Xian Shun looked up at Mo Lei, his mind spinning, still grappling with the enormity of his newfound role. Not only had he been chosen as the Skyfire Dragon's successor, but now, this ancient guardian—the mighty protector of this legendary realm—had been given the chance to follow him, to walk the path to godhood by his side. A deep connection throbbed between them, powered by the black dragon mark on Xian Shun's forehead, which pulsed with an energy that seemed to echo the ancient strength of the Skyfire Dragon himself.
The weight of responsibility pressed down on him, almost as heavy as the power within him. He realized this wasn't just a gift; it was a duty. This inheritance, this legacy, demanded more than he'd ever been asked to give. Xian Shun felt as though he'd been given not only a path forward but a mission for all of existence. He would need to rise not just for himself but for a world that awaited the return of a god. Yet, in this overwhelming realization, he felt a deep calm settle over him.
Slowly, Mo Lei rose, his fiery eyes never leaving Xian Shun's, and with a respectful bow, he spoke. "I will follow you, Xian Shun," he said, his voice solemn, filled with purpose. "As my master has decreed, I will guide you along this path. Together, we will achieve what no one else has dared to attempt."
Around them, the thunderstorm continued to rage, black lightning illuminating the realm in ominous flashes of light, thunder echoing like a war drum. But despite the surrounding chaos, Xian Shun felt a calmness he hadn't known before. The path would be grueling, dangerous beyond measure, but he was not alone. With Mo Lei by his side and the legacy of the Skyfire Dragon within him, he felt that his destiny was finally within reach.
The calm didn't last long as the storm began to dissipate, and the Skyfire Dragon's voice resounded softly, breaking through the darkness and filling the space with a warmth that, despite its intensity, felt almost like an embrace.
"You've always wondered, haven't you?" the Skyfire Dragon asked, his gaze penetrating and full of wisdom. "Why, after so much training and effort, you have remained stagnant at the second level."
Xian Shun nodded, feeling the weight of years of frustration at his lack of progress. "Yes… No matter how hard I trained, how much I pushed, I could never advance. I didn't understand why."
The dragon's eyes softened with understanding as he explained, "Your body has an exceptionally unique foundation. Since birth, you have possessed not one, but two elements—Wind and Water. A gift so rare that most wouldn't believe it possible. This combination has created a complexity of energy within you, far more intense and layered than a single element could produce. When you reached Level 2, the Combat Gathering Stage, the energy your elements generated became too powerful for your body to manage."
Xian Shun's eyes widened as the Skyfire Dragon's words sank in. His own power had stalled him, but not because of any failure on his part. The power he possessed, so innate yet so rare, had been beyond what his young body could bear.
The Skyfire Dragon inclined his head. "Precisely. While Wind and Water alone may seem simple or even common, together, they create a synergy that produces an energy of immense depth and strength. However, for a body as young as yours, untrained to withstand such power, the result was a sort of internal safeguard. Your body resisted growth to protect itself."
Xian Shun's heart raced. For so long, he'd doubted himself, questioned his worth, but now he saw his stagnant level as something far different—a measure of his own untapped potential.
The Skyfire Dragon continued, his tone now both reverent and admiring. "I, too, once sought to master more than one element. It took me centuries of effort, countless battles, and tests of will to acquire Thunder and Fire in harmony. But you, my successor, have been blessed with dual elements since birth. You're destined for far more than I could ever have dreamed of."
Pride and hope shone in the Skyfire Dragon's gaze. "Your Wind and Water elements hold the key to something truly extraordinary—they are 'soft elements,' and they possess qualities unlike any others. They balance, adapt, and flow with strength and grace. These elements provide harmony, allowing even the most volatile forces to coexist without discord. With such a gift, your future may surpass that of any legend known."
Xian Shun felt his heart swell with gratitude, confidence building within him. He was no longer just a boy burdened by expectation and disappointment. In this moment, he was truly the Skyfire Dragon's successor. The path ahead was no longer darkened by doubt but illuminated with promise, filled with purpose.
The Skyfire Dragon regarded him closely, his expression thoughtful, as if weighing something profound. Then he spoke again, his voice both calm and commanding, "Your journey will be one of trial and hardship, but you are uniquely suited for the path before you. Wind and Water, as soft elements, have given you a rare gift. They will allow you to harness even the most powerful forces without losing control, a balance few could ever hope to achieve."
