Chapter 109: The Reclaimed Soul
The Liu Clan hall hummed with a serene morning energy,
the polished wooden beams catching the soft golden rays spilling through tall windows,
the air rich with the earthy scent of sandalwood incense and the faint bitterness of brewing tea,
intricate carvings on the window frames glowing faintly with the clan's protective aura.
The hall, a testament to resilience after past trials,
was adorned with scrolls depicting family triumphs,
the floor swept clean, reflecting the unity of those within,
a space where quiet strength and familial bonds intertwined.
Lin Xuan sat cross-legged near the center,
his lean frame exuding the quiet power of the 1st Layer of Profound Heavenly Realm,
his eyes—black with a faint white glow—gazing inward,
the Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsing with a steady, warm rhythm.
His mind plunged into the depths of memory,
a flood of images and voices rising like mist from a forgotten lake,
pulling him into a space where the past shaped his present resolve.
Luo Shuang's voice echoed first, soft and maternal,
"Xuan'er, you're my son in every way that matters,"
her words wrapping around him like a hug on a chilly evening,
a memory of her silver hair and gentle hands soothing his fears long ago.
Within his consciousness, a vivid landscape pulsed—
a cube shimmering with an ethereal blue light,
a towering structure piercing an endless void,
and a shadowy figure cloaked in mist, its presence both comforting and familiar,
watching him with an intensity that made his heart race.
He saw Liu Ren's departure, his gray eyes heavy with unspoken burdens, the scene sharp and aching,
the red-black-haired youth standing beside him,
and the stone tablet left behind, its carved words glowing:
"Your fate is heavier than mine. Don't let it weigh you down."
The memory faded, leaving a bittersweet pang,
but in the present, Lin Xuan rose, his black-and-white eyes glinting with determination.
He turned to his family—Luo Shuang, Liu Yue, and Liu Yang—
gathered in the hall, their presence a lifeline amidst his swirling thoughts.
Luo Shuang, a beautiful woman with restored meridians,
her silver hair cascading like a silken waterfall,
stood with an elegant poise at the 1st Layer of Qi Transformation,
her hands clasped as if holding onto hope.
Liu Yue, at the 1st Layer of Profound Heavenly Realm,
her raven hair tied with a crimson ribbon,
wore the Severed Unity Pendant on her wrist, its glow syncing with her Frost Phoenix Cry aura,
a faint icy mist curling around her fingers as she leaned against a pillar.
Liu Yang, now at the 2nd Layer of Qi Transformation,
gripped his Blood Forged Glaive, the blade's red hue pulsing faintly,
his youthful face alight with a mix of curiosity and resolve,
the weapon resting casually by his side.
Lin Xuan took a deep breath, his voice steady but tinged with emotion.
"Everyone… I've thought this through. I'm heading to the forest to train.
It'll be a long journey, and I won't be back for a few years. I need to push my limits—
for myself, for you, for the family."
He paused, reaching out to Liu Yue, gently taking the crimson ring from her wrist,
its red lightning sparking as he reclaimed it, adding it to the three he held.
"I'm taking this back for now, Junior Sister. I've got four crimson rings—
one for each of us. They'll spark when another is near, keeping us connected.
Liu Yang, yours has something special inside."
Luo Shuang's eyes widened, her hands fluttering to her chest,
her voice trembling with a mother's worry as she stepped closer.
"Xuan'er, the forest? It's so dangerous… I've only just seen you grow into this strength.
What if you don't come back? What will we do without you?"
Lin Xuan offered a small, reassuring smile,
squeezing her hand with a warmth that belied his resolve.
"I know it's a risk, Martial Mother, but I can't stay still.
Ren's gone, and I feel his absence like a weight on my chest.
I need to honor his legacy—and protect you all. This is the only way."
Liu Yue tilted her head, the Severed Unity Pendant clinking softly,
her voice a blend of concern and stubbornness as she crossed her arms.
"Senior Brother, you're leaving us? What about the family?
I've been training my Frost Phoenix Cry hard—can't I come with you? I don't want to stay behind while you face it alone."
Lin Xuan chuckled, ruffling her hair, the icy mist brushing his skin.
"Junior Sister, you're strong—stronger than I was at your age.
But this is my path to walk alone. I need you here, keeping the family safe with that icy spirit of yours."
Liu Yang stepped forward, the Blood Forged Glaive gleaming,
his voice eager but laced with uncertainty.
"Senior Brother, you're really going? What about me?
I've been swinging this glaive every day—am I good enough yet?"
Lin Xuan knelt, meeting his brother's gaze with a proud nod.
"Liu Yang, you've got a warrior's spirit, and that glaive proves it.
But there's more to strength. Your ring holds something for you—
100 tablets tall as walls, weights, and herbs to relax. Train hard to break those tablets.
Seal your cultivation, build your body without arts or qi. Here's how:
100 Heaven-Pressing Stance—pressing the world beneath your palms, to build your upper body.
100 Dragon Coiling Core—forging the muscles around your dantian, to toughen your core even with qi sealed.
100 Earth-Supporting Pillar—legs like mountains, to ground your stance.
100 Sky-Reaching Claw—climbing toward the heavens, to stretch your limits.
20 Li Chasing the Morning Sun—endurance, lung capacity, willpower, running until you can't anymore.
When you get used to this, then train 10 times of it.
I've given you everything I know so far. Train hard, get strong, and protect Yue'er and Mother.
This is your legacy to carry while I'm gone."
Liu Yang's eyes sparkled, clutching the ring tightly,
his voice brimming with determination.
"I'll do it, Senior Brother! I'll break every tablet and become stronger—I promise!"
Lin Xuan turned to Liu Yue, his tone softening.
"Junior Sister, your ring holds martial arts, sealing formations, and alchemy recipes.
Study them— they'll make you a guardian the family can rely on."
Liu Yue nodded, her Frost Phoenix Cry mist swirling faintly,
her voice steady despite a quiver.
"I will, Senior Brother. I'll master them— for you, for us."
He faced Luo Shuang, his voice thick with gratitude.
"Mother… your ring has alchemy recipes and rare herbs.
Use them to heal, to strengthen the family."
Luo Shuang took the ring, her eyes glistening,
her voice warm but shaky as she studied his eyes.
"Thank you, Xuan'er. Your eyes… they've turned back, just as they were.
Are you sure about this change?"
Lin Xuan nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Yes, those crimson eyes were just weakening me.
Now I can control my strength. Ren sealed them because they were dangerous—
he thought I couldn't handle it back then. This is me taking control."
The family moment stretched into the afternoon,
the hall filled with the soft clink of tea cups and the hum of the rings' energy,
Luo Shuang pouring tea with a steady hand, her beauty a quiet strength.
She handed Lin Xuan a cup, her voice firm yet loving.
"Drink this, Xuan'er. It'll carry you through. We'll wait for that spark."
Lin Xuan sipped, the warmth grounding him,
his voice resolute.
"Thank you, Martial Mother. I'll make you proud. This family is my heart."
He knelt, bowing deeply.
"This is my legacy. Bow with me—to Ren, to our family."
Luo Shuang, Liu Yue, and Liu Yang joined him,
their voices soft but united.
"For you, Senior Brother—for the family."
The soul lingered, a quiet resolve forming,
his journey a step toward reclaiming his destiny as he gazed toward the plains.