Chapter 16 – Cultivation Gift

The journey ahead was long, but the connection between Xiao Xuan and Feng Qin had made every step feel lighter. The weight of immortality, which had once seemed an unshakable burden, no longer felt so heavy. But with this newfound bond, Xiao Xuan realized there was so much more to explore, more to learn. He had always relied on his own strength and immortality to survive, but now he had Feng Qin by his side—a partner who could offer him something more. And she had promised him a gift, one that would take their shared power to a level beyond what either of them could have achieved alone.

One afternoon, as they walked through the dense forest, Feng Qin motioned for Xiao Xuan to stop. He looked at her, curious, but her expression was serious, her gaze scanning their surroundings as if seeking something.

"This is the moment," she said, her voice low, almost reverent.

Xiao Xuan's pulse quickened. He had learned to trust her judgment, but there was something in her tone, something that spoke of ancient power and a deep understanding of forces beyond his comprehension. He knew she had already given him so much—her Qi, her spirit, her promise of loyalty—but this… this felt different. It was as though the very air around them was charged with anticipation.

"I've spoken of the gift I intend to give you," Feng Qin continued. "But it is not just any ordinary gift. This power comes from the Phoenix Clan, from the heart of my bloodline. It is dragon blood essence—ancient and powerful. It can enhance your cultivation beyond what you've ever imagined."

Xiao Xuan's mind raced. Dragon blood essence was a rare and potent substance, whispered about in the highest echelons of cultivation circles. The thought of it in his possession sent a surge of excitement through his veins. He had always known that his immortality made him different from other cultivators, but the idea of wielding dragon blood, a force tied to the Phoenix Clan and creatures as ancient as the world itself, was overwhelming.

"Are you sure?" Xiao Xuan asked, his voice tinged with both awe and skepticism. "This kind of power… it can change a person, can't it?"

Feng Qin's gaze softened, and she stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Yes, it can change you. It will push you beyond your current limits. But be warned, Xiao Xuan—such power does not come without its risks. It will amplify everything within you: your strength, your potential, your desires. But it can also bring out your darker impulses. You will become stronger, yes, but you must learn to control it. If you don't, the power may consume you."

Xiao Xuan absorbed her words, the gravity of what she was offering settling on his chest like a heavy stone. He had lived so long, and in all that time, power had always been something he sought to understand. He had taken the forbidden techniques of immortality in his stride, never truly questioning the cost. But this was different. This wasn't just about power—it was about choice. His choice.

He reached out, taking the small vial that Feng Qin offered him. The liquid inside shimmered with an ethereal, golden hue. It seemed to hum with energy, alive and vibrant, and Xiao Xuan could feel its presence even before he touched it. The vial felt warm in his hand, as though it had been waiting for this moment.

"Are you ready?" Feng Qin asked, her voice low, her eyes locked onto his with a kind of quiet intensity that he hadn't expected.

Xiao Xuan nodded, his expression resolute. "I am."

Feng Qin didn't look away, her gaze steady and calm, as if she were watching him with both pride and caution. She knew this was not a decision to be taken lightly. She knew the risks, the dangers. But she also knew that if Xiao Xuan was ever going to fully understand the depth of his immortality, he would need to embrace this power.

With a final, steadying breath, Xiao Xuan uncorked the vial and raised it to his lips. He hesitated for only a moment, but that hesitation was enough to remind him of everything he had lost, everything he feared. He had always been alone, and even now, a part of him feared that this power would isolate him further. But Feng Qin's words echoed in his mind: I will not let you face this alone.

And so, he drank the essence.

The moment the liquid touched his tongue, an overwhelming surge of energy coursed through his body. It wasn't like any Qi he had ever experienced. It was raw, primal—untamed. It was as if he had unlocked a door deep inside himself, a door that opened to something ancient and infinite. His body burned with the power of the dragon, and the energy flowed through his veins, spreading across his chest, down his arms, and into his very soul.

Xiao Xuan staggered, his knees nearly buckling as the energy surged within him. His breath quickened, and for a moment, it felt as though his very being would be consumed by the power. The world around him seemed to blur, and for a fraction of a second, he saw flashes of images—ancient battles, dragons soaring through the skies, powerful figures whose names were lost to time. It was as though the essence of the dragon itself had come alive inside him, pulling him into the currents of history.

"Focus," Feng Qin's voice broke through the chaos in his mind, her hand gently resting on his shoulder. "Control it, Xiao Xuan. Let the power flow, but do not let it consume you."

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. The power inside him was wild, untamed, but it was also beautiful, like a force of nature, unstoppable and pure. He could feel it building inside him, expanding, threatening to burst free.

And yet, with Feng Qin's touch grounding him, he focused on the connection between them—the bond they shared. It was the only thing that kept him centered, the only thing that allowed him to control the wild torrent of energy within him.

Slowly, the power began to settle. The overwhelming surge of dragon blood calmed, shifting from chaos to clarity. Xiao Xuan stood upright, his body humming with energy, but no longer feeling as if he were about to lose control. He had never felt so powerful, so alive. It was as if every part of him had been awakened—his immortality, his Qi, his soul. They all sang in unison, and he knew, without a doubt, that he was no longer the same.

Feng Qin stepped back, watching him with quiet pride in her eyes. "You've done it," she said softly, her voice a mixture of relief and admiration. "You've embraced the power, but you've also learned to control it. That is the key, Xiao Xuan. This power is yours to command. But remember, it is not just strength—it is a responsibility."

Xiao Xuan took a deep breath, the air around him crackling with newfound energy. His gaze met Feng Qin's, and for the first time, he truly understood what she had meant. This wasn't just about becoming stronger. It was about becoming more than he had ever been—more than just an immortal lost in time. It was about creating something lasting, something that would endure through the ages.

And with Feng Qin by his side, he knew they could accomplish that. Together, they would build something that would leave a legacy—a legacy that would transcend the bounds of time and power.

"I understand," Xiao Xuan said quietly, his voice filled with newfound resolve. "This is just the beginning. And together, we will create something eternal."

Feng Qin's smile deepened, her eyes gleaming with pride and determination. "Yes," she agreed. "Together."