Chapter 26: The Whisper in the Flame

The winds howled across the cliffs of Mount Xuanlei, where Lu Fan had retreated to begin his next breakthrough. Unlike the Spirit Spring Realm, where energy flowed like streams within the body, the Core Soul Realm required a cultivator to forge a true soul core — a crystallized union of mind, energy, and will.

Lu Fan sat on a stone platform surrounded by eight spirit-gathering formations, each drawn with blood and essence ink he'd created himself.

The Crimson Lotus Flame danced at his fingertips, its warmth both soothing and searing.

But something was wrong.

As he entered deep meditation, calling upon the Universal Library for assistance, the pendant at his chest suddenly pulsed with intense light.

> "You have reached the threshold."

The Library's voice trembled—for the first time ever.

> "This pendant... it was not created. It was sealed. You are not its owner, Lu Fan. You are its key."

The words shook him.

In his spiritual sea, the pendant unfurled like a flower, and something ancient awoke—a fragmented voice layered with sorrow.

> "I failed to protect this world… If you are hearing this, then the cycle has begun again."

Flashes of memory followed: a man in white robes falling beneath a collapsing star, a golden tree weeping fire, and a sword larger than a mountain shattering into dust.

Then it was gone.

Lu Fan gasped, his aura flickering violently. The core in his body began forming—unstable, but radiant.

With trembling hands, he steadied his breath, channeled every drop of Crimson Lotus energy, and invoked his signature move.

> "Mirror Flow: Lotus Heart Break!"

A spiral of white-hot flame spun inward, crashing into his core.

And then—

Silence.

---

Breakthrough Achieved

Lu Fan – Core Soul Realm, Early Stage.

Qi channels reinforced, core stabilized.

Mental clarity enhanced.

New trait: Soul Reading Field – passive detection of hostile intent within 20 meters.

Spiritual flame now capable of purifying minor curses and possession.

He rose slowly, his eyes burning silver for a heartbeat before returning to black.

But the damage to his mind lingered.

He knew now: the pendant was a remnant of a fallen Sovereign, and he… was chosen not to wear it, but to awaken what was sealed inside.

And far above the clouds, on the dark side of the moon, something old had stirred in answer.