Bloodline Awakening—Ghost’s Evolution Begins

The Silent Bone Forest was still.

Jiang Chen knelt beside the remains of the Phantom Stalker, his fingers brushing over the Bloodfire Essence. The crimson crystal pulsed with power, radiating a heat that felt alive.

Ghost stood beside him, its skeletal frame trembling ever so slightly. It had reached Level 10—the peak of the Normal Tier. Evolution was imminent.

Jiang Chen's system flickered.

> [Ghost has reached Level 10. Evolution requirements unlocked.]

[Select Evolution Path:]

1. Bone Specter Ape – Specializes in pure physical strength and bone manipulation.

2. Abyssal Phantom Ape – Gains stronger spectral abilities and shadow mastery.

3. Undead Revenant Ape – A balance between the physical and spectral, with lifesteal abilities.

Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed.

Each path had its strengths. The Bone Specter Ape would make Ghost into a brute-force monster, capable of overwhelming foes with sheer power. The Abyssal Phantom Ape would make it even more elusive, turning it into a true nightmare in battle. But the Undead Revenant Ape… that was something else.

"Life drain…" Jiang Chen muttered.

It meant Ghost could restore itself in battle, growing stronger the longer a fight dragged on.

He smirked.

"Ghost, we're taking the Revenant path."

The moment he made his choice, the Bloodfire Essence in his hand began to glow. The crimson energy swirled, sinking into Ghost's body.

BOOM!

A surge of power erupted from Ghost, sending cracks through the ground. Its body trembled violently, its crimson eyes flaring like torches in the night.

> [Evolution Initiated—Undead Revenant Ape!]

[Warning: Evolution process will attract nearby monsters.]

Jiang Chen's expression hardened.

Of course, it wouldn't be that easy.

---

The Evolution Trial—Enemies Approach

A distant howl echoed through the forest. Then another.

Jiang Chen turned his gaze toward the trees, his senses on high alert.

They were coming.

The energy released by Ghost's evolution was like a beacon, drawing in nearby predators. Within moments, glowing eyes emerged from the darkness.

> [Monsters Approaching!]

Red Fang Wolves (Level 8-10, Normal Tier) x4

Four-Winged Jade Mantis (Level 11, Elite Tier)

Jiang Chen's fingers tightened around his dagger. He wasn't strong enough to take on an Elite monster head-on.

But he didn't need to.

He only needed to buy time.

He turned to Ghost. Its skeletal body was cracking apart, bones shifting and reshaping. Its aura surged wildly, caught between destruction and rebirth.

"Hold on," Jiang Chen muttered. "I'll handle this."

He took a stance, blade ready.

The Red Fang Wolves charged first.

---

Holding the Line

Jiang Chen dashed forward, his movements sharp and precise.

The first wolf lunged. He sidestepped, slashing with his dagger—SPLURT! Blood sprayed as he severed its throat.

The second wolf came from behind. Jiang Chen dropped low, barely dodging its bite before rolling away.

But the Elite Tier mantis was still waiting.

The Four-Winged Jade Mantis moved like a phantom, its jade-colored blades gleaming under the moonlight. With a sudden whoosh, it vanished from sight—reappearing above Jiang Chen!

His pupils shrank. Too fast!

The mantis struck.

CLANG!

At the last second, Jiang Chen raised his blade, barely deflecting the strike. The sheer force sent him skidding backward, his arms numb from the impact.

I can't fight this thing head-on.

But he didn't need to win—he just needed to survive until Ghost's evolution was complete.

And Ghost's aura was already reaching a critical point.

---

The Undead Revenant Awakens

CRACK!

The ground split apart beneath Ghost. Its entire frame shattered before reforming, its bones coated in a dark, spectral mist. Its once-skeletal arms were now covered in shadowy tendrils, and its crimson eyes burned with unholy light.

It had evolved.

> [Monster: Undead Revenant Ape (Ghost)]

Tier: Elite (Level 11)

Grade: Excellent (Upgradeable)

New Abilities Unlocked!

Spectral Rend – A powerful claw attack that tears through both flesh and soul.

Revenant Hunger – Absorbs life force from enemies, healing Ghost in battle.

Jiang Chen grinned. "Perfect timing."

Ghost roared, its aura sweeping through the battlefield. The Red Fang Wolves hesitated, their instincts screaming at them to run.

The Four-Winged Jade Mantis, however, didn't back down.

It lunged.

Ghost vanished—faster than before. It reappeared above the mantis, its claws coated in Spectral Rend.

SLASH!

The mantis let out a piercing screech as Ghost's claws ripped through its exoskeleton, its very soul torn apart by the attack.

It wasn't just a physical wound—it was a death sentence.

Ghost didn't stop.

Its Revenant Hunger activated, drawing energy from the fallen wolves and the dying mantis. Its wounds healed instantly, its aura growing even stronger.

Jiang Chen exhaled.

Ghost had changed.

This wasn't just evolution.

This was rebirth.