As the cave's spiritual barrier shimmered faintly, Tianyang sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly open, his expression tense. He had felt the sudden absence of Yao'er's spiritual signature after the thunderous tribulation. His heart raced with worry, and his instincts urged him to leave the cave and search for their beloved companion. Yuqing, noticing his unease, gently placed her hand over his arm.
"Tianyang," Yuqing's soft voice called, steady yet comforting, "if we go outside now, all the effort we've poured into stabilizing our chaotic energy and consolidating our realm over these months will be wasted."
Tianyang's fists clenched momentarily. "But Yuqing, Yao'er is out there, and I can't feel his presence clearly. What if—"
Yuqing interrupted him, her tone firm yet soothing. "His life force is faint, yes, but not extinguished. If we rush out impulsively, we'll achieve nothing. Instead, we should focus on using the Yin-Yang Dual Contract to sense his location. It's the safest and surest way."
He hesitated for a moment before exhaling deeply, her calm demeanor slowly dissolving his anxious thoughts. "You're right, Yuqing. I let my emotions get the better of me."
"You're not alone in that," she admitted, squeezing his arm reassuringly. "I felt the same fear. But the contract remains unbroken, which means he's alive. Let's focus our energy and connect with him through the bond. We need to let him know we're here and that he must persist for just one more month. After that, we'll be able to leave and find him."
Reassured by her words, Tianyang sat back down, his earlier resolve restored. "Thank you, Yuqing. I'd be lost without you."
"And I without you," she said softly, her eyes locking with his.
The two of them shifted into a meditative state, their hands interlocked as they funneled their mental energy into the ethereal bond of the Yin-Yang Dual Contract. The air between them began to shimmer, the interconnected threads of their consciousness glowing faintly as they delved deeper into their shared sea of consciousness.
The sea of consciousness was vast and shimmering, an infinite expanse of spiritual energy interwoven with memories, techniques, and the presence of their shared soul contract. Ancient scrolls of techniques hovered in the air, their inscriptions glowing softly. Soul artifacts floated lazily, each radiating its own distinct aura, a testament to their power and mastery over them.
As they ventured deeper, the faint presence of Yao'er flickered intermittently, like a dim star on the verge of fading. Yuqing's gaze focused sharply. "There," she said, pointing to a faint sphere of light wrapped in layers of dense, suppressive energy.
Tianyang nodded, his brow furrowing. "That's him. But... it's strange. His life signs are stable yet heavily suppressed, as though something external is cocooning him."
Pouring more of their spiritual energy into the bond, they focused their senses on the sphere. The faint image of a creature covered in a pulsating cocoon appeared.
Yuqing's voice trembled slightly, though it carried a note of awe. "That's Yao'er. He must've successfully overcome the tribulation and ascended to the divine beast realm. The suppression we sense must be part of his transformation—his bloodline evolving."
Tianyang's lips curved into a faint smile, his voice carrying reassurance. "That makes sense. The cocoon must be a natural process for his new form to fully emerge. It's likely his body is undergoing further changes, refining his potential."
Yuqing exhaled softly, her shoulders relaxing. "I was so worried... but knowing this gives me relief. He's strong, and he'll make it through."
Tianyang placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "He will. And once we finish consolidating our realms, we'll find him and make sure he knows he's not alone."
The couple's energy synchronized seamlessly as they withdrew from their sea of consciousness, their bond stronger than ever. Yuqing's eyes glistened with determination as she met Tianyang's gaze.
"Tianyang," she said softly, "the chaotic energy within us has been completely absorbed. Let's focus on finishing our consolidation so we can meet Yao'er as soon as possible."
Tianyang reached out, pulling her closer with a faint smile. "It won't take long now. One more month, and we'll be done. Then we'll bring him back."
Yuqing's cheeks flushed as she settled herself in his lap, their bodies pressed close together. Tianyang's hand rested gently on her abdomen, his other hand intertwining with hers. They leaned against each other, their breathing synchronizing as they resumed their cultivation retreat.
Their auras, one Yin and one Yang, began to intertwine once again, forming a harmonious cycle of balance and growth.
---
Outside the secluded cave, the misty forest was bathed in an ethereal glow. The oppressive aura from Yao'er's cocoon continued to dominate the area, driving away any nearby beasts. The atmosphere was thick with spiritual energy, crackling faintly as if nature itself recognized the emergence of a new overlord.
The cocoon that encased Yao'er stood at the center of a clearing, pulsating rhythmically like a living heart. The soft white glow radiating from it illuminated the surrounding trees, giving the forest an almost sacred appearance. The heartbeat-like sound was faint but steady, echoing through the silent woods.
Ten days passed since the cocoon had formed. The once-pure white surface of the cocoon began to change. A faint yellow hue crept across its surface, spreading like ink on parchment. The veins along the cocoon became more pronounced, bulging slightly as they pulsed in time with the heartbeat. Each pulse seemed to draw in spiritual energy from the environment, the surrounding air growing colder and heavier with each passing moment.
