The Heavenly Dragon Descendant (Rewritten)

Chapter Twenty Five

Two days had passed since Nian's fierce clash with Su Sheng. In the quiet stillness of the his bathing chamber, he leaned back in his own medicinal bath, feeling the slow, satisfying pull of warmth permeate his body as he cultivated. A wall away, Lei Cheng and Li Yuchao soaked in similar baths, each submerged in a steady trance of cultivation.

After holding his concentration for two days straight, Nian finally broke the silence. "Does everyone in the Han family really know this martial technique?" he asked, his voice echoing softly across the room.

Master Xian's ghostly figure flickered into form, hovering near Nian, a glimmer of approval in his translucent eyes. "Yes, Nian," he replied in his calm, ethereal voice. "The Heavenly draconic transformation technique is exclusive to Han family members because of the unique concentration of dragon qi in our blood. No one else can practice it."

Nian's brow furrowed slightly as he considered this. "No one else at all... But are there other dragon-based techniques outside the Han family?" he asked, the faintest curiosity sparking in his voice.

"Yes," Master Xian nodded, his voice soft yet resonant. "Our Heavenly Dragon Clan has two families—the Han family and the Long family. We have a rivalry, but it's friendly. We're essentially one large family, representing the pure essence of dragons. Every other dragon-type technique is simply an imitation, no matter how strong it might be."

Nian nodded in understanding, glancing at Master Xian with newfound respect. Just as he absorbed this information, Master Xian continued.

"Families are structured into core and non-core members. The core members are the main line, carrying the original bloodline of the family. Non-core members, however, are those who joined later. In a clan like ours, where bloodline is everything, these non-core members must undergo the 'acquired blood baptism,' a ritual where they absorb as much dragon blood as their bodies can bear. This ritual not only strengthens them but also allows the family to sense any ill intentions."

A hint of awe crept into Nian's gaze. "Wow," he murmured, shaking his head. "That's... a lot."

At that moment, Lei Cheng interrupted as he walked into the chamber, his face flushed from the heat of his own bath. "What's a lot?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow at Nian, clearly intrigued by the conversation.

Nian smirked, shrugging. "Nothing," he replied smoothly.

Lei Cheng squinted, giving him a once-over with genuine concern. "You've been talking to yourself a lot lately. Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, folding his arms, a faint wrinkle forming on his brow.

Nian chuckled, finally stepping out of the bath and beginning to towel off. "I'm fine. Just... thinking out loud." He cast a grin back at Lei Cheng, his eyes glinting.

Lei Cheng, now helping Nian dry his arms, shook his head in amusement. "This medicinal bath is amazing," he announced. "After soaking in it and cultivating for a few days, I've finally broken through to the Foundation Realm."

Nian's grin widened, nodding approvingly. "Wait until you find something even more interesting," he hinted, mischief gleaming in his eyes.

Lei Cheng raised an eyebrow, curiosity immediately piqued. "Something like what?" he asked, passing Nian his neatly folded clothes.

Nian took his clothes, gesturing towards a simple yet distinctive pendant resting on a small pedestal nearby. "Touch that pendant," he instructed, "and concentrate—focus as much as you can."

Curiosity stirred in Lei Cheng's eyes as he approached the pendant, its dull metallic surface catching the faintest glint of light. Tentatively, he wrapped his fingers around it, its cool surface pressing into his palm. He closed his eyes, drawing in a deep, steadying breath, and focused.