The ancient temple's air hung heavy, damp stone walls glistening under flickering torchlight. Lin Tian's heart thundered as the vampire assassin's crimson eyes bored into him, its fangs glinting like daggers in the gloom. The System's power pulsed in his veins, a foreign heat urging him to act despite his inexperience.
He'd never thrown a punch in his life, yet the energy within felt like a caged beast clawing for release. The pendant at his chest thrummed, its wolf carving almost alive.
"Human, step aside!" the assassin hissed, its voice a grating rasp, like iron dragged over gravel. It lunged, claws slicing toward Lin Tian's throat with unnatural speed.
Lin Tian's body moved before his mind caught up, the System's agility boost sharpening his reflexes. He sidestepped, the claw grazing his sleeve, and swung a clumsy fist, the air whistling with surprising force.
Boom! The assassin staggered, its eyes widening. "No ordinary mortal… What are you?"
Su Xueyao snorted from behind, her silhouette a blur as she charged. Her fingers sprouted razor-sharp claws, glinting like obsidian as they clashed with the assassin's, sparks scattering across the temple's cracked floor. Dust stirred, swirling in the torchlight.
"Stay out of my way, human!" she snapped, her voice cold as frost, though her glance held a flicker of curiosity. Her movements were fluid, predatory, a stark contrast to Lin Tian's raw instinct.
The System chimed, its metallic voice clear in his mind:
[Task: Assist Su Xueyao to defeat the vampire assassin. Prove your worth. Reward: Beginner Martial Skill 'Heavenly Wolf Fist,' 1000 EXP, Memory Fragment: Wolf Clan Origins]
Memory Fragment? Lin Tian's pulse quickened. The System wasn't just about power—it held secrets. He shook off the thought as the assassin lunged at Su Xueyao, its claws aiming for her heart.
"Together!" he roared, charging forward. The System flashed a vision: a fist technique, fierce and primal, echoing with a wolf's howl. His body followed, muscle memory guiding his strike.
"Heavenly Wolf Fist—Break!" His punch landed on the assassin's shoulder, a crack echoing as the creature stumbled, black blood oozing from the wound. Lin Tian stared at his fist, stunned by its power.
Su Xueyao didn't hesitate, her claws tearing through the assassin's chest. "Grah!" it shrieked, collapsing into black mist, a crimson crystal clattering to the floor.
[Task Completed! Reward: Heavenly Wolf Fist (Beginner), 1000 EXP, Memory Fragment: Wolf Clan Origins. Current Level: Mortal Level 2]
Lin Tian panted, his body buzzing with newfound strength. He knelt, picking up the crystal, its surface cold and pulsing faintly. The System prompted:
[Item: Vampire Essence. Usable for Bloodline Awakening or System Analysis. Store or analyze?]
"Analyze?" Lin Tian muttered, intrigued. He selected the option, and the System hummed:
[Analysis: Vampire Essence contains traces of ancient blood magic, linked to the Blood Emperor's lineage. Warning: Prolonged exposure may corrupt unawakened bloodlines.]
His stomach twisted. Corruption? Was his bloodline at risk? He pocketed the crystal, unease settling in.
Su Xueyao sheathed her claws, her gaze piercing. "A human using wolf clan techniques? Speak—who are you, really?" Her tone was sharp, but her posture softened, as if weighing trust against suspicion.
Lin Tian hesitated, then held up his pendant. "I'm as lost as you are. This belonged to my mother, Lin Wanqing. It's all I have of her."
Su Xueyao's eyes widened, a shadow crossing her face. "Lin Wanqing… That name stirs whispers in my clan. A half-blood who vanished, branded a traitor." She stepped closer, her breath visible in the chilly air. "That pendant—it's the Wolf Emperor's Mark. Only royal descendants bear it."
"Royal?" Lin Tian's mind reeled. His mother, a traitor? A royal? The temple's walls seemed to close in, their ancient carvings watching.
The System chimed:
[Memory Fragment Unlocked: Wolf Clan Origins. View now?]
He selected yes, and images flooded his mind: a vast forest under a blood-red moon, wolves howling as a crowned figure wielded a glowing blade against a tide of vampires. A voice narrated: "The Wolf Emperor forged our clan to guard the balance, their bloodline tied to the Heavenly Mandate. Betrayal shattered their unity…"
Lin Tian gasped, the vision fading. Su Xueyao grabbed his arm, steadying him. "What did you see?" Her voice held urgency, her fingers cold yet firm.
"Something about the Wolf Emperor… and betrayal." He met her gaze, searching for answers. "What happened to my mother?"
Su Xueyao's lips tightened. "I don't know. But this place isn't safe. That assassin was a scout—more will come, and the Lin Clan's dogs are sniffing nearby."
"The Lin Clan?" Lin Tian's fists clenched, old wounds reopening. "You know them?"
Her smirk was bitter. "Jiang City's puppet lords? They dance to the vampires' tune, trading power for blood. They want you dead, and me captured." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "Why do they hate you so much?"
Lin Tian's jaw tightened. "I'm their shame—a bastard they cast out with my mother. They think I'm nothing."
Su Xueyao studied him, then nodded. "Then prove them wrong. But first, we survive."
The System pinged:
[Task: Escort Su Xueyao from the temple. Reward: Wolf Clan Affinity +10, Environmental Scan Ability]
Environmental Scan? Another new function. Lin Tian's hope flared—this System was more than a tool; it was a guide.
"Let's move!" He grabbed Su Xueyao's hand, ignoring her scowl as they bolted for the exit. Her hand was cool, soft, sending an unexpected jolt through him.
"Hands off!" she snapped, yanking free, a faint flush on her cheeks. "I don't need babysitting!"
Lin Tian grinned sheepishly, but a sinister laugh froze them. "Running? You're mine!"
Outside, rain lashed the forest, and a dozen black-clad figures emerged, their leader a tall youth with cruel eyes—Lin Hao, the Lin Clan's heir. His dagger glowed red, his sneer dripping malice.
"Lin Tian, you worm, crawling back?" Lin Hao laughed, his voice venomous. "Tonight, you and this wolf bitch die!"
Lin Tian's blood boiled, but the System warned:
[Warning: Lin Hao, Mortal Level 5, Vampire Bloodline Enhanced. Hostile Intent: Personal Vendetta. Recommendation: Strategic Retreat.]
No retreat. Not this time. Lin Tian glanced at Su Xueyao, her claws glinting. "Ready to shut him up?"
Her lips curved, a feral glint in her eyes. "Thought you'd never ask."
As thunder roared, the battle began, Lin Tian's fists trembling with the weight of his past—and the promise of his future.