Chapter 4: Bloodline Test (Part 2)
The Baruch Family manor, though sizable, had a distinct separation between the front and back courtyards. The family members typically lived in the front area, with the back courtyards left untouched and seldom cleaned. The only exception was the ancestral hall, a place of worship for the family's ancestors, which was tended to every month by a servant.
Xinghui and Walton walked in silence behind their father, Hogg, making their way toward the back courtyard. Walton, sensing the gravity of the situation, kept quiet, and Xinghui followed suit, his heart racing with anticipation. He had a feeling that today was the day his dragonblood concentration would be tested.
For Xinghui, the test was crucial. He and Walton were twins, and while Walton's bloodline concentration had always been strong enough to potentially make him a Dragonblood Warrior, Xinghui felt a sense of excitement at the prospect that his own bloodline might be similar. If his concentration proved high enough, he could become a Dragonblood Warrior and begin cultivating the Dragonblood Mystic Codex, a crucial step toward growing stronger.
As they entered the ancestral hall, Hogg motioned for Xinghui to close the door. He then lit the candles that lined the hall, filling the room with soft, flickering light. The ancestral tablets, representing generations of the Baruch Family, stood at the far end of the room—a stark reminder of the family's former glory and its current decline.
Hogg had always been deeply connected to the family's legacy, and seeing the tablets always reminded him of the family's past struggles. Yet, there was hope in his heart now, particularly because of his sons. Lin Lei's extraordinary talent had reinvigorated Hogg's belief in the Baruch Family's revival.
He sighed, his mind drifting momentarily. "Once Lin Lei grows up and I can ensure that Xinghui and Walton are prepared, I will finally be able to search for the truth of the past. And then… I will find you, Lina."
Shaking off his nostalgic thoughts, Hogg turned to face his sons with a serious expression. "Xinghui, Walton, it's time you learn more about our family's legacy."
The two brothers, one curious (Walton) and the other with a look of quiet anticipation (Xinghui), listened intently. Hogg, seeing their eager expressions, couldn't help but think back to when Lin Lei had stood here years ago. A small smile tugged at his lips.
"Our family, the Baruch Family, has been passed down for five thousand years. You won't find many families older than ours, not just in the Finlay Kingdom but across the entire continent."
His voice filled with pride as he continued. "Our family still holds the potential for revival. If a family member's bloodline concentration reaches the necessary threshold, they can become a true Dragonblood Warrior after decades of hard work. We can once again reclaim the glory of being the Dragonblood Warrior family!"
Walton, his excitement bubbling over, beamed with pride. Xinghui, while equally excited, knew the significance of the upcoming test. The time had come.
Hogg placed a box on the table, opening it to reveal two dragonblood needles. He held one up and turned to his sons. "Who will go first?"
Before Hogg could finish his sentence, Walton eagerly rushed forward, waving his hand enthusiastically. "Me! Me! Me!"
Despite the obvious nervousness in his eyes, Walton was full of anticipation. He feared the long needle but couldn't contain his excitement.
Hogg chuckled softly and reassured him. "Don't worry, Walton. It'll just prick your skin a little. Hold out your hand."
Relieved, Walton extended his hand eagerly, and Hogg gently pricked his fingertip with the dragonblood needle. As soon as the needle pierced the skin, it absorbed Walton's blood, turning from transparent to a deep crimson. Hogg carefully examined the needle, his eyes widening with disbelief as he saw the results.
He hurriedly grabbed the Dragonblood Mystic Codex and the family history from the table and began flipping through the pages, feverishly comparing the needle's color to the family's records.
The room fell silent as Walton and Xinghui exchanged curious glances. They had never seen their father lose his composure like this before.
After what felt like an eternity, Hogg looked up, his face breaking into a joyous grin. "Hahahahaha! Walton! Our Dragonblood Warrior family finally has a member whose bloodline concentration meets the standard!"
Overcome with joy, Hogg scooped Walton up in his arms and kissed him, laughing in sheer ecstasy. Walton and Xinghui couldn't help but smile, their hearts swelling with pride and happiness.
After a few moments, Hogg composed himself, though the smile on his face was still hard to hide. He returned to the table, picked up the second dragonblood needle, and turned to Xinghui.
"Now it's your turn, Xinghui," Hogg said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Xinghui steadied his breathing, trying to calm the excitement rushing through his veins. He placed his palm in front of Hogg, and the dragonblood needle pricked his skin as well. The needle absorbed his blood, and once again, it turned crimson.
But this time, Hogg's expression faltered. Instead of the triumphant joy he had shown with Walton, he appeared deep in thought, examining the needle with careful scrutiny.
Xinghui, despite his inner excitement, waited silently, watching his father's reaction.
Hogg's voice was quiet when he spoke. "Xinghui, your dragonblood concentration is very high, even slightly higher than your brother Lin Lei's… but it's still just a little short."
A brief moment of silence hung in the air before Hogg added, "You're almost there, my son. Just a little more."