The Iron Wolf Mercenary Group's headquarters stood like a fortress against the harsh landscape of the barbarian lands, its weathered stone walls bearing the scars of countless battles.
Wei Lin made her way through the familiar corridors one last time, her footsteps echoing in the halls where she had learned the true meaning of survival.
Before the imposing oak door of the leader's office, she paused and knocked with measured respect.
"Come in!" The voice that responded was calm and deep, carrying the authority of someone who had commanded warriors for decades.
Wei Lin entered to find herself face-to-face with Gorrak Ironhammer, leader of the Iron Wolf Mercenaries. Standing nearly seven feet tall (2.1 meters), his massive frame was built like a mountain given human form. Pure barbarian blood ran through his veins, evident in every line of his powerful physique.
His spiritual weapon, the legendary Starfall Hammer, rested against the wall behind him—a peak rank-three weapon stretching eleven feet (3.35 meters) in length, forged from starfall iron and inscribed with ancient runes that pulsed with contained power.
Despite his fearsome appearance, Gorrak's study was arranged with surprising elegance. Maps covered the walls, marking trade routes and territory boundaries, while shelves lined with tactical manuals and historical texts spoke to the keen intelligence behind those weathered features.
"Well, well," Gorrak said, leaning back in his reinforced chair, his eyes studying her with appreciation. "If it isn't the young miss of the Wei clan." His gaze took in the changes three years had wrought in her—the confident bearing, the callused hands, the steady eyes that no longer held the uncertainty of youth.
Look at her now, he thought, his weathered face betraying a hint of pride. Three years ago, she was all righteous fury and desperate ambition. Now she carries herself like someone who's tasted real battle and survived.
"Heading home?" he continued aloud. "It's about that time."
Wei Lin bowed respectfully. "Leader Gorrak, I came to report the completion of our final mission and to formally request permission to depart."
The massive barbarian had been more than just an employer; he had been a teacher in the harsh realities of leadership and survival. She owed him more than she could ever repay.
"Your work with the remnants was exemplary," Gorrak continued, his tone carrying genuine praise.
"Blood Witch Mei was no easy prey—she's been slipping through the fingers of other members for months. Few other teams were able to capture and eliminate strongholds with such efficiency. The area is finally clear."
"The credit is not mine alone," Wei Lin replied modestly.
"Without Gu Sei's scouting, the twins' strength, and Elder Xiu's guidance, I would never have succeeded."
"Humility too, Gorrak noted internally. Arrogant leaders don't last long out here."
The leader's expression grew thoughtful as he gazed out the window toward the vast expanse of the barbarian lands. "These parasites have been feeding off various barbarian tribes for over a hundred years. Because of our scattered nature, we became easy pickings for the Crimson Blood Clan.
They couldn't truly conquer us, but they burrowed deep into our society like ticks, spreading their infection across vast portions of the barren lands."
"Will there be more remnants to hunt?" Wei Lin asked, genuine concern in her voice.
"Perhaps, but not like before. You and the other teams have broken their power base. Any survivors will think twice before establishing new strongholds here." He paused, his mind shifting back to the present.
"The lands themselves aren't truly barren—just harsher than other places.
Looking at Wei Lin with calculating eyes, he added, "This young miss will make a decent leader. How good remains to be seen, but the foundation is solid."
"You honor me with such words," Wei Lin replied sincerely. "But I still have much to learn. The political battles at home may prove more challenging than anything I faced here."
"Politics?" Gorrak laughed, a sound like distant thunder. "At least in politics, your enemies smile before they stab you. Out here, they just stab you. I'd say you're well-prepared."
She's thinking ahead, considering the challenges waiting for her, he thought approvingly. Not just basking in recent victories. Yes, she'll do well.
"Yes, I thank you for your guidance over these years," Wei Lin said, her voice carrying genuine gratitude.
"Flattery!" Gorrak exclaimed with a hearty laugh. "That success has been yours and yours alone." His eyes moved to encompass her retainers standing respectfully behind her.
"Looking beside you, I see you've cultivated some loyal ones. Good—subordinates are almost a direct representation of the leader themselves."
"They chose to follow me," Wei Lin said, glancing back at her companions. "I'm honored by their trust."
