"Indeed, you once possessed it, but it was too frail and was devoured by the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline," Xue Yue explained with a calm gaze, her voice ethereal. "Subsequently, it assimilated the characteristics of the Xiao Clan's Bloodline. This transformation means that the younger generation carrying your bloodline will experience an enhancement in their talents, aiding them on their cultivation journey. Additionally, it also gains the ability to form the Clan Tattoo of its own."
Xiao Hua stood in stunned silence, grappling with this revelation. Yet, as he pondered, he recalled how the Nihility Devouring Flame had acquired the ability to consume the bloodline strength of other Ancient Clans after it had slain and absorbed the Tunling Clan's leader.
Xiao Hua put his hand on his chin and thought inwardly in his heart. 'I never thought the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline would also have such ability...'
Xue Yue tapped her delicate finger against her chin, her eyes gently closing as she spoke, her voice soft yet profound. "From what I've discerned, since the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline devoured the Xiao Clan's Bloodline, the traits required to form this tattoo are now intertwined with your efforts and training. Furthermore, your Secret Technique is closely linked to this tattoo, and by fully mastering it, the Clan's Tattoo will manifest completely."
"I see..." Xiao Hua murmured, his voice low as realization dawned. "It's true. Whenever I use my Secret Technique, a beast-like tattoo appears. I hadn't even noticed it until Sister Azure pointed it out..."
He recalled the moment he first created the Secret Technique, with Lady Azure's guidance. At that time, he had felt an intense surge of Dou Qi, hot and tingling, coursing through his body. It raced through his veins, causing his blood to pulse rapidly.
With his keen Spiritual Perception, he sensed a mysterious energy rushing through his blood vessels, its final destination his forehead, where it took shape as a tattoo!
Even he had been surprised when the Secret Technique he had crafted alongside Lady Azure triggered the tattoo's formation. Under her guidance, he had successfully cultivated his own Clan Tattoo—one not belonging to the Ancient Eight Clans.
He had long believed that the tattoo's uniqueness compared to the Xiao Clan's was due to the fusion and merging of his bloodlines. Never had he considered that the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline had devoured the Xiao Clan's Bloodline within him.
This revelation explained why he had never associated the Xiao Clan's Tattoo with the one now etched upon his brow. Following his own reasoning, he had named the mark 'Thunder Mark' in honor of Martial God Asura, despite its differing appearance. Yet now... it seemed he might need to reconsider its name.
'Could this be why Sister Azure has never mentioned my Xiao Clan's Bloodline?' Xiao Hua scratched his head in thought. 'Perhaps she deemed it irrelevant, knowing that it had been devoured and could never be restored...'
"When you inherited the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline, it triggered the descent of the Lightning Tribulation and Lightning Punishment, did it not?" Xue Yue remarked, her voice calm but sharp as she raised her finger and pointed—not at Xiao Hua, but toward something deep within him.
"The lightning that descended served as nourishment for the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline, awakening the Lightning Beast within you from its deep slumber. However, upon sensing the presence of another bloodline within your body, the lightning energy was shared with it, strengthening the Xiao Clan's Bloodline before it was ultimately consumed by the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline."
"This was not an act of merging, but one of consumption, where the Xiao Clan's Bloodline was swallowed, and its traits absorbed."
Xiao Hua let out a wry smile, realization settling in. He finally understood why the System referred to his bloodline as 'Heavenly Lightning Bloodline (Xiao).' He had never expected that the Heavenly Lightning Bloodline had devoured and inherited traits from the Xiao Clan's Bloodline...
Xiao Hua shook his head, dismissing the thoughts of his bloodlines. There was nothing he could do about them now. Instead, it was far more beneficial to focus on the present—specifically, the violent pure energy that Lady Azure had sealed within his chest.
His gaze deepened as he contemplated the reason behind Lady Azure's desire to refine this energy. Naturally, he had no objections. However, in his current state, absorbing such wild and ferocious energy would be dangerous.
'Sister Azure must have intended to use this energy to heal my injuries,' he thought in his heart, 'but it seems my condition is worse than I imagined. There's even an internal injury that could become a serious problem if left untreated...'
Xiao Hua sighed inwardly and shook his head slightly. Healing his injuries had to be his top priority before anything else.
"Before that, I should send a message to Xun Er and the others, lest they might flip the entire outer parts of Black-Corner Region to find me..."
