After chatting for some time, Serra returned to his original place and unsealed the frozen world.

Everyone didn't notice anything out of place a few looked towards Ren and found that he seemed brighter than usual.

He looked quite content.

Is he satisfied with this batch of champions?

They wondered.

Those who came upon this thought were proud.

They were able to earn the acknowledgement of the Founder.

After some trivial talk, Ren gave the rewards to the victors.

He called them all and gave them their rewards.

Of course, he called a representative to claim the rewards.

It would appear quite undignified if the entire team came instead of just one.

So, they each sent out their captains to go.

Naturally, Lilia went.

After giving the rewards, Ren gave out a closing speech.

"To all of you gathered here, you are the brightest stars of the generation. The elites of the elite. The jewels of the Empire. No, the world. Know well that the future of the world may soon la on your shoulders."

He spoke in an imposing voice.

"True, I may indeed be the ruler of this world. The one who extinguished the flames of war. The one who brought and end to the era of chaos and brought an era of prosperity and peace on the lands."

He continued.

"However, I am old. I am simply a deterrence to rebellions and the ilk. Thought I may possess eternal life. There is still a chance that an era of chaos may one day arrive. Though I will ensure that such things will not happen, I cannot guarantee alone that I can do so. Even back then, I had companions I could trust and a teacher who guided me. A pillar who stands alone is weak!"

He shouted.

His voice echoing into their minds.

"What this world needs are multiple pillars. For this world will fall as I fall. And with it, the fates of countless living souls of the Empire. Though you are all young, you are the cream of the crop who will one day rule and lead your sects under your wings. As the Emperor, I must pave the way for others to rise. Alas, I cannot rule over everything and place the entire world under observatioin. For that is tyranny. A path of cruelty."

His voice continued to be etched into their minds.

"My duty is to ensure the world prospers. However, alone, I can do little. To forcefully use my own power to achieve this goes against natural order. It is through the hands of others that this world prospers. In the past, the leaders of various sects led their brothers and sisters to protect and defend the land. It is through the combine efforts of the Empire as a whole that this world is at peace. Remember that as you go forward on your paths."

His voice echoed out.

"And remember this, cultivators pursue the path of cultivation like moths to the flame. They possess a flame of life. So long as that flame burns, they will never falter. For what reason? It is because of their beliefs. To follow their hearts and bring their ideals into reality. All to refine their souls. Such is the flame of life. That is all."

Finishing his speech, the Founder left the overwhelmed younger generation.

His worlds also lit a flame of resolution within their eyes as well as a sense of duty and expectation upon their shoulders.

"""For the Empire! Glory to the Founder!"""

They shouted.

After that, they all left burning with spirit.

A flame has been lit within their souls. They will waste not a second later to hone their skills and their souls.

........................

"This is where we part ways then."

Serra said to the group.

The others showes e expressions of sorrow and understanding.

"You really have to go?"

Lilia spoke.

"Yes. I must go back home soon."

It couldn't be helped.

Serra fought with them and achieved victory and glory along with them.

He was a true friend and comrade-in-arms for them.

A brother they could rely on.

"You can't stay with us some more time? Since the tournament is over, we should celebrate our success and enjoy our time in the capital."

Seileen said.

"Hm... True... We were always rushing and preparing for battle... We never enjoyed ourselves and have fun..."

Serra pondered.

Aies interjected.

"Then, let's go prepare and have fun!"

She dashed forward.

"Hahaha... That girl is truly like a child despite being the same age as us."

Seileen spoke with a smile

The rest agreed amidst sounds of laughter through the air.

"Well then... Let's go. Let's enjoy ourselves as the victors!"

Lilia announced as captain of her group.

The rest nodded and they went after Aies.

After that... Serra and the girls had fun in the Capital. They visited museums, attended concerts, saw the toursites in the Capital, dined on fine food and had the time of their lives.

Finally, they all went and retired for the night one final time in their base.

..............

Nightfall. Serra's Room.

"That was fun."

Serra thought.

He remembered the times he left his house and played with his friends.

They were so noisy. They went and played everywhere.

He also envied and admired the bond Lilia shared with her sect sisters.

They were just like Serra and his own band of friends back then.

Upon reaching those memories, many memories of the past flooded in.

Serra remembered his own sect borthers and sisters who fought with him and laughed together with him.

His eccentric master James who loved tea and books so much that he forgot to sleep at times.

His old rival Andre who feuded with im so many times but was ultimately his friend.

His senior brother Jaco who was quite lazy but was quite kind and caring.

"They were good people... It's a pty they all died in the end... What I grieve for the most is that even with all the power to rule worlds, I can't bring back the ones I held dear..."

Serra spoke in a sorrowful voice.

James defended the sect to his last breath and died with it to hold back the enemies coming for them.

He remembered his miserable smile as he grieved the fact that he couldn't finish the new book he bought.

Andre was severely injured and was escaping with him but decided to stay behind to give them enough time to run.

His laugher as he rushed towards his enemies only to die was something he could never forget.

And Jaco... His lazy but caring senior was kind and caring to the end.

He would always remember his back that seemed so large as he fought outnumbered and overwhelmed.

Even with all the power in the world, he would gladly give it all just so he could reunite with them once more.

Alas... He will never be able to join them as he is immortal.

That's why he envies them so.

His only relief is that his daughter and his wife as well as a few brothers and sisters he made during his travels on the Higher Realms are still alive.

