Chapter 96: The Crimson Legacy
The Black Tomb ruins sprawled like a somber graveyard under a gray sky,
the air heavy with the earthy scent of disturbed soil
and the faint, lingering pulse of residual demonic qi
that whispered through the cracked stone and twisted roots.
The late morning light struggled to penetrate the overcast haze,
casting a pale, ghostly glow over the crumbled walls and scattered relics,
where the silence was occasionally broken by the rustle of wind
and the distant call of a scavenging bird.
Lin Xuan, at the 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
knelt amidst the debris, his crimson eyes fixed intently
on the cryptic scroll unearthed the previous day.
The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed with a steady, reassuring rhythm,
a guide as he traced the ancient runes with trembling fingers,
the parchment's dark energy resonating with the mysterious power within him.
"This is it—a technique to enhance Crimson Blood Crystallization Art,
linked to what's inside me,"
he said, his voice low and contemplative,
a spark of discovery lighting his guarded expression.
"It's called Blood Pulse Unification—we need to test it with care."
Liu Yue, her 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm qi robust,
stepped forward, her snowflake mark glowing faintly
as she studied the scroll with a mix of intrigue and wariness.
"Senior Brother, are you certain?
I can feel a strange energy—almost like it's alive,"
she noted, her moonlight eyes narrowing
as the demonic resonance pulsed through the runes.
Lin Xuan met her gaze, nodding slowly.
"We have to know its potential. Liu Yang, let's try it together."
Liu Yang, his 1st Layer Qi Transformation qi steady and crackling,
grinned as he hefted his blood-forged glaive,
his young face alight with a boyish eagerness.
"About time we got to do something cool! Elder Sister, you joining in?"
he asked, spinning the weapon with a deft twirl,
the blade glinting as he prepared to assist.
Liu Yue let out a soft sigh, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"Only if we keep it safe. Let's see what this does, but slowly."
Lin Xuan rose, centering himself as he channeled Blood Pulse Unification,
a new technique that fused his qi with the tower's latent energy.
The air shimmered with a deep crimson hue,
and with a focused gesture, he directed a controlled burst
toward a ruined pillar standing nearby.
The energy struck with a sharp crack,
the pillar exploding into fragments with a resounding boom,
the ground trembling slightly under the force,
a faint echo reverberating through the ruins.
"Whoa—that's incredible!"
Liu Yang exclaimed, stepping back with wide eyes,
his voice tinged with awe as he felt the residual power.
"But it's got a dark vibe—could it backfire on us?"
Liu Yue nodded, her hands weaving Frost Phoenix Cry
to stabilize the area, the icy wave neutralizing the lingering resonance
with a crisp snap of frozen air.
"You're right—it's potent but unstable.
We need to refine it, Senior Brother, before it gets out of hand."
Lin Xuan wiped sweat from his brow, his breath uneven.
"Agreed. It draws on the tower's strength,
but the demonic edge is strong. We'll need to balance it."
Later, at the royal council,
Ji Yunjing, at the 5th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
presided over a tense gathering, his silk robes rustling
as he leaned forward, his voice measured yet firm.
"This Blood Pulse Unification could be a game-changer,
but it's a double-edged sword. We must integrate it with caution—
one misstep could unleash havoc,"
he said, his brow furrowed as he glanced at the scroll on the table.
"What's your assessment, Bai Ningxue?"
Bai Ningxue, her 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura serene yet potent,
examined the parchment closely, her hands tracing Thousand Lotus Seal Art
to contain a faint qi leak with a soft pop.
"It's rooted in the tower's demonic core.
My seals can limit its spread,
but we'll need Lin Xuan's expertise to control it safely,"
she replied, her tone calm but laced with caution,
her eyes meeting Ji Yunjing's with a steady resolve.
"Let's set strict guidelines—Lin Xuan, can you lead this?"
Lin Xuan, still feeling the aftereffects of the test,
nodded, his voice steady despite the strain.
"I can manage it, but it'll take time and practice.
The tower's influence is… hard to predict."
Liu Yue placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her voice gentle.
"We're with you, Senior Brother.
This discovery is ours to shape together."
Liu Yang, leaning casually on his glaive, chuckled.
"Yeah, and if it goes wild, I'll hack it down!
What do you say, Elder Sister?"
Liu Yue rolled her eyes but smiled.
"Let's hope it doesn't come to that. Focus on supporting him."
The council buzzed with the scratch of quills on parchment
and the low murmur of strategic debate,
Ji Yunjing rising to address the team with a formal bow.
"Your discovery honors our past struggles.
Bowing to this legacy, let us forge its future with wisdom."
Lin Xuan returned the gesture, his mind racing with possibilities.
"We'll make it work—this power can protect us, if we master it."
The discussion stretched into the afternoon,
the air growing heavy with the scent of ink and stone dust,
the team reflecting on their journey with a mix of pride and caution.
Liu Yue glanced at Lin Xuan, her voice soft.
"We've come so far, Senior Brother.
This could be our next step forward."
Liu Yang nodded, his grin returning.
"Yeah, from tombs to triumphs—pretty epic, huh?"
Bai Ningxue added, her seals fading,
"It's a legacy of strength—let's ensure it's a force for good."
The council hummed with the weight of their decision.