"Trust earned through shared hardship," Gorrak nodded approvingly. "The best kind. Those twins of yours—they've grown into formidable warriors. And that little shadow of yours, she could probably slit my throat before I noticed her." he jest.
Gu Sei's lips twitched slightly at the compliment, while the twins straightened with pride.
He leaned forward, his expression becoming more serious. "Wei Lin, you've proven yourself here, but remember—the cultivation world is vast and full of dangers. If there's ever any trouble, just give a shout and I'll lend assistance."
Wei Lin's eyes widened at this unexpected offer. Having the backing of the Iron Wolf Mercenaries would be invaluable in the complex political landscape awaiting her at home.
She understands the value of what I'm offering, Gorrak thought with satisfaction. Alliances matter more than individual strength when dealing with established powers.
"Leader Gorrak, I... I don't know what to say. Such an offer is beyond generous."
"Say you'll remember your friends when you're sitting in some fancy clan hall making important decisions," he replied with a grin.
Seeing her reaction, Gorrak smiled warmly.
"We should share a drink some other time when circumstances allow. You've done well watching over this one."Elder Xiu
Elder Xiu bowed respectfully in acknowledgment. "The honor has been mine, Leader Gorrak. Young Miss Lin has been a credit to both our clans."
Before they could turn to leave, a shadow suddenly rushed toward Wei Lin. Both Golden Core cultivators remained indifferent to the familiar spiritual signature—this happened every time the young miss visited the leader.
The blur resolved into Kira Ironhammer, Gorrak's daughter and Wei Lin's closest friend during her time with the mercenaries.
Standing nearly six feet tall with the characteristic bronze skin and intricate tattoos of the barbarian bloodlines, she possessed a fierce beauty that had intimidated countless suitors.
Despite her usual stoic facade and imposing build that marked her as her father's child, she grabbed Wei Lin's arm and shook it like a pleading child.
"Nooo, don't go!" she exclaimed, her composure completely forgotten.
"You can't just disappear for who knows how long!"
My daughter, the terror of the Mercendary Group, reduced to begging, Gorrak thought with amusement. Though I suppose friendship does that to the strongest of us.
"Kira," Wei Lin said warmly, "you know I have to return home. My brother's birthday celebration—"
"That's exactly why I should come!" Kira interrupted, her eyes brightening with hope. "I've never seen a proper clan celebration. All we have here are drinking contests and arm wrestling matches."
"Which you usually win," Wei Lin replied with a laugh.
"Dad," Kira turned to her father with practiced puppy-dog eyes, "could I go with her as well? Just a vacation for a few weeks? I promise I'll behave."
She promises to behave, Gorrak thought wryly.
That's what worries me most!.
Gorrak pondered this request, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "You haven't left the barbarian lands yet , daughter. Perhaps it's time you saw more of the world."
"Really?" Kira's face lit up like a child promised a treat.
"Sure, just take some guards with you." He directed his next question to Elder Xiu. "I assume this wouldn't be a problem? My daughter can be... energetic."
That's one way to put it, he mused. The last time she was 'energetic,' she accidentally destroyed half the facilities with the new comers body
"Not a problem at all," Elder Xiu replied smoothly, though her eye twitched slightly. "It would be the Wei clan's honor to have your daughter. We will see to her protection with the utmost of our ability."
"And I'll keep her out of trouble," Wei Lin added quickly, catching Elder Xiu's expression.
"Good luck with that," Gorrak chuckled. "You'll have your hands full for sure with this one."
"Dad!" Kira protested, her cheeks reddening. "I'm not that bad!"
"What? It's true—you're a troublemaker to the letter," he replied with a grin that took any sting out of the words.
"Remember when you 'helped' with the new recruits' training?"
"That was an accident! How was I supposed to know they'd never seen a rank-Three beast before?"
At least its was tame , Gorrak thought. Though 'tame' is a relative term when it comes to Stone-Hide Bears.
"Or the time you decided to 'improve' the mess hall's cooking? With that new Ingredient you received from that body refinement clan as a thanks"
"The explosion was much smaller than everyone claims," Kira mumbled defensively.
Wei Lin shook her head with fond exasperation. "On second thought, Elder Xiu, perhaps we should pack some extra defensive formation for the road."
"An excellent suggestion, Young Miss," Elder Xiu replied gravely.
