Chapter 11: The Weight of Fate
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The mechanical voice of the Many Children, Many Blessings System echoed in Feng Rui's mind, but unlike the usual emotionless notifications, this one carried an air of mystery.
[System Notification: You have successfully saved a Divine Beast Cub!]
[Congratulations! You have earned a special reward—?????]
Feng Rui's brows furrowed. A hidden reward? That was new. Until now, the system had been direct about the benefits he received, but this? The question marks indicated that whatever he had unlocked was beyond his current understanding.
Lan Ruo noticed his distracted look and lightly nudged his shoulder. "You're making that thinking face again. Something wrong?"
Feng Rui exhaled, shaking his head. "No… just the system being cryptic."
Her golden eyes narrowed. "Cryptic how?"
Before he could answer, a warm surge of energy suddenly flooded his body. It wasn't an explosive power boost like before, but something more refined, more… fundamental. His muscles tensed for a moment before relaxing, his spirit power swirling within him in a way that felt smoother, more natural.
[Hidden Reward Activated: Bloodline Purification – Phase 1]
[Your body has begun refining itself to accommodate greater power. Future growth will be faster, and your compatibility with high-tier bloodlines has increased.]
Feng Rui's eyes widened. Bloodline Purification? That was something only ancient clans and divine beasts had access to. If his body was undergoing purification, did that mean… his future children would inherit something far greater?
Lan Ruo's sharp gaze didn't miss the subtle change in his expression. "What happened?"
He took a breath before smirking. "Let's just say… I might be growing stronger faster than expected."
Lan Ruo rolled her eyes. "You already have a ridiculous growth rate. Any faster and I'll start questioning if you're even human."
Feng Rui simply shrugged. Was he still purely human? After all, with the system's interference, his existence had already begun deviating from normal cultivation paths.
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft whimper.
The divine beast cub nestled between them blinked up at Feng Rui with its large golden eyes. Unlike before, when it had been trembling and weak, its small body now pulsed with a faint golden glow.
Feng Rui raised an eyebrow. "You're recovering quickly."
Lan Ruo crossed her arms. "Of course it is. A divine beast isn't something ordinary. Even if it's just a cub, its natural vitality is monstrous."
Feng Rui's fingers brushed over the cub's fur, feeling the warmth beneath. "Then it's time to name you."
The cub let out a soft cry, as if waiting for his decision.
He thought for a moment before a name naturally surfaced in his mind. "Xiao Jin."
The cub chirped, clearly pleased.
Lan Ruo smirked. "Simple, but fitting. Looks like you've got yourself a little follower."
Feng Rui exhaled. "For now, let's focus on resting. The Bai Clan won't give up that easily."
Lan Ruo's expression darkened slightly. "You think they'll chase us?"
Feng Rui's gaze turned cold. "They won't just chase us. They'll try to kill us."
The Bai Clan was powerful, and by stealing Xiao Jin, they had essentially slapped the face of one of the continent's wealthiest merchant factions. The retaliation wouldn't just be immediate—it would be relentless.
And yet… Feng Rui's lips curled into a smile.
Let them come.
This was just the beginning.
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The Next Morning
Feng Rui awoke to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the dense forest canopy. The cool morning air carried the scent of damp earth and blooming flowers.
Lan Ruo was already awake, sharpening her claws against a rock, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Didn't sleep?" he asked, stretching his limbs.
"I did," she said without looking at him. "But only lightly. We can't afford to be careless."
Feng Rui nodded. "Good instincts."
Xiao Jin stirred beside him, letting out a soft chirp before climbing onto his shoulder. The little divine beast had taken a liking to him, refusing to be more than a few steps away at any time.
Lan Ruo glanced at them. "So, what's the plan?"
Feng Rui's golden eyes gleamed. "We disappear. For now."
Lan Ruo raised an eyebrow. "Disappear?"
"We're too exposed. If we keep moving randomly, we'll get cornered. Instead, we'll head toward Starfall Valley."
Lan Ruo's expression shifted. "That place… It's dangerous."
Feng Rui smirked. "Exactly. Which means the Bai Clan won't be able to follow us easily."
Starfall Valley was infamous—not because it was home to any particular force, but because it was a natural killing ground. The terrain was treacherous, filled with powerful spirit beasts, ancient traps, and unpredictable dangers. Even Spirit Kings and Spirit Emperors hesitated before stepping foot inside.
Lan Ruo crossed her arms, considering his words. "Fine. But you better not die on me."
Feng Rui chuckled. "Not planning to."
With their next destination set, the two of them gathered their things and began their journey.
Unbeknownst to them, forces far greater than they could imagine had already taken notice of their actions.
The Bai Clan, furious over the loss of their divine beast cub, had mobilized their strongest forces.
But they weren't the only ones.
Somewhere in the shadows, hidden eyes watched Feng Rui's every move with keen interest.
And soon… the game of fate would truly begin.
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End of Chapter 11