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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 Clear Wind Secret Realm was unlike any natural place Lin Ho had seen. Though named for its clarity, the very air here was thick with ancient Qi — not chaotic like his own, but dense, nurturing, and old. The trees seemed alive in thought, and the stones hummed with residual energy from battles long past.

Within hours of arrival, the disciples had scattered, each seeking their own fortune. Spirit herbs, soul crystals, weapon remnants — the rewards hidden in this realm could change one's path if seized.

Lin Ho moved through a sun-dappled glade, senses sharp. His Chaos Qi gave him an instinctive awareness, an ability to feel distortions in the natural flow. Beneath the peaceful appearance, there were traps — ancient formations, waiting to be triggered.

He found his first opponent not long after.

A crimson horned ape — tall as two men, its fur streaked with metallic scales — barreled from the treeline. It was at least equivalent to late Meridian Forging.

Lin Ho met it head-on, not with brute force, but fluid grace. His breathing technique shifted mid-step, and Chaos Qi spiraled out from his feet, destabilizing the beast's footing.

In a flash, he appeared behind it. His palm struck the beast's spine — no technique, just raw internal power condensed into stillness before release.

The ape crumpled. Lin Ho exhaled softly, already moving on.

Deeper into the realm, others weren't faring so well.

A group of disciples fought a metal-feathered eagle whose cry could shatter bones. Two had already fallen, blood soaking the spirit grass. Another team had triggered a defensive formation — ancient swords shot from the ground, skewering one unlucky disciple through the thigh.

Far above, on a floating stone cliff, one observer watched them all — Elder Qiu's spiritual imprint, left in the realm to monitor the trial. His gaze occasionally hovered toward Lin Ho's direction.

> "What are you truly hiding, boy…?"

Meanwhile, Lin Ho arrived at a peculiar clearing. A solitary tree stood in the center — silver bark, its roots coiled like a serpent around a broken pedestal. Upon approach, he felt it. Something… called to him.

His Chaos Qi responded — not violently, but curiously. The tree shimmered. The pedestal glowed faintly.

Then, without warning, a blinding surge of light exploded outward.

When the world cleared, Lin Ho stood alone in a blank white space. A figure — blurry and ancient — formed in the mist.

> "Chaos…" it said, voice distant, echoing across time. "Not again…"

Lin Ho opened his mouth to speak — but the vision shattered like glass.

In its place, a seed floated silently before him, surrounded by fragments of space.

Chapter 36: The Root of Trials