Yun Che blinked, his expression deadpan.
"I passed? I didn't even take the trial. What do you mean I passed?"
His tone was incredulous, but beneath that disbelief, there was something else—a flicker of curiosity, even disappointment. Deep down, it was that same gamer's itch in him: the need to experience everything, no matter how difficult, just for the satisfaction of completing it.
If there was a challenge, he wanted to conquer it.Even if it nearly killed him.
The Azure Dragon observed him quietly, its great eyes shimmering like twin oceans. It could feel no trace of hesitation in this human—only an insatiable desire to push beyond limits. It exhaled deeply, its massive frame rumbling as it spoke.
"The third trial was meant to test the worthiness of the challenger. It usually involves… reliving your worst memories."
A pause. Then, with a faint trace of nostalgia, the dragon added,
"It is very similar to the phoenix's third trial."
Yun Che's expression softened as he tapped his fist into his palm.
"Ooohhh… I see. So that's how it is."
He exhaled in mild relief. If it was just like the phoenix's trial, then he didn't feel as cheated. That one had already been enough emotional torment for a lifetime.
The Azure Dragon continued, its tone steady and resonant.
"However, seeing how you overcame the phoenix's third trial, I have deemed it unnecessary to make you experience this one. You have already proven yourself."
Its gaze deepened, heavy with both pride and curiosity.
"Besides… you have shown me enough surprises today—more than even I, a former Divine Spirit, could comprehend."
Yun Che rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin.
"Yeah, easily. I only got stabbed in the gut for it."
The dragon blinked slowly.
From the corner, Mio's eyes widened in alarm.
"What do you mean stabbed in the gut, Danna-sama?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Yun Che waved his hands quickly, laughing awkwardly.
"No, no—it's a figure of speech! Haha… nothing serious."
Mio frowned slightly but relaxed, still eyeing him with a hint of suspicion.
"Ara, is that so…?"
Before Yun Che could dig himself into a deeper hole, Jasmine cut in dryly.
"So that's it? No third trial? Nothing else?"
The Azure Dragon inclined its head.
"Yes, Soul Reaper Yun Che. You have passed the third trial. You are more than worthy to receive my inheritance."
Its deep voice carried both authority and solemnity.
"The purpose of this final test was simple—to see if the one receiving my bloodline and legacy carried malice in their heart. But your actions speak louder than any trial."
The dragon's gaze softened.
"In the second trial, you were given a choice—to destroy or to show mercy. Yet instead of slaying the Black Spider of Calamity, you turned it into your ally. That decision alone proved your heart is not evil."
The air vibrated faintly with divine energy as the dragon's spirit flickered brighter, the faintest trace of a smile forming in its ancient eyes.
"You have my respect, Yun Che."
But then, the dragon's tone shifted—subtle concern creeping in.
"Though…" it rumbled, "I am somewhat uneasy about that demon-like existence dwelling inside your soul."
Yun Che waved dismissively, flashing a confident grin.
"Oh, that guy? Don't worry about him. He's been keeping me alive since day one."
The dragon's brow ridge arched ever so slightly, unsure whether to be reassured or even more concerned.
Still, it couldn't deny the truth it sensed in Yun Che's words—the strange, chaotic harmony within his soul. A Shinigami, a Hollow, a Heretic bloodline, and something even deeper intertwined in one mortal vessel…
This one truly was unlike any being the Azure Dragon had ever encountered.
And for the first time in a very long while, the ancient spirit felt something it had forgotten existed—hope.
The Azure Dragon's vast, shimmering eyes softened, the weight of countless eons gleaming in their depths. When it spoke again, its voice carried absolute authority, shaking the very skies of its realm.
"Then my doubts are cleared."
Its tone deepened, echoing with power that resonated through Yun Che's soul.
"Soul Reaper Yun Che… congratulations on completing my trial — the Trial of the Dragon God."
=======================
[Ding… Dragon God Third Trial: Prove your worthiness to the Dragon.]
[Status: Passed]
[Ding… Hidden Objective Triggered.]
=======================
Yun Che blinked.
"...Hidden objective again?"
He groaned inwardly, mentally preparing himself for another round of punishment disguised as a reward.
"Alright, who am I fighting this time?" he muttered in exasperation.
He had assumed the hidden objective would be something simple — maybe an optional challenge like the Phoenix Trial's puzzle of heart and memory. But the Dragon God's Trials had been something else entirely. Each one had hurled him from one impossible scenario to another — from the frying pan straight into a volcano.
The first trial had tested his resolve.
The second, his compassion — and through it, he had gained Mio.
And now the third… had nearly broken the heavens themselves.
So when the system's cold text appeared before him again, Yun Che braced for chaos.
===================
[Ding… Hidden Objective: Passed the trial without taking the trial.]
===================
Yun Che froze. Then let out a loud, exhausted sigh.
"Damn… that almost gave me a heart attack."
Relief flooded through him, though a small, guilty part of him was disappointed he didn't get to "clear" this one himself. Still, after everything that had happened, he'd take the win.
The Azure Dragon's deep voice resonated once more.
"Soul Reaper Yun Che, take out the two crystal fragments you obtained from the first and second trials."
Yun Che nodded, reaching into his inventory. With a faint shimmer, two luminous crystal fragments appeared in his hands — one crimson, one azure.
As he held them out, both fragments rose gently into the air.
From above, the Azure Dragon's massive claws glowed as it summoned a third — a crystal unlike the others. It radiated pure divinity, shimmering with a light so deep and serene it seemed to carry the breath of the heavens themselves.
All three fragments began to orbit one another, spinning faster and faster until their energies collided. The air vibrated, and in a blinding flash —
CRACK!
