Xiao Feng followed closely behind Lei Long, feeling the air shift with each powerful beat of the dragon's wings. Despite his blindness, he felt more attuned to this new world than he ever had been in his own. The very air hummed with energy, as though every molecule contained the power of life itself. It was overwhelming, but exhilarating. His senses had sharpened, and he could feel the presence of every living being around him. It was as though the world was speaking to him, and for the first time, Xiao Feng could hear it.
Lei Long slowed his flight, descending toward a sprawling forest where a large clearing awaited them. The ground beneath Xiao Feng's feet seemed solid, but he could feel the vibrations of the dragon's movements. As they landed, Lei Long turned to face Xiao Feng, his massive body coiling slightly, a powerful aura emanating from him.
"You must be wondering about the nature of this world and how cultivation works," Lei Long rumbled in his deep voice. "Well, it's time to explain the basics to you, Xiao Feng. Your abilities are rare, even by the standards of this world. You have the potential to summon not just one, but all types of beasts."
Xiao Feng stood still, his heart racing at the thought. "All types of beasts?" His voice was a whisper, filled with awe. He had always imagined summoning creatures like dragons and phoenixes, but the idea that he could summon any beast, from any element, was beyond his comprehension.
"Yes," Lei Long confirmed. "But you must understand something, Xiao Feng. This world is vast, and it is home to many cultivators, each with their own path, their own cultivation techniques. Some focus on elemental techniques—fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, and so on. Others follow paths of summoning, like you. There are assassins, warriors, swordsmen, and even cultivators who specialize in spiritual techniques. Every cultivator's path is shaped by their unique affinity and their cultivation technique."
Xiao Feng's mind whirled with the new information. "So, you mean there are cultivators who can only summon one type of beast? And others who focus on one element?"
"Exactly," Lei Long replied. "But the key difference is that you possess a rare talent—one that allows you to summon any beast. It's an ability that is unique to you. Normally, a cultivator has to specialize in one path—whether it's elemental control, swordsmanship, or beast summoning. But you, Xiao Feng, can tap into every path and summon all types of beasts. Your potential is limitless."
Xiao Feng's thoughts were racing. He had always been an outsider in his old world, where his blindness had made him feel weak and vulnerable. But here, in this new world, it seemed that his blindness was no longer a hindrance. It had become a part of who he was, a tool that allowed him to sense the world differently.
"But what does this mean for me?" Xiao Feng asked. "How do I start? I've never even been able to control my abilities."
Lei Long lowered his head to Xiao Feng's level, his golden eyes glowing with an ancient wisdom. "It means that you must learn. Your journey will be difficult, but I will guide you. First, you must learn the basics of cultivation and how to harness your inner mana, your internal energy. Every cultivator in this world uses their inner mana to fuel their power. The more you cultivate, the more control you'll have over your summoned beasts."
Xiao Feng felt a surge of excitement. "So, I need to cultivate my inner mana?"
Lei Long nodded. "Yes, but it won't be easy. As I mentioned, there are many different types of cultivation techniques. Every cultivator in this world has their own method of refining their inner mana, and you'll need to discover the technique that suits you best. Some may be easier for you than others, but that will be your personal journey."
Xiao Feng nodded, understanding that he had a long road ahead. His eyes may not work in the way they did in his old world, but here, he could see with his heart. He could feel the potential within him, and he would stop at nothing to unlock it.
"We will start with something simple," Lei Long said, his voice filled with authority. "There are sacred trials in this world that every cultivator must face. These trials will test your control over your inner mana, your ability to summon beasts, and your strength of will. But the trials are not just a test of power—they are a test of your mind, your heart, and your spirit."
Xiao Feng clenched his fists. He had never been one to shy away from a challenge. In fact, challenges were what had pushed him to grow stronger in his old world. He was ready for whatever came next.
Lei Long turned to face him, his expression serious. "The first trial is a test of your connection to the elemental beasts. You must summon a beast of each element—Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, and Lightning. You will need to face them in combat, not as their master, but as their partner. You must learn to communicate with them, to form a bond. Only then will you pass the trial."
Xiao Feng's heart thudded in his chest. Summoning a beast was one thing, but to form a bond with it? He would need to understand it, feel it, become one with it.
"Now," Lei Long continued, "you must know that each beast you summon will have its own nature, its own personality. Some will be wild and unruly, others calm and wise. You must not try to control them. You must learn to work with them. That is the true essence of being a Beast Summoner."
"I understand," Xiao Feng said with resolve. "I'll do it."
Lei Long's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. You are ready to begin. But before we start, I want you to meet some of the other cultivators in this world. They will be important to your journey."
Xiao Feng nodded, feeling a surge of excitement and anticipation. The world was vast, filled with cultivators of all kinds, and he was ready to begin his path. As Lei Long called forth a group of figures, Xiao Feng could feel the powerful energy emanating from them. He knew that each one had a unique cultivation path, and that he would need to learn from them if he was to succeed.
A tall man with a broad stance stepped forward, his aura steady and unyielding. "I am Han Xu, Master of the Earth Element," he introduced himself. "I will teach you the foundations of elemental control, Xiao Feng. It is through Earth that you will first learn to ground yourself and summon the beasts of your own."
Another figure, a woman with fluid, graceful movements, approached. Her energy felt like a gentle stream, yet beneath it was a hidden power. "I am Li Qian, Master of the Water Element," she said softly. "I will help you understand how to connect with the flow of energy, to harness the power of the beasts."
One by one, the other cultivators introduced themselves: the fierce, wind-swept figure named Feng Zhi, Master of the Wind Element, and the calm, fiery presence of Yang Mei, Master of the Fire Element.
Each of them had their own techniques, their own ways of teaching, but they all seemed to share a common goal—to help Xiao Feng unlock his true potential.
The trials were beginning, and Xiao Feng knew that this was only the beginning of his journey. A journey that would test him, shape him, and ultimately reveal his true power as the greatest Beast Summoner the world had ever known.
But first, he would need to survive the trials, face the beasts, and prove that his rare talent was not a blessing to be squandered, but a gift to be master.