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Chapter 26 — Awakening the Dragon Vein
The morning after the Rank-Up Trial, I woke before dawn.
Not because I wanted to — but because my body demanded it.
Everything felt… different.
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The Pulse of Power
When I sat up, my breath fogged in the cool air of my room.
Every inhale drew in more than air.
It drew energy — subtle, quiet threads of the world's profound essence — straight into my core without conscious effort.
> [Draconic Azure Vein: Passive Assimilation — Minor]
[Effect: +5% Efficiency to Profound Energy Absorption]
I flexed my fingers, staring at the faint shimmer beneath my skin.
Just barely visible, veins traced with an almost blue glow before fading away.
"...Whoa," I whispered.
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The Training Yard
I didn't bother with breakfast.
By the time the city stirred, I was already in one of the empty courtyards, practice sword in hand.
The first swing told me everything.
The world slowed.
My muscles responded sharper, cleaner.
It wasn't raw strength yet — nothing overwhelming — but the efficiency was startling.
No wasted motion.
No sluggishness.
Every ounce of power flowed exactly where I wanted it.
> [Physical Control Efficiency: +12%]
[Bloodline Sync: 4%]
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System Advisory
> [Note: Bloodline Integration is in early stages.]
[Projected Growth Path:]
Minor Physical Enhancements (Weeks 1-4)
Improved Energy Recovery (Month 2)
Potential Manifestation of Draconic Traits (Month 3+)
"Draconic traits," I muttered, wiping sweat from my brow.
"Please tell me you don't mean horns or scales."
> [Traits: Minor External Manifestations Possible. Control recommended.]
I groaned.
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Floating Cloud City: Tremors
But while I was learning to tame my bloodline, the world around me was shifting.
Rumors swirled faster now.
The Xiao Clan was stirring again, their search for the "phantom" escalating quietly but noticeably.
And more importantly — the Yun Clan had started preparing for an event whispered through the city.
The Sixteenth Birthday.
The formal announcement of Xiao Che and Xia Qingyue's engagement.
The first domino.
The start of the story I knew all too well.
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Resolve
I tightened the wraps on my hands, exhaling slowly.
Two years had passed since I woke up in this world.
Two years of quiet growth.
Two years of preparation.
Now, the plot was finally moving.
And I wouldn't just be a spectator anymore.
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