Chapter 395: The Seeds of an Elite Legion

The Seeds of an Elite Legion

A warm glow spilled from the windows of the small residence where the family’s elder usually spent his evenings.

"Let’s go see Grandpa first."

After exchanging a few words with Shera, Julian went in to see Patriarch D’Aurelius.

The group quietly entered the peaceful courtyard.

Compared with the tense atmosphere outside, this small place remained unusually tranquil.

Ancient trees gently swayed beneath the moonlight.

A cool evening breeze carried the faint fragrance of tea and tobacco through the air.

Everything seemed calm.

Yet everyone present understood...

Many important decisions affecting the future of Valemont would soon be made here.

When they entered, Patriarch D’Aurelius was puffing on a smoking pipe.

Thin streams of smoke slowly drifted upward before dissolving into the quiet night.

The elderly man sat comfortably in his familiar chair, appearing no different from an ordinary old man enjoying a peaceful evening.

Yet those who truly knew him understood...

Behind that relaxed appearance hid one of the sharpest minds in the entire D’Aurelius household.

Nothing escaped his notice.

Julian stepped forward with a respectful smile.

"Grandpa."

Shera also immediately cupped his fists.

"Hello, Patriarch."

His tone was extremely respectful.

This old man had stepped down from the D’Aurelius household long ago, but no one could ignore his wisdom; nothing in the D’Aurelius household escaped his eyes.

Although he no longer personally managed the family’s affairs, everyone knew his influence had never diminished.

The current leaders still sought his opinion whenever major matters arose.

His decades of experience were treasures no younger generation could replace.

As soon as there was any movement in Valemont, he was the first to notice.

He slowly tapped the ash from his old smoking pipe before raising his calm gaze toward Julian.

The old man’s eyes remained clear and profound despite his age.

"You know what’s going on?"

"I do."

Julian answered honestly with a helpless smile.

There was no point hiding anything from the man before him.

Patriarch D’Aurelius already understood more than most people could imagine.

Julian smiled wryly, truly impressed by his grandfather’s insight.

Even after witnessing it countless times, he still couldn’t help feeling amazed.

This old man’s vision and strategy far surpassed ordinary people, yet he remained hidden.

He had never sought fame.

Nor did he desire authority.

Instead...

He quietly watched everything unfold from this modest little courtyard.

Staying in this small courtyard, he never stepped out, yet nothing in the D’Aurelius household or Valemont escaped him.

The old man took another slow puff from his pipe before speaking in an even tone.

"That brat your cousin was disloyal and betrayed the family, so I’ve had your uncle deal with him according to family law."

There wasn’t the slightest fluctuation in his voice.

It was as though he were discussing something completely ordinary.

But everyone present understood how severe those words truly were.

Within a great household...

Betrayal was the one crime that could never be tolerated.

Patriarch D’Aurelius continued calmly.

"And a few other rotten apples have been exposed and dealt with as well."

His expression remained unchanged.

Clearly...

Those traitors had already received the punishment they deserved.

No mercy had been shown.

Silence briefly settled over the courtyard.

The only sound was the faint crackling of burning tobacco.

Finally, the old man looked directly at Julian once more.

"I’ll keep an eye on the family’s matters for you; you’ll have to figure out the outside issues on your own."

Patriarch D’Aurelius explained the situation in a few light words.

Although spoken casually...

His meaning couldn’t have been clearer.

The household would remain stable.

Everything beyond its gates...

Would now rest upon Julian’s shoulders.

Julian understood immediately.

He nodded without hesitation.

"I’ll handle it, Grandpa, don’t worry."

There was confidence in his voice.

Not arrogance.

Simply conviction.

No matter how powerful the Obsidian Wing might be...

He would eventually face them.

"Good."

Patriarch D’Aurelius nodded approvingly.

A faint smile appeared beneath his white beard.

Only then did his attention shift toward Shera.

Unlike the serious discussion moments earlier, his expression became noticeably warmer.

He smiled kindly.

"Shera, you’ve worked hard. Once this matter is settled, you should come back."

Shera immediately clasped his fists once again.

His posture remained perfectly straight.

"It’s not hard, it’s what I should do."

His answer came without hesitation.

Then his eyes became even more resolute.

"Once this is over, I’d like to stay in Kimora for another three years to train more talents for Young Master Julian."

His voice was solemn.

There wasn’t the slightest doubt.

After witnessing the potential of the Thunder Mammoth War Technique, Shera understood better than anyone that Kimora still held enormous possibilities.

Given enough time...

He could train not merely dozens.

But hundreds.

Perhaps even thousands of loyal cultivators.

Patriarch D’Aurelius quietly studied him for a moment before smiling with obvious satisfaction.

"Alright, as you wish. Come back whenever you want."

His calm voice lingered in the quiet courtyard for a few moments.

The old patriarch leaned back in his chair, taking another slow puff from his smoking pipe. Thin wisps of smoke curled into the cool evening air before fading beneath the moonlight. His weathered eyes carried the quiet serenity of someone who had seen countless storms rise and fall over the decades.

After a brief silence, he gently waved his hand.

"I know you have a lot to do, go handle it."

Julian understood exactly what his grandfather meant.

The D’Aurelius household had already dealt with the traitors lurking within its walls.

Now...

The enemies beyond the household’s gates were waiting.

He respectfully nodded.

Shera also bowed deeply.

Neither of them spoke another unnecessary word.

The two bid farewell to the patriarch and left the courtyard.

The peaceful atmosphere slowly disappeared behind them as they walked through the stone pathways of the estate.

Lanterns illuminated the ancient corridors, their warm glow dancing across polished tiles while a gentle night breeze rustled the surrounding trees. From somewhere in the distance came the faint sounds of guards changing shifts, reminding everyone that although the household appeared peaceful, it remained on high alert.

Julian walked with steady footsteps.

Shera silently followed beside him.

Once outside, looking at the twenty-four elite members Shera brought back, Julian asked,

"How loyal are these twenty-four?"