~~
In a Remote Corner of the Realm of Ruin
"Look over here! I found something interesting. Be quiet!" a woman's hurried voice whispered, filled with excitement.
Another voice responded, equally intrigued, "What is it? Show me!"
"Wait... isn't that the Fourth Holy Scion, Zi Rong? What is he doing here?"
The two women exchanged bewildered glances, confusion evident on their faces. However, they made no move to reveal their presence, choosing instead to remain hidden, silently observing the scene before them.
"Lan Xin, what should we do now?" one of the women whispered, her tone laced with uncertainty.
"Don't overthink it, Mei Hua," Lan Xin replied calmly. "We'll just follow him from a distance. As long as we're not caught, it'll be fine."
These two women were no ordinary individuals—they were none other than Lan Xin, the Ninth Holy Scion, and Mei Hua, the Tenth Holy Scion. By sheer coincidence, the two of them had stumbled upon the Fourth Holy Scion, Zi Rong, in this desolate part of the realm.
Curiosity piqued, they decided to tail him discreetly. Zi Rong appeared to be traveling with a small group of companions, and the two women were determined to uncover his purpose for venturing into such a remote and dangerous place.
"He's heading deeper into the Wasteland Abyss. Should we really follow him?" The uncertain voice of the Tenth Holy Scion, Mei Hua, broke the silence.
The Ninth Holy Scion, Lan Xin, responded with a confident tone, "We know the Fourth Holy Scion, Zi Rong, all too well. He's someone who thrives on seizing opportunities. A man like him wouldn't take such risks unless he believes the rewards far outweigh the dangers. I suspect he's after something of immense value—something so enticing that it's worth venturing into such peril. Following him might not be a bad idea. After all, there's no harm in seeing where his ambitions lead."
Lan Xin's sharp intuition and analysis made Mei Hua pause, her hesitation beginning to waver. The allure of discovering something precious—or even just understanding Zi Rong's motives—was tempting. And so, the two decided to silently trail the Fourth Holy Scion, cautiously venturing deeper into the ominous Wasteland Abyss, their eyes filled with both curiosity and resolve.
The two holy scions trailed silently, descending into the ominous Abyss of Desolation.
Within the abyss, the scene that greeted them was both surreal and awe-inspiring. The ground was vast, carved with intricate and arcane patterns that glowed faintly. At the center of this strange domain stood an enormous stone statue, towering over the surroundings like a guardian of ancient secrets. Around it were four altar-like pedestals, each placed at cardinal points.
The Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions watched in hushed tension as Zi Rong, the Fourth Holy Scion, stepped forward toward the massive statue. His followers, without hesitation, began placing mysterious objects upon each of the four altars. These items emanated an unsettling aura, a mix of ancient energy and malice, the likes of which the two hidden observers had never encountered before.
Finally, Zi Rong approached the fifth and central pedestal, holding a grotesque object-a heart pulsating with crimson energy, exuding a sinister power so potent that the mere sight of it made Lan Xin and Mei Hua struggle to suppress the urge to vomit. They could feel its aura bearing down on their souls, suffocating and oppressive.
As Zi Rong placed the heart on the final pedestal, the statue began to react. Its left chest glowed with a menacing red light, dark energy swirling outward and mixing with the glowing patterns on the ground. The glow intensified, converging into the heart within the statue's chest. The crimson and black energies seeped into the ground, racing through the intricate designs, connecting all five pedestals in an otherworldly network of power.
Suddenly, the statue's eyes flared open, revealing blood-red orbs filled with a malicious and chilling intelligence. Its gaze swept over Zi Rong, and then, in a voice that echoed with deathly coldness and ancient authority, it spoke:
"Are you the one who seeks to inherit my legacy?"
The voice carried a terrifying weight, resonating through the abyss. Even those merely hiding in the shadows, Lan Xin and Mei Hua, felt as though their souls were being frozen, their bodies trembling uncontrollably under its overwhelming pressure.
