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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

Atop Qingye Sect's inner peaks, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation. Following Lin Ho's unexpected leap into the spotlight, disciples and elders alike paid closer attention — not just to him, but to the strange signs appearing throughout the region.

And now, rumors of a sea king stirring from slumber.

But Lin Ho ignored the noise. Within the sealed training chamber of his new inner disciple courtyard, time slowed to a crawl.

He sat cross-legged, breathing in silence. The Chaos Spiral Technique no longer just refined Qi — it reconstructed it. Each inhale drew threads of elemental force from the air. Each exhale fused them into something deeper: Primordial Qi.

Golden-black lines shimmered beneath his skin. The pressure within him surged, filling his bones and meridians with roaring force.

> "Late Meridian Forging Realm…"

The breakthrough came silently, without fanfare. No lightning. No trembling of heaven and earth.

And yet, his presence changed — subtly, undeniably.

Elsewhere in the Sect — Hall of Records

Three elders sat in silence before a mirror-screen replaying the combat trial from the underwater realm.

One paused the image at the moment Lin Ho's palm struck the sea beast's corrupted heart.

The third, silent until now, finally spoke.

> "Don't speak that word lightly. It could be his body type, or an ancient variant technique. But if it is…"

> "Should we inform the Headmaster?"

Lin Ho emerged from seclusion at twilight.

At the training grounds, a group of senior inner disciples stood waiting. Their leader, a tall young man with narrow eyes and a blue saber strapped to his back, stepped forward.

> "Lin Ho, right?" he asked, tone neutral.

> "Name's Jian Yu. Top three among inner disciples." He pointed to the dueling platform. "You made waves. Let's see how deep they run."

It wasn't aggression — not yet — but a test of weight. Qingye Sect didn't shun talent. It measured it.

Lin Ho stepped onto the platform, unstrapping his blade.

Jian Yu grinned. "One exchange it is."

In a flash, his saber howled with condensed wind Qi, the force of his slash splitting stone tiles around them. But Lin Ho stepped forward, a single line of Chaos Qi winding around his arm.

The clash rang across the peak — but Jian Yu was flung back ten paces. He landed on his feet, wide-eyed, saber vibrating.

Then Jian Yu laughed. "Good. You're not just rumors."

But among them, a girl with crimson eyes didn't smile. She turned and walked away, whispering to herself:

> "He really does carry that Qi… They'll notice soon."

Beyond the mountains, lightning forked across the sea horizon. A ship carved from spiritwood approached the shore.

Upon its bow stood a woman cloaked in starlight, eyes closed, sensing.

> "Child of Chaos… You are finally walking."

Chapter 32: Storm Gathering