They fused into one.
Hovering before Yun Che was a single, pulsing crystal of breathtaking beauty — deep blue, vibrant, and alive with an inner heartbeat of divine power.
=================
[Ding… Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the Crystal of the Dragon God.]
=================
Yun Che gazed at the crystal in awe, its radiance reflecting in his eyes. The power within it felt ancient — steady, dignified, and proud.
The Azure Dragon's voice returned, gentle yet solemn.
"Inside this crystal lies everything I have — my essence, my memories, my divine authority. It carries the purpose of this trial, and the culmination of everything the Dragon God once was."
The great dragon's luminous form dimmed slightly, the edges of its massive body flickering like fading starlight.
"For thousands of years, I have awaited a true successor… someone worthy to bear not only my power, but my will. That search ends today."
Its vast eyes locked onto Yun Che.
"Soul Reaper Yun Che. This is the inheritance of the Dragon God Trial. It is now yours."
Yun Che bowed deeply, his voice steady and respectful.
"Azure Dragon… I am honored."
A long silence followed — a silence filled with the weight of millennia, of stories untold, of gods who once ruled the skies and mortals who dared to reach beyond their limits.
At last, the Azure Dragon spoke again, its tone softer now — tinged with melancholy.
"At long last, after thousands of years… I can finally pass on."
"However… before I go, there is one final request — a wish that I hope you will fulfill for me."
Its tone carried both reverence and sorrow — the echo of a divine being entrusting its last burden to a mortal who had already surpassed that word.
Yun Che looked up, his expression firm but curious.
"A request?"
The Azure Dragon's eyes flickered faintly, as if remembering something far, far older than the world itself.
"Yes… a request that even gods have failed to grant me."
"What is it?" Yun Che grew curious but he knew what the request was but he decided to play along.
The Azure Dragon's deep, resonant voice rolled through the air, calm yet heavy with finality.
"It is better for you to absorb the crystal before this dragon speaks its last and final request."
Its ancient eyes glimmered with quiet pride and exhaustion.
"Take it from an old dragon — my era is done. Now, it is your turn to forge a new one."
Yun Che nodded solemnly, the weight of the dragon's words sinking deep into his heart.
"Hnn."
He turned and sat cross-legged beside Jasmine, the crystal of the Dragon God pulsing faintly before him like a living heart.
Jasmine patted his back, her expression uncharacteristically soft.
"Better do it quickly. I want to know what that old lizard still has in store for you."
He chuckled faintly.
"Yeah, yeah. You just want to see me glow again."
From beside him, Mio knelt with worry written all over her face.
"Danna-sama… are you going to be alright?"
Yun Che smiled reassuringly, ruffling her hair with his usual confidence.
"I'll be fine. I've survived worse."
Her cheeks flushed slightly at his touch, though she nodded, trying to mask her concern with a small smile.
But before he could begin, the Azure Dragon stirred once more.
"One more thing, Soul Reaper," it rumbled, lowering its colossal head. "Before you take in the Dragon God's inheritance, there is something else I must give you — something I have never given to another."
Its eyes closed, and the ground trembled as it drew a deep, thunderous breath. Then, with a roar that split the heavens, the Azure Dragon released a surge of divine energy from deep within its chest.
A sphere of pure azure light — no larger than a human fist — formed before its mouth, spinning and pulsing with overwhelming spiritual pressure. The moment it appeared, Yun Che could feel the Dragon's life force ebbing. The divine radiance dimmed, flickering like a dying star.
"Azure Dragon—what are you doing?!" Yun Che shouted, rising to his feet.
From the tower, Jasmine and Mio both gasped. They couldn't sense the intricacies of its life force, but they could see it — the mighty silhouette of the Dragon God was fading.
Its scales lost their luster. Its body became translucent, like mist dissolving in sunlight.
"Stop! You'll destroy yourself!" Jasmine cried out, her voice trembling with rare emotion.
But the Azure Dragon continued, resolute. The orb glowed brighter, its color deepening until it mirrored the ocean's heart. Then, the Dragon God Crystal that floated before Yun Che slowly rose and merged with the orb, the two becoming one.
When the fusion completed, the sphere burned with divine energy so potent that the very air bent around it.
At last, the Azure Dragon spoke again — its voice weaker, but still carrying that same ancient majesty.
"Soul Reaper Yun Che… this is something no being — god or mortal — has ever received from me. This is my Dragon Soul."
The words echoed like a divine decree.
"To awaken the true power of my inheritance, only the Dragon Soul can serve as the key. It will refine your spirit, temper your will, and strengthen your mind far beyond mortal limits. When you absorb it, your soul will inherit the attributes of the Dragon God itself."
The dragon's massive frame trembled. Its breaths came slow and ragged now.
Yun Che clenched his fists.
"You don't have to do this! I can find another way. I—"
"No…"
The Azure Dragon's voice was soft now — ancient, tired, but filled with peace.
"This old dragon has lived long enough. I have seen worlds rise and fall. My time has come."
A faint, almost human smile curved across its colossal muzzle.
"My only wish… is that you will fulfill the mission I could not complete."
The orb drifted forward, bathing Yun Che in ethereal blue light.
"Now, absorb the crystal and the soul. I will watch over you… until the process is complete."
The orb hovered inches before his chest, vibrating with power so intense that Yun Che could feel it reverberate through his bones. Then—
===================
[Ding… New Quest Triggered: Absorb the Dragon God's Crystal and Soul.]
[Warning: Process will heavily strain the host's physical and spiritual core.]
==================
Yun Che drew in a deep breath, his expression hardening into pure resolve. The air around him pulsed with stillness — the calm before a storm that would change everything.
