《God of War Dominates》


 Chapter 1: Rebirth

    Martial God Calendar 2216


    At the highest realm of Tianwu Continent¡ªthe Martial Realm.


    Black tempests roared ferociously across the sky, tearing open colossal gashes that pulsed with devouring void fissures. These ravenous cracks in reality resembled an ancient primordial beast, ceaselessly consuming all within reach.


    This was the Valley of Death¡ªone of Tianwu Continent''s Seven Forbidden Lands.


    For millennia, the valley''s eternal void storms had ground countless experts to dust. A meatgrinder of the cosmos, it annihilated all life daring to trespass. Even the most arrogant martial sovereigns avoided this place, for these storms could shred a Nine Heavens Martial Emperor like paper.


    "Why...Xier, Shaoyu...why betray me?"


    Qin Chen stood bloodied at the cliff''s edge, glaring at the couple before him. Crimson streaks marred his robes, his eyes twin pools of venomous anguish. Every heartbeat brought searing agony¡ªnot from wounds, but from the dagger plunged through his soul.


    Qin Chen¡ªthe Legend of Tianwu.


    Orphaned at birth with crippled meridians, he had defied the heavens themselves. A Ninth-rank Alchemic Emperor. Eighth-rank Bloodline Sovereign. The first in history to conquer the Eighty-One Celestial Arrays of Heaven''s Matrix Mountain at twenty-six. By thirty, none could rival his pill-forging arts or bloodline mastery.


    Yet now...


    His beloved¡ªShangguan Xier, the Continent''s First Beauty¡ªwhom he''d nurtured to become a Nine Heavens Martial Empress.


    His sworn brother¡ªFeng Shaoyu, for whom he''d forged the mighty Xuanyuan Empire.


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    Both stood before him as executioners.


    Three days prior, Xier had stabbed him with the divine blade he''d crafted for her. Shaoyu''s ambush left him fleeing across continents until cornered at this accursed valley.


    "Why?"The word tore from Qin Chen''s ravaged throat.


    Xier¡ªethereal as a painted immortal¡ªgiggled and nestled into Shaoyu''s embrace. The traitorous prince''s hand slid possessively around her waist.


    "We''ve been lovers since before meeting you,"Xier sneered, her celestial features twisting with venom."Every touch from you made my skin crawl. You were but a stepping stone."


    Shaoyu''s smirk mirrored a viper''s grin."For ten years, I watched you defile my woman. Now, your treasures, your legacy¡ªeven your precious ''soulmate''¡ªall become mine."


    As the couple laughed, Qin Chen''s world shattered.


    Ten years of devotion¡ªreduced to ash.


    With his last strength, Qin Chen leapt backward into the devouring void. The lovers'' enraged screams followed him into oblivion.


    Three centuries later


    Martial God Calendar 2516


    In Dingwu Prince Manor, Qi Kingdom:


    "XIER! SHAOYU! I''LL MAKE YOU PAY!"


    A gaunt youth bolted upright on a brocaded bed, drenched in cold sweat. Agonizing memories flooded his mind¡ªmemories not his own, yet more vivid than reality.


    The youth stared at his trembling hands.


    He¡ªQin Chen¡ªhad been reborn.


    Not as the peerless legend, but as the bullied bastard son of a minor noble. Three hundred years had transformed his betrayers into godlike rulers: Emperor Feng Shaoyu ruled the continent-spanning Xuanyuan Empire, while Empress Lingbo (Shangguan Xier) commanded the ethereal Misty Palace.


    "Heaven grants me vengeance."The youth''s bloodshot eyes gleamed with primordial fury. A phantom whirlwind of killing intent swirled through the chamber.


    The door burst open. A jade-haired woman rushed in, tears glistening on lashes as long as butterfly wings.


    "Chen''er!"Qin Yuechi¡ªhis mother in this life¡ªcrushed him in a trembling embrace. The warmth of her arms momentarily thawed his frozen heart.


    Through fragmented memories, Qin Chen understood: This body''s original owner¡ªalso named Qin Chen¡ªhad perished from head wounds after a duel. Now, merged with the ancient legend''s soul, a new storm brewed.


    "Mother...I promise."The words flowed naturally, finalizing the soul''s fusion. As residual consciousness faded, the youth''s gaze hardened into twin shards of glacial resolve.


    Somewhere beyond the horizon, two god-emperors shuddered inexplicably.

 Chapter 2: Mother

    "Good." The beautiful woman gazed tenderly at Qin Chen, her world seemingly reduced to this son of hers.


    "Chen''er, tell me truthfully - why did you duel Young Master Wei? Was this a trap..." Qin Yuechi furrowed her brows, concern etching her delicate features.


    "It was my own decision." Qin Chen lowered his head, eyes glinting coldly.


    The truth was Wei Zhen had called him a bastard and his mother a whore at the academy. Now he realized this had been a carefully laid trap - Wei Zhen had gone straight for the kill during their duel.


    He couldn''t tell his mother the truth. Knowing her temperament, she''d confront the Wei family despite their precarious position.


    Qin Yuechi had once been hailed as the Kingdom''s First Beauty, with suitors including the Emperor himself. Yet she''d vanished for three years, returning with an infant Qin Chen in her arms.


    An unwed mother.


    This scandal nearly got them both killed. Only her father Qin Batian - the Ironblood Duke - had shielded them from the family''s wrath. But contempt followed them like shadows in the mansion.


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    "Even if you never awaken your bloodline..." Qin Yuechi stroked his pale cheek, voice trembling. "...Mother will always protect you."


    "Bloodline awakening?" Memories surfaced.


    The original Qin Chen had failed multiple awakening rituals at the Starfall Academy. In this bloodline-dominated world, this doomed him to mediocrity - devastating for a youth desperate to change their circumstances.


    "Mother, this setback means nothing." Qin Chen''s smile held genuine warmth. To an Eighth-rank Bloodline Sovereign like his past self, awakening techniques were child''s play.


    Their moment shattered by thunderous pounding on the door.


    A maid in silver-fox fur barged in without courtesy. "You kept Lady Zhao waiting, Madam."


    "Yanzhi! My son needs rest!" Qin Yuechi blocked the maid''s view of the bed.


    The maid named Yanzhi smirked at Qin Chen. "Congratulations on surviving, Young Master." Her tone dripped mockery.


    "State your business." Qin Chen''s voice turned glacial.


    "Not here for trash." Yanzhi sneered. "Your mother promised to meet Prince Zhao Qirui today. The Lecherous Prince awaits in the parlor."


    Qin Chen''s blood ran cold. The entire capital knew Zhao Qirui''s reputation - a debauched ruler collecting women like trophies.


    "You forced her!" He shot up from bed.


    "Watch your tongue!" Yanzhi rounded on Qin Yuechi. "She begged on her knees for the Revitalizing Elixir to save your worthless life! Our Lady''s mercy came with... conditions."


    Qin Chen''s world tilted. The Revitalizing Elixir - a mere second-grade pill - had cost his mother''s dignity.


    "Mother stays." He gripped Qin Yuechi''s trembling hand. "I''ll protect you now. No more sacrifices."


    Turning to the maid, his voice dropped to subzero temperatures: "As for you - get out."

 Chapter 3: Lady Zhao

    "You dare shout at me, you little bastard?!"


    Rouge''s face flushed crimson with rage, trembling so violently even her hairpins rattled. Though many servants privately mocked Qin Chen as a "bastard," none dared say it to his face¡ªnot when Qin Yuechi remained the Qin family''s eldest daughter, however disgraced.


    But fury stripped Rouge of caution. She jabbed a finger at Qin Chen, sneering: "Calling you ''Young Master'' doesn''t make you one. You''re nothing!"


    Qin Yuechi''s face paled to ash. "Rouge! Remember your place¡ªyou''re a maid!"


    "Oh, acting high and mighty now?" Rouge smirked, secure in her backing. "Save your breath. The Mistress anticipated your defiance." She snapped her fingers. "Guards! Escort Lady Yuechi to the hall. Don''t keep Lady Zhao waiting."


    BANG!


    The door burst open. Two hulking guards marched in, eyes glinting as they closed in on Qin Yuechi. Though worn by hardship, her ethereal beauty still stirred forbidden desires.


    "Come quietly, my lady," one guard leered, reaching to "assist" her with a meaty hand.


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    "Touch her, and die."


    Qin Chen snatched a sword from the wall. Steel hissed free as he stepped between his mother and the guards, blade raised. An invisible pressure thickened the air.


    The guards froze. Though Qin Chen''s frame hadn''t changed, his gaze¡ªcold as winter steel¡ªpierced their bravado. Their throats dried; breath turned to lead.


    What sorcery is this?


    "Useless oafs!" Rouge screeched. "Let a whelp intimidate you? Remember who rules this house!"


    Shame hardened the guards'' resolve. One barked: "Step aside, bastard. We follow Lady Zhao''s orders. Interfere, and we''ll drag you too!"


    Qin Chen''s blade didn''t waver. "Test me. See whose blood stains this floor."


    He turned to Rouge, voice glacial: "As for you¡ªkeep barking, and I''ll have you branded a whore, exiled to labor camps. A fitting end for a rabid cur."


    Rouge blanched. If this escalated, Lady Zhao would sacrifice pawns like her without blinking.


    "Who presumes to exile my people?"


    A shrill voice sliced through the tension. Servants parted like reeds as a woman entered¡ªrobed in gold-stitched silk, jewels clattering with each step. Beside her waddled a bloated nobleman whose lust-glazed eyes devoured Qin Yuechi.


    "M-Mistress!" Rouge dropped into a trembling curtsy.


    Lady Zhao''s gaze swept the room, settling on her cowering maid. "Incompetent. Is this how you enforce my will?"


    "F-forgive this lowly one!"


    "Later. You''ve embarrassed me enough."


    Rouge scurried aside, shooting Qin Chen a venomous glare: Your reckoning comes, whelp.


    Lady Zhao arched a brow at Qin Chen''s drawn sword. "How¡­ bold my nephew has grown. Threatening executions? One might mistake you for the Qin heir." Her laugh dripped venom. "Shall we discuss your theatrics before our honored guest?"

 Chapter 4: Kill

    Qin Yuechi paled, pleading urgently: "Lady Zhao, Chen''er is young and spoke impulsively. Please overlook his rash words."


    Lady Zhao sneered: "Young? He''s nearly sixteen and still hasn''t awakened his bloodline at Astral Academy. Instead of striving for the Qin family''s honor, he brawls, tarnishes our reputation, and now insults his betters. What punishment does our clan''s law demand for this?"


    Qin Yuechi swayed. She means to condemn him outright!


    "The one deserving punishment is you." Qin Chen''s icy gaze locked onto Zhao Feng. "As the Qin matriarch, you let servants bully family members¡ªis this your so-called clan law?"


    Lady Zhao''s face flushed with rage. Before she could retort, Qin Chen pressed: "And what of your ''virtue,'' consorting with that lecherous disgrace Zhao Qirui?"


    Zhao Qirui¡ªwho''d been leering at Qin Yuechi¡ªchoked, face reddening. How dare this whelp drag me into this?!


    "You¡ª!" Lady Zhao''s hairpin trembled with fury. "Zhao Qirui is my royal cousin!"


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    "Ah, secret trysts with kin? How noble for the Qin matriarch." Qin Chen''s voice sharpened. "If this spreads, how will the Qin name survive in Great Qi?"


