Chapter 27: The Vein Fortress Trial
The training ground outside the inn was a wide expanse of packed earth, surrounded by ancient trees whose gnarled branches swayed gently in the morning breeze, their leaves casting dappled shadows across the ground. The air carried the earthy scent of soil and the faint metallic tang of qi, a testament to the battles that had shaped this space. The sun hung low, its golden rays filtering through the canopy, illuminating Lin Xuan as he sat cross-legged, the silver-blue flame flickering before him. His crimson eyes glowed with focus as he mastered the Vein Fortress Body technique, his blood hardening beneath his skin into a resilient layer, a faint red glow seeping through his pores. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed rhythmically, guiding the process, a warm hum resonating with the golden coin Liu Yue carried.
He rose, summoning Liu Yue and Liu Yang to join him, their presence a blend of grace and determination. Liu Yue's raven hair cascaded like a midnight waterfall, her sapphire robes shimmering under the sunlight, her moonlight eyes reflecting trust as she approached. Liu Yang followed, his young face set with resolve, his crystalline blood armor faintly visible, a testament to his rapid growth. "Today, we master Vein Fortress Body," Lin Xuan announced, his voice firm yet encouraging. He demonstrated, his blood forming a shimmering red armor that encased his arms and torso, the surface glinting like polished ruby under the sun. "Focus your qi into your veins, let it harden," he instructed.
Liu Yue practiced first, her Icy Skin merging with the technique, her blood crystallizing into an icy armor that sparkled with frost, the snowflake mark on her palm glowing softly. The air chilled around her, ice crystals forming on the ground, her moonlight eyes narrowing with concentration. Liu Yang followed, his blood qi surging, his crystalline shield expanding to cover his body, the red hue deepening as he grunted through the pain. Their arts clashed briefly, a frosty mist rising, but Lin Xuan mediated, weaving his qi to stabilize the synergy, the Crest pulsing in approval. "Harmonize your breaths," he guided, their auras syncing into a balanced flow, the mist clearing into a shimmering haze.
As they trained, a rustle in the trees signaled danger—a Hei Clan ambush emerged, led by a 4th Layer Qi Transformation cultivator, his dark robes adorned with silver runes, his qi blade crackling with curse-infused energy. Two 6th Layer disciples flanked him, their eyes glinting with malice. "The Scriptures are ours!" the leader snarled, lunging with a qi storm that tore the earth. Abyssal Lotus Step, his body gliding with mixed martial arts footwork, dodging the storm as trees splintered. He unleashed Internal Fracture Wave, a shockwave from his crystal veins that rippled through the air, repelling the leader's attack, the ground cracking under the force.
Liu Yue's icy skin gleamed as she froze the disciples' qi, her spikes piercing one's leg, drawing a cry. Liu Yang's blood shield absorbed a retaliatory strike, his sword slashing the other's arm, blood spraying. Lin Xuan closed in, Starlit Void Fist striking the leader's chest, the celestial punch shattering his guard, followed by Crimson Lance Burst, spikes embedding in his shoulder. The elder stumbled, his disciples faltering, and Lin Xuan devoured their residual qi with Energy Devour, a cool rush pushing him toward the 4th Layer. The ambush retreated, their curses fading into the forest.
Bloodshade Abyss scouts observed from the shadows, their crimson robes blending with the trees, their interest in Lin Xuan's blood arts palpable. Back at the inn, Lin Xuan refined a pill, the silver-blue flame casting shadows as he strengthened his Vein Fortress Body. Liu Yue's snowflake mark pulsed, hinting at deeper power, her moonlight eyes meeting his with pride. "Senior Brother, we're growing stronger," she said softly. The ache in his chest deepened, a bittersweet reminder of their bond, his resolve steeling for the threats ahead.