"Alright, old dragon…" he murmured, voice low but steady. "I'll make sure your wish doesn't go to waste… once I'm done."
He pressed his palms together, eyes closing in solemn focus.
The blue light of the Dragon God's crystal flared brighter — so bright it illuminated the entire realm. The ground rumbled, the air hummed, and the heavens themselves seemed to shudder in reverence. It was as though the world bore witness to something sacred — a mortal daring to inherit the might of a celestial being.
====================
[Ding… Main Mission Sequence 3 (Dragon God Trial) Completed: Complete the Three Trials.]
[Ding… Azure Dragon's Dragon Soul and Inheritance detected.]
[Compatibility with host's physical and spiritual cores: Perfect Match.]
[Initiate absorption?]
===================
Yun Che opened one eye and smirked faintly.
"Looks like it's time to take the plunge."
He turned slightly, glancing over his shoulder at the two figures who had stood by him through everything.
"Mio. Jasmine. See you later."
Jasmine folded her arms, though the faintest smile played on her lips.
"Hmph. You'd better get back fast — or I'll beat you up myself."
Beside her, Mio clasped her hands tightly, her crimson eyes shimmering with worry.
"Danna-sama… please be careful."
Yun Che gave them both a small, reassuring grin — confident, calm, unshaken even before the unknown.
"Always am."
He turned back to the floating orb, its brilliance rippling like a living star. Then, with one final breath, he reached out and pressed "Yes."
The world reacted instantly.
The mystic orb, still cradling the deep-blue crystal within, pulsed once before slowly drifting forward. Its glow intensified, bathing Yun Che in an ethereal light. Then — it phased into his chest.
A sharp, silent flash.
The instant the orb entered him, Yun Che's body jolted — his back arching slightly as streams of radiant energy coursed through his veins. His eyes, once sharp and alive, gradually dimmed.
The colors faded from his irises — blue, red, gold — all drained into pale gray.
Then they closed.
The divine aura surrounding him expanded outward in a vast wave, sweeping across the entire realm. Jasmine and Mio shielded their eyes as the brilliance consumed everything in sight.
When the light finally began to settle, Yun Che's body was suspended mid-air, surrounded by tendrils of dragon-shaped light that coiled protectively around him. His breathing slowed. His aura stilled.
The system's next message echoed faintly through the silence.
==============
[Ding… Host has entered Hibernation Mode.]
[Absorption Process Initiated: Azure Dragon's Soul and Legacy Integrating…]
[Estimated Duration: Unknown.]
=============
The moment the light consumed him, Yun Che's consciousness was pulled inward — violently, yet fluidly — until everything around him blurred into the familiar calm of his inner world.
Except this time, the calm didn't last.
A sequence of notifications rippled through the air before his eyes, bright golden text glowing against the horizon of his spiritual sea.
=============
[Ding… Host has discovered the 'Dragon's Divine Soul.']
[This soul must fuse with the host's body before absorbing the inheritance.]
[Initiate fusion?]
=============
Yun Che exhaled, his tone dry but firm.
"Whatever you've got, system… lay it on me. Don't need my permission anymore."
=============
[Administration Permission acquired.]
[Initiating fusion…]
=============
The world around him shifted.
The tranquil sea beneath his feet began to tremble, gentle waves transforming into violent swells. The water rumbled with deafening force, and towering tornadoes of liquid light rose from the surface, piercing the sky of his inner realm.
The power was terrifying — the kind that could tear apart entire worlds. Yet Yun Che stood still, unfazed, letting the raw might of the Dragon God's soul unfold around him.
Before him, the tornadoes converged, collapsing inward and condensing into a massive crystalline sphere of water. It pulsed with rhythm — a heartbeat — and emanated a pressure so divine it seemed to bend the very air around it.
Yun Che stared, his voice low.
"Is this… my soul?"
He could feel it. The familiarity. The resonance.
"Damn… such power."
His thoughts drifted briefly to Zangetsu's words — about how his own soul had once clashed with the original Yun Che's, completely obliterating it. If that clash had been like two sparks colliding, this… was a storm of stars.
If a normal human soul had touched this, it would have been annihilated instantly.
But this was his inner world — and he stood at its center.
The water below stirred again. Suddenly, streams of colored energy burst forth from beneath the crystal sphere, spiraling upward like living ribbons of light. They circled the crystalline orb, forming rings that rotated in perfect harmony.
Yun Che's eyes widened as he recognized them one by one.
The black stream shimmered with cold finality — the essence of death itself.
"My Shinigami soul…"
The red stream crackled with violent, unstable energy — primal and feral.
"My Hollow's soul."
The aqua-blue stream radiated purity and control, flowing like refined reishi.
"My Quincy soul."
And finally — a faint orange stream, warm but thin, danced weakly around the rest.
"My Phoenix's soul…"
He frowned slightly. The orange strand was noticeably thinner, dimmer, almost fragile compared to the others.
"Why is that one weaker?"
As the streams continued to spiral around his crystalized soul, realization struck him.
He hadn't been pulled into his inner world when the phoenix's power first merged with him. No spiritual storm. No ceremony like this one.
Because that soul… had been incomplete.
"So that's it…" he muttered, the puzzle clicking into place. "The merging only happens with complete souls. That's why the phoenix's power feels fragmented."
His gaze returned to the crystal sphere before him, which now glowed brighter — as if acknowledging his realization.
Then — the sea erupted again.
A new jet of water burst forth, rising with majestic force. Its hue was dark blue, rich and vast, and it radiated divine pressure that dwarfed the others.
The very air trembled with its emergence.
Yun Che didn't need to think twice. He could feel the ancient majesty pulsing through it — ancient, regal, eternal.