"...Seileen, Luisa, Aies and Lilia... I'll reveal myself to you. I'll allow you to visit my world come with me to my world only for a day.Whether or not we can meet again will depend on talents though... Whether or not you can break the limits of your mortal selves and ascend to the Higher Realms. When you do... I'll be waiting..."

Serra called out softly.

Before they left, Serra asked everyone to gather in the living room.

"So, what is it you want to talk about, Serra?"

They asked.

"Very simple. I had fun travelling with you all and fighting alongside you. It reminds me of those times when I fought alongside my brothers and sisters who have long since turned to ash."

Serra spoke calmly.

"That's why, I'll reveal myself to you now."

He spoke.

Then, he released his power so that they could feel it but restricted it only to those around the room.

"What...?"

"Eh!?"

"!?"

They were alarmed.

"I am Serra Recquir. An apex expert who comes from another world... I am Ren's master."

He introduced himself to their shock.

"What!?"

Lilia exclaimed.

The rest shared the same sentiments.

The youth who fought alongside them was actually the senior who guided the Founder!?

"Wait... Then, is your appearance a fake!?"

Lilia called out.

"Ah, this is my real and genuine appearance. In some realms, cultivation is far more advanced. There are some youths who reached the same realm as Ren despite not being as old as him. Those who reach those stages usually keep their appearances from when they broke through."

Serra casually explained.

He then went on to explain things like the Higher Planes and other stuff about cultivation.

The rest calmed down.

"I'm surprised. We all thought that revered expert was a venerable old man. Who knew it would be a youth like you..."

Luisa said in surprise.

"Age has nothing to do with one's abilities. Only true strength is worthy."

Serra said.

"I have my reasons for travelling with you all and fighting with you. I've already achieved it but there are some things I need to do first. Lilia, Aies, Seileen and Luisa... A a senior, I should reward you all with something."

He cast a blue light that enveloped them all.

When the light faded, the four checked on themselves to find nothing there.

However, they soon found a mark near at their backs.

It was the symbol of a town covered in snow.

"This is my gift to you all. This should boost your cultivations that you should be able to reach the same realm as Ren one day. Furthermore, it will also give you the knowledge about the Higher Realms."

Serra explained to them.

The four thanked him gratefully.

This will be greatly benefit their cultivation in the future.

"Now then, will you come with me to visit my world now?"

Serra asked them.

"What?"

They were puzzled.

"Since you said you'd like to visit my home, I'll take you there for a visit. But know that it isn't as advanced as this world now. It used to be quite advanced during my generation but wane comes after apex so it's quite below this world in terms of technology and cultivation."

Serra explained.

"...I see..."

Lilia said.

The four of them went into deep though.

Finally, they raised their heads and looked at each other’s eyes.

"""We refuse!"""

They said simultaneously.

"Oh? Why?"

They spoke out.

"Simple. Since we could travel to the Higher Planes one day then we could definitely visit your world as well. We'll save that time for the day we do arrive."

Lilia called out.

"That's correct. With your guidance, we'll definitely be able to go there."

Sileen said.

"Hahaha, we have our pride too! Just wait for us there."

Aies happily spoke with pride.

"Since you're already thousands of years old, you can wait for us."

Luisa spoke calmly.

Serra laughed happily.

"I see... A good attitude to have. This is the attitude experts should have!"

He was satisfied with their response.

Afterwards, they chatted a bit more and Serra shared stories about other worlds that broadened their horizons.

When the time came for them to part, they did so happily.

Lilia went to Serra and said this.

"This is goodbye for now. We'll meet you again one day."

She said.

"I'm counting on it."

Serra spoke with a smile.

Lilia and the rest left with their carriage while Serra returned to the base they were in previosly.

All of the belongings that belonged to Lilia and her friends were gone.

"Well now... It's time for me to leave as well."

Serra took the cooking tools, leftover ingredients and the materials he gained from his trip here.

He looked at the house where he stayed with the others and said.

"This was quite fun... It's just like those days in the past... My sect sisters and brothers were just like those girls... A pity that all things must come to an end..."

He spoke softly.

"Now... It's time for me to go. I'm glad I have more things to look forward to now... I hope I'll see you again. You girls..."

He spoke.

A blue light enveloped him and he departed the world.

........................

Sometime later, he returned to his world.

His wife, Aura Autumn, greeted him.

"She hugged him and gave him a long kiss.

"Welcome home, dear."

She spoke sweetly.

"Thanks for watching over the place."

Serra said.

"Don't mind it. I'm your wife, aren't I? It's the woman's job to watch over the house so the husband could return."

Aura puffed her chest with pride as she said this.

"Speaking of which, should we also find our daughter later?"

He asked.

"Liliana could handle herself. But it would be nice to see her again... Our darling child..."

She spoke sweetly.

As a mother, she was proud of her daughter and her personality.

"Speaking of which... We really don't have much to do anymore, don't we?"

Serra spoke out.

"Yes, dear?"

Serra looked into his wife's eyes and said.

"But it doesn't really matter. Now that we've reached the apex, it's time to find a new pursuit. Something for us to do. Let's stay here together from now on."

Serra smiled warmly at his wife's face.

Aura hugged him and said.

"Yes... I'd like that as well."

Serra smiled then gazed towards the sun.

The sun was finally going to set.

"The sun will set, heralding the arrival of night. But the sun will rise again soon... Now, let's go!"

A blue light covered them both as they faded into the horizon along with the final fleeting rays of the sun.

The daytime has come to an end bringing with it the night.

But morning will come again.

A new day will start after a moment's rest.

Giving others hope for the future.