Ye Xiaotian stood in the vast expanse of the Spirit World, a realm alive with swirling energy and profound silence. Before him, the golden glow enveloping the two Blue Mountain Cattle began to fade, revealing their newly transformed forms. The once simple beasts now exuded an air of majesty. Their muscular bodies rippled with newfound strength, their shimmering horns gleamed with a faint electric aura, and streaks of glowing gold traced intricate patterns along their deep blue coats, like veins coursing with power.
The transformation was breathtaking. These were no longer ordinary creatures. Their presence alone radiated an intimidating aura that rivaled high-level Foundation Realm cultivators. The energy emanating from them crackled faintly in the air, causing the surrounding Chaos Fluid to ripple.
Ye Xiaotian stepped forward, his sharp eyes observing every detail of their metamorphosis. He spoke softly, more to himself than anyone else. "So, Blue Mountain Cattle... they are a variant of the Celestial Thunder Ox. But the Celestial Thunder Ox is said to be as large as a mountain. These two... they're much smaller, which means..." He paused, his gaze narrowing thoughtfully. "...they haven't fully awakened their bloodline yet. This is only the beginning."
The knowledge stirred memories of his studies in ancient texts. Ye Xiaotian recalled the legends surrounding the Celestial Thunder Ox a rare and revered spirit beast believed to be born close to the heavens. These beasts were thunder incarnate, capable of summoning heavenly tribulations with a single thought. When they matured and their bloodline fully awakened, they possessed the might to challenge even Energy Mastery Realm titans, their power feared and respected across the True Mortal World. However, their reputation also included their infamous temper, known for raging storms and devastating anything that dared provoke them.
The larger of the two Celestial Thunder Ox, now towering above Ye Xiaotian, took a deliberate step forward. Despite its immense size and imposing aura, it lowered its head humbly, a gesture of submission and reverence. The golden streaks along its coat pulsed faintly, as though acknowledging him as its master. The unspoken bond between them grew stronger in that moment, a connection forged through the Chaos Fluid and deepened by shared growth.
Ye Xiaotian reached out, his hand resting gently on the beast's massive neck. The coarse yet warm texture of its fur resonated with power. A faint smile crossed his lips. "With their strength now," he murmured, his voice carrying an undercurrent of awe, "they could rival a normal Divine Vessel Realm cultivator. And this is just the start. When they fully awaken their bloodline, they'll ascend to a level that even Soul Awakening Realm experts will have to respect."
The smaller Celestial Thunder Ox stood behind its larger counterpart, its own transformation equally remarkable. Though slightly less imposing, its golden horns crackled faintly with residual lightning, and its intelligent eyes gleamed as they studied Ye Xiaotian. Both beasts radiated a quiet determination, as if ready to stand by his side against any foe.
The serene moment was interrupted by a sharp chirp. Yin'er, the vibrant Kirin, zipped through the air, her small wings flapping furiously as she darted around the two transformed beasts. Her curious nature took over as she examined them from all angles, her playful antics causing faint sparks to fly from their coats. Despite her excitement, the Celestial Thunder Ox remained calm, their newfound confidence making them unbothered by the mischievous little Kirin.
Yin'er's chirping grew louder as she flapped higher, testing her flying skills with newfound precision. Her movements had become sharper, her control more refined. It was clear that her training in the Spirit World was beginning to bear fruit.
Meanwhile, Lanyu approached quietly. Her sleek form was a contrast to Yin'er's energy. The blue streaks in her fur shimmered faintly in the ethereal light, giving her an air of calm authority. Her intelligent eyes met Ye Xiaotian's, as though silently approving the transformation of the Celestial Thunder Ox. She stood by his side, her presence a steady and composed counterbalance to Yin'er's vivacity.
Ye Xiaotian glanced down at Lanyu and gave her a small nod. "You've grown stronger too," he said softly. Her sharp gaze didn't waver, and though she didn't reply audibly, the understanding between them was clear. She embodied the quiet power of a Kirin, exuding an air of wisdom and strength.
Turning his attention back to the Celestial Thunder Ox, Ye Xiaotian took a step back, allowing himself a moment to admire their transformation fully. The Spirit World, with its boundless energy and Chaos Fluid, had nurtured not just him but also his companions. Their evolution was a testament to the immense potential of this realm.
"They're not just guardians anymore," Ye Xiaotian thought. "They're forces to be reckoned with."
