"Impossible..." Qin Chen stared at the faint lightning coursing through his veins. "Bloodlines typically require external energy absorption or Bloodline Masters' intervention to evolve. But this Thunderclap Bloodline..."

  A self-evolving bloodline?

  In this world, bloodlines ranked as Mortal-grade (capped at Third-tier), Mystic-grade (Sixth-tier), and King-grade (Ninth-tier). Legends spoke of a Divine-grade beyond—bloodlines that ascended with their wielder's cultivation, needing no external nourishment.

  "Could this be... a Divine Bloodline?"

  His palms dampened. Historical records suggested Divine Bloodline wielders who survived early trials inevitably dominated continents.

  No time for speculation.

  Qin Chen exhaled sharply. "Priority: reach late Human Stage before the Academy Trials."

  For days, he remained sealed in his chamber. The Nine Star Divine Emperor Art cycled endlessly—each revolution refining his twelve meridians. Unlike ordinary cultivation techniques that risked meridian damage, this supreme art repaired tissues even as it surged.

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  Crack!

  On the eve of the trials, his dantian quaked. The true energy pool expanded tenfold, churning like stormy seas.

  Late Human Stage—achieved.

  "Twenty equine forces..." Qin Chen observed the shattered courtyard boulder. Ordinary late Human Stage cultivators wielded ten equine forces. His doubled strength stemmed from the Thunderclap Bloodline's enhancement.

  Qin Manor

  "Everything's arranged?" Zhao Feng lounged on her divan, venom lacing her words.

  Steward Qin Yong bowed. "The examiner accepted the additional twenty thousand silvers. But... tampering with Starfall Academy's trials risks—"

  "Risks?" Zhao Feng's jade hairpin gleamed coldly. "That bastard's blood still flows in the old man's veins. Only expulsion from the academy will sever their last thread to this house."

  The door burst open. Qin Fen strode in, arrogance personified. "Worry not, Mother. Even if that trash awakened a bloodline, I'll cripple him personally during the trials."

  His fist crackled with dark energy—a King-grade Shadow Python Bloodline coiled beneath his skin.

  Dawn approached.

  Qin Chen donned fresh robes, azure lightning flickering in his pupils. Beyond the window, Starfall Academy's silhouette pierced the horizon—a colosseum where fates would be decided.