C21 Inheritance

Shi Chengtian's complexion drained of color as he stumbled backward, retreating two full steps.

Jiang Fann inhaled deeply, his gaze fixed on the immortal crane perched atop the statue. With a serene demeanor, he stepped forward, moving toward the statue. As the esteemed Medicine King, he was not one to be easily cowed.

The ominous voice echoed once more. "Human, you're on a path to your own demise. Cease your advance, or I shall spare you no mercy."

Shi Chengtian reached out to pull Jiang Fann back, only to find that Jiang Fann remained steadfast, undeterred as he pressed on.

The oppressive force intensified in the next moment, causing Jiang Fann's frame to quiver. Nevertheless, he held firm and continued his approach.

Standing before the statue, Jiang Fann spoke, "I may not understand how you harness the statue's power, but sadly, you've already revealed your intentions."

Ignoring the mounting pressure, Jiang Fann tapped into his Spiritual Sense to survey the area. A revelation struck, and his eyes gleamed with insight.

Enveloped in a soft, nurturing power, Jiang Fann watched as the immortal crane atop the statue grew restless. The once-crushing force evaporated into nothingness.

Shi Chengtian, concerned, quickly inquired, "Jiang Fann, are you unharmed?"

Jiang Fann shook his head, indicating no harm, and suggested, "Draw nearer; there appears to be a legacy awaiting us here."

Though puzzled by the unfolding events, Shi Chengtian complied and stepped beside Jiang Fann.

The statue then radiated a divine glow, bathing them in its sanctified light. They were gently lifted by the tender force.

The woman's voice resurfaced, now shedding its previous chill for a tone that was warm and melodious. "How long has it been since a soul braved Heavenly Despair Peak? Centuries? Millennia?"

Jiang Fann bowed respectfully, "I pay my respects, Elder!"

The voice, tinged with curiosity, appraised him. "A fascinating human child, with a corporeal strength rivaling that of demons, and yet, within the early stages of the Innate Stage, you possess the strength of its later phases."

She then turned her attention to Shi Chengtian. "This young lion has seen his realm diminish. Such a waste of his inherent talents."

Above them, a crane's call pierced the air. The immortal crane, perched uneasily on the statue, seemed troubled yet dared not take flight.

Jiang Fann was on high alert, burdened with too many secrets he didn't want powerful beings to uncover.

Shi Chengtian was equally cautious, keeping silent and offering no resistance.

The voice that spoke carried a trace of uncertainty. "There's a familiar scent about you, little lion! Have you visited the Red Sail Cave?" Shi Chengtian simply nodded, offering no further explanation.

A gentle force nudged Shi Chengtian back. "Since you've already received that legacy, mine is no longer suitable for you."

Shi Chengtian didn't press the issue and instead cautioned Jiang Fann, "Stay sharp."

Jiang Fann didn't dwell on it; Shi Chengtian had previously mentioned the Red Sail Cave. It was that very legacy which had delayed his exit from this mystic domain.

A voice then addressed Jiang Fann, "Young human, are you interested in my legacy?"

"What are your conditions, Elder?" Jiang Fann inquired.

The voice recounted its tale. "My true form lies dormant. In the past, we served the Black Dragon King and ultimately crafted a grand formation, combining our powers to aid its breakthrough."

"Alas, the effort left us drained and in slumber. The Black Dragon King, fearing disturbance by outsiders, created this sanctuary before departing, a gift to future generations and a means to aid us through our plight."

"Many years have passed, and only three souls have reached Heavenly Despair Peak. Two perished here, simply because their bodies weren't robust enough to endure my legacy. Their failed attempts fed their lifeblood to me, keeping my Spiritual Sense awake."

Unperturbed by the revelation, Jiang Fann pressed on, "Elder, I ask you to state your request plainly."

"When you're ready to receive the legacy, we'll discuss my conditions. There's no rush."

From behind, Shi Chengtian warned, "Jiang Fann, don't accept this legacy. Something feels off!"

Jiang Fann sensed it too, his brow furrowing.

But it was too late. Shi Chengtian's outburst had him suddenly enveloped in a mighty force, hurling him backward.

He felt the world whirl around him in an instant.

Regaining his senses, he found himself outside the cave, anxiously staring at its entrance. Jiang Fann had not emerged with him.

He sprang to his feet and dashed toward the cave.

Then, with a thud, he tumbled to the ground, his head reeling.

An enchantment sealed the cave's mouth, barring entry.

...

Deep within the cave's grand hall, Jiang Fann floated, unresisting yet vigilant and composed.

"The obstacle has been removed. Now, little one, you must endure. Fail, and your life is forfeit."

Facing the statue, Jiang Fann declared evenly, "I detest threats!"

"Admirable resolve! Alas, your Innate Stage abilities cannot alter my methods. I am known as Venerable Aotian. Should you withstand this, consider yourself my disciple. It will do you no harm."

Jiang Fann felt unease, aware that the path to becoming a Venerable was fraught with peril. This legacy would be no different.

Unprepared, a torrent of energy surged from his Spiritual Pedestal into his body.

It was fortunate that Jiang Fann's physical form was robust; a typical early Innate Stage practitioner would have perished instantly.

"Excellent! The potential of this body is impressive!"

Jiang Fann steadied his breathing and concentrated, striving to tame the wild Spiritual Strength within. The Creation Spell of Heaven and Earth, part of the Arts of Pill Dao, activated, exerting its formidable control to quell the chaos.

With the emergence of each Pill Dao chapter, the pressure diminished sharply.

A surge of elation filled Jiang Fann, "The Chapter of Pill Dao truly is a Divine Spell! I can refine this legacy's power as if it were a pill and then assimilate it. Perhaps this way, I can avoid the karma associated with these mighty beings. It's truly defying the heavens."