The larger Celestial Thunder Ox let out a low rumble, its voice deep and resonant, vibrating through the air. The sound carried a sense of acknowledgment, a promise of unwavering loyalty.
Ye Xiaotian's eyes gleamed with determination as he stepped forward, addressing his companions. "You've all grown stronger," he said, his voice firm but tinged with pride. "But this is just the beginning. There's a long road ahead, and we'll face challenges that will test us to our limits. Be ready."
The Celestial Thunder Oxen's let out simultaneous snorts, their auras flaring briefly in response. Yin'er chirped in agreement, zipping around Ye Xiaotian's head before settling on his shoulder. Lanyu remained calm, her steady gaze fixed on the horizon of the Spirit World.
As the golden glow from the transformation fully subsided, the Spirit World returned to its tranquil hum. Ye Xiaotian felt a sense of fulfillment, knowing that the beings around him were growing alongside him.
Ye Xiaotian turned his gaze toward the two majestic Celestial Thunderoxen, their massive forms emanating strength and power after their recent transformation. Their golden streaks glistened in the soft glow of the Spirit World, and their eyes, filled with intelligence, met his own with a mix of reverence and expectation.
He smiled faintly, stepping closer to the beasts, his calm demeanor reassuring them. "Since you two have become my spirit beasts," Ye Xiaotian began, his voice steady but warm, "it's only fitting that you are given proper names. You're part of my family now, and family deserves recognition."
The larger Thunderox let out a deep, resonant bellow that echoed through the Spirit World like a rumbling storm, while the smaller one followed with a higher-pitched, yet equally powerful sound. Their agreement was clear, their large, shimmering eyes fixed on Ye Xiaotian with a spark of anticipation.
Ye Xiaotian nodded, placing a hand on his chin as he thought carefully. Naming them wasn't a simple task; it had to reflect their power, dignity, and connection to the heavens. His gaze lingered on the larger one, its muscular frame radiating dominance, its golden horns crackling faintly with residual energy.
After a moment of contemplation, he pointed at the larger Thunderox. "You," he said, his tone thoughtful yet resolute, "will be called 'Tianlei'. The name means 'Heavenly Thunder.' It suits your strength and your lineage as a Celestial Thunderox."
Tianlei raised its head high, its golden horns gleaming with a faint spark of lightning as it bellowed once more, this time with an unmistakable sense of pride. The sound reverberated across the Spirit World, a powerful declaration of its acceptance of the name.
Ye Xiaotian's gaze then shifted to the smaller Thunderox. While not as large as Tianlei, its frame was leaner and exuded an aura of agility and sharpness. Its golden streaks seemed to ripple like flowing lightning, and its eyes gleamed with a liveliness that hinted at boundless potential.
"And you," Ye Xiaotian continued, pointing toward the smaller Thunderox, "will be called 'Leiyun', 'Thunder Cloud.' You embody speed and agility, just like the fleeting clouds before a storm."
Leiyun let out an enthusiastic bellow, its hooves stomping the ground as arcs of golden light danced along its body. Its eyes sparkled with delight, and it raised its head to look at the heavens, the name settling into its being like a second birth.
Yin'er, on the side chirped joyously at the newly named beasts, flapping her small wings and circling around them in excitement. She let out a series of melodious sounds, as if congratulating them. Lanyu, ever the composed one, gave a deep, approving growl, her piercing blue gaze lingering on Tianlei and Leiyun. Despite her reserved nature, her actions conveyed an unspoken welcome.
Tianlei and Leiyun, in turn, lowered their massive heads slightly toward Yin'er and Lanyu, their expressions filled with camaraderie. They let out low bellows, the sounds deep and resonant, as though acknowledging the bonds they now shared as spirit beasts within Ye Xiaotian's family.
The Spirit World seemed to hum with a quiet energy, the atmosphere alive with newfound harmony. Ye Xiaotian stood amidst his four spirit beasts, a faint smile playing on his lips as he watched their interaction. These beings, each extraordinary in their own right, were now bound to him, not just by contract but by a growing sense of trust and loyalty.
He reached out to gently pat Tianlei's massive neck, then Leiyun's sleek shoulder. "Tianlei, Leiyun," he said, his tone firm but kind, "from now on, we move forward together. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them as a family."
The two Thunderoxen bellowed once more, their voices carrying the weight of a solemn vow. Yin'er and Lanyu chimed in, their sounds filling the Spirit World with a sense of unity and purpose.
