The Empress placed her hand on Li Yao’s back, channeling her energy as she concentrated on refining her blood. In her mind, she reflected that unlocking the Human Emperor bloodline wasn’t particularly difficult, at least in theory. Being human already provided the foundation necessary to access this lineage. The second requirement was more specific—one needed to be recognized as the official heir to the imperial throne and receive imperial essence from the current emperor.
"Even though I died and the empire fell with me," the Empress thought, "I never chose an official heir, so I remain the Human Emperor still. This allows me to appoint an heir now."
[Get ready] the Empress instructed.
Li Yao focused her energy, preparing to circulate the bloodline essence that would soon enter her system. Her breathing steadied as she entered a state of perfect concentration.
The Empress continued her internal assessment. "At my peak, I could easily produce pure blood level essence. But with my soul merely at the adult stage, I cannot regenerate my imperial body." Despite this limitation, she knew she could still produce bloodline essence—albeit at the half-blood level. It wasn’t ideal, but it would suffice for now.
Gathering her soul energy, the Empress channeled everything she had into Li Yao. In the next moment, the blood essence began forming, materializing through sheer soul power. Li Yao responded instantly, circulating the essence throughout her meridians, allowing it to infuse her blood with imperial might. The essence flowed through her veins, transforming her ordinary blood into something extraordinary—the legendary Human Emperor bloodline.
After several complete circulations, Li Yao finally relaxed, having successfully refined all the bloodline essence. Half the blood flowing within her now carried the essence of the Human Emperor.
The Empress released her grip, her spiritual form visibly dimmer than before.
[I’ve exhausted most of my energy to condense the bloodline essence] she explained, her silhouette becoming increasingly transparent. [I’ll be resting for a while] she added before fading completely from view.
Li Yao nodded in understanding as she rose to her feet. "I should also get back to work," she declared, stretching her arms and legs.
Her expression then sharpened. "Why don’t you show yourselves?" she called out to the seemingly empty forest. "How long are you going to stay hidden?"
"Kekeke," a mocking laugh broke the silence as a middle-aged man emerged from behind a tree. "I didn’t expect you to use a cloning technique to guard yourself. No wonder we couldn’t notice anyone else around."
More figures appeared, materializing from various hiding spots until they surrounded Li Yao completely. The cultivators’ eyes were filled with malicious intent.
"But it seems you’ve exhausted your energy and can’t use it anymore," the leader continued, his lips curling into a predatory smile. "What a pity."
"We could’ve had some fun together," another added, running his tongue along the edge of his knife. "I’ve never seen such a realistic looking clone."
"Clone? Are they talking about the Empress?" Li Yao wondered briefly. It didn’t matter—these fools had delivered themselves right to her doorstep.
"I was wondering how to test my power after my breakthrough," she said, an evil smile spreading across her face. "You guys have come at just the right time." Her posture shifted subtly, ready to spring into action. "Come at me together. No need to waste time."
Li Yao’s thoughts raced with excitement. She had already been capable of facing a Golden Core peak cultivator before her breakthrough. Now, with her special core, special physique, and special bloodline, just how much stronger had she become? Could she match a Nascent Soul realm expert? The prospect thrilled her to the core.
The ten cultivators exchanged glances before breaking into unified laughter.
"Boss, did you hear that? She said we should go together," one man chortled.
"Hahaha, I’ve never heard such a funny thing..." another began, but his laughter died abruptly as Li Yao materialized before him. With a simple twist of her hands, she rotated his head completely backward.
A heavy silence fell over the group as the man’s lifeless body crumpled to the ground.
"One down, nine to go," Li Yao announced, turning to face the remaining men whose confident expressions had suddenly evaporated.
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