Noux_

In the year 3030, Earth is nearly destroyed by natural disasters caused by global warming. Just as humanity is on the brink of extinction, the Earth awakens and chooses 15 people to receive ancient cultivation techniques. These Heroes lead humanity into a new era of cultivation.

500 years later, mutated beasts, evolving plants, and mysterious realms reshape the world. Lin Ho, the grandson of one of the original Heroes, struggles to cultivate after his parents disappear in a secret realm. On his 15th birthday, his necklace breaks, releasing a golden light that awakens a legendary power inside him—the Chaos Bloodline.

A new destiny begins.

Awakening of Chaos

The crisp air of late autumn swept through the Qingye Sect like a quiet herald of change. Maple leaves drifted from the tall scarlet trees lining the sect's outer valley, carpeting the jade stairs in red-gold. This day marked the beginning of the Outer Sect Grand Challenge — a month-long series of duels determining rank, resources, and future inner sect promotion.

The disciples gathered atop Autumn Wind Platform, a vast stone arena carved from a single floating boulder tethered to the mountain by glowing formation chains.

Lin Ho stood at the edge of the platform, robes plain, eyes sharp.

His name had spread quickly since the special interview. Whispers followed him now — curiosity, envy, challenge. The sect didn't know of his bloodline, but they knew something about him was different. And in cultivation sects, difference often attracted conflict.

Elder Qiu arrived with other outer sect instructors, nodding to the crowd.

> "Today begins your tempering. Only those with strength, talent, or cleverness may climb."

The duels would be drawn by formation — a rotating rune suspended in the sky began selecting names.

> "First duel: Lin Ho versus Meng Li of the Azure Fang Pavilion."

Meng Li was well-known among the outer disciples — a mid-stage Meridian Forging realm cultivator who had studied powerful saber techniques under a wandering rogue cultivator. She wore dark robes and a saber nearly as tall as she was.

She grinned as she stepped onto the stage.

> "You're that kid who knocked out Bronze Crane's spearman with a palm strike, huh?"

Lin Ho gave a small nod. "It wasn't personal."

Meng Li struck first, her saber howling with wind-imbued spiritual Qi. Her movements were fierce — three strikes forming a crescent around Lin Ho's chest, knees, and throat.

Instead, his palm rose, wrapped in golden-black Qi.

He caught the saber barehanded. A ripple of Chaos surged through his arm, flowing into the blade.

Meng Li's weapon trembled violently — then shattered.

Before she could retreat, Lin Ho stepped forward and gently tapped her shoulder with two fingers. She collapsed, unconscious.

Even the judges exchanged glances.

Elder Qiu exhaled softly. "He's getting faster…"

By the end of the day, Lin Ho had won three more matches — all without drawing a weapon.

Each victory was calm, precise, and overwhelming. Opponents with fancy techniques and prized spiritual tools found their energy disrupted, their moves predicted, their foundations shaken.

But Lin Ho didn't linger on the applause.

He returned to his quarters and resumed meditation.

The Chaos spiral in his dantian was growing. He was nearing the edge of the Meridian Forging – Late Stage, and soon, he knew, the bottleneck would demand a tribulation.

> "Let it come," he murmured. "If I must walk this path alone, I'll carve it wide enough for others to follow."

That night, as clouds gathered over the Qingye mountains, thunder murmured far on the horizon.

Chapter 14: Duel on Autumn Wind Platform