Morning light filtered through the curtains as Raj woke up on the floor, his muscles aching from an intense dream.
Stepping into the shower, he noticed his reflection—a leaner, more defined physique, complete with abs and muscles he hadn't seen before. His senses seemed heightened, and the world appeared more vivid as he can see all elements in his surrounding's clearly.
Raj stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt collar for what felt like the hundredth time. His father, Mahesh Mehta, walked into the room, noticing the unusual nervousness in his son's demeanor.
"Ready for your first big event (family gathering), son?" Mahesh asked, a reassuring smile on his face.
Raj nodded, his thoughts racing. It had been fourteen years since he last saw the entire Mehta family gathered in one place. The last memory he had was a blur of faces and voices, overshadowed by the tragic loss of his mother when he was just five years old.
Today's breakfast was not just a meal; it was a very important event where his grandfather gives his family members some important orders that he don't know for now.
As they made their way to the main hall, Raj couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He walked alongside his father, their footsteps echoing through the spacious corridors of the family estate. When they reached the hall, they found it empty except for Raj's sister, who was already seated, scrolling through her phone.
"We're early," Mahesh remarked.
As they chatted, the hall slowly began to fill with the sounds of approaching footsteps and voices. The first to arrive was Sudhir, Raj's uncle and Acharya's second son, accompanied by his wife and children.
Sudhir greeted Mahesh, "Good morning", and had a surprised look when he saw Raj. "Raj, you look healthy and better than before. It's been so long since you've seen me; you probably don't remember".
Saying this he sat beside Mahesh.
Next came Hemal, Acharya's first son, with his family in tow. Hemal's presence commanded respect, his demeanor as stern and composed as Raj remembered. However, his stern face softened into a smile when he saw Raj.
"Raj, you've become quite the young man," Hemal said, shaking Raj's hand firmly, thinking 'I can't believe that he started cultivating after I just gave him little information', "We've missed you."
He sat side by side his brothers.
{A/N: I can't describe all the characters because I am a noob.}
Everyone greeted each other and waited for the family head, Acharya.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The room fell silent as the head of the Mehta family, Acharya, entered. His presence was commanding, his eyes wise and knowing. He looked around the room, taking in the sight of his family gathered together after so many years. When his gaze fell on Raj, a proud smile spread across his face.
"I can't believe he's even started reinforcing his body," Acharya thought.
He sat on his chair and looked at all of the faces that were waiting for him and can see some of his grandkids have nervousness. He smiled and ordered the maids to serve the food.
While eating,
Acharya: How's business going nowadays, any changes?
All three brothers (nervous): No. We are doing great.
Mahesh: As well as Raj's getting better so I am way beyond happy.
Hemal said in a suspense, "I can see that as well as something that me and father can see".
Sudhir taunted Raj through speaking to his father, "Shlok is doing great even though he is the same age as Raj and will soon complete his studies. So, Raj what are you doing nowadays"?
"Nothing, just taking out the venom you injected", Raj spoke sarcastically.
PAT!!
Mahesh hit his son on the head but everyone was surprised when Raj said about venom because they all know about it instead of children and Mahesh.
All eyed each other, stopped talking and starting eating.
After eating Acharya said to Raj, "At night at 9 AM come to my room, we will talk and I want to give you something." Sudhir was shocked to hear this and thought 'I can't believe that he passed it this early'.
Raj nodded and all goes to their own room. Raj started his tortures meditation for the whole day and got ready to meet with his grandfather.
[Natural mission: Meditate for 48 hours (25%)]
Raj is standing in front of a door and he has made up his mind to ask his grandfather about poison and cultivation. When he raised his arm to knock the door someone opened it and his grandfather was seating on a chair.
"So, this is the last door remaining in this mansion. So, give it a try and if you want a hint then – IT WAS ALWAYS IN FRONT OF YOU"
He nodded his head and started to find the secret door; checked all books, scan the whole table, try to find anything by knocking the walls, under bed, etc. In the end he couldn't find any door or any clue but, in the end, he remembered the skill [Appraisal Eye] in the previous mission and used it secretly but Achary noticed the spiritual change around him that shocked him but didn't speak.
By using the skill, he noticed the outline of the hidden door but couldn't find the lock, he started scanning the whole room again and in last to find the same outline on the mug that his grandfather was holding the whole time and remembered the hint because that mug was the only thing he had been holding the starting of the day he came and met him.
Seeing the look of his grandson he knew that he at least found out something and for the few minutes of silent awkwardness Achary started laughing, "HaHaHaHa. I can't believe that in this many years you are the first one to find a clue."