*Splash!*
Xian Tiandi crashed through the final layer of mist and plunged straight into water.
The cold shock hit him instantly like a physical blow. His entire body went rigid from the temperature.
His body sank deep below the surface as water filled his nose and mouth.
The taste was bitter and earthy. Panic surged through him for a moment as his lungs screamed for air.
He kicked his legs frantically, fighting desperately against the weight of his wet clothes.
The fabric had become heavy, dragging him down. His arms pushed upward with desperate strokes, clawing at the water above him.
His chest burned with the need to breathe. He fought harder, refusing to die here after transmigrating. Finally, after what felt like forever, he broke through the surface.
He gasped for air immediately, sucking in huge breaths. He coughed violently, expelling water from his lungs. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath properly.
Water streamed down his face. His arms moved automatically to keep him afloat as his breathing gradually steadied.
Once his breathing was under control, he looked around carefully to see where he had landed.
He found himself floating in an underground lake. The space was massive, much larger than he expected. Ancient stone structures surrounded the water on all sides.
The walls were carved with strange patterns that glowed faintly with a soft blue light. The patterns looked like some kind of formation array, though he did not recognize the specific type.
Tall pillars rose from the water in various places around the lake. Each pillar was thick and made of gray stone.
They were covered in moss and showed clear signs of age. Some had cracks running through them. The water lapped gently against their bases with quiet splashing sounds.
In the center of the lake was a small island. It was maybe twenty meters across. On that island stood a glowing altar that radiated soft golden light.
The light pulsed slowly like a heartbeat. Xian Tiandi's eyes focused on it immediately with sharp attention. That had to be the inheritance location mentioned in the novel.
He began swimming toward the island with determined strokes. His arms cut through the water with purpose now. He ignored the cold water soaking through his robes completely.
His mind was already focused on what awaited him. Each stroke brought him closer to the island. The golden light grew brighter as he approached.
'This is my first official lucky encounter as the protagonist!'
When he finally reached the island's edge, he grabbed onto the stone and pulled himself up. His muscles strained with the effort.
Water poured off his body as he climbed. He stood on solid ground again, his clothes dripping heavily.
Puddles formed on the stone surface around his feet. He stood there for a moment, catching his breath again and wringing water from his sleeves.
Suddenly, without any warning, a ghostly figure materialized right before him. The appearance was instant and silent.
Xian Tiandi tensed immediately, his body going completely still. His hand moved instinctively toward his waist where a weapon would normally be, though he carried nothing.
The figure was an old man with a transparent body. His entire form was faint and flickering slightly like a candle flame. He wore ancient robes that looked to be from thousands of years ago.
But despite his ghostly appearance, his eyes were kind and warm as they looked at Xian Tiandi. There was no hostility in his gaze at all. A gentle smile appeared on the spirit's weathered face.
"Welcome, fated one," the spirit said warmly. His voice carried an echo, as if speaking from far away. "I am Sovereign Tian Xu, and this inheritance was left for someone destined to find it."
Xian Tiandi's mind raced immediately at those words. 'A classic meeting with an ancient expert,' he thought analytically.
'The novel described this scene but not in detail. Something feels different from what was written. The spirit seems more... aware than expected.'
The spirit gestured with one translucent hand toward the altar behind him. "On the altar is the Spirit Evolution Pill. It will elevate your Spirit Blood to Ninth Grade." His expression became more serious as he continued speaking.
His smile faded into something more solemn. "However, there is a method to reach Supreme Grade Spirit Blood."
Xian Tiandi's attention sharpened instantly at those words. His heart beat faster in his chest. His wet clothes were forgotten. This was it. This was the knowledge he needed.
"It requires one condition that has only appeared once since the beginning of time," the spirit explained slowly. Each word was deliberate and clear. "A Dual Physique soul."
'Dual Physique?' Xian Tiandi's thoughts exploded with realization. His mind worked rapidly, connecting the dots.
'Does he mean two souls in one body? Is he talking about someone like me? A transmigrator?'
The spirit sighed deeply, the sound echoing through the cave. "One must consume the Spirit Evolution Pill together with Phoenix Tears hidden beneath this altar. But without Dual Physique, the body cannot withstand the transformation."
He paused and looked at Xian Tiandi carefully, studying him with ancient eyes. His gaze seemed to see through flesh and bone. "I have checked your meridians when you entered this space. The formation scanned you automatically. You do not possess Dual Physique."
Xian Tiandi fought hard to keep his expression neutral and calm. He did not let any emotion show on his face. Inside, however, excitement surged through him like lightning.
His heart pounded.
'He doesn't know about my transmigration!' he thought with barely contained joy.
'He can't detect my Earth soul! My Earth soul combined with this body's original soul makes me exactly what he described! I have two souls in one body!'
The spirit's form flickered more noticeably now. He was becoming more transparent by the second. His edges were fading.
"Regardless, I am about to dissipate completely. My time is measured in moments now." He smiled weakly but the kindness remained.
"Take the pill and Phoenix Tears anyway. Perhaps fate will surprise us both. Stranger things have happened in this vast world. I will activate the formation to help you assimilate everything. This is my final gift to whoever fate chose to send here."
Before Xian Tiandi could respond or ask any questions, the spirit waved his hand in a smooth motion.
Spiritual energy rippled outward from the gesture. The altar in front of them opened smoothly and silently.
A hidden compartment was revealed in the base. Inside was a small vial filled with glowing red liquid that pulsed with intense energy. The Phoenix Tears.
"Quickly now," the spirit urged, his voice growing fainter. "Mix them together and consume. I have only seconds left before I fade completely."
Xian Tiandi nodded quickly and moved forward. He had no time to waste.
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