Chapter 7: Legacy Treasures of the First Chest

Chapter 7: Legacy Treasures of the First Chest

Xiao Chen stepped onto the central platform, where three colossal chests stood before the grand stone coffin. Their surfaces, worn by time, were etched with celestial patterns that pulsed faintly under the chamber’s dim light.

The dragon’s golden eyes flickered, its low, resonant roar filling the air. An invisible force swept through the chamber, shaking the walls.

BOOM!

The first chest trembled violently before its lid exploded open, releasing a surge of divine energy.

Three treasures shot into the air, hovering before Xiao Chen in majestic silence.

The first was a single golden drop of blood, glowing like a molten ember, pulsing with a terrifying power. The very space around it warped under its presence.

The second, a black spear, radiated an aura of destruction and chaos. Intricate golden markings covered its surface, shimmering with boundless power as though resonating with the countless gods and demons it had slain.

The last was an ancient book, its cover shifting with ever-changing runes—wisdom beyond comprehension etched in every line, an enigma waiting to be unlocked.

The chamber trembled, as if struggling to contain the weight of these treasures.

Xiao Chen’s breath caught, eyes widening. The oppressive force emanating from each treasure was overwhelming. Yet before he could speak, the dragon’s ancient voice rumbled through the chamber:

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“These are the first three treasures of my master’s inheritance.”

“The golden drop of blood is the Blood Essence of the Heavenly Yin-Yang Dragon, infused with a fragment of my master’s soul. If you refine it, you will inherit a portion of his divine power.”

“The spear—Heaven’s Bane. A divine weapon, forged in the blood of gods and demons alike, leaving rivers of blood and mountains of corpses in its wake.”

“And the book… the Holy Martial Scripture. A cultivation method so profound, it allows its wielder to defy the heavens themselves.”

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Xiao Chen stood frozen, his heart pounding. Each treasure felt like a destiny-altering gift. But the dragon’s voice grew deeper, a warning tinged with grave power.

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“Take them, if you dare.”

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The dragon’s golden gaze bore into him.

“But understand this—” its voice grew somber, “—the blood essence is not something a mortal can easily absorb.”

The golden drop pulsed, sending a wave of pressure through the air, distorting the space around it. Xiao Chen's heart raced as the immense vitality radiated from it, reshaping the air itself.

The dragon’s eyes narrowed, scrutinizing him.

“Absorb it, and you will transform—your talent, your Yin-Yang aptitude, your vitality, your strength, your very meridians and blood vessels... everything will be redefined. You will gain the Heavenly Yin-Yang Devouring Physique—a body capable of absorbing and refining all forms of energy, achieving perfect balance between opposing forces.”

“And with the divine vitality in this blood, you will possess near-immortal regeneration—able to heal from any wound, even regrow limbs.”

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Xiao Chen’s mind raced. A physique that could absorb all energy… unparalleled talent… near immortality?

It seemed like a dream.

But the dragon’s tone turned grim, dashing his excitement.

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“However, this transformation is fraught with peril.”

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The golden drop flickered ominously. Its energy radiated an unnatural, almost sentient force. The dragon’s eyes glowed with ancient wisdom as it spoke again.

“You are but a mere early-stage Martial Core Realm cultivator. Absorbing this essence could shatter your body, tear your meridians apart, and burn your soul to ash.”

The temperature in the chamber plummeted, and Xiao Chen felt a cold dread seep into his bones.

“I can guide you through the process,” the dragon continued, its voice now edged with finality, “but know this—I am but a remnant of my master’s soul, a wisp left to guard this inheritance.”

Xiao Chen’s pupils contracted. A remnant? If this fragment wielded such power, what had the original being been capable of?

The thought sent a cold shiver through him. But now was not the time for fear.

This was his chance—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change his fate.

Xiao Chen clenched his fists, a surge of resolve flooding his veins.

Risk it all... or walk away and regret it forever.

His eyes blazed with unwavering determination.

“I choose to take the risk.”

The dragon’s golden gaze flickered with approval, its voice a low rumble.

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“Very well... Then let us begin.”

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At that moment, the golden drop of blood pulsed violently. The air vibrated as if the very fabric of reality was torn open. Xiao Chen’s body tensed, the sensation of an impending storm rattling his core.

The golden drop hovered, alive with ancient will—its power an indomitable force, a remnant of a primordial being that had once soared above the heavens.

Xiao Chen felt a crushing weight descend upon him, as if the drop itself was calling to him, compelling him to submit. His soul trembled, and an overwhelming urge to kneel rose in him.

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“Focus, boy.”

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The dragon’s voice snapped him from his trance, its words ringing with authority.

“This is no ordinary blood essence. It carries my master’s inheritance and ancient pride. If you fail to refine it, it will consume you. Reject you. Destroy your very existence.”

Xiao Chen’s breath quickened, his body rigid with anticipation.

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“Tell me what to do.”

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The dragon snorted in approval, a flicker of satisfaction passing through its golden eyes.

“I will impart a secret technique—created by my master to tame and refine divine essences like this one.”

A violent tremor surged through Xiao Chen’s mind. An avalanche of ancient knowledge flooded his soul, burning into him like molten steel.

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[Heavenly Refining Art].

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It was no ordinary technique—it was forbidden, designed to tame and subjugate the chaotic will of supreme bloodlines, binding them under absolute control.

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“Brace yourself,” the dragon’s voice deepened, “The moment the essence enters your body, it will fight back. It will try to consume you. You must dominate it... or it will devour you whole.”

Without hesitation, the dragon flicked its claw.

The golden drop shot forward, piercing Xiao Chen’s chest.

BOOM!

An explosion of fiery agony erupted within him. Xiao Chen’s veins swelled as the molten blood surged through his meridians, each pulse like a burst of flames tearing through his body. His flesh burned, his bones cracked under the strain.

His entire body trembled, his face contorted in pain as if his very soul was being torn apart.

And then—

ROAR!

A deafening roar, primal and ancient, exploded from deep within his soul, shaking the very heavens.