On the eleventh day, the cocoon transformed. It was now a rich golden-yellow color, radiating a faint warmth that contradicted the chill in the air. The veins had become thicker, glowing faintly with golden light, and the heartbeat had grown louder, reverberating through the clearing. It was as if the cocoon was announcing its presence to the world, declaring that something extraordinary was being born within it.
---
Twenty days later, the transformation began again. The golden hue of the cocoon darkened, a crimson tint bleeding into its surface. Over the next day, the entire cocoon shifted to a deep crimson red, resembling freshly spilled blood. The veins on its surface now glowed with an intense scarlet light, their bulging forms giving the cocoon an almost grotesque appearance.
The heartbeat, once rhythmic and steady, became erratic. It quickened and slowed, each beat resonating through the forest like a drum. The oppressive aura around the cocoon grew even stronger, suffocating in its intensity. The trees nearest to the cocoon began to wither, their leaves falling to the ground in heaps. The spiritual energy in the air was drawn toward the cocoon in waves, swirling around it like a vortex.
---
By the twenty-ninth day, the forest had become unnaturally silent. The oppressive aura had driven away even the most stubborn of beasts, leaving the area completely deserted. The only sound was the thunderous heartbeat of the cocoon, now audible for miles.
Within the cave, Tianyang and Yuqing stirred. The intense aura emanating from Yao'er's cocoon reached them even through the barriers they had erected.
Yuqing opened her eyes, her brows furrowed. "The energy from Yao'er's cocoon... it's becoming stronger. I can feel his presence more clearly now."
Tianyang nodded, his expression serious. "He's close to completing his transformation. We need to finish our consolidation quickly. He'll need us when he wakes."
They resumed their cultivation, their auras intertwining in perfect harmony. The yin and yang energies flowed between them, stabilizing their foundations as they prepared for the challenges ahead.
---
Outside, the cocoon pulsed faster and faster, the sound of its heartbeat echoing like a war drum. The crimson surface seemed to glow brighter with each beat, the veins throbbing violently as if struggling to contain the energy within.
Suddenly, a loud crack echoed through the clearing. A small fissure appeared on the surface of the cocoon, glowing with a blinding light. The heartbeat grew even louder, each beat now accompanied by the sound of the fissure spreading.
The forest seemed to hold its breath as the cocoon reached its peak. The energy around it became chaotic, swirling in all directions like a storm. The final moments of the transformation were near, and the birth of a new divine beast was imminent.
---
On the dawn of the thirtieth day, the forest was eerily still. The oppressive aura from Yao'er's cocoon had peaked, and the once-distant thunder of its heartbeat now boomed like a drum, shaking the ground. Every pulse sent waves of spiritual energy rippling through the air, a signal to the world that something extraordinary was about to emerge.
The crimson cocoon stood at the center of the clearing, pulsating violently as cracks spread across its surface. The veins bulged grotesquely, their glow intensifying until they looked like rivers of molten fire. The surrounding trees groaned as their bark splintered under the sheer pressure of the energy radiating from the cocoon.
Inside the cave, Tianyang and Yuqing were fully alert. They had paused their cultivation, sensing the critical moment outside. Tianyang's brows furrowed, his expression filled with both anticipation and worry.
Yuqing placed a hand on his arm, her voice calm but firm. "He's coming out. We must trust in him. Yao'er has proven his strength countless times before."
Tianyang nodded, though his jaw was tight. "I know. But the energy he's releasing… it's unlike anything I've ever felt. He's not just breaking through, he's evolving."
They exchanged a glance, both silently agreeing to stay within the cave for now. Their presence might disrupt Yao'er's emergence, and they trusted him to handle whatever came his way.
Suddenly, a deafening boom shook the forest. The cocoon exploded in a blinding flash of crimson light, sending shards of its shell flying in all directions. A thick, viscous red substance splattered across the ground and nearby trees, steaming as it sizzled against the bark.
In the center of the clearing, where the cocoon once stood, a colossal figure emerged. Yao'er's new form was awe-inspiring. His azure scales glistened in the sunlight, each one radiating a faint golden hue that hinted at his newly evolved bloodline. His wings, now larger and more majestic than ever, spread wide, their edges shimmering with faint lightning sparks.
His eyes, glowed with a deep crimson hue, exuding an air of authority and power. The red substance clinging to his body slowly slid off as he stretched his wings, shaking off the remnants of his cocoon. With a powerful beat of his wings, he rose into the air, his massive form casting a shadow over the clearing.
Yao'er let out a thunderous roar, a declaration of his newfound strength. The roar echoed through the forest, shaking the ground and sending ripples through the air. Every beast within miles heard the call, and those that dared to venture near quickly fled, recognizing the rise of a new overlord.
