Chapter 24: Brewing Storm
Chapter 24: Brewing Storm
The night deepened, draping the world in its cold, silent embrace. Overhead, the moon hung lazily, veiled by drifting clouds that blurred its pale glow. A soft wind swept through Clear Water City, rustling leaves and brushing across rooftops. Once vibrant with life, the city had fallen into slumber—merchants had long retired, street lamps flickered weakly, and only the distant howls of stray dogs or the haunting hoot of an owl pierced the stillness.
Within the Xiao Family compound, a secluded courtyard sat shrouded in solitude. Dew glistened on leaves and slick stone paths, silvering the night with nature’s quiet breath. Lanterns flickered dimly at the corners, their flames swaying, reluctant to disturb the solemn stillness.
Inside a modest room nestled at the heart of the courtyard, Xiao Chen sat cross-legged on his simple wooden bed, back against the cold wall. His brows were furrowed, and his fingers tapped rhythmically against his lips—tap… tap… tap…
He had been like this for hours, unmoving—lost within a sea of thought.
"I've made my choice," he finally whispered, voice soft but heavy with resolve.
"The Martial Path I will tread... shall be the Path of Trinity."
His eyes gleamed beneath the moonlight that filtered through the open window—calm, clear, and resolute.
"Energy. Body. Soul. I’ll cultivate all three. Only then will my foundation remain unshakable."
He had always known this path would be arduous, but now—with his heart stilled and his mind clear—he could finally see the towering mountain that lay before him.
"The elements... I’ll bend them to my will. It may sound insane, but with my Exceptional Yin-Yang Affinity and the Heavenly Refining Art, I’ve glimpsed the possibility."
He exhaled deeply, the breath fogging in the cold air.
"But what qualifications must I meet? What trials must I endure? Perhaps... the Mystic Beast Forest holds the answers I seek."
His gaze sharpened.
The Mystic Beast Forest was perilous, home to countless spirit beasts, ancient remnants, and untold mysteries. Yet it also harbored powerful treasures—perhaps even the legacies of long-forgotten cultivators.
"If I had chosen only Energy Cultivation, my path would’ve been simpler. The Heaven Refining Art alone would have sufficed. But Body and Soul... they demand more. Treasures. Resources. Time. Things I currently lack."
A bitter smile crept across his lips. His fingers curled into fists.
"The Elemental Dao Sect... If I can prove my potential, they will invest in me. They value talent above all. It’s a gamble—but one I must take."
Outside, the wind stirred again, brushing past the window like an unseen omen.
Xiao Chen’s mind sifted through the knowledge etched into his spirit:
Energy Cultivation:
Martial Disciple → Martial Apprentice → Martial Adept → Martial Core → Martial Soul → Martial Master → Martial Grandmaster → Martial Lord → Martial King → Martial Monarch → Martial Emperor → Martial Saint
Body Cultivation:
Body Tempering → Body Refinement → Blood Purification → Primal Core → Viscera Forging → Bone Forging → Marrow Evolution → Primal Lord → Primal King → Primal Monarch → Primal Emperor → Primal Saint
Soul Cultivation:
Soul Initiation → Soul Tempering → Soul Refinement → Soul Core → Soul Manifestation → Soul Master → Soul Grandmaster → Soul Lord → Soul King → Soul Monarch → Soul Emperor → Soul Saint
"Energy and Soul... they complement each other. With the Holy Martial Scripture, my Soul Cultivation won’t be too difficult—if I can find the right resources. But Body Cultivation..."
His voice dropped to a murmur, his smile hardening.
"...that will be the true test."
"To temper the flesh, evolve the marrow, forge bone and viscera... The Body Path is not for the faint-hearted. It's brutal. Painful. But the reward... is immense."
He rose slowly, his figure casting a long shadow beneath the pale moonlight.
"I will temper myself in blood and tribulation... and perfect my existence."
His words lingered in the air, swallowed slowly by the darkness.
No hesitation. No fear. Only resolve.
Tonight, the winds of fate shifted. And somewhere, beyond the walls of this quiet courtyard, a new journey stirred into motion.
The Trinity Path—Energy, Body, and Soul—was born.
---
Meanwhile…
Far from the secluded Xiao Family estate nestled deep within Serene Spirit Mountain, another towering power loomed beneath the night sky.
The Luo Family—Clear Water City’s second great influence.
Their estate stood like a fortress of stone and steel, a testament to brutal efficiency and rising ambition. While not as ancient as the Xiao Family’s nine-hundred-year legacy, the Luo Clan had surged in power over the past decades, thanks in part to their deep ties with the royal family.
Outwardly, they were second to the Xiao Family. In truth, they had already surpassed them.
A Peak Grade Two Influence—fierce, ruthless, and hungry.
Their estate was a fortress: high walls, imposing towers, and buildings that radiated martial intensity. There was no softness here, no elegance. Only strength.
Here, the law was survival. Offenders were executed. The weak were discarded. Mediocrity was a curse, and sloth was a crime.
In the Luo Family, survival of the fittest was not a phrase—it was doctrine.
High above, within the tallest tower, a lone figure stood on a balcony. Cloaked in flowing black robes, he seemed one with the shadows—silent, restrained, dangerous. Not even the wind dared disturb his presence.
Suddenly, the flutter of wings broke the stillness.
A raven, black as pitch with blood-red eyes, descended from the heavens and landed on his outstretched arm. In its beak was a folded letter—no wax seal, no mark. Just secrecy.
The figure accepted the letter wordlessly. His gloved fingers unfolded the parchment, eyes narrowing as moonlight revealed the hastily scribbled message.
Though brief, its words struck with the weight of a thunderclap.
---
“Xiao Chen is no trash… He’s as cunning as that old fox of his, Xiao Hao. Just yesterday, I made a revelation. Xiao Chen awakened a Peak Grade Heaven Rank Divine Beast Spirit and is already at the peak of the Martial Soul Realm. As for that dog father of his… he’s broken through to the peak of the Martial Lord Realm. These two are your greatest threats. You know what to do.”
---
No name. No seal. No trace of the sender. A message carved from betrayal, carried only by a raven’s wings.
The cloaked man stood still, but his trembling hand betrayed his inner storm.
Xiao Chen... Peak Heaven Rank Spirit… Martial Soul Realm? And Xiao Hao… Peak Martial Lord?
The words echoed through his thoughts like waves crashing against a cliff.
Then, he laughed.
A cold, low chuckle—dry, bitter, amused.
"Xiao Yang…" he murmured, his voice sharp with scorn. "You’re more desperate than I imagined."
He crushed the letter in his hand, fingers curling into a fist of steel. His eyes—piercing and pale—turned toward the distant mountain, where the Xiao Family estate slumbered under the moonlight.
The shadows pulled away from his face, revealing sharp, regal features, short brown hair, and light brown eyes gleaming with cunning. A refined French mustache gave him an air of noble command—but his aura was that of a predator.
"Interesting… very interesting."
The wind howled louder.
And the storm began.