A few more months slipped by.
Lucius's progress in cultivation was remarkable:
- Middle Stage of the Pulse Initiation Realm
- Level 2 Intent in Flame Laws
- Estimated 2–3 more years needed for Level One Intent in Obsidian Laws
You might think, "Mastering these laws seems easy—look how quickly he advances." But let me clarify: the first three stages of any law are the simplest. The difficulty increases exponentially with each level.
Most children his age would, at best, have reached the initial stage of Level 1 in Fire Laws, and only just begun the Pulse Initiation Realm. The difference was Lucius's Divine Grade Spiritual Root, which granted him extraordinary talent in these areas.
At just three and a half years old, Lucius's body had developed to resemble that of a fourteen-year-old, his muscles beginning to take shape.
Today was a special day for Lucius. He would participate in his very first inheritance trials.
On the continent of Azure, thousands upon thousands of inheritances awaited trial participants.
Before we follow Lucius inside, let's explore the world he calls home.
The Blackthorn Family was once vast and powerful, but now only his father, mother, and a handful of his father's uncles remained as elders to manage the family. The rest of the Blackthorns had been wiped out two hundred years ago in a war between two cities.
The city the Blackthorns managed was called Silverpetal City—a Tier 3 city, with the most powerful cities reaching Tier 1 or even the legendary Tier Z.
Silverpetal City was thriving, home to over thirty million people. It was part of the SunFlame Empire, a formidable nation considered a low-level Sky Grade power. Few could challenge its might, and so peace had reigned for over five thousand years.
The trial Lucius would attend was held in a trial tower at the heart of a nearby city: Stone City, home of the Stoneborne Family. The Stonebornes were peers of the Blackthorns, and the two families had been close allies for generations. It was only natural that Lucius would participate in this competition.
The Blackthorn Family specialized in Flame Laws and related techniques, which was why most of the library's manuals focused on fire. The Stoneborne Family, by contrast, followed the path of Sword Laws and Sword Intents—a more difficult path, but one that made their techniques unique.
Yet, Lucius was unaware that his family harbored a hidden treasure, a secret that allowed the Blackthorns to surpass even the Stonebornes.
That day, Logan and Lucius stood together in a secret basement room of the mansion. The entrance was sealed by an Earth Grade formation, accessible only to those with a special entry pass.
Inside, Lucius stood, holding his father's hand. "Father, why have we come here?" he asked, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"Son, today you will face a small trial," Logan replied, opening a metal door that resembled a furnace. As the door swung open, a wave of intense heat washed over them. Crimson flames burned within, majestic and seemingly endless.
"What is that, Father?" Lucius asked, awe in his voice. He had never seen such a living, vibrant flame.
"These are the Crimson Sovereign Flames," Logan said solemnly. "They are High-Level Mortal Sky Grade flames."
"S-Sky Grade?" Lucius swallowed hard. He knew the value of Sky Grade treasures in the mortal realm. They were powerful and rare, often the deciding factor in a family's rise or fall. Even with the treasures from his Obsidian Throne soul weapon, Lucius dared not underestimate these flames.
"The world knows us as a Peak Level Common Grade power, but with this flame, we could become a Middle-Level Earth Grade power," Logan explained. "Once, our family was at that level. If we had added this flame, we might have reached Peak Level Earth Grade."
'Just a little more, and our family could have become a top-tier power… So that's why the Tyrannical Flames Technique was in the library,' Lucius thought.
"So, Father, why give this flame to me? Why not use it yourself?" Lucius asked.
"I failed to tame it. Once you fail, the spirit will never allow you to try again," Logan replied, regret in his voice.
Spirits resided in elemental spirit stones. They could be refined into flames, lightning, or other powers. Making a spirit a companion was nearly impossible for ordinary mortals, so most simply absorbed them.
"There's a Spirit Stone Vein here. Every century, a Crimson Sovereign Flame Spirit Stone is born," Logan continued. "A hundred years ago, I was chosen to try, but I failed. Many of our clan sacrificed themselves that day."
"What was the calamity, Father?" Lucius pressed, wanting to understand the family's downfall.
"It was a beast tide. I was only at the beginning of the Flow Integration Realm, not the Circulation Realm as now. Back then, we even had a Consolidation Realm ancestor who gave his life to protect us," Logan said quietly.
"This flame was found two hundred years ago. The one who discovered it contributed it to the family, but he lacked the talent to unlock its potential and died in the beast tide."
'I see… Now I understand how our family fell so far,' Lucius thought.
