Akashic_Tales Originals
God-Tier Shop System: I Sell Everything But Mercy
[Author – SYTTROX]
[Editor – MiT7]
Chapter 6: Hidden Potential (2)
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Energy absorption? That could explain why the Earthshaker Behemoth had tracked him so aggressively, perhaps his awakening bloodline had been unconsciously drawing energy from the dungeon environment.
Lin Tian experimented carefully, extending his senses toward a spirit stone he kept on his desk. He felt a connection form, tenuous but real, between his unstable meridians and the stone's concentrated energy. With delicate focus, he pulled.
The spirit stone dimmed visibly as energy flowed from it into Lin Tian's body. The chaotic fluctuations in his meridians calmed momentarily, the absorbed energy somehow neutralizing the instability.
[New Ability Discovered: Energy Consumption]
[Current Level: Basic]
[Effect: Temporary Stabilization]
[Duration: 17 Minutes per Standard Spirit Stone]
[Warning: Excessive Use May Accelerate Bloodline Awakening]
Lin Tian smiled despite the pain. This discovery could buy him precious time while they gathered the ritual materials. He placed several more spirit stones within reach, planning to consume them sequentially to maintain stability until the ritual could be performed.
---
The Alchemist Guild headquarters buzzed with unusual activity when Lin Tian arrived. Apprentices rushed between laboratories, senior alchemists huddled in urgent consultation, and even Master Feng himself seemed harried as he greeted Lin Tian in the reception hall.
"Young Master Lin," the old alchemist said, eyeing Lin Tian's concealed appearance with suspicion. Despite a hooded cloak that hid his glowing eyes and silver-streaked hair, something about his presence drew attention. "Your certification results are ready, but we have a situation that requires my attention. Perhaps you could return tomorrow?"
"My business won't wait, Master Feng," Lin Tian replied, his voice carrying a subtle resonance that hadn't been present before. "I need Void Essence. Three portions, highest quality."
The old alchemist's bushy eyebrows rose. "Void Essence is restricted material, used primarily for bloodline rituals and high-level cultivation techniques. The paperwork alone requires—"
"I have authorization from the Lin Family," Lin Tian interrupted, presenting a jade token bearing his father's seal. "And I'm willing to pay triple market value."
Master Feng's professional demeanor warred briefly with his merchant instincts before the latter prevailed. "Very well. Wait here while I retrieve it from our secure storage."
While the alchemist was gone, Lin Tian observed the guild's unusual activity more carefully. Apprentices carried trays of hastily prepared medicines toward the back chambers, while senior alchemists consulted ancient texts with worried expressions.
"Something's happened," he murmured to himself.
The system interface activated without prompting, analyzing the environment.
[Environmental Analysis]
[Unusual Activity Detected]
[Probable Cause: Medical Emergency]
[Relevant Information: Multiple Similar Cases Reported Citywide]
Lin Tian approached a harried-looking apprentice. "What's going on? Why the urgency?"
The young man glanced around nervously before answering. "Hunters returning from the Northern Forest dungeon. They're showing strange symptoms, energy fluctuations, meridian instability, bloodline resonance in those without known bloodlines."
Lin Tian's eyes widened beneath his hood. Symptoms identical to his own condition.
"How many affected?"
"Dozens so far, mostly those who ventured into the middle and inner rings. The guild is trying to develop a stabilizing agent, but without knowing the cause..."
Master Feng returned before the apprentice could continue, carrying a small box sealed with protective talismans. "Your Void Essence, Young Master Lin. Three portions of the highest quality, as requested."
Lin Tian paid the exorbitant price without haggling, his mind racing with implications. If other hunters were experiencing similar symptoms, something fundamental had changed in the dungeon environment, perhaps related to the Abyss Rift Kiera had mentioned.
"Master Feng," he said as he accepted the box, "my products' certification?"
"Ah, yes." The old alchemist produced a sealed document. "All five products passed certification with exceptional ratings. You may now sell them legally throughout the city. Though given the current situation with returning hunters, the market may be temporarily disrupted."
