In the grand hall, the atmosphere was one of solemnity and anticipation. Lin Haoyan stood with his hands clasped behind his back, observing the couple before him. Lin Yuqing had stored many items in her storage ring, while Tianyang gripped the hilt of his sword firmly, his expression calm but resolute.
Lin Haoyan finally broke the silence. "So, where do you two plan to head first?"
Yuqing turned to Tianyang, her eyes filled with a mixture of trust and curiosity. "What do you think, Tianyang?"
Tianyang glanced at her, his lips curving into a small smile. "No exact destination for now. Our cultivation realms are fine for the moment, and our techniques are formidable. But what we lack is experience—true battle-hardened experience. I was thinking we could find a place teeming with demon beasts. Somewhere challenging but not overwhelming for our current level."
Lin Haoyan stroked his chin, his gaze contemplative. "A sound plan. Experience is indeed the foundation of mastery. If you want a place suitable for your purpose, I recommend the Misty Forest. It's not far from here; it's located in the Verdant Mist Region of the Northern Continent."
"Misty Forest?" Tianyang asked, intrigued.
Haoyan nodded. "It's a dense, sprawling forest filled with a variety of demon beasts, ranging from Heaven Beast to Saint Beast levels. The environment will test not only your strength but also your wits and teamwork. Additionally, there's something else worth noting."
He paused, looking at both of them. "In about a year's time, a ruin in the center of Misty Forest will open. It's said to have belonged to an ancient immortal who transcended this continent's limits. If you're able to survive and grow stronger in the forest, you may be ready to explore it when the time comes. But remember, ruins like these attract countless cultivators—and not all will have noble intentions."
Yuqing's eyes sparkled with excitement, though she kept her composure. "Thank you, Father. That sounds like the perfect place to start."
Tianyang inclined his head respectfully. "We'll heed your advice, Patriarch Lin. Thank you for the guidance."
Lin Haoyan's gaze softened as he looked at his daughter. "Yuqing, remember that the journey ahead will be fraught with challenges. You've always been capable, but this path is unlike anything you've faced before."
"I understand, Father," Yuqing said, her voice steady. "But I trust Tianyang, and I trust myself. Together, we'll overcome anything."
Lin Haoyan nodded, his expression betraying a hint of pride. "Good. Then go with my blessing. But be careful—you carry the hopes of two great clans."
Lin Meiyun stepped forward, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yuqing, my dear, take care of yourself. And Tianyang, please… protect her."
Tianyang gave a solemn bow. "With my life."
Yuqing hugged her mother tightly, whispering, "I'll make you proud, Mother."
As the couple made their way out of the grand hall, Yuqing paused at the entrance, turning back for one last look at her parents. Lin Haoyan stood tall and stoic, while Lin Meiyun waved gently, her face a mixture of pride and sadness.
Yuqing took a deep breath and reached for Tianyang's hand. He clasped it firmly, their fingers intertwining.
"Are you ready?" Tianyang asked, his tone warm but resolute.
Yuqing nodded, her determination shining through. "I've never been more ready."
The journey through the Eternal Bloom Clan's territory was quiet, the two walking hand in hand. The intimacy between them was unspoken but palpable, each step a testament to their shared resolve.
"You know," Yuqing began, her voice light, "this will be the first time it's just the two of us for an extended period. No elders, no clan politics… just us."
Tianyang chuckled. "Does that mean you'll finally stop calling me 'Young Master Tianyang'?"
Yuqing rolled her eyes playfully. "I've been calling you Tianyang for a while now. Don't get cocky."
"Too late," he teased, squeezing her hand.
As they traveled, they passed through bustling cities and serene villages. In one marketplace, Yuqing tugged Tianyang toward a stall selling intricately carved hairpins.
"This one would suit you," Tianyang said, picking up a pin shaped like a phoenix.
"And this one," Yuqing countered, holding up a dragon-shaped pin, "would suit you."
Tianyang raised an eyebrow. "A hairpin for me?"
"It's symbolic," she said with a grin. "The phoenix and the dragon, remember?"
He chuckled and paid for both pins, tucking hers into her hair with gentle fingers. "Perfect."
By the time they reached the Verdant Mist Region, the scenery had changed dramatically. Thick mists curled through ancient trees, their trunks wide enough to rival small houses. The air was heavy with moisture and the faint scent of earth and vegetation.
"We're here," Tianyang said, his tone low but steady.