As Yao'er descended, his eyes sparkled with excitement. His transformation was complete, and he could feel the power coursing through his veins. The oppressive aura surrounding him began to stabilize, his presence now exuding a divine majesty.
"I've done it," he muttered to himself, his voice deep and resonant. "Master Tianyang and Mistress Yuqing will be so proud."
He turned toward the cave, his heart filled with eagerness to share his achievement. Just as he approached the entrance, a sudden chill ran down his spine. His keen senses, now sharper than ever, picked up the faint sound of movement.
Whoosh!
A sharp burst of spiritual energy shot toward him, aimed directly at his exposed back. Without hesitation, Yao'er spun around, his wings unfurling like a shield. The attack collided with his scaled wings, sending a ripple of energy through the clearing but leaving him unharmed.
From the shadows of the forest, a group of figures emerged. They were dressed in dark robes, their faces concealed by masks. Each of them radiated the aura of experienced cultivators, their weapons gleaming with spiritual energy.
The leader, a man with a peak-void tribulation cultivation base, stepped forward. His voice was cold and filled with disdain. "A newly evolved divine beast, and already flaunting its power. You've made quite the ruckus, little dragon."
Yao'er growled, his crimson eyes narrowing as he assessed the group. There were six of them, each exuding dangerous energy. Despite his newfound strength, he understood the need to remain cautious.
"What do you want?" Yao'er demanded, his voice echoing like thunder.
The leader chuckled, his tone mocking. "Isn't it obvious? A divine beast like you is a treasure trove of rare materials. Your scales, blood, and core would make us rich beyond imagination. And with your aura attracting attention, we figured we'd strike before others arrived."
Yao'er's claws flexed, his wings spreading wide as his aura flared. "You dare covet my body? I'll make you regret stepping into this forest."
The leader sneered. "Big words for a beast fresh out of its cocoon. Let's see if you can back them up."
The battle began with a flurry of attacks. The hunters moved in sync, their techniques blending seamlessly as they surrounded Yao'er. The leader wielded a low divine-grade spear, its tip crackling with lightning energy. His companions each wielded unique and legendary-grade weapons, their strikes coordinated and precise.
Yao'er roared, his body surging with energy. He unleashed a burst of lightning from his wings, forcing the hunters to scatter. Using his agility, he soared into the air, evading a barrage of attacks before diving toward one of the weaker hunters.
His claws gleamed as he struck, tearing through the hunter's defenses and sending him crashing into a tree. The remaining hunters retaliated, their combined attacks creating a web of spiritual energy that sought to trap Yao'er.
But Yao'er was no ordinary beast. His newly evolved divine-tier bloodline gave him unparalleled resilience and power. He activated a defensive technique, Azure Dragon's Aegis, enveloping his body in a shield of lightning-infused energy. The hunters' attacks dissipated against the shield, leaving him unscathed.
The leader cursed under his breath. "This beast is stronger than we anticipated. Focus your attacks on its wings! Ground it, and it'll be easier to kill."
The hunters shifted their strategy, aiming their strikes at Yao'er's wings. Yao'er growled, realizing their intent. He folded his wings, using them as a shield, and retaliated with a powerful swipe of his tail. The force of the blow sent two hunters flying, their bodies slamming into the ground with sickening thuds.
Despite his dominance, Yao'er could feel his energy depleting. The prolonged battle and the hunters' coordinated efforts were beginning to take their toll.
Inside the cave, Tianyang and Yuqing felt the disturbance outside. The connection through their contract with Yao'er buzzed with urgency, and they could sense his growing fatigue.
Tianyang's eyes darkened, his aura flaring. "Yao'er's in trouble. I can feel it."
Yuqing placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze firm. "We've consolidated enough. Let's go out and help him. He needs us."
Without another word, the two rose, their auras merging as they stepped out of the cave.
The battle raged on, but as Yao'er prepared to unleash a desperate counterattack, a powerful burst of yin and yang energy swept through the clearing.
Tianyang and Yuqing appeared, their presence radiating authority.
The hunters froze, their expressions turning to panic as they recognized the immense power of the newcomers.
"You dare harm our little Yao'er?" Tianyang's voice was cold, his aura suffocating.
Yuqing's gaze was equally deadly. "Leave now, or die."
The hunters hesitated, but the leader snarled. "Don't be intimidated! They've only just appeared. Focus on the dragon—"
Before he could finish, Tianyang vanished, reappearing in front of the leader in an instant. With a flick of his hand, he unleashed a wave of energy that sent the leader flying.
Yuqing moved with equal precision, her strikes swift and merciless as she incapacitated the remaining hunters.
Within moments, the clearing was silent once more.
Yao'er looked up at his masters, his chest heaving. "You came…"
Tianyang smiled, placing a hand on Yao'er's head. "Of course we did. You've done well, Yao'er."
Yuqing nodded, her voice gentle. "Rest now. We'll handle the rest."