The Bloodline Phenomenon

Chapter 196 — The Bloodline Phenomenon

The twelve pillars surrounding the Ancient Evolution Grounds shone with increasing intensity. Golden streams of energy flowed through the wilderness, crossing forests, mountains, valleys, and ancient pathways before converging toward the western region. The phenomenon was spreading, and cultivators throughout the grounds had begun abandoning their activities to observe the distant horizon. Some sensed an extraordinary bloodline presence, while others noticed the surrounding Origin Energy growing denser. Even ancient structures that had remained dormant for countless years were beginning to respond.

In the Origin Energy Refinement region, an ancient monument released a faint vibration. Within the Ancestral Inheritance region, several sealed inscriptions illuminated simultaneously, while the medicinal valley experienced unusual changes as previously ordinary spiritual plants began absorbing the golden energy. Something deep within the sanctuary was awakening.

Aether stood in the valley, observing the phenomenon. "Long Zhentian, can you identify its source?"

The ancient dragon examined the golden streams. "The sanctuary was designed to preserve and develop ancient bloodlines. This phenomenon is likely connected to one of its most important evolutionary systems. However, the energy signature is unfamiliar. It may originate from something considerably older than the sanctuary itself."

"Can you estimate its importance?"

"Extremely important. The energy is affecting all twelve evolutionary paths simultaneously. Whatever is awakening could influence the entire grounds."

Aether nodded before shifting his attention toward Nyx. The little beast had become unusually still, her ears standing upright as she stared toward the western horizon. Beneath her fur, the mysterious Primordial Origin Mark emitted a faint golden radiance. She stepped forward and released a low sound, her tail moving restlessly as the mark pulsed again.

Aether crouched beside her. "Something familiar?"

Nyx briefly turned toward him before looking west again. The System notification appeared before his eyes.

[Primordial Origin Mark: Resonance Increasing]

[Ancient Bloodline Signature: Detected]

[Compatibility: Undetermined]

[Ancestral Connection: Information Incomplete]

Aether studied the information. The phenomenon was undoubtedly connected to Nyx's bloodline, but even the System couldn't identify its exact origin.

Then something unexpected happened. A subtle golden pattern appeared beneath Aether's skin. His Sovereign Origin Mark had responded.

Unlike Nyx's mark, which released increasingly strong pulses, Aether's remained calm. Its response felt less like an awakening and more like an acknowledgment of something that recognized its authority. Long Zhentian noticed the change and examined Aether carefully.

"Young Master, your mark and Nyx's are responding differently. Her reaction resembles an ancestral resonance. Yours carries a much more authoritative Origin signature."

Aether examined his hand before the pattern disappeared. "So they're connected to the same phenomenon, but not in the same way."

"That is my understanding."

Aether stood and looked toward the western mountains. "Then we'll find out what's there."

Kiyomi moved closer to Nyx, her golden eyes following the distant light. The little Nine-Tailed Origin Fox appeared curious but cautious, while the young Earth Dragon raised her head. "There are several different bloodline auras gathering in that direction. Some are quite ancient."

Long Zhentian glanced toward the horizon. "Then we should be careful. A phenomenon of this magnitude will attract more than ordinary participants."

Aether gave a faint smile. "Which is why we won't approach blindly."

He turned his attention toward his Shadow Army. "Report."

The five shadows responded immediately, sending information through their connection. Their preserved memories and recent observations combined into a clearer picture of the surrounding region. The former leader had extensive experience identifying resources and assessing territorial advantages, allowing him to distinguish natural energy fluctuations from traces left by cultivators. The swordsman's knowledge was equally useful. He recognized several combat techniques used by participants in the surrounding territories and identified the fighting styles of two groups approaching from the west. The remaining three shadows had gathered information about the terrain, hidden routes, dangerous beasts, and several temporary camps.

