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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 quiet of Qingye Sect's inner region was often broken only by rustling leaves, flowing streams, and the rhythmic breath of cultivators deep in meditation. But today, that serenity held a strange tension, as if the mountain itself anticipated something.

Lin Ho stood before a mirror pond nestled deep within the sect's cultivation valley. The waters shimmered, reflecting not just his form, but the faint, chaotic aura that clung to him like a second skin. He had spent the last three days preparing his body, refining the Chaos Qi within through relentless repetition of the Primordial Spiral Breathing technique.

With every cycle, his meridians felt stronger, more flexible. He was no longer just passively cultivating—his Qi pulsed with life, responding to his will like a trained beast.

> "Grandfather said not to hide my growth. But he also said not to invite trouble."

He opened his palm. Chaos Qi bloomed in slow, spiraling tendrils. It took the form of mist, light, and fire all at once before returning to nothingness.

Just then, a low chime rang out from the sect's bronze bells. A sign. The elders were gathering the chosen disciples for the expedition into the Lower Secret Realm.

Outer Platform – Qingye Sect Gathering Grounds

Dozens of disciples assembled, their robes marked by their rank. Outer sect, inner sect, a few core disciples — each chosen for potential or for testing. Lin Ho arrived last, calm as still water, and stood quietly at the edge.

Elder Qiu stood atop a raised jade platform, eyes scanning them all.

> "You are here not because you are the strongest, but because you have the chance to become something more. The Lower Secret Realm that will open tonight holds ancient spirit herbs, beast cores, and legacy remnants. It will also hold danger. Only the prepared shall survive."

Lin Ho's gaze didn't waver. Beside him, a tall girl with emerald-green robes and a crescent blade glanced sideways.

> "You're the one who caused the test pillar to break, aren't you?" she asked.

> "That was an accident," Lin Ho replied, voice even.

She smirked but didn't press. Her eyes lingered on him longer than necessary.

Elder Qiu raised his hand. A talisman lit in the air, marking each disciple with a faint golden rune.

> "These marks will serve as your key into the realm — and your rescue signal, should things go wrong. Use them wisely."

As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, the air around the gathering pulsed. A distant hum echoed from the sealed cliffs east of the sect.

> "The gate opens in two hours. Prepare."

Back in his courtyard, Lin Ho opened the blade case once more. He drew the spiritual longblade out, watching the runes shimmer faintly in moonlight.

> "This time, I walk into the unknown by choice."

Chapter 24: Tides of Preparation