Despite the deluge of power flooding his body, Jiang Fann stood unwavering.

Eyes closed, he contemplated the Arts of Pill Dao. With the Chapter of Pill Dao only just mastered, continued practice promised to enhance his abilities even further.

He forcibly diverted some of the power flooding into his Qi Sea, channeling it throughout his body to warm and fortify his flesh with Spiritual Strength.

Despite this, an hour later, Jiang Fann's Qi Sea still swelled to its brink. His aura paused briefly before bursting forth, propelling him smoothly into the middle phase of the Innate Stage.

Yet, this breakthrough ushered in an even mightier force that infused his body.

"Incredible! Absolutely incredible! I'm curious about the technique you employed to dampen the power's onslaught! Such a fascinating physique."

Jiang Fann continued to ignore the commentary as his body swelled like an inflated ball.

Within the Qi Sea, the fragmented scroll autonomously shielded its master, casting a soft golden glow. Currents of Qi flowed into his meridians, aiding in the tempering of Jiang Fann's body.

Each advancement unlocked vast potential within his physique. From the outset, Jiang Fann spared no effort in honing his body to peak condition, knowing the immense benefits it would reap for his future cultivation. Nevertheless, this journey was lengthy, and the cost, far beyond what most would bear.

After seven hours of enduring the inheritance, Jiang Fann could distinctly sense his body's transformation. His Qi Sea burgeoned, significantly more robust than before.

With the final surge of energy assimilated, he was on the cusp of the Later Period of Innate Stage. Had he not allocated Spiritual Strength to refine his body, he would have undoubtedly achieved the pinnacle of the Innate Stage. The rapidity of his progress thrilled him.

"Perfection! Such a flawless physique! My boy, I truly didn't anticipate your success. Now, it's time to discuss what I need from you."

The elation from his surge in cultivation vanished in a flash.

Jiang Fann eyed the figure warily, sensing their power wane, a clear sign that the inheritance had taken its toll on the statue.

Suddenly, the celestial crane issued a piercing cry, then swiftly took to the skies with a powerful beat of its wings.

The woman's voice steadied, "I intend to reside within your body and share it with you!"

"Get out!"

Jiang Fann's roar was laced with fury. He had sensed that something was amiss.

The once gentle voice took on a menacing tone, and Jiang Fann felt a searing pain in his head, as if something were trying to burrow into his very being.

Jiang Fann's Spiritual Sense was already beyond the norm, and with his recent breakthrough, it had grown even stronger. He quickly gathered his focus to resist the intrusion.

This was no mere possession; it was a malevolent attempt to seize his body. The creature had set its sights on Jiang Fann's physical form, intending to claim it as its own.

Jiang Fann's brow furrowed in suspicion. Could the Black Dragon King truly command such a wicked follower?

The tattered scroll unleashed its power once more, rapidly drawing in over half of the Spiritual Strength from Jiang Fann's Qi Sea. Then, it circulated within him, releasing a force that transformed into a blade, cleaving upwards.

A scream tore through the air as Jiang Fann plummeted from the sky, crashing to the ground.

From within the statue, a black shadow emerged, taking the form of a woman with a grotesque visage, her head gruesomely severed. The scroll had defended its master, severing her soul.

Jiang Fann studied the statue's aura, his expression tense. "Has my obsession become a demon?"

"You wretch! You've cut through my soul! What was that light?" she raged.

The formidable presence pushed Jiang Fann back step by step. The entity's soul had been cleaved, and it wouldn't be long before it dissipated entirely. Yet, its final throes promised to be perilous. Jiang Fann, only in the middle stage of the Innate Stage, how could he possibly stand against it?

The gap in their realms was vast, leaving Jiang Fann unable to discern the extent of his adversary's power. But it was surely beyond the Spirit Refining Stage.

The Spiritual Strength in his Qi Sea had been greatly depleted by the attack. Jiang Fann quickly took a medicinal pill, hoping to regain some of his strength.

Retreating continuously, Jiang Fann watched as the obsession turned utterly frenzied, the surrounding flames morphing into a chilling green hue.

"You've ruined my millennia of cultivation. I will have you join me in death!" the entity declared.

Bracing himself, Jiang Fann prepared for a desperate fight.

Just then, a crane's call pierced the air from above. A streak of red light descended upon the statue.

The persistent spirit let out a final, agonizing scream as its form slowly disintegrated, eventually turning into a mere shadow that was gradually pushed back into the statue.

"I refuse to accept this..."

The last cry was nearly a shriek, and as it faded, the area returned to normal, the oppressive force vanishing completely.

Jiang Fann realized he was soaked in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest.

His gaze fixed on the statue, whose energy was rapidly fading.

Above the statue, a red feather had fallen, glowing like a flame and capturing Jiang Fann's gaze.

"Could that be the Red Flaming Feather?"

At that moment, the celestial crane settled on the statue once more, gazing down at Jiang Fann.

A severe voice rang out, "I've given you several chances to leave, yet you persist. You're truly flirting with death!"

Jiang Fann, taken aback, addressed the celestial crane, "Who are you, exactly?"

"I am the Venerable Person's Spiritual Sense! We were once united, but it was the stronger entity, forcing me out of the statue to take on this form. For it to reincarnate, it must use another's body, one that can endure the legacy..."

"And what about this Red Flaming Feather?"

"It is a legacy left by the Venerable Person, previously used to quell the obsession. Sadly, it was stolen by ruffians eight hundred years ago. By the time I retrieved it, it could no longer contain the obsession. Had you not severed its spirit this time, the Red Flaming Feather would have been powerless against it."