Aether examined their reports. The first group consisted of cultivators from a faction using a black mountain insignia. Approximately twenty people had gathered outside the western boundary, and their strongest members possessed cultivation far beyond that of ordinary participants. The second group had arrived aboard a golden flying vessel. It carried fewer cultivators, but its accompanying guardians possessed formidable auras. The third group had appeared through a spatial passage. Their numbers were unclear, and their strongest members had concealed their cultivation.

"Anything else?" Aether asked.

One of the shadows reported that the leader of the black vessel's group had been discussing the sanctuary's bloodline preservation facilities. They believed the awakening phenomenon might indicate the appearance of an ancient bloodline inheritance or an exceptionally rare evolutionary resource. Another shadow had overheard a similar discussion aboard the golden vessel. More importantly, several cultivators had mentioned an unusual golden resonance originating from the western mountains.

Aether's eyes narrowed. "They're already searching for the source."

Long Zhentian asked, "Do they know about Nyx?"

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"Not according to the information we've received. They know something has awakened, but they haven't identified its connection to her."

"That is fortunate."

"For now."

Aether issued another command. "Two shadows will continue monitoring the approaching groups. The remaining three will investigate the western routes and identify possible observation points. Avoid unnecessary confrontations. I want their numbers, abilities, intentions, and movements."

The shadows acknowledged the command and dispersed. Aether had no intention of allowing powerful outsiders to approach without knowing what they were dealing with.

Far beyond the western boundary of the Ancient Evolution Grounds, several flying vessels gathered above the distant mountains. The first was an enormous black vessel decorated with a silver mountain insignia. It belonged to the Black Mountain Sacred Clan, an ancient cultivation force whose influence extended across several surrounding territories. At the front of the vessel stood an elderly man wearing dark robes. His cultivation aura was restrained, but the surrounding space subtly distorted around him. Several clan elders and younger cultivators stood behind him.

"The sanctuary's bloodline evolution system has awakened," one elder reported. "Our observers confirmed that the twelve pillars are responding simultaneously."

The elderly man looked toward the golden horizon. "Then something important has appeared. Our clan has searched for this sanctuary for generations. We won't leave empty-handed."

Another elder hesitated. "The protective barrier remains active. We cannot enter yet."

"Then we wait. Once the entrance becomes accessible, secure the important resources before the other factions."

A second vessel approached from the east. Its golden decorations and phoenix-shaped insignia identified it as belonging to the Golden Radiance Palace. Several young cultivators stood on its deck, accompanied by experienced guardians. Further away, another group arrived through a spatial passage. Unlike the other two factions, they carried no recognizable insignia. Their leader watched the western mountains silently.

The arrival of these forces was no coincidence. The phenomenon had attracted cultivators who possessed the strength, resources, and information networks to recognize an extraordinary opportunity. However, none of them could freely enter the Ancient Evolution Grounds. The protective barrier remained active, and golden patterns spread across the boundary as several experts approached, forcing them to stop.

One of the Black Mountain Sacred Clan elders frowned. "The sanctuary is still restricting access."

The elderly man remained composed. "Then we wait. But keep watching the phenomenon. I want to know what awakened before anyone else discovers it."

Within the Verdant Binding region, Mu Qingxue stood beside a cluster of ancient vegetation. Several emerald crystals floated above her palm, surrounded by delicate strands of green Origin Energy. She had successfully completed the vegetation nourishment trial and obtained several Verdant Origin Crystals. The experience had also improved her control over the energy circulating through nearby plants.

The sudden golden phenomenon interrupted her examination. Mu Qingxue turned toward the western horizon, sensing the unusual energy even from this distance.

"An ancient bloodline phenomenon..."

She stored the crystals and considered her options. Rushing toward an unfamiliar opportunity without understanding the situation was foolish. She had survived this long by relying on her own judgment, not by following every unusual disturbance. After reviewing the information she had gathered, she decided to investigate from a distance first. If the opportunity proved suitable for her physique, she would consider approaching. Otherwise, she would continue her own exploration.

Back in the valley, Aether received another report from his shadows. Several participants had already begun moving toward the western mountains. Some travelled alone, while others gathered temporary companions. A few had even abandoned their previous exploration routes after sensing the golden energy, and the number of cultivators gathering in the region was increasing.

The System displayed another notification.

[Multiple High-Level Presences Detected]

[Several Cultivators: Cultivation Signatures Exceeding Current Regional Participants]

[Estimated Highest Detected Cultivation: Genesis Realm]

[Additional Presences: Concealed]

Aether examined the notification. Genesis Realm. The strongest arriving cultivators were far beyond his current cultivation. He turned toward Long Zhentian.

"How many of them can you deal with?"

The ancient dragon considered the question carefully. "Some of the approaching experts may be within my capabilities. However, if several powerful cultivators arrive together, particularly those exceeding my current cultivation, I cannot guarantee victory. I can protect you, eliminate weaker threats, and create opportunities to withdraw. But defeating every expert would be unrealistic."

Aether nodded. "Then we won't fight everyone."

His expression remained calm. There was no reason to waste resources against opponents who offered nothing worth the risk.

"Keep monitoring them. If they remain outside the barrier, we won't provoke them. If they enter later, we'll assess their intentions and act accordingly."

Long Zhentian gave a respectful nod. "Understood."

Aether then looked toward the western mountains. "We have another advantage. They may possess greater strength, but we already have information about their movements. Let's use it."

The ancient dragon's expression softened slightly. "You're making good use of your new subordinates."

"That's what they're for."

Long Zhentian gave a quiet chuckle. "At least you haven't mistaken an army for decoration."

Aether glanced at him. "Would you prefer I send you to gather information personally?"

The dragon's expression immediately became dignified. "Naturally, Young Master. My talents are considerably more valuable than wandering around counting strangers."

Aether smiled faintly. "Then continue doing what you're good at."

As the group prepared to leave the valley, Nyx suddenly stopped. Her Primordial Origin Mark released a much stronger pulse, and the golden energy surrounding the valley shifted. Aether immediately turned toward her.

"Nyx?"

The little beast looked toward the ground beneath the western mountains. Her ears remained upright, and her entire attention seemed focused on something far below the surface. Kiyomi moved closer to her, while the young Earth Dragon lowered her head.

"Something is responding from beneath the mountains," she said.

Long Zhentian's expression changed. He extended his spiritual perception toward the western region, but the moment his awareness approached the distant mountains, an unfamiliar force interfered with it. He withdrew his perception.

"There's an ancient restriction down there. It is interfering with my detection."

Aether opened the System.

[Ancient Bloodline Evolution Phenomenon]

[Primary Source: Unidentified]

[Ancestral Resonance: Increasing]

[Potential Evolutionary Resource: Extremely Rare]

[Hidden Structure: Detected Beneath Western Mountain Range]

[Access Condition: Unknown]

Aether's gaze sharpened. The System had finally detected something beneath the mountains, but it couldn't determine the structure's purpose or access conditions.

Then a new notification appeared.

[Response Detected: Sovereign Origin Mark]

[Ancient Structure: Recognition Attempt Initiated]

[Recognition Result: Incomplete]

[Secondary Response: Primordial Origin Mark]

[Ancient Bloodline Resonance: Confirmed]

For the first time, the two marks had triggered separate responses from the same ancient structure.

Aether looked at Nyx. "Looks like we've found the real destination."

Nyx released a determined sound.

Aether turned toward Long Zhentian. "Keep the group together. We'll approach carefully, and I want the shadows watching every route leading toward the mountains."

"Understood."

The group began moving west. Behind them, the twelve pillars continued shining, while the golden streams of energy converged toward the distant mountain range. Far beneath its ancient surface, an enormous sealed formation began to awaken. One after another, its dormant symbols illuminated, and at its center, two distinct Origin patterns appeared.

One represented supreme authority. The other carried the trace of an ancient bloodline.

For the first time in countless ages, the sealed formation began opening its eyes.