With a flick of his fingers, an emerald jade appeared in his palm, its surface etched with characters spelling "Chaos." This jade had been crafted by Lady Azure for the founder of Chaos Gate, Xiao Hua, and the other six members. She had realized they lacked a reliable method of communication, so she created the jades after having them gather the necessary materials.
Xiao Hua surged his Dou Qi, channeling it into the emerald jade. As the energy flowed, the jade emitted a faint hum, glowing softly in response. After sending his message, he slowly rose to his feet and made his way toward the elegant table Xue Yue had crafted.
He gently placed the communication jade in front of her and spoke softly, "Sister Xue Yue, this is the communication jade that Sister Azure created. I've informed Xun Er and my older brothers and sisters about my situation. They will likely come in a few days."
"If that is the case, I will open the boundary once they arrive," Xue Yue replied, her tone calm and assured. "I recognize their appearances and auras, so you can rest easy and focus on recovering from your injuries."
"Thank you, Sister Xue Yue," Xiao Hua nodded before turning back. He returned to his previous spot, sitting cross-legged.
His attention then shifted to the System, noticing that his ACP was nearing its limit. Without hesitation, he upgraded his ACP Rate, increasing his gain to 60 ACP per 12 hours. This left him with 12,035 ACP stored.
Satisfied with the the upgrade, Xiao Hua slowly closed his eyes, shutting out all external distractions. He focused solely on recuperating, allowing his body to heal and his mind to regain its calm.
Naturally, Xue Yue did not disturb him. Instead, she moved toward the entrance of the cave. With a casual wave of her hand, she formed another exquisite table and chair, their design intricate and sophisticated, as though crafted from the finest materials.
Sitting down with elegance, her gaze softened as she watched over the cave's entrance. She knew well that Xiao Hua was not only focusing on healing his injuries but also preparing to absorb the violent pure energy that her sister, Lady Azure, had sealed within him.
For now, she waited patiently, knowing it would take time for him to emerge from his closed-door seclusion. Yet, despite her calm demeanor, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity for the boy.
After he refined the Heavenly Wrathful Lightning, she became aware of just how vast and deep his Dou Qi reservoir had become. While this granted him immense power and Dou Qi reservoir, it also meant that advancing further would be a long and arduous process.
His next breakthrough to the Dou Huang class would take time—more time than most would endure.
Xue Yue thought about his future path and concluded that after reaching the Dou Huang Realm, he needn't rely on the Heavenly Suppression Band's absorption ability. Instead, it would be wiser to focus on repairing the band, fortifying his strength for what was to come.
Her thoughts drifted to the next Heavenly Lightning that would descend when he achieved the Dou Huang breakthrough—the Heavenly Judgement Lightning, a fearsome, blood-red lightning from the heavens.
"I should teach him formation arrays and spiritual arrays after he refines this lightning," Xue Yue mused softly. "The lightning will gift him something invaluable for an Array Master... it would be a shame not to cultivate that path."
"It seems I will be forming a bond with him as both his teacher and sister..."
A faint smile graced Xue Yue's lips as she imagined this evolving relationship, one mirroring the connection her sister had with him. Leaning back in her chair, she settled into her quiet vigil, awaiting the day Xiao Hua would emerge from his seclusion.
———|
Time flowed like water, and two weeks had quietly passed since Xiao Hua began his recuperation.
Xue Yue, who had been resting near the entrance of the cave, suddenly felt a faint tremor from within its depths. Her sharp eyes narrowed as her attention shifted inward, where a surge of energy suddenly fluctuated, rippling through the air.
"Is he coming out, Lady Xue Yue?"
A soft, innocent voice rang out, drawing Xue Yue's attention. She turned to see a young girl standing nearby, clad in a pale green dress. Her long black hair cascaded loosely down to her waist, only faintly restrained, adding a touch of youthful beauty to her already delicate appearance. It was easy to imagine that in the years to come, she would blossom into an extraordinary beauty.
This girl was none other than Xun Er, who had arrived a week after Xiao Hua entered seclusion. She had come alongside Ming Cheng and the others, but fate intervened. Ming Cheng and his companions had to depart, summoned by urgent news from the members of Chaos Gate.
Yet Xun Er chose to stay. She knew that even if she returned, there was little she could do. Her heart was burdened with worry for Xiao Hua, and until she was certain of his well-being, she would not leave his side.
"Indeed, he is, little one," Xue Yue affirmed with a gentle nod. She watched as the tension in Xun Er's delicate features gradually eased, her nervous expression softening into one of quiet relief. A faint breath escaped her lips, as though a weight had been lifted from her heart.
