Feng Chen reached his cave, the unconscious girl hanging limply in his arms. Gently, he placed her down on the cold stone floor, taking a moment to examine her frail figure.
His grin, which had accompanied him all the way back, faded without a trace as he looked around. Something was off. Yin and Yang, his ever-watchful companions, were nowhere to be found.
"Where did they slither off to now?" Feng Chen sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, his mind racing through all the possibilities.
Normally, they'd be at the cave entrance, keeping a sharp eye on their territory. But today, not a trace of their presence lingered.
He entered the cave, scanning the dark interior with his enhanced vision, until finally, a faint glow caught his eye further in.
Deeper inside the cave, nestled in a calm meditative stance, were Yin and Yang. Their small bodies were coiled, their heads resting on their tails as they absorbed the surrounding energy.
Even from a distance, Feng Chen could sense the purity of the auras they emitted... one dark as the abyss and the other radiating a soft, golden light.
"Well, at least someone's working hard around here," he muttered, shaking his head with a smirk.
"Look at you two. Hard at work while I'm out there playing hero."
He approached them quietly, not wanting to disturb their cultivation, but the moment he came close, Yin stirred first.
Her onyx-black eyes opened, glowing faintly in the dim light of the cave.
Yang followed a second later, his golden aura pulsing as he blinked awake. They both slithered toward him, their gazes inquisitive, almost as if they were reading his thoughts.
"Master," Yin hissed softly, flicking her tongue in the air.
"Who is she?"
Yang, always quick to follow, mirrored Yin's concern.
"Yes, Master. Why did you bring her here?"
Feng Chen turned his head toward the entrance where the girl lay motionless.
"Found her running from some wolves. Figured I'd save her. Can't have random corpses lying around the cave entrance, can we?" His tone was light, but there was something darker behind his words... something Yin and Yang weren't old enough to notice just yet.
Yin slithered a little closer to the girl, her dark eyes narrowing with curiosity.
"She's... different. Why does she look so small?" she asked, tilting her head in confusion.
Yang nodded.
"Yes, Master. She's human like you, but her body... it looks strange."
Feng Chen's heart skipped a beat, and he nearly tripped over himself at their innocent questions.
Great.
How am I supposed to explain human biology to a pair of spirit beasts who are barely a week old?
Clearing his throat awkwardly, he tried to think of a simple answer.
"Well, um... you see, she's... small because she's still growing. Humans come in different shapes and sizes."
Yin's tongue flickered again as she considered his answer.
"Oh... like cultivation?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of understanding.
"Yes!" Feng Chen jumped at the opportunity.
"Exactly like cultivation. Some humans are like seedlings, and they need time to grow before they become strong."
-----
System Notification:-
Pfft, well, that was close. Nice save there, 'Master of Yin and Yang.' Maybe next time, just tell them the truth instead of fumbling around like an idiot.
-----
Feng Chen rolled his eyes but ignored the system's jab. He didn't have the energy to deal with its constant mockery at the moment, especially not with Yin and Yang watching him so intently.
Turning his attention back to the snakes, Feng Chen forced a smile and said,
"Let's focus on what matters right now. I'll explain the rest later."
He led them back to their usual meditation spots, positioning them comfortably before sitting between them.
Placing his hands gently on their heads, he closed his eyes and began circulating his qi. His own yin and yang energy flowed into their bodies, guiding them through the process of cultivation.
Even though they were beasts, they were still young... barely more than children. They needed his guidance, his protection. He knew that pushing them too hard or rushing their progress could lead to disastrous consequences.
After all, feeding them too many pills or elixirs too early could damage their meridians and set them back in their cultivation for years.
I can't make them too strong too fast. They need a solid foundation first. Feng Chen thought to himself as he watched their bodies begin to glow faintly with energy. He could feel the harmony between them, the natural balance of yin and yang.
Yin's aura was dark, swirling like a shadow around her sleek black scales, while Yang's golden aura seemed to radiate warmth, filling the cave with a soft, calming light. The two energies, though opposites, flowed together perfectly, like two halves of a whole.
"They're close," Feng Chen muttered under his breath. He could feel it... a breakthrough was imminent.
-----
System Notification:-
Congratulations! Yin and Yang have successfully broken through to the Qi Condensation Realm.
Rewards received:-
30 Cultivation Pills
5 Beast Refining Pellets (Strengthens physique)
Qi Nourishing Incense (Increases qi absorption by 50% for 8 hours)
-----
A genuine smile tugged at the corners of Feng Chen's lips. Yin and Yang hissed softly in satisfaction, their newly enhanced qi swirling around them like an aura of strength.
"Well done, you two!" he praised, patting their heads. Yin flicked her tongue in response, while Yang coiled tighter around his arm, clearly basking in the attention.
Despite their rapid growth, Feng Chen couldn't help but feel proud of them. For the first time in years, he felt a sense of companionship... of family. These snakes, these creatures born from an egg he'd received by sheer luck, had become more than just pets. They were his partners, his allies in a world where trust was a rare commodity.
But of course, the system wasn't about to let this heartwarming moment go unchallenged.
-----
System Notification:-
Aww, how touching. Master and his cute little snake pets. What's next, a group hug? Maybe a sing-along around the fire?
-----
"Right... time to shut you up again," Feng Chen muttered, already fed up with the system's incessant needling.
With a swift thought, he activated Do Not Disturb mode, silencing the system's mockery with a satisfying mental click.
"Ah, peace and quiet..." he whispered to himself, leaning back against the cave wall, allowing the calm to settle over him.
However, the quiet didn't last long. A soft rustling came from the corner of the cave, and Feng Chen's eyes snapped open.
The girl, who had been lying unconscious near the entrance, was starting to stir. Her small frame shuddered as her eyelids fluttered open, revealing wide, confused eyes. She tried to sit up, but her body was weak, and she collapsed back to the ground, panting.
"Hey, take it easy," Feng Chen said, standing up and walking over to her. He raised his hands in a calming gesture, hoping to reassure her.
"You're safe now."
The girl's eyes darted around the cave, panic filling her gaze as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings. When her eyes landed on Feng Chen and then on Yin and Yang, her breathing quickened in terror.
"Relax," Feng Chen said gently, kneeling beside her.
"My name's Feng Chen. Those two are Yin and Yang. We won't hurt you."
But despite his soothing words, the girl's body remained tense, her eyes wide with fear. Feng Chen sighed, realizing it would take more than words to gain her trust.
"Rest," he said softly, standing up again.
"You've been through a lot. I'll be outside if you need me."
Without another word, he left the cave, stepping out into the cool night air. The stars twinkled above, their light casting a soft glow over the desolate landscape. Leaning against a nearby rock, Feng Chen gazed up at the sky, feeling a strange sense of peace wash over him.
A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. Things were finally falling into place. He had Yin and Yang by his side, the girl was safe for now, and his plan... whatever it was... was progressing smoothly.
Everything was falling into place.