James couldn’t help but chuckle. No matter how much this kid grew up, he still had that childish streak—and oddly, that brought James relief. At least for now, it meant the boy wasn’t the reincarnation of Waitara Path.

Standing to the side, Xzavion shot James a glance, then said, “Stephen, you’re such a shameless kid. The boss shows up and you still hide? And you don’t even bother greeting me? What—my cultivation’s too low for you now?”

Stephen panicked. “No, no, Mr. Bentley, I never—”

“Then quit talking nonsense,” Xzavion cut him off. “If you still call us brothers, get out here. The boss and I are getting stiff from looking up at you.”

Stephen stayed silent.

“Damn it,” Xzavion snapped. “The boss came here himself, and you’re still playing coy? Do we really have to force our hand?”

Before Xzavion even finished, Stephen shot out of the Hongrome in a flash of gold, landing in front of them. His long, messy hair hung over his face, tears streaming down his handsome, youthful features. He stared at James and Xzavion, shaking, overwhelmed.