Michael awoke from his deep meditative state. The air was thick with the pungent odor of expelled impurities that coated his body. He rose, his movements fluid and effortless, and made his way to the bathroom to cleanse himself.
Catching his reflection in the mirror, he paused. His hair had grown to his shoulders and taken on a dark silver hue.
"This looks better than the short cut," he mused, a faint, unfamiliar curve on his lips.
After a thorough shower, he dressed in fresh, dark clothes from his space ring, tying his silver hair back. He donned his armor, strapped his sword to his back, and once again shrouded himself in the concealing cloak.
Downstairs, he calmly informed the receptionist of the damage to the practice room and transferred the credits for repairs without a second thought. He requested a car to take him to the auction house. As he stepped through the hotel's main doors, a vehicle glided to a halt, and he entered.
Unbeknownst to him, a man in black observed from the shadows. "Boss, he's in a car heading for the Golden Stalk auction house," he whispered into his communicator.
Inside the car, Michael's focus was entirely inward, examining the updated system panel.
[Status Panel]
Name: Michael K.
Age: 25
Cultivation: 1st Stage Star Realm
Bloodline: Chaotic God and Demon (5% Activated)
Gene Level: 100
Cultivation Method: Qi Forged Path
Martial Art: Nine-stage Thunder Sword Body (3rd Stage)
Domain: Killing Field (1st Stage)
Race: Human
[Intelligence 1:]
In 1 month and 10 days, a new inheritance space will open 150 km from Ravine City. It will remain undetected for 20 days. Contains 20 drops of dragon blood for partial bloodline activation.
[Intelligence 2:]
In 2 hours, the Golden Stalk Auction House will auction a seemingly ordinary crystal containing a Thunder Core. It greatly enhances the body and aids in Domain formation.
[System Notification:]
Host has broken through to the Star Realm. The system will now update according to pre-set protocols. New functions will become available upon completion.
[Update Time: 36 Days.]
The system update was welcome news. Its current function had been invaluable, but as his realm increased, he needed more sophisticated tools. He couldn't spend eternity chasing treasures; he needed time for deep cultivation. The 36-day update period was perfect—he could use the remaining ancient blood for secluded training.
His breakthrough to the Star Realm was a significant milestone, surpassing his peak from his previous life. But the most shocking revelation was his Gene Level of 100. He knew from past knowledge that bloodline genes would become paramount in higher realms, but he needed to activate at least 50% of his bloodline to unlock its full secrets. A sense of comfort settled over him. His strength was his own, no longer dependent on anyone else.
The car arrived at the auction house. Michael stepped out to see a long queue at the main entrance. Ignoring the crowd, he moved toward the VIP gate.
Just as he reached for his invitation, a voice, dripping with mockery, cut through the air. "Oh, look who it is. Michael." It was Rowan.
David, standing beside him, didn't even turn. "Last time, you were left with your life. This time, you won't be so lucky. After all, living like a stray dog isn't much of a life."
As David spoke, Michael turned his head. His gaze, cold and utterly devoid of emotion, met David's. For a few seconds, David was frozen, the words dying in his throat.
Michael didn't bother to respond. The past was a triviality he wished to forget. He was no longer that helpless boy. Now, he had far more important pursuits. Engaging with these nuisances was a waste of time; he didn't even want involvement with his own family, let alone their hangers-on. His prime focus was his bloodline. He didn't seek attention, but that didn't mean he would tolerate provocation.
He presented his invitation and was led to his seat. The VIP section was surprisingly open, without the customary privacy screens. It was a clear statement from the auction house: if you had the wealth to be here, you had better have the strength to protect it.
As Michael observed the hall, a pair of eyes watched him from the top-floor observation suite.
Evelyn studied her son, her perception brushing against his aura. She could discern his Star Realm cultivation, but the power he radiated was far beyond that. A cold, dense killing intent clung to him like a shroud.
Has he awakened his bloodline? she wondered, sensing a profound, ancient horror sleeping within his veins. But she couldn't be certain without a proper examination. She was sure, however, that he had already formed a Domain—a feat that stunned her. He had been a Warlord mere weeks ago.
What bloodline is this that even I cannot discern it? It must be ancient... I need to consult my teacher. But first, I must speak with him.
Below, Michael felt the weight of hidden gazes but paid them no mind.
The lights in the hall dimmed, focusing on the central platform. An elderly auctioneer walked out, followed by seven attendants carrying items veiled in red cloth, each placed carefully on the display table. The auction was about to begin.