The wind was thick with the scent of moss and earth as Tian and his companions stepped through the veiled mists that guarded the entrance to the Beast Sect's territory. Towering trees rose like ancient sentinels, their boughs twisted with age and power. The canopy above scattered the sunlight in dappled rays, painting the forest floor in emerald hues. Every bird cry and rustle in the leaves felt heavier here—alive with unseen eyes.
The white tiger cub padded confidently by Tian's side, ears flicking as it sniffed the air. But in one blink, it was gone.
"What—?!" Tian turned sharply. The others reacted immediately, blades drawn.
"No sound… no trail…" muttered Yu Gwanjeong, already checking the surroundings with narrowed eyes.
"It's been taken," Ok Seryeon said, her voice cold. "By someone who walks with beasts."
They followed faint claw prints and the trail of disturbed leaves, leading them deeper into the dense heart of the Beast Sect. Hours passed before they were stopped—surrounded by figures wearing fur-padded robes, each one accompanied by a mystical beast.
A sharp voice rang out:
"You trespass, strangers. State your purpose before we decide whether you leave with breath."
Tian stepped forward, calm yet firm. "We've come seeking an alliance. But your people have stolen what is mine."
Just then, a regal old man with flowing silver hair and amber eyes stepped from the trees. At his side stood four elders, each flanked by a mighty beast: a white-fanged tiger, a crimson-eyed ape, a jade-plumed eagle, and a coiling black serpent with sapphire scales.
The elder inclined his head. "I am Grand Beast Master Gong Yuan. The cub was taken in panic—our sacred beasts sensed something… old, something dangerous. They feared him."
From behind him, the eagle let out a sharp cry—then bowed its head.
The serpent whispered, "The scent… the blood… it carries the echo of the First Beasts. But we are forbidden to speak more. He walks with the Azure One's shadow."
Tian remained silent, but his red and blue eyes shimmered faintly. The others glanced at him—curious, but unaware.
Gong Yuan sighed. "We return what is yours, and offer apology." He gestured, and the white tiger cub trotted back into Tian's arms. It whimpered once, then buried its face in his robe.
That night, a great feast was held in the open pavilion carved from white stone and vine-covered roots. Sacred beasts perched or prowled beside their human companions. Roasted meats, rare herbs, and spirit wines flowed like rivers.
At the head of the table, Gong Yuan raised a cup. "To those who walk without fear. May the Beast Sect hear your purpose."
Tian stood, his voice steady. "The world beyond the wall turns to chaos. The Murim Alliance, corrupted and tyrannical, moves against the ancient sects. We build a place to resist. We ask you to stand with us."
Before Gong Yuan could answer, a loud step interrupted them.
A young man with a mane of wild hair and amber tattoos covering his arms strode forward. At his side was a panther-like beast with crimson eyes.
"I am Feng Rong," he declared. "The strongest disciple of this generation. Before you ask for alliance, prove yourself to me. Tian—fight me. Let the sacred beasts see if you are worthy."
The air turned tense. Seryeon leaned toward Tian, smirking. "He's bold."
Yeon Soheon sipped her wine. "He's going to regret that."
Tian rose slowly. The tiger cub leapt from his lap, growling softly.
"I don't fight to prove myself. But if it calms your pride… I'll face you."
A hush fell over the sacred grove as Tian stepped into the circular stone clearing—the designated challenge arena of the Beast Sect. A ring of disciples, elders, and sacred beasts watched in reverent silence. Feng Rong cracked his knuckles, eyes burning with fire, while his panther stalked beside him, muscles taut.
"You wield three weapons, Tian of the Heavenly Origin," Feng said, removing his heavy fur cloak. "Choose one. I'll crush it first."
Tian didn't reply. He unwrapped the golden-banded sword, Buried Son, and planted it beside him. Then he unsheathed the white blade, Heaven's Wound, laying it to rest near the first.
Only the black blade remained in his hand—Silent Mourning. It shimmered with a cold, soundless threat.
"I've chosen," Tian said simply.
The Duel
Feng moved first, a blur of motion as his palm crashed down like a falling mountain. Tian sidestepped, his blade humming with restrained power. Sparks flew as claws met steel. The panther lunged, and Tian twisted, his robe fluttering as he leapt onto the beast's back, vaulting over Feng's head in one smooth arc.
Feng grinned. "Good."
He slammed his foot into the earth. The ground cracked, and roots erupted, binding Tian's legs. The panther whirled back, but just before its claws struck, Tian exhaled.
Frost bloomed.
The air turned white with mist, and with a slash of Silent Mourning, the bindings shattered. He spun, leaving a line of ice along the ground that tripped the beast mid-charge.
With a burst of movement, Tian closed in, his blade grazing Feng's cheek before stopping just an inch from his throat.
"Yield," Tian said.
Feng looked down at the tip, then laughed—a loud, full laugh. "I do." He clapped Tian on the back. "You're not just worthy. You're terrifying."
The crowd erupted in cheers and murmurs. The elders exchanged impressed glances. The panther limped back to Feng's side, licking its wounds. The white tiger cub nuzzled Tian's foot proudly.
After the Duel
At the banquet's return, the mood shifted. Gong Yuan stood, and the flickering lanterns cast shadows across his broad frame.
"You've proven your strength, Tian. Speak now of your mission."
Tian explained. The Heavenly Origin Sect's fall, the corrupted Murim Alliance, the Blood Furnace Technique, and their aim: to form an alliance among the Twelve Sects to resist tyranny and rebuild a sanctuary in Longdian.
When he finished, silence followed.
Then Gong Yuan's eyes darkened. "There are those in our forests—intruders from the Sky Reaping Valley. They sow corruption among the beasts, turning them rabid. We would ally with you… if you help us drive them out."
Ok Seryeon leaned forward. "Sounds like sport."
Yeon Soheon narrowed her eyes. "Sky Reaping Valley… they burn life for power."
Seo Junrok nodded. "They're a threat to everyone."
Tian met the grandmaster's gaze. "We'll help."
Later That Night
Under the starlit canopy, the sacred beasts gathered. The serpent coiled around a tree branch, whispering, "He carries it."
The eagle tilted its head. "The dragon's breath."
The ape beat its chest once. "He will rise."
The white tiger cub purred softly, curling at Tian's side as he sat in meditation.
The serpent hissed again, to the others only.
"The Azure One spoke. We tell no one. Let the humans think he is only touched by greatness. Not born of it."