    "LIES!" Lady Zhao shrieked. "Guards¡ªSEIZE HIM!"


    Two guards lunged. Qin Yuechi threw herself before her son. One guard growled, "Apologies, Lady Yuechi," reaching to shove her aside.


    A blade flashed.


    Sshlick!


    Blood sprayed as the guard''s severed forearm thudded to the floor. Before his scream faded, Qin Chen''s sword pierced his heart.


    "I said: Touch my mother, and you die."


    Qin Chen flicked blood from his blade. The dripping crimson echoed in the deathly silence.


    Lady Zhao''s faction stood paralyzed. Outside, servants gaped in terror. The surviving guard froze, sweat-drenched¡ªsuddenly remembering: This "failure" entered Astral Academy on merit. A Human Realm warrior at fifteen.


    In martial ranks: Human, Earth, Heaven, Mystic, Sovereign, Sage, King, Emperor, Divine¡ªeach tier split into early, mid, and late stages. Before Human Realm lay the Meridian Awakening phase; only by opening seven meridians could one condense true qi.


    The guards, mere mid-Human Realm fodder, never stood a chance.


    Lady Zhao recovered first, shrieking: "MURDERER! RESTRAIN HIM!"


    The remaining guard drew his saber. With a bestial roar, he executed the Qin clan''s famed Yellow-tier technique¡ªVenomous Dragon''s Strike. The blade arced toward Qin Chen''s arm, aiming to maim, not kill.

 Chapter 5: The Marquis

    Everyone except Qin Yuechi watched the blade''s arc with calculating eyes.


    The strike roared through the air, menacing and precise¡ªa testament to the guard''s skill. Yet Lady Zhao seethed inwardly: Why aim for the arm? Strike the head!


    But before anticipation could solidify¡ª


    Clang! Clang! Clang!


    Three blinding flashes erupted from Qin Chen''s sword. The guard''s saber shuddered violently in his grip, nearly torn from his hands. As he strained to steady it, cold steel kissed his throat.


    Silence gripped the room.


    "Impossible¡­" The guard''s face paled. A Human Realm early-stage brat overpowering my late-stage strength?


    "Drop your sword!" Lady Zhao barked, clinging to her authority.


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    Qin Chen smiled¡ªa predator''s grin. The blade pressed deeper, then slashed sideways.


    "No¡ª!"


    Blood fountained. The guard crumpled.


    "Plead for mercy after trying to kill me?" Qin Chen''s laugh chilled bones. He turned to Zhao Qirui, eyes narrowing. "Glance at my mother again, and I''ll carve out your lecherous eyes."


    Zhao Qirui''s retort died under that feral gaze.


    Lady Zhao trembled with rage. "You dare threaten a royal? Qin Yong!"


    A gaunt elder in indigo robes stepped forward. His presence alone sharpened the air¡ªEarth Realm pressure.


    "Surrender, Young Master," Qin Yong intoned, lifeless eyes locked on Qin Chen. "Spare yourself pain."


    Qin Chen tightened his grip on the sword. "Try."


    Qin Yong moved¡ªa hawk''s lethal dive. Clawed hands tore through the air, crushing Qin Chen''s defenses.


    "STOP!"


    A thunderous voice froze the room.


    Marquis of Anping, Qin Yuanhong¡ªQin Chen''s uncle¡ªstrode in, his golden python belt gleaming. Qin Yong halted mid-strike, retreating with a bow.


    "My lord!" The room bowed as one.


    Lady Zhao pounced. "This viper murdered guards and threatened Prince Qi! He must¡ª"


    "ENOUGH!" Qin Yuanhong''s roar shook dust from beams. "Must you drag our name through filth? ''Viper''? If he''s vile, what does that make us?"


    Lady Zhao''s face purpled, words strangled by her husband''s wrath. Servants pressed foreheads to floor, breath held.

 Chapter 6: The Trial

    Qin Yuanhong approached Zhao Qirui, whose face was dark with anger, and cupped his hands in a formal salute. "Prince Qi, the Qin family has failed to discipline its members properly. I apologize for this shameful display."


    Zhao Qirui raised an eyebrow and sneered, "Marquis Qin, one of your disciples just threatened my life. I''m curious¡ªhow will you handle this?"


    Qin Yuanhong nodded calmly. "Rest assured, I shall give Your Highness a satisfactory answer. However, your visit today to see my sister¡­ if word spreads, it might invite unnecessary rumors. My household has pressing matters to attend to. I regret I cannot entertain you further."


    It was a thinly veiled dismissal.


    Zhao Qirui''s pale face flushed with rage. He took several deep breaths, visibly struggling to contain his fury, before finally flicking his sleeve. "How imposing of you, Marquis Qin. I shall remember today''s affairs." With a cold snort, he stormed out of the Qin manor.


    Qin Yuanhong swept his gaze over the remaining crowd and barked, "Return to your duties at once! Do you all wish to be punished?"


    The servants scrambled to their feet and scattered in panic. Even Lady Zhao, her expression twisted with venom, shot a hateful glance at Qin Chen and Qin Yuechi before leading her entourage away.


    Soon, only Qin Yuanhong, Qin Chen, his mother, and a few attendants remained in the courtyard.


    "Qin Chen," Qin Yuanhong remarked, eyeing the two corpses on the ground with mild surprise, "you''ve grown bold indeed¡ªdaring to kill." He turned to his subordinates. "Dispose of the bodies. Give their families fifty taels each. Tell them their husbands died in service to the Qin clan."


    "As you command, Lord."


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    Once the bodies were removed, Qin Yuanhong turned to Qin Yuechi, his tone softening. "Third Sister¡­ do you still resent me?"


    At the word "sister," Qin Yuechi trembled. Her nose twitched, but she bit her lip and replied flatly, "This humble one would not dare resent the Marquis."


    Qin Yuanhong sighed. "You know the scandal you caused when you fled the family and returned with Qin Chen. As the head of this household, I had no choice but to uphold our dignity."


    "I blame no one but myself," Qin Yuechi said, her voice trembling.


    Qin Yuanhong studied her stubborn expression, then waved a hand dismissively. "Let the past remain buried."


    His gaze hardened as he addressed Qin Chen. "For now, I shall overlook today''s incident. The Imperial Star Academy''s examination is in half a month. Ensure you awaken your bloodline by then. Prove to the nobility that every Qin descendant has the potential to become a warrior¡ªnot a worthless cripple."


    With that, he strode away, his ironclad demeanor leaving Qin Chen cold.


    The courtyard fell silent. Qin Yuechi stared at the empty doorway, her face ashen.


    "Mother, what''s wrong?" Qin Chen asked worriedly.


    Qin Yuechi snapped back to reality and forced a smile. "It''s nothing, child. You must be hungry. Rest while I prepare food."


    In the outer courtyard, she lit a fire and deftly cooked a bowl of steaming noodles¡ªa skill honed through years of hardship. Qin Chen devoured the meal, savoring the warmth that blurred the lines between his past and present lives.


    As she watched him eat, Qin Yuechi hesitated before speaking. "Chen''er¡­ there are things I shouldn''t burden you with, but you must know the truth."


    Qin Chen set down his chopsticks. "Tell me, Mother."


    "Your uncle, the Marquis of Anping, governs with ruthless discipline. His mercy today is unnatural. Remember his final words well."


    Qin Chen''s eyes sharpened. "You mean he''s waiting for me to fail the exam, so he can punish us both with justification?"


    Qin Yuechi stared at him, then laughed tearfully. "My son has truly grown wise."


    "Don''t fear, Mother. I will awaken my bloodline," Qin Chen vowed, his voice steel.


    Qin Yuechi nodded, though her heart sank. At nearly sixteen, awakening a dormant bloodline was near impossible. Yet as a mother, she clung to hope. "Even if we leave the Qin family, I''ll protect us," she whispered fiercely.


    Qin Chen gripped her hand. "Trust me, Mother. Soon, I''ll give you a life free from suffering."


    His resolve burned brighter than the hearth fire¡ªa warrior''s promise reborn.

 Chapter 7: Nine Stars Divine Emperor Art

    The opulent Violet Serenity Garden of the Qin Manor was thick with tension.


    Zhao Feng sat rigidly in her embroidered robe, stroking a sleek black cat. Her serpentine gaze froze the air until a maid announced: "Madam, the Marquis has returned."


    Without a word, Zhao Feng rose and intercepted Qin Yuanhong at the hall''s entrance.


    "What madness possessed you today?" she hissed. "You spared that little bastard and humiliated Prince Qi! Explain yourself!"


    As a scion of the Zhao royal branch, she spoke with venomous authority.


    Qin Yuanhong''s brow furrowed. "You dare question me? What of your reckless scheming under this roof?"


    "My scheming?" Zhao Feng''s voice sharpened. "I merely seek to expel that slut Qin Yuechi before her whelp claims our family''s fortune! Yet you protect them¡ªdo you still pine for your precious sister?"


    "Silence your slander!"


    "Slander? When your father sheltered her after she brought shame upon us? Now her bastard bears the Qin name¡ªa dagger at our son Feng''er''s throat!"


    Qin Yuanhong''s face darkened. "You know Father still favors Third Sister. Had he learned of today''s farce with Prince Qi, even your Zhao blood wouldn''t save you."


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    "Shall we let that vermin fester here forever?" Zhao Feng''s chest heaved.


    "Patience." Qin Yuanhong''s eyes glinted. "The boy hasn''t awakened his bloodline. When he fails the Imperial Star Academy''s exam, I''ll exile him lawfully¡ªFather''s objections be damned. But your meddling risks everything."


    Realization dawned on Zhao Feng. "So that''s your game..."


    "Unlike your womanly short-sightedness," he spat, storming away.


    Left alone, Zhao Feng smiled coldly. The black cat yowled as she tore a clump of fur from its back.


    In a Dilapidated Corner of the Qin ManorThe chill of the barren room seeped into Qin Chen''s bones¡ªa stark contrast to the heated opulence of Violet Serenity Garden. He sat cross-legged, mapping his path through three centuries of vengeance and duty.


    Step one: awaken the bloodline.


    At fifteen, his body remained dormant. Past sixteen, even success would brand him mediocrity in this realm.


    "Two causes for delayed awakening: feeble bloodline essence or physical defects," he mused. "Neither bars my path."


    As a former Eighth-rank Bloodline Sovereign, he knew solutions. Yet inspecting his meridians, he frowned.


    The body''s previous owner had opened seven meridians¡ªthe bare minimum¡ªbefore hastily condensing a Qi pool to reach the Human Realm.


    "A pigeon-egg-sized Qi pool... Such frailty."


    Top talents in the Martial Domain opened nine, even eleven meridians before breakthrough. Feng Shaoyu and Xi''er themselves had shattered eleven.


    "With this foundation, replicating my past strength is impossible. Worse¡ªit bars cultivation of the Nine Stars Divine Emperor Art."


    This ancient scripture, obtained from the Godseal Ruins, was rumored to descend from the Celestial Realm¡ªa mythic plane beyond even Martial Emperors. Though none in ten millennia had breached that threshold, the Godseal''s mysteries had convinced Qin Chen of its existence.

 Chapter 8: The Artificer Hall

    The Godseal Ruins transcended all known realms of the Martial World. Before discovering the Nine Stars Divine Emperor Art there, Qin Chen would never have believed such a divine scripture existed.


    It decreed one law: Only those who opened all twelve meridians during the Meridian Awakening Stage could cultivate its power.