Lin Tian thanked him and departed, the certification document and Void Essence secure in his spatial pouch. Outside, he found Kiera waiting at their predetermined meeting spot, her expression triumphant.
"I found it," she announced without preamble. "Phoenix Heart Herb. A retired alchemist in the eastern district had a preserved specimen. Cost me nearly all my savings, but it's genuine."
She produced a small jar containing what appeared to be a dried flower with petals shaped like flames, its color a deep gold with red veins. The system confirmed its authenticity.
[Item Identified: Phoenix Heart Herb]
[Quality: High (Preserved)]
[Potency: 92%]
[Suitability for Ritual: Acceptable]
"Perfect," Lin Tian said, adding it to his spatial pouch. "Two down, one to go. My father is sending a proxy to the Black Market auction for the Abyssal Crystal."
Kiera nodded, then studied him more carefully. "You seem... steadier. The energy fluctuations have calmed."
"Temporary solution," he explained, showing her a dimmed spirit stone. "I discovered I can consume energy from spirit stones to temporarily stabilize the condition. It won't last, but it buys us time."
"Consumption ability?" Kiera's eyes widened. "That's a rare trait, even among established bloodlines."
They made their way toward the merchant district, where Lin Tian's father would meet them after the auction. As they walked, Lin Tian noticed more signs of the situation Master Feng had mentioned, healers rushing through streets, worried families gathered outside medical establishments, and Crimson Hawk members escorting weakened hunters toward the guild compound.
"It's not just me," he told Kiera, explaining what he'd learned at the Alchemist Guild. "Other hunters from the dungeon are showing similar symptoms."
She frowned. "That's unprecedented. Dungeons don't typically cause bloodline resonance."
"Unless something changed in the dungeon environment." Lin Tian lowered his voice. "You mentioned an Abyss Rift in the deeper sections. Could it have expanded?"
"If it did..." Kiera's expression grew troubled. "Abyss Rifts are tears in reality that lead to the Chaos Realms. If it's growing, the entire dungeon could become unstable, possibly affecting the city itself."
Their discussion was interrupted by a commotion ahead. A hunter collapsed in the street, his body convulsing as crimson energy erupted from his skin. Bystanders scattered in panic as Crimson Hawk members rushed to contain the situation.
"Just like my episode in the dungeon," Lin Tian murmured, watching as the hunter was restrained and carried away.
"Except you had a system to help stabilize you," Kiera pointed out. "These hunters don't."
The implications were sobering. If dozens or even hundreds of hunters experienced uncontrolled bloodline resonance simultaneously, the city could face a catastrophe. Each awakening might manifest differently based on the individual's latent potential, creating unpredictable and possibly dangerous results.
They reached the Lin Family estate as afternoon shadows lengthened across the city. Lin Tian's father waited in his study, his expression grave as they entered.
"The situation grows more complex," the elder Lin said without preamble. "The city council has called an emergency meeting. All dungeon expeditions have been suspended pending investigation."
"And the Abyssal Crystal?" Lin Tian asked, tension evident in his voice despite his temporary stabilization.
His father placed a small box on the desk between them. "Obtained, at considerable expense. The auction was frenzied, many bidders sought similar materials, likely for the same purpose you do."
Lin Tian opened the box carefully. Inside, nestled on black velvet, lay a crystal unlike any he'd seen before. Smaller than his thumbnail, it appeared to contain a miniature galaxy, swirling darkness punctuated by pinpricks of light that moved as if alive. The system immediately identified it.
[Item Identified: Abyssal Crystal (Tear of the Void)]
[Quality: Exceptional]
[Purity: 97%]
[Suitability for Ritual: Optimal]
[Warning: Contains Trace Abyss Energy]
"It's perfect," Lin Tian breathed, relief washing through him. "We have all three components for the stabilization ritual."
"Then proceed quickly," his father advised. "The city watch is implementing restrictions on bloodline-related activities following today's incidents. By tomorrow, performing such a ritual may require sect approval."
