Chapter 2: THE WHISPER OF CALAMITY
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Xuan Yin Ze, the first brother, and Xuan Hao, the second brother, arrived at Han Ling's room.
"Congratulations, Feng Tian… Han Yun," Yin Ze said respectfully.
Han Yun, still weak from giving birth, managed a small smile.
"Thank you…"
Feng Tian nodded, his expression serious.
The newborn lay beside Han Yun on the bed, wrapped carefully in soft cloth. She never took her eyes off him, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the cloth.
Yin Ze glanced around the room, noticing the tense atmosphere.
"Brother Feng Tian… what's going on here?"
Feng Tian's voice was low, grave.
"The elder is examining our baby… Father sensed something unusual in him."
"Oh… I see," Yin Ze said. He and Xuan Hao carefully sat nearby, their eyes fixed on the scene.
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Elder Rou stepped forward, his calm demeanor hiding the strain on his face.
"Leader… I will continue examining the child."
Xuan Lei nodded.
"Proceed. Stop immediately if anything feels wrong."
Elder Rou inclined his head and raised his hand.
"Leader, may I have the Decillionth Ancient Seer Book?"
Xuan Lei tapped the book, sending its knowledge and power into Elder Rou. A faint silver glow enveloped him as he focused on the baby.
The room fell silent. Every pair of eyes was fixed on him. Even the younger brothers—Xuan Zen, Xuan Yichen, and Xuan Hong—stood still, barely breathing.
---
Ten seconds passed.
Suddenly, Elder Rou's body went limp, collapsing to the floor.
"Elder Rou!" Xuan Lei shouted, rushing forward and catching him before he hit the ground.
Xuan Yin Ze and Xuan Hao ran over.
"Wake up! Elder!" Yin Ze commanded urgently.
Elder Rou coughed violently, blood trickling from his mouth.
"I… I'm fine… just… fine…" he murmured weakly, his face pale and his breathing shallow.
He struggled to speak, each word a struggle.
"…This time… I saw nothing… sensed nothing… total emptiness…"
A cold dread spread through the room.
Xuan Lei's face hardened.
"Hand me the Quadrillionth Seer Book," Elder Rou whispered, his voice trembling but resolute.
Xuan Lei obeyed, and the artifact appeared, radiating an aura far more terrifying than the previous.
---
Elder Rou steadied himself, tapping the Quadrillionth Seer Book. Golden lightning surged from his eyes, filling the room with a pressure so intense it made everyone stagger.
He focused on the newborn lying beside Han Yun.
Five seconds passed…
Thud!
Elder Rou collapsed again.
"Elder Rou!" Xuan Lei shouted, rushing to his side. Feng Tian was immediately behind him.
Xuan Lei pressed his hand to Elder Rou's chest. His expression froze.
"…His heart stopped again."
Everyone gasped.
Xuan Yin Ze stepped forward, eyes wide.
"Father… why?"
Xuan Lei drew a deep breath, his face grim.
"His cultivation foundation… is broken. Elder Rou can no longer cultivate."
"…What?" Xuan Hao whispered in disbelief.
Shock swept through the room. Even the younger brothers could barely move.
Han Yun, still lying weak on the bed, instinctively drew her baby closer, tears streaming down her face.
---
Xuan Lei carefully lifted Elder Rou onto another bed.
"Rest here. Do not move."
The room remained tense.
One hour passed…
Xuan Lei and Feng Tian remained vigilant beside Elder Rou, checking his pulse repeatedly. The three younger brothers stayed silently, their expressions grim.
Han Yun gently held her newborn, cradling him carefully on the bed. Every movement was slow, deliberate, as if even a small force might harm him.
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Three hours passed…
Still no change.
Han Yun whispered softly to her child, tears dripping down her cheeks,
"Stay safe… my child…"
Xuan Yin Ze and Xuan Hao remained standing, helpless but alert.
---
Six hours later…
A faint movement from Elder Rou's fingers caught everyone's attention.
"…Mm…"
His eyes slowly opened.
"Elder Rou!" Xuan Lei stepped forward instantly. Xuan Yin Ze and Xuan Hao followed.
"Do not sit or stand yet," Xuan Hao said quickly.
"Rest first."
Elder Rou gave a weak smile.
"I… I can sit…"
With the support of Xuan Lei and Yin Ze, he slowly sat up, his breathing still labored.
Xuan Lei bowed slightly.
"I'm sorry, Elder."
Elder Rou shook his head weakly, blood still at his lips.
"No… do not apologize…"
He coughed once more, his hands trembling. Then, with a trembling voice filled with conviction, he spoke:
"Listen… my entire cultivation… my life's foundation… it is gone."
He paused, then slowly turned his gaze to the baby.
"But… compared to this child… it is nothing. Nothing!"
The room fell silent. Everyone stared, stunned.
"I used two supreme Seer Books… and still could not fully perceive him. That proves…"
He swallowed hard, struggling for breath.
"…this child is beyond comprehension."
Han Yun hugged her baby carefully, tears streaming freely.
Feng Tian lowered his head, fists clenching in silent anger and fear.
Elder Rou gripped Xuan Lei's hand tightly.
"No matter what happens… protect this child. Even if the heavens reject him… even if the world fears him… this child… must live."
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His trembling body finally relaxed slightly, though his voice was still weak.
"Han Yun… Xuan Feng Tian… your son… is born with…"
A pause, his lips trembling.
"…the Existence of Death."