Xue Yue had long noticed the girl's unease over the past week. Every day, Xun Er stood vigil at the mouth of the cave, her gaze never wavering, as if waiting for a sign. Xue Yue hadn't been bothered by it; she understood the depth of their bond. The love between Xiao Hua and Xun Er was clear to anyone with discerning eyes
'She truly possesses an enviable amount of luck...' Xue Yue mused silently. Like Lady Azure, she, too, felt a sense of relief knowing that they had remained as lovers rather than becoming strangers, bound by fate yet separated by circumstance.
For she knew well that breaking their bond would cast a shadow over their lives, especially on the little girl. Xun Er, though blessed with boundless fortune, bore a heavy condition with her fate. Her immense luck was not unconditional—it required her heart to be given, her love to bloom, preferably for someone with a heavenly destiny.
The night her luck first awakened was in the face of mortal danger, but after that, it remained dormant. Only when Xun Er's heart began to stir, when she unconsciously falling in love for Xiao Hua, did her fortune once more entwine their fates.
Yet, this blessing was a double-edged sword. If their bond ever fractured, if their relationship soured, the two of them would face a disastrous backlash, one that could shatter their cultivation paths.
Thus, both Xue Yue and Lady Azure were relieved that Xun Er and Xiao Hua had healed their once-fragile bond, replacing the surface-level connection with a true, unbreakable one. If not, there was no doubt that their paths would have led to a tragic end, both of them fated to perish together.
'The boy truly doesn't understand how her luck works... he walks a dangerous path, like treading on a blade's edge.' Xue Yue sighed inwardly. 'I only hope he doesn't create more problems in the future…''
She shook her head, a faint, wry smile tugging at her lips. How had her little brother become entangled in such a precarious web of fate? It was a mystery even she couldn't fathom…
....
Meanwhile, deep within the cave, Xiao Hua's eyes slowly fluttered open, revealing a faint golden-green glow flickering at the edge of his irises. His gaze swept over the darkened chamber, and with a thought, his powerful perception extended outward.
Two familiar auras waited for him at the cave's entrance—one belonged to Xue Yue, as expected, but the presence of Xun Er took him by surprise. He hadn't anticipated her to be there as well.
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Hua stood up slowly, his movements calm yet deliberate. Before stepping out, he focused inward, inspecting the flow of energy within his body. He needed to ensure that everything was stable, especially after making such a significant breakthrough in his cultivation. After all, leaping an entire major realm was no trivial feat.
As Da Dou Shi, one had to gather and condense their internal energy into a solid form. This solid energy would crystallize into a thumb-sized diamond, its color reflecting the affinity of one's Dou Qi. This crystal, the very core of one's cultivation at the Da Dou Shi realm, was referred to as the "Dou Crystal" by those who had reached this level of power.
However, there were rare exceptions to the typical Dou Crystal. People like Xiao Yan and himself, who had refined extraordinary treasures, found their Dou Qi altered, and their Dou Crystal reflected that uniqueness.
In the novel, Xiao Yan's Dou Crystal gleamed with a verdant hue, a result of the Green Lotus Core Flame.
As for Xiao Hua, his Dou Crystal shimmered with a rare golden-green hue, the mark of his Azure Tribulation Flame.
Now that Xiao Hua had stepped into the Dou Wang class, he was acutely aware that the nine Dou Crystals that once resided within him had vanished, transcended by his newfound power.
His thoughts delved inward, and with a subtle command, he surged his Dou Qi. Instantly, a low rumbling echoed from within his body. A tidal wave of powerful Dou Qi, like a flood, surged forth from every corner of his being, rushing into his crystal-like Qi Paths.
These Qi Paths, now nearly transparent with faint orange veins running through them, gleamed as they absorbed the flowing Dou Qi. They seemed to have formed a dam long ago, built to channel this overwhelming force. The veins within shrank and expanded in rhythm, releasing a silent, joyous hum, as though they too were alive and celebrating this new power.
His Qi Paths and veins had undergone a remarkable transformation after refining the Heavenly Wrathful Lightning. Now, they were fortified beyond measure—no longer fragile as before. Even if he were to refine Heavenly Flames, his Qi Paths and veins would remain unharmed by their overwhelming heat and power.
Naturally, this transformation extended beyond just his veins—it had tempered his muscles, bones, and even his marrow.