Zi Rong, unfazed, knelt with respect and replied, "It is an honor to stand before you, Blood Demon Progenitor of the Primordial Era. I, Zi Rong, the Fourth Holy Scion of the Sacred Domain, have come to inherit your legacy."
Upon hearing the name Blood Demon Progenitor, the two hidden scions gasped in shock. The name alone was enough to send fear coursing through their veins.
The statue's glowing eyes narrowed slightly, its voice filled with curiosity and skepticism. "A holy scion, seeking the legacy of a demon? Are you not afraid of the Sacred Domain's wrath? Their punishments could obliterate even your soul."
The statue's glowing eyes narrowed slightly, its voice filled with curiosity and skepticism. "A holy scion, seeking the legacy of a demon? Are you not afraid of the Sacred Domain's wrath? Their punishments could obliterate even your soul."
Zi Rong smirked, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "The Sacred Domain is but a small world to me. I aim to grasp power and authority over all creation. Why should I concern myself with the petty consequences of trifles beneath me? Moreover, as the Blood Demon Progenitor, surely you possess arts capable of masking demonic auras. With your inheritance, I will be the one to craft a new flesh vessel for you and restore your glory."
The Blood Demon Progenitor fell silent for a moment before breaking into a thunderous, malevolent laugh. The sound echoed throughout the abyss, shaking the ground as if the realm itself would collapse under its force.
"You are bold, Zi Rong-bold and ambitious. Even the title of Holy Scion cannot shackle your desires. Very well, I shall allow you to attempt to inherit my legacy. But whether or not you are capable of withstanding what lies ahead is entirely up to you."
The statue raised one of its massive stone hands, and from the void, a scroll materialized within its palm. The scroll shimmered with a profound, otherworldly energy, radiating a pressure that could crush even the strongest of cultivators.
"This scroll contains the entirety of my blood demon techniques and arts. Each one surpasses the forbidden levels of cultivation, capable of shaking the heavens and devouring worlds. However, mastery of these arts requires not only immense talent but also an unyielding will.
Should you prove yourself worthy, you shall inherit both the scroll and my guidance as a fragment of my will. But first, you must pass the trial."
The Blood Demon Progenitor extended a massive finger, pressing it lightly against Zi Rong's forehead. Instantly, the oppressive crimson aura intensified, enveloping the entire area. Zi Rong's followers, who had been standing nearby, froze in place, their bodies twisting unnaturally. They screamed in agony as their forms contorted and crumbled, reduced to streams of blood that flowed toward Zi Rong's forehead, merging into him.
The two hidden holy scions, Lan Xin and Mei Hua, watched in sheer horror as the blood sacrifice continued. Their instincts screamed at them to flee, but the oppressive aura rooted them in place.
Within Zi Rong's consciousness, the trial had begun. The world around him blurred and shifted as he was plunged into a realm of pure chaos and blood, where the Progenitor's trial would test the very limits of his soul, willpower, and ambition.
As the two Holy Scions made their way to the mouth of the desolate abyss, they heaved deep sighs of relief, their faces pale and shaken.
Lan Xin, the Tenth Holy Scion, spoke with a trembling voice, "I... I think we should leave this place at once. If we don't, our fates might mirror those of the Fourth Holy Scion's followers."
Her companion, Mei Hua, the Ninth Holy Scion, nodded in silent agreement, her body still shivering. Without hesitation, the two sprinted away, driven by fear so profound that it left no room for second thoughts.
As they ran, their minds kept replaying the horrifying events they had witnessed. Suddenly, they collided with something soft and unexpectedly solid.
Thud!
Startled, they looked up to find themselves facing a group of five individuals accompanied by a small, playful dragon hatchling. Alarmed, Lan Xin and Mei Hua instinctively backed away, readying themselves for confrontation.
But before they could act, a man from the group reached out with a single hand, effortlessly grabbing both of their arms. He lifted them off the ground as if they weighed nothing.
