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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 two hours passed like the ticking of a celestial clock. As the final light of day faded behind Qingye Mountain, a section of the cliffside split open with a thunderous rumble. A swirling gateway of crimson and azure formed between jagged stone walls — the entrance to the Lower Secret Realm.

Dozens of disciples gathered before it, each with weapons secured, pills hidden in sleeves, and protective talismans tucked within their robes. Their breaths misted with anticipation as ancient Qi surged from the portal.

Lin Ho stood at the back of the formation, his spiritual blade hanging at his waist, eyes calm and unwavering.

> "Enter in groups of five," Elder Qiu commanded. "Remain within range of your talisman mark. If your mark turns black — flee. If it shatters, you are dead."

One by one, groups stepped forward and vanished into the swirling light.

When Lin Ho's turn came, he was joined by the green-robed girl from earlier, a grim-faced dual-saber cultivator, a silent boy with a tiger pelt cloak, and a short, nervous youth carrying scrolls instead of weapons.

Without a word, they stepped through.

The world on the other side was dim and wet. Moss-covered trees loomed in every direction, their trunks wide enough to house entire buildings. The air was thick with spirit essence, but also something darker… ancient and lurking.

A distant howl echoed through the woods.

> "We stay together," the saber wielder muttered. "No heroes."

The green-robed girl smirked. "I don't think the quiet one cares either way."

Lin Ho said nothing, but his senses were sharp. Chaos Qi stirred faintly around him — this place was unstable. The very fabric of space twisted ever so slightly, as though it were stitched together by something far older than mortal understanding.

As they moved deeper, their talisman runes began to glow faintly. Spirit herbs shimmered under leaf cover, and several minor beasts — mutated rabbits, vine-laced boars — fled their path.

> "That's not from this forest," Lin Ho murmured.

They stepped into a clearing — and froze.

A beast lay slain. Not by blade, but by crushing force. Its body was a mangled fusion of scales and barnacles. And around it, the grass was soaked in seawater despite the absence of any shore.

The scroll boy whimpered. "T-that's a sea beast. How did it get here?!"

> "This realm was supposed to be landlocked," the saber cultivator growled. "There shouldn't be oceanic creatures."

Lin Ho's gaze darkened. A faint mist was creeping between the trees now — black, thin as thread, and impossibly cold.

The green-robed girl unsheathed her blade.

> "I think the test just changed."

Chapter 25: Descent into the Secret Realm