Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast

The next morning, Tianxiang awoke from his sleep and quietly assessed the state of his Internal Injury. The injury, which had shown some signs of improvement, was significantly slowed in its recovery due to the excessive consumption of his mental power during the previous day’s mental battle with Ziqin. He couldn’t help but shake his head and walked to the window alone, admiring the morning beauty of Yan Hua Garden. The selfless dawn light gently kissed the small lake, the woods, and the houses. With the sparkling light of the lake, the gentle breeze through the woods, and the colorful and warm hues of the various buildings, this splendid scene made Tianxiang focus his mind and spirit on the vast and ever-changing heaven and earth, momentarily forgetting the troubles of the world and his own Internal Injury.

Suddenly, a soft knock on the door brought Tianxiang’s mind back from roaming the heavens and earth. He was curious as to who would visit him so early. Nevertheless, he said, “Come in!”

As the door opened, Xiao Long gracefully entered the room and respectfully said, “Master Xiang, my master invites you.”

Tianxiang nodded and, after tidying up his appearance, said, “Let’s go!”

In the hall of Yan Hua House, Owner Gong Jianfei and clan leader Shang Daoyou were already chatting casually, waiting for Tianxiang to appear. Tianxiang stepped forward and said, “Owner Gong, clan leader Shang, what brings you to see me so early?”

Gong Jianfei, with concern, said, “We heard you were injured, so we brought the Nine-turn Pill from Pegasus Ranch as a healing remedy for you. We also have the 500 gold coins as a reward for solving the mystery of the Beginning of Death.”

Tianxiang replied, “I greatly appreciate the owner’s kindness, but please keep the Nine-turn Pill for those in greater need. I’ll accept the 500 gold coins.”

Gong Jianfei responded, “Tianxiang, how can you refuse? You must know that the Nine-turn Pill will greatly benefit your Internal Injury. This was decided after meetings with the leaders of our four great families.”

Tianxiang said, “Owner, I am a healer myself, and I understand my condition best. As for the Nine-turn Pill, please keep it as a reserve for when it’s truly needed.”

As Gong Jianfei was about to speak, Shang Daoyou smoothed things over and said, “Tianxiang, please accept the Nine-turn Pill. As you mentioned, being a healer, you surely know better than us how to properly use it to save those in critical condition.”

Hearing this, Tianxiang no longer declined and said, “I thank you on behalf of those who will benefit from the Nine-turn Pill in the future.”

Shang Daoyou, seeing that Tianxiang was willing to accept the Nine-turn Pill, said with a smile, “Tianxiang, it’s rare and commendable to see such mindfulness in someone of your age!”

Gong Jianfei was also pleased, “As long as you accept it, I’m sure you’ll put it to its best use.” He handed over a blue and white Porcelain bottle and a silver card, saying, “This bottle contains twenty Nine-turn Pills; the silver card is issued by the mercenary guild, with a deposit of five hundred gold coins. You can withdraw or transfer it to your mercenary card at any guild branch. Take good care of it.” After Tianxiang accepted them, Gong Jianfei added, “Actually, clan leader Shang and I came today to ask for your help with something.”

Tianxiang continued, “Is it about helping to find the exotic beast?”

Both Gong Jianfei and Shang Daoyou were surprised and looked at Tianxiang in astonishment. Gong Jianfei murmured, “How did you know?”

Tianxiang replied, “Since Youni mentioned yesterday that you were canceling the mercenary mission, I had a rough idea of your intentions, though I didn’t know why you came to me.”

Shang Daoyou looked at