"The Dragon's soul…" he whispered.
The dark blue jet joined the others, weaving around his crystalline soul in perfect synchronization, its flow powerful and commanding. It possessed the same density as his Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollow streams — complete, stable, whole.
"A complete soul, just like the others," Yun Che said softly. "Then this merging… only activates for completed souls, doesn't it?"
=============
[Ding… Host is correct.]
[The Phoenix's soul was incomplete, but successfully merged with the host's core through stabilization.]
[Once the host finds the missing fragment of the Phoenix's soul, the system will initiate a complete merging ceremony — identical to this one.]
=============
Yun Che crossed his arms, gazing up at the five revolving streams now orbiting the crystal sphere — his Shinigami, Hollow, Quincy, Phoenix, and Dragon souls all resonating together in a unified rhythm.
"So this is the true form of my soul, huh?"
The harmony between the streams sent a deep vibration through the realm, like the sound of a cosmic heartbeat. The power radiating from it was indescribable — equal parts divine, demonic, and human.
For the first time, Yun Che truly felt it.Not as fragments of what he had been…But as a singular being — the convergence of everything he had become.
He smirked faintly.
"Not bad. Guess the old dragon really knew what he was doing."
The streams tightened their orbit, and the crystal sphere pulsed once — releasing a shockwave of energy that rippled across his inner world. The fusion had begun.
The true merging of souls — and the birth of a new Divine Core.
Yun Che frowned slightly, still hovering above the churning sea of his soul.
"Then… what'll happen to the phoenix inside me?"
==================
[Currently, the Phoenix possesses only half of its original soul.]
[Because of this, its size and purity are limited compared to a complete Phoenix Spirit.]
[When the host merges with the remaining half, the soul will expand and purify — returning to its full, divine state.]
==================
Yun Che exhaled in relief, his shoulders relaxing.
"Oh… that's good, I guess."
He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing toward the horizon of his inner world. Deep down, he'd been worried something might happen to the Little Phoenix resting within his soulscape. But if this was just an incomplete fusion, then all was well — the little bird would survive until its rebirth.
=================
[The merging of the Dragon's Soul is now complete.]
[A representative of the host's Dragon Soul is being formed within the host's inner world.]
=================
Yun Che froze mid-air.
"Wait… representative? Don't tell me—"
He didn't even finish the sentence.
=================
Inside Yun Che's Inner World
=================
The once-serene skies above the spiritual ocean began to darken.
A low rumble rolled across the horizon. Then another. And another.
The atmosphere shifted — heavy, divine, charged with electricity.
A vast mass of swirling storm clouds began forming beneath the hovering system core — black and cobalt-blue, shot through with serpents of lightning. The entire realm trembled beneath the pressure radiating from the storm.
From afar, every spirit within Yun Che's inner world felt it.
Within Yun Che's inner world, the skies still churned violently above the Divine Lake. Rolling thunder illuminated the horizon while streaks of blue lightning danced through the clouds.
At the lake's edge, Shirayuki and Kuroyuki stood side by side, their reflections shimmering across the trembling waters. Beside them, Saru leaned against a boulder, ever composed, while Hebi coiled lazily at the shoreline, its serpentine eyes fixed on the distant storm.
High above, Old Man Zangetsu sat cross-legged upon the highest branch of the Spirit Tree, his coat fluttering lightly in the ethereal wind. Below him, Hoyuu sprawled across a thick branch, one arm hanging lazily over the side.
The Hollow yawned, his voice echoing drowsily through the quiet realm.
"So noisy…"
He shifted to a more comfortable position, tail flicking once before he went back to napping as if the divine upheaval above was no more interesting than a drizzle.
Down by the lake, Yun Che's little girls had arrived on the back of the phoenix they had been riding. They slid down with cheerful grace, landing beside the others. The phoenix ruffled its fiery wings, casting embers across the grass.
Despite the violent spectacle above — the roaring clouds and divine pressure saturating the air — not one of them looked particularly shocked.
In truth, they were used to this.
Every time Yun Che absorbed something new, the inner world went wild for a while.
Shirayuki tilted her head slightly.
"Looks like Master has fused with another soul."
Mizu's eyes sparkled, her hands clasping together in delight.
"Another soul? That means Onii-chan got another friend for us! Just like Hino-chan!"
She turned, patting the phoenix's warm feathers.
Kaze laughed and joined in.
"That's right, that's right! Another friend! Look, Hino-chan, we're getting another one!"
The phoenix — affectionately named Hinotori, or Hino-chan for short — let out a soft trill, golden flames rippling gently along its wings as if responding to the excitement.
Saru crossed his arms and exhaled through his nose, his usual calm demeanor unwavering.
"What now?"
Shirayuki shrugged, glancing back at the stormy sky.
"Just wait, I guess. I'm sure this one's the same as Hino-chan."
She turned to her elder sister, concern flickering in her icy eyes.
"Nee-sama, are you okay?"
Kuroyuki's crimson eyes didn't move from the clouds. Her expression was uncharacteristically distant — calm, but touched with something deeper.
"I feel… a sense of familiarity with this one."
Shirayuki blinked.
"Ehh?! Don't tell me we have a third sister?!"
Kuroyuki shook her head gently, her voice soft but steady.
"No, that's not it. It's not like that at all. It's more… like recognizing a kin. You and I are sisters through our power and element — two halves of a whole. But this one…"
Her gaze softened as a streak of lightning lit the heavens.
"This feels like meeting a distant family member… someone older, wiser… watching over us."
Hebi's eyes narrowed slightly, the serpent's scales glinting faintly under the blue lightning.
"Not only you, Kuroyuki-chan. I feel it too."
The lamia's tone carried a rare reverence.
