A dark grey halo of thunder hovered ominously above Xueyin's roof, its presence drawing the attention of everyone around. This was no ordinary storm—it was a harbinger of something far greater. Xueyin had broken through into the final phase, a phase that would make him immortal. This was the stage that struck fear into the hearts of even the most powerful beings, a phase no one had ever reached. Even those who had sacrificed their lives for the Star Cycle had never come close. It was a phase so terrifying that hearing his name would send a shiver down the spine of anyone who dared to utter it.
Yet, this dark grey halo was baffling. Both the Emperor and Empress, along with Xueyin's master, could not comprehend what was unfolding. If the storm surrounding him were to expand, no one would survive. And then, the first thunder strike hit.
Xueyin's hair was instantly scorched by the intense strike. The second hit, his lips were affected, the third struck, and his entire body convulsed from the electric shock. The thunder continued, each strike more punishing than the last. The fourth, fifth, and sixth thunderbolts shook the very earth beneath him. As the sky darkened and the storm intensified, the Emperor, though terrified, forced himself to remain calm. *If he cannot withstand this, how could he sacrifice himself for the world?* The thought of such a sacrifice kept him focused.
The Empress, however, could not hide her disdain. Through a transmission talisman, she scorned him, "Have you ever considered him your son at all? What a disgraceful father you are." The Emperor's retort came sharply: "And what is your concern? He's never been your son. The last time I checked, you and I were enemies. Don't think I don't know how you've schemed to make your own son the crown prince."
The Empress fell silent, her thoughts racing back to the dark days when she had drugged the Emperor to conceive a child. A twin—a boy and a girl—had been born, but those secrets were buried long ago.
As the seventh thunderbolt struck, Xueyin remained in his Buddha position, still enduring. But the agony inside him was unbearable. Despite the pain, he held onto the thought of avenging his mother's death and exposing the vile betrayal of his stepmother. The next thunderbolt, the eighth, the ninth... The tenth strike came, more powerful than the rest, as if it were meant to end Xueyin's life. But instead, it caused something extraordinary.
Xueyin's body, covered in scales that resembled dragon hide, began to morph. A sword-like shape formed from the water around him, and the spiritual energy emanating from it began to merge with his cultivation. This was no ordinary water—it was merman water, a rare bloodline that had awakened and evolved, allowing him to understand the Water Dao.
At that moment, Xueyin realized something profound. His mother's relic emerged, syncing with his consciousness. Shocked, he gazed at the relic, seeing visions of the past, of his family's dark history. But one thing stood out—*this is not the final cultivation level*. The voice of his mother echoed in his mind: *The last voice you need to hear is to travel the universe. This is your destiny, my son, sometimes, the greatest sacrifice is to live, knowing what you must give up*
Xueyin, now filled with newfound strength and understanding, realized that he was more than just a pawn in this world. He was destined for something greater, something that would shape the future. If only his master could see him now, he would know that Xueyin was the one who was meant to make the ultimate sacrifice for the world's future.
As the storm subsided and everything returned to normal, Xueyin continued to cultivate, unaware that forces were already in motion to protect him and his power from the eyes of those who might seek to use it for their own ends.