## Chapter 6: Echoes of Power
Morning came with a hum of energy in the air.
Kai sat alone in the basement training room, shirtless, his lean frame covered in a sheen of sweat. His silver-blue eyes were closed, his breathing calm. Around him, the atmosphere shimmered faintly as the energy of the **Falsified Sky Sutra** and **Blood Pulse Sutra** surged within his body.
Then, it happened.
A shift. Like the snapping of a thread under tension.
The energy in his veins twisted and coiled, then unraveled into something deeper. His heartbeat slowed. His mind sharpened. The conflicting pulses between the two sutras found harmony.
He opened his eyes.
"Breakthrough," he murmured.
With this, his control over both sutras deepened. His body moved faster than before. His awareness expanded. His blood surged with silent power. The Falsified Sky Sutra now allowed him to project illusions with less strain, while the Blood Pulse Sutra enhanced his regenerative ability to a terrifying degree.
The former assassin inside him smiled. This was only the beginning.
---
Later that day, Han Sen walked into Kai's room, scratching his head. "Hey, I've been struggling with the Pulse Explode Art. It feels... stiff. Not for me. Got anything else?"
Kai looked up from his terminal and nodded. "I created something. Based on your reflex patterns and energy flow."
Han Sen blinked. "You made one for me? Like, from scratch?"
Kai handed him a drive. "Try this. I call it *Shadow Tracer*. It enhances short-burst agility and syncs with instinct rather than raw power."
Han Sen stared at the drive, then back at Kai. "Dude... you're scary good at this."
Kai smirked faintly. "Just efficient. You need something that complements your natural instinct, not fights it."
Han Sen looked almost touched. "Thanks, bro. Seriously."
Kai said nothing, just nodded once more.
---
A few hours later, the three siblings walked through a massive indoor shopping mall, lights glowing gently overhead.
Han Sen dragged a reluctant Kai through the crowd, with Little Yan hopping between them, clutching a cotton candy stick nearly her size.
"We're here to shop, Kai! At least pretend to enjoy it," Han Sen teased.
Kai adjusted his sunglasses and hoodie. "Too many people."
"You're not a celebrity. Chill."
Little Yan giggled. "Kai gege looks like a movie star! Like the ones from those old action dramas!"
"Only if the role is brooding swordsman," Han Sen muttered.
They passed by a clothing store. Little Yan darted inside, pulling Han Sen along. Kai stayed outside, arms folded.
Han Sen popped his head out a minute later. "Pick something for yourself too, man. Don't make me play dress-up solo."
Kai finally relented, stepping inside and scanning the racks. He picked a simple black coat with crimson accents. Minimalist. Sharp.
"Fits your whole secret-agent vibe," Han Sen said, giving a thumbs up.
"Tactical utility," Kai replied.
---
They entered a boutique weapons store nestled between clothing outlets. On display were weapons suspended in crystal-like cases. Beast soul weapons. Rare ones.
A soft hum drew Kai's attention.
A long, obsidian-black sword shimmered with crimson veins beneath its surface. It was a **sacred-blood beast soul sword**, dormant yet powerful.
Kai stepped closer. As if drawn.
His fingers brushed the glass. It pulsed faintly in response.
"That one," he said.
The attendant gulped. "That's the Crimson Fang. Only recently acquired. The price is... high."
Kai handed over a Saint Hall card. "Wrap it."
Han Sen raised an eyebrow. "You rich now or something?"
Kai offered no answer. Han Sen had no idea that Kai had already sold three low-tier gene arts to the Saint Hall anonymously, earning significant credit.
---
While the sword was being processed, Kai stepped out for air.
That's when he saw her.
She leaned against the rail overlooking the fountain plaza, arms crossed, cold eyes scanning the crowd. A black coat draped over her lean frame.
**Queen.**
Tall. Graceful. Deadly.
Just like in the files.
Kai approached slowly. "You watch people like you're choosing targets."
Queen didn't look at him. "And you approach like you already know how they'd respond."
Kai smirked. "Maybe I do."
She glanced sideways. Her eyes met his, sharp and unblinking. "You're not ordinary."
"Neither are you."
A silence passed.
"You have the eyes of someone who's killed," she said finally.
Kai didn't flinch. "And you have the eyes of someone who'd do it again."
She turned fully to face him. The tension between them was subtle, but electric.
"Name?" she asked.
"Kai."
"You're not from Blackhull District."
"No. I walk my own path."
Queen studied him. "Be careful. Power attracts enemies. And allies who aren't allies."
"Thanks for the warning."
She walked past him but stopped briefly.
"We'll meet again."
Kai turned to watch her go, a strange flutter catching in his chest.
He wasn't sure if it was danger or interest.
Maybe both.
Han Sen walked up next to him, cotton candy in hand. "Was that Queen?!"
"Yes."
"Man... you just attract cold women, huh?"
Kai gave him a look. "I didn't ask her to talk."
Han Sen grinned. "Didn't say you didn't enjoy it."
---
Back home, Kai laid the Crimson Fang on his desk. He ran a finger along its edge.
It pulsed in response.
Alive. Waiting.
He activated it, the sword's edge glowing crimson. It felt like an extension of his body.
Han Sen burst in again. "I tried Shadow Tracer. It's perfect! Like, made for me. I dodged Dad's VR combat bot in under four seconds!"
Kai nodded. "It was."
Han Sen clapped him on the shoulder. "You're a monster. In a good way."
Kai let a faint smile touch his lips.
"Don't tell anyone."
Han Sen laughed. "My lips are sealed, Professor."
From the other room, Little Yan shouted, "Kai gege! Come watch cartoons!"
He sighed. But stood up.
"Coming."
For a moment, the silence in his heart cracked just a little, and warmth slipped in.
Family.
---
**End of Chapter 6**