Chapter 16: Academy 3
As we arrived, we witnessed a playful, albeit heated, dispute between father and daughter. Their smiles betrayed the intensity of their words, suggesting a unique dynamic. A smile crept across my face as I realized the illusion had been lifted, allowing for a genuine conversation. However, their disagreement soon escalated to the point of her leaving the family to join mine.
Upon our arrival, both of them turned their attention to me. My grandfather and elder brother immediately released their auras, a clear display of our power and authority. Impressed, they ceased their argument. The elder approached my grandfather directly, demanding to know why his daughter should join our family. He vehemently refused to allow her to leave the sect. The aunt interjected, claiming it was her decision, not her father's. He looked at her sternly and questioned her reasoning.
She explained that our family was a true family, while their sect was merely a group of bloodsuckers who hid behind power and pure bloodline hoaxes to justify their selfish mistakes. She criticized their disregard for family and their willingness to sacrifice individual honor and power for the sake of family unity. As an example, she cited the case of a pregnant sister who was forced to stay within the family, despite being impregnated by a drunk member. They valued family love above all else, even at the cost of reputation and shame. She accused the sect of exploiting her daughter's strength as a Soul Emperor for their own purposes.
Her father slapped her in response, but she refused to back down. She challenged him to admit his guilt in neglecting to help her and her dying mother. He confessed that the elders had warned him against interfering and had imprisoned him and drugged him to prevent him from using his soul power. Overcome with emotion, he knelt before us, pleading for our promise to care for and protect his daughter.
I stepped forward, lifted him, and assured him that our past experiences had already answered his concerns. He didn't need to worry; we would treat his daughter like our own. He turned to her, expressing his happiness at finally being called "father" and playing with his daughter. He thanked me for helping her break free from the illusion. Then, he announced that the college was a gift from him to his daughter and that he would pay the family from his treasury. The aunt expressed her gratitude.
As they continued to discuss their family's dysfunctional dynamics, it became evident that the sect had instilled a toxic culture that prioritized obedience to authority over individual well-being. The aunt's courage to challenge the sect's oppressive rules was a testament to her strong character and unwavering belief in family love. Her decision to leave the sect and join our family was a bold one, but it was also a necessary one for her own happiness and fulfillment.
The elder's remorse and his willingness to seek our protection for his daughter demonstrated a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of the sect. His actions suggested that even within such a corrupt organization, there were individuals who were capable of recognizing their mistakes and seeking redemption.
As I watched the unfolding drama, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the prospect of welcoming the aunt into our family. Her intelligence, strength, and unwavering loyalty would be a valuable asset to us. I was also eager to see how she would adapt to our family's culture, which was based on mutual respect, cooperation, and a deep-rooted sense of family unity.
The aunt's departure from the sect marked a turning point in her life. It was a moment of liberation from the oppressive chains of a toxic family environment. As she embarked on a new chapter, she could look forward to a future filled with love, happiness, and the support of a family that truly cared for her.
The next day, the aunt joined our family and took the oath. A few days later, she returned, and I went to meet her. She was standing in the courtyard, looking serene and content. I approached her and said, "Aunt, how are you feeling?"
She smiled warmly and replied, "I feel at peace. For the first time in a long while, I feel like I belong somewhere."
I nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "You are always welcome here. Our family is your family now."
She looked around, taking in the surroundings. "This place feels different. There's a sense of warmth and unity that I never felt in the sect."
I smiled, "That's because we value each other. We support one another, no matter what."
She sighed, "I wish I had realized this sooner. But I'm grateful to be here now."
We spent the rest of the day talking about her experiences and her hopes for the future. It was clear that she was determined to make the most of her new life. She was eager to contribute to the family and to learn from us. Her strength and resilience were inspiring, and I knew that she would be a great addition to our family.
As the days passed, she settled into her new role within the family. She quickly became a beloved member, her wisdom and kindness endearing her to everyone. She took on the responsibility of teaching the younger members, sharing her knowledge and experience with them. Her presence brought a new sense of harmony and balance to the family.
Her father, though still a member of the sect, visited often. He was visibly relieved to see his daughter happy and thriving. Their relationship, once strained and distant, began to heal. They spent time together, rebuilding their bond and creating new memories. It was a slow process, but with each visit, they grew closer.
The aunt's decision to leave the sect and join our family had far-reaching effects. It not only changed her life but also brought about a positive change in her father's outlook. He began to question the sect's practices and to seek ways to reform it from within. His visits to our family became more frequent, and he often sought our advice on how to bring about change.
In the end, the aunt's courage and determination had a ripple effect, touching the lives of many. Her story was a testament to the power of love, family, and the strength of the human spirit. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.
I hope this extended version adds the depth and detail you were looking for! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to expand on.