The man gazed intently at Mei Hua, a flicker of recognition flashing across his face. It took him only a moment to realize that she was none other than the Ninth Holy Scion—a woman he had once saved during a previous competition while disguised as Xuan Xu.
However, he chose not to reveal his identity just yet.
With calm yet respectful composure, he set the two women down and spoke in a polite tone, "I apologize for my earlier rudeness.
But may I ask what has caused you two such terror that you fled for your lives in such haste?"
Lan Xin and Mei Hua exchanged hesitant glances before introducing themselves. "I am Lan Xin, and this is Mei Hua," said the former.
Upon hearing their names, the group's eyes widened. The Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions! However, the man remained unmoved, his expression unchanged. He simply repeated his question, "What has frightened you two so deeply that it drove you to run without regard for direction or safety?"
The two women hesitated, unwilling to speak. The man narrowed his gaze slightly and warned, "If you won't tell me, I'll have no choice but to escort you back to the place you fled from."
Hearing this, their faces turned ashen. Stammering incoherently, they attempted to speak but could barely form coherent sentences, their terror rendering them almost mute.
Without a word, the man hoisted both women onto his shoulders, one on each side, and carried them to a nearby grove. There, he set them down gently under the shade of the trees before lightly striking the backs of their necks to render them unconscious.
As he removed a piece of his outer robe, intending to cover them, an open palm suddenly struck the back of his head with a sharp slap!
Smack!
"Ow!" he exclaimed, clutching his head and turning to glare at the culprit. "Sister Xiao Hanyan! What was that for? That hurt!"
Xiao Hanyan crossed her arms over her chest, her expression cold and unamused. Pointing an accusatory finger at him, she retorted, "What do you think you're doing, stripping in the open like this while we're all watching? Are you planning to do something indecent to those two women here and now?!"
His expression froze in bewilderment. "What? No! I was just going to use my robe as a blanket to keep them warm while they rest! I wanted them to regain their strength so they could properly answer my questions. What's so wrong about that?"
For a moment, Xiao Hanyan was speechless. Then she simply let out a frustrated sigh, turning away in exasperation.
The man, known as Xiao Tian, turned to the rest of the group and spoke with a serious tone. "You all understand, don't you? For even these two Holy Scions, trained under the most grueling conditions, to flee in such terror... whatever lies in that abyss must be unimaginably dangerous. It must be something beyond what we've ever encountered before."
Zhang Dalei, one of the group members, stepped forward with resolve. "I'll investigate."
Xiao Tian immediately stopped him, shaking his head.
"No. If even the Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions ran for their lives, it's too dangerous for anyone to venture there recklessly. I cannot allow you to throw your life away."
After some time had passed…
"Hmm? What's going on…? What happened?"
A soft, groggy voice echoed in the air as a young woman slowly opened her eyes, her tone filled with confusion, like someone just waking from a deep slumber.
"Wait… wasn't I unconscious just now?"
She muttered to herself while glancing around, her gaze falling upon a group of four people standing nearby. Her brows furrowed as she tried to recall—there had been five of them earlier. Where was the fifth? Her instincts kicked in, and she raised her head to the sky, only to see a man standing high above, staring down at her with an unreadable expression.
"Ah!"
The sight shocked her so much that her eyes rolled back, and she fainted once more.
The man was none other than Xiao Tian. Letting out a sigh, he shook his head and muttered, "A Holy Scion, yet something as trivial as this frightens her into fainting twice? Such weak resolve." His tone carried a mix of exasperation and disappointment.
His companions, witnessing the scene, couldn't hold back their laughter.
One of them teased, "Who would've thought, Xiao Tian? Your face alone is enough to scare someone unconscious—not once, but twice!"
Though their words were lighthearted, Xiao Tian couldn't help but reflect silently. Could it be… he thought. Am I still single after all these years because my face is… frightening? He quickly shook the thought out of his head and refocused on the present moment.
It seemed the other woman—the Ninth Holy Scion—was beginning to stir.
