The Blood Of The Lord

Chapter 04: Towards the Path of Destiny

That morning, Chen Wu stood at the edge of the valley that separated the clan territory from the dungeon where his mother was locked up. The valley was called the Valley of Darkness, a place that even the elders rarely went to. Thick mist covers every corner, and legend says that the valley is inhabited by bloodthirsty creatures.

However, Chen Wu didn't care. He clutched tightly to the only thing he had from his mother—a small circle-shaped necklace with a black stone in the middle.

“If I want to know the truth,” Chen Wu muttered to himself, “I have to go there.”

But before he could take the first step, a voice from behind stopped him.

"Chen Wu!"

He turned around and found a girl standing in the distance. The girl's face glistened in the morning light, with long flowing black hair. She was Mei Lin, one of the few disciples in the Tianlong Clan who had never insulted Chen Wu.

"Where are you going?" She asked, his voice full of concern.

Chen Wu did not answer immediately. He knew that if Mei Lin knew his goal, she would try to stop him.

“I just wanted to get some fresh air,” he said finally, trying to sound casual.

Mei Lin frowned, her gaze disbelieving. “Don't lie to me. You've never been to this place before.” she approached, then looked directly into her eyes. "You're going to the Dark Valley, aren't you?"

Chen Wu was silent, but his eyes said it all.

“You're crazy,” Mei Lin said in a trembling voice. “You know no one comes back alive from there? Even the elders dare not enter that valley!”

“I have no choice,” Chen Wu said coldly. “There, I might be able to find answers about my mother. About what happened to him… and about me.”

Mei Lin bit her lip, clearly confused about what to say. She knew that Chen Wu was stubborn, but this decision was too dangerous.

“I'll come with you,” she said suddenly.

Chen Wu looked at him in surprise. “No, Mei Lin. This is none of your business.”

“But I can't just let you die like that!” Mei Lin replied. “If you go alone, you won't have a chance. At least I can help you survive.”

Chen Wu fell silent. In his heart, he knew Mei Lin was right. Even though this dark power is now a part of him, he doesn't know how to control it yet. if something terrible happened in that valley, he might not make it out alive.

“Okay,” he said finally. “But if something happens, I want you to run. Don't mind me.”

Mei Lin nodded, although the look on her face showed that she would not fulfill that request.

They walked into the valley, and the further they went, the heavier the air around them became. The trees that were once green turned dry and black, as if they were burning from the inside. The sounds of birds and insects disappeared, replaced by an eerie silence.

“Are you sure about this?” whispered Mei Lin, her eyes restlessly looking around.

Chen Wu didn't answer. He was too focused on the strange energy he felt getting stronger with every step. The energy felt familiar, like a call echoing in his blood.

After some time, they arrived at the mouth of a large cave located in the middle of the valley. The rocks around the cave were covered in ancient carvings, depicting dragons and other creatures they didn't recognize.

“This is the place,” Chen Wu said quietly.

"How do you know?" Mei Lin asked.

“I… can feel it,” Chen Wu replied. “Like something called me here.”

They stepped into the cave, and darkness immediately enveloped them. Mei Lin lit the small lantern she was carrying, but the light could only illuminate a few meters in front of them.

Suddenly, a whispering voice sounded around them, like the wind swirling in the cave.

"You've come at last, Chen Wu..."

Chen Wu stopped, his eyes staring into the darkness. "Who are you?"

There was no response, only the sound of low laughter echoed in the cave. Mei Lin's lantern suddenly went out, leaving them in complete darkness.

"Chen Wu!" Mei Lin grabbed his hand in panic. "What happened?!"

Before Chen Wu could reply, a pair of red eyes appeared from within the darkness. Those eyes stared at them with an intensity that made the air feel suffocating.

“Descendants of the Sovereign Blood…” the voice echoed, clearer this time. “You have finally come to claim your destiny.”

Chen Wu felt his blood vibrate, like the dark energy inside him was responding to the creature's presence. He clenched his fists, trying to hold back the fear that was starting to creep up.

"What do you mean?" Chen Wu asked, his voice shaking even though he tried to sound firm.

the creature laughed again, then slowly emerged from the darkness. His figure was tall and large, with a body covered in black scales that glittered like dark gems. Huge wings covered its body, and its fangs bared at them.

“You are the heir of my blood,” said the creature. “The blood that once ruled this world. And now, it's time to awaken that power.”

Chen Wu stared at the creature with a mixture of fear and awe. For the first time, he felt that all the humiliation, all the suffering he had experienced all this time had a reason.

“I am… your heir?” he asked quietly.

The creature nodded. “But to prove yourself worthy, you must face the final test. You have to overcome your own fear."

Suddenly, the cave changed. Chen Wu and Mei Lin found themselves standing in the middle of a large field, surrounded by shadows that transformed into figures from Chen Wu's past—people who had beaten him, insulted him, and insulted his mother.

"Chen Wu!" Mei Lin shouted, but her voice sounded distant, as if blocked by something invisible.

Chen Wu stood alone, surrounded by all those shadows. They stepped forward, looking at him with mocking smiles.

“You're useless,” one of them said.

“You are just trash!” another added.

Chen Wu clenched his fists. He felt the dark energy rise again, stronger than before.

“Not anymore,” he said quietly. "I'm not trash."

The shadows attacked him simultaneously, but Chen Wu did not retreat. He looked at them with red eyes that were now shining brightly, then shouted with all the strength he had. The dark energy exploded from his body, destroying the shadows in an instant.

When everything was over, Chen Wu stood in the middle of a quiet field. his body was tired, but he felt stronger than before. The black-scaled creature reappeared, grinning with satisfaction.

“You have proven yourself, my heir,” he said. “From now on, you will master the power locked in your blood. but remember, great power always comes with a price.”

Before Chen Wu could reply, everything faded, and he was back in the cave with Mei Lin.

“Chen Wu! You are okay?" Mei Lin hugged him worriedly.

Chen Wu nodded slowly, his eyes still glowing red. "I'm fine. But this is just the beginning…”