The night wind swept through the rocky valley.
Lin Xuan lay on the cold ground, his body still trembling from the strange awakening.
The golden mark on his chest pulsed faintly, like a second heart beating with ancient power.
He slowly opened his eyes.
The world felt different.
The air itself seemed alive.
"I can feel it…" Lin Xuan whispered.
Spiritual energy.
For the first time in his life, he could sense the invisible force that cultivators spoke of.
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed inside his mind.
"Ancient God Bloodline System activated"
"Current Realm: Body Tempering Stage – Level 1"
"Innate Technique unlocked: Dragon Breathing Art"
Lin Xuan's heart raced.
"A system…?"
Before he could understand more, intense heat surged through his body.
WHOOM—
Spiritual energy from the surroundings rushed toward him like a storm.
Dust and small stones lifted into the air.
His bones cracked.
Muscles tore—
Then rebuilt stronger.
Golden light flowed through his meridians, reshaping them into something far beyond ordinary humans.
"Body Tempering Level increased"
"Physical strength greatly enhanced"
Lin Xuan clenched his teeth, enduring the pain.
Moments later, the energy settled.
He gasped for breath and slowly stood up.
His body felt light… yet filled with explosive power.
Inside his spiritual sea, a small golden dragon curled quietly.
Its scales shimmered like molten gold.
The dragon slowly opened its eyes.
Their gazes met.
A voice both gentle and ancient echoed.
"I am the Destiny Dragon Spirit.
The remnant will of the Ancient Dragon God."
Lin Xuan's breath caught.
"A dragon… inside me?"
"Your weakness was caused by the seal.
Now the seal has begun to break."
Memories flooded his mind.
Ancient battlefields.
Gods falling from the heavens.
Dragons roaring across shattered worlds.
"You are the chosen heir."
Before Lin Xuan could respond—
BOOM!
A violent explosion echoed from the forest.
Shouts rang out.
"He's still alive! Search everywhere!"
"The sect reward is huge! Don't let him escape!"
Lin Xuan's expression turned pale.
They were the cultivators who had chased him earlier.
The Destiny Dragon Spirit spoke calmly.
"If you wish to survive…
you must fight."
Lin Xuan clenched his fists.
Golden energy surged around his arms.
For the first time in his life…
He felt strong.
"I won't run anymore," he whispered.
From this moment on, the weakest child had begun his rise.