Slowly, Mei Hua opened her eyes, her vision adjusting to the scene before her. As her gaze settled on Xiao Tian, she flinched, her body tensing up. But after a moment, she steadied herself, and recognition flashed across her face.
"It's you!" she exclaimed, realizing he was the one who had encountered her and Lan Xin earlier. Wasting no time, she scrambled to her feet and rushed over to Lan Xin, who was still unconscious.
Gently lifting her companion, Mei Hua shook her lightly, calling her name.
"Lan Xin! Wake up!"
Lan Xin's eyes fluttered open, and she immediately registered Mei Hua and Xiao Tian's presence. Her face paled, and for a moment, it looked as though she might faint again.
Xiao Tian quickly stepped forward, leaning down until his face was directly in front of hers. His tone was half-joking, half-commanding as he said, "Not this time. You're not fainting again, not on my watch."
His words were accompanied by a faint smile, one that was strangely both reassuring and teasing at the same time.
"It seems you're both still groggy, as if you've just woken up. How about this—we share a hearty breakfast first, and then we can talk about what I need to ask you," Xiao Tian said casually, his tone as calm as the morning breeze.
The two Holy Scions exchanged glances, their faces filled with shock.
"Wait… have we been unconscious for an entire day and night?!"
Xiao Tian gave a slight smirk but said nothing, turning to lead them out from under the canopy of trees.
As they stepped forward, the Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions noticed the intricate runes etched into the bark and earth around them—protective formations that had concealed their resting spot from the outside world.
Once they stepped beyond the barrier, they were greeted by a different landscape entirely. The scenery here bore no resemblance to the barren wasteland of the previous day.
Xiao Tian and his companions had clearly moved camp overnight, likely to distance themselves from the strange, ominous aura that had emanated from the depths of the Ruined Abyss.
Ahead of them, a crackling campfire glowed warmly amidst the crisp morning air. Xiao Tian's team was gathered there, seated around the fire, roasting large slabs of beast meat and stirring a bubbling pot of rich, fragrant broth. The aroma was intoxicating, a perfect blend of spices and the natural flavor of spirit beast flesh.
The Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions froze mid-step, their noses twitching as the tantalizing scent wafted through the air. Their stomachs growled audibly, betraying their hunger.
Unable to resist, they instinctively clung to Xiao Tian's sleeves, their eyes wide and pleading like famished kittens. Droplets of saliva threatened to spill from the corners of their mouths, and their faces turned red with embarrassment.
Xiao Tian glanced down at them and let out a chuckle.
"There's no need to hold back. Go ahead and eat as much as you like."
The moment his words reached their ears, the two Holy Scions abandoned all pretense of dignity. They darted toward the fire, their earlier fears and reservations completely forgotten as if swept away by the heavenly aroma.
As they tore into the roasted beast meat and eagerly sipped the savory broth, the rest of Xiao Tian's team watched in amusement.
"Who would've thought the proud Holy Scions could be so... straightforward when it comes to food," one of them teased with a grin.
Another chimed in, "Maybe we should carry some extra rations just in case we meet more high-ranking cultivators in need of a good meal!"
The Ninth Holy Scion, her cheeks puffed with food, glared at them in mock indignation. "Hmph! You don't know how long we've gone without a proper meal like this! This is—this is survival!" she retorted between bites.
Xiao Tian observed them quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Despite their earlier fear and defensiveness, they seemed to be adjusting quickly.
Perhaps this will make things easier… at least for now, he thought to himself.
The Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions savored every bite of the meal, their expressions radiant with satisfaction. It was unlike anything they had ever tasted before, surpassing even the dishes prepared by the most renowned chefs of their Holy Lands.
The Ninth Scion glanced at Xiao Tian, a look of curiosity flickering across her face. How does someone like him possess such exceptional culinary skills? she wondered. Unbeknownst to her, the recipes and techniques Xiao Tian employed were remnants of his former life, a knowledge that set him apart even in this mystical world.
