Deep inside the cave, Jian entered Qi Condensation Stage 1 using the forbidden technique. Unlike ordinary cultivators who absorbed Qi from the surroundings, Jian's method devoured it—corrupting even the spirit beasts nearby.
As he trained, strange seals began to appear on his skin—markings of the "Nine Forbidden Seals", each unlocking a portion of a dark inheritance tied to his bloodline.
Meanwhile, news spread beyond the village:
> "A dark flame cultivator has emerged... with a cursed bloodline."
Soon, a rogue cultivator named Mu Shen, known for hunting rare martial spirits, came seeking Jian. The fight was brutal—Jian was outclassed.
But when Mu Shen tried to crush his spirit core, something snapped inside Jian. A hidden second martial spirit awakened—one that shouldn't exist.
> "Two martial spirits...?! That's impossible!" Mu Shen screamed.
With a flash of black and crimson, Jian struck. Mu Shen fell—lifeless.
Jian stood tall, covered in blood, whispering coldly:
> "This is just the beginning."
The path ahead was soaked in betrayal, death, and madness. But Jian had made his choice:
He would climb the heavens—not to reach them... but to burn them down.