Jin stood, bathed in blood most of it not his own.
The broken corpses of the five experts littered the courtyard. Young Lord Han had begged for mercy until Jin silenced him with a final, shattering strike to the throat.
But now… the battle's price was becoming clear.
His breathing was ragged. His body trembled not from fatigue alone, but from the torrent of blood qi rushing through his veins, reacting violently to his Blood Demon Bloodline.
His vision pulsed red.
Arielle rushed to his side, grabbing his arm.
"Jin!"
He didn't respond.
He stumbled.
"Stay with us Jin!"
Before darkness claimed him completely, Jin reached into the assassin's storage bag he'd taken earlier and withdrew two pale jade pills. The energy they radiated was pure and potent.
"Here…" he rasped, forcing the pills into the girls' hands. "Take them…"
The moment they consumed the pills, Lana and Arielle's wounds closed rapidly. The bleeding stopped. Color returned to their cheeks.
And Jin collapsed.
Moments Later – Inside Their Home
His body convulsed atop the bed. The air thickened with a crimson aura, the blood qi backlash raging out of control. His black hair whipped in the windless room. His eyes snapped open blood-red, wild and beast-like.
Lana gasped and stepped back, horrified.
"My son… what are you turning into?"
But Arielle remained calm.
"I've seen this once before," she said gently. "This… this is the backlash of the demon bloodline."
"Then what do we do?!"
Arielle met Lana's eyes with quiet resolve.
"Leave the room. I can… stabilize him. But I'll need to use my constitution again. Completely."
Lana hesitated. She understood what that meant. The house was quiet, yet outside, whispers were already spreading through Moon Lotus City. The courtyard had turned crimson, and those who'd seen the battle spoke of a demon-possessed youth who tore nobles apart.
Reluctantly, with trembling hands, Lana left the room her heart heavy.
Behind closed doors, the sounds began.
Heat and passion.
The moans of Arielle.
The low growls of Jin.
Lana heard everything.
And despite her embarrassment, despite the tears in her eyes, she whispered to herself:
"My son… has truly grown."
Meanwhile – In the Capital
Second Queen Molana's pacing echoed across polished marble floors. Her jade crown was crooked. Her eyes glowed with fury.
"Failed. Again."
Assassins, noble spies, and Young Lord Han all crushed.
Captain Roger remained silent, kneeling.
"Jin… that filthy little rat… again and again he escapes me!"
She turned and slammed a vase against the wall.
Then sighed.
"Fine. It's time."
A knock at the door.
An old man entered, dressed in quiet robes lined with gold.
"Father," she said coldly. "It's time we made our move."
The old man nodded once.
"Then let the king die."
Together, they plotted treason.
Back in Moon Lotus City – Morning
Jin awoke slowly.
His head resting on Arielle's shoulder. Her skin warm, breath steady, and her spiritual aura coiled around his own like ribbons of moonlight and fire.
[System Alert: Blood Qi Stabilized – Dual Cultivation Successful]
[System Upgrade in Progress – Estimated Time: 5 Days]
[Note: New features incoming upon completion]
He sat up, gently sliding off the bed.
Downstairs, breakfast had been served.
When Jin entered the room, Lana stared at him intensely. Not angrily, but not softly either.
Arielle avoided eye contact.
The silence was heavier than steel.
He cleared his throat and said, not ashamed but firm:
"I'll take responsibility."
Only then did Arielle start eating.
No words… but everything had been said.
Evening – Departure Preparations
Jin tightened the last strap on his traveling bag. He'd made his decision: he would leave Moon Lotus City. It wasn't safe anymore—for them, for him, for anyone.
Lana folded their robes quietly, watching him.
At the door, Arielle stood, arms folded behind her back.
Hesitation clouded her gaze.
"Can I…" she whispered, "Can I come with you?"
Jin blinked.
"You're the daughter of a merchant clan. This place is your home."
Tears welled in her eyes.
"Not anymore. Days ago, I got word—my parents were ambushed by rogue cultivators on the trade road. They're… dead."
She lowered her head.
"If I stay here, the nobles will force me into marriage or worse. I'd rather follow you."
Lana looked at her, then at her son. A deep sigh escaped her lips.
She walked over and gently embraced the girl.
"Then come with us. You're one of us now."
Jin smiled faintly.
"I was planning on taking responsibility anyway."
[Bonded Companion: Arielle – Affection Level increased to 95%]
City Gate – Unexpected Company
The three of them arrived at the outer gate packs ready, cloaks drawn.
But waiting just outside… were six cloaked figures. Each radiated spiritual pressure some calm, some aggressive.
A tall man with a long black spear stepped forward.
"Jin of Moon Lotus City," he called. "You've caught our attention."
Another woman, dressed in flowing robes marked with a phoenix emblem, bowed her head.
"Join our sect. With your strength, you'll rise faster than ever."
Another voice a grizzled man, holding a blood-stained scroll.
"Come with us, brat. We like bloodthirsty ones like you."
Jin frowned.
His journey had just begun… and already, the world was coming for him.