Chapter 76: Opening Five Caverns, Explosive News, Public Outrage!

Within the Shennong Altar, in the midst of the blood pool, radiant golden light surged like a tide. Waves of powerful auras swept through every corner, illuminating all they touched. Each ray of light was suffused with the essence of blood. The eleventh-tier Blood Pagoda manifested as well, but unlike before, it was not crimson—instead, it gleamed gold, exuding a sacred aura.

Its presence was even heavier, rising and falling, casting down threads of brilliance that flowed all around. Lu Yuan sat cross-legged, solemn, enveloped in this light. His hair floated lightly, and every pore inhaled and exhaled vast streams of vital energy, which then merged into his limbs, bones, and even each minute cell within his body.

The essence blood of the Human Emperor Shennong had been thoroughly absorbed into Lu Yuan’s body, fusing deep into the core of his genes. This was no ordinary transformation—it was a complete reformation of both his genes and cells. In truth, Lu Yuan had wholly assimilated Shennong’s legacy. His own bloodline was shattered and reconstituted, reaching an unprecedented stage.

Yet, to fully digest all of this and make it entirely his own would still require time. The vital blood needed further refinement, to be completely integrated into his bloodstream, and ultimately to turn all his blood to a golden hue.

Soon, as time trickled by, the golden radiance began to subside, condensing into vital essence that poured into his pores, delving deeper into his cells and bones. When all the light had faded, the eleventh-tier Blood Pagoda withdrew into his internal organs.

Behind him, seven celestial grottos manifested, each nurturing a divine presence within, signifying a sevenfold amplification of his strength. In the next instant, Lu Yuan opened his eyes, shooting forth a piercing gleam.

With a crack, the blood pool split apart, crumbling to dust—no trace of blood remained, a sign that all had been absorbed. Lu Yuan stood, his feet touching the ground, his presence like a towering mountain, shaking the very altar. The overwhelming pressure was not from raw power but from the majesty of his bloodline, spreading outward in waves.

Circles of golden vital force rippled around him. In a flash, his sinews and bones sang, his muscles trembled slightly, radiating a formidable might. In the distance, the Golden-Winged Roc, who had been watching intently, folded its wings and began to tremble. The pressure was so immense that even its own bloodline could not withstand it.

“This must be the legacy left by the Human Emperor. It must be,” thought the Golden-Winged Roc, its heart pounding. What else could bring about such a staggering transformation in its master? To create an ancestral bloodline—if its master were to have descendants, their talent would surely be unmatched. Of course, such a bloodline would weaken with each subsequent generation. But the critical point was that its master was now the first and strongest generation. Even though this was only the beginning, in time, he would become ever more terrifying.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuan quietly assessed the changes within himself, closing his eyes to sense them. “I’ve broken ten more shackles, plus the previous ones—that makes thirty genetic shackles shattered. While this doesn’t greatly increase my immediate strength, the depth of my bloodline and potential have reached a new realm.”

“My Ancestral Dragon Breathing Technique has also made great strides—five more celestial grottos have opened.”

He murmured to himself, understanding the multitude of benefits gained from absorbing the Human Emperor’s essence blood. Above all, his bloodline and foundation had become more fearsome than ever. This foretold a longer road for future evolution. As his strength grew and transformations continued, his bloodline would only strengthen further, allowing him to forge a divine bloodline unique to himself.

Lu Yuan understood well that the Zhou Clan of Wuzhou Group and the Wang Clan of Changsheng Genetics had ancestors of similar stature. Yet the passage of time had diluted their bloodlines too greatly for them to awaken it now. At present, he stood as the first generation of such a bloodline, just as their ancestors once had.

Of course, while similar in appearance, the difference was vast. The ancestors of those two great powers were extraordinary in their own era. Just like Lu Yuan now, only through unending evolution would the true advantage of his bloodline reveal itself.

