“Welcome home.” Sylvie says with a kiss to Taylor's cheek. “How was work?” She asks as she takes Taylor's suitcase.

“I have a bag too, y'know.” Johnny mumbles under his breath before strutting to his room.

“Wasn't bad. Got lectured for introducing the blood thralls to cultivation. Now I have to run to my dad for permission to use his territory.” Taylor says as he takes off his jacket.

“Fun. Are we going to make the trip there? Or will this just be a call?” Sylvie asks.

Taylor raises an eyebrow. “Did you want to make the trip?” He asks with a smile. “You’re the boss of the house.” Taylor says as he takes back his suitcase.

“If you say please, I’ll consider allowing it.” She says with a teasing smile.

“Trip? Are we going somewhere?” Jesse asks as she walks into the room, holding little Lily in her arms.

Taylor smiles awkwardly. My life is so fucking weird. He couldn't help but think.

Sylvie’s face is pulled into a slight grimace. “A trip just for the family. You’re not invited.” She says in a mean-spirited manner.

“What?” Jesse exclaims. “Hey, I’m family too. Taylor this is your child I’m holding. And don’t forget, I need to be around Taylor at least a few hours every day, or things get weird.” She says with some complaint.

Sylvie scowls at the idea. “That is such bullshit. What curse, Jesse? Stop faking.” She says, expressing what she thought of the situation.

Jesse chuckles. “What can I do? It is what it is.” She says with a teasing grin.

Taylor begins to feel a headache building. Should I call Maggie too? He wonders to himself.

…

…

“My territory? Oh yeah, I do have one of those.” Taylor’s dad says, recalling a few things.

“Is it okay? Otherwise the blood thralls won’t be able to continue cultivating and that’s no fun. I’m hoping they can get strong enough to seek revenge one day.” Taylor says, expressing his intentions.

Taylor’s dad chuckles. “Of course, son. Anything for revenge. But you’ll probably have to look around when you get there. Unclaimed territory tends to attract a certain kind of cultivator.” He says, warning Taylor of a possibility.

“Ah, loose cultivators. I guess I’ll worry about that later.” Taylor says with a sigh.

“Hey, if you want, your mom has a territory too. I think she handed it out to a loose cultivator friend of hers. I could be wrong.” He says, trying to recall the matter before eventually deciding not to care.

Taylor raises an eyebrow before shaking his head. “It’s not necessary. Your place seems to be pretty big, and they’re letting me use Violet Hill too, so it shouldn’t be too bad. The blood thralls will take what they can get.” He says, not really wanting to put any more effort into it.

Taylor’s dad lets out an amused chuckle. “Taylor those are your disciples. Your relationship with them is probably more than you think it is.” He says with a laugh.

Taylor lets out a snort. “What relationship. They’re just blood thralls. If they can make anything out of themselves with this cultivation technique, that will be on them.” He says without a care. “I don't plan to be anyone’s teacher anytime soon. I’m still young.” He says with a laugh.

“On another matter.” Taylor’s dad says, his gaze becoming solemn. “Who’s the lady? And the child? Is that my granddaughter?” He asks, his voice gentle but heavy.

Taylor gulps. “You know how it is, dad. Things happen. We’re both men, right?” He says with awkward chuckle.

Taylor’s dad lets out a grin that looked a little malicious to Taylor. “Taylor, oh, Taylor. Live life the way you want. Just remember that your dad is always here to look out for you. Always.” He says as he stares into Taylor’s eyes.

Taylor feels sweat begin to drip from his forehead. Why does that sound so ominous? He asks, feeling some worry.