"That presence… it's ancient. It's primal."
Saru grunted in quiet agreement.
As the group turned their gaze skyward once more, the clouds above them raged brighter. The storm that represented the Dragon's Soul continued to expand, shaking the heavens of Yun Che's inner world.
But amid the thunder and light, a deep hum resonated — steady, proud, and commanding.
The tension in the air reached its peak as the storm of clouds above the Divine Lake began to twist, spiral, and compress upon itself.
Bolts of lightning cracked across the sky in rhythmic intervals, their glow illuminating the inner world in fleeting flashes of divine brilliance. Then — the clouds began to shift.
The storm contorted into a serpentine mass, long and coiling, gliding through the heavens like a celestial serpent. Thunder rolled like a heartbeat. Lightning danced around the shape, outlining its growing form with veins of living light.
Kuroyuki's crimson eyes widened, her pupils trembling faintly. She had seen that silhouette before — not this exact one, but something deep in her ancestral memory resonated.
"That shape…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The transformation continued, majestic and unrelenting. The lightning wrapped itself tighter and tighter around the massive shape until the entire storm glowed like a sun of azure light. The gale that followed sent shockwaves rippling across the world. Yet none of Yun Che's spirits were disturbed — not by the wind, not by the noise, not even by the divine pressure blanketing the realm.
They stood firm, watching in reverence.
And then — the light broke apart.
Shards of radiance scattered through the air like fragments of shattered glass, slowly revealing the truth beneath.
First came the scales, glittering in hues of sapphire and silver. Each one shimmered like a polished gemstone, refracting the lightning's glow across the lake.
Then the limbs took shape — powerful claws that dug into the air itself, and muscular arms lined with fin-like scales that ran from its neck down to its tail, much like a celestial fish born of the storm.
Finally, the head emerged.
Twin antlers arched upward like the crown of a celestial. Whiskers flowed gracefully with the current of wind, and its eyes — deep, demonic blue with vertical pupils — glowed like twin abyssal stars.
When the last remnants of lightning fell away, six dark-blue magatamas appeared along its neck, glowing faintly in resonance with the six orbs of light once held by the Phoenix.
The transformation was complete.
A Dragon made of divine lightning hovered above the Divine Lake — ancient, proud, and majestic.
It lifted its head to the heavens.
"ROOOOOAAARRRR!!!"
The roar shook the very foundation of the inner world, a sound of such overwhelming majesty that if it had been heard in the Profound Sky Continent, every living being would have fallen to their knees in submission.
Yet here, in Yun Che's soul, it was met with calm acceptance.
The spirits of Zangetsu, Shirayuki, Kuroyuki, Saru, Hebi — all simply watched.
Hoyuu didn't even wake, muttering in his sleep,
"Too loud…"
The mighty Azure Dragon's soul representative had been born.
With its immense, shining body, it soared across the skies of the inner world, surveying the tranquil lands that would now serve as its eternal home. Its scales reflected the light of the Spirit Tree, casting glimmers across the surface of the Divine Lake.
But as it circled above, its attention was drawn — not to the mountain, nor the phoenix, nor the core itself — but to the pair of sisters standing by the lake's edge.
Kuroyuki felt the dragon's gaze before it even approached. The vast presence pressed upon her spirit, yet she didn't flinch. She rose slowly from the ground, her dark wings spreading as she floated toward the oncoming giant.
Shirayuki and the others followed her lead, their forms tiny in comparison to the colossal being that now loomed before them.
When they finally stood before the dragon's radiant face, its massive eyes studied them in silence — ancient, intelligent, and oddly familiar.
Kuroyuki's voice broke the stillness.
"No wonder I felt such familiarity…" she murmured softly. "It's a dragon."
Shirayuki looked up in awe, her silver hair brushing her shoulders.
"Nee-sama… you're an Ice Dragon, right?"
Kuroyuki nodded, her tone calm but proud.
"That's right. We may differ in element and form, but dragons… always look after their kin."
Shirayuki hesitated for a moment, then raised a hand — tentatively reaching toward the dragon's enormous snout.
The Azure Dragon lowered its head ever so slightly, allowing her to touch the smooth, shimmering scales upon its face.
Her palm pressed against the warm glow, and to everyone's surprise — the dragon did not resist.
It rumbled softly, a sound not of threat, but of contentment.
Seeing this, Mizu, Kaze, Hebi, and even Saru joined her, extending their hands. Each made contact with the azure scales, their energies resonating faintly with the divine being's own aura.
The thunder in the skies had long quieted, leaving only the faint glow of divine light drifting lazily across the lake. The once-majestic Azure Dragon now hovered before them in dignified silence, its massive presence still radiating majesty even after its awe-inspiring entrance.
Then, in that sacred stillness—
"But, Onee-chan…"
Mizu tilted her head with an innocent frown, tugging lightly on Kuroyuki's sleeve. Her voice was soft but curious.
"If the dragon is that big… how are we supposed to play with it?"
Kaze nodded beside her, puffing her cheeks.
"That's right, Onee-chan! It's too big! It won't even fit anywhere in the inner world!"
Kuroyuki blinked, then chuckled softly. The two little ones had a point.
"Hmm, the girls are right. Where are we going to put you?"
She smiled, raising a hand to gently pat the Azure Dragon's massive nose. The divine beast leaned down, lowering its head to meet her touch — and then, unexpectedly —
A bright light enveloped its entire body.
"Now what?" Hebi muttered, coiling back slightly, her tongue flicking nervously.
The light intensified, spreading out in ripples. Everyone watched in surprise as the glowing form of the dragon began to shrink. Its massive, celestial body compressed smaller and smaller, the light folding inward until its shape could fit comfortably within their sight.
