After Arin's declaration, the entire Frostwind Dynasty shifted into battle mode.
Peace was over.
Preparation had begun.
Imperial Command Hall
Maps covered the walls.
Energy projections hovered in the air.
Arin stood at the center.
Generals, elders, and sect masters surrounded him.
"The Upper Realm will not forgive humiliation," Arin said calmly.
"They will test us first."
"Then invade."
He pointed at the northern border.
"Here."
"Skyfall Valley."
"First battlefield."
General Kael nodded. "Defense formations are ready."
Mira added, "Resource stockpile: 92% complete."
Seren smirked. "My blades are hungry."
Training Realm — Hidden Dimension
To prepare his family, Arin opened a secret space.
A miniature world filled with dense spiritual energy.
Mountains floated.
Rivers glowed.
Time flowed slower.
One day outside.
Ten days inside.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Private Cultivation Realm Activated
Elara sat in meditation.
Silver light surrounded her.
Her aura steadily rose.
Seren sparred with shadow clones of Arin.
Each clash shook the realm.
Mira studied ancient arrays while cultivating.
And Arin—
Stood in the center.
Guiding them all.
Family Cultivation
Arin placed his hands on Elara's back.
Pure dragon essence flowed into her.
Her cultivation surged.
Breakthrough followed.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Elara Breakthrough
Saint Realm → Half-Immortal
She opened her eyes in shock.
"…I did it."
Arin smiled. "You were ready."
Seren roared.
Her sword ignited.
Crimson flames wrapped her body.
She cut through ten clones at once.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Seren Awakens
Crimson Battle Physique
Mira completed a massive formation.
It hovered like a living diagram.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Mira Mastery
Heaven-Sealing Array — Perfected
Auren's Training
Meanwhile…
Auren sat on a floating cloud.
Watching.
Eating spirit fruit.
Suddenly—
He copied Arin's stance.
Clenched his tiny fist.
Boom!
A shockwave erupted.
A mountain shattered.
Everyone froze.
"…What?" Seren whispered.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Heir Talent Surge
Innate Skill: Dragon Impact
Arin rubbed his forehead.
"I'm raising monsters."
Outside World — Border
Dark clouds gathered.
Void rifts flickered.
Enemy scouts appeared.
"Signal received."
"Invasion begins soon."
Night — Hidden Realm
Arin held Elara close.
Seren leaned against his shoulder.
Mira rested quietly nearby.
They watched the stars.
"Are you afraid?" Elara asked softly.
He shook his head.
"With you beside me?"
"Never."
Far Away — Skyfall Valley
A massive portal opened.
Millions of soldiers gathered.
Immortals descended.
War drums sounded.
The storm was coming.