    Yet in ten thousand years of history, no one in the Martial Domain had achieved this. Even Feng Shaoyu and Empress Xi''er¡ªsupreme talents of their era¡ªhad stalled at eleven.


    "Last life, I obtained this scripture too late. Now, reborn with a second chance..." Qin Chen''s eyes blazed. "But my current body has already condensed a Qi pool after opening just seven meridians. To rebuild, I must shatter this flawed foundation."


    His gaze hardened. They killed me for this treasure. Now, it shall be their undoing.


    Qin Manor Gates"Mother, I''ll return shortly," Qin Chen called out.


    Qin Yuechi watched him leave, swallowing her warning: "Stay safe."


    Servants shrank from his path. The guards at the manor gates bowed deeply¡ªnews of his lethal defiance had spread like wildfire.


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    Royal Capital StreetsThe bustling capital enveloped Qin Chen in sensory chaos. He wandered through fragrant tea houses and silk markets until reaching the city''s golden artery¡ªArtisan''s Promenade.


    Towering structures lined the street, their eaves adorned with mythical beasts. At its heart stood a colossus of black obsidian:


    Artificer Hall.


    Carriages emblazoned with noble crests crowded its plaza. This branch of the Hall¡ªthe pinnacle of Great Qi Kingdom''s craftsmanship¡ªthrummed with power.


    "To forge Celestial Meridian Needles, I need rare materials only artificers stock," Qin Chen muttered, stepping inside.


    Artificer Hall - First FloorThe hall''s cavernous interior defied physics. Nobles haggled over spirit-engraved blades while apprentices hauled glowing ores. Yet amidst the chaos, an unspoken order prevailed.


    "Welcome, young master." A woman in brocade robes materialized before him. "How may I assist?"


    Chen Yufei assessed him covertly. This boy carries himself like a seasoned artificer, not some pampered lordling.


    Qin Chen blinked. Once, Hall Masters would prostrate themselves at his arrival. Now...


    "I require these materials." He scribbled a list.


    Chen Yufei''s smile froze. "Pardon my boldness, but half these items... I''ve never heard of them in five years of service."


    Qin Chen''s heart sank. He''d already substituted high-grade materials with inferior alternatives.


    "Try these," he wrote again, hand steady.


    Before she could reply, a mocking voice cut through the din:


    "If it isn''t my dear ''talentless'' brother! Failed to awaken your bloodline, so now you play at being an artificer?"


    Qin Fen swaggered in with Zhao Lingshan¡ªthe kingdom''s famed Rose of the Capital. Her pink silk gown clung to curves that defied her sixteen winters, jade collarbones glinting like blades to the throat.

 Chapter 9: Master Liang Yu

    "Another Qin disciple?" Zhao Lingshan arched an eyebrow.


    Qin Fen smirked. "Princess, this is the... bastard my aunt brought home."


    Understanding dawned. "Ah, the illegitimate child." Her gaze dripped with disdain.


    Qin Chen ignored them.


    "Still can''t awaken your bloodline?" Qin Fen sneered, stung by his indifference. "Playing artificer won''t hide your shame. Crawl back to your hovel!"


    "Does it concern you?"


    The venom in Qin Chen''s retort shocked the crowd. Qin Fen''s face purpled¡ªsince when did this worm grow fangs?


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    "I''m here to forge a second-grade spirit weapon!" He brandished a thumb-sized black stone. "See this Darkmoon Ore? Thirty-eight thousand silver coins! You couldn''t afford its dust!"


    Murmurs of awe rippled through the hall.


    Qin Chen''s eyes locked onto the ore. The key to reforging my meridians...


    "Enough!" Chen Yufei interjected. "The Hall forbids violence. Provoke further, and guards will execute you."


    Qin Fen stepped back, seething. "Lucky bastard."


    As Qin Chen pressed Chen Yufei about alternative materials, the air shifted.


    "Master Liang Yu approaches!"


    A man strode in¡ªmid-thirties, artificer robes billowing. Two silver threads coiled around the hammer emblem on his chest: Second-rank Artificer.


    "Bow to Master Liang!"


    Whispers erupted:"Thirty-something second-rank¡ªgenius!""Future third-rank, mark my words!"


    Qin Chen''s brow furrowed. His qi flow... flawed.


    Qin Fen scrambled forward. "Master Liang! I beg you forge this Darkmoon Ore into a sword!"


    Liang Yu examined the ore. "Wasting third-grade material on second-tier work? Foolish."


    "My father offers leftover ore as tribute!"


    "Acceptable." Liang Yu pocketed the silver card. "Begin at dawn."

 Chapter 10: The Audacity

    Zhao Lingshan''s hauteur dissolved into reverence as she presented a sealed scroll. "Master Liang, my father Prince Kang sends his regards."


    Liang Yu scanned the missive. "You seek apprenticeship under me?"


    "Yes, Master."


    "My disciples are chosen by talent alone¡ªroyal blood means nothing here."


    "I understand."


    Qin Chen observed silently as the group entered a private chamber. Qin Fen shot him a venomous glare but dared not protest under Liang Yu''s gaze.


    Spiritual Aptitude TestLiang Yu gestured to an ancient monolith. "Pour your consciousness into the Soulstone Pillar."


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    Zhao Lingshan pressed her jade-white hands against the rune-carved surface. Milky light ascended but halted two fingers below the first mark.


    "Incomplete First-rank Spiritual Power," Liang Yu declared. "Now the true trial."


    A prismatic crystal hummed to life at her touch. Colors cascaded:


    Crimson ¡ú Amber ¡ú...


    The glow stabilized at Golden Amber, bathing the room in ethereal light.


    "Amber-grade Talent." Liang Yu''s eyes flashed. "You may become my ninth disciple."


    Zhao Lingshan knelt. "This disciple honors her master."


    Qin Fen''s applause echoed hollowly. "A matchless union of beauty and genius!"


    The ProvocationAs Liang Yu turned to leave, a voice cut through protocol:


    "You¡ªLiang Yu."


    The chamber froze. No one addressed a Second-rank Artificer so brazenly.


    Qin Chen stepped forward, oblivious to the taboo. "Your qi circulation falters at the Blazing Valley Meridian. Attempting Flametongue Refining with such instability will kill you within three attempts."

 Chapter 11: The Antidote

    Liang Yu''s eyes narrowed to slits. "What gutter-spawn dares address this master so?"


    Qin Fen trembled. "Forgive him, Master Liang! My brother knows no decorum!" His plea wasn''t for Qin Chen''s sake¡ªbut fear of the Liang family''s wrath.


    "You passed your second-rank artificer trial mere days ago," Qin Chen remarked, fingers stroking his chin.


    "What nonsense spews from your mouth?" Liang Yu''s patience frayed. "Begone, lest I¡ª"


    "Drag him out!" Qin Fen roared, seizing Qin Chen''s arm.


    Crack!


    Qi surged through Qin Chen''s meridians, repelling Qin Fen with a flick. The elder brother crashed against a pillar, fingers numb.


    "You dare?!" Qin Fen lunged again, only to grasp air as Qin Chen sidestepped effortlessly.


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    "The fire-attribute spirit weapon you forged for certification¡ªits core was Crimsonflame Stone."


    Liang Yu stiffened. "How...?"


    "To stabilize it, you added Glimmerveil Ore." Qin Chen tsked. "A bold move¡ªbut Glimmerveil breeds Glamour Venom. And you ingested Frostbloom Elixir to counter it?"


    Liang Yu''s pupils dilated.


    "Frostbloom''s chill accelerates the venom''s spread." Qin Chen sighed. "A death warrant signed by your own hand."


    Liang Yu''s killing intent erupted¡ªa Sky Realm cultivator''s aura freezing the room.


    "Lies! I''ll have you exiled!" Qin Fen shouted, drenched in cold sweat.


    "Too late." Liang Yu blurred into motion, qi-claw descending.


    Qin Chen stood unwavering. "Does your Celestial Gate acupoint burn? Your Central Pivot meridian prickle like scorpion stings?"


    The claw halted mid-air. Liang Yu convulsed.


    "Three days ago, the venom reached Solar Plexus." Qin Chen''s voice dripped frost. "Fifteen days until your meridians rot."


    Zhao Lingshan approached. "Master, what¡ª"


    "OUT!" Liang Yu''s roar sent her and Qin Fen scrambling.


    Alone, the artificer hissed: "Who. Are. You?"


    "Your executioner... or salvation." Qin Chen turned to leave.


    Liang Yu blocked the exit. "Reveal your secrets!"


    "Every qi surge deepens the venom''s bite. Check your Solar Plexus now."


    The artificer palmed his abdomen¡ªand screamed.

 Chapter 12: The Forging

    Liang Yu''s composure shattered. The truth of Qin Chen''s words struck him like a thunderbolt.


    "Please¡­ share the antidote!" Liang Yu clutched Qin Chen''s shoulders, desperation twisting his voice. The scene would''ve shocked onlookers¡ªhad the corridor not been deserted.


    "Now you believe me?" Qin Chen''s tone dripped irony.


    "This humble one was blind!" Liang Yu forced a servile smile, though venom seethed beneath. Once I have the cure, you''ll pay.


    Qin Chen read his thoughts but simply said, "Follow me."


    "To where?"


    "Your forge. We''re crafting something."


    Though baffled, Liang Yu led the way. Spectators murmured as the renowned artificer bowed like an apprentice before a teenage boy.


    The ForgeThe chamber brimmed with smelting crucibles, runic anvils, and racks of glowing ores. Liang Yu stared at the blueprint Qin Chen thrust into his hands¡ªand froze.


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    Eighteen spiral needles, each precisely three-and-a-third inches long, adorned the parchment. Microscopic runes coiled around their tapered forms¡ªa fractal nightmare of alchemical geometry.


    "Celestial Meridian Needles¡­" Liang Yu''s throat tightened. "This complexity surpasses third-grade artifacts! How¡ª"


    "I''ll guide you."


    "With what materials?"


    "The Darkmoon Ore you ''acquired''."


    Liang Yu''s face purpled. "That''s pledged to Marquis Anping''s son!"


    Qin Chen''s smile held winter. "You''ll manage."


    The BargainAfter reciting a qi circulation mantra that temporarily eased Liang Yu''s agony, Qin Chen ordered: "Ignite the trueflame."


    Cerulean flames engulfed the Darkmoon Ore. Yet even after the time it takes to brew tea, the stubborn material barely glowed crimson.


    "Apply Stoneglide Powder."


    "Heresy!" Liang Yu spat. "That''s for purifying iron!"


    "Now."


    Cursing, Liang Yu dusted the ore. The result defied reason¡ªthe Darkmoon liquefied instantly, swirling like liquid night.


    "Purge impurities!" Qin Chen snapped as Liang Yu gaped.


    The boy seized a runic stylus, etching a hexagonal array across the anvil. Each stroke birthed luminous sigils that hummed with primordial truth. Liang Yu''s mind reeled¡ªthis wasn''t crafting. This was divine revelation.

 Chapter 13: Divine Needles Completed

    "You''re too slow. You activate the array patterns while I remove the impurities."


    Qin Chen coldly shouted again, his hands swiftly forming a series of hand seals. Wisps of extremely faint spiritual power seeped into the molten Dark Netherstone, vibrating at an extremely high frequency. Immediately, dust-like impurities drifted away, while the liquefied Dark Netherstone grew increasingly lustrous, transitioning from dark black to a glossy obsidian. By the end, its surface resembled a mirror, clearly reflecting human faces.


