Chapter 7: Three Legacy Treasures of the First Chest
Xiao Chen stepped onto the central platform, where three massive chests stood solemnly before the grand stone coffin. The chests were ancient, their surfaces engraved with intricate celestial patterns that pulsed faintly under the chamber's dim glow.
The dragon's golden pupils flickered, and with a low, resonant roar, an invisible force swept through the chamber.
"BOOM!"
The first chest trembled violently before its lid burst open in a surge of divine energy.
From within, three treasures shot into the air, hovering majestically before Xiao Chen.
The first was a single golden drop of blood, suspended like a molten ember, pulsing with a terrifying aura so profound that even the space around it distorted.
The second was a long, black spear exuding an aura of utter destruction and chaos. Its surface was covered in intricate golden markings that shimmered with chilling, boundless power, as though echoing the countless gods and demons it had slain.
The last was a mysterious book, ancient beyond reckoning. Its cover bore ever-shifting runes, as if containing an endless sea of wisdom too vast for mortal comprehension.
The chamber trembled, unable to contain the sheer majesty of these treasures.
Xiao Chen's eyes widened, breath catching in his throat. The oppressive power radiating from each treasure was suffocating. Yet, before he could speak, the dragon's deep, ancient voice rumbled through the air:
"These are the first three treasures of my master's inheritance."
"The golden drop of blood is the Essence Blood of the Heavenly Yin-Yang Dragon, infused with a fragment of my master's soul. Should you refine it, you will inherit a portion of his divine power."
"The spear—Heaven's Bane. A divine weapon that has slain gods and demons alike, leaving rivers of blood and mountains of corpses in its wake."
"And the book… the Holy Martial Scripture. A supreme cultivation method, accessible only to those who truly comprehend the balance of Yin and Yang. It holds the power to defy the heavens themselves."
Xiao Chen's breath hitched as he stared at the treasures, each one a fortune that could alter his destiny forever.
"Take them, if you dare."
The dragon's golden gaze bore into him, its voice carrying an ancient weight—as though the very heavens were watching.
"But know this—" the dragon's voice deepened, resonating through Xiao Chen's very bones, "—the blood essence is not something a mere mortal like you can easily absorb."
The golden drop pulsed ominously, exuding a terrifying pressure that made Xiao Chen's heart pound. Its immense vitality seemed capable of reshaping the very foundation of his being.
The dragon's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing him.
"Should you choose to absorb it, it will refine your entire existence—your talent, Yin-Yang aptitude, vitality, strength, endurance, meridians, blood vessels… everything will be transformed."
"You will gain the Heavenly Yin-Yang Devouring Physique—a body capable of devouring and refining all forms of energy, achieving perfect balance between opposing forces."
"And, because of the divine vitality within the blood, you will gain near-immortal regeneration—capable of healing from any wound, perhaps even regrowing lost limbs."
Xiao Chen stood frozen, the dragon's words thundering in his mind.
A physique capable of absorbing all energies… unparalleled talent… immortal-like vitality…
It sounded like a fantasy.
But the dragon's tone turned grim, shattering his excitement.
"However… this transformation is fraught with peril."
The golden drop flashed ominously, as if aware of its own overwhelming power.
"You are nothing but an early-stage Martial Core Realm cultivator. Absorbing this essence could utterly destroy you—shatter your body, tear apart your meridians, and burn your soul to ash."
The chamber's temperature plummeted as the grim reality settled into Xiao Chen's heart.
"I can guide you through the process, but that is all. I am merely a remnant of my master's soul—a wisp left to guard this inheritance."
Xiao Chen's pupils contracted sharply.
A mere remnant?
If even this fragment possessed such overwhelming power… then just how terrifying had the real being been?
The thought sent a shiver down his spine. But this was not the time for fear.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance—a destiny-altering opportunity.
Xiao Chen clenched his fists, taking a deep breath. The choice was simple:
Risk everything… or walk away in regret.
His eyes blazed with unyielding determination.
"I choose to take the risk!"
The dragon's golden gaze flickered, a trace of approval flashing within.
"Very well… Then let us begin."
At that moment, the golden drop of blood trembled violently. The chamber was instantly filled with an earth-shaking roar as the true trial began.
The golden drop hovered, pulsating with an ancient, indomitable will—alive, sentient. Though merely a drop, it contained the supreme vitality of a Primordial Dragon, a being that once soared above the heavens.
Xiao Chen instinctively felt a terrifying suppression descend upon him. His very soul trembled, and an inexplicable sense of submission welled up within him.
"Focus, boy."
The dragon's deep, resonant voice snapped Xiao Chen from his trance.
"This is no ordinary blood essence. It carries my master's inheritance and an ancient pride. If you fail to refine it, it will consume you or reject you—destroying your very existence."
Xiao Chen sucked in a cold breath, his gaze hardening.
"Tell me what I must do."
The dragon snorted faintly, seemingly satisfied.
"I shall impart a secret technique—crafted by my master himself, designed mainly to subdue and refine divine and primordial essences."
Suddenly, a violent tremor surged through Xiao Chen's mind. A flood of ancient knowledge seared itself into his soul.
"[Heavenly Refining Art]."
No ordinary technique, this was a forbidden art—one capable of forcefully taming the chaotic, violent will of a supreme bloodline and subjugating it under absolute control.
"Now brace yourself… The moment the essence enters your body, it will resist. It will fight. It will try to consume you. Either you dominate it—or it devours you whole!"
With no hesitation, the dragon flicked its claw.
The golden drop of blood shot forward, piercing directly into Xiao Chen's chest!
"BOOM!"
An earth-shattering force erupted within his body.
Xiao Chen's veins bulged as unbearable burning pain exploded from within. The blood essence was like molten fire, rampaging through his meridians, leaving trails of searing agony and devastation.
His body trembled violently. His face contorted in torment, as though millions of needles pierced every inch of his flesh.
And then—
"ROAR!"
A deafening dragon's roar erupted from deep within his very soul, shaking the heavens themselves.