As for the breaking of shackles—while it seemed he had shattered ten at once, this did not directly translate to a significant power boost. The reason was simple: the Shackle Realm was special. The more shackles broken, the greater the potential and innate talent, just as the Sword Tablets of Ancient Shu Sword Mountain tested comprehension.

“If my foundation could previously break fifty or sixty shackles, with my bloodline’s advancement, there’s no doubt I’ll be able to shatter them all in the future—truly reaching the pinnacle.”

Lu Yuan was delighted, for the Human Emperor’s essence blood had indeed brought enormous benefit. Once he broke all one hundred and eight shackles, that would be the very limit. Even in his past life, he had never heard of such a feat, not even among beings from beyond the stars.

Shaking his head, he cast aside further thought and restrained his aura. With the help of the Innate Primordial Qi Robe, he seemed little different from before. Exiting the Shennong Altar, he paused, turned, and bowed deeply. “My thanks to the ancestors of Huaxia.”

Whatever else might be said, his present fortune was the gift of Shennong, an ancestor—this bow was only fitting.

“Master, where shall we go now? Should we leave Shennongjia?” At that moment, the Golden-Winged Roc approached, its tone more respectful than ever. For now, in both power and bloodline, its master utterly surpassed it. It finally accepted that perhaps choosing this master truly was a stroke of destiny. If things continued as they were, this master would surely achieve great things, and it would surely benefit as well.

“How long was I in seclusion?” Lu Yuan did not answer, but asked instead.

“Eighteen days in total,” the Roc replied.

“Eighteen days?” Lu Yuan nodded—about right. Refining the Human Emperor’s blood would have required some time. After a moment’s consideration, he added, “We won’t leave yet; there’s one more matter to settle.”

He had come to Shennongjia for two reasons: to help the Golden-Winged Roc hunt a dragon-blooded beast to purify its bloodline, and to seek a certain item. The Human Emperor’s blood had been an unexpected gain. According to Lu Yuan’s memory, the item he sought should now be guarded by a powerful beast, not less formidable than the previous dragon-blooded flood serpent—likely on the verge of entering the Golden Body Realm. Back then, it had sparked a tremendous battle. Yet for Lu Yuan now, obtaining it posed little challenge. The world was still in the early stages of mutation; most beings were at the start of their evolution. Few, like him, had a decade’s head start and were so well prepared.

“Let’s go.” Lu Yuan smiled, leapt onto the Golden-Winged Roc’s back, and sat cross-legged. The Roc did not hesitate. Its golden wings trembled, and it soared into the sky, flying in a new direction under Lu Yuan’s guidance.

As Lu Yuan continued his search for fortune in Shennongjia, the outside world was thrown into turmoil. A bombshell exploded across the internet:

[Asura, together with Lu Yuan, has slain the Western Church’s apostle Jennifer and four cultists, blaspheming the divine. In one month, the Church’s eleven apostles will pass judgment on Asura outside Shanghai, demanding that the mastermind Lu Yuan present himself to confess his sins and beg the mercy of God!]

The moment this news broke, it caused an uproar, sparking endless debate. Most people were baffled—what had happened? The Church’s apostles? Asura? Lu Yuan? How were these three connected?

“Something big’s gone down—Asura and Lu Yuan killed members of the Western Church?”

“Good riddance! I’ve been sick of those religious fanatics for ages.”

“You’re missing the point! This news is from Celestial Technologies—they’re planning to judge Asura? That means Asura might die!”

“Who gives them the right to judge anyone? Does Celestial Technologies have that authority? That’s too bold.”

“That’s why they’re holding it outside Shanghai—to avoid violating the Awakened Act.”

“Isn’t Celestial Technologies a Chinese company? All this for a few Western zealots?”

“Hmph, Liu Changming of Celestial Technologies is a traitor—he’s always sided with the Western Church, always collaborating with the West.”

“What about Sundan Academy? What’s their stance? Aren’t they going to intervene?”

Online, countless people posted messages, driving the news’ popularity ever higher. It was just too shocking.