"Thank the heavens… my Qi Paths and veins remain intact…" Xiao Hua murmured softly, a trace of relief in his voice. Despite his confidence, he had harbored a small fear that this sudden breakthrough might have caused damage to the delicate balance within his body. Fortunately, all was well.
Shaking his head, he decided to turn his attention elsewhere. "Now then... I wonder how my wings look." His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he raised his hand and clenched it lightly, feeling the surge of power coursing through his newly refined body.
The moment Xiao Hua clenched his palm, the space before him fluctuated. A cluster of fiery-red energy intertwined with arcs of silver lightning appeared in his hand, swirling together in a mysterious dance of power.
A strange light flickered in his dark-black eyes. After a brief pause, he dispersed the energies from his palm, his shoulder trembling slightly. In an instant, Dou Qi surged through his body, tracing an intricate and unfamiliar vein route before erupting from his back.
Without warning, a pair of dual-colored wings, blazing with golden-green flames, burst forth from him. Each wing arced over ten feet, their phoenix-like form exuding a breathtaking radiance. Majestic and fierce, they resembled the mythical wings of a phoenix, a vision of unparalleled beauty and power.
"Dou Qi transforming into wings... It seems I have indeed stepped into the realm of Dou Wang..." Xiao Hua murmured, his voice calm yet filled with the weight of realization.
Tilting his head slightly, his indifferent gaze fell upon the magnificent wings that extended from his back. He studied them without much emotion, as though the sight of these divine flames meant little to him. In his heart, however, an undercurrent of disappointment lingered, refusing to fade.
He knew well what this transformation signified—the pinnacle of mastery over one's Dou Qi, the mark of a true Dou Wang. Yet, despite the tremendous strength now coursing through his body, he couldn't shake the unease buried within him.
His body was indeed tougher than steel, refined to withstand the most fearsome of forces. His Dou Qi reservoir had expanded to an incredible extent, vast enough to intimidate any cultivator. But such a vast reservoir came with its own burden.
The larger the pool of Dou Qi, the longer it would take to fill. Advancing to the next cultivation class would become a slow, arduous journey. Though his strength had surged, the path ahead stretched out, demanding even greater perseverance.
Xiao Hua had realized this after refining the vast amount of pure energy that would normally propel a Dou Wang into the next major realm, transforming them into an elite Dou Huang. Yet here he stood, having only advanced by a single star, now a 7-Star Dou Wang. He couldn't help but wonder how long it would take before he could finally reach the Dou Huang class.
A sigh of disappointment escaped his lips. "I never thought this would become a problem for me… Still, my foundation has become incredibly firm and stable, thanks to the Heavenly Tribulation Lightning."
With that, Xiao Hua unfurled his magnificent Dou Qi Wings, taking a step forward and exiting the cave. The sunlight that spilled across the horizon was almost blinding after his prolonged seclusion, causing him to narrow his eyes slightly.
"Brother Xiao Hua, you've finally come out!" Xun Er's voice was filled with joy and relief, her words carrying the weight of a burden that had been lifted from her heart. Without hesitation, she leaped into his warm embrace, her arms open wide.
Xiao Hua was momentarily stunned by her sudden action but quickly regained his composure. His gaze softened, and he returned her embrace, his voice and smile laced with affection. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Xun'er."
Xue Yue stood silently to the side, watching the tender scene unfold. Over the past two weeks, she had witnessed Xun Er's unwavering anxiety and nervousness—her eyes never leaving the cave's entrance, her spirit bound by the hope of Xiao Hua's safe exit.
Had it not been for Xue Yue's gentle guidance, Xun Er would have likely refused to eat or move from her vigil, waiting stubbornly until Xiao Hua emerged.
Xiao Hua turned his attention to Xue Yue and smiled gratefully. "Sister Xue Yue, thank you for protecting me and Xun'er." Though he knew it wasn't necessary to say, he still felt compelled to express his gratitude.
"There's no need to thank me." Xue Yue shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. Her eyes lingered on Xiao Hua, sensing the energy fluctuating within him. She let out a helpless sigh. "It seems you've only advanced by one level... I almost feel pity for you, child."
Xiao Hua laughed bitterly. "Hahaha... Well, it can't be helped. For now, I'd rather focus on other matters than obsess over cultivation realms."
Xue Yue's eyes flashed with knowing amusement. "You're merely running from reality, boy..."
Xiao Hua could only offer a wry smile in response. He knew her words held truth. He was, indeed, avoiding the harsh reality of his situation. But there was little he could do. This wasn't just a matter of cultivation—it was tied to his bloodline. His physical body and soul had benefitted greatly from the tribulation, and for that, he couldn't truly complain.