    Beside him, Liang Yu was utterly stunned. Qin Chen''s spiritual power had not even reached the first rank¡ªfar inferior to his own second-rank spiritual power¡ªyet his purification speed was several times faster, completely overturning Liang Yu''s understanding of artifact forging.


    Only after Qin Chen finished purifying did Liang Yu clumsily begin activating the array patterns.


    Hum!


    The array patterns Qin Chen had previously carved suddenly came alive. Each line lit up like neon lights, and a peculiar force field rippled through the forging chamber.


    Qin Chen pointed at the array platform, channeling his spiritual power into the formation. The liquefied Dark Netherstone sphere, as if guided by the array''s power, autonomously entered the formation and hovered above the glowing patterns, trembling continuously.


    The liquid sphere''s vibrations intensified, and sharp spikes protruded from its originally smooth surface. Qin Chen carefully controlled the Dark Netherstone''s rhythm with his spiritual power, allowing it to pulsate freely.


    As the spikes extended, Qin Chen guided their growth with his spiritual power. Countless microscopic spirals naturally formed along each spike without deliberate manipulation¡ªa process achieved solely through subtle spiritual guidance.


    Liang Yu, while maintaining the array, gaped in disbelief, his eyes nearly bulging out. Qin Chen''s forging method was utterly different from conventional treasure weapon crafting, as incomprehensible as deciphering celestial texts.


    "Split!"


    Suddenly, Qin Chen shouted lowly, his pupils glowing with divine light as he lightly tapped the Dark Netherstone with his right index finger.


    Pop!


    The Dark Netherstone material abruptly shattered into eighteen gleaming needle-like rays, emitting blinding light.


    The eighteen divine needles gently landed in Qin Chen''s palm. Each was crystalline, adorned with spiral patterns and talismanic array lines, as if naturally formed¡ªa masterpiece so exquisite it mesmerized the mind.


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    "Finally done."


    Qin Chen let out a long breath, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and carefully wrapped the eighteen needles before storing them away.


    Using his past life''s expertise and Liang Yu''s assistance, he had forged the Celestial Meridian Divine Needles¡ªa feat even ordinary third-rank blacksmiths might fail to achieve. A sense of fulfillment welled within him.


    Qin Chen glanced at the stupefied Liang Yu and said indifferently, "Take two liang of moonleaf, add three aloe flowers, simmer in rootless water over low heat for two hours. Bathe in it at midnight for half an hour each night. In seven days, the charm poison will dissipate."


    By the time Liang Yu regained his senses, Qin Chen had already left the forging chamber.


    Who is this boy? How does he possess such profound forging skills? Liang Yu''s mind reeled with shock. For the first time since becoming a blacksmith, he felt utterly ignorant. The overwhelming impact even stirred a sliver of worship and admiration toward Qin Chen¡ªa notion he himself found unbelievable.


    This person must never be made an enemy. Liang Yu took a deep breath. His earlier resentment had vanished entirely, replaced by an urge to bow before Qin Chen as a disciple. Mastering the techniques Qin Chen had just demonstrated would undoubtedly elevate his craft to unimaginable heights.


    In the Artificer HallQin Fen and Zhao Lingshan, expelled earlier by Liang Yu, stood bewildered. Then they saw Qin Chen emerge.


    "Qin Chen! What did you say to enrage Master Liang?!" Qin Fen rushed forward, roaring furiously.


    Qin Chen glanced at him, then ignored him completely, walking toward the hall''s exit.


    "Bastard!" Qin Fen''s rage exploded. Qin Chen''s repeated contempt had pushed him to the brink. With a vicious snarl, he lunged at Qin Chen, fist aimed at his back.


    "STOP!"


    Liang Yu, who had hurried out of the hall, paled at the sight and bellowed.


    Boom!


    An invisible force struck Qin Fen, hurling him to the ground in disarray.


    "Master¡­" Zhao Lingshan hurried forward.


    Liang Yu ignored her, striding to Qin Fen and narrowing his eyes. "This is the Artificer Hall. By attacking here, have you no regard for our rules?" His voice dripped with murderous intent.


    "Isn''t that the Qin family''s second young master? How did he offend Master Liang?""Daring to strike in the Artificer Hall¡ªis he tired of living?""Though the Peace Marquis holds military rank, the Artificer Hall owes him no favors."


    Crowds in the first-floor hall paused to watch, eager for drama.


    Qin Fen, sprawled on the floor, trembled more from terror than pain. He scrambled up, pleading, "Master Liang, I meant no disrespect! I only sought to apprehend Qin Chen for his insolence toward you! I swear my father will punish him severely and make him kneel before you!"


    Liang Yu coldly replied, "Was that boy from your Qin family?"


    Qin Fen, thinking Qin Chen had offended Liang Yu, hastily explained, "Though Qin Chen bears the Qin name, he''s the bastard son of my aunt! My father has long sought to expel him! His actions have nothing to do with us!"


    "So it''s him." Liang Yu''s eyes narrowed¡ªhe knew of Qin Yuechi''s scandal.


    "Master Liang, let me drag that wretch back for your judgment!" Qin Fen made to charge out.


    "Enough!" Liang Yu snapped. "Your family affairs mean nothing here. Leave now, and never let me see you again. As for your treasure weapon¡ªconsider it forfeited for violating our rules. Now get out!"


    "But Master, you promised¡ª" Qin Fen stammered, dumbfounded.


    "Must I throw you out myself?!" Liang Yu''s killing intent flared.


    "Yes! I''ll go! I''ll go!"


    Amidst the crowd''s jeers, Qin Fen fled, face burning with humiliation.


    Outside the Artificer Hall, Qin Fen''s hatred solidified into tangible malice. Damn Qin Chen! Because of him, I''ve lost face before Master Liang and my treasure weapon! I''ll make you pay for this shame!


    He ground his teeth, eyes blazing with venomous spite.

 Chapter 14: Loyal Comrades

    Inside the Artificer Hall, Liang Yu snorted coldly, though inwardly puzzled: How could Qin Chen, a forging prodigy, hold such a lowly status in the Qin family?


    But since Qin Chen himself hadn''t mentioned it, he wouldn''t foolishly meddle in the youth''s family affairs.


    "From now on, stay away from Qin Fen. Otherwise, I''ll expel you from my tutelage immediately," Liang Yu coldly ordered Zhao Lingshan.


    "Yes, Master. This disciple will sever all ties with the Qin family," Zhao Lingshan replied meekly.


    "That Qin Chen, however¡­ you may still associate with him. He is extraordinary, with boundless potential," Liang Yu added, shuddering slightly as he recalled the earlier forging session.


    Zhao Lingshan blinked in confusion. This¡­ isn''t what I expected. Wasn''t Master angry at Qin Chen? Why is he encouraging me to stay close?


    "The Celestial Meridian Divine Needles are complete. I must find a place to reconstruct my meridians immediately¡ªthe longer I delay, the worse it gets."


    Qin Chen walked alone, deep in thought. Returning to the Qin estate was impossible. His and his mother''s low status meant Lady Zhao''s henchmen could disrupt him at any moment, risking catastrophic consequences.


    After much deliberation, he settled on a location: Astral Academy.


    The academy, located in the capital''s heart just blocks from the Artificer Hall, catered to nobles and commoner geniuses alike. Its private training chambers guaranteed undisturbed cultivation.


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    "To the academy, then."


    Astral AcademyThe bustling campus, with its soaring buildings and lively students, felt refreshingly novel to Qin Chen. Yet he had no time to linger¡ªevery minute was precious.


    But trouble found him anyway.


    "Well, well! If it isn''t the ''Bloodline Pig'' Qin Chen? Recovered already after our last chat? Your resilience is almost admirable!"


    A sneering voice rang out as four youths emerged from a grove, blocking Qin Chen''s path. Leading them was Wei Zhen, son of Marquis Wei¡ªthe same noble brat who''d ambushed Qin Chen days prior.


    Though only sixteen, Wei Zhen had already reached the mid-stage Human Realm and awakened a second-grade bloodline. Last time, he''d hidden his true strength during their "duel," crippling Qin Chen with a sudden surge of power. Backed by an elder brother in the advanced class nearing the Earth Realm, Wei Zhen bullied others with impunity.


    The old Qin Chen would''ve lunged at the provocation. Now, he simply sidestepped the group as if they were air.


    Wei Zhen''s face twisted. How dare this trash ignore me?! With a jerk of his chin, his three lackeys fanned out, cornering Qin Chen again.


    "Where''s the fire, ''Piggy''? Stay and play!" they taunted, cracking knuckles.


    "Wei Zhen! What''s your game now?!"


    Two youths¡ªLin Tian and Zhang Ying¡ªburst forward, shielding Qin Chen. Crowds gathered, buzzing with anticipation.


    "Lin Tian! Zhang Ying! This doesn''t concern you! Scram!" Wei Zhen snarled.


    "We''ll settle last time''s debt today! Touch a hair on Young Master Chen, and we''ll¡ª"


    "Save it, fools!" Wei Zhen cut them off. "Since you''re itching for pain¡ªget them!"


    His lackeys charged. Two tackled Lin Tian and Zhang Ying while the third lunged at Qin Chen.


    Zhang Ying, intercepting both attackers, shouted, "Young Master Chen, run!"


    "Pathetic!" Wei Zhen laughed cruelly. His fist met Zhang Ying''s in a bone-jarring clash. Crack! Zhang Ying flew back, clutching a fractured hand.


    "Zhang Ying!" Lin Tian cried, distracted. A punch to his gut sent him staggering, blood trickling from his lips.


    Yet still they pleaded: "Young Master Chen¡ªgo!"


    Wei Zhen smirked. "Where''s he gonna run? After you two, he''s next!"


    Qin Chen''s eyes turned glacial. Though wary of camaraderie after past betrayals, no one harmed his allies unpunished.


    With a cold snort, he stepped into the fray.

 Chapter 15: Severing the Line

    "Hah! Begging for death? Let''s grant his wish!" A burly youth lunged, fist aimed at Qin Chen''s face. Beside him, another teen lashed a vicious kick toward Qin Chen''s groin¡ªa strike designed to cripple his manhood.


    "Young Master Chen, watch out!" Lin Tian and Zhang Ying shouted, too late to intervene.


    But instead of collapsing, Qin Chen pivoted like flowing water. His elbow slammed into the burly youth''s chest while his right leg snapped upward.


    Crunch!


    The groin-kicking attacker howled, collapsing as if his pelvis had imploded. The burly youth gagged, clutching his shattered sternum. Qin Chen spun, a backhanded slap sending the third lackey sprawling.


    "You dare strike my men?!" Wei Zhen''s face twisted. "Last time, I went easy. Now I''ll break every bone!"


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    His fingers shot forward like venomous fangs¡ªthe Heavenly Evil Finger Technique, a Yellow-tier skill. "This strike will leave you bleeding in the dirt!" Wei Zhen cackled.


    Yet Qin Chen''s hand clamped his wrist like iron. A knee drove into Wei Zhen''s gut, hurling him backward.


    "Trash." Qin Chen''s disdain stung deeper than the blow.


    Wei Zhen roared, veins bulging as crimson energy swirled around him¡ªbloodline power awakening prematurely. "Raging Bull Charge!" His fist, wreathed in bloody light, aimed to crush Qin Chen''s skull.


