Chapter 56: Birth of Xiao Tian
In the dimly lit chamber, a peculiar scene unfolded. Beside Mu Feng, the white serpent egg began emitting a powerful suction force, pulling in the surrounding spiritual energy and even drawing Yuan energy directly from Mu Feng's newly formed energy vortex.
The egg, belonging to a White Python Wyrm, had undergone a transformation after absorbing Mu Feng's refined blood energy. Its translucent shell was now laced with intricate blood-red patterns, a testament to its growing uniqueness.
Suddenly, the egg pulsated with life, emitting rhythmic thuds akin to a heartbeat. The suction intensified, and Mu Feng's energy vortex threatened to collapse under the strain.
Mu Feng panicked. If his vortex shattered, a month's worth of arduous cultivation would be wasted, and his cultivation level would regress from Purple Mansion Second Stage to the First Stage.
"It's hatching! Quickly, force out a drop of your essence blood—I'll guide your body to inscribe a stabilizing rune on the shell!" Xi Yue urged with urgency.
Without hesitation, Mu Feng bit his tongue, drawing from his heart's reservoir of seven drops of essence blood. He guided a single drop to his palm and offered it to Xi Yue. She controlled his hand, wielding the Divine Rune Pen to trace intricate, otherworldly runes onto the egg's surface.
Meanwhile, Mu Feng gulped down a vial of pills, refining their energy to reinforce his collapsing vortex. The process was grueling, but with Xi Yue's precise guidance, the runes were completed, their golden glow merging seamlessly with the egg's surface.
The Hatchling Emerges
Finally, after consuming Mu Feng's Yuan energy and three full bottles of Nurturing Pills, the egg ceased its voracious absorption. A faint crack echoed through the chamber, and a fracture appeared on the shell.
Mu Feng's eyes widened in anticipation.
Crack... crack... The fissures multiplied, spreading like a spiderweb across the shell until a piece broke away, revealing a curious, snake-like head. Its glistening white scales were accented by a blood-red streak running along its back, and its eyes, a luminous gold, held an intelligent gleam.
The hatchling wriggled free from its shell, its sinuous body stretching to about three feet long. A tiny crimson nub, resembling a horn, protruded from its head—a sign of extraordinary potential. The hatchling hissed softly, its forked tongue flicking as it explored its surroundings.
When its gaze met Mu Feng's, it slithered toward him with surprising speed, coiling around his arm and nuzzling his face affectionately. Its cool, smooth scales were unexpectedly comforting.
"You're quite the clingy little one, aren't you?" Mu Feng chuckled, stroking its glistening scales.
The hatchling responded by licking his cheek with a soft, pink tongue—not the forked tongue one would expect from a serpent.
"Interesting. It doesn't seem like an ordinary Python Wyrm," Mu Feng remarked, marveling at the creature.
"Of course not," Xi Yue chimed in. "Look at the crimson streak along its back—that's a bloodline marker. This isn't just a Python Wyrm. It's a mutated variant, likely capable of evolving into a true Flood Dragon."
"A Flood Dragon…" Mu Feng's heart raced. Such a legendary beast was renowned for its unparalleled strength and ability to manipulate water and weather.
"Why don't you give it a name?" Xi Yue suggested.
After a brief moment of thought, Mu Feng smiled. "I'll call it Xiao Tian."
Xi Yue's gaze softened at the name. She understood the sentiment behind it—a tribute to Mu Feng's father, Mu Tian.
A Growing Presence
After consuming its eggshell, Xiao Tian's growth was astonishing. Its once slender body expanded, reaching over two meters in length and growing as thick as an adult's arm. Its head, now more dragon-like than serpentine, bore a more pronounced crimson horn.
However, its body soon shrank back to its original three-foot form. Xiao Tian coiled snugly around Mu Feng's torso, resting comfortably against his warmth and falling into a deep sleep.
"Fascinating. It can adjust its size at will," Mu Feng observed, his curiosity piqued.
"It's a basic ability of Flood Dragons. Size manipulation is a natural talent of such creatures," Xi Yue explained. "This little one already exhibits traits of a true Flood Dragon, but it needs another bloodline evolution to fully transform."
Mu Feng's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "I look forward to the day it soars through the heavens."
With Xiao Tian nestled against him, Mu Feng ended his training session and emerged from the chamber. All forty Yuan weapons he had been commissioned to craft were complete, and his breakthrough to the Purple Mansion Second Stage was secured.
A New Plan Unfolds
Shortly after leaving the chamber, Mu Zhong approached him with a message.
"Young Master, Lord Mu Hai requests your presence," Mu Zhong reported respectfully.
"Understood. Let's go together," Mu Feng replied, a knowing smile hinting at the wheels turning in his mind.
In the meeting hall, Mu Hai greeted Mu Feng warmly. "You've completed your seclusion, I see."
Mu Feng nodded. "Uncle Hai, I take it the plan is ready?"
"Yes. The shipment is set to depart from Anxi City," Mu Hai confirmed.
"Good," Mu Feng said. "If this is indeed a trap, we'll soon uncover the culprits."
With that, Mu Hai dispatched a letter to their contacts in Anxi City. The caravan, comprising three wagons loaded with iron chests, set off with an escort of over twenty guards, including two Condensed Qi Stage experts.
In the Shadows
From a hidden vantage point, a shadowy figure observed the departing caravan. Releasing two carrier pigeons, the figure melted into the shadows.
Sixty kilometers from Anxi City, a roadside inn served as the meeting place for a group of masked figures. Dressed in black, their leader addressed the group in a chilling tone.
"Mu's caravan has departed. Twenty-three guards, including two elders, are protecting the shipment. They should arrive here by dusk," the leader reported.
"Understood. Leave no survivors," the cold voice of another commanded, sealing the fate of those involved.
The stage was set for a deadly ambush.