No sooner had the laughter from the eldest brother's arrival begun to fade, the estate's front gates stirred once more.
The wind shifted, this time not with a roar—but with a refined calmness, as if even nature paused in quiet respect.
First arrived the second sibling—a graceful figure robed in soft emerald-green robes, embroidered with golden lotus patterns. Her hair was tied into a delicate knot, adorned with a small jade pin symbolizing her status as an inner disciple of the Medicine God Sect.
Taryn's eyes lit up the moment he saw her.
"Second sister!"
She stepped down from her elegant carriage, held her hands out, and pulled him into a gentle embrace. Her voice was as serene as ever.
"You really did recover…" she said softly, brushing his cheek with her thumb. "I knew you would. I even risked the wrath of a rare flame beast to get this for you."
She reached into her sleeve and handed him a small jade bottle and a thin, red-gold book.
"This is the Verdant Vitality Pill—it'll help temper your body and remove any lingering internal damage over time. And this"—she held up the manual—"is something I transcribed myself: Basics of Spiritual Conduction in Alchemy. It will help you learn to feel the resonance between herbs and spiritual energy."
Taryn's hands trembled slightly as he took the items. "Thank you, second sister. You always look out for me."
She smiled, and whispered, "Of course. I'll always look out for you."
Just then, a heavy thud hit the ground as another figure landed firmly behind them.
The fourth sibling had arrived.
He wore no extravagant robes—just a martial instructor's uniform, clean and pressed, with a long black sash around his waist. His hair was neatly tied, and his eyes sharp like a blade. His presence radiated discipline and control, honed from years as an instructor at the Heavenly Martial Academy.
He stood tall, arms crossed, giving Taryn a long, silent look.
Taryn swallowed nervously.
Then, slowly, a small smile tugged at the corner of the fourth brother's lips.
"You've grown."
Taryn blinked. "You're not going to lecture me?"
The fourth chuckled. "Later. But today... I'm proud."
He stepped forward and handed Taryn a long, sleek box wrapped in black silk.
"Inside is a custom training scroll—Foundational Movements of Flowing Iron Form. Practice them every day, and your combat foundation will never betray you."
"Thanks, fourth brother," Taryn said, bowing with genuine respect.
Fourth placed a hand on his head briefly. "Don't waste it."
Soon, the entire family was gathered in the great hall. Joy, laughter, stories, and teasing filled the air.
The eldest nudged the second sibling. "Another gift? Taryn's practically bathing in blessings."
Second smiled. "Well, he's the youngest. It's tradition to spoil him."
Fourth added dryly, "And to keep him out of trouble."
Taryn sat surrounded by his siblings, gifts in hand, warmth in his chest.
The system, invisible to all but him, floated behind him with crossed arms and a knowing grin.
"Truly the perks of being the youngest," it said.
"But don't get used to it—training resumes tomorrow."
Taryn just smiled.