The room was serene, lit only by the soft glow of the Celestial Sign-In System's interface. Ling Fei sat cross-legged on a worn mat, his breathing even as he explored the system's options. His journey to Redwater City had been arduous but rewarding, with multiple sign-ins along the way boosting his modest balance.
[Sign-In Points: 1350]
He had spent the majority of his points acquiring Xiao Yin, leaving him careful with his choices now. Yet, the journey had been fruitful, and the points accumulated were enough to consider meaningful upgrades.
As Ling Fei browsed, a new notification flashed across the interface.
[Congratulations! You have unlocked a special benefit: First-Time Lucky Draw. Choose a category to draw from: Beast Path, Sky Path, or Land Path.]
Ling Fei's eyebrows lifted in interest. Unlike regular purchases, this lucky draw was free—a rare opportunity for a cultivator like him.
"Beast Path," he chose without hesitation. Xiao Yin was already a loyal companion, and anything that could enhance his beast's growth or his own cultivation in the Beast Path was worth the gamble.
The system shimmered, revealing a vibrant spinning wheel. Each segment glimmered with enticing rewards: bloodline pills, rare skills, unique artifacts, and legendary beasts. Ling Fei reached out mentally to spin the wheel. It whirled rapidly, colors blending together before gradually slowing.
The pointer stopped on a radiant icon: a swirling orb containing a creature of pure energy.
[Congratulations! You have obtained the Egg of an Infernal Sky Serpent. Legendary-grade Beast Path companion. The egg will bond with its master upon hatching.]
A pulse of light filled the room, materializing a glowing egg in Ling Fei's hands. Its surface radiated warmth, faint tendrils of fire flickering across its shell.
"So, this is a legendary beast," Ling Fei murmured, inspecting the egg. The latent power inside felt almost alive, eager to awaken.
Placing the egg carefully on a cushioned mat, Ling Fei turned his focus to Xiao Yin, who lay beside him. The silver-furred wolf was strong but not yet at its peak.
He navigated the store and selected upgrades carefully:
Primal Roar (750 points): A skill that would boost Xiao Yin's combat strength and intimidate enemies.
Essence Dew (500 points): A rare elixir to enhance Xiao Yin's spiritual core and growth.
[Sign-In Points: 1350 → 100]
Ling Fei poured the Essence Dew into a small jade bowl, gesturing for Xiao Yin to drink. The wolf lapped it up eagerly, its body shuddering as a faint glow enveloped it. Ling Fei could sense the changes—its energy more refined, its muscles denser.
Moments later, Xiao Yin stood taller, its amber eyes sharper and more intelligent. The bond between them felt deeper, a mutual understanding forming without words.
"You're getting stronger," Ling Fei said, stroking its fur. "We'll need that strength for what's to come.
Ling Fei's thoughts turned to his next destination: Emerald Edge, an island renowned across the Xiang Region. It was one of the top three islands, celebrated for its resources, beauty, and powerful sects.
Located in the eastern waters of Xiang, Emerald Edge was a hub of maritime trade, drawing merchants, adventurers, and cultivators alike. Its prosperity stemmed not only from its fertile land and rich spiritual resources but also from the presence of three dominant sects, each representing one of the cultivation paths:
The Azure Sky Hall. Masters of the Sky Path, known for their clarity and freedom-focused techniques.
The Crimson Earth Temple. Practitioners of the Land Path, feared and respected for their unyielding vitality and corruption arts.
The Silver Fang Pavilion. Beast Path specialists, revered for their powerful bonded beasts and mastery over life-based cultivation.
Each sect commanded immense respect and influence, making the island a magnet for ambitious cultivators seeking opportunities and glory.
Ling Fei's ultimate goal was the Silver Fang Pavilion, where he hoped to find insights and resources to further his Beast Path cultivation.
The Infernal Sky Serpent Egg rested on a soft mat, its surface flickering with faint flames. The system displayed incubation details:
[Egg Incubation Time: 25 Days. Conditions Required: Primal energy infusion and secure protection.]
Ling Fei arranged a simple energy formation using jade fragments he had collected during his travels, ensuring the egg would receive a steady flow of energy.
As he leaned back and closed his eyes, Ling Fei let the quiet hum of the system guide him into a meditative state, his mind sharpening for the journey to come.