"That's it."

Soon, under Xing Luo's curious gaze, Lyn finished the final setup for the Blood Oath ritual. He activated the aura-blocking array in the training room too.

Just moments earlier, he'd held Xing Luo's small foot—not to play, but to inscribe blood-red runes for a while.

Now, eerie crimson patterns covered her hands, feet, and brow, matching his own. Throughout it all, she only giggled uncontrollably. She showed no suspicion toward the sinister-looking ritual.

Lyn had explained mid-way, fearing she'd overthink. But the girl never doubted he'd harm her. She always smiled at him with innocent trust. "I trust you, Master," she said.

Those words melted into Lyn's heart like honey.

Yet, it sparked frustration. So many transmigrators—why did his damn Demon King System only absorb Seven Sins Authorities? If it were Xing Luo's affection, or if Lust became pure infatuation, he'd be rich this time.

Envy +1!

After Lust, Wrath, and Gluttony, a new Authority finally joined.

"Now, Xing Luo, sit here," Lyn said after one last array check. He had her sit opposite him. She wanted to curl up in his lap, but the ritual's solemnity made her abandon the idea.

Lyn eagerly pulled out the jar of Ancient Blood. He broke its seal. Instantly, an ancient voice echoed as if calling to him. A majestic, domineering aura flooded the sealed room.

"Boom!"

Invisible pressure surged like a tide. Lyn's face turned pale under its weight.

This terrifying aura surpassed every ancient being he'd met. Even during Belmond's bloodline awakening ritual, the source's pressure paled in comparison.

And this came just from that crimson-gold blood!

This Ancient Blood clearly belonged to something monstrous.

Most shocking—it held no will or soul. Pure bloodline energy alone radiated such dread power.

Drawn to the golden blood, Lyn's body burned hot. Something deep within yearned to answer its call.

"Sure enough, even reopened, this pressure's still hard to resist..." Lyn's emotions churned. He'd once considered devouring the blood outright. But its violent power made that unwise.

This time, unsealed fully, the Ancient Blood hit him harder.

"What the hell is this system reward..." Under its pressure, Lyn's body stiffened. Magic circulation grew difficult. Even the temporary runes on him and Xing Luo flickered weakly.

Could this Ancient Blood suppress magic?

"Hum."

Just as Lyn marveled at this hidden power, Xing Luo erupted with shocking aura. A crisp, arrogant dragon's roar echoed!

"BOOM!!!"

Without warning, her aura clashed with the Ancient Blood's. A terrifying shockwave exploded outward from them.

"???"

After the blast, Lyn stared at the shattered ground. Cracks spiderwebbed deep and wide until the room's protective array stopped them. The entire training room shook.

Good thing he'd moved the ritual here. His bedroom would've needed rebuilding otherwise.

The Blood Oath ritual lay completely destroyed.

Lyn ignored that. He anxiously checked on Xing Luo.

Her golden eyes glowed with cold arrogance toward the crimson-gold blood. Silver hair fluttered as an invisible force pushed back against it.

"Xing Luo... Xing Luo..." Lyn softly called after seconds of this trance. He hadn't expected so many mishaps.

"Master." Xing Luo trembled slightly at his voice. She snapped out of it, coldness fading from her eyes. Bewilderment replaced it—she didn't know what happened.

Stimulated by her, the floating blood writhed and shifted shape.

But Lyn's focus stayed on Xing Luo. He ignored the blood's frenzy.

"Xing Luo, are you okay?"

"No." She shook her head, nestled in his arms. She stared at the blood, puzzled.

"What was that just now?" Lyn asked carefully.

"I don't know," Xing Luo whispered. "That blood's aura felt familiar... but I remember nothing."

"Master, did I do something wrong?" She noticed the ruined array and looked up anxiously.

Lyn shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I'll find another way later."

He said it to comfort her. Inside, regret gnawed at him.

He hadn't expected Xing Luo and the Ancient Blood to clash. It wrecked his plans.

Even without her outburst, he wouldn't dare proceed. He couldn't risk harming her for his breakthrough.

"Do I really have to wait for that girl to exit the Divine Grace Tower?" Lyn thought heavily. Hope was so close... this frustration stung. Would he keep bearing the "waste" label? Delaying further, the Dawnstar Trial would become trouble.

As Lyn, heavy-hearted, reached for the sealed jar to reclaim the Ancient Blood—suddenly—

The crimson-gold blood pulsed once. It bypassed the jar's opening and drilled straight into his body!

"Damn!"