Xun Er, waking from the bliss of their reunion, felt a slight flush of embarrassment creeping up. She slowly pulled away from Xiao Hua, though she still kept him in her embrace. Her eyes flickered up to him, and immediately, she sensed a powerful surge of energy radiating from his body, causing a subtle pressure to settle over her.
Naturally, she understood what this meant. Her gaze sharpened, and a flash of surprise crossed her delicate face. "Brother Xiao Hua, have you advanced to the Dou Wang class? But… this aura—this isn't the power of someone who's just entered Dou Wang…"
"That's right." Xiao Hua nodded, not hiding anything from her. There was no need, given Xun Er's sharp perception and vast experience. "I've advanced to 7-Star Dou Wang. During my time away, I stumbled upon an ancient ruin and… joined in the fun."
Xun Er let out a soft, melodious giggle, her smile full of warmth. Slowly, she released him from her embrace, though her heart felt an emptiness the moment she did. Even so, she knew she couldn't remain in his arms forever.
Yet, her expression soon turned anxious. "But, Brother Xiao Hua… are you alright?"
Xiao Hua's lips curled into a gentle, affectionate smile. Her concern warmed his heart, and he could see the worry in her eyes—worry that he had pushed himself too far, jeopardizing his cultivation or even his health.
"I'm fine," he reassured her softly. "The reason I took such a risk to force my advancement was because I encountered a formidable enemy. I needed the strength to protect Sister Azure while she created a spatial passage for me to escape. But… I did let my guard down and ended up being poisoned."
Despite the gravity of his words, Xiao Hua's smile remained calm and affectionate, easing the anxiety clouding Xun Er's heart. She trusted him deeply, knowing that his injuries weren't the cause of her real concern. What truly troubled her was whether his sudden breakthrough might have compromised the stability of his cultivation.
However, Xun Er understood well the power of the Heavenly Tribulation Lightning. She knew that with its tempering, Xiao Hua's foundation would be nothing short of solid, no matter how quickly he advanced. Even if his rise in power was rapid, as long as he was given time to stabilize his Dou Qi, his foundation would become as firm as a mountain.
Worrying about his foundation becoming fragile or weak was unnecessary—she knew better.
Xun Er felt a wave of relief wash over her, but her expression shifted as something caught her attention. "Poison? Brother Xiao Hua, is there really a poison powerful enough to affect you?"
Xiao Hua smiled faintly, his eyes reflecting a deep understanding. "There's a saying in this world: Nothing is absolute. I've experienced it firsthand, and now I understand that truth better than anyone."
Xun Er's brows furrowed slightly, pondering his words. "But from what I've heard, there's no one in the Black-Corner Region capable of wielding such a unique and powerful poison... Could it be from someone outside?"
"You could say that," Xiao Hua responded calmly. "But there's no need for concern. The one responsible has already perished within the ancient ruins."
"If that's the case, then we no longer need to worry." Xun Er nodded thoughtfully and let the topic drop. Since the matter had been resolved, there was no reason to dwell on it or harbor grudges from the past.
However, her curiosity remained piqued. "An ancient ruin, you say?"
She tapped her chin gently, lost in thought. She had heard rumors circulating about strange occurrences in the region, particularly concerning the ancient ruins that had opened within the Black Rose Forest.
"I never would have imagined that Brother Xiao Hua would be involved in such an event." A soft smile of relief appeared on her lips. "I'm truly glad you survived. I remember hearing that hundreds of cultivators fell when the ruins underwent sudden changes. Some sects and clans even lost their clan leaders, while others had their elders seriously injured."
Xiao Hua's expression remained composed as he absorbed Xun Er's words, though a faint flicker of somberness appeared in his eyes. He hadn't realized that so many cultivators had been drawn to the ancient ruins, nor had he anticipated staying within its depths for such a long time. The news of large forces gathering and entering the ruins only added to his surprise.
Still, he knew one thing for certain: the balance of power in the Black-Corner Region was bound to shift, and chaos would likely follow. However, despite the inevitable turbulence, he doubted that the standings of the most powerful figures on the 'Black Ranking' would change any time soon.
'So much for traveling through the Black-Corner Region with Xun'er…' Xiao Hua mused inwardly, a twinge of disappointment settling in his heart. He had originally planned to travel the Black-Corner Region alongside her, all while concealing the fact that his strength had leaped forward by an entire major realm.