Leaving Dragon Castle
One hour later, Yao Xuan released a long, steady breath. The faint, nine-colored glow that had been shimmering just beneath his skin during his intense focus finally subsided. He unclenched his hands, flexing his fingers and feeling the lingering, electric hum of coordinated energy—the distinct, separate streams of mental command for his soul skill and bloodline ability slowly settling back into a unified whole.
'Control is smoother. Not perfect, but the barrier is truly broken. Now it's a matter of refinement.'
He stood, rolling his shoulders to dispel the static tension of deep concentration. The mental exertion of maintaining divided focus was tangible, a pleasant fatigue that spoke of growth. After a moment spent allowing his spirit to settle and his natural recovery to begin, he moved toward the door.
It was time to eat.
Outside in the elegantly quiet corridor, Gu Yue's door was still closed. Yao Xuan stopped before it, raising his hand and knocking gently—three soft, precise taps.
From within, her voice came, clear and composed. "Yes, Yao Xuan. I'm coming right away."
A short moment later, the door slid open. Gu Yue emerged, having changed into the same refined palace dress from the previous evening. A subtle, serene smile touched her lips when she saw him, and she fell into step beside him without a word, their movement toward the banquet hall a silent, coordinated routine.
Di Tian, Xiong Jun, Zi Ji, and Bi Ji were already present, the low murmur of their conversation ceasing as the two youths entered. Di Tian's golden eyes, usually pools of ancient, measured calm, immediately fixed on Yao Xuan with an unusual intensity. He did not wait for formal greetings.
"Young Master," Di Tian began, his deep voice carrying a weight of suppressed urgency. "Has your martial soul undergone any special transformations today?"
Yao Xuan paused, stopping a few paces into the room. He met Di Tian's piercing gaze. 'He sensed it. Of course he did. That resonance when my bloodline crossed the 25% threshold…' He let a fraction of surprise show on his face, a natural reaction before understanding dawned.
"Special changes?" Yao Xuan echoed, then shook his head slightly. "My martial soul itself is unchanged. However, my qi and blood power did consolidate further. My physical strength has increased."
Di Tian's stare was incisive, seeing through the simplified explanation. "A consolidation of qi and blood so profound it sends ripples through the very dragon-lineage energy of this fortress? No, Young Master. That is not mere qi and blood advancement. It is a purification and awakening of your bloodline."
There was no accusation in his tone, only a profound, respectful certainty. He placed a fist against his palm and gave a shallow, deliberate bow. "If I may explain. Your martial soul is the progenitor of all dragon-kind. For us, who are bound as guardians to that legacy, when your supreme bloodline ascends, the power that radiates forth… it can refine and enhance our own."
He straightened, his expression one of solemn request. "Therefore, I must ask: can you sense these bloodline breakthroughs in advance? If it is within your power, could you inform us before they occur? We could position ourselves to… receive and absorb the emanating energy."
Yao Xuan considered the Black Dragon King. The request was not born of greed, but of a deep, almost sacred pragmatism. For Di Tian, whose Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King bloodline stood at the peak of earthly dragons, even a wisp of the Ancestral Dragon's refining power was a priceless treasure, a key to unlocking greater ancient potential.
"Uncle Di," Yao Xuan replied, his tone respectful but firm. "The awakening of my bloodline power is indeed something I can sense and, to a degree, guide. If you wish to be present to gather the dispersing energy when I next break through, I have no objection." He offered a small, genuine smile. "Although I am not formally your disciple, you have all been my teachers and hosts here. It is a small thing to grant."
A visible wave of relief and gratitude passed over Di Tian's stern features. "You have our deepest thanks, Young Master."
"Then, Uncle Di, please leave me your soul communicator number. I will contact you beforehand," Yao Xuan said, practical as always.
The exchange concluded, the formal tension broke, and the meal commenced. The following two weeks fell into a rich, productive rhythm: intense cultivation, the incredible bio-energy nourishment unique to Dragon Castle, sparring sessions with Di Tian that pushed Yao Xuan to his absolute limits, and the quiet, constant presence of Gu Yue—studying, training, or simply sharing a companionable silence in the fortress's ancient libraries.
When the winter vacation finally drew to a close, Yao Xuan took stock. He had invested heavily, channeling 7400 of those points directly into his bloodline.
With each percentage gain, his foundation solidified. His basic physical strength now stood at 22,000 kilograms, a monstrous figure for his age and soul rank. If he unleashed his full power in a single, focused blow, the concussive force could approach thresholds that demanded respect even from higher realms.
His soul power, fed by both cultivation and the fortress's resources, had steadily climbed to rank 25. His mental strength, subtly honed by ingredients that nurtured the spirit and by the relentless practice of multitasking, had grown a few precious points.
He was not yet the equal of a true Soul Emperor, but the gap was closing. The path was clear.
On the final morning, at the great entrance to Dragon Castle, Yao Xuan and Gu Yue stood ready to depart. Di Tian, Zi Ji, Xiong Jun, and Bi Ji saw them off.
"Uncle Di, Aunt Zi, Uncle Xiong, Aunt Bi. Thank you for everything. Until next time," Yao Xuan said, bowing respectfully.
Di Tian's smile was warm, a rare softness in his draconic eyes. "The fortress is your home, Young Master. Return whenever you wish. The summer vacation is not so far." He then turned his head slightly. "Bi Ji. You will accompany the Young Master and Lady Gu Yue. Ensure their safety on the journey and… beyond. Remain at East Sea City as their guardian."
The Emerald Swan Douluo, Bi Ji, stepped forward gracefully, her expression serene but resolute. "It will be done."
Gu Yue, standing beside Yao Xuan, gave a slight, acknowledging nod to Bi Ji. Then, her gaze shifted to Yao Xuan. Without a word, her hand found his, her fingers threading through his with a natural, unspoken certainty. It was a gesture of solidarity, of shared journey, and of a bond that had deepened amidst the ancient stones of Dragon Castle.
Together, with a formidable Title Douluo as their silent escort, they turned their backs on the legendary fortress, stepping onto the path that led back to the world, their futures, and the next chapter of their intertwined destiny.