The sky trembled. Spiritual energy hung still in the air like frozen mist. A golden light erupted from Lang Xiao's body, piercing through the clouds. It was no longer the pure aura of cultivation—it now carried a wild, violent edge, like an ancient beast breaking free from its shackles.
"Undying Diamond Body — Fifth Layer, unlocked!"
Even with his bones fractured and meridians torn, Lang Xiao clenched his jaw and stood tall. In his palm, an ancient rune flared to life. The Remnant Soul within him no longer resisted—it moved voluntarily, circulating spiritual energy like a second consciousness awakened.
"It's been three hundred years since I truly fought for my life… But if you dare threaten those I protect, even gods—I'll slay them!"
His roar echoed across the valley.
He raised his hand—an inverted lotus-shaped palm imprint slammed into the ground, shattering three layers of the Shadow Sect's defenses. The entire mountain trembled. Rocks collapsed, dust filled the air.
But before he could land a killing blow, Lang Xiao coughed blood and staggered.
Suddenly, Diep Van So appeared beside him. Her hands formed seals, and a gentle, silvery light radiated from her soul and flowed into his broken body.
"Heavenly Yin Rebirth Art – half a lifetime of cultivation, in exchange for one breath of yours…"
"No!" Lang Xiao roared. "You've stepped into the Earth Immortal stage… How can you give that up for me?!"
Diep Van So smiled faintly, like peach blossoms dancing in the spring breeze.
"I cultivated for centuries… All for the chance to keep you alive in this world."
Just then, the faint cry of a child echoed from the distance.
Little An, eyes cloudy with spiritual mist, slowly walked into the battlefield.
Ancient Remnant Souls floated nearby, thick as poisonous fog. But when they neared the boy, they began to kneel—as if sensing a presence greater than themselves.
He raised his tiny hand, as if playing.
A crimson Remnant Soul flew into his chest and turned into soft light, spiraling around him like a guardian spirit.
The Shadow Sect disciples were horrified:
"The Soul-Caller Physique! A once-in-a-century talent… He can absorb wraiths without backlash?!"
Little An murmured quietly, like reciting a lesson:
"Remnant souls… they're not just hatred. They want to be remembered. If I remember their names, they'll listen."
At that moment, dozens of Remnant Souls surged into a massive beam of light, blasting away the enemy forces.
The Shadow Sect leader, bloodied and beaten, staggered toward the valley's edge. One bloodshot eye still gleamed.
"Lang Xiao… Do you think this is victory? You absorbed a corrupted soul—the karma is planted. The Blood Calamity will come!"
He crushed a jet-black stone in his palm.
A curse sigil rose from the earth, burning into the air:
"One year, one life. All who aid him—shall die."
Then he vanished into the shadows.