    Lin Tian and Zhang Ying lunged, but Qin Chen''s foot lashed upward¡ª


    Thud!


    The kick connected with Wei Zhen''s groin. A sickening pop echoed. Wei Zhen folded like paper, screeching as tears and snot streamed down his face.


    The crowd winced, legs instinctively tightening.


    "Y-You bastard¡­!" Wei Zhen wheezed, staggering up for another reckless charge.


    Qin Chen''s foot snapped out again¡ª


    Crunch!


    The same devastating impact. Wei Zhen crumpled, whimpering like a gutted animal.

 Chapter 16: The Cultivation Tower

    "Aghhh¡ª!!!"


    Wei Zhen writhed on the ground, his howls echoing pitifully. Even the densest onlookers sensed something amiss.


    "How¡­?"


    "Wei Zhen''s mid-Human Realm and bloodline power! How''d he get floored twice by a single kick?"


    "That was¡­ unnatural."


    Lin Tian and Zhang Ying gaped. "Young Master Chen, you¡­!"


    Wei Zhen, still clutching his ruined groin, hissed through tears: "Y-You bastard¡­ I''ll make you pay!"


    Qin Chen halted mid-stride. His glacial gaze pinned Wei Zhen like a dagger. "One more word, and I''ll end you."


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    Wei Zhen''s threats died in his throat, replaced by trembling silence.


    Cultivation TowerLin Tian and Zhang Ying trailed Qin Chen, buzzing with adrenaline.


    "Young Master Chen! Those moves¡ª!" Lin Tian''s eyes shone.


    Zhang Ying hesitated. "But Wei Zhen''s brother, Wei Zhen¡­ if he retaliates¡­"


    Qin Chen shrugged. "Let him try. I''ll break him too."


    Lin Tian and Zhang Ying exchanged awed glances. Since when did Chen''er radiate such confidence?


    The towering Cultivation Tower loomed ahead, its halls teeming with students. Murmurs erupted as Qin Chen entered:


    "Isn''t that the cripple Wei Zhen nearly killed?"


    "Shh! He''s still a marquis''s nephew¡ª"


    "Pfft. A bastard who can''t even awaken his bloodline. Bet he''ll be the first expelled for failing the trials¡­"


    Qin Chen''s gaze swept the gossiping crowd. He strode past, cutting to the front of the queue.


    "Hey! No cutting!"


    "Wait your turn!"


    Qin Chen''s icy glare silenced them. "Speak another word, and I''ll have you expelled."


    Lin Tian cracked his knuckles. "Or we''ll help you leave."


    The students paled. Academy rules turned a blind eye to brawls¡ªnobles like Lin Tian faced no real consequences, but commoners? Their futures hung by a thread.

 Chapter 17: Reforging the Meridians

    The cultivation chamber door creaked open as three youths exited.


    "Young Master Chen, shall we cultivate together this time?" Lin Tian offered. Some impoverished students shared chambers to save costs, but Qin Chen shook his head.


    "I''ll be here alone. This session¡­ will take time."


    Lin Tian and Zhang Ying left without protest. The crowd glared as Qin Chen sealed himself inside.


    Alone in the ChamberQin Chen stripped to the waist, revealing a frail torso. The eighteen Celestial Meridian Divine Needles gleamed in his grip.


    To rebuild twelve meridians, I must destroy first.


    His fingers blurred. Three needles pierced his lower dantian¡ªShenque, Guanyuan, Zhongzhu¡ªforming a protective triangle. Fire-like pain seared his abdomen.


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    Grimacing, he drove a fourth needle into his Qi pool.


    Pop!


    The walnut-sized reservoir ruptured. Rogue Qi rampaged through his seven original meridians, shredding them like paper. Blood oozed from ruptured capillaries as Qin Chen sat motionless, sweat-drenched but unwavering.


    With a sudden slap to the floor, the remaining fourteen needles flew. His hands became phantoms, embedding each needle into critical nodes: one at the crown (Baihui), another at the heart (Xinxue), the rest along twelve meridian junctures.


    Rebirth Through Agony"Begin."


    Qin Chen channeled the chaotic Qi into his first meridian.


    Rip!


    The fragile channel tore. He stifled a scream, teeth grinding as blood seeped from every pore.


    Wider. Stronger.


    Hour by torturous hour, he reforged each original meridian, doubling their capacity. By the seventh, he resembled a bloodied specter.


    "Now¡­ the true trial."


    Guiding dwindling Qi, he breached the eighth meridian. A needle''s stored power surged, smoothing the path.


    Ninth. Tenth. Eleventh.


    Each breakthrough drained him further. The twelfth loomed¡ªa barrier few in history had crossed.


    His vision darkened. Muscles trembled. Yet his will burned brighter.


    *Nine Star Divine Emperor Art¡ª*the secret technique from his past life¡ªignite!


    The final assault began.

 Chapter 18: The Ancient Tome

    As the final wisp of Qi dwindled, Qin Chen''s mind roared:


    No. Not here. Not after everything.


    For his mother. For vengeance against the traitors who''d shattered his past life. BREAK!


    A thunderous boom exploded in his mind¡ªnearly shattering his consciousness. But the needles guarding his Baihui and Xinxue flared, anchoring his soul.


    Coolness washed over him. The agony vanished, replaced by a tingling rebirth.


    Crack¡­


    The eighteen Celestial Meridian Divine Needles crumbled to dust.


    "Twelve meridians¡­ done."


    Relief and triumph surged. This body now surpassed even his previous life''s foundation. Where he''d once forged eleven meridians, twelve pulsed with primal vigor.


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    But rest was a luxury.


    Nine Star Divine Emperor Art¡ª


    The moment he cycled the technique, the chamber''s ambient energy howled into him. His meridians, parched deserts, drank greedily.


    Twice as fast as any Heaven-tier cultivation art.


    Astonished, Qin Chen marveled at the whirlwind absorption¡ªuntil his mind''s eye glimpsed it:


    A weathered tome hovered in his consciousness. The same one he''d retrieved from the Divine Forbidden Lands, blank-paged and enigmatic.


    Did you bring me back?


    Tentatively, he nudged it with his Qi.


    BOOM!


    A force like a star''s birth erupted from the tome. His meticulously gathered Qi scattered like leaves in a typhoon. Yet¡ª


    His ravaged body healed. Bloody crusts flaked away, revealing skin like newborn jade. Even his reforged meridians gleamed flawlessly.


    What power is this?


    The tome resumed its silent vigil, radiating an aura akin to primordial bloodline essence.


    Three Days Later


    Twelve meridians blazed with Qi¡ªa roaring river dwarfing ordinary warriors'' reserves. Yet Qin Chen, once a Martial Sovereign, guided the deluge with ease.


    "Now¡ªrebuild the Qi Pool."


    The true trial began.

 Chapter 19: Rising Tensions

    The raging torrent of Qi swirled into a vortex within Qin Chen''s dantian. For most warriors, this moment demanded utmost caution¡ªa single misstep could shred meridians and obliterate the fragile Qi pool. But Qin Chen remained unperturbed.


    His control transcended mortal limits.


    The vortex condensed into a duck egg-sized Qi pool¡ªtwice as large as his previous one. Yet Qin Chen shattered it. Again. And again.


    Seven cycles later, a fist-sized Qi pool solidified, impervious even to his deliberate onslaught. Its sheer capacity rivaled that of an Earth Realm warrior''s core.


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    Mid-Human Realm.


    Four days of relentless cultivation had refined his body into a vessel of unparalleled potential.


    ExitEmerging from the Cultivation Tower, Qin Chen squinted against the sunlight. His sharp gaze snapped to a lurking figure.


    The youth froze, then bolted.


    Qin Chen blurred forward, seizing the boy''s collar. "Why stalk me?"


    "I-I don''t¡ª"


    Bones creaked under Qin Chen''s grip. The boy''s face purpled.


    "Speak."


    "Wei Zhen!" the boy squealed. "He''s holding your friends! Made me watch for you!"


    Qin Chen''s aura turned glacial. "Take me to him. Now."


    Wei Zhen''s EstateThe informant darted into a lavish courtyard, screaming: "He''s here! He''s here!"


    Qin Chen strode forward, eyes locked on the opulent villa ahead.

 Chapter 20: Wei Zhen

    Qin Chen snorted, kicking a fist-sized stone. It shot like a meteor, smashing into the fleeing youth''s back.


    Thud!


    The boy face-planted, wailing through bloodied teeth. Qin Chen strode into the deserted garden, its gate ajar. A faint aura of danger lingered.


    He pushed the door open.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Two iron rods swung from behind the door¡ªone aimed at his skull, the other his face.


    Qin Chen dropped into a crouch. The rods clashed mid-air, vibrations numbing the attackers'' hands. Before they recovered, Qin Chen''s fists hammered their chests.


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    Crack!


    Ribs shattered. The two thugs flew backward, spewing blood before collapsing unconscious.


    Wei Zhen, bandaged and trembling across the courtyard, froze in horror.


    "Where are Lin Tian and Zhang Ying?" Qin Chen''s voice cut like ice.


    Wei Zhen scrambled backward, howling, "T-They''re inside! Dare to enter?!"


    The dim room held a figure seated cross-legged¡ªWei Zhen''s elder brother, Wei Zhen (κÕæ). Sunlight haloed his stern, tower-like frame.


    "So you''re the one who crippled my brother." Wei Zhen''s gaze dripped condescension.


    In the corner lay Lin Tian and Zhang Ying¡ªbloodied, swollen, their clothes in tatters.


    "Run¡­" Lin Tian croaked.


    Wei Zhen kicked them, laughing madly. "Quiet, worms!"


    Qin Chen''s aura turned glacial.


    Wei Zhen sneered. "Kneel. Apologize. Let my brother beat you. Then I''ll mercifully let you all go."


    "Rot."


    Qin Chen''s fist erupted like a dragon. Wei Zhen barely blocked, arms buckling under the force.


    Boom!


    Wei Zhen crashed through a solid ironwood table, splinters raining.


    "Y-You¡­!" The younger Wei Zhen staggered back, eyes wide as if seeing a demon.

 Chapter 21: The Five Peaks Divine Fist

    Qin Chen''s eyes flashed cold. He kicked Wei Zhen the Younger, sending him crashing into a wall. Blood sprayed as the bandaged youth wailed like a slaughtered pig.


    After confirming Lin Tian and Zhang Ying''s injuries were superficial, Qin Chen straightened¡ªonly to sense a tempest of rage behind him.


    "Die, bastard!"


    Wei Zhen the Elder lunged, fists shrouded in mountainous Qi. His strike carried the weight of collapsing peaks, furniture splintering under the pressure.


    Qin Chen pivoted, his fist lashing out in a counterstrike that met Wei Zhen''s assault head-on.


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    BOOM!


    The collision shook the room. Qin Chen stood unwavering, while Wei Zhen staggered back, his face twisting in disbelief.


    "Impossible¡­!" Wei Zhen the Elder spat blood, his arrogance crumbling. A Human Realm peak expert¡ªoutmatched by a mid-stage youth?


    Qin Chen advanced, disdain sharp as blades. "A mere peacock, flaunting feathers. Your ''strength'' is ash in the wind."


    Wei Zhen roared, veins bulging. "Five Peaks Divine Fist¡ªMount Tai Crushes the Sky!"


    His fists coalesced into a phantom mountain, crushing downward. Floor tiles cracked; air screamed.


