Mo Lei's tone softened, and he looked at Xian Shun with a rare expression of hope and respect. "But know this, Master," he said, his voice reverent. "I believe you are destined for greatness that even the Skyfire Dragon foresaw. You are young, but you carry within you the strength to surpass all expectations. As you cultivate, I will be at your side, guiding you as needed. And one day, all dragons across these continents will know your name, feel your aura, and recognize your rightful place as our leader."
Mo Lei took a knee once more, bowing deeply before Xian Shun. "From this day forward, I swear my loyalty to you, Master Xian Shun. The path ahead is difficult, but I will be with you, to guard, guide, and serve. One day, we will see the moment when your true power awakens."
Xian Shun felt the immense burden of this role pressing down on him, but his heart was filled with gratitude for Mo Lei's support. The journey to become the true master of the Skyfire Dragon Realm would require not only strength but also the wisdom and guidance of those around him. And with Mo Lei by his side, he knew he was not alone on this path to his destiny.
Suddenly, a glowing soul mark appeared on Xian Shun's forehead, pulsating with a mysterious energy. Without warning, it began to pull at Mo Lei, drawing him in until he vanished completely. A shock ran through Xian Shun as he realized Mo Lei had been absorbed into the mark.
The next moment, both of them found themselves standing in an unfamiliar space, a realm of pure energy within Xian Shun's spiritual body. Xian Shun looked around in awe, his voice barely a whisper. "This… this is a spiritual body space. I've only heard of it in stories. I didn't know it could exist in reality."
Mo Lei chuckled softly. "It's no wonder you're surprised, Master. This space is incredibly rare; only cultivators who possess a beast pet can access such a realm. For ordinary cultivators, this is nearly impossible to attain."
Xian Shun's eyes widened, piecing it together. "Then… does this mean you are now my beast pet?"
Mo Lei laughed, his voice resonating with pride. "Yes, Master. The Skyfire Dragon has connected my blood with yours, binding us with this soul mark. I am now bound to you as your beast pet, and this space is our connection."
Xian Shun shook his head in disbelief. "But… a soul bond? What does that mean for us?"
Mo Lei's gaze softened, filled with loyalty and seriousness. "This bond is unbreakable. If I betray you, the soul mark will kill me instantly. And if something fatal happens to me, it will affect you as well, weakening your own strength."
Xian Shun's heart swelled with a mix of responsibility and determination. He knew that his journey was just beginning, but with Mo Lei by his side, bound by loyalty and destiny, he felt more prepared than ever to face whatever lay ahead. Mo Lei's gaze was steady as he observed Xian Shun. "Master," he began, his voice filled with respect and a sense of urgency, "before you return to the outside world, you should make use of this realm. Absorb the energy here, withstand the thunder's blows. It's a harsh path, but this is the only way to forge a foundation as strong as steel. Your body will need to withstand the immense power of your elements in the future, and to command dragons, you must be unbreakable."
Xian Shun nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes. He knew that his journey was only beginning, and every preparation he made now would strengthen him for the battles and responsibilities ahead. "I understand, Mo Lei," he said firmly. "I'm ready. Bring on the thunder."
Mo Lei raised his hand, summoning a powerful storm within the spiritual realm. Thunderclouds gathered above, dark and ominous, each one pulsing with intense energy. Lightning flickered, dancing through the clouds, preparing to strike. Mo Lei looked at Xian Shun with a solemn expression.
"Enduring this will not be easy," Mo Lei warned. "Each strike will test you. But with each blow, your body will become stronger, more resilient. Only by enduring pain and pressure can you reach the heights required to carry the legacy of the Skyfire Dragon."
Xian Shun nodded, bracing himself as the first bolt of thunder crashed down, striking him with the force of a mountain. Pain shot through his body, searing every nerve as the lightning coursed through him. But he gritted his teeth, grounding himself, allowing the energy to ripple through him.
With each thunder strike, the pain sharpened, relentless and intense. Xian Shun clenched his fists, his entire body trembling under the onslaught, yet he did not yield. He knew that each strike was strengthening him, his body absorbing the energy, layer by layer, like armor being forged in a relentless fire.
As the strikes continued, he began to feel a change. His body, once wracked with pain, started to adjust. The thunder no longer pierced his nerves as it had before. The sensation dulled, transforming from agony to a deep vibration that resonated within him, filling him with strength.
After hundreds of strikes, Xian Shun let out a breath. His skin, once sensitive to the thunder's impact, now absorbed it easily, as if welcoming the energy. "I… I feel it, Mo Lei," he said, his voice filled with wonder. "It no longer hurts."
Mo Lei nodded, pride evident in his expression. "Master, you have taken more than a thousand thunder strikes, a feat that would have shattered any normal body. Yet here you stand, stronger than ever. Thunder is no longer a source of pain but a fuel, reinforcing your body, merging with your strength."
Xian Shun looked at his hands, flexing them, marveling at the newfound sturdiness he felt. "So this is the strength of thunder… It's as though my body has been forged in lightning."
Mo Lei stepped forward, placing a hand on Xian Shun's shoulder. "This is only the beginning, Master. You now carry the resilience of thunder in your very bones, a gift only attainable through intense endurance. Remember this pain, and remember that every trial you face will strengthen you further."
Xian Shun's eyes burned with determination. "I understand, Mo Lei. With each hardship, I grow stronger. And I will continue, until I can carry this legacy with honor."
And with that, his body fortified and his spirit unbreakable, Xian Shun was ready to return to the world, stronger than ever.
As Xian Shun stepped out of the Skyfire Dragon Realm, his newfound strength and resilience pulsed within him. He made his way back to Dragon Heart Soul City, each step filled with renewed purpose. As he walked through the outskirts of the city, a commotion caught his attention.