Yuqing gazed at the forest, her expression a mix of awe and anticipation. "The Misty Forest. It feels… alive."
Tianyang nodded, his senses on high alert. "It's teeming with energy—and danger. Let's set up a base before we head deeper."
Yuqing gripped his hand tighter, her voice filled with determination. "Together."
Tianyang smiled, his gaze meeting hers. "Together."
With that, they stepped into the mist, their journey truly beginning.
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Important Information!
Demon Beast Levels
Demon beasts cultivate similarly to humans, but their power is derived from their innate bloodlines and their comprehension of the natural laws.
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1. Mortal Beast (Equivalent to Qi Condensation Realm)
Characteristics: Ordinary beasts with no spiritual awareness. They can be domesticated or hunted by low-level cultivators.
Abilities: Basic physical prowess, limited intelligence.
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2. Spirit Beast (Equivalent to Foundation Establishment Realm)
Characteristics: Gained spiritual awareness and the ability to absorb spiritual energy.
Abilities: Basic elemental or physical techniques.
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3. Profound Beast (Equivalent to Golden Core Realm)
Characteristics: Can form a demon core, a condensed source of their energy.
Abilities: Elemental mastery increases; techniques become more refined and dangerous.
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4. Earth Beast (Equivalent to Nascent Soul Realm)
Characteristics: Highly intelligent and capable of complex strategies in combat.
Abilities: Can manipulate spiritual energy outside their bodies and unleash powerful area attacks.
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5. Sky Beast (Equivalent to Soul Severing Realm)
Characteristics: Gains flight capabilities (if not already inherent) and a greater connection to natural laws.
Abilities: Uses spiritual energy to augment physical attacks and unleash devastating techniques.
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6. Heaven Beast (Equivalent to Spirit Transformation Realm)
Characteristics: Begins to comprehend higher laws, often gaining elemental affinities like fire, wind, or lightning.
Abilities: Techniques become destructive and vast, often affecting large areas.
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7. Divine Beast (Equivalent to Void Tribulation Realm)
Characteristics: Recognized as sovereign beings among demon beasts. Rare and feared across the continent.
Abilities: Can use domain-level techniques and unleash spiritual pressure that can paralyze weaker beings.
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8. Saint Beast (Equivalent to Ascendant Realm)
Characteristics: Bloodline abilities start to awaken; they become almost unkillable without significant power.
Abilities: Can manipulate the elements at will and recover quickly from injuries.
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9. Monarch Beast (Equivalent to Immortal Ascension Realm)
Characteristics: Commands legions of lower-tier beasts and rules vast territories.
Abilities: Their techniques rival natural disasters, and their spiritual auras can suppress weaker beings.
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10. Sovereign Beast (Equivalent to Celestial Lord Realm)
Characteristics: Pinnacle of demon beasts within a single continent. Their roars can alter weather patterns, and their presence inspires awe.
Abilities: Fully awakened bloodlines, capable of world-shattering attacks and near-invulnerability.
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11. Ancient Beast (Equivalent to Heavenly Sovereign)
Characteristics: Ancient beings who have surpassed the limits of the mortal plane. Their existence is legendary, and their powers are incomprehensible.
Abilities: Can manipulate the fabric of space and time; their techniques can affect entire continents.
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12. Primordial Beast (Equivalent to True Divinity)
Characteristics: Born of the primordial chaos, these beasts are mythical entities that represent the pinnacle of existence.
Abilities: Their techniques can reshape the heavens and earth; their very presence warps reality.
Each level reflects a demon beast's increasing power, intelligence, and connection to the natural world. Like human cultivators, their strength is heavily influenced by their bloodlines, comprehension of laws, and opportunities encountered during their journey.
Opportunities for demon beasts often include:
1. Bloodline Awakening: Activating dormant ancestral bloodlines to enhance strength and abilities.
2. Heavenly Treasures: Consuming rare spiritual herbs, fruits, or minerals that boost cultivation.
3. Beast Cores: Absorbing cores of stronger beasts to enhance their own power.
4. Ancient Inheritances: Discovering ruins, sacred grounds, or relics left by powerful ancient beasts.
5. Comprehension of Laws: Meditating in natural environments to grasp elemental or spatial laws.
6. Contracts: Forming bonds with powerful cultivators for mutual growth.
7. Heavenly Tribulations: Successfully passing life-threatening tribulations to evolve into higher forms.