    Qin Chen''s response was a single punch¡ªsimple, precise. It pierced the illusion, striking the technique''s fatal flaw.


    CRACK!


    Wei Zhen hurtled backward, embedding into the wall. Blood dribbled from his lips as despair hollowed his eyes.


    "N-No¡­!" Wei Zhen the Younger whimpered, frozen in terror.


    Qin Chen strode forward, a blade of cold intent. "Your ''divine fist'' crumbles like sand."

 Chapter 22: Dont Provoke Me

    "You... what do you think you''re doing?"


    Wei Zhen''s face paled as Qin Chen suddenly raised his hand and swung a slap toward his face. Wei Zhen desperately tried to block, but Qin Chen''s palm was too fast. Before he could even lift his arm, the energy-infused strike had already smashed into his cheek.


    Crack!


    The crisp impact echoed as Wei Zhen was sent flying. Blood and teeth sprayed through the air. His body crumpled like a ragdoll, thudding against the floor. Half his face swelled into a grotesque purple mass while he wailed in agony.


    Witnessing this brutality, Wei Zhen''s companion Wei Zhen trembled violently, legs buckling as icy dread seeped into his bones. He scrambled toward the exit¡ªonly to find Qin Chen blocking the doorway like an impassable mountain.


    "You little bastard!" Wei Zhen spat through broken teeth, struggling to rise. His eyes burned crimson, resembling a wounded beast gone mad. "Do you know who I am? You''re dead! Hear me? Dead!"


    Rage¡ªall-consuming, unprecedented rage¡ªboiled in his chest. Never in his privileged life had he suffered such humiliation. The scorching shame blurred his vision, fueling his desperate urge to tear Qin Chen limb from limb.


    Qin Chen answered with a whip-fast kick.


    Crunch!


    Wei Zhen''s jaw dislocated with a sickening pop. Blood and saliva sprayed as he collapsed again, skull pounding and limbs convulsing.


    "So you''re Wei Zhen?" Qin Chen loomed over him, eyes sharpened daggers. "Let me make this clear: Provoke me again, and I''ll end you. Consider this your only warning."


    His aura condensed into twin blades of killing intent that pierced Wei Zhen''s psyche.


    Boom!


    Wei Zhen''s mind blanked. The shadow of death engulfed him as those eyes¡ªthose merciless eyes¡ªstabbed into his soul.


    "AAAAHHH!"


    A primal scream tore from his throat. For an instant, he felt himself dragged into the Ninth Hell itself, subjected to unspeakable torments. Warmth spread across his trousers¡ªhe''d wet himself. This ultimate disgrace jolted him back to reality.


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    Thud!


    Qin Chen''s boot crushed Wei Zhen''s dantian. The noble heir shrieked before collapsing unconscious.


    Nearby, Wei Zhen stood paralyzed. His ashen face twitched before he lunged desperately toward the door.


    "Escape now? Too late."


    Qin Chen''s fist blurred. Bang! Wei Zhen was hurled backward, crashing onto the cold stones.


    Tap... tap... tap...


    The approaching footsteps might as well have been a death knell. Wei Zhen crawled upright, kowtowing frantically. "Qin Chen¡ªno, Lord Chen! Mercy! I''ll never dare again! I''m scum, less than scum! Spare me!"


    "Indeed. Less than scum."


    Thump!


    The kick shattered Wei Zhen''s dantian before he could react. His burly frame slammed against the wall, eyes rolling back as darkness claimed him.


    Qin Chen smirked coldly. Though he''d spared their lives, his true energy had crippled their cultivation meridians. Upon waking, they''d find their martial paths permanently frozen.


    Turning to the battered Lin Tian and Zhang Ying, Qin Chen helped them up. A few precise presses along their pressure points channeled warm energy through their bodies. Bruises faded and swelling subsided.


    "Lord Chen, you..."


    The two youths gaped, minds reeling from the spectacle. Their friend''s ruthless efficiency left them equal parts awed and bewildered.


    "Rest now. They won''t trouble you again." Guilt flickered through Qin Chen. Had he not involved them, these loyal friends might have avoided this ordeal.


    "But Lord Chen, Wei Zhen is the Marquis'' heir! When his father demands justice from your household¡ª"


    "Worry not." Warmth softened Qin Chen''s gaze. Even after betrayal in his past life, this genuine concern touched him. "Here¡ªtwo cultivation mantras. Practice them."


    He assessed their stalled progress at the early Human Stage peak and imparted simplified techniques from his divine knowledge.


    "Lord Chen, this is¡ª"


    "You''ll understand after practicing."


    Qin Chen sighed inwardly. Despite past betrayals, he still chose to trust. Let this friendship prove truer than the last.


    After seeing them off, Qin Chen wandered homeward, mind churning not with thoughts of noble retaliation, but practical concerns:


    Resources.


    His reconstructed meridians demanded astronomical quantities of cultivation materials¡ªespecially with the Nine-Star Divine Emperor Art''s insatiable requirements. Each breakthrough would consume tenfold a normal warrior''s resources.


    "Coins aren''t omnipotent..." he murmured, recalling an old adage, "...but penniless cultivators are impotent."


    Previously reliant on his mother Qin Yuechi''s strained household allowance, he now needed independent income streams.


    Lost in financial calculations, he scarcely noticed arriving at the Qin Manor gates.


    "Young Master Chen."


    The guards bowed stiffly, their eyes darting with poorly concealed unease.


    Qin Chen''s brow furrowed but he proceeded inward.


    Three paces into the courtyard, scarlet silk fluttered. A tall maiden materialized before him¡ªeighteen summers old, raven hair cascading over crimson robes. Her porcelain skin glowed beneath phoenix-sharp eyes and rosebud lips, exuding vibrancy that belied the frost in her gaze...

 Chapter 23: Clan Assembly

    "Qin Chen! How dare you come back? Flee now¡ªUncle''s been hunting you!"


    "Upon seeing Qin Chen, the girl rushed to address him, her features taut with urgent concern."


    "What''s wrong?" Qin Chen frowned.


    "Didn''t you offend Master Liang Yu at the Artificer Hall days ago? Qin Fen claimed you ruined his deal for Darksteel Ore and humiliated him! Uncle''s furious¡ªhe''s called a clan assembly to punish you!"


    Qin Chen''s eyes chilled. "Where''s my mother?"


    "Safe, but¡ª"


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    Before she could finish, two squads of guards emerged, led by Qin Gang, the clan''s Earth Realm guard captain. "Young Master Chen, the Patriarch summons you to the assembly."


    Qin Ying bristled. "Qin Gang! Release him!"


    "Apologies, Lady Ying. Patriarch''s orders."


    Qin Chen raised a hand, silencing her. "Take me there."


    Grand HallOver a hundred clan members filled the cavernous chamber. Patriarch Qin Yuanxiong sat enthroned, flanked by elders and key figures. Zhao Feng and Qin Fen stood nearby, smugness oozing.


    Days prior, Qin Fen had spun a tale of Qin Chen "sabotaging" his deal with Liang Yu, costing the clan precious Darksteel Ore. Zhao Feng seized this as leverage, rallying elders to demand expulsion.


    Qin Yuanxiong knew better¡ªQin Fen''s incompetence likely caused the loss. But when the Artificer Hall barred Qin envoys, he relented. Expelling Qin Chen would appease Zhao Feng''s faction and placate Liang Yu.


    Now, Zhao Feng smirked at Qin Yuechi below. Finally, I''ll crush your false nobility.

 Chapter 24: The Inquisition

    Qin Yuechi sat composed, her plain attire unable to dim her striking beauty¡ªa fact that gnawed at Lady Zhao''s pride.


    "Still playing the noble ice queen?" Lady Zhao sneered. "Once your bastard arrives, let''s see how calm you remain!"


    Qin Yuechi''s hands tightened imperceptibly on her robes. My son¡­ what have they done to you?


    A grizzled elder slammed his fist. "Where is that troublemaker Qin Chen?!"


    Qin Yuechi lifted her gaze, voice glacial. "If my son is a ''bastard,'' what does that make you?"


    "You dare?!" The elder¡ªher own uncle¡ªturned purple.


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    Qin Yuanzhi, Qin Yuechi''s second brother, intervened. "Uncle, she''s distressed. Let this rest."


    "Rest?!" The elder spat. "Her disgraceful elopement humiliated our clan for decades!"


    The hall doors burst open. Qin Chen strode in, flanked by guards yet radiating defiance. His eyes first sought his mother, then swept the assembly with icy disdain.


    "Kneel before the Patriarch!" a elder barked.


    Qin Chen smirked. "Which ''Patriarch''? Last I checked, this was the Dingwu Prince''s Manor, not Lord Anping''s estate."


    Gasps erupted. Lady Zhao seized her moment. "See his insolence?! He spits on our traditions!"


    Patriarch Qin Yuanxiong''s gaze sharpened. "Explain your quarrel with Master Liang Yu."


    "I''ve nothing to explain."


    Qin Fen stepped forward, malice dripping. "Allow me, Patriarch. While I sought Master Liang''s aid to forge a treasure blade with our clan''s Darksteel Ore, he"¡ªa finger jabbed at Qin Chen¡ª"provoked the master, ruining everything!"

 Chapter 25: Outburst

    Qin Fen spun a web of lies, painting Qin Chen as the villain who''d sabotaged their dealings with Liang Yu. "Because of him, the Artificer Hall now shuns us! Our reputation lies in ruins!"


    Qin Chen stood unmoved, coldly amused. Seven thousand silver coins lost? A drop in the ocean for the Qins. Yet they act like I''ve bankrupted them.


    "Expel him!" Second Elder roared. "This mongrel brings only calamity!"


    "Agreed!"


    "He''s a viper in our bosom!"


    Lady Zhao hid a smirk. The elders'' chorus echoed her scheming perfectly.


    Qin Yuanzhi objected: "Exiling clan members requires Patriarch''s decree! Wait for Father''s return¡ª"


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    "Wait?!" A white-bearded elder sneered. "By then, this brat might''ve offended the Emperor himself!"


    Patriarch Qin Yuanxiong finally spoke: "Qin Chen. Explain yourself."


    Qin Chen laughed¡ªsharp, mirthless. "Explain? You''ve already decided. Fine. I''ll leave this rotten clan."


    "Chen''er!" Qin Yuechi''s voice broke.


    Lady Zhao pounced: "See his ingratitude?! He spits on our name!"


    "Your name?" Qin Chen''s voice cracked like a whip. "When have you ever treated us as family?!"


    He whirled, eyes blazing. "My mother¡ªyour blood¡ªknelt all night at Lady Zhao''s door for a mere Soul-Returning Pill to save my life! And what did this viper demand? That she prostitute herself to that lecher Zhao Qirui!"


    Gasps erupted. Elders shifted uncomfortably.


    "A Qin princess groveling for a second-grade pill while you turned blind eyes!" Qin Chen''s laughter turned jagged. "And you dare call me ''clansman''? I was never one of you!"


    Lady Zhao shrieked: "Lies! Patriarch, silence this¡ª"


    "Enough!" Qin Yuanzhi surged to his feet, trembling. "Brother¡ªis this true?!"


    The hall fell deathly quiet.

 Chapter 26: Severing Ties

    Qin Yuanxiong''s voice cut coldly through the tension. "I''ve already reprimanded Zhao Feng. Her actions, though misguided, were for the clan''s sake."


    Qin Yuanzhi''s face darkened. "So you''ll exile them? I oppose this!"


