Lin Wei's flames roared up like a living shield, hot and wild, pushing back the unnatural charge. Lin Tu's body wasn't his anymore; his skin started cracking like a drought, his red veins began to throb beneath the surface, his hands slashing through the fire with a hiss like meat on a hot pan. The arena sand was all over the place, and the crowd's cheers turned into panicked yells. The Arena barriers hummed louder, straining against the chaos.
That guttural snarl came again, not Lin Tu's cocky voice but something deeper, layered with hunger. "Our heir's bloodline is awakening." The words scraped out, echoing off the stone seats. Lin Wei dodged left, Lin Tu's hands raking air where his head had been. Pain from the earlier gash on his bicep throbbed, but the new phoenix power knit it closed with a warm tingle—faster than any bandage. Lin Tu thought, "What the hell possessed him? Cult? Poison from that vial?"
Lin Tian rushed from the VIP room in a blur towards the arena, his sword drawn and glowing silver with 8-Star qi. The clan lord landed heavily between his son and the thing wearing Lin Tu, broad shoulders squared. "Wei'er, stand back! There is no need anymore." His voice boomed, steady as mountain stone, but worry creased his eyes. Lady Lin Mei was right behind him, her hands already glowing soft blue—she had invoked her healer arts.
Lin Wei nodded quickly but didn't retreat far. The phoenix flames felt good, addictive, licking at his skin without causing any harm. He thrust a palm forward, sending a jet of fire that slammed into Lin Tu's chest. The possessed body staggered, black smoke curling up, but those claws kept coming, faster than before. One grazed Lin Wei's side, tearing robe and flesh—pain flared sharp, then faded as regen kicked in.
Lin Tian moved like a storm. His sword arced down, Foundation Establishment power splitting the air. Lin Tian's Blade met the claw in a shower of sparks; the severed arm hit sand with a wet thud, spraying black ichor that sizzled on contact. The thing shrieked—high and inhuman—red light bursting from the stump like escaping smoke. It shot toward the arena shadows, vanishing into cracks where torchlight didn't reach. Lin Tu collapsed, bloodied.
The pit went quiet, just heavy breathing and distant crowd murmurs. Lin Wei dropped to one knee, flames flickering out, every muscle aching. Sand caked his clothes; sweat stung his eyes. Lady Lin Mei rushed to him first, cool hands on his shoulder. "My boy, you're safe!" Her touch sent soothing qi through him, speeding the last of his healing. Tears glistened in her eyes, but she smiled fiercely. Lin Tian sheathed his sword, scanning shadows with narrowed eyes. "Impurity purged. Sound the all-clear."
Elders poured down from the seats, Elder Lin Bo leading with his white beard flapping. "It's Unprecedented. Fire root on a 1-Star talent is unheard of." His qi swept the pit, probing Lin Tu's limping body. Servants dragged Lin Tu away for healing.
Lin Tian clapped Lin Wei's back, "I am proud of you, son. You can claim your token now and prove that you have the true Lin clan bloodline."
The jade heir token had been wheeled out amid the chaos—a fist-sized carving of the Lin dragon, pulsing faint clan qi. Lin Wei approached the token and pressed his palm down. A sudden warmth spread up his arm, phoenix crest burning briefly on his chest. Both merged in a flash of a moment. Across the hall, cheers erupted again, " He is our True heir! Phoenix token has been awakened!"
Lady Lin Mei hugged him tightly and whispered in his ear, "Ancestors are watching over you." Her worry lines softened, but Lin Wei caught her glance at the shadows—same suspicion gnawing him.
Feast resumed, shaky in the hall, wine flowing freer to calm nerves. Lin Tian pulled him aside near the high table, voice low. "That red pulse could be a unique sign meant for the hidden true phoenix bloodline. Your phoenix flames confirm it. You should train more, as enemies are up to no good for you and me."
Lin Wei nodded, mind racing. He called, "System, show me the new quest information."
[Quest Complete: Banquet Survived + Combat Bonus. Phoenix Bloodline has been stabilized. New Quest: Secure the Heir Position and expose the hidden threat. Reward: Absolute Ice Physique (Tier 1). Progress: 10%. Warning: All eyes are on you.]
The banquet has come to an end. Lin Wei walked towards his quarters after bowing to his parents and elders and saying thank you to everyone for attending it. Lin Wei's guards doubled at his chamber door due to Lin Tian's orders. He got out of his bloody robes, washed his face in the basin, and stared at the merged token on his chest.
Exhaustion hit him like a tide as he collapsed on his bed's silk sheets. With a thought, he summoned his Phoenix flames to cover his organs internally; it soothed all the aches, lulling him toward sleep. All of a sudden, a faint scratch echoed from the door. Two shadows slipped inside, faces hooded. They walked towards the bed without making any foot noise.