Taking in the ancient dragon's words, Xian Shun listened as he detailed each part of the inheritance:
Flame Core Essence: "I leave you my Fire Core Essence," the dragon said, a glint of pride in his eye. "At your current stage, you can only absorb the flame, but as you progress, this core will grow within you, evolving into a flame unique to you. When you reach Level 7, the Bó Aura Power Stage, your aura will open, and you'll finally be able to absorb my Thunder Core Essence as well. When combined, your flame and thunder elements will unlock a power most cultivators only dream of."
Soul Ancient Black Dragon Mark: "The mark on your forehead is not just symbolic. It is a spiritual mark, a connection to every dragon in this world. However, until you reach Level 10, the Bó Ancestor Space Control Stage, the mark will remain dormant, only manifesting in times of mortal danger. As it matures, it will allow you to command dragons."
Skyspine Spear: "This weapon," the dragon said, his voice filled with ancient memory, "was forged from the spine of one of my most formidable foes. The Skyspine Spear is a symbol of both power and resilience. As you master it, it will resonate with your elements, amplifying their strength."
Ancient Dragon Wing Technique: "This technique, my Dragon Wing Technique, is one of the rarest gifts I can bestow. It grants the power of flight, allowing you to move at speeds no other cultivator could reach. However, mastery will require vast qi reserves. Only by truly understanding the balance of elements within yourself will you be able to wield it with precision."
Elements Body Technique: "This," the Skyfire Dragon said, his gaze intense, "is the greatest challenge. It is a technique so ancient, not even the gods of old could master it. By bringing harmony to your elements, your body will become capable of channeling and unifying all the elements. This technique will demand everything from you, but it is essential. Without it, you would remain limited, bound to only two elements, even with my cores. This was beyond my reach, but you—possessing Wind and Water—are uniquely suited for it. These 'soft elements' provide the necessary balance to bear other elements, even the most volatile ones."
Xian Shun absorbed every word, a new determination igniting within him. His heart thudded in his chest as he realized the true weight of his inheritance. He had been chosen not just to continue a legacy, but to push it beyond the boundaries even the Skyfire Dragon had known.
As Xian Shun bowed deeply, feeling humbled and empowered, the Skyfire Dragon's gaze grew solemn once more. "Before I release you back into the world," he said, his voice resonant with a commanding power, "I must prepare you further. Your foundation, while remarkable, is still too weak for what lies ahead. You must feel true pressure if you are to survive."
Xian Shun straightened, feeling a surge of adrenaline. Whatever was coming, he would face it head-on. The dragon raised a massive claw, summoning a concentrated sphere of pure thunder energy that crackled with the intensity of a tempest. The roar of energy drowned out every other sound, filling the space with its force.
"Endure this," the Skyfire Dragon said, his tone both warning and challenge. "This is but a taste of the power you will one day wield."
Xian Shun braced himself as the sphere of thunder shot toward him. The moment it struck, an unbearable pressure crashed down on him, his bones creaking under the weight of it. Lightning surged through his veins, lighting his nerves with searing pain. He staggered, gritting his teeth against the overwhelming force, sweat dripping down his face as he fought to remain standing.
The pressure was beyond anything he had ever felt. His muscles screamed, his body trembled, but he refused to yield. He summoned every ounce of willpower, digging deep into his resolve. Slowly, he steadied himself, breathing through the pain, letting the energy course through him. He could feel the black dragon mark on his forehead pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat, lending him strength.
The dragon watched, his eyes narrowing with approval as Xian Shun withstood the pressure. "Good," he said, his voice filled with quiet pride. "You possess more than raw power. You have the spirit to endure, to persevere even when every fiber of your being tells you to give up."
The thunder energy faded, leaving Xian Shun kneeling, breathless and battered, yet alive with a new understanding of his own strength.
"Remember this moment," the Skyfire Dragon said softly. "You have the power to withstand even the strongest storms. Take this knowledge, and let it guide you."
Xian Shun looked up, feeling as though he'd been reforged in the fires of his own spirit. He bowed again, the gratitude in his heart indescribable.
"Thank you, master," he whispered, reverence lacing every word.