Chapter 5972

The familiar valley surfaced beneath them, green ridges folding like a cupped hand around smoky shelters.
As their shadows crossed the clouds, the entire encampment erupted—the air vibrating with cheers, pounding footsteps, disbelief.

“It’s Jared!” a lookout barked, his voice cracking like a split branch.
“He’s back!” someone closer to the ground whooped, the sound kicking up dust.
“They’re both back!” The cry rolled through the tents like night wind through canvas.

Aurelian, Blaine, Oswald, and dozens more burst from temporary caverns, half-tied robes flapping.

The instant Jared’s presence brushed them, they froze—pressure without motion, depth without sound.

Aurelian’s eyes ballooned, his voice wobbling. “Brother Jared… what—”
“Heavenly Immortal Realm, Level Seven? That’s insane!”

The words hung between them, more accusation than compliment. For a heartbeat, Jared heard his own history crack.

A month ago, he had gasped at the ceiling of Level Five. Today, he stood two rungs higher, footing effortless.