C20 Real Identity

Yang Xiu clutched at his chest as a sharp pain struck him, and the flood of memories once again filled his mind. His complexion turned deathly pale, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Aying was terrified by the sight, her face blanching as tears dropped from her eyes. She rushed to support Yang Xiu.

"Brother, what's wrong with you? Grandfather, Grandfather, Brother is spitting up blood. Please, save him!"

Through her tears, Aying frantically wiped the blood from Yang Xiu's face.

Lin Zhengyang was close by, having held back from making an appearance until now. But Aying's desperate cries brought him to the scene without delay.

Yang Xiu was in so much pain he couldn't find the words to speak, only managing to gesture with his hands to indicate he was alright.

Lin Zhengyang quickly had Yang Xiu sit cross-legged and began to regulate the chaotic Star Power within his body.

After some time, Yang Xiu's condition improved. "Aying, come here. Do you remember you have an older brother? Your own flesh and blood?"

Yang Xiu's face was grave with seriousness, while Aying looked utterly bewildered. Lin Zhengyang, on the other hand, was taken aback. Seeing Yang Xiu's expression, he had a strong hunch about what might be unfolding—could it really be such an extraordinary coincidence?

Aying shook her head. "I can't remember anything. Since that incident, my memory of everything before is gone." She had suffered amnesia.

"Yes, back then, Aying was just nine years old. She was too frail to endure the Ghost Item's ordeal, and when she came to, she had lost all her memories, only knowing her name was Aying," Lin Zhengyang explained. Yang Xiu felt a twinge of pain in his chest again, but this time, he managed to keep it under control.

"Aying, look at me closely. Do you truly not recognize me at all?" Yang Xiu asked, his voice heavy with emotion, while Lin Zhengyang looked on with a mix of sympathy and concern.

Aying's face remained a mask of confusion; her memories were still locked away.

Without further words, Yang Xiu slowly rose to his feet, taking Aying's hand. "Come with me. I'll teach you how to cultivate." As he spoke, his eyes began to well up with tears.

Lin Zhengyang watched the two walk away and sighed quietly to himself, feeling as though fate was toying with him.

Aying's constitution was extraordinary. To call it merely "good" would be an understatement; it was nothing short of exceptional. Yang Xiu was utterly astonished.

That night, Yang Xiu set about cultivating his Whole Heaven Star Map. Star Power surged within him, wave after wave, assaulting the barrier. Although Yang Xiu could advance to Blood Soldier Level 2 at any moment, he chose to consolidate his strength at Blood Soldier Level 1 to ensure a solid foundation.

On the verge of his breakthrough, a faint speck of light emerged in Yang Xiu's mind. It was so dim it was nearly imperceptible, flickering as if it might shatter at any second. From this speck emanated a powerful conviction: "Protect Aying."

Yang Xiu immediately reined in his breakthrough. "Rest assured, I will cherish her as if she were my own sister. I owe you a debt of gratitude for this second chance at life, and I will certainly honor your dying wish."

The light flickered in response, "Thank you, she is my biological sister."

Yang Xiu then wove a strand of his Soul Power into the light. "Can you share what exactly happened? I promise to keep her safe. Now that she's capable of cultivating, don't worry. One day, she'll be able to defend herself."

Yang Xiu continued to forcefully suppress his breakthrough, acutely aware that if he advanced now, the original consciousness would vanish.

"Thank you," the light continued. "There's an eight-year age gap between Aying and me. Our mother passed away giving birth to Aying, and our father mysteriously vanished when Aying was three, never to be seen again."

The light paused, falling silent for a moment. "I've looked after her all these years. When Aying was eight, our village was decimated by bandits. My sister and I hid until the very end. But the bandits found us. Attracted by Aying's beauty, they decided to take her to their stronghold to be a child bride. They beat me nearly to death and left me for dead in the ravine."

I was on the brink of death when Elder Kong Peng, an Outer Sect Deacon of the Three-essence Sect, saved me, allowing me to cling to life. I joined the Three-essence Sect, hoping that one day I could rescue my sister from the clutches of the Mist Demon.

"If it weren't for your presence in my body, I would have perished long ago, with no chance of ever finding my sister. Now that you've taken over, you must look after her well. I expect you to protect my sister with your life. Fail, and you'll endure the agony of your bones being eaten away. Remember, Aying's real name is Luoying."

With those words, the original owner's light faded, and Yang Xiu's breakthrough could no longer be held back. His cultivation soared to Blood Soldier Level 2.

Yet, a persistent unease gnawed at Yang Xiu's heart, leaving an indelible mark on his spirit. Despite his successful breakthrough, there was no joy in Yang Xiu's heart, only a profound sense of desolation. Such tragedies were all too common in this world.

Aying's smiling face haunted him, stirring a deep melancholy. He resolved to keep these burdens from her. He was now her true brother, and Yang Xiu was determined to always keep her close.

Having made his decision, Yang Xiu channeled the Star Power once more to solidify his cultivation, ensuring his body could adeptly wield the power at Blood Soldier Level 2.

Yet, Yang Xiu's Bloodline Power remained dormant, which only heightened his anticipation for the moment it would awaken and reveal its full potential.

The next day, Yang Xiu continued to mentor Aying as usual. Blessed with innate wit and talent, she was making rapid progress in her cultivation, her diligence propelling her strength to soar.

However, like Yang Xiu, her Bloodline Power had yet to awaken.

During dinner, Yang Xiu invited Sect Master Lin Zhengyang for a discussion. After some deliberation, he broached the subject, "Sect Master Lin, there's a matter I'd like to discuss with you."

Yang Xiu wore a grave expression, prompting Aying to rise, intending to excuse herself. But Yang Xiu took her hand, gently urging, "There's no need for you to leave. This concerns you, and it requires your consent."

Lin Zhengyang nodded, feeling a surge of joy in his heart. At last, his blood relatives were returning.

But Yang Xiu's next words caused Lin Zhengyang's brow to furrow.

"Sect Master Lin, I wish to become true siblings with Aying. Please allow us to take a sworn sibling oath, so that henceforth, we may share the same surname."

Lin Zhengyang fell into a long silence, his mind brimming with questions. "You're certain you just want to become sworn siblings and share your surname with her?"

Yang Xiu nodded affirmatively, while Aying's face beamed with delight. This was something she had long hoped for.