Three months had slipped by almost unnoticed, each day carrying me closer to a subtle transformation. My time had been consumed by the exploration of the Celestial Sign-In System, weighing my options carefully and uncovering the seemingly boundless potential it offered. It wasn't just a tool for convenience—it was my lifeline, a means to carve a future in a world that favored the powerful and crushed the weak.
Master Shen Tao's lessons on cultivation had solidified one truth above all else: the path a cultivator chose wasn't just a matter of strength—it defined their survival. I had no desire for glory or fame; I didn't need the light to thrive. The shadows offered me safety, the space to grow without attracting attention. The Beast Path, though often regarded as crude and less traveled, felt like the most natural choice.
Its advantages were clear: beasts could fight on my behalf, sparing me from direct conflicts. Their unique abilities enhanced adaptability, and the bond I formed with them promised longevity. It was a practical path, perfectly suited to my cautious nature and my resolve to endure.
---
The system had been remarkably generous over these months. My consistent sign-ins across hidden valleys, ancient ruins, and dense forests had earned me 3245 points. The rewards weren't just points—Qi-enhancing pills, minor treasures, and rare herbs had filled my inventory, giving me more than enough resources to support my journey.
As I stood in a secluded glade, reviewing the Beast Path store, my resolve crystallized. "Not yet," I murmured to myself. "The best survivors know when to let others fight for them. Strength is important, but survival is the real game."
The system's melodic chime confirmed my decision: "Path Selected: Beast Path. Unlocking exclusive items and skills..."
---
My first task was to invest my points wisely. I scrolled through the Beast Path section, selecting techniques, pills, and a companion to lay the foundation for my cultivation.
The techniques I chose were practical and versatile:
1. Bloodbond Ritual (500 points): This core technique would establish a life-bound connection with a beast, allowing us to share strength and vitality.
2. Primal Instinct Refinement (700 points): This would heighten my senses and reflexes, making me as sharp and reactive as my companion.
3. Phantom Fang Manifestation (600 points): A technique that would let me mimic my beast's abilities temporarily, giving me an unexpected edge in battle.
For elixirs and pills, I prioritized those that would strengthen my bond and enhance my companion's growth:
Beast Evolution Elixir (300 points): A rare concoction to push a bonded beast's potential to new heights.
Primal Energy Pills (200 points per bottle): Pills that would improve the compatibility between practitioner and beast, fortifying our connection.
But the most critical purchase was my companion. I lingered over the description of a rare option:
Spirit-Eater Wolf Pup (900 points): A rare beast capable of devouring Qi and spiritual energy, growing stronger with each battle.
Without hesitation, I made my selection.
---
As soon as the purchase was confirmed, a swirling vortex of light appeared before me, its brilliance casting long shadows across the glade. From the vortex emerged a sleek wolf pup, its fur shimmering like liquid silver in the dappled sunlight. The air around it hummed with latent energy.
The system's voice echoed: "Spirit-Eater Wolf Pup successfully bonded. Name your companion."
I knelt down, extending a cautious hand. The pup's amber eyes locked onto mine, radiating intelligence and curiosity that seemed beyond its small size. It sniffed my palm once, then nuzzled it gently, its tail wagging in approval.
A smile tugged at my lips. The pup wasn't just beautiful—it was graceful, elegant, and carried itself with quiet confidence. It even displayed a playful side, hopping around me and nipping at my robes.
"I'll call you… Xiao Yin," I said softly.
The pup barked sharply in approval, its voice high-pitched yet firm.
Instantly, the bond between us formed, a subtle connection that allowed me to feel Xiao Yin's emotions and vitality.
---
Over the following days, Xiao Yin and I trained together. The Bloodbond Ritual infused me with renewed vitality whenever Xiao Yin was near, while the Primal Instinct Refinement sharpened my senses to a razor's edge.
Xiao Yin proved to be an exceptional companion. Despite its youth, it instinctively used its ability to devour spiritual energy, draining weaker opponents of their Qi until they collapsed. Its natural agility and clever tactics impressed me, and I marveled at how quickly it adapted to challenges.
One day, we encountered a low-level spirit beast hidden in the dense underbrush. Xiao Yin leapt into action, its small frame a blur of motion as it sank its fangs into the beast. The spirit beast struggled, but Xiao Yin's ability activated, draining its Qi until the beast collapsed.
I watched the scene unfold with a grim smile. Xiao Yin wasn't just a companion—it was a weapon, a force of nature that would grow alongside me.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the glade in hues of gold and crimson, I sat by a small campfire with Xiao Yin curled beside me. I gently stroked the pup's silver fur, feeling a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of my life.
"Let others aim for glory," I murmured, my voice steady and resolute. "I'll take survival. And when they least expect it, I'll rise."
The path I had chosen wasn't one of grandeur or recognition, but it promised longevity and power. The Beast Path, with its quiet cunning and indirect strength, was my way forward.
As the fire crackled and Xiao Yin rested by my side, I allowed myself a moment of quiet satisfaction. For the first time in a long while, I felt prepared—not just to survive, but to thrive.
In the shadows, I had found my strength.