As the two finished their meal, Xiao Han Yan, Xiao Tian's elder sister, approached. Her sharp gaze swept over them before she asked, "Why were the two of you running for your lives like that? You're Holy Scions—what could possibly drive you to such desperation?"
The Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions exchanged uneasy glances. Their hesitation lingered for a moment before the Tenth Scion took a deep breath and began to explain.
"While traveling together, we encountered the Fourth Holy Scion," she said cautiously.
The moment the words left her mouth, a subtle tension spread through the air. Xiao Tian's expression darkened beneath his hood, though it remained hidden from view. Xiao Han Yan, however, clenched her fists, her anger barely concealed.
The Fourth Holy Scion… she thought bitterly. Memories of her own encounters with him, and the humiliation she had endured, resurfaced. If not for Xiao Tian's intervention, she might not have been standing here today. Yet, she forced herself to appear indifferent.
Feigning calm, Xiao Han Yan pressed further. "And what happened after that?"
The Tenth Scion continued, her voice trembling slightly. "We… we followed him into the Ruined Abyss, a place filled with an ominous and unsettling aura. He brought with him four guardians, and deep within, we stumbled upon an enormous ancient altar surrounded by five towering pedestals."
She paused, shivering as if recalling a nightmare. "At first, we thought it was a treasure site, perhaps an inheritance from a bygone era. But then… we saw him place rare and otherworldly treasures—spiritual herbs and artifacts of immense value—onto the four outer pedestals. For the fifth, he offered something… far more sinister. It was a heart, but not an ordinary one. Its aura was revolting, filled with malice and despair. Just looking at it made us feel as though our souls were being torn apart."
As she spoke, Xiao Tian and Xiao Han Yan listened intently. The Ninth Scion, sitting beside her, nodded, her face pale.
"When the ritual was complete," the Tenth Scion continued, "the giant statue at the center began to move. Dark red and black energy swirled around it, a presence so terrifying that it felt like the heavens themselves would shatter beneath its weight. Then it spoke…"
At this, both scions visibly trembled.
"It called itself the Primordial Demon Ancestor," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Its very name… its voice… it pierced into our very souls. And then, the guardians—those four men who accompanied the Fourth Holy Scion—they began to twist and contort. Their bodies folded unnaturally, like rags being wrung dry, before they disintegrated into clouds of blood and were absorbed into the altar."
Xiao Tian's fists clenched beneath his robe. He could sense the vile implications of this ritual, one that reeked of forbidden demonic practices.
The Tenth Scion continued, "The Fourth Scion… he pledged himself to the Primordial Demon Ancestor, entering into some kind of demonic pact. We were paralyzed with fear, but we knew we had to flee. If not for his focus on completing the ritual, we wouldn't have escaped with our lives."
She paused, her voice filled with dread. "He doesn't care about the laws of the Holy Lands anymore. He doesn't fear retribution. And worse… the power he's inherited is beyond anything we've ever seen. If he succeeds in mastering it… I fear no one will be able to stop him."
A heavy silence followed her words. The crackling fire seemed distant now, and even the wind carried an eerie stillness.
Xiao Han Yan finally spoke, her voice low and cold. "The Fourth Scion is playing with forces that defy the natural order. If this is true, the Holy Lands are in grave danger."
Xiao Tian, who had been silent all this time, finally lifted his gaze, his piercing eyes visible beneath the shadow of his hood. He let out a slow breath, his voice calm yet firm.
"If the Fourth Scion has chosen to walk the path of demons, then it's only a matter of time before his actions bring calamity to this world. But for now…" He glanced at the Ninth and Tenth Scions. "You two need to recover your strength. This is far from over."
Xiao Tian's voice was calm but carried a sense of urgency.
"We must make haste. If the Fourth Holy Scion completes the inheritance, it won't just be our problem but a calamity for the entire region—perhaps even the Holy realms themselves."
He paused, his gaze sharp as he turned toward the Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions. "From what you've described, that demon is no ordinary entity. If it is truly one of the ancient Primordial Demons, it may have existed since the birth of the Holy Lands, rivaling the Great Ones of the earliest eras."