When the glow faded, standing — or rather, floating — before them was a miniature Azure Dragon.
Still elegant, still radiant, but now no larger than a common serpent. Its once-massive horns and whiskers had shortened to delicate curves, and the six rotating magatamas along its neck shimmered like tiny jewels.
The little dragon fluttered its wings once, coiling gently around Kuroyuki's arm like a silken ribbon before rubbing its smooth head affectionately against her cheek.
Kuroyuki blinked in surprise — then smiled.
"Ara… so cute."
Shirayuki clasped her hands, eyes sparkling.
"Do you have a name, little one?"
The Azure Dragon lifted its head and tilted it slightly — then shook it side to side.
Hebi's eyes glimmered with curiosity.
"It… understood us?"
Kuroyuki nodded with quiet amusement, stroking the dragon's tiny head.
"Yes. Just like our Hino-chan here. It's intelligent — and by the way, it's a she."
The miniature dragon gave a soft nod, as if confirming it herself.
Hebi sighed dramatically, though the corners of her mouth curved upward.
"A female, huh? Master really does attract them all. Even Hino-chan and now the Azure Dragon are female soul spirits. No wonder this inner world is overflowing with women."
At that, the others laughed. Even Zangetsu gave a faint smile from atop his perch, while Hoyuu mumbled something incoherent in his sleep.
Mizu and Kaze looked at each other, then shouted in perfect unison—
"So what are we going to name her!?"
The group fell into thoughtful silence. Shirayuki tapped her chin.
"Well… 'Ryūjin' means 'Dragon God' in our language. Why don't we call her Ryū?"
Hebi smiled.
"Ryū-chan. I like it. It fits her perfectly."
Kaze clapped her hands in delight.
"Ryū-chan! That's such a cute name! Just like our Hino-chan!"
The little dragon perked up, her eyes glowing with joy as she turned toward Kuroyuki.
"So, Ryū," Kuroyuki said gently, "what do you think of your new name?"
The Azure Dragon nodded rapidly, excitement radiating from her in waves. Then she opened her tiny mouth—
"Yip!"
A small, squeaky sound came out — a roar in her mind, but a chirp to everyone else.
The entire group froze for half a heartbeat.
Then—
"So cute!" they all thought simultaneously.
Even Hebi, who prided herself on her composure, couldn't stop a faint blush from creeping onto her face.
Kuroyuki chuckled, gently rubbing the small dragon's head.
"Welcome, Ryū-chan. You're one of us now."
Mizu smiled brightly, hands clasped in front of her.
"So, Ryū-chan, where are you going to live? Hino-chan likes to sleep under the big tree over there, and she sometimes stays with us too. You can come sleep with us if you want!"
The little dragon's six magatamas shimmered softly as she gave a cheerful nod, coiling around Kuroyuki's arm once more.
Kuroyuki watched the tiny dragon still coiled on her arm, smiling softly at the others.
"There's no way she'd sleep inside the manor. She's a dragon, after all. Let her choose her own place."
The newly named Ryū tilted her head as if she understood, her luminous eyes scanning the vast inner world. She looked from the Spirit Tree to the floating isles, then to the shimmering expanse of the Divine Lake below.
Something about the lake drew her in.
Without hesitation, the little Azure Dragon loosened her coils from Kuroyuki's arm and leapt from the air.
Splash!
Water droplets sparkled like jewels as she plunged beneath the surface.
Kuroyuki giggled behind her hand, the sound gentle and musical.
"Ara-ara… looks like she's taken a liking to the lake."
Saru folded her arms, her tail flicking lazily.
"Seems like it."
They all watched as Ryū suddenly shot back up from the lake, a gleaming streak of blue and silver. She broke through the surface and then dove again, repeating the motion with gleeful abandon.
Splash. Splash. Splash.
Each time she emerged, she let out a tiny "Yip!", her playful chirps echoing through the air. It was clear — the Divine Lake had become her new home.
Shirayuki chuckled softly, her eyes filled with warmth.
"Well, that settles it."
Then she turned toward the two little girls who were already brimming with excitement.
"Mizu, Kaze — and Hino-chan, too. Why don't you take Ryū and explore the inner world together? It'll be some time before Yūki-sama returns."
The sisters straightened, their smiles lighting up the field.
"Haiii!!"
Without hesitation, they sprinted toward the lake, Hino-chan spreading her fiery wings before taking off after them. Ryū greeted their approach with cheerful yips, circling the surface before diving underwater again, leaving a glowing trail of bubbles behind.
Despite what would normally be divine rivalry, the Phoenix and the Azure Dragon showed no hostility toward one another. Instead, their energies harmonized beautifully — fire and lightning dancing side by side.
Saru watched quietly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Divine Beasts usually can't stand each other… but these two seem to get along just fine."
Hebi flicked her tongue in amusement.
"Perhaps our master's influence has softened even their pride."
Kuroyuki's gaze followed the scene — the laughing girls, the dragon splashing, and the phoenix gliding above the lake — before Shirayuki's curious voice drew her attention.
"Ara, such cute children… But, Nee-sama?"
Kuroyuki hummed in acknowledgment.
"On Ryū's neck — why does she have six rotating magatamas? Hino-chan only has three."
Kuroyuki blinked, glancing toward the lake where Ryū's six azure magatamas shimmered faintly like miniature moons as she swam beneath the surface.
"Who knows?" she said at last, shrugging lightly with a small smile. "Maybe dragons just like to overdo things."
Shirayuki chuckled softly at her sister's reply, but a flicker of curiosity still glimmered in her eyes as she watched the divine orbs glimmer across the lake's reflection.
The Azure Dragon had found her home.