Elder Xiu bowed. "We must be on our way if we're to arrive before the festivities begin."
Gorrak nodded and waved his hand in farewell. As they turned to leave, he called out one final time: "Remember, young miss—the strong survive, but the wise prevail. Use both well."
"And Kira," he added as his daughter reached the door, "Try! not to start any international incidents."
"I make no promises!" she called back cheerfully, causing Elder Xiu to visibly pale.
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After Kira hastily packed her belongings, the group boarded a spiritual ship for the journey home. The vessel cut through the air with impressive speed, its formation arrays powered by high-grade spirit stones that Elder Xiu had procured for the occasion.
Wei Lin stood at the bow of the Sprit Ship her mind wondered to home, turning slight on the deck her friend.
Having a small fest to commemorate a job well done in the last mission. They all had varying smiles and bellies full with laughs and various dishes.
Her best friend stuffing her face while she wrestle with the twin , all while chugging down spiritual wine the site brough a gentle smile to her lips , her heart lighted slightly
As they flew over the changing landscape—from the harsh barbarian lands to the mountainous region and the cities they hold, deep valleys and great rivers all blurred by quickly, with all the need on board they needed not to stop a flew all the way —As time passed Wei Lin found herself both longing for home and bit apprehensive .
Weeks later….
The sun was beginning its descent toward the horizon when the crimson walls of her family's city came into view. She had made it just in time for Wei Chen's birthday celebration. There would be time to freshen up and join the festivities without missing the formal ceremonies.
After landing at the designated platform in side the clan compound, Wei Lin quickly made her way through. Her eyes took in the various changes that had occurred during her three-year absence—new buildings, expanded training grounds, additional disciples, all pointed to the clan's growing prosperity.
Moving through the halls and connected building with practiced ease, she passed through multiple layers of formations and guards, all of whom bowed respectfully upon recognizing her. The formalities felt the same, yet somehow felt different now that she viewed them through the lens of her experiences in the wider world.
Before separating she directed Elder Xiu to settle their guests in the appropriate quarters, including arranging suitable accommodations for Kira that would honour her status as the daughter of an allied leader.
The elder nodded and led the group away.
Wei Lin made her way directly to her father's study.
The two guards she passed all showed proper respect, their with curiosity thinking about how she had changed during her time away.
Finally reaching the familiar door, she knocked and entered without waiting for permission—a privilege of her position as the clan heir.
"Father, I am back!." she said.
An older man standing at the window turned at her words, and his face broke into a smile of genuine joy and pride.
Wei Jian, took in the sight of his daughter—no longer the angry, desperate girl who had left three years ago, but a confident young woman who carried herself with the bearing of someone who had faced death and emerged victorious.
"Wei Lin," he said, his voice thick with emotion as he crossed the room to embrace her.
"My daughter. Look at you."
She returned the embrace, surprised by how much she had missed this simple contact. "Father, I've completed my training. I'm ready to take on my responsibilities to the clan."
"Training?" Wei Jian chuckled, holding her at arm's length to study her face. "From the reports I've received, you've been doing far more than training. Capture missions and eradication tasks along that happen the last few years are quite the under taking , must have made quite the enamines in the savage lands."
"You've been receiving reports?"
"Did you think I'd let my daughter venture into the savage lands without keeping informed?" His expression grew more serious. "I know about the village raids you stopped, the merchant caravans you protected, the cultivation resources you secured . You've done more than prove yourself, Lin-er."
Wei Lin felt a warmth spread through her chest at her childhood nickname. "I had to prove I was worthy of the Wei name. That I could stand beside our ancestors without shame."
"Worthy?" Wei Jian's eyebrows rose. "Child, you've elevated the Wei name. Now, thanks to your actions, we have the attention and respect of powers we could never have approached before."
"What do you mean?"
Wei Jian moved to his desk and pulled out several sealed letters. "Marriage proposals. Alliance offers. Trade agreements. All because of your reputation in the savage lands." He paused, studying her expression. "Though I suspect that's not what you want to hear on your first day home."
"No, it's not," Wei Lin admitted with a slight smile. "I've spent three years learning to stand on my own merits. The idea of political marriages feels..."
"Restrictive?" her father supplied. "I understand. But remember, in our world, personal strength and political power must work together. You've proven the first—now you must learn to wield the second."
