Chapter 39: Dragon's Aura
In a secluded part of the forest, Xiao Chen sat cross-legged beneath an ancient tree, his body exuding a faint ethereal glow. He remained perfectly still, his breathing slow and steady, as if he were a statue sculpted by the heavens themselves.
The air around him was tranquil yet brimming with an invisible force. Strange glowing runes drifted lazily through the space, some phasing through his body, others hovering in the air like celestial stars. Dry leaves spiraled down from above, yet none landed upon him, as if the very world hesitated to intrude upon his presence.
Deep within his consciousness, he silently recited the Ethereal Harmonic Mantra. This technique wasn't merely for refining his energy—it was a method to balance his mind, body, and soul. Ever since he had begun practicing it, a profound sense of clarity had settled within him.
"My control over my emotions has improved," Xiao Chen mused inwardly. "The influence of the Heavenly Yin-Yang Dragon Bloodline… I can suppress it better now."
His eyes slowly opened, revealing irises as deep and unfathomable as the starry night sky.
Yet despite all his improvements, one glaring issue remained.
"Right now, I have no powerful martial techniques to complement my strength," he thought, frowning slightly. "Apart from the Yin-Yang Law of Light and Darkness, Yang Light Technique and Void Piercing Steps, I lack a solid martial to enhance my combat prowess."
It was ironic. He possessed a vast mental library of martial arts techniques, yet he hadn't dedicated time to mastering new ones. His focus had been on adapting to his circumstances, improving his cultivation, and honing his elemental laws. But yesterday, when he had witnessed Xiao Rongyu's Burning Blade, he had been reminded of this gap in his development.
"That technique… It was at least Low Earth Grade. The Xiao Family wouldn't have something like that, nor would they give it to a mere junior. Xiao Rongyu's background has always been mysterious… Ever since she was a child, she lived with Madam Ru. No one speaks of her parents."
Lost in thought, Xiao Chen didn't sense the approaching presence until a familiar voice called out.
"Brother Chen?"
His gaze shifted as he turned to see Xiao Rongyu standing a few feet away. The sunlight framed her figure, casting a soft glow around her golden hair, making it shimmer like molten gold. Her amber eyes held a touch of curiosity, and beside her stood Mistshadow, its silver fur gleaming under the dappled light.
Xiao Chen smiled faintly. "Good morning, sleepyhead."
Xiao Rongyu blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the warmth in his voice. It was a stark contrast to the cold and indifferent demeanor he often carried. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she realized something—he was slowly returning to the Xiao Chen she once knew.
"So, what are you doing here, Brother Chen?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Meditating," Xiao Chen replied simply.
Xiao Rongyu sighed, crossing her arms. "You really work too hard. I don't even know what to say to you anymore."
He merely shrugged.
"What are your plans for today, then?" she asked, curious.
"Hmm… You tell me. You were the one who invited me out here," he said, raising an eyebrow.
"I know that," she huffed. "I just wanted your opinion."
A smirk played at the corner of Xiao Chen's lips. "In that case, let's go deeper into the inner region. Training with Grade Three Beasts isn't enough anymore… Let's test ourselves against some Grade Four Beasts."
Xiao Rongyu's eyes widened slightly before a grin broke across her face. "You really don't know how to take it easy, do you?"
He simply chuckled, his gaze sharp and filled with an unyielding battle spirit.
"Come on," he said. "Let's go."
---
The forest thickened as Xiao Chen, Xiao Rongyu, and Mistshadow ventured deeper into the inner region. The towering trees stretched toward the heavens, their leaves forming a dense canopy that filtered the sunlight into fragmented beams of gold. A lingering mist wove between the ancient trunks, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and untamed wilderness.
Xiao Rongyu patted Mistshadow's back, her voice gentle yet reassuring. "Don't worry, we won't let you fight against the Grade Four Beasts. No need to be nervous."
Mistshadow's ears twitched, and a visible tension in her muscles eased. She let out a low whimper, as if acknowledging Xiao Rongyu's words, before following along with light, careful steps.
