Tianze sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, beast cores resting in his lap. His breath was steady as he recalled the image of the Demonic Bear shattering a massive boulder with a single strike, its body brimming with inner energy.
"Even a beast can do it… so why can’t I?"
He took a slow, deep breath, mimicking the way the serpent and the bear absorbed Qi—naturally, instinctively.
Then, he inhaled again, pulling in the energy from the cores.
A violent force exploded inside him.
His body convulsed as searing pain flooded his veins. The raw, untamed Qi surged toward his dantian, but before he could stabilize it, his innate energy rejected the intrusion, causing a violent clash inside him.
His muscles tensed, his bones trembled, and an unbearable pressure crushed his chest. He couldn’t scream. He couldn’t even breathe.
"I… I can't control it!"
His mind faded, swallowed by agony.
Then, warmth.
Strong arms lifted him, carrying him through the night. Even in his weakened state, he recognized the presence.
Arthur.
His father’s breathing was ragged, yet he ran without hesitation, his sickly body straining with every step.
"Hold on, Tianze."
The words barely registered before darkness consumed him.
---
A Gamble with Fate
When Tianze awoke, the scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. His body was sore, yet the unbearable pain had dulled. He tried to move, but exhaustion held him down.
Faint voices reached his ears.
"He should have died the moment he took in that violent energy," an elderly voice said, filled with disbelief.
"But he's still alive," the elder physician continued, his tone grave. "And I can only think of one reason—someone transferred their innate energy to sustain him."
Arthur remained silent.
The physician let out a slow breath. "Giving one’s innate energy is not just sacrificing strength… it is sacrificing one’s lifespan. Do you understand what that means?"
Arthur’s voice was calm. "I understand."
The physician sighed. "There is only one way to stabilize him completely now. The Divine Life Herb—so rare that even the Tang Clan’s head has never seen one. If not…" He hesitated. "Someone will have to transfer their innate energy to him again."
Arthur didn’t hesitate. "I will do it."
The elder’s face darkened. "You already did this once. Any more, and you will—"
"I will do it." Arthur’s voice was resolute.
The physician studied him in silence before sighing. "Then prepare yourself."
---
The Truth of the Past
As the elder physician arranged the ritual, he glanced at Arthur with a heavy expression. "You are truly a fool. You already sacrificed half your lifespan for him when he was a baby… and now, again?"
Arthur let out a weak chuckle. "When I found him, he was barely clinging to life. His small body was on the verge of death. No normal medicine could save him."
The physician nodded grimly. "I remember. His body was too weak to endure the poison treatment, so you did the only thing possible—you gave up half of your lifespan to strengthen him."
Arthur exhaled. "And I would do it again."
"You already are."
Arthur remained silent, his gaze steady.
The physician shook his head. "You are sealing your fate."
Arthur smiled faintly. "If I don’t, he will die. There is no other way."
Tianze, still unconscious, was unaware of the sacrifice being made for him.
---
The Final Transfer
The elder helped Arthur into position.
The transfer of innate energy was agonizing, a process where one's very life force was drained away. Yet, Arthur’s face showed no sign of pain—only determination.
Minutes passed. Then hours.
Finally, the process was complete.
Tianze's body had stabilized, his breathing even. The violent energy inside him was now contained.
But Arthur…
Arthur lay beside him, his face pale, his breath shallow.
The physician pressed two fingers against his pulse, then sighed heavily. "His time is near."
Tianze's strength had returned just enough for him to push himself up. His vision was still blurred, but he could see the faint smile on Arthur’s lips.
"Father—!"
Arthur weakly raised a hand, motioning for him to stop. "Listen, Tianze," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tianze shook his head. "Save your strength! I’ll find a way, I—"
Arthur smiled. "There is no way."
Tianze clenched his fists. "Why did you do this?"
Arthur’s smile didn’t fade. "Because you are my son."
The words hit Tianze harder than any wound.
Arthur took a slow, shaky breath. "You must live, Tianze. No matter what, you must live."
Tianze clenched his fists. His nails dug into his palms. "No… don’t say it like you’re leaving!"
Arthur chuckled weakly. "I wish I could stay… but my time is up."
Tianze’s vision blurred as tears streamed down his face. He grabbed Arthur’s hand, holding onto it as if that would keep him here. "Please… don’t go…"
Arthur took one final breath.
And as the sun sank behind the mountains, a life was lost.
Tianze sat there, frozen, gripping onto his father’s now-lifeless hand. His mind refused to accept it.
Then, something inside him snapped.
The grief was unbearable, the weight crushing. But beneath it, something else stirred.
Hatred. Hatred for himself and this cruel world.
The Tang Clan had taken everything from him.
This world had taken everything from him.
And now…
He will burn them all,even himself.
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