Wei Lin nodded thoughtfully, then her expression grew more serious. "Father, before we discuss clan politics, I need to know... how is Chen? I've carried guilt with me these three years, wondering if I abandoned him when he needed family support most."
Wei Jian's expression transformed, a complex mix of emotions crossing his weathered features. "Lin-er, sit down. Quite a lot has happened recently especially regarding about your brother.
Sensing the gravity in her father's tone, Wei Lin took a seat across from his desk.
"Is he... is he worse? The reports I received were always vague about his condition."
"No, daughter. He's not worse, all that was before " Wei Jian's voice carried a note of wonder that made Wei Lin lean forward.
"Chen-er has awakened. Yesterday morning, your mother and I found him standing in his chambers—not just sitting up, but standing. Healthy. Strong. Completely transformed."
Wei Lin stared at her father in shock. "That's... that's impossible. His meridians were completely blocked. The clan's physicians said—"
"The physicians were wrong, or perhaps something fundamental changed within him," Wei Jian interrupted. "We tested him with the Heavenly Discernment Artifact. Lin-er, your brother possesses Peak Heaven-rank spiritual roots and the legendary Celestial Nine Yang Body."
The words hit Wei Lin like a physical blow.
Struggling to process what she was hearing, coming back to her self she said. "The Celestial Nine Yang Body? Father, that's a myth. A legend from ancient texts."
"I thought so too, until I witnessed it myself. The artifact's response was unlike anything Elder Song and I had ever seen. Nine yang spheres manifested above Chen-er's head, each one radiating power that could be felt throughout the entire testing chamber."
Wei Lin felt tears gathering in her eyes—not from sadness, but from overwhelming relief and joy.
"All these years, we thought he was suffering from blocked meridians. But he was actually... incubating? Preparing for this awakening?"
"It appears so. The pain he endured for eighteen years, the weakness, the inability to cultivate—it was all part of some greater transformation that we couldn't understand at the time." Wei Jian comforted.
"Lin-er, the guilt you've carried is unnecessary. Chen-er never resented your departure. In fact, he told me just this morning that he understood why you had to leave, and he's proud of what you've accomplished."
"He said that?" Wei Lin whispered, her voice breaking slightly.
"Those were his exact words. He also said he's looking forward to seeing you again, not as the weak brother you left behind, but as someone who can finally stand beside you as an equal."
Wei Lin wiped away the tears that had begun to fall. "I can't believe it. When I left, I was so angry—angry at the situation, at the unfairness of it all. I told myself I was leaving to prove I could succeed where he couldn't. But really, I was just running away from watching him suffer."
"And now?"
"Now I realize that maybe everything happened as it needed to. My time in the savage lands made me strong. And Chen's long suffering prepared him for this incredible awakening." She looked up at her father with renewed determination.
"We can both contribute to the clan's future now, each in our own way."
Wei Jian smiled warmly. "That's exactly what I hoped you'd say. With your practical experience and reputation, combined with Chen's divine physique and cultivation potential, the Wei Clan's future has never looked brighter."
"I want to see him," Wei Lin said urgently. "I need to see for myself that he's truly well."
"Of course. But Lin-er, there's one more thing you should know. Tomorrow's birthday celebration has taken on entirely new significance.
What was once meant to be a quiet family gathering to honour Chen despite his... circumstances, is now going to be the most important day in our clan's history.
We'll be announcing his awakening and his physique to the cultivation world. Even if it is a water down half truth"
Wei Lin's expression grew thoughtful. "That will still bring a lot of attention. Not all of it friendly."
"True. Which is why having you home is perfectly timed. Your reputation as a warrior, combined with Chen's incredible potential, will send a clear message that the Wei Clan is no longer to be underestimated combine with our peak golden core combat power, and hidden cards."
"Then we face the future together," Wei Lin said firmly, standing up with renewed purpose. "Brother and sister, supporting each other as we should have done all along."
Wei Jian rose as well, pride evident in every line of his face. "Welcome home, my daughter. Your brother is waiting to see you. And Lin-er... thank you for becoming the strong, capable woman our clan needed, even when the path was difficult."
"Thank you for never giving up on either of us, Father," Wei Lin replied, bowing respectfully before heading toward the door. "Now, let me go see this miraculous brother of mine."