The deep veins of the Star Dou Great Forest throbbed with ancient life.
In its heart, Ah Yin and Tang Hao moved steadily toward the edge of the sacred territory, every step a step farther from the Life Lake — and deeper into peril.
The skies overhead darkened subtly, unseen by mortal eyes.
A storm was brewing.
Far behind, hidden like shifting shadows among the trees, two figures followed closely.
The towering black-haired man, radiating quiet killing intent — Di Tian.
The graceful emerald-haired woman, glowing faintly with pure life force — Bi Ji.
They watched, waited, and obeyed.
For before their journey began, they had knelt before the Silver Dragon Goddess herself — Gu Yuena.
"The heavenly tribulation will come," Gu Yuena's voice had echoed across the sacred glade, "and only you two must aid her. No one else may intervene."
Di Tian had frowned.
"Even I may not stop what descends from the heavens?" he asked, voice grim.
Gu Yuena smiled faintly.
"You are not to stop it. You are to endure it — and help her endure it."
Though his heart burned with confusion, Di Tian bowed his head low, pledging his loyalty without question.
Now, silently, he and Bi Ji followed — the watchers in the dark, the shields yet to rise.
Across the continent, at the summit of Spirit Hall, an entirely different kind of storm brewed.
Inside the golden throne room, light glinted off white marble and golden pillars.
Seated upon the Papal Throne, exuding a chilling majesty, was a man in gleaming white robes — his gaze sharp and cruel.
Pope Qian Xunji.
The air was tense with anticipation as reports flooded in.
"The Clear Sky Douluo has been sighted near the eastern gorge," Ghost Douluo rasped, kneeling before the throne.
"Level 89 confirmed. No ninth ring detected," Chrysanthemum Douluo added smoothly, a smug smile playing on his lips.
Qian Xunji leaned forward lazily.
"Level 89... so close to true strength... yet still incomplete."
He chuckled coldly.
"Perfect. Today's forest shall be their grave."
Across the strategy hall, Spirit Hall's elders and cardinals muttered excitedly among themselves:
"Should we send all elders at once?"
"No need. Two Title Douluo are enough. Overwhelming numbers will crush them."
"The child they protect... will it be useful to Spirit Hall?"
"Perhaps. But dead or alive, it matters little."
Their laughter rang out, echoing against the polished marble like a sinister drumroll.
They had no idea that fate was laughing back at them.
Meanwhile, deep within the world of blood and dreams, Shiv floated, grinning internally as his soul watched a literal storm of energy swirling around him.
[ Ding! Final Bloodline Synchronization: 99% Complete! ]
"System," Shiv said dramatically, "level with me. Am I becoming a beast or a superhero?"
The System giggled mischievously:
[ Host, you are becoming... drumroll please...
— A nuclear-powered, dragon-blooded, phoenix-regen, whale-staminaed, healing-machine, divine-fetus of legend! ]
"...Catchy title," Shiv deadpanned.
The System ignored him happily:
[ Final Stats Incoming! ]
Black Dragon Bloodline (Di Tian): Superhuman resilience and overwhelming strength. Punch mountains? Soon.
Phoenix Bloodline : Rapid regeneration, reflexes faster than light sneezing.
Demonic Ocean Whale Bloodline (Xiong Jun): Unlimited breath underwater, stamina fit for marathons... or wars.
Emerald Swan Healing Factor (Bi Ji influence): Passive healing aura; future squad healer unlocked!
Silver Dragon Core (Gu Yuena): Divine Draconic Sovereignty — sealed until future awakening. (Warning: May cause gods to panic.)
Shiv whistled mentally.
"Yo System... if I'm this busted already, won't the world, like, explode when I'm born?"
The System hummed thoughtfully:
[ Good question! Estimated probability of 'World Freakout Event' upon birth: 82%. 🎆 ]
[ Additional side effects: Enemies crying. Allies cheering. Random birds singing. ]
Shiv laughed so hard his tiny unborn fists twitched.
"When I come out, I demand background music. Epic entrance. Pyrotechnics optional but preferred."
[ BGM confirmed. Epic Mode ready. 🔥 First three song drops free! ]
As Shiv's body pulsed with the merging bloodlines, the amniotic sea around him trembled faintly.
His bones gleamed faintly with golden-black light.
His heartbeat, once soft, now sounded like distant war drums.
The mark of divinity shimmered unseen within his tiny chest.
Outside, even Di Tian and Bi Ji, following silently, flinched slightly — feeling the deep, unknowable pressure building inside the unborn child.
A pressure that made even the mighty beasts bow their heads subconsciously.
Above the Star Dou Great Forest, clouds twisted unnaturally.
Silver arcs of heavenly lightning danced in the unseen heavens.
The Heavenly Tribulation was near.
The world — human and beast alike — had no idea.
But destiny...
was already roaring toward them like a falling star.
🌑 To be continued