Everyone nodded gravely at his words, except for the Ninth and Tenth Holy Scions.
While both still harbored fear from their earlier encounter, the Ninth Scion, Lan Xin, stood abruptly. Her eyes burned with newfound determination as she declared, "Enough of this. I'm ready. I'll face whatever danger lies ahead, no matter how terrifying it may be. My strength has returned, and I will not cower!"
Her bold declaration startled the Tenth Scion, Mei Hua, who had been sitting quietly beside her.
Mei Hua glanced up, disbelief flashing in her eyes. "Sister Lan Xin, you… You're really willing to face that monstrosity again?"
Xiao Tian's voice interrupted them. "Good," he said, a rare note of approval in his tone. "As Holy Scions, you're expected to be examples of courage and resolve for the rest of the cultivation world.
Remember this: fear is a hurdle every cultivator must overcome. If you cannot stand against your greatest fears, how will you ever walk the path of greatness? The dangers of this world are endless, as are the opportunities for glory. Life and death are but two sides of the same coin—our only choice is how we face them."
He let his gaze sweep over the group. "Rest tonight. We set out at dawn for the Ruined Abyss."
~~
That night, as the camp settled into silence, Mei Hua sat by the fire, her hands wrapped around a small porcelain cup of tea. She stared into the flickering flames, her mind heavy with the weight of her responsibilities.
A sigh escaped her lips as she looked up at the stars. "To be a Holy Scion… It's not as glorious as it seems," she murmured to herself.
"I never thought I'd have to shoulder such burdens. Perhaps this is just the path that Heaven has set for me…"
Xiao Tian, who had been nearby keeping watch, approached and silently took a seat beside her. He produced a small cup of his own and poured himself some tea. After taking a slow sip, he spoke.
"The path of a Holy Scion is no different from any cultivator's—it is filled with trials, pain, and uncertainty," he began, his tone even. "But unlike others, we don't have the luxury of weakness. Cultivation is the defiance of Heaven itself, a journey of defying natural laws and surpassing mortal limits. If you rely too much on comfort, you will invite the wrath of the Heavens. The question is not whether the path is difficult but whether you have the resolve to overcome it."
His eyes gleamed with conviction.
"Fear, destiny, even Heaven itself… They are mere stepping stones. One day, I will surpass them all. When that day comes, the chains of fate will mean nothing to me. I will be truly free."
Mei Hua was quiet for a long moment, Xiao Tian's words resonating deeply within her. Finally, she nodded, her expression softening as understanding dawned.
"You're right. If I cannot rise above this fear, I'm unworthy of my title."
She smiled faintly.
"Thank you, Xiao Tian."
The two sat in companionable silence, gazing at the stars until the first light of dawn began to crest over the horizon.
...
When morning came, the camp stirred to life. Xiao Tian hadn't left his spot by the fire all night, remaining seated as Mei Hua rested, her head leaning against his shoulder.
When the others awoke, they were met with the surprising sight of the two together.
Xiao Han Yan's brows furrowed as she approached, her expression stern. She raised her hand, ready to swat Xiao Tian on the head. However, Lan Xin quickly stepped in, grabbing her wrist.
"Don't," Lan Xin said sharply.
"Don't misunderstand. Xiao Tian was simply helping Mei Hua regain her courage. If you interfere now, you'll undo all of his efforts."
Reluctantly, Xiao Han Yan lowered her hand but still retreated to a nearby rock, crossing her arms as she shot Xiao Tian a glare that could pierce stone.
When Mei Hua awoke and noticed the situation, her cheeks flushed crimson. She quickly pulled away from Xiao Tian, murmuring a soft apology. Xiao Tian, as always, appeared unfazed. He stood, stretched his arms, and addressed the group.
"Enough dawdling. We leave for the depths of the Ruined Abyss. Prepare your gear—we move in an hour."
His words carried an unshakable authority, and the group began their preparations. Though the path ahead was fraught with danger, a shared determination united them all.