The Return of Kaelen Viremont

Chapter 006: Venom and Awakening

“Don’t celebrate just yet.”

The voice cut through the canyon like steel. Kaelen Viremont stepped forward in his flowing white robes, eyes sharp, unyielding. He glanced at Seraphina Valemir.

“That Venomous Mad Python behind us—I only took out one of its heads in a sneak attack. It’ll be even more furious now. We’re far from safe.”

Seraphina paled. Her gaze fell. “I understand,” she whispered.

They dashed toward the canyon’s edge, barely touching the ground. Yet the python moved faster, its massive body a blur of scales and muscle.

“You’re too slow,” Kaelen muttered.

Without hesitation, he swept Seraphina into his arms, hoisting her onto his back.

“S-Savior… be careful…” she whispered, clutching him tightly. Cheeks flushed from exertion. Fear mingled with a strange warmth of safety in his embrace.

Kaelen didn’t answer. His focus was on the monstrous serpent charging toward them.

Buzz!

In one fluid motion, he drew the Wind-Thunder Bow. Eyes, arrow, bowstring aligned—a lethal line aimed at the python’s second head.

Boom!

The arrow tore through the air, smashing into the serpent’s skull. HISSS! The python writhed, enraged, surging forward with renewed fury.

“This is my final arrow,” Kaelen muttered. Aura exploding outward like a tidal wave. Muscles tensed, bow drawn to the fullest. Power surged through him. The runes along the bow glowed with celestial light. Spiritual energy condensed into a single, radiant arrow—a Wind and Thunder Arrow, born of pure elemental force.

ROAR!

The python shrieked in terror, sensing death, and fled.

“It’s… running?” Seraphina gasped, clinging tightly. Kaelen’s expression remained cold, calculating.

Boom!

The final arrow flew with divine precision, splitting the last serpent’s head. HISSS! The massive creature collapsed, the canyon trembling under its weight, dust and debris spiraling.

“It’s… dead!” Seraphina’s eyes shone in disbelief. She slid from his back, staring at him in awe. The same beast that had slaughtered her guards—fallen to just three arrows.

Kaelen’s face was pale, breath uneven. “Don’t mistake this for power. The serpent’s size made it easier to hit. Otherwise… one of us could be dead right now.”

Seraphina nodded, admiration deepening. “Savior… you’re incredible.”

Kaelen’s gaze shifted to the fallen python. The risk wasn’t heroism—it was opportunity. Its vast body bristled with demonic energy and potent blood essence. Refined through the Creation Furnace, it would skyrocket his cultivation.

Fortune favors the bold. He had been reborn. Fought. Survived. Emperor Therion Viremont’s words echoed in his mind:

“As Heaven moves with strength, so must a gentleman strive constantly for improvement.”

Kaelen approached the corpse, preparing the Creation Furnace.

Suddenly—WHOOSH!

A tiny black snake darted from the python’s remains, sinking fangs deep into his thigh. Pain flared; instinctively, he crushed it in his hand.

Too late. Venom entered his bloodstream. Limbs numbed, knees buckled, darkness crept in. The last thing he saw: Seraphina’s horrified face rushing toward him.

When his eyes fluttered open, exhaustion weighed on every muscle. The venom had been potent, even for his Bronze Battle Body, yet it triggered transformation. The Divine Creation Art surged, tempering his flesh into a bronze foundation.

He was in a dim, damp cave filled with herbs. A straw mat beneath him, his leg bandaged with torn white fabric. A clay jar released the faint scent of warm medicinal brew.

“Benefactor… you’re awake?”

Seraphina’s soft voice broke the stillness. She stepped forward, carrying a bundle of rare herbs. Mud streaked her delicate features, glowing with quiet joy. Gone were the silks and palace elegance—replaced by a simple, earth-stained dress.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, kneeling beside him, eyes full of concern.

Kaelen reached for her hand. She froze—then let him hold it, color rising in her cheeks. His eyes traced her fingers: once soft and pale, now roughened by thorned stems and jagged leaves.

She had searched tirelessly, risking life and limb, with a small flickering lantern in the endless darkness of his journey.

“You’ve worked hard,” Kaelen said, voice low, gentle.

Her eyes glistened. Every hardship, every fear of the past days felt worthwhile. Storms, shadows, prowling beasts—she had braved them all for him.

Kaelen ruffled her hair lightly. “I suppose that makes us comrades… who’ve walked through life and death together, doesn’t it?”

She nodded, swallowing sobs. Exhaustion melted away in his presence. For a heartbeat, she wanted to throw herself into his arms. He pulled her close, calm and steady.

“Thank you.”

Her restraint shattered. She cried into his chest. “I’ve been spoiled all my life… not good at anything… When you collapsed, I thought you’d die. I was terrified. But I knew if I didn’t try, you’d have no chance…”

Kaelen steadied her. “It’s over. I’m awake. I’m fine.”

Exhaustion claimed her. She slept in his arms, soft breathing even, safe at last. Kaelen laid her gently on the straw mat, then rose, circulating golden essence through the Art of Primordial Creation. Poison purged. Strength restored.

He stepped to the cave mouth, gazing at the python’s corpse. Its aura still warded forest beasts. The Creation Furnace awakened behind him, bronze and roaring.

“Devour.”

The furnace opened wide, swallowing the python. Demonic essence surged, refined into pure origin energy, filling his bones, muscles, and spirit core. Half a day passed. Aura pressure deepened. Finally—

“True Martial Realm, Ninth Heaven!”

Golden light burst from Kaelen’s eyes, sharp as blades, slicing through the air. Within that light burned something far greater than power: purpose.