Lin Tian nodded, gathering the precious materials. "I'll need privacy and protection from interruption. The ritual may produce... noticeable effects."
"Use the family's ritual chamber in the east wing," his father suggested. "It's shielded against energy fluctuations and designed for privacy. I'll ensure you're not disturbed."
As they prepared to leave, the elder Lin added, "Son, whatever happens... remember our family name. The Lin Family has survived for generations through adaptability and prudence. Power is valuable only when controlled."
Lin Tian understood the warning. Bloodline awakening meant power, but uncontrolled power could destroy everything his family had built. "I'll remember, Father."
---
The Lin Family ritual chamber was ancient, its walls inscribed with faded formations designed to contain and focus energy. Dust covered most surfaces, evidence that the merchant family had long abandoned cultivation pursuits in favor of commerce.
Lin Tian and Kiera worked quickly to prepare the space, clearing the central area and arranging the ritual components according to the system's instructions. The Void Essence, Phoenix Heart Herb, and Abyssal Crystal formed a triangle on the stone floor, connected by lines of Lin Tian's blood.
"The system says I need to meditate at the center," he explained, removing his outer robes. "The ritual will attempt to reconfigure my meridians to properly channel the bloodline energy. It's... not going to be pleasant."
Kiera positioned herself by the chamber door. "I'll keep watch and make sure no one interrupts. How long will it take?"
"Unknown," Lin Tian admitted. "The system estimates between one and three hours, depending on resistance."
He settled into the ritual formation, cross-legged at the center of the blood triangle. The system interface expanded before him, displaying detailed instructions.
[Meridian Reconfiguration Ritual]
[Phase 1: Energy Circulation]
[Phase 2: Meridian Restructuring]
[Phase 3: Bloodline Integration]
[Begin When Ready]
[Warning: Process Cannot Be Interrupted Once Started]
Lin Tian took a deep breath, centering himself. "I'm ready."
He activated the ritual with a pulse of his unstable energy. The blood lines connecting the three components began to glow, first red, then shifting to match his eyes, crimson with swirling black patterns. The Void Essence dissolved into dark mist that encircled him, while the Phoenix Heart Herb burst into golden flames that didn't burn. The Abyssal Crystal rose into the air, hovering above his head as it pulsed with otherworldly light.
Pain lanced through Lin Tian as the ritual began in earnest. Unlike the chaotic agony of his dungeon awakening, this pain was precise, surgical in its intensity as it targeted specific meridians throughout his body. He felt the blocked pathways being forcibly widened, realigned, and in some cases completely restructured to accommodate his awakening bloodline.
The system provided clinical updates as the ritual progressed.
[Phase 1 Complete: Energy Circulation Established]
[Phase 2 In Progress: Meridian Restructuring 37%]
[Warning: Significant Resistance Detected]
[Recommendation: Surrender to Process]
Lin Tian struggled to follow the recommendation. His instinct was to fight the pain, to maintain control, but the ritual required submission, allowing his body to be remade according to the bloodline's requirements.
With tremendous effort, he surrendered his resistance. The pain intensified briefly, then transformed into something else, a burning sensation that felt simultaneously destructive and creative, as if he were being unmade and reforged in the same moment.
Visions flashed through his mind: a massive bird of prey with feathers black as night and eyes like dying stars; worlds consumed in void-flame that left not ash but nothingness; cycles of death and rebirth spanning eons; and through it all, a hunger, insatiable, eternal, yet somehow purposeful.
The Abyssal Phoenix. His bloodline's source.
The ritual accelerated as his resistance faded, the components dissolving completely as they were absorbed into his transforming body. Lin Tian felt his consciousness expanding, touching aspects of reality he'd never perceived before. The very fabric of existence seemed visible to him now, threads of energy connecting all things, patterns within patterns, cycles within cycles.
[Phase 2 Complete: Meridian Restructuring Successful]
[Phase 3 In Progress: Bloodline Integration 82%]
[Host Transformation: Progressing Optimally]
[Estimated Completion: 7 Minutes]
Lin Tian lost track of time as the ritual reached its climax. Energy surged through his newly restructured meridians, no longer chaotic but flowing in precise patterns that resonated with his awakening bloodline. The silver in his hair spread until it covered his head entirely, gleaming like polished metal in the ritual chamber's dim light.
