The Aftermath — Bathed in Blood
Jin stood amid the shattered remnants of the courtyard, his body slick with blood — most of it not his own.
The broken forms of the five expert cultivators lay scattered, lifeless. Young Lord Han, broken and begging, had been silenced by Jin's final devastating blow to his throat.
But victory came at a cost.
His breath was ragged, each inhale a harsh rasp. His limbs trembled — not from fatigue alone, but from the relentless storm of blood qi surging through his veins. The dark, chaotic power of his Blood Demon Bloodline reacted violently inside him, searing his nerves.
His vision flashed red.
Arielle's voice cut through the haze as she rushed to his side, grabbing his arm.
"Jin!"
He barely registered her presence.
His legs buckled.
"Stay with us, Jin!"
Desperation filled her voice.
With trembling hands, Jin reached into the Assassin's Storage Ring he'd looted earlier and withdrew two pale jade pills. They shimmered with potent healing energy.
"Here…" he rasped, forcing the pills into Arielle and Lana's hands. "Take them."
The moment the pills passed their lips, color flushed back to their cheeks. Open wounds closed, bleeding stilled — life returned.
Jin sank to the ground.
Inside Their Home — Blood Qi Backlash
Jin's body convulsed violently atop the bed, crimson energy crackling through the air like wildfire. His hair whipped wildly despite the stillness of the room. His eyes snapped open — blood-red, feral, untamed.
Lana recoiled, horror etched on her face.
"My son… what are you turning into?"
But Arielle remained calm, her gaze steady.
"I've seen this before. This is the backlash of the Demon Bloodline."
"What can we do?!" Lana's panic broke through.
Arielle met her mother's eyes with quiet resolve.
"Leave us. I'll stabilize him. But I must use my constitution fully. It will drain me."
Lana hesitated, the weight of the decision heavy.
Outside, whispers already rippled through Moon Lotus City — rumors of a demon-possessed youth tearing through nobles.
Reluctantly, Lana slipped from the room, heart clenched tight.
Behind closed doors, the sounds began.
Heat and breath.
Soft moans mingled with low, guttural growls.
Lana stood frozen, tears prickling her eyes.
"My son... has truly grown."
The Capital — Molana's Fury
In the heart of the capital, the Second Queen paced a vast chamber lined with polished marble. Her jade crown sat askew, her eyes blazing with rage.
"Failed. Again."
Captain Roger knelt silently before her, blood still on his lips.
"Jin… that filthy rat escapes me every time."
Molana's hands clenched, shattering a delicate vase.
"Fine. It's time."
A knock interrupted her fury.
An elderly man entered, robes edged with gold.
"Father," she said coldly. "The time has come."
He nodded solemnly.
"Let the king die."
Together, they sealed their treasonous pact.
Moon Lotus City — Dawn's Quiet Before the Storm
Jin stirred awake, head resting on Arielle's shoulder. Her warmth enveloped him; her spiritual qi intertwined with his like moonlight dancing with fire.
The system chimed softly in his mind:
[Blood Qi Stabilized – Dual Cultivation Successful]
[System Upgrade in Progress – Estimated 5 Days]
[New Features Incoming Upon Completion]
He sat up carefully.
Downstairs, breakfast waited.
Lana's gaze pierced him as he entered — neither soft nor cold, but filled with something unspoken.
Arielle avoided his eyes.
The silence was a weight heavier than iron.
Jin cleared his throat and spoke quietly, but with firm resolve:
"I'll take responsibility."
No words were needed after that.
Arielle began to eat.
Everything was said.
Evening — A Decision Made
Jin fastened the last strap on his traveling bag.
Moon Lotus City was no longer safe — not for them, not for anyone.
Lana packed quietly, watching him.
At the door, Arielle hesitated, eyes full of unspoken hope.
"Can I…" she whispered, voice trembling, "Can I come with you?"
Jin blinked.
"You're the daughter of a merchant clan. This is your home."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Not anymore. A few days ago, I got word—my parents were ambushed on the trade road. Rogue cultivators. They're dead."
She lowered her gaze.
"If I stay, the nobles will force me into a cage. I'd rather follow you."
Lana looked from Arielle to Jin.
A long sigh escaped her.
She stepped forward, embracing Arielle gently.
"Then come with us. You're family now."
Jin gave a faint smile.
"I was planning on taking responsibility anyway."
The system chimed softly:
[Bonded Companion: Arielle – Affection Level Increased to 95%]
The City Gate — Unseen Eyes
The three approached the city gate, cloaks drawn, bags packed.
Waiting for them—six figures cloaked in shadow, spiritual pressure rippling from each.
A tall man stepped forward, spear gleaming coldly.
"Jin of Moon Lotus City," he called out. "You've caught our attention."
A woman in phoenix robes bowed gracefully.
"Join our sect. With your strength, your rise will be swift."
A grizzled man grunted, blood-stained scroll in hand.
"We like bloodthirsty ones like you. Come."
Jin's eyes narrowed.
His journey was only beginning.
And already, the world was closing in.