sense even a trace of spiritual energy?
Am I truly this useless… or simply born without talent?
Why? Why?!
Someone—anyone—please tell me why!
Charlie muttered in despair after yet another failed cultivation attempt.
Knock. Knock.
“Who is it?”
“It’s me, Walter—fath—”
“Walter, I’m entering secluded cultivation,” Charlie interrupted. “We can spar later. I only have two months left before expulsion, and Father has already done so much for me. I don’t want to disappoint him.”
“Actually—”
“I know sparring is supposed to help,” Charlie continued nervously, “but I really need to use my time wisely.”
Sweat trickled down his back as he searched for a way to fend off his persistent elder brother.
“Enough nonsense. Open the door,” Walter snapped. “I’m not here to spar.”
Why was I sent to deal with this hermit?
“Then why are you here?” Charlie asked warily.
“Open this damn door already,” Walter barked. “Father wants to see you.”
“Father?” Charlie froze. “He’s out of seclusion?”
“Open the door, and I’ll take you to him.”
“Alright… alright.”
Charlie unlocked the door, deactivating more than fifty defensive talismans layered across it. He glanced around carefully, confirming Walter was alone before stepping outside.
Walter released a long sigh of relief.
At last, the infamous Turtle King had emerged from his shell—an accomplishment he would no doubt brag about to his brothers and friends later.
- Writer
