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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 sun had yet to rise when Lin Ho stood at the shoreline, cloak fluttering in the sea breeze. Waves lapped the rocks gently, but beneath that calm rhythm lay a growing pressure — like a predator hiding beneath still water.

Behind him, the other disciples and Elder Mo approached.

> "Lin Ho," Elder Mo called, "you felt something last night, didn't you?"

> "There are presences deep in the bay. Intelligent. Coordinated."

The senior disciple, Jian Yao, stepped forward, frowning.

> "But nothing attacked. Are we sure this isn't paranoia?"

As if answering him, the sea itself groaned.

From beneath the waves, spires of water surged upward. Dark, scaled figures rose on their backs — five sea beasts, each over twenty feet tall, with glistening fins and bone-like armor across their bodies. But these weren't mindless beasts.

Each wore crude markings — formations etched into coral fused with their hides.

> "They've been cultivated… someone or something is empowering them."

Without hesitation, Elder Mo shot forward, sword flashing in silver arcs as he intercepted two of the creatures mid-leap. His sword collided with a water-encased claw, sending sprays of steam into the sky.

The disciples spread out to defend the village entrance, but two more beasts swam rapidly toward the cliff where survivors were hiding.

Lin Ho surged forward — Chaos Qi flaring as he flickered across the ground. Golden-black energy erupted from his legs as he launched himself into the air, intercepting the leading beast mid-pounce.

He drew the longblade his grandfather had given him. It shimmered with spiritual resonance.

One slash — empowered by Chaos Qi — cleaved through the beast's armored carapace. It screeched and crashed into the rocks below.

The second sea beast roared and charged him, but Lin Ho's meridians lit up. His movement art kicked in, folding the space around him slightly as he vanished and reappeared behind the creature.

One strike to the base of its skull. The beast spasmed, then dropped.

Below, Jian Yao and another disciple fought the last beast together, barely holding on. Lin Ho landed beside them, blade flashing as he bisected one of the beast's legs, giving Jian Yao the chance to finish it with a piercing thrust.

Elder Mo finished his battle moments later — three of the beasts now crumpled in the sand.

But as the group regrouped, the sky darkened.

From the sea, something vast stirred. A low hum — almost like a chant — echoed from the ocean floor. The tides began to recede unnaturally.

> "That… was just the first wave."

> "You sensed them. You'll likely sense more. We return to the sect immediately. A greater force is moving beneath the sea."

Chapter 21: Midnight Tides