With a final surge of power that momentarily lifted him from the floor, the ritual completed. Lin Tian collapsed onto the stone, gasping as new sensations flooded his awareness. The world looked different through his transformed eyes, layers of reality visible that had been hidden before, energy signatures glowing around living beings, connections between seemingly separate objects revealed as intricate webs.
The system chimed with confirmation.
[Ritual Complete: Bloodline Stabilization Successful]
[Current Status: Abyssal Phoenix Lineage (15% Awakened, Stable)]
[Cultivation: Qi Foundation Stage 2 (Stable)]
[New Abilities Unlocked: Void Perception, Energy Consumption (Enhanced), Flame Affinity]
[Quest Completed: Bloodline Stabilization]
[Reward: Bloodline Skill Unlocked - Void Flame (Basic)]
Kiera rushed to his side, her expression a mixture of awe and concern. "Lin Tian? Are you alright? Your appearance..."
He sat up slowly, testing his transformed body. The pain had vanished completely, replaced by a steady warmth centered in his core. His meridians hummed with controlled power, no longer volatile but precisely channeled.
"I'm more than alright," he replied, his voice carrying a subtle resonance that hadn't been present before. "The ritual worked perfectly."
He caught his reflection in a polished metal surface nearby. His transformation was striking, hair completely silver, eyes a deep crimson with swirling black patterns, and faint markings like circuit lines visible beneath his skin when he channeled energy. He looked nothing like the original Lin Tian, nor his former Earth self. He had become something new.
"Can you control it?" Kiera asked, helping him to his feet.
In answer, Lin Tian extended his hand, focusing on his newly unlocked ability. A small flame appeared above his palm, not the orange-red of normal fire, but a deep black tinged with crimson, seeming to consume the light around it rather than emit illumination.
"Void Flame," he said, feeling the connection between the flame and his bloodline energy. "The signature ability of the Abyssal Phoenix."
Kiera stared at the flame with a mixture of fascination and unease. "I've never seen anything like it. What does it do?"
"It doesn't burn matter," Lin Tian explained, understanding coming to him through his bloodline connection. "It consumes energy directly. The physical material remains, but its essence is devoured."
To demonstrate, he directed the small flame toward a wooden chair in the corner of the chamber. The flame touched the wood, which didn't burn but seemed to age rapidly, drying, cracking, and eventually crumbling to dust as its fundamental energy was consumed. The flame grew slightly larger in the process.
"That's..." Kiera searched for words. "Terrifying, actually."
Lin Tian extinguished the flame with a thought. "And this is just the beginning. The system says my bloodline is only fifteen percent awakened. With further cultivation and advancement, more abilities will manifest."
The implications were staggering. If a mere fifteen percent awakening granted him such power, what would happen at fifty percent? Or complete awakening? The Abyssal Phoenix of legend had been capable of consuming entire realms.
"We should return to my chambers," Lin Tian decided, gathering his robes. "My father will want to know the ritual succeeded, and we need to discuss our next steps."
As they left the ritual chamber, Lin Tian felt a fundamental shift in his perspective. He had entered as a merchant with a system advantage, seeking to build a business empire through market disruption. He emerged as something more, a cultivator with a mythical bloodline, capable of powers this world had forgotten.
The shop system remained his core advantage, but now it had a worthy vessel, one capable of wielding powers beyond mere commerce. Crimson Hawk Guild, once his primary obstacle, now seemed trivial in the grand scheme of his potential.
The system chimed with a new notification as they walked through the estate's corridors.
[New Quest Generated: Bloodline Cultivation Path]
[Objective: Reach Qi Foundation Stage 3 Through Destruction-Rebirth Cultivation]
[Reward: Advanced Bloodline Skill, Shop System Evolution]
[Recommended Approach: Establish Cultivation Space within Shop System]