The Phoenix had found a friend.
And Yun Che's world — ever vibrant, ever growing — was once again in harmony.
========================
Back inside Yun Che's inner world, the silence following the Dragon Soul's merging was quickly shattered by a cascade of system chimes.
One after another, glowing blue notifications flooded his vision, forcing him to swipe them aside to even breathe.
============
[Ding… Host has successfully merged with the 'Dragon's Soul.']
============
Yun Che grinned from ear to ear.
"Hell yeah! I was waiting for this. The legendary Dragon Soul Domain — the dragon's trump card! The absolute intimidation skill!"
============
[Ding… Host has obtained a new skill: 'Dragon Soul Domain.']
============
Yun Che immediately opened the description window. His grin widened even further.
============
[Dragon Soul Domain]Dragon Soul Domain is an incomparably overbearing mental Domain. Though primarily spiritual, it consumes part of the host's Spirit Force to sustain it. Those caught within are thrown into a nightmare state, unable to wield their profound strength effectively. It exerts immense mental pressure on both the target and the user, making prolonged use taxing on the mind.
============
Yun Che's eyes gleamed like a kid opening a chest full of loot.
"Heh… A nightmare domain, huh? Just like the original. This thing's perfect for breaking anyone who dares stand in front of me."
But the system wasn't done yet.
============
[Ding… Compatibility detected between Host's Dragon Soul Domain and the Will of the Heretic Conqueror.][Ding… Compatibility detected between Host's Dragon Soul Domain and the Sharingan's Illusion.]
============
Yun Che's grin froze. Then his pupils dilated.
"Wait… what?!"
His heart skipped a beat.
"That means—"
============
[Initiating Fusion.]
[Fusion Successful.]
============
The system chimed again, its tone resonant, almost proud.
============
[Ding… Congratulations, host. New Skill Created: Will of the Dragon Conqueror.]
[Will of the Dragon Conqueror]
An evolved fusion skill combining the Dragon Soul Domain, Haoshoku Haki, and the Will of the Heretic Conqueror. This technique manifests the host's purest authority — the power to dominate the souls of others.
Enemies below the host's cultivation realm will have their fate bound by the host's will. The host may induce unconsciousness, fear, or death itself by magnifying their inner terror.
Those above the host's level may resist; however, their mental fortitude will still weaken under the Dragon's presence. Conscious opponents can still be subdued through direct mental strain at the cost of the host's Spirit Force.
============
Yun Che nearly dropped to his knees laughing.
"Holy shit! This is broken! I can either knock them out cold or crush them with fear — and it works even on people above my level?"
He chuckled darkly.
"Heh. This is the definition of divine intimidation."
But the system's familiar tone rang once more.
============
[Ding… Congratulations host for creating the skill 'Dragon Soul Illusion.']
[Dragon Soul Illusion]
A refined, one-target variant of the Dragon Soul Domain. This illusion uses the Sharingan's ocular power to trap opponents in a nightmare realm forged by the Dragon's will. Should the illusion fail or be dispelled, the full Dragon Soul Domain will automatically deploy as a failsafe. The host will receive a permission prompt before activation to prevent accidental escalation.
============
Yun Che's grin turned feral.
"A smaller version, huh? Perfect for duels — if it fails, I've got the domain to back it up."
He crossed his arms, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest.
"Three gifts in one go — one new skill and two evolved ones. Not bad, old lizard. Not bad at all."
============
[Ding… System has discovered six drops of Dragon God Blood Essence within the Dragon God Crystal.]
[Proceeding with the merging process.]
============
Yun Che blinked.
"Six drops? Damn, that dragon's generous. The phoenix only gave me three… unless—"
He paused, his eyes narrowing in realization.
"Right. The phoenix's soul was incomplete. That means the other half has the rest. Three and three — together they'll make six. So when I find it…"
He smirked.
"Guess I'll finally complete the phoenix's bloodline too."
============
[Ding… Merging successful. Host now possesses the Dragon God Bloodline.]
[The merging of the bloodline grants bonus effects.]
============
Before the list even appeared, Yun Che's entire body shuddered. A burning sensation spread through his veins — not painful, but overwhelmingly powerful.
His blood boiled like liquid fire, surging with divine vitality. He clenched his fists as golden cracks of light traced across his skin, his aura flaring like an inferno of power.
"Ngh—!"
He could feel it — his body transforming, reforging itself from within. His muscles hardened, his bones pulsed with energy, his senses sharpened beyond measure. Every heartbeat carried a weight of divine authority, the kind that could bend mountains and command storms.
When the heat subsided, he opened his eyes — faint golden streaks flickering across his pupils.
Yun Che flexed his hand. His knuckles popped like thunder.
"My bones… my blood… even my soul feels tougher."
He grinned slowly, his voice a whisper of awe and triumph.
"Feels like I could hold the entire damn world in my palm."
The system chimed again, its voice almost smug — as if aware of the monster it had just helped create.
============
[Ding… The Dragon God Bloodline has successfully fused with the Host's existing divine attributes.]
[All physical and spiritual parameters increased exponentially.]
============
The light of the Dragon God's inheritance still shimmered around Yun Che's form when another series of notifications flooded his vision — each one more surprising than the last.
He squinted at the glowing text.
"Bonuses?"
============
[Ding... Merging of six drops of Dragon God Blood has granted the host: the Bloodline of the True Dragon and a Virgin Yang Seed.]
[The Virgin Yang Seed will be passed on the first time the host and a woman of choice perform the act of dual cultivation. The recipient will inherit a fragment of the Dragon God's Bloodline, empowering her body and allowing her to leap several cultivation levels.]
============
Yun Che froze. His eyes widened.