In this moment, Ye Xiaotian felt a rare sense of peace. With his spirit beasts by his side, each growing stronger with him, the path ahead no matter how treacherous seemed just a little less daunting.
After spending some time playing with his spirit beasts and marveling at their transformations, he turned his attention toward the egg resting in the center of the Spirit World. It was time for the next blood feeding, a ritual he had come to anticipate with a mix of curiosity and reverence.
The egg lay on its pedestal of Chaos Stone, pulsating softly like a beating heart. Intricate runes covered its surface, faintly glowing with a mysterious energy that seemed to ripple across the Spirit World. The four spirit beasts Yin'er, Lanyu, and the two newly transformed Blue Mountain Cattle stood at a respectful distance, their gazes fixed on the egg. Yet, there was something unusual in their expressions. Their eyes, normally brimming with confidence and intelligence, now carried a hint of unease.
It was fear.
Ye Xiaotian glanced at them and immediately noticed their wary stances. Even Lanyu, the stoic and composed Kirin, seemed hesitant to approach. Yin'er, usually playful and bold, chirped softly but made no move closer. The two Blue Mountain Cattle shifted uneasily, their massive forms towering yet visibly tense. It was as though something emanating from the egg suppressed their very bloodlines, reminding them of a power far beyond their comprehension.
"So, even they can feel it," Ye Xiaotian murmured, his gaze returning to the egg. "This thing… it's no ordinary being."
With calm steps, Ye Xiaotian approached the egg. As he got closer, the pulsating rhythm of its "heartbeat" seemed to synchronize with his own. The faint glow of the runes intensified slightly, reacting to his presence. He reached out and placed his hand on its surface. The egg was warm, almost alive, and the intricate runes etched into it felt like veins pulsing with hidden energy.
The moment his palm made contact, the egg began to buzz softly, the runes glowing brighter. A sharp, needle-like projection emerged from one of the runes and pierced the skin of Ye Xiaotian's hand. The motion was so swift and precise that he didn't even flinch. Blood began to flow from the small cut, dripping onto the egg's surface.
As the first drops of blood touched the runes, they seemed to come alive. The egg vibrated more intensely, its buzzing growing louder. The runes absorbed the blood greedily, glowing with a fierce light as though rejoicing at the nourishment. The egg's buzzing took on a ferocious intensity, almost as if it was expressing happiness. It began to draw blood faster, the suction growing stronger with each passing moment.
Ye Xiaotian watched the process unfold with calm detachment. Despite the egg's insatiable hunger, he felt no discomfort. At most, there was a faint tickling sensation in his hand. His body was beyond the limits of mortal world. His blood replenished itself at an incredible rate, fueled by the vast spiritual energy his body absorbed from the Spirit World.
As the egg continued to draw his blood, Ye Xiaotian's body instinctively reacted, pulling spiritual energy from the surroundings at a heightened pace. His veins pulsed faintly with green light, and his Chaos Root hummed with activity. It was as if his body and the egg were locked in a quiet contest one drawing blood, the other regenerating it just as quickly.
Minutes turned into an hour. The egg buzzed ferociously, its runes blazing like miniature stars, while Ye Xiaotian's body kept pace, absorbing more spiritual energy and converting it into fresh blood. The balance between the two seemed unbreakable, a harmonious yet competitive cycle of giving and taking.
Ye Xiaotian chuckled softly to himself as he observed the process. "So, this is what you're capable of," he mused, his tone curious rather than strained. "You're more demanding than last time. But it'll take more than this to wear me down."
Finally, after an hour of relentless feeding, the egg began to slow. The intense buzzing diminished, the runes dimmed, and the needle-like projection retracted. The once-voracious egg now grew still, its surface smooth and silent. Only the faint, rhythmic sound of its heartbeat remained, though it was noticeably stronger than before.
Ye Xiaotian removed his hand, examining the small wound. It had already closed, leaving no trace of the cut. He flexed his fingers, feeling no weakness despite the prolonged bloodletting. Instead, he felt invigorated, as though the process had somehow refined his own energy in the exchange.
Turning his gaze back to the egg, Ye Xiaotian noticed that its pulsations were deeper, more forceful than the last feeding. The heartbeat reverberated faintly through the Spirit World, a subtle but undeniable presence that spoke of the life growing within.
"You're getting stronger," Ye Xiaotian said softly, his tone filled with intrigue. "What are you, really? And what will you become?"
End of Chapter 25