Chapter 30: The Price of Victory
The battlefield was eerily silent after the dust had settled. Kayode stood in the middle of the Coiled Serpent Sect's once-pristine courtyard, the remnants of powerful cultivators scattered around him. Their bodies lay in broken, lifeless heaps, their auras extinguished, leaving behind only the faint scent of blood and the acrid sting of dissipating Qi.
Kayode's breathing was ragged, but his body felt alive, thrumming with energy. The pain of his earlier battles was still there, a dull ache deep within him, but the sense of victory had dulled its sting. The weight of his triumph, however, was not yet fully realized.
Oba, perched lazily on a nearby stone pillar, flicked his tail in amusement. "Not bad, Kayode. Not bad at all," the black dragon cat purred, his golden eyes flickering with approval. "You've done well to crush these fools. But don't get cocky just yet. There are always more to crush."
Kayode nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. His fingers tightened around the hilt of his spear, the memories of the battle still fresh in his mind. The fight against the Soul Formation ancestors, the immense pressure he had faced, and the explosive power he had unleashed with his newly awakened Nascent Soul—all of it had led to this moment. But in his heart, he knew this was just the beginning. There would be more powerful enemies, more threats to overcome.
Suddenly, the familiar cold voice of the system echoed in his mind.
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A.P Awarded: 8,000 A.P
Total A.P: 13,500 A.P
---
Kayode blinked in surprise. 8,000 A.P? For the kill? He hadn't expected the system to reward him so handsomely for defeating the Coiled Serpent Sect's elders.
"You've earned this much, Kayode," the system chimed, its voice now tinged with something approaching approval. "The Sect Master and his ancestors were formidable, but they were no match for your bloodline and your will. Take this A.P and use it wisely."
Kayode's eyes narrowed. The reward was certainly significant, but the system's tone had never been so... affirming. It was as if even the system recognized the monumental shift in his strength. His Nascent Soul, his unique transformation from the chaos wine, and his bond with Oba had made him stronger than he had ever been.
Oba's voice broke his concentration, reminding him of the weight of his actions. "Now, don't go getting all soft. You've won a battle, but wars are still ahead of you. And I'm not here to play babysitter."
Kayode smirked, feeling the usual fire ignite within him. He hadn't become the powerful cultivator he was by playing it safe. "Don't worry, Oba. I'm not done yet."
He turned his focus back to the system, and without hesitation, he began to browse the available exchanges. The A.P he had just received would go toward his cultivation and growth, but he also knew he had to prepare for whatever would come next.
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A.P Exchange Options:
Dao Merit Golden Core: 8,000 A.P
Pure Water of Nigeria: 5,000 A.P
Palmwine of Chaos: 10,000 A.P
Bloodline Enhancement (Yoruba): 15,000 A.P
Legendary Elixir of Strength: 12,000 A.P
---
Kayode's eyes skimmed over the items, his mind calculating. The Dao Merit Golden Core had served him well, but now that he was at the Nascent Soul stage, he would need something even more potent to continue his ascent. His gaze lingered on the Bloodline Enhancement (Yoruba)—his bloodline had already evolved significantly, but to reach the peak of his potential, this might just be what he needed.
The Palmwine of Chaos was tempting as well, but after the last disaster, Kayode wasn't keen on repeating the same mistake. He clicked away from it, focusing on the more practical options.
---
He selected the Bloodline Enhancement (Yoruba), spending 15,000 A.P to further refine his abilities and push the limits of his unique heritage. His bloodline surged with new power, an almost overwhelming sensation as his very veins pulsed with energy.
Kayode felt the shift instantly. His body became an apex vessel for unimaginable power, his Nascent Soul glowing brighter than before. His Qi flowed effortlessly, his connection to his bloodline and the power of his transformation solidifying in a way that made him feel untouchable.
Oba leapt from his perch, landing on Kayode's shoulder with a soft thud. The cat's golden eyes scanned him critically. "Hmm. You're getting stronger. I'll give you that. But strength isn't everything. You still have to deal with the consequences of your actions."
Kayode shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I know. But I'm not afraid anymore. The Coiled Serpent Sect thought they could control me. Now I'll show them what happens when you underestimate someone like me."
As Kayode turned to leave the sect's ruined courtyard, a new, potent energy radiated from him. His Nascent Soul had reached its peak, his bloodline fortified, and with his new powers, he felt more ready than ever to continue his quest for dominance.
Oba followed behind, his golden eyes flicking with amusement. "Let's see how long this lasts, then. You may be powerful now, but you haven't faced your true enemies yet."
Kayode nodded, his mind already on the path ahead. "Let them come. I'll be ready."