Chapter 30: The Crimson Dawn
The inn courtyard shimmered under the first light of dawn, the mist curling around its edges like a living veil, the air thick with the fresh scent of dew and the faint metallic tang of qi that lingered from recent battles. The eastern sky blazed with hues of gold and crimson, casting long shadows across the packed earth where Lin Xuan stood, his crimson eyes burning with the newfound power of his 5th Layer Qi Transformation. The Blood Crystal Core within him pulsed with crystal energy, a steady rhythm that resonated through his veins, though he lacked the innate ability to form blood armor or weapons—a talent reserved for Liu Yang, marked by the Human Emperor's blood. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back glowed faintly, its silver-blue light syncing with the red lightning ring on his finger, a bond that tied him to Liu Yue and their growing strength.
He summoned Liu Yue and Liu Yang to the courtyard, the training ground alive with the rustle of ancient trees and the soft chirping of awakening birds. "Today, we master the Scarlet Flow Phase of the Crimson Blood Crystallization Art," Lin Xuan announced, his voice firm and resonant, carrying the weight of a leader. Liu Yue approached, her raven hair cascading like a midnight waterfall, her sapphire robes shimmering under the dawn light, her moonlight eyes reflecting trust and determination. Liu Yang followed, his young face set with resolve, his crystalline blood armor faintly visible—a testament to his unique lineage—its red hue glinting like polished ruby as he adjusted to his growing power.
Lin Xuan demonstrated the Scarlet Flow Phase, his blood qi surging to enhance his strength and healing, a faint red glow seeping through his skin as he channeled the art. Liu Yue practiced alongside him, her Icy Skin merging with the technique, icy qi coalescing into sharp spikes that shot forth with a crystalline sheen, the snowflake mark on her palm glowing softly, a sign of her deepening mastery. Liu Yang, however, showcased his rare talent—his blood qi transformed into a jagged blood sword, its surface rippling like liquid metal, and a crystalline shield that encased his arm, the Human Emperor's bloodline shining through. Their arts clashed briefly, a frosty mist rising as Liu Yue's ice met Liu Yang's blood qi, but Lin Xuan mediated, weaving his qi to harmonize their energies. "Sync your breaths," he instructed, the Celestial Unity Crest pulsing in approval, the mist clearing into a shimmering haze that reflected their unity.
As they honed their skills, a ominous shadow loomed—a sudden surge of dark qi shattered the morning tranquility. Hei Long and a Bloodshade Abyss elder emerged from the mist, their 7th Layer Qi Transformation auras a crushing force that made the air tremble. Hei Long's black robes billowed, his qi spear crackling with curse-infused energy, his eyes glinting with rage. The elder, a gaunt figure in crimson robes adorned with black runes, unleashed a qi storm that tore through the trees, their branches splintering with a deafening crack. "The Scriptures end here, boy!" Hei Long roared, his voice a venomous promise that echoed off the courtyard walls.
Lin Xuan's heart raced, the disparity in power weighing on him, but his training and the Crest's guidance steadied his resolve. Abyssal Lotus Step, he called, his body gliding with mixed martial arts footwork, dodging Hei Long's spear thrust as the weapon gouged the earth, sending shards flying. The qi storm from the elder followed, a swirling vortex of dark energy, and Lin Xuan twisted with Celestial Glide, the attack grazing his shoulder, a sharp sting flaring as fabric tore. Crimson Lance Burst, crystallized blood spikes erupting from his hand, the projectiles embedding in Hei Long's leg, drawing a grunt of pain and forcing the elder to stagger.
Liu Yue moved in tandem, her Icy Skin aura chilling the air, her icy spikes piercing the elder's arm with a crystalline flash, the snowflake mark pulsing brighter. Liu Yang's blood sword slashed Hei Long's side, a crimson arc spraying blood, his crystalline shield absorbing a retaliatory qi blade from the elder, the impact a dull thud. Their synergy was a dance of ice and blood, the red lightning rings sparking, deepening their bond. Suddenly, Mei Ling appeared, her 7th Layer Qi Transformation aura a calming presence, her dark hair tied back, her qi blade a silver arc that clashed with the elder's storm. "Bloodshade holds a grudge against Liu Ren," she revealed urgently, her voice cutting through the chaos, a revelation that sent a chill down Lin Xuan's spine.
The battle intensified—Hei Long roared, his spear dancing with renewed fury, a qi wave tearing toward Lin Xuan. He met it with Internal Fracture Wave, the shockwave from his crystal veins rippling through the air, clashing with the attack in a burst of light, the ground cracking beneath them. The elder unleashed a second storm, but Liu Yue's icy qi disrupted it, her spikes embedding in his thigh, while Liu Yang's blood sword struck Hei Long's arm, forcing both foes back. Lin Xuan pressed forward, Starlit Void Fist igniting with celestial power, the punch striking the elder's chest, a crack echoing as ribs broke. Energy Devour siphoned their residual qi, a cool rush steadying him, though the 7th Layer power proved too much to overcome fully.
Hei Long and the elder retreated, limping into the mist, their voices a vow of vengeance. "This isn't over!" Hei Long snarled, his dark qi dissipating. Mei Ling nodded to Lin Xuan, her expression grave. "Prepare for their return—they won't stop." Back at the inn, Lin Xuan refined a pill, the silver-blue flame casting dancing shadows as he strengthened his Blood Crystal Core, the process intricate and painful. Liu Yue's snowflake mark glowed brighter, hinting at a legacy art, her moonlight eyes meeting his with pride. "Senior Brother, we held them off," she said softly. Liu Yang's blood core pulsed, his resolve mirroring Lin Xuan's, the courtyard a silent witness to their resilience. The ache in Lin Xuan's chest deepened, a bittersweet pang tied to their trust, his crimson eyes glowing with determination for the battles ahead.