Chapter 15: The Path of No Return
The City Gate — Offers and Warnings
The dry wind swept dust across the towering gates of Moon Lotus City. Jin stood between Lana and Arielle, cloaked for travel, their bags light but the air heavy with tension.
Before them, three representatives from rival factions radiated spiritual pressure like storms ready to break.
A man in flowing green robes stepped forward, his eyes sharp with ambition.
"Jin. I am Elder Shen of the Verdant Willow Sect. We prize strength like yours. Join us, and you will rise swiftly through our inner ranks. Protection and resources await."
A woman in crimson robes, her aura sharp as a blade, spoke next.
"Or the Scarlet Blade Pavilion. You were born for battle. Here, you can cultivate freely—and master our elite killer arts."
Lastly, a short, wrinkled old man chuckled, his crooked smile revealing a row of uneven teeth.
"Bah, too much talk. Join the Alabaster Stone Clan. I'll keep your mother safe, your girl safe, and personally refine pills to strengthen your bloodline."
Jin's eyes narrowed, instincts screaming trap, but he kept calm.
"I appreciate the offers. But I already have my path."
He stepped forward, and the three instinctively recoiled. His presence, now far from ordinary, crackled in the air.
"I walk where the wind takes me. I serve no flag but my own."
Silence rippled like a held breath.
The factions backed down—this time.
But behind their smiles, calculation turned to wary suspicion.
Jin glanced at the system message flickering in his mind.
[System Notice: Recruitment Offers Rejected – Independent Path Chosen]
[+50 EXP Awarded for Resisting Temptation]
That Night — Shadows in Whispering Pines
Far from the city lights, they camped on the edge of Whispering Pines Valley—a place where fog clung like secrets and silence spoke louder than words.
Arielle crouched by a small fire, stirring embers to life. Lana sharpened her dagger, eyes scanning the dark tree line.
Jin stared into the shifting shadows, senses alert.
He could feel it.
Someone was coming.
Not long after, they came.
Assassins cloaked in black, marked with Molana's sigil, blades gleaming faintly in the moonlight.
"Get ready," Jin growled low.
Five moved with lethal precision, faster and deadlier than before. Their leader, a Spirit Realm cultivator, hissed venomously:
"Her Grace sends her regards."
Jin said nothing.
His ancient bloodline surged.
His eyes flashed azure. Scales shimmered beneath his skin.
Wind whipped around his fists.
The first assassin's blade never landed—shattered ribs and flying bodies were all they found.
He twisted through attacks, slammed a second to the ground by the throat.
A third lunged for Arielle—until Lana's brutal kick sent blood spraying.
The demon bloodline awakened within him once more.
[Blood Demon Bloodline Resonance: 2% → 5%]
[Blood Qi Detected: Assimilating Ambient Qi]
With blood in the air, his strength tripled.
A roar tore from his throat as he snapped the last assassin in half—then collapsed to one knee, gasping.
This time, using the blood demon technique briefly meant the backlash was lighter.
[New Demon Technique Acquired – Blood Devour Sutra (Tier 1)]
Passively absorbs blood qi to enhance physical stats and recovery.
[Tyrant Body – Breakthrough Triggered]
Progressing to Tyrant Body – Silver Stage (Stage 2)
Arielle's hand touched his shoulder, eyes shimmering with relief.
"You saved us… again."
But Jin's gaze was fixed far beyond.
"Let's keep moving."
The Capital — Treason Brewing
In a candlelit study, Second Queen Molana sat beside her aged but fierce father.
"The king weakens. Soon, we strike."
Molana poured wine but did not drink.
"And the boy?"
"He's left Moon Lotus City. With the Blood Demon Bloodline awakened, he will threaten all noble houses."
"Then I will send true killers next time."
She smiled coldly.
The Valley of Frozen Mist — Arielle's Revelation
Under the deep crimson of dusk, they paused at a valley thick with frozen mist.
Arielle's steps faltered.
"This place…" she whispered.
Her fingers brushed a moss-covered stone.
"My parents brought me here once. There's an inheritance—an ancient dragon vault. Only those with the right bloodline can open it."
Jin's eyes gleamed with curiosity.
Lana crossed her arms, skeptical.
"Why didn't you tell us before?"
Arielle hesitated, then looked to Jin.
"I wasn't sure I could trust fate. But now… I trust him."
Jin met her gaze—no avoidance, no doubt.
"Then after I rest and train, we'll open it."
[System Update]
Name: Jin
Level: 11
EXP: 0 / 2000
Magic Power: 575 (Base: 500 +15%)
Magic Power Level: 2 (Next Threshold: 900)
Stamina: 27
Strength: 32 (+2)
Vitality: 24
Agility: 25 (+2)
Speed: 25 (+3)
Dexterity: 11
Bloodline:
• Ancient Azure Dragon – 35% Awakened (Ice Element Affinity)
• Blood Demon Bloodline – 5% Awakened
Cultivation Stage: Blood Refining Realm – Level 2: Vein Tempering
• Combat Power Equivalent: Spirit Refinement Stage 2
Techniques:
• Tyrant Body – Silver Form (2% Mastery)
• Wind Surge – Compressed Wind Burst
• Lotus Pulse (Passive)
• Blood Devour Sutra (Passive)
Titles:
• Wolf King (Low Grade)
• Slayer of Shadowblade
Bonded Companions:
• Arielle – Dual-Yin Ice Lotus Constitution
Affection Level: 95%
The path ahead was clear—but the road was fraught with shadows, blood, and shifting thrones.
Jin's journey had truly begun.