Shen Yue and the man who had kicked his door rolled across the floor in a violent struggle. Rage burned in Shen Yue's chest, igniting every cell in his body. His muscles bulged, his veins throbbed, and his transformation began—something primal, something inhuman.
The attacker groaned, not giving in. "What the hell is this... an animal?"
Desperate, he pulled out a dagger and plunged it into Shen Yue's back.
Clink.
The blade didn't pierce his skin.
A frown of disbelief twisted across the man's face. "What kind of monster...?"
Before he could act again, Shen Yue's glowing red eyes met his. With a savage growl, Shen Yue opened his mouth and, in a berserk fury, bit into the man's neck. Flesh tore free. Blood gushed like a fountain, staining the floor, the walls, and both of their bodies.
It was brutal beyond imagination. So sudden, so raw, so final—the man didn't even have time to scream before collapsing lifelessly.
In the assassin's dimming eyes, regret shimmered.
"Why... why did I accept this task...? Even crippled... he was still..."
His last breath escaped.
Then came the cold voice of the system:
"Warning. Host body unable to sustain Hyper Gene Burst. Emergency deactivation initiated."
Shen Yue's body seized up. His muscles spasmed violently. Then he collapsed, groaning.
"7th Grade Fire Spiritual Root detected. Compatibility: 99%."
The pain was unbearable. Shen Yue's body trembled, and his vision blackened.
"System...?"
No reply.
The system scanned for a response but received none. The host had lost consciousness. Yet his soul still lingered within the agony.
"Compatibility with host's broken spiritual roots confirmed. Initiating emergency evolution protocol."
Even in the void of unconsciousness, Shen Yue felt everything. The pain was sharp and deep, like fire being etched into his soul. But his body gave no response. He lay still on the blood-soaked floor, both the assassin and him unmoving.
—
Time passed.
When Shen Yue finally opened his eyes, the pain was still there, sharp in his neck and back. He couldn't lift a finger. Every muscle was heavy, like he had been crushed beneath a mountain.
Then—
"You're awake! What happened to you?! How did you get into this state?!"
A voice. Warm, frantic. It shook with worry.
He blinked and smiled faintly. That voice—it was hers.
"Big Sis... can you ask one question at a time?"
Shen Ning let out a sharp breath. Relief washed over her features, but her tone remained urgent.
"You're injured! Who did this? Tell me everything."
He nodded slowly and, after a few breaths, began explaining what had happened.
Ten minutes later, the room was silent.
Then—
Bang!
Shen Ning slammed her palm on the table. Her face was twisted with fury.
"Cao Jiang! That bastard! Even after crippling you, he sent an assassin to kill you! And Xin Yao... that heartless bitch!"
Her voice shook. Flames danced in her eyes.
"We raised her like family! Gave her shelter! And she dares betray you? After everything you did for her?"
The room seemed to heat up around her. Her spirit energy stirred unconsciously.
"If it weren't for the Cao Clan backing him, I would have already ripped him apart. I wouldn't even leave his bones intact."
Shen Yue gave her an awkward smile. "Sister... I'm okay. Really."
She softened at his voice, her expression falling. She reached out and gently squeezed his hand.
"You don't have to act strong, Yue'er. I won't let this happen again. The Jade Flower Sect's disciple selection is coming. If I get in, I'll protect you. I'll make sure Cao Jiang and Xin Yao pay for everything."
She leaned closer, eyes bright with resolve. "Oh—and I have good news."
Shen Yue's interest perked up. He had heard about the Jade Flower Sect. They only accepted women with exceptional talent. Their origins were mysterious, but their strength was unquestioned.
"What is it?"
She grinned. "I found medicine that might heal your injuries."
His eyes widened. "You got medicine? But... that must've cost everything you had. And my recovery odds—"
She cut him off with a gentle flick to his forehead.
"So what if it did? Even if there's just a 1% chance, I'd still take it. I'm your sister, Yue'er. I won't stand by and watch you suffer."
She straightened up and smiled. "Stop comparing me to those heartless nobles. Now get ready. The medicine's prepared. You'll have to take a pill and soak in the medicinal bath overnight. It's already night—I'll warm the water."
She left the room swiftly.
Shen Yue exhaled and muttered, "System."
A familiar blue panel lit up before his eyes.
Mythic Gene Evolution System – Status Panel
Name: Shen Yue
Age: 14 (80% recovered)
Cultivation Realm: 1st Layer, Qi Refinement
Skills:
9 Supreme Star Sword Technique (Beginner)(50%)
True qi elemental art (beginner) (34%)
Gene Skills: 6th Grade Fire-Ice Spiritual Roots
He stared at the screen. A puzzled look crossed his face.
"System, how did I get the 7th Grade Fire Spiritual Root?"
The system responded calmly.
"Upon collapse, host's broken spiritual root structure triggered compatibility protocol. Fire attribute detected. Residual Ice Root present. Fusion initiated. Mutation successful. Result: Dual Fire-Ice Spiritual Root."
He nodded slowly, processing the answer.
"So the previous host had a rare Ice Root... and now, with the fire fusion, I have something even more rare. No wonder the pain was unbearable."
He looked down at his still-trembling hands. "I'm 80% recovered now. If sister's medicine works... maybe I can truly heal."
Just then, Shen Ning returned, smiling brightly though her voice held quiet anxiety.
"Yue'er, the bath is ready. Let's begin."
She helped him stand. His body wobbled, but with her support, they reached the bathing room. Shen Yue undressed slowly and lowered himself into the warm, herb-infused bath.
The liquid shimmered faintly.
She handed him a small pill.
"Here. Take this."
He hesitated. "System. Scan this pill."
"Analyzing... 8th Grade Healing Pill. Rare. High cost. Common only among high-tier sects and noble families. Cannot regenerate spiritual roots but stabilizes internal damage. In <1% of cases, may trigger Body Cultivation potential."
Shen Yue stared at the pill.
"So expensive... and she still bought it for me."
He clenched the pill tightly.
"This pain... her sacrifice... I'll repay it all. I won't waste this chance."
He swallowed the pill.
Warmth exploded in his chest. It spread to his limbs, then his bones. The bath turned hotter, energy seeping into his pores. The pain didn't vanish—it evolved. It focused.
He rested his hands on the rim of the tub and closed his eyes.
"This is my rebirth."
Outside, Shen Ning stood guard under the moonlight. Her eyes were cold, yet her heart burned.
"I don't care how long it takes," she whispered. "I'll protect you, Yue'er. Even if I have to shatter the heavens."
Inside, Shen Yue breathed deeply.
"My new path begins. I'll rise from this broken body. I'll grow stronger than ever. And when I'm ready..."
His eyes opened, gleaming.
"Cao Jiang. Xin Yao. The entire Cao Clan... If you dare stand in my way, I'll bury you all."