Huang Kong Mei had always been a pillar of strength for Huang Kong Di. When the time came for her long-awaited breakthrough, both mother and son prepared carefully for the journey.
Kong Mei put in a leave from the Auction House, stating personal reasons. Kong Di, equally determined, applied for temporary leave from the Academy. He would never allow his mother to face such a critical moment alone, even if she insisted the path was safe. To him, her safety was worth more than any other responsibility.
For three days, they traveled together. Kong Di kept his mother well-guarded, scanning the forests and valleys with sharp vigilance. Even though he had scouted this area before and found no traces of lurking beasts, he wasn't willing to take chances. This was not just any person attempting a breakthrough—this was his mother, the person who had sacrificed everything for him.
When they finally reached the cave, Meilin paused in astonishment. Ancient trees towered above them, roots coiling around the cave entrance like dragons . The atmosphere was dense with moss smell, carrying a mysterious yet solemn aura that pressed upon the heart.
"This…" Kong Mei whispered, her eyes wide with wonder. "Such a place… how could it remain hidden for so long?"
Kong Di watched her expression soften into awe. He had chosen well. "Mother, this cave and the pool within… it is ancient. Everything here will become our strength and empower us to grow stronger."
Her lips curved into a smile before she shook her head gently. "To think my son would one day become so thoughtful… your father would have been proud."
They moved inside. The Ancient Pool reflected the firefly lights faintly, its crystalline waters glowing as though filled with stars. An ancient hum of energy lingered in the air, already beginning to fill their bodies with pure qi.
Kong Mei sat at the pool's edge and inhaled deeply, calming her heart and soul. She submerged herself halfway, letting the cool waters embrace her. At once, her Battle Qi began to circulate with ease, its density rising, its purity increasing as if the pool itself was cleansing her foundation.
She withdrew a scarlet fruit—the Ruby Blood Fruit. Its surface pulsed faintly, like a living heart. "Let me start with this," she said softly.
Kong Di stood close by, his stance firm, spear in hand. "I'll watch over you, Mother. Nothing will disturb you here."
With a nod, she consumed the fruit. Blood energy spread through her veins. Her body glowed as a powerful vitality erupted within her, filling every meridian, every inch of her being with pure Yang energy. Her cultivation method ran on its own, drawing from the pool, fusing with the fruit's immense vitality.
Two weeks passed.
During this time, Kong Di remained vigilant. He kept camp at the mouth of the cave, every sense alert. He hid cautiously when, but never strayed far while scouting. Often, he sat near the entrance, listening to the fluctuations of her energy, feeling reassured that she was moving forward.
Inside, Kong Mei's body changed profoundly. Just the Ruby Blood Fruit alone pushed her to break through the Sixth Order, her vitality soaring to its peak. Her breakthrough came naturally—her foundation had been perfect, only awaiting such a push.
Yet she did not stop. With her vitality brimming, she consumed the second fruit—the Ghost Tear Fruit. A sorrowful, soul-tearing cry echoed within her consciousness, threatening to unravel her spirit. But fortified by her vitality and the support of the pool, she suppressed the wail, refining its immense soul power. The process was long and arduous; by the end of the second week, she had only refined half of it. Still, her cultivation had reached Peak Intermediate Sixth Order.
Now, it was time for the final step. At the end of the third week, she took out the most precious fruit—the Soul Bearing Fruit. A gentle yet overwhelming power of soul force surged into her as she swallowed it. Her cultivation method roared like a great furnace, refining endlessly. The Ghost Tear Fruit's remaining energy and the Soul Bearing Fruit's full energy fused within her.
Three more weeks passed. In total, she cultivated for one month and one week. When her eyes finally opened, her aura exploded outward.
Huang Kong Mei's aura had transformed—majestic, commanding, and infused with her Martial Spirit - "Nine Winged Serpent" ancient bloodline inheritance. Her eyes opened, now shimmering with star-like brilliance.
Huang Kong Mei had broken through to the Seventh Order.
Her 1st Inheritance Skill - "Sky Serpent Eye" power and ability became strengthened, and the new Inheritance skill she awakened is even more powerful due to the combined effects of the 3 Ancient Fruits and the pool.
She trembled slightly, not from weakness, but from astonishment. "The pool… the fruits… their power combined more perfectly than I could have imagined. This force—it was even greater than ancient pills I once read about…"
Kong Di entered the cave, eyes wide with joy. "Mother—you succeeded!"
She laughed, her face radiant, her presence filled with renewed vitality and spiritual strength. "Yes, Kong'er. More than succeeded… due to the miraculous power of the pool, I even broke through the 7th order, something greater than I initially prepared for."
"That's amazing, mother!!". Kong Di exclaimed, feeling truly happy for his mother.
Kong Mei smiled. It has been a long time since she saw Kond Di, her child, smile genuinely since he understood her situation. Since the day he awakened his Martial spirit and defied the Elders and clan leader of their former home, she never saw him smile freely. Now, she saw him smile with such carefreeness and happiness, and that too for her; this brought her an immense sense of motherly fulfillment as well.
For the first time in years, they allowed themselves a night of peace. Kong Di hunted a deer and several wild birds, roasting them outside beneath the starlight. The two shared food, laughter, and warmth.
It had been so long, more than 2 years, since either of them had relaxed. Tonight, mother and son sat together as family, celebrating newfound strength and the bond that carried them forward.