Born in Blood



The Wraith Form made Liam feel incredibly cold and chilly. 

It was like ice had replaced his insides for as long as he kept it active.

Although the Wraith Form made everything in Liam immaterial, he could still wield his weapons freely.

Only, he couldn't use his blood attacks, since that would require him to remain physical.

Still, Liam was just itching to use it on a real target.

For the third time, he couldn't help but chuckle under his breath.

It was due to moments like these that he was on this cultivation journey, after all.

Liam would rarely smile or genuinely laugh any other time.

Liam moved on to his Shadow Sense.

Now that he gave it a closer look, his Shadow did seem darker and larger, and that wasn't just him growing his strength.

After all, the Shadow was anchored to the body. 

It wasn't connected to 'Ora', mental energy or anything else. 

Liam closed his eyes and focused on sensing the Sea of Darkness.

'It's clearer now. I can sense more of my surroundings without feeling overwhelmed.' 

Liam then wrapped his right fist with all of his Shadow.

It wasn't an overwhelming increase in strength, but definitely noticeable. 

He could also cover more of his body. More than two-thirds. 

'I haven't been able to manifest and transform my Shadow, but Jax told me it takes time to learn.'

'Only the Patriarch could teach me effectively. He's the only one with darkness, after all.'

With his right index wrapped in Shadow, Liam used the sharp tip of his nail to incise his left arm.

It entered merely an inch deep, but cut smoothly enough to form a shallow slash that drew a few drops of blood.

Not even two seconds passed, and the wound immediately healed.

Liam raised his brows in amazement, then smiled.

'I guess I'm unkillable now. My body's natural strength far outweighs those at the same level as me. 

'After suffering that much, it better.'

'...All that's left is my full Ashura form.'

Liam practiced caution. 

It goes without saying that his transformation into an Ashura was his strongest ability.

But it wasn't something he could use lightly.

Liam heaved a sigh.

All he could do was grit his teeth and hope for the best.

Just as Liam was about to spread the chaos from his Pearl and transition into something presumably mortifying, Elder Jane's mental waves appeared in the room.

Instantly, Liam stopped in his tracks. 

Still, the mental waves silently lingered.

Had it not been for the eye, Liam wouldn't have seen or felt them. 

It was a Zenith's mental energy, after all.

If they wanted to stay hidden to lower Ranked cultivators, they would.

A few minutes passed in silence.

Liam inwardly scoffed and began to cultivate under Elder Jane's spying.

A few more minutes later, Elder Jane entered through the circular entrance to the large room Liam was in.

She didn't wear her mask, revealing her emerald eyes and flowing silver hair.

"You're finally awake," she said.

Liam gave her a terse nod and thanked her.

"Sorry for the mess," Liam apologized and made a respectful gesture. "I had no idea it'd be that gory."

Elder Jane waved a hand. "It's fine. I didn't either."

Liam wanted to leave then, but Elder Jane spoke first.

"I'll need to examine your body for any issues. Not every Tribulation is successful. Even those that seemingly are."

Liam suppressed a frown as the Elder circled him and started to examine specific parts of his body.

"You look a bit like the Patriarch with that white hair," Elder Jane said with a bit of emotion in her voice. 

Liam remained silent. 

She ran her hands across his skin, hair and muscles, pressing down on certain parts.

"How old are you now?" she asked. 

Liam thought about it for a minute. 

He honestly didn't keep track. 

Usually, it was Eve's pumpkin pies that helped remind Liam of his new age.

But she was gone, only a fragment of his imagination was left of her.

Even now, Liam stared at her out of the corner of his eye. 

Eve stared back.

"Probably sixteen or something," Liam eventually said, his voice lacking a tone.

Elder Jane held down her expression, but shock ended up showing.

She expected Liam to be at least eighteen or nineteen. 

His height, build and maturity certainly made him seem so.

Even those ages would be absolutely crazy to advance into the fourth Rank with.

And Liam was only sixteen!

"You've done splendidly."

"Now that we've taken over the Verdant Warrior Sect, your strength should come in use as we expand our territories."

"You should familiarize yourself with your body. Feel free to leave."

"Thank you," Liam responded.

With that, Liam was allowed to leave. 

…But as soon as he reached the circular door, Liam abruptly stopped.

"Hmm?" Elder Jane hummed and raised a brow as she saw him freeze. "What's wrong?"

Liam got an idea.

It was bad.

Very bad.

Reckless.

Disrespectful.

Liam asked anyway.

"Can you let me attack you once?"

Silence.

Elder Jane was in shock.

Maybe she didn't hear him right…

"Just one attack. I need to see the limits of my new body," Liam reiterated. 

She heard him right the first time!

How dare he ask such a thing?!

It was rude and downright unbelievable.

Elder Jane didn't hide the scowl on her face.

Any other acolyte she would have disciplined thoroughly.

Break a few bones, tear away a few muscles but eventually heal them up.

But Liam was a bit different. 

He'd already gone through every kind of pain and torture available, especially the terrible Struggle Tribulation. 

What difference would her efforts make?

She remained silent with a stern frown.

"I can?" Liam asked, confused.

The Elder just grumbled in response.

"Thank you," Liam said. "Strengthen yourself as much as you can. I only want to see how far you can be pushed."

The Elder raised her brows, but the corners of her lips slowly curled to an evil grin.

A halo of hot air suddenly enveloped Elder Jane's body. Her silver hair naturally rose on its own, radiating warm mist.

A spark sputtered, and her entire body burst with boiling red flames that made the room temperature rise several degrees.

Liam heaved a sigh.

'I need to watch my tone sometimes.'