    Elders erupted:


    "You overstep, Yuanzhi!"


    "The Patriarch''s word is final!"


    Qin Yuanzhi turned to his elder brother, hoping for reason. But Qin Yuanxiong''s gaze remained steely as he addressed Qin Yuechi: "Third Sister. Your decision?"


    Qin Yuechi rose, her beauty sharpened by defiance. "What decision? You''ve already made it. We''ll leave."


    "Aunt!" Qin Yuanzhi choked.


    She swept a trembling hand toward the elders. "Look at these ''kin.'' For years, they''ve scorned us. Now they dare preach family loyalty?"


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    Second Elder slammed his fist. "Ungrateful wretch! Who sheltered you all these years?!"


    "Sheltered?" Qin Yuechi laughed bitterly. "This is my father''s manor. We survived by my hands, not your charity!"


    She turned to Qin Chen, voice softening. "Let''s go, Chen''er."


    "Halt!" Zhao Feng shrieked. "You think fleeing absolves your crimes? Arrest him! Deliver him to Liang Yu!"


    Qin Gang and the guards blocked their path. Qin Chen''s gaze turned icy.


    Qin Yuechi faced Qin Yuanxiong, her eyes glacial. "Will you imprison us too, Brother?"


    Silence stretched.


    "Let. Them. Go." Qin Yuanxiong''s command cracked like a whip.


    "Patriarch!" Zhao Feng wailed.


    Ignoring her, he ordered a steward: "Fetch them five hundred silver coins."


    Qin Chen sneered. "Keep your pity." Clasping his mother''s hand, he strode from the hall.


    Outside the Qin EstateQin Yuechi cupped her son''s face. "Forgive me, Chen''er. I failed to protect you."


    Qin Chen gazed at the manor gates. "Mother, trust me. Within days, I''ll give you a life they''ll envy."


    "Qin Yuechi! Wait!"


    Qin Yuanzhi and Qin Ying hurried after them. "Third Sister, this recklessness¡ª!"


    "Was staying not reckless?" Her smile held centuries of sorrow. "At least now, we breathe free."


    Qin Yuanzhi sighed. "If Father were here¡­"


    Qin Chen glanced back one last time. The Qin Clan''s opulent gates seemed smaller now¡ªa cage they''d outgrown.

 Chapter 27: The Bloodline Sanctuary

    Qin Yuanzhi pressed a stack of silver notes into Qin Yuechi''s hands. "Take this. You''ll need it."


    Qin Yuechi hesitated, then nodded. A mother''s pride bent to necessity.


    "Thank you, Second Brother."


    Qin Ying teased Qin Chen: "You''ve changed. Less timid, more¡­ cheeky."


    "Can''t a man admire beauty?" Qin Chen grinned, dodging her playful swat.


    West DistrictThe cramped house Qin Yuechi purchased stood in a humble neighborhood. Bare walls, a dusty courtyard¡ªbut theirs.


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    As night fell, Qin Chen sat cross-legged in his sparse room, resolve hardening. The Qins will regret this.


    Five Days LaterEmpty vials littered the floor¡ªremnants of the Awakening Serum he''d brewed. A formula unknown in this backwater kingdom, it amplified latent bloodline traces.


    Now, he stood before the Bloodline Sanctuary¡ªa towering edifice rivaling the Artificer Hall. Crowds thronged its gates: anxious parents, wide-eyed youths, and armored warriors.


    Unlike the privileged students of Astral Academy, who received annual bloodline awakenings, commoners paid exorbitant fees here for the same hope.


    Qin Chen gazed at the Sanctuary''s sigil¡ªa coiled dragon devouring its tail. His past life''s memories surged.


    Time to awaken what''s mine.


    He stepped through the archway, destiny humming in his veins.

 Chapter 28: The Bloodline Chamber

    The Bloodline Sanctuary buzzed with activity. Two lines snaked through the grand hall¡ªseasoned warriors seeking bloodline enhancements and anxious parents with youths awaiting awakening rituals.


    "Young sir, are you here for a bloodline awakening? Where are your parents?"


    A melodic voice drew Qin Chen''s attention. A young woman in a pristine white gown stood before him, her smile warm yet professional. Lin Xinrou, a Sanctuary attendant, studied the unaccompanied teen with mild curiosity.


    "Young sir?" Qin Chen mused, recalling how even grandmasters once bowed to him in his past life.


    Lin Xinrou giggled. "Unless you''d prefer little brother?"


    "I need a private Bloodline Chamber," Qin Chen stated plainly, his gaze still surveying the hall.


    Her smile faltered. "Awakenings require Master Chen Fan''s supervision. Unauthorized attempts are dangerous¡ª"


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    "I''m here to study the ritual, not undergo it." Qin Chen''s tone brooked no argument, an imperious edge creeping in¡ªreminiscent of the sovereign aura he once wielded.


    Lin Xinrou stiffened. A bloodline apprentice? "Five hundred silver per hour. Sign here."


    Qin Chen paid, suppressing a wince at the exorbitant fee. Five times the standard rate. I''ll need funds soon.


    Restricted ChamberIn a sealed room nearby, Li Zhishi, the Sanctuary''s stern-faced overseer, admonished Manager Liu:


    "This Celestial Bloodline Apparatus¡ªdirect from the Grandmaster''s vault¡ªdetects even 0.1% bloodline traces. No one touches it without the Guildmaster''s authorization. Understood?"


    "Y-yes, sir!" Manager Liu bowed, sweat beading his brow.


    As Li departed, Liu marveled at the crystalline instruments. "To think our branch owns such treasures¡­"


    A panicked voice shattered his awe. "Manager Liu! Master Chen''s apparatus malfunctioned mid-ritual!"


    "What?!" Liu bolted after the assistant, forgetting Li''s warning in his haste.


    Chamber CorridorLin Xinrou ushered Qin Chen past unmanned stations. "This chamber should¡ª"


    Qin Chen paused, sensing anomalous energy from an adjacent room. Behind its unsealed door, the Celestial Apparatus hummed with latent power.


    "I''ll take this one."


    "But that''s restricted¡ª"


    "Approved by Li Zhishi." Qin Chen stepped inside, the lie smooth as silk.


    Lin Xinrou hesitated, then retreated. Let the apprentice face consequences.

 Chapter 29: Thunderblood Awakening

    Qin Chen''s fingers danced across the Celestial Bloodline Apparatus. The machine hummed to life, its crystalline surfaces shimmering with prismatic light. He sat cross-legged, breath steady, as the device''s probing energies washed over him.


    Nothing.


    His veins remained dark. No ancestral echoes. No dormant power.


    "Impossible¡­" Cold dread coiled in his gut. Even the weakest bloodline should flicker beneath this apparatus'' scrutiny. Yet his body lay barren¡ªa desert without oasis.


    Have I truly been cursed with emptiness?


    Memories of his past life''s betrayal clawed at him. Wind Shaoyu''s blade. Shangguan Xi''er''s mocking smile. No. Teeth gritted, he channeled the Nine Star Divine Emperor Art to its limits.


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    Blood Forbidden ArtCrimson sigils flared across his skin as forbidden techniques tore through his meridians. Pain¡ªwhite-hot and purifying¡ªflooded his senses. The apparatus screeched in protest, its sensors overloaded.


    A flicker.


    Blue as storm-churned seas.


    Qin Chen lunged for it mentally, a starved hawk diving for prey. The flicker darted, elusive, until¡ª


    Clang!


    The ancient sword in his consciousness rang out.


    ThunderbornReality dissolved.


    He floated in an azure void, lightning weaving a cathedral around him. Each bolt sang with primordial fury, yet none struck him¡ªthey were him.


    High above the capital, the sky ruptured.


    BOOM!


    A web of lightning lit the heavens, painting day as night. Nobles cowered. Soldiers dropped weapons. Even the palace''s protective arrays flickered helplessly.


    Within the Bloodline Sanctuary''s restricted chamber, Qin Chen''s eyes snapped open¡ªpupils crackling with contained tempests.

 Chapter 30: Divine Wrath

    A terrifying divine pressure descended like the wrath of the Thunder God, transforming the heavens and earth into a tempestuous sea of lightning.


    What truly chilled the soul was that this overwhelming pressure didn''t just envelop the capital of the Da Qi Kingdom - it blanketed all five northwestern nations.


    "What''s happening? What in the world is going on?"


    "This terrifying power... Could it be a Martial Emperor passing through our Da Qi?"


    "Lightning heralding destruction! Which supreme expert commands armies and reigning supreme has arrived?"


    From the Bloodline Sanctuary branch to the royal city, from the entire Da Qi Kingdom to all five northwestern nations, panic spread like wildfire.


    All powerful cultivators within the domain raised their eyes to the apocalyptic phenomenon in the skies. Those in the Da Qi capital felt it most acutely - the higher one''s cultivation level, the more crushing the pressure became, forcing many to their knees, immobilized.


    Fortunately, this cosmic force came and went like lightning. Within moments, the pressure lifted, leaving gasping survivors in its wake.


    The celestial lightning receded like tidal waves, revealing pristine skies once more.


    In the bloodline awakening chamber, Qin Chen''s eyes snapped open, astonishment written across his face. Within his veins danced an azure lightning current - a sinuous blue serpent of energy, both elusive and profound.


    "That terrifying pressure... came from my own bloodline awakening? What manner of bloodline is this?"


    Though Qin Chen had witnessed countless bloodlines in his previous life as an Eighth-stage Bloodline Emperor, never had he seen an awakening trigger such apocalyptic phenomena. Even legendary Ninth-grade bloodlines couldn''t emanate such divine might.


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    Yet when he focused on this lightning within, it appeared frail - merely a First-grade manifestation.


    How could this be?


    "My veins were empty before. Now this thunder materializes from nothing? That cataclysmic energy clearly originated here, yet now it appears so feeble. Even those old masters at the Bloodline Sanctuary couldn''t explain this spontaneous generation!"


    The former Bloodline Emperor found himself perplexed. He vaguely sensed connections between this Thunderclap Bloodline, the ancient sword in his consciousness, and the Nine Star Divine Emperor Art. Perhaps these were keys to his rebirth three centuries later.


    Regardless, he''d finally awakened a bloodline. Though nominally First-grade, after witnessing its initial display, Qin Chen knew this was no ordinary power.


    "Thunderclap Bloodline... How intriguing."


    A faint smile played on his lips as he sat cross-legged on the Bloodline Analyzer, probing this newfound power.


    Crackle!


    Electric currents danced across his skin, forming a crackling net of azure lightning. With focused intent, the energy coalesced around his fist.


    Boom!


    The thunder-charged punch struck the ground, exploding with triple-grade force despite its first-grade designation.


    "Remarkable!"


    Though classified as elementary, this bloodline''s potency rivaled Third-grade manifestations. Even with his vast knowledge, Qin Chen had never encountered such anomaly. Typically, special First-grade bloodlines might approach Second-grade potency at best.


    "Fascinating. If elevated through refinement, what heights might this thunder reach?"


    His musings were interrupted by knocking.


    "Young master, your time has expired," came Lin Xinrou''s melodic voice from beyond the door.


    Startled, Qin Chen realized over an hour had passed. Opening the door, he found the apologetic attendant: "My apologies, but your session has concluded. Will you be extending...?"


    "Urgent matters require my attention. I''ll return." Masking his financial constraints with practiced ease, Qin Chen inwardly lamented needing to scrounge for silver coins. Still, awakening this bloodline made the trip worthwhile.