Then, very slowly, a sheepish grin crept across his face.
"Oh… I've read about this before. Heh. The original Yun Che gave his virginity to save Little Fairy, didn't he? Guess history's giving me… options."
He scratched the back of his head, the corner of his mouth twitching.
============
[Ding… For your information, host: the system can generate additional Virgin Yang Seeds for a cost of 5000 SP each, allowing the host to empower more women in the future. However, a single woman may only receive one seed.]
============
Yun Che's mind went completely blank.
He stared at the glowing text for a full three seconds.
"…"
"You mean… I can buy more of these? Like… rechargeable Dragon God essence?!"
He groaned and pressed a hand to his face, his cheeks burning red.
"Damn it, system. You're making me sound like some kind of walking divine donor!"
He exhaled through his nose, dismissing the window with a flick of his finger.
"Alright, alright. I'll think about it later. Focus, Yun Che. Focus."
Another window appeared — this one carrying the weight of pure majesty.
============
[Ding… The merging of the Dragon God's blood and soul has transformed the host's body into the body of a True Dragon.]
[This body has perfectly merged with the Great Way of the Buddha, empowering the host to the First Level of the Tyrant Profound Realm.]
[The Dragon God's bloodline has strengthened every aspect of the host's physique — flesh, bones, meridians, and profound veins — raising toughness to match that of a True Dragon. Regeneration speed has drastically increased.]
[Ding… Host's body is now at the First Level of the Tyrant Profound Realm.]
[Ding… The regenerative power of the Great Way of the Buddha remains active. However, the host's regeneration and recovery speed have been significantly enhanced. Any wound — large or small — will heal instantly, and broken bones will restore automatically.]
[Host is immune to all injuries from enemies of equal realm.]
[Against enemies above the host's cultivation level, defense is applied at 50% effectiveness. The host still gains full experience despite defensive enhancements.]
============
Yun Che blinked. Then blinked again.
"Wait… So my body's stronger than steel and heals instantly?"
He flexed his arm, feeling the dense energy coursing through his veins. Every muscle pulsed with restrained might; every breath vibrated with power.
He tilted his head, curiosity flickering.
"Hold up. So if I got hit by a truck right now…"
He grinned.
"I'd just stand up and flip the damn thing over?"
============
[Lastly, the host's bones have been reforged with the Dragon God's Marrow.]
[Host's bones are now comparable to fine divine steel, and the marrow has become an impregnable fortress that continuously restores lost blood, strength, and stamina during combat.]
[The marrow generates new Dragon God blood every moment — even in sleep.]
[Bonus Effect: Host gains 1000 XP for every minute of rest. Lost blood essence (Phoenix or Dragon) will be automatically restored.]
============
Yun Che whistled low.
"Continuous regeneration, passive XP gain, and auto-refill blood essence? Damn, I'm basically a self-healing power bank now."
He flexed his arm again, watching faint traces of golden scales ripple beneath his skin. The marrow's energy burned like molten sunlight in his veins — strong, unbreakable, and alive.
The next notification chimed like the toll of a divine bell.
============
[Ding… Congratulations host for obtaining the Achievement: The Rebirth of the True Dragon.]
[Main Mission 'Dragon God Trial' — Completed.]
[Rewards: 10,000 XP | 5,000 SP | Hado #34: Kongōbaku (Adamantine Blast)]
============
The glow around him flared one final time, and a faint smirk touched his lips.
Yun Che finally let the warmth of satisfaction settle in. The flood of notifications had ceased, the divine power within his veins had calmed, and his heart had stopped racing from excitement.
He took a deep breath and stretched his arms wide, hearing the soft crack of newly reforged bones. Every motion felt different — smoother, heavier with strength, lighter with energy. His body hummed like a perfectly tuned blade.
"Ahhh… damn, that feels good."
He rolled his shoulders, flexed his knuckles, and smiled faintly to himself.
"Now that's done, I should head back. Jasmine and Mio are probably worried sick. Can't just keep the girls waiting, right?"
He chuckled softly, raising his hand to initiate the logout sequence. But before the system could respond—
=============
[Ding….]
=============
Yun Che froze mid-motion, blinking.
"Wait—what? I thought the bonuses were done."
He frowned, opening the new alert.
=============
[Ding... Host has triggered a special reward from the system.]
=============
His expression stiffened.
"Special reward? Oh no… Last time this happened, I ended up with Nemu after summoning Kon. What now—?"
He tapped the notification, expecting a small bonus or maybe another artifact.
Instead, the screen expanded into a full mission summary — one that made his jaw drop.
==============
[Host has completed a special hidden mission from the system.]
1) Obtained the Dragon God's True Dragon Body — ✔
2) Obtained the Dragon God Bone Marrow — ✔
3) Obtained the Dragon Soul — ✔
4) Obtained the Dragon Blood — ✔
[All four Dragon God inheritances obtained.]
[Special hidden mission achieved. A unique reward is now available to the host.]
[Do you wish to open it?]
===============
For a long moment, Yun Che just stared at the glowing screen.
"You mean… I've collected all four parts?"
He tilted his head, lips curling into a grin.
"Well, no harm done, right? I mean, last time I got something good out of this. Let's see what the dragon's hiding this time."
Without hesitation, he pressed Yes.
The next instant, his entire body was thrown backward by an explosive surge of golden-blue light.
He hit the surface of the divine lake with a splash! — though instead of sinking, his body hovered just above the rippling water, suspended in a sphere of radiant energy.
He rubbed his eyes, squinting into the blinding light.
"Wait… wait, wait, seriously?!?"
==================
[Ding... Congratulations host for obtaining a special reward from the system:]
[The Dragon Transformation.]