Chapter 4
The Heir's Ring was heavier than it looked.
Forged from obsidian-black jade and etched with ancient runes, it pulsed faintly against Xio Xun's finger as though it recognized him—not just as the boy who bore the clan name, but as something more. Something awakened.
> "Heir's Ring authenticated. Access granted: Xio Clan Inner Vault – Tier 1 Clearance."
> "Vault location: Beneath the ancestral shrine. Hidden pathway sealed with blood sigil."
Still nursing bruised ribs and cracked knuckles, Xio Xun stood alone in the shrine once more. The air was thick with incense smoke and memory. He stared at the massive altar at the center—where the names of fallen clan heroes were carved into aged stone.
He didn't know them. But he was beginning to understand them.
With a swift motion, he bit into his thumb and pressed the blood to the circular crest on the altar.
Nothing happened.
Then—rumble.
The floor beneath him quaked, and the back wall of the shrine groaned as stone slid aside, revealing a narrow staircase spiraling downward into darkness.
He stepped into it without hesitation.
---
The Vault
The path descended for nearly a hundred feet before opening into a hidden chamber. There were no guards, no lights, no traps—just the silence of forgotten years.
Rows of sealed scrolls lined carved alcoves. Weapon racks stood empty, their occupants long taken or lost. In the center, resting on a pedestal of carved bone, was a single object that drew his attention like gravity itself.
A jade tablet.
> "Artifact Detected: [Flame Serpent Manual]. Tier: Mid-Mortal. Type: Cultivation Technique. Attribute Affinity: Fire."
> "Compatibility: 92% – Warning: This technique is aggressive and unstable. Suitable for those with strong will and high pain tolerance."
He placed his hand upon the tablet.
In an instant, searing heat invaded his mind. Flames danced behind his eyes. He saw the image of a colossal serpent of fire, coiled around a black sun, devouring stars.
Pain bloomed.
But he didn't let go.
> "Technique Absorbed. [Flame Serpent Manual] has been added to Host's cultivation library."
> "Secondary Qi Channel Unlocked: Fire Affinity – latent compatibility awakened."
> "Note: The Flame Serpent burns not only enemies—but the soul of the user. Use with caution."
Xio Xun fell to his knees, sweat pouring down his face, heart hammering. But he was alive.
And more importantly—stronger.
---
Back at the Surface
Mei nearly dropped the tray of tea when she saw him stumble out of the shrine, his clothes half-singed and face pale as snow.
"You—you were gone all day!" she gasped. "Are you—"
"Alive," he grunted. "Barely."
He took the tea with a grateful nod, sitting under a tree in the courtyard. Mei sat beside him in silence.
"Did you find what you were looking for?" she finally asked.
He looked at the ring on his finger. "No. But I found what I need."
She didn't ask more. She just stayed.
---
Three Days Later
Whispers spread like wildfire across the outer clans.
Xio Xun—the sickly heir who once couldn't walk straight—had survived the trials, defeated a Foundation Realm cultivator, and been granted access to the vault.
Rumors spoke of him walking through fire, of his eyes glowing red in battle, of his Qi roaring like a beast. Some called him lucky. Others called him dangerous.
And some—wanted him dead.
---
Atop the Mountain
In a remote stone hall overlooking the Xio Clan's territory, a group of cloaked figures gathered around a jade table. On it, Xio Xun's face was drawn in detail.
"He's grown too quickly," one said. "This is unnatural. Someone's guiding him."
"Or something," whispered another.
A third voice, calm and commanding, spoke last. "It doesn't matter. If he continues, the patriarch may consider naming him next heir."
"So?"
"So… accidents happen."
The flickering candlelight reflected in their narrowed eyes.
---
Midnight Attack
The wind howled across the manor walls as night deepened.
Xio Xun was meditating in his room, drawing Qi through the Flame Serpent pathways. His veins glowed faintly red beneath his skin, and each breath carried both pain and power.
Then—clang.
He opened his eyes.
A masked figure stood in his doorway, blade drawn.
Assassin.
The man lunged.
Xio Xun rolled aside, grabbing the Iron Fang Blade from beneath his pillow. Steel met steel as sparks flew.
The assassin was fast—Foundation Realm again. Too fast.
> "System Warning: Host outmatched. Recommend use of Bloodroot Elixir."
He bit down on the vial, swallowing its bitter contents. Instantly, fire surged through his muscles, amplifying every nerve.
He ducked under a slash and drove his blade into the assassin's ribs—but it bounced.
Armor.
The assassin twisted, grabbed his arm, and slammed him into the wall.
> "Host sustaining heavy damage."
Xio Xun snarled, Qi exploding from his dantian.
Flame Serpent Technique – First Form: Burning Coil!
Red flames burst from his arms, wrapping around the assassin like a constricting dragon. The intruder screamed as the fire devoured his robes, melting flesh and steel alike.
He tried to flee—but Xio Xun followed, blade in hand.
He struck once—twice—then a third time, burying the blade deep into the assassin's throat.
The man collapsed, twitching—dead.
> "Enemy eliminated. System recognizes combat experience: +4%. Spiritual Will: Hardened."
Xio Xun stood panting, blood-soaked, eyes gleaming in the dark.
He had killed.
Not in a trial. Not in a test.
In real combat.
And he had won.
---
Aftermath
The elders covered it up. Claimed it was a rogue cultivator, a bandit. But Xio Xun knew better.
Someone had tried to end his rise early.
But now?
Now he burned with purpose.
> "New Path Unlocked: Flame Serpent Combat Cultivation – Growth through life-and-death battles."
> "Next Breakthrough Possible: Qi Refining – Layer 3."
> "Optional Quest Added: Trace the Origin of the Assassin."
He walked out into the cold morning air, sword still wet with blood.
And he whispered:
"I will not stop."
---
To be continued…