Bloodline of the Forgotten Emperor

The Next Day

Long Suchen Peak

This time around I woke on time without Mei's assistance—of course, who loves punishment?

Arriving at the peak's top with the help of the staircase, the morning air thin and sharp, carrying the faint scent of pine resin and old stone, I looked around for a while but couldn't find any trace of Elder Mo Xuan. "Huh." *He must be testing me, to see how devoted I am to the Dao*. Without a second thought, I walked to the center of the empty space and settled into a horse stance pose. *This will surely impress him. What a petty trick. At least my few years of reading fantasy novels weren't a waste*.

*Host, you really have a good imagination. But you might be right*.

*Hehe. System, just watch and see how shocked he will be*. While thinking this, I didn't forget to keep my face cold and serious all that while, so that I wouldn't appear stupid or crazy.

After two hours under a sun that had burned off the morning chill and left the stone warm beneath my feet—

*Huh. Where is this old man?* I thought, impatience quietly creeping inside me.

*Wait a while, host. He will be here any time soon. Let me use this little moment and teach you—while pursuing the Dao, one should always be patient, because the Dao tests one over time*. I could feel the seriousness in its voice, so I didn't joke around. *Okay, sensei*, not forgetting to add a little bit of mockery to it.

*What does "sensei" mean?* I knew it must be curious, because that wording was something it didn't know. I believe the System has looked a bit into my past life's memories, but it looks like it only checks what it deems important. Before I could begin contemplating the System's origin, the old man I had been waiting for descended onto the peak, with one hand on his beard and the other at his back. His robes barely stirred, though he must have dropped from somewhere high.

*Jeez, do all these old immortals have a thing for beards?,

"Hmm. Young Master, it looks like you arrived a bit on time today," he said, still looking at me.

"Elder, I have realized that I am weak. I want to devote my time and effort to the Dao," I replied coolly.

He raised an eyebrow. "Well then." He waved his hand over his beard, and a strand of the hair touched me—cool and dry—which instantly sealed what was inside me. I felt a little bit weaker than normal.

"I have just sealed your bloodline," he said, already heading to his cottage. Then he pointed at a rock that was tens of zhang high, its surface dark and strangely still, like frozen water. "You have to toss that rock like a coin. That's your training for today, and you have to be able to do it before mid-afternoon, because Princess Xue will arrive by then."

I looked at him for a while, then at the rock. Before I could look back at him again, he was already gone. "He can't be serious, right?" I asked no one in particular.

While I was still standing there, his voice came from nowhere and everywhere: "Young Master, you don't have all the time in the world. If I don't see you in front of that rock and carrying it within five breaths, you will be given a new one to toss—while standing on a rope."

Without wasting time, I went in front of it and took a deep breath.* Host, you can do it. But it will be a little difficult, since this rock is not an ordinary one. I can give you an analysis of it*.

*Analysis.*

**Analysis Result**

· Name: A Fragment of Void Cosmic Stone

· Height: Twelve zhang

· Width: One zhang

· Weight: The weight of a hundred small mountains

· Origin: Found deep in the Endless Void

*You can do it. Have faith in your physique—it's more powerful than you think, due to your bloodline's influence*. It sounded like a loyal motivator.

"Well. Here goes nothing."

I bent down, placed my hands underneath the rock, and tried to raise it up. The rock didn't budge, but the ground beneath my feet cracked with a sound like thick ice breaking.

I removed my hands immediately and looked at the cracked ground. "Seriously?" I looked at the rock again, moved to a new spot, and tried once more. No movement. It didn't budge, let alone move a centimeter.

*It looks like my pose isn't right. That means I have to pose cool. Maybe one hand at my back, then try to lift it with a finger—that might work*. I guessed, looking a bit cheeky.

*Don't be stupid, host. Don't embarrass yourself. Or me. Me especially*, the System said, clearly disgusted at my thought.

*Why don't you do the lifting?* I said, acting spoiled.

*Well, host, to toss this like a coin won't be easy for you. But I do know how to make it so you can get it to budge*.

*Why didn't you say so earlier?* I felt terrible.

*You didn't ask me before*. I could feel its smugness.

*Just try meditating in front of it. Observe the rock, and try to hold that same image in your sea of consciousness. Feel the rock within you. Try to connect with it*.

*Okay*. I sat there for a while, trying to imprint the image, but it wasn't coming.

*Free your mind, host. Free it*. I could hear the quiet guidance of the System.

After some time of freeing my mind—which was not easy at the start—I saw a vague image of the rock. What I heard next was: Now try to lift it again.

I approached the rock, took a deep breath, and with a free mind tried to hold the faint image of the stone. My hands underneath it, I tried to lift. It didn't rise immediately. I added more strength. It budged. I nearly lost my concentration from the sudden movement, which surprised me, but I steadied myself and pushed further, trying to recall the feeling I had felt when I fought those demonic beasts. Then it rose—an inch off the ground.

This time my mind wavered, which made it crash back to the earth with a boom that vibrated up through my legs. "Wow. Did I really lift that?" I felt ecstasy and excitement.

"Are you done with the celebration, Young Master?" My joy died on the spot. "It's time for you to go. It's already close to mid-afternoon, and the clan has assigned you to welcome Princess Xue to the clan. Don't come tomorrow—that's your break."

Still in a daze, surprised at how quickly time had passed and by the Princess's imminent arrival, I said, "Huh. Okay, Elder." I bowed toward the cottage and turned to leave. The descent passed in a blur—my legs moved on their own, my mind still turning over the weight of the stone, the feeling of it budging against my palms.

---

Mid-Afternoon

At the Clan's Southern Gate

I stood there with Mei and some guards of the Clan. I looked at the guards; every one of their faces was emotionless, as if they were not alive but puppets. But I knew clearly that years in battle and countless close experiences with life and death had forged them into something else. Is this the price they paid to be strong?

Then I turned to the sky, since Mei had hinted to me to look up. I saw a pinpoint, sun-like object rapidly approaching us. The air warmed as it grew larger, a low roar trailing behind it like an afterthought.

*What a grand entrance*