Three months had slipped by like sand through fingers, each day carrying Ling Fei closer to a quiet transformation. His time was spent exploring the Celestial Sign-In System, carefully weighing his options and uncovering its seemingly endless potential. It wasn't just a tool; it was a lifeline, a means of carving out a future in a world that favored the powerful and crushed the weak.
Shen Tao's lectures on cultivation had reinforced one truth above all else: the path a cultivator chose defined not only their strength but their survival. Ling Fei had no grand aspirations of standing at the forefront, bathed in glory. He didn't need the light to thrive. The shadows offered him safety and the time to grow without drawing attention. The Beast Path, though less traveled and often dismissed as crude, was a natural choice.
The advantages were undeniable: beasts could fight in his stead, allowing him to avoid direct conflicts. Their unique abilities enhanced adaptability, and their symbiotic bond promised longevity. It was a practical path, one that aligned with his cautious nature and his determination to endure.
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The system had been remarkably generous during this time. Ling Fei's consistent sign-ins across varied locations—hidden valleys, ancient ruins, and dense forests—had accumulated 3245 sign-in points. The rewards weren't limited to points; Qi-enhancing pills, minor treasures, and even rare herbs had been among his earnings.
As he stood in a secluded glade, reviewing the system's Beast Path store, Ling Fei's resolve crystallized. "Not yet," he murmured to himself. "The best survivors know when to let others fight for them. Strength is important, but staying alive is the real game."
The confirmation of his decision came with the system's melodic chime:
"Path Selected: Beast Path. Unlocking exclusive items and skills..."
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Ling Fei's first task was to invest his points wisely. He browsed through the Beast Path section, carefully selecting techniques, pills, and a companion that would form the foundation of his cultivation.
The techniques he chose were practical and versatile:
1. Bloodbond Ritual (500 points): This core technique established a life-bound connection with a beast, allowing the sharing of strength and vitality.
2. Primal Instinct Refinement (700 points): Heightened senses and reflexes were a natural extension of the bond, making him as sharp and reactive as his companion.
3. Phantom Fang Manifestation (600 points): This technique enabled him to mimic his beast's abilities temporarily, creating an unexpected edge in battle.
For elixirs and pills, he prioritized those that would enhance his bond and his companion's growth:
Beast Evolution Elixir (300 points): A rare concoction designed to push a bonded beast's potential to new heights.
Primal Energy Pills (200 points per bottle): These pills improved the compatibility between practitioner and beast, strengthening their connection.
The most critical purchase, however, was his beast companion. Ling Fei's gaze lingered on the description of a particularly rare option:
Spirit-Eater Wolf Pup (900 points): A rare beast renowned for its ability to devour Qi and spiritual energy, growing stronger with each battle.
Ling Fei made his selection without hesitation.
---
As the purchase was confirmed, a swirling vortex of light appeared before him, its brilliance casting long shadows in the glade. From the vortex stepped a sleek wolf pup, its fur shimmering like liquid silver under the dappled sunlight. The air around it seemed to hum with latent energy.
The system's voice echoed:
"Spirit-Eater Wolf Pup successfully bonded. Name your companion."
Ling Fei knelt down, extending a cautious hand. The pup's amber eyes locked onto his, radiating an intelligence and curiosity that belied its small size. It sniffed his palm once, then nuzzled it gently, its tail wagging in approval.
Ling Fei couldn't help but smile. The pup wasn't just beautiful; it was graceful, elegant, and carried itself with an air of quiet confidence. It even displayed a playful side, hopping around him and nipping at his robes.
"I'll call you... Xiao Yin," Ling Fei said softly. The pup barked sharply in approval, its voice high-pitched yet firm.
The bond between them formed instantly, a subtle connection that allowed Ling Fei to feel Xiao Yin's emotions and vitality.
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Over the following days, Ling Fei and Xiao Yin began training together. The Bloodbond Ritual infused Ling Fei with a renewed vitality whenever Xiao Yin was near, while the Primal Instinct Refinement technique sharpened his senses to a razor's edge.
Xiao Yin proved to be an exceptional companion. Despite its youth, the pup instinctively used its ability to devour spiritual energy, leaving weaker opponents powerless. Its natural agility and clever tactics impressed Ling Fei, who marveled at how quickly it adapted to challenges.
During one expedition, they encountered a low-level spirit beast 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 innate ability activated, draining its Qi until it collapsed.
Ling Fei 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 him.
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the glade in hues of gold and crimson, Ling Fei sat with Xiao Yin by a small campfire. He gently stroked the pup's silver fur, feeling a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of his life.
"Let others aim for glory," he murmured, his voice steady and resolute. "I'll take survival. And when they least expect it, I'll rise."
The path he had chosen wasn't one of grandeur or recognition, but it was one that promised longevity and power. The Beast Path, with its quiet cunning and indirect strength, was his way forward.
As the fire crackled and Xiao Yin curled up beside him, Ling Fei allowed himself a moment of quiet satisfaction. For the first time in a long while, he felt prepared—not just to survive, but to thrive.
In the shadows, Ling Fei found his strength.