"At our peak, we controlled ten cities and were a County Family in this region."
'What a fall from grace…' Lucius mused, finding the situation almost comical.
Soon, Lucius sat near the Crimson Sovereign Flame.
He could feel the heat radiating from the furnace, each wave of energy pressing against his skin and soul. The air shimmered with power, and the crimson flames danced with a life of their own, as if beckoning him closer. Lucius took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. He remembered his father's words—this was not just a test of strength, but of will and spirit.
"Focus your mind, Lucius," Logan instructed, his voice calm but firm. "Let the flame sense your intent. Do not force it. Let it come to you."
Lucius nodded and closed his eyes, sinking into a meditative state. He reached out with his spiritual sense, feeling the world slow around him. The roar of the flames became a steady heartbeat, pulsing in time with his own.
Lucius had secretly begun soul cultivation, having learned that one could strengthen the soul by destroying a part of its essence and letting it recover. It was a ruthless method, but it worked—he had reached the Soul Initiation Realm.
He visualized the flame as a living entity—proud, fierce, and untamed. He did not try to dominate it. Instead, he offered respect, acknowledging its power and ancient lineage. In his mind, he spoke: "I am Lucius Blackthorn. I seek not to control you, but to walk beside you. Will you accept me?"
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a surge of heat washed over him, and he felt the presence of the Crimson Sovereign Flame. It was vast and overwhelming, like standing before a raging inferno. The flame tested him, probing his heart for fear, doubt, or arrogance.
Lucius let his memories flow—his struggles, his dreams, his desire to protect his family and restore their former glory. He showed the flame his determination, his willingness to endure pain and hardship for those he loved.
Suddenly, the flames surged higher, and a tendril of crimson fire shot out from the furnace, wrapping around Lucius's wrist. The pain was intense, but Lucius gritted his teeth and refused to pull away. He welcomed the agony, letting it burn away his hesitation.
'What is this child doing?! I told him to devour the flame, and he's taming it? Doesn't he know that's nearly impossible for weak cultivators?' Logan thought, anxiety gnawing at him.
The flame's consciousness pressed into Lucius's mind, whispering ancient secrets and forgotten histories. He saw visions of past wielders, of battles fought and lost, of sacrifices made for power. He understood that the Crimson Sovereign Flame was not just a tool—it was a legacy, a burden, and a promise.
"Do… you… accept… the… cost?" the flame seemed to ask.
The cost was a pact of equals: Lucius would protect the flame, and it would aid him in battle. The flame would have the right to devour any spirits it wished, until it gained its own spirit body and achieved immortality.
"I do," Lucius replied, his voice unwavering.
The tendril of fire flared, then sank into his skin, leaving a crimson mark on his forearm—a symbol of their pact. Instantly, Lucius felt a rush of energy flood his meridians, his soul igniting with newfound strength. The pain faded, replaced by a sense of unity and purpose.
He opened his eyes, sweat pouring down his face, but his gaze was clear and resolute. The furnace's flames had calmed, burning steadily as if in approval.
Logan watched in awe, a proud smile breaking through his usual sternness. "You did it, Lucius. You have tamed the Crimson Sovereign Flame."
Lucius flexed his fingers, feeling the power coursing through him. He could sense the flame's presence within his soul—a loyal companion and fierce protector.
"Thank you, Father," Lucius said, bowing respectfully. "I will not let our family's legacy fade. We will revive the Blackthorns and make them the strongest."
Logan placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Remember, the flame is both a gift and a responsibility. Use it wisely, and it will guide you to greatness."
Lucius nodded, determination burning in his eyes. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but with the Crimson Sovereign Flame by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited him.
Taming a spirit and making a pact was far better than simply devouring it. When tamed, spirits could grow as well. Lucius had just gained his first lifelong companion in this new and ruthless world.
As he left the basement, Lucius felt a new sense of confidence. The mark on his arm glowed faintly, a reminder of the trial he had overcome.
He realized that, if not for his reincarnated soul and the noble aura granted by the Obsidian Laws, he might never have won the heart of the flame.
...
Inside Lucius's soul sea.
"Welcome, newcomer," a voice echoed.
A small, childlike flame spirit hovered in the soul sea.
As the spirit turned toward the voice, it froze.
It saw a magnificent throne, and upon it, a godlike being sat dormant, radiating overwhelming power. The spirit felt a pressure unlike any it had known.
Realizing the presence it would soon share its existence with, the spirit bowed deeply.
"I… pay… respects," it managed, doing its best to speak.