Chapter 13: Dragon's Wrath, Demon’s Reign

Earlier That Evening — Arielle's Courtyard

The breeze whispered softly through the lantern-lit garden, casting gentle shadows over the stone pavilion where Arielle and Lana sat. Tea steamed between them, a fragile bubble of calm in a kingdom on the brink of chaos.

Arielle's voice was soft, tinged with something almost shy.

  "You raised a good son… he's different."

Lana's eyes met hers, knowing and proud.

  "He's more than I ever dared hope for. Stronger than anyone suspects."

The night held its breath.

Then—

A streak of crimson light sliced through the air, a burning arrow crashing into the wooden gate.

The earth shuddered beneath heavy boots.

Figures swarmed—black cloaks billowing, noble robes stained with arrogance and malice.

At the head of the storm stood Young Lord Han, a cruel grin etched across his face.

  "Lana of the ruined house. Arielle of the fading clan. This home is claimed by the future king. That brat Jin… won't return."

Steel flashed. Magic flared.

Arielle's scream pierced the night as a flaming arrow tore through her spiritual qi.

Lana roared, a feral shield against the overwhelming assault.

But it was hopeless.

Blood spilled like rivers over stone.

The courtyard shattered.

Just as darkness threatened to swallow them—

A figure dropped like a tempest onto the broken gate arch.

Eyes aflame—gold and crimson. Cloak rippling like wings of a beast.

Present — The Storm Breaks

Jin's voice thundered through the chaos.

  "You dare…"

The ground trembled under his steps, a storm incarnate.

His eyes—ancient gold fused with demonic red—bore into the invaders.

Lana's blood stained the earth. Arielle lay fragile, breath shallow, bruised and bleeding.

Five cloaked masters stood between Jin and Young Lord Han, their sneers dripping with contempt.

  "The runt came back to die with his women," one spat.

Spectators whispered, folding into fearful silence:

  "It's over…"

  "Spirit Flame and Earth-Fist disciples…"

Jin didn't answer. He moved.

The Battle Ignites

His body shifted as the system roared in his mind:

[Ancient Azure Dragon Bloodline – Activated: 35%]

Bones shimmered. Scales flickered beneath skin. The wind howled around him.

[Blood Demon Bloodline – Awakening Surge: 3% → 15%]

Crimson mist crawled over the courtyard like living fire.

Then—he vanished.

The first mage barely blinked before a brutal wind-pierced punch shattered ribs, sending him crashing through stone.

The second ignited a wall of flames.

Jin dove through the inferno, skin seared but unyielding, countering with a savage elbow to the throat.

The third armored himself in earth, but Jin's furious assault crushed it, blood spilling from the mage's mouth.

Two attacked at once—earth spikes thrusting from the ground; fiery rings encircling like lethal hounds.

Blades ripped Jin's ribs.

Fire scorched his back.

[System Alert: Host Under Extreme Pressure – Tyrant Body Pushing Limits]

[Tyrant Body – Bronze Form → Silver Form Unlocked]

Passive Effects: +20% Pain Resistance, Damage Reduction, Muscular Enhancement

His body flared silver-bronze, raw power surging like a wild storm unleashed.

The fight shifted.

Every punch carried the weight of wrath, every strike a furious storm.

Blood mist rose, thick and suffocating.

The Blood Demon bloodline pulsed, feasting on spilled blood and broken flesh, absorbing qi like a ravenous beast.

[Blood Demon Progress: 15% → 27%]

The courtyard became hellfire incarnate—wind, fire, earth, and blood fused in deadly harmony.

The onlookers no longer dared laugh.

Fear clutched their hearts.

The Final Reckoning

One figure trembled—the once-proud Young Lord Han.

Kneeling in broken desperation, his voice cracked,

  "P-please… don't kill me! Gold—women—spirit cores—anything!"

Jin's footsteps shattered stone as he closed the distance.

Eyes burning with icy fury, he whispered:

  "They bled for me. And you wanted them dead."

Han sobbed in terror.

Jin raised a hand.

Then paused.

  "You'll live. Just long enough to crawl back to Molana and tell her this…"

He leaned in close, voice cold as winter steel.

  "Tell her… I'm coming."

A brutal gust of wind slammed Han into the outer wall, unconscious.

The courtyard fell silent.

Only the wind howled through the ruins.

System Update — After the Storm

[Blood Demon Bloodline – Progress: 27%]

Effect: Absorbs blood qi from slain enemies; enhances offensive power during battle.

[New Skill Unlocked: Blood Reaver Fist]

Description: Berserking qi punch fueled by blood energy in the air. Increases critical damage and causes bleeding effects.

[New Elemental Affinities Gained:]

Fire Affinity: 10%

Earth Affinity: 8%

Insights drawn from battle with elemental mages.

[Tyrant Body – Silver Form Unlocked (2% Mastery)]

Passives: Muscle reinforcement, pain resistance, and enhanced damage tolerance.

[EXP Gained: +1100]

[Level Up Achieved → Level 10]

[Available Attribute Points: +10]

Jin's New Stats

Name: Jin

Level: 10

EXP: 300 / 1500

Magic Power: 512.5 (Base 450 +15%)

Magic Power Level: 2 (Next Threshold: 750)

Stamina: 24

Strength: 28 (+2)

Vitality: 22

Agility: 21 (+2)

Speed: 21 (+3)

Dexterity: 10

Bloodline:

Ancient Azure Dragon – 35% Awakened (Ice Element Affinity Unlocked)

Blood Demon – 27% Awakened

Cultivation Stage: Blood Refining Realm – Level 2: Vein Tempering

Combat Power Equivalent: Spirit Refinement Stage 1

The Aftermath

The sun dipped below the horizon, bleeding red into the clouds.

Jin stood among the ruins of the courtyard, chest heaving, eyes burning with unyielding resolve.

His bloodline surged inside him—dragon ice and demon fury entwined in a violent dance.

The message was clear.

Molana's time was ending.

And the Dragon Prince's reign was beginning.