Amid flickering light and shadow, the youth carrying the Falling Cherry Long Zither and wearing a black cloak patterned with red clouds appeared atop the altar. His handsome features remained unchanged, as did the cherry blossom petals spinning within his eyes. The only difference was that the mark of a Fire Qilin flickered faintly between his brows before swiftly fading from sight.
"His aura... seems different..."
Everyone stared at Kong Chen in shock. They could clearly sense an ancient, primal, blazing aura from him, as though the one standing before them was not a human, but the renowned divine beast of antiquity—the Fire Qilin.
Yet that aura quickly vanished, entirely concealed by the Akatsuki Robe. If Kong Chen had not deliberately tested it earlier, no one would likely have sensed that imposing presence.
A fragment of the ancient Fire Qilin's inheritance. Although that demonic beast possessed only a trace of Fire Qilin bloodline, its inheritance was unexpectedly powerful. This trip hasn't been in vain! Kong Chen thought to himself.
He then looked around, first checking whether any other members of the [Akatsuki] organization had completed their inheritances. He soon discovered that he was the first among [Akatsuki] to emerge.
Kong Chen gave it no further thought and quickly turned his attention to the fierce battle outside the altar.
By now, the battle outside had long since spiraled out of control. Slaughter had become the eternal theme here, and blood could actually be seen everywhere. Such scenes had been rare before, since any blood that spilled would swiftly be absorbed by the walls of this place. But now, the walls' absorption speed seemed unable to keep up with the flowing blood.
Kong Chen shifted his gaze and spotted a familiar figure fighting bloodily beyond the altar. Her dark green robe and