Xiao Chen, however, remained silent. His gaze darkened as he activated his spiritual sense, an unseen force surging from his consciousness. In an instant, his perception expanded outward, covering a vast twelve-mile radius.
The world around him shifted in his mind's eye. Every rustling leaf, every heartbeat of a hidden predator, and even the faintest vibrations in the air became clear as day. Countless Grade Three Beasts prowled the surroundings—fierce wolves with razor-sharp fangs, venomous vipers coiled around thick branches, and even massive iron-horned boars rummaging through the underbrush.
A flicker of irritation flashed in Xiao Chen's golden-black eyes.
"Such a hassle," he muttered under his breath. "I don't have time to waste on these weaklings but A dragon does not run from a snake."
Xiao Rongyu, who had been observing him closely, noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor. His body had become unusually tense, his aura subtly shifting into something more… commanding.
"What is it, Brother Chen?" she asked, her amber eyes filled with curiosity.
Xiao Chen smirked faintly, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Oh, nothing… nothing at all."
Yet, deep inside, a bold thought emerged.
"I have the Heavenly Yin-Yang Dragon Bloodline. If I release just a sliver of my Draconic Aura—even without activating True Dragon Awakening—it should be enough to send these lesser beasts running."
"Alright"
Taking a deep breath, Xiao Chen channeled his energy into his bloodline. A sudden tremor ran through his veins as his blood vitality roared like a tidal wave, surging through his meridians with immense force. His heartbeat became rhythmic thunder, resonating with an ancient power buried deep within his soul.
His black irises flickered, then shifted into a luminous golden hue, shimmering like molten sunlight. A suffocating aura unfurled from his body, slow and steady, like an awakening beast stretching its limbs after centuries of slumber.
The effect was instantaneous.
All around him, the creatures within his spiritual sense reacted with sheer terror. Beasts that had been lurking in the shadows moments ago let out horrified screeches and howls, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. Some fell flat to the ground, unable to move, while others turned and bolted in frantic retreat, crashing through trees and undergrowth in their desperation to escape.
A low, guttural growl echoed through the forest.
Mistshadow suddenly froze, her silver fur standing on end as a deep primal instinct overwhelmed her senses. She lowered her body, ears flattened, tail tucked between her legs. Despite not being targeted, she couldn't help but shudder under the weight of Xiao Chen's draconic presence.
Xiao Rongyu frowned as she noticed Mistshadow's strange behavior. "Why are you stopping?" she asked, puzzled.
But before she could understand what was happening, Xiao Chen turned toward Mistshadow and spoke.
"Come forward, Mistshadow. Let's go—we're rushing in."
His voice was calm yet absolute.
Mistshadow let out a soft whimper, her body moving on instinct. She surged forward without hesitation, as if answering the call of a superior existence.
"Huh?" Xiao Rongyu blinked in confusion.
Before she could question him, Xiao Chen sprinted forward, his movements a blur. The moment his feet touched the ground, the forest seemed to bend to his will. The remaining beasts scattered in every direction, fleeing with panicked cries, their instincts screaming at them to get as far away as possible.
Xiao Rongyu's jaw dropped slightly. "Wait for me!" she shouted, dashing after him.
Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched Xiao Chen move with an unnatural grace, weaving through the forest like a shadow wreathed in golden light.
"Why are they being so reckless? This will attract too much attention!" she thought anxiously, completely unaware of Xiao Chen's hidden actions.
As the three figures rushed deeper into the unknown, an eerie silence fell over the forest. The absence of beasts, the lack of movement—it was as if even the land itself feared the presence of the Dragon's Aura.
Unbeknownst to Xiao Chen, however…
Something—or someone—had noticed.
Perched atop an ancient tree, shrouded in the dense canopy of leaves, a shadow loomed in the silence. Two crimson eyes flickered in the darkness, glowing like embers in the night.
It was the Blood Shadow Raven—Nyx.
Its gaze locked onto Xiao Chen. Those scarlet eyes gleamed with intelligence, and though its instincts screamed of danger, there was no fear—only intrigue.
Then, without a sound, Nyx spread its wings.
With a single powerful flap, it vanished into the distance, becoming nothing more than a fleeting shadow against the twilight sky.