The next day, Andrew received the Blackstar Crystal that Brielle had sent over. It was about the size of his palm and looked more like an amethyst than anything else. When he held it in his hand, it felt ice-cold to the touch.

When something was black to the extreme, it became purple.

This crystal seemed to have some kind of mystical energy flowing within it. Aspen looked at it curiously and asked, “Honey, is this thing actually going to help you?”

Andrew smiled and said, “Only one way to find out.”

Sheena walked over, pursing her lips as she said, “The Blackstar Crystal leans toward dark energy. For martial artists, it does more harm than good. If you use it directly, at best it’s a waste, and at worst it could damage your body.”

Andrew nodded slightly. “That may be true, but my body can handle it.”

Sheena rolled her eyes even harder and said, “Last night, you guys made quite a commotion at the Grand Hall. I heard even General Turman was furious about it. His prized student, Luna, claims she knows who was behind it."

Andrew replied calmly, “So what if she knows? I don’t care.”

Sheena replied, “This morning, the military already sent people to question you, but I turned them away. No one dared to step foot inside. But remember, while you’re safe within the Lloyd family’s walls, the outside world isn’t so forgiving. I just came to remind you to watch yourself.”

With that, she flipped her high ponytail and strode off.

Andrew chuckled. For all her attitude, she really had his back.

Gripping the Blackstar Crystal, he began channeling his energy. Then, visibly, the palm-sized Blackstar Crystal began melting like a candle.

However, the melted liquid did not fall to the ground. Instead, it gathered in the air, forming a mass. Within it, the substance seemed alive, consuming itself and bubbling audibly.

Aspen watched with curiosity and could not help but move closer.

Andrew shouted, “Don’t move! If even a drop of that touches you, the consequences could be unpredictable!”

Aspen’s face went pale, and she quickly stepped back.

Andrew carefully reached out his hand to touch the black substance floating in the air. The substance instantly clung to his palm like it had come alive. The mass lifted its tip like a serpent raising its head, then morphed into a sharp spike that suddenly drilled into his flesh.

Andrew let out a muffled groan, his face losing all color. In just a few moments, all the energy from the Blackstar Crystal had entered his body.

Suddenly, he felt his vision go black, and excruciating pain shot through his energy core. However, his mind remained crystal clear. Fighting through the intense pain, he began channeling his energy, circulating it through his meridians.

The energy from the Blackstar Crystal began battling with the true energy in his energy core.

This was exactly the effect Andrew wanted. Only this way could he create an impact on the seal around his energy core.

When he felt the seemingly unbreakable seal beginning to waver, Andrew was delighted.

There was hope!

So, he focused even more intently, continuing to guide the Blackstar Crystal’s energy to assault the barriers around his energy core.

Time gradually passed, and Andrew’s expression slowly changed from initial agony to calm. After more than an hour, he opened his eyes, deeply disappointed.

Both Aspen and Natasha looked at him with great concern.

“Honey, how do you feel? Are you hurt anywhere?”

Andrew shook his head and said, “Don’t worry, I’m fine. It’s just that this Blackstar Crystal was barely useful to me. The effect was so minimal it’s practically negligible.”

Natasha comforted him, “Darling, take it slow. There must be other ways.”

Aspen said with concern, “Honey, whatever you need, we can search for it. As long as you need it, I’ll find it for you without hesitation!”

Andrew smiled, but suddenly his expression changed. He pulled open his shirt and looked down. The Blood-Eyed Black Dragon totem now seemed ignited, becoming scorching hot.

The dragon’s twin horns twitched under his skin, writhing as if the beast itself was awakening inside him.

Aspen gasped, her face filled with shock. Andrew, too, had no idea what was happening.

At the critical moment, a low shout rang out. “Foolish boy, don’t just stand there dazed! Quickly center your energy in your core and focus on feeling the black dragon on your chest. This is your first step toward awakening the totem. It’s crucial!”

Andrew did not need to look up to know who this voice belonged to.

The current head of the Lloyd family, Donovan, had arrived.

Following his advice, Andrew sat cross-legged and closed his eyes again. After a long while, the burning sensation in his chest faded, and the original Blood-Eyed Black Dragon totem looked somewhat different. The two dragon horns were much more lustrous than the other areas, appearing more lifelike.

“Greetings, Patriarch Donovan!” Andrew stood up and bowed respectfully.

Donovan looked at his chest and made appreciative sounds. “I never expected you to awaken your totem earlier than Reginald did. It’s truly unbelievable!”

Andrew asked curiously, “Patriarch Donovan, what exactly is happening here?”

Donovan smiled knowingly. “Andy, fate is clearly on your side. Every member of the Lloyd family is born with a totem. Most people think it’s just a royal insignia, but few realize the power it contains. Unfortunately, almost none can unlock it. Many carry the mark their whole lives without ever awakening it.”

He continued, “The last one to light his totem was your father, Reginald. And now, thanks to the Blackstar Crystal, fate has given you the same chance.”

Andrew frowned slightly. “And this totem power… What exactly does it do?”

Donovan smiled and said, “The specific uses can only be known once the entire totem is awakened. But one thing is certain: your combat ability will become much stronger. Don’t underestimate the power of the Lloyd family totem.

“With your natural talent plus this awakened totem, you can boldly declare that below the martial emperor level, you are unrivaled.”

Laughing heartily, Donovan was in great spirits as he turned and walked away.

Andrew murmured to himself, “I’m unrivaled among those below the martial emperor level? Is that really true?”