    "Please accompany me to finalize the records," Lin Xinrou smiled.


    As they conversed...


    In the bloodline sector, Manager Liu strolled whistling, still basking in his accidental triumph repairing Master Chen Fan''s malfunctioning Bloodline Analyzer. His self-satisfaction evaporated when he spotted the ajar chamber door and Lin Xinrou''s silhouette.


    Cold dread gripped his heart. Had someone entered the chamber specifically marked by Director Li?


    With a strangled cry, he charged inside - only to find the illuminated Bloodline Analyzer and Qin Chen standing within.


    A surge of fury, like a volcanic eruption, consumed him.

 Chapter 31: Desperation

    "You... What are you doing here? Who allowed you inside? Outrageous! Utterly lawless!"


    A roar of fury echoed through the bloodline chamber. A shadow flickered¡ªcrack!¡ªbefore Lin Xinrou could react, she was sent sprawling across the floor.


    Manager Liu''s face contorted like a feral beast, eyes bloodshot as he jabbed a trembling finger at the fallen attendant. "Do you know where this is? A lowly attendant like you daring to bring outsiders here? You''re courting death!"


    Beneath his rage, icy dread flooded Liu Tong''s veins. Disaster. This chamber¡ªreserved exclusively for the Sanctuary Master under Director Li''s strict orders¡ªhad been violated. The magnitude of his negligence threatened to drown him. He could already envision Director Li''s wrath. All his scheming to climb within the Sanctuary, reduced to ashes by a foolish attendant.


    At this moment, Liu Tong wished to tear Lin Xinrou limb from limb.


    Spitting blood, Lin Xinrou trembled under the manager''s murderous glare. "M-Manager Liu... The door was open... I thought it was a public chamber..."


    "Public? This is the Sanctuary Master''s private sanctum! When the Master learns of this, how many lives do you think you have to spare?" Liu Tong''s voice cracked with hysteria.


    Lin Xinrou paled. The Bloodline Sanctuary''s Master¡ªa titan of the Da Qi Kingdom, a figure beyond her wildest nightmares. Her vision swam as terror swallowed her voice.


    "And you!" Liu Tong whirled toward Qin Chen. "Daring to tamper with the Master''s Bloodline Analyzer! Guards! Detain them both until Director Li arrives!"


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    Sanctuary guards materialized, encircling Qin Chen and Lin Xinrou. A crowd gathered outside the chamber, murmuring over the commotion.


    Qin Chen observed the guards¡ªall Earth-stage cultivators, battle-hardened and alert. Though unfazed, he saw no gain in provoking conflict. "Relax. I''ve no intention of fleeing."


    He knelt beside Lin Xinrou, lifting her gently. "Are you hurt?"


    Her cheek bore a livid bruise, tears glistening. "This is all my fault... I''ll take full responsibility..."


    "There''s nothing to fear." Qin Chen brushed away her tears, his calm voice steadying her. Lin Xinrou flushed, her panic momentarily eclipsed by the warmth of his touch.


    The guards sneered. Brazen fool. Flirting while doom looms.


    "Director Li! They''re the ones who violated the Master''s chamber!" Liu Tong''s shrill cry announced the arrival of a gaunt man radiating glacial fury.


    The guards snapped to attention as Li Wenyu stormed in. Ignoring formalities, the director froze at the sight of the activated Bloodline Analyzer. An arctic aura enveloped the chamber.


    Turning slowly, Li Wenyu''s gaze could flay flesh. "Liu Tong. This is your stewardship?"


    "P-Please, Director Li! An accident! I was fixing Master Chen Fan''s analyzer when they¡ª"


    "Save your excuses. The Sanctuary Master descends shortly. Explain to him."


    Thud! Liu Tong collapsed, clutching Li Wenyu''s robes. "Mercy, Director! You must intercede¡ª"


    Li Wenyu kicked him aside. "You swore this chamber would remain untouched. Do you know what the Master endured to procure this analyzer? The decades of petitions to higher Sanctuaries? And now¡ª"


    "Not my fault! The attendant¡ªthat boy¡ªthey forced their way in!" Liu Tong screeched, pointing wildly.


    Li Wenyu''s frosty gaze swept over Qin Chen. "Regardless of blame, the Master''s wrath will spare none."


    Qin Chen stepped forward, tone icy. "If your Sanctuary leaves chambers unsecured, the negligence is yours. We entered an open room. By what law are we detained?"


    With that, he strode toward the exit.

 Chapter 32: Dongfang Qing

    "You... You dare damage the Master''s Bloodline Analyzer and think to walk away?" Liu Tong sprang up, blocking Qin Chen''s path with spittle flying. "Such audacity!"


    Qin Chen sidestepped the spray, eyes glacial. "First, I merely used the analyzer. Second, if damage exists, it reflects your Sanctuary''s negligence. Will you shift blame onto me now?"


    A predatory aura flared from Qin Chen¡ªan ancient, pitiless gaze that pierced Liu Tong''s soul. The manager staggered back, collar damp with cold sweat. "Y-You... This is the Bloodline Sanctuary!"


    Regaining composure, Liu Tong flushed crimson. Humiliating¡ªa Sanctuary manager cowed by a boy!


    Li Wenyu observed keenly. This youth''s presence unsettled even him¡ªa tempest veiled in adolescent flesh.


    "Li Wenyu! What crisis demands my attention?"


    A resonant voice cut through the tension. The crowd parted like wheat before a scythe as a white-robed elder entered. A single silver-edged crimsonÎÆ adorned his chest¡ªbadge of a Fourth-stage Bloodline Mystic. Gasps rippled through the onlookers.


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    "Master Dongfang Qing! The Sanctuary Master himself!"


    Whispers crescendoed. The man who could topple kingdoms with a word now stood among them.


    Li Wenyu bowed deeply. "Honored Master, Manager Liu failed to secure your private chamber. Intruders activated the new analyzer¡ª"


    "Which chamber?" Dongfang Qing''s composure cracked.


    "The one housing... the latest instrument from the Central Sanctuary."


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    "Fools!" The roar shook dust from rafters. Cultivators trembled like autumn leaves. "I entrusted you with sacred duty! Should that analyzer sustain damage..."


    He vanished in a blur of white, reappearing before the glowing Bloodline Analyzer.


    The entourage froze at the chamber''s threshold. Their master stood motionless¡ªa statue carved from dread.


    Li Wenyu''s throat tightened. We''re doomed.


    Liu Tong crumpled, robes pooling around him like a discarded puppet.


    Inside, Dongfang Qing''s trembling hands hovered over the device. Crystalline runes pulsed across its surface¡ªa constellation of awakened power. His weathered face flushed crimson, veins throbbing at his temples.


    This...


    Behind him, subordinates braced for apocalypse.

 Chapter 33: A Shift in Demeanor

    Dongfang Qing''s trembling intensified, his eyes bulging like simmering volcanoes on the brink of eruption. The air thickened with dread¡ªeach breath a labor, each second an eternity.


    Then¡ª


    "WHO?!" The roar shook the chamber. In a blur, the Sanctuary Master seized Li Wenyu''s collar, shaking him like a ragdoll. "Who dared touch my analyzer?!"


    Liu Tong scrambled up, finger jabbing toward Qin Chen like a poisoned dagger. "Him! This brat and that attendant! They sabotaged your instrument while I tended Master Chen Fan''s chamber! Blood Demon Sect spies, I swear!"


    Gasps erupted. The Blood Demon Sect¡ªa scourge haunting the Northern Five Kingdoms¡ªcast a long shadow.


    Qin Chen met Dongfang Qing''s gaze unflinching. "The door stood open. No warnings barred entry."


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    "Lies!" Liu Tong spat. "A peasant brat meddling with sacred¡ª"


    CRACK!


    Dongfang Qing''s palm exploded across Liu Tong''s face, sending him crashing to the floor. Blood pooled as stunned silence gripped the room.


    The Sanctuary Master turned to Qin Chen, fury melting into... awkward deference. "Young master, might I inquire... your lineage?" His smile resembled cracked porcelain. "This unworthy one is Dongfang Qing, Sanctuary Master. An honor to meet you."


    Jaws dropped. Li Wenyu rubbed his eyes¡ªhallucinating?


    Qin Chen arched a brow. "Lineage? Irrelevant. Are we done here?"


    Murmurs rippled. Who dares dismiss the Sanctuary Master thus?


    "Ah..." Dongfang Qing scratched his neck, flushing. "Might you... demonstrate how you activated the analyzer?"


    Without ceremony, Qin Chen''s fingers danced across the device. Prismatic light erupted¡ªa symphony of awakening.


    "Observe."


    Dongfang Qing''s breath hitched, memorizing every flicker.


    As the glow faded, Qin Chen turned. "Clarity achieved?"


    "Utterly!" Dongfang Qing bowed slightly. "Li Wenyu, escort¡ªno, I shall personally see our guest out."


    The crowd parted like the Red Sea as the Sanctuary Master led a teenage boy toward the gates¡ªa scene etched into a hundred bewildered retinas.

 Chapter 34: The Golden Guest Token

    Outside the Bloodline Sanctuary, Dongfang Qing beamed as he pressed a golden token into Qin Chen''s hand. "Young master, allow this humble one to make amends for today''s unpleasantness. This Golden Guest Token grants you a thirty percent discount at all Sanctuary branches and access to restricted areas."


    The token shimmered¡ªits highest honor for a fourth-tier Sanctuary. Qin Chen accepted without pretense. "The attendant...?"


    "Worry not. She faces no censure."


    As Qin Chen departed, whispers erupted among onlookers:"Who is that boy? Even princes don''t receive such honors!""Golden Guest Token! Royal families vie for that privilege!"


    Within the Sanctuary, icy silence fell. Dongfang Qing glared at Liu Tong writhing on the floor. "Expel this worm. Ban him permanently."


    "Mercy! I beg¡ª"


    Thud! A kick silenced the plea. "Your sin isn''t negligence¡ªit''s slandering innocence to save your worthless hide." Guards dragged the wailing man away like carcass.


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    Turning to Lin Xinrou, the Sanctuary Master''s expression softened. "You erred... gloriously. The boy''s name?"


    "Q-Qin Chen..."


    "Double your next stipend. Rest well."


    Dazed, Lin Xinrou stumbled out as Li Wenyu approached. "Master, why elevate that youth?"


    Dongfang Qing gestured to the Bloodline Analyzer, eighteen luminous runes still fading. "I''ve mastered twelve activation tiers after months. He awakened all eighteen within minutes."


    Li Wenyu paled. "Impossible! Unless..."


    "Precisely. Either he''s mentored by a supreme Bloodline Sage¡ªor he is one reborn."


    In his sparse chamber, Qin Chen sat cross-legged, azure lightning flickering beneath his skin. The Thunderclap Bloodline¡ªnominally First-grade¡ªthrummed with restrained fury.


    Crackle!


    His eyes snapped open. The strand of lightning had thickened¡ªmicroscopically, yet undeniably.


    "Self-evolving bloodline?" Even his eight-lifecycle expertise faltered. "No... This feels... orchestrated."


    Beyond the window, twilight gilded the courtyard where his mother''s shadow remained absent. He clenched fists. After the Academy Trials, wealth shall flow. Never again shall she labor till moonrise.


    Beneath his palms, lightning condensed into fractal patterns¡ªancient sigils from a drowned epoch. The room hummed with gathering storm.