From Celestial Technologies’ statement, the public pieced together the story: Lu Yuan had killed an apostle, with Asura as his accomplice, enraging the Church’s holy angel. Celestial Technologies, closely collaborating with the Church and benefitting from their advanced technologies, confirmed rumors that had circulated online.

Many found it hard to believe, but the facts were plain to see. At the same time, rumors spread that Asura had faced punishment and been abandoned by Celestial Technologies—admitted as fact.

Much time had passed since the world’s transformation. People now knew that the so-called Five Great Awakened were not the strongest—greater powers existed—but Asura and the others had left a deep impression. Yet now, Asura had been so easily abandoned, handed over for judgment by the apostles, inciting widespread anger and disgust at Celestial Technologies. Worse, Lu Yuan himself was implicated, ordered to repent before the so-called God, stirring mass outrage.

Yet, for all the furor, little could be done. Celestial Technologies was one of the four great powers—too strong to be affected by online outcry. Most people were now watching to see how Sundan Academy would respond, but so far, things remained quiet.

Chang’an City. Sundan Academy, Dean’s Office.

“Dean, have you seen the news?” Zhu Qingyu spoke, brows furrowed. Beside her stood Beidi and other elite academy students, their expressions grim. If it were only Celestial Technologies, they might have said nothing—this was a new era, after all; much had been reset, and outsiders could not interfere with internal punishment. But to involve the Church’s twelve apostles—this was an utter humiliation.

The students could not sit still, so they came en masse to the Dean’s office.

“I have seen it,” Dean Zheng replied, looking at them. “I’ve contacted Dean Liu of Shanghai Academy, asking her to negotiate with Celestial Technologies to find out what’s really happening.”

His expression was grave, his tone serious, for Lu Yuan was involved. The academy valued Lu Yuan—though he had never joined them, Dean Zheng saw him as a rare talent, vital to stabilizing the new era’s order. Now that Lu Yuan was being targeted, Dean Zheng was unwilling to stand by. As for the supposed murder of the Church’s apostle, the Dean was sure there was more to the story, but with so little information, there was little he could do.

“What did Dean Liu say?” Beidi asked.

Dean Zheng shook his head. “Nothing useful. Celestial Technologies refuses to divulge anything.”

“So we do nothing? They’re pointing the finger straight at Mr. Lu,” Zhu Qingyu protested, baffled that the academy would stand idle.

“Enough, this is not for you to worry about. The academy has its own means,” Dean Zheng waved them off, signaling that they should say no more. The leadership indeed had a plan. Celestial Technologies had gone too far, crossing a line, but these matters could not be openly addressed. Higher authorities were making arrangements, beyond what these students could know—so Dean Zheng could only deflect.

The group had no choice but to nod and leave, though their hearts were uneasy.

Once they were gone, Dean Zheng narrowed his eyes. “Twelve apostles, Celestial Technologies—you’ve gone too far.”

Even in this new era, with most laws and rules swept away, there were still some lines that must not be crossed. Did they really think the authorities would do nothing?

With that, he made several phone calls. The new era was a time of great complexity, and under such circumstances, certain domestic powers would have to act.

Elsewhere, in Deep City, Beidou Biotech had recently moved its headquarters there to curb the influence of Changsheng Genetics. With powerful backing, they had managed to suppress some of Changsheng Genetics’ forces, achieving initial success. Beidou operated from the shadows, while Sundan Academy worked in the open—official measures were still formidable. If all went as planned, they would soon gain greater control over the domestic situation.

There was little choice—the mutations had erupted so suddenly. Thankfully, it was still early days, and conventional weapons retained some effectiveness. Among Beidou’s top figures was the Ice Fairy, who had also come to Deep City. Not long after returning from Shennongjia, she saw Celestial Technologies’ announcement and immediately guessed their intentions.

“They’re using Asura as bait, then making a move against Lu Yuan? Truly a ruthless scheme.”

(End of chapter)