As weeks turned into months, the family began to understand the true nature of the 1st Heaven. Its grandeur was undeniable, but its dangers were woven into the very fabric of the realm.
The floating continents were so vast that traveling between major districts could take days even with high-speed constructs. Ancient ruins dotted the landscape — remnants of fallen divine empires — filled with treasures but also lethal traps and guardian beasts that had evolved to comprehend fragments of higher laws. Essence springs, the most contested resource, were fought over with ruthless efficiency. A single high-quality spring could sustain an entire faction for decades, so battles over them were frequent and bloody.
Joshua witnessed one such conflict firsthand during a scouting trip with the twins. A mid-tier faction clashed with a group of rogue S-rankers over a newly discovered spring. The fighting was brutal — techniques that could level mountains, essence constructs that moved with intelligence, and cultivators who fought with the desperation of those who knew failure meant losing everything.
In public, Joshua observed with calm, regal detachment. "A unfortunate dispute," he remarked to a passing noble, voice measured.
But when they returned to the mobile manor and were alone, he dropped the mask. Pacing with energetic steps, a cunning grin on his face, he said, "That was ugly. They tore each other apart over one spring. Imagine what they'd do for a high-grade mine like ours. We need to stay smart — low profile in public, but ready to strike hard if anyone threatens the family."
Kai, buzzing with [Yang] warmth and activity, nodded vigorously. "My heat can burn through their defenses, but we can't fight every battle. We need to pick our fights."
Mia added her cool [Yin] perspective with elegant calm. "And my cold can freeze their momentum. Together we create balance. But we must be patient… passivity has its strength."
Their parents contributed their own insights. Father's [Earth] and [Fire] made him the steady anchor. Mother's [Wood], [Water], and [Nature] helped them see the larger web of alliances and enmities.
The Silent Hoarders were particularly dangerous. These shadowy factions controlled black-market routes, manipulated permit systems, and eliminated threats quietly. Joshua sensed their eyes on the new Duke family more than once — subtle surveillance constructs, poisoned gifts disguised as welcoming tokens, and "accidental" encounters with aggressive cultivators.
One such incident occurred when a group of masked attackers ambushed the family during a visit to a neutral floating market. The leader hissed, "New blood thinks they can claim a fief without paying tribute? Hand over your spring rights or die."
Joshua's public mask held until the last possible moment. Then [Fire] and [Lightning] erupted with refined control — nurturing flames protecting his family while shifting into incinerating fury against the attackers. [The Glitch] distorted their essence techniques, making them misfire wildly. Kai's heat and Mia's cold worked in perfect [Yin-Yang] harmony, turning the battlefield into a zone of balanced destruction.
The attackers were defeated swiftly, but the message was clear: the 1st Heaven did not welcome newcomers easily.
That night, back in the safety of their fief, Joshua allowed his true self to shine. He lounged with unrestrained energy, a mischievous and cunning grin on his face. "They're testing us. The Silent Hoarders, the Old Blood remnants, even some Rising Stars — they all want to see if the new Duke family is weak. We keep playing the reserved, cultivation-focused nobles in public. But behind the scenes? We build. We grow. We prepare."
He raised one hand, letting [Fire] bloom gently before turning it scorching, then summoned [Lightning] with dominating force. "[The Glitch]" hummed beneath it all, ready and sharp.
The twins practiced nearby, their [Yin-Yang Path] creating beautiful harmony — Kai's warm, active light balancing Mia's cool, reserved darkness.
Joshua watched them with proud, playful affection. "You two are already stronger than most peak A-rankers. In a few years, when we push for the Divine Heavens, we'll be unstoppable."
The 1st Heaven was dangerous — filled with powerful factions, ancient traps, ruthless competition, and laws that could crush the unprepared.
But it was also a realm of unmatched beauty and opportunity.
The family had arrived as newcomers.
They would leave it as legends — or die trying.
Joshua's eyes gleamed with sharp, youthful cunning.
He had every intention of making sure they thrived.