Chapter Two: The Power of Bloodline

Zhao Yuan took a moment to recover, unable to believe that he had actually shattered the power of bloodline—a force belonging to the Wild Ox lineage. In this world, those who awaken their bloodline possess formidable strength; the Wild Ox, for example, has a tremendous charging power capable of shattering black iron. If cultivated to the nine-star realm, one could stomp the earth to pieces and crash through city walls.

He himself had only practiced the body-refining technique his father left behind, which at best allowed him to leave a mere inch-deep mark on black iron, never enough to counter the force of the Wild Ox. Was it because of the black mist heart?

As he pondered this, a tingling sensation arose in his palm, as if something was about to burst forth.

What is this?

Looking down, Zhao Yuan saw a black pattern on his palm, resembling the imprint of a hoof.

This mark seems so familiar. After a moment's thought, shock filled his heart. Isn't this the Wild Ox's bloodline imprint?

He was stunned, unable to believe it. He had never awakened his bloodline—how could he bear the imprint?

Yet…it was unmistakably a bloodline mark. Zhao Yuan leapt to his feet, eager to verify his suspicion, and tried to channel the power within the black pattern.

In the next instant, the mark responded, and a brute force surged forth, threatening to break loose.

Disaster!

Unable to control the power, Zhao Yuan's whole body trembled. As the black mark was about to erupt, he aimed his palm at the black iron training stone.

Boom! The black pattern shot from his palm, condensing into a Wild Ox over a meter tall. Its massive horns reduced the black iron stone to a heap of shattered metal.

Zhao Yuan felt utterly drained, collapsing onto the ground.

It really is the power of bloodline. The black iron training stone lay in ruins.

When he came to, the black mark in his palm had faded considerably, though the power of the Wild Ox remained and was slowly recovering.

This strength is indeed bloodline power—at least at the two-star level.

Clenching his fist, Zhao Yuan felt both joy and worry. The sensation of possessing such power lingered in his heart.

He remembered his father's words: his body was different from others, and to awaken his bloodline, he had to reach the peak of body refinement; otherwise, the consequences would be dire.

Since his father's departure, he had lacked the medicinal herbs and savage beast flesh needed to strengthen his body, and the Zhao family no longer provided him with any cultivation resources.

Now that he possessed this power, he could hunt beasts in the wild, continue refining his body, and awaken his own true bloodline powers.

The Wild Ox bloodline had granted him a significant boost—his punch now likely carried two or three hundred pounds of force.

Yet, the nature of this black mist heart remained a mystery, though he was certain it could replicate Zhao Qing’s bloodline.

Brother… At that moment, Zhao Ling’er awakened from her weakness; she had fainted under the influence of Zhao Qing's Wild Ox power.

Seeing the heap of shattered iron on the floor, she was taken aback—what had happened?

Zhao Yuan explained for quite a while before she believed he had awakened his bloodline. She was happy for him. Not being a member of the Zhao family, she couldn't have her bloodline tested, which caused her much distress. She, too, wished to awaken her bloodline and help Zhao Yuan.

Zhao Yuan comforted her, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to help you test your bloodline.”

The bloodstone used for bloodline testing was extremely precious; a single piece cost a million yuan stones, while the Zhao family’s yearly income was just over a hundred thousand yuan stones. The bloodstones were relics left behind by the ancestors and could only be used five times in a month, with limited slots.

Isn’t it just bloodline awakening? Miss Zhao Ling’er, if you agree to Young Master Zhu's marriage proposal, you can have your bloodline tested immediately.

A mocking, yin-yang voice rang out.

Looking up, Zhao Hu and Zhu Feng entered, followed by the injured Zhao Qing.

What are you doing here? Zhao Yuan's gaze was icy.

What am I doing? Why, helping your sister find a good husband, of course.

Zhao Hu sneered, “Young Master Zhu has taken a liking to your sister. Let Zhao Ling’er come over and serve him well. If he’s pleased, she can awaken her bloodline.”

Zhu Feng’s eyes gleamed with greed as he looked at Zhao Ling’er. He flashed a mouthful of large, yellow teeth and arrogantly declared, “Never mind bloodline awakening; if you follow me, you’ll have all the resources you desire. That’s far better than sticking with your useless brother.”

His gaze never left Zhao Ling’er; the word ‘lust’ was written all over his face.

A trace of malice flickered in Zhao Qing’s eyes; he gritted his teeth and said, “With your sister’s beauty, being chosen by Young Master Zhu should have her grovel in thanks.”

One might think he was nothing but Zhu Feng’s lapdog.

The three exchanged words, oblivious to Zhao Yuan’s face growing darker.

Brother, be careful.

Zhao Ling’er tugged at Zhao Yuan’s sleeve, worried. After all, Zhao Hu was the son of the family head; if Zhao Yuan were punished because of her, she would feel guilty.

Don’t worry, nothing will happen.

Zhao Yuan had made up his mind. He raised his head and said, “Since you’re all here, none of you will leave.”

In this world where the strong rule, without displaying power, he would never find peace.

Huh? Did I hear that right? Zhao Hu’s gaze chilled. “What, do you mean to resist? Don’t be ungrateful.”

No sooner had he spoken than Zhao Yuan strode towards him. Now, with the Wild Ox bloodline, every step was thunderous, as if to shatter the earth.

Hmph, it seems you need a lesson to understand what kind of mongrel you are.

Zhao Hu snorted coldly. Blood patterns glowed on his arm as he formed seals with his hands, conjuring a crimson blaze before him—like the gaping maw of a savage beast—lunging at Zhao Yuan.

Seeing Zhao Yuan seemingly frozen in fear, Zhao Hu smirked. “My Flame Bloodline ranks one hundredth in the Bronze Catalogue; it can burn flesh and blood. If you kneel and admit your mistakes now, I might spare you.”

Young master is formidable! From now on, you’re the only heir of the Zhao family. Zhao Qing flattered him.

Zhao Yuan remained calm; flames flickered in his eyes, and the scorching heat pressed in. Anyone else would have been terrified.

But now, with the Wild Ox bloodline strengthening him, the flames couldn’t harm him at all.

Zhao Hu was still grinning in triumph, but in the next moment, his smile froze. How could this be!

Zhao Yuan emerged from the blaze entirely unscathed.

This is your bloodline? Zhao Yuan sounded disappointed.

You’ve awakened your bloodline!

Zhao Hu cried out in shock, then scoffed, “So what if you’ve awakened it? Trash is still trash.”

He formed seals with both hands, conjuring a blazing crimson bird, his expression wild.