A deep melancholy settled upon Wang Lin, a somber weight in his spirit. None could stand against the tide of what Clear Water sought to do. He sighed, a whisper of resignation in the void, and closed his eyes, seeking solace in the rhythmic embrace of his inner breath.

“I am aware of the bond you share with Clear Water,” the elder spoke, his gaze softening upon Wang Lin. “Once you have mastered the First Transformation of the Nine Mysteries, when I venture to claim the Immortal Crystals of the Rain Realm, perhaps I shall glean tidings of Clear Water’s fate.”

This young scion of the clan was his hope, the very hope of the Vermillion Bird Holy Sect. For his sake, he would risk all, sacrifice all. “In the Land of the Demon Spirits, even amidst peril, he did not forget his friend. Now, in tranquility, Clear Water remains upon his mind. Such a one is worthy of my trust, worthy to inherit the mantle of the Vermillion Bird Holy Sect, worthy to receive all my divine powers…”

The elder nodded to himself, raising his right hand to touch Wang Lin’s back once more. Primal force surged from his body, flooding into Wang Lin’s form, enveloping his nascent soul, and swirling around the spark of fire that lay within.

Time flowed like a river, another year turning in its endless course. Within the Star Domain of the Alliance, the patterns of power remained largely unchanged, strife continuing and the fires of war burning bright.

The eastern reaches, where the Four Holy Sects held sway, remained largely untouched by the wider conflict, save for those daring souls emboldened by the decree from the Alliance High Command against Wang Lin. These foolish individuals, however, found no purchase, each being swiftly cut down by the vigilant patrols of the Four Holy Sects. Those few who managed to evade the guards found themselves facing the wrath of the Sect Elders, their schemes meeting a swift and final end.

Luo Wu’s ongoing feud with the Alliance continued unabated, while the Corpse Yin Sect maintained an unsettling calm. Yet, their presence was felt on every battlefield. They scavenged the fallen, seeking out both whole and fragmented bodies, and brokered deals with both sides, dealing in the grisly trade of flesh.

The endless war made the Corpse Yin Sect a welcome entity, providing a constant flow of corpses to meet the demands of the various powers within the Luo Tian and Alliance factions. In return, the Corpse Yin Sect amassed a fortune in Immortal Jade, enchanted artifacts, rare materials, and all the necessities of their dark craft.

It seemed only the Kun Xu Realm and the Four Holy Sects remained in relative peace, isolated from the tumultuous currents of the galaxy.

Throughout the year, Wang Lin’s breathing grew ever more powerful, his rhythmic inhalations and exhalations echoing like thunder across the Vermillion Bird Holy Sect’s territory. Though many had never laid eyes upon him, every member of the Sect held his name within their hearts.

All knew that Wang Lin, he whose breath shook the very stars, was to be their future Holy Emperor, the hope of the Vermillion Bird Holy Sect. But wherever there are men, there are conflicts, and ambition. Not all within the Vermillion Bird Holy Sect welcomed Wang Lin’s presence. Indeed, many resented this sudden arrival.

Those three who had been chosen from amongst the clan, destined to be groomed as the next Holy Emperor, felt this most keenly. And even amongst the Elder Masters, whispers of discontent regarding the Holy Emperor’s decision could be heard.

But the Holy Emperor’s authority was absolute, and none dared openly defy his decree.

Three years, an age of countless days and nights, passed with Wang Lin immersed in his breathing, never ceasing. The Vermillion Bird Holy Emperor ceaselessly infused his own power into Wang Lin, amplified by the intense heat emanating from the very stone upon which they sat.

Wang Lin’s cultivation progressed at an astonishing rate. The wounds to his soul had healed completely, and the spark of fire within shone brighter than ever, almost consumed in flames, radiating a boundless power that permeated his entire being. Upon his right arm, seven flaming totems flickered faintly.

This vast reservoir of power, churning within, was the source of the thunderous resonance that echoed through his being.

As the absorption continued, the Fire Power within Wang Lin reached its limit, threatening to tear him apart from within. A searing sensation ripped through him, and in that instant, Wang Lin opened his eyes. His hands flew into a series of rapid seals, striking his own body with precision. With each touch, the overwhelming power within him receded slightly.

Seven times his fingers danced across his flesh, and the power that threatened to consume him diminished, the crushing pain lessened. The inner torment subsided, leaving Wang Lin’s robes soaked with sweat, which steamed into the air like a ghostly shroud.

“This is the eighth time…” Wang Lin exhaled slowly, his voice a low murmur.

In the past three years, Wang Lin had experienced this agonizing moment eight times. Each time, his Primal Force had reached its peak, threatening to explode and shatter his very being. Each time, he had managed to compress the Fire Power within him at lightning speed, allowing his body to endure more than it could seemingly bear.

The first four times, the Vermillion Bird Holy Emperor had intervened, suppressing and sealing the power within Wang Lin’s body. The subsequent times, Wang Lin had succeeded in this perilous act on his own.

In the moment when the overwhelming power was contained, another flaming totem appeared upon Wang Lin’s right arm, nestled beside the other seven.

Eight totems encircled his arm, leaving only one space to complete the perfect ring.

“The First Transformation of the Nine Mysteries draws upon the essence of nine lifetimes of cultivation. You must continuously absorb the power of flames, compressing it into nine flaming totems. These totems represent your nine lifetimes of cultivation. Once they explode, you will borrow the power of nine lifetimes to reach the heavens, absorbing it all into one, and sealing it, thus achieving the First Transformation of the Nine Mysteries! The word ‘Transformation’ does not imply mere change, but an increase in strength, allowing you to unleash the power of an ancestor in the First Transformation. Only then can I entrust you with the mantle of Holy Emperor, and allow you to venture forth to the Cultivation Kui Alliance,” the Vermillion Bird Holy Emperor’s aged voice echoed from behind Wang Lin.

“However, my time grows short. In recent days, I have felt the shadow of death drawing near. Now, I must hasten the absorption of your Ninth Lifetime’s Power. This process will be excruciating, but you must endure it. Do you agree?”

Wang Lin was silent for a long moment, before finally nodding, his eyes filled with grim determination.

“Good!” The Vermillion Bird Holy Emperor’s eyes shone with even greater approval, though a hint of regret flickered within them. He whispered softly, “Good.”
“Had I, in my manifested form, bestowed upon you the Vermilion Bird’s Mark in ages past, and had your awakening occurred sooner…” The Vermilion Bird Emperor shook his head, speaking no further. He inhaled deeply, striking the stone beneath him with both hands. With a resounding boom, his body rose swiftly, inverted, and aligned with Wang Lin’s crown. His hands formed mystic seals, gesturing in all directions.

Instantly, the fiery essence within the Emperor’s very being surged forth like a raging torrent, flooding into Wang Lin through his crown. The white stone beneath Wang Lin pulsed with heat, transmuting into wisps of flame that joined the onslaught entering his form.

Thus, Wang Lin’s inner power swelled to an unbelievable degree. Yet, the agony of this forced infusion was beyond mortal comprehension. Even Wang Lin himself radiated a thick, white mist – the condensation of his very sweat! As power surged within, the pain of feeling as if he were about to be torn asunder contorted his features. A low growl escaped his lips. He was as a man adrift in a tempestuous sea, struggling for survival.

Time trickled onward. Wang Lin’s growl deepened, becoming a roar. Veins bulged across his body, threatening to burst. The power within him escalated exponentially, accompanied by a thunderous resonance that mingled with his cries, echoing outwards in a frenzy.

At that moment, the entire burning starfield resonated with his tormented scream.

There was no escape from this torment, no severing of the agonizing connection. Instead, Wang Lin had to focus all his will, channeling the overwhelming power coursing through him, guiding its flow. Otherwise, his body would explode.

The Vermilion Bird Emperor acted out of sheer desperation. In recent months, he had truly felt the chill of death. He knew that he had but three months left to live. After these months, the third Celestial Tribulation would strike again, and it would surely be the death of him!

The intense agony spurred Wang Lin’s earth-shattering roar. On the seventh day, the power within him reached another peak. Above him, the Vermilion Bird Emperor grew ever more gaunt, a miasma of death clung to him, and he collapsed. He rested behind Wang Lin, his essence waning.

“Death… what is it to me?” The Vermilion Bird Emperor’s face was ashen, yet his eyes burned with anticipation as he gazed upon Wang Lin. He did not fear death, but he feared dying with regrets. Feared the Vermilion Bird Sect would be left without an heir and ultimately perish! He would forever be ashamed of his ancestors and the entire Vermilion Bird Sect!

“You must… succeed!” Wang Lin was now his sole hope, the dream that would allow him to die with a serene smile.

With a roar, Wang Lin unleashed his inner power outwards in a violent eruption. Thunder reverberated within his form, and the unimaginable agony drove Wang Lin to raise his right hand, preparing to seal his power and preserve himself.

Disappointment flickered in the Emperor’s eyes, but he did not interfere. Few could endure such torment and use it to break through the first transformation of the Nine Mysteries, though such action would drastically improve the chances of success in a shorter period.

“Perhaps I demand too much of him… He is, after all, but a child who has cultivated for but a thousand years… Alas, my time wanes…” The Vermilion Bird Emperor’s spirit dwindled, and, with an inward sigh, he closed his eyes.

But in that instant, Wang Lin’s hand, poised to seal his power, faltered. Steadfastness blazed in his eyes, a surge of unwavering resolve.

“Eighth Fire Totem… Open!” Wang Lin strained against the torment and delivered a desperate roar! Instantly, the eighth fire totem on his right arm ignited, soaring upwards, a fiery bloom erupting within the burning starfield.

Wang Lin’s body shot upwards, a heaven-shattering howl escaped his lips, as the fiery bloom transformed into a raging storm, enveloping him, and penetrating his very essence. It also affected all the fires from across the burning starfield.

In that moment, the entire burning starfield, the very heart of the Vermilion Bird Sect, was set ablaze! Every living being within the starfield felt their minds reel, looking to the location of Wang Lin…

“The First Transformation of the Nine Mysteries!” Within the Vermilion Bird Sect, many elders displayed reactions no less intense than when they learned of the Vermilion Bird’s awakening! A Vermilion Bird awakening does not guarantee the next Emperor, but mastering the First Transformation of the Nine Mysteries guarantees becoming the Vermilion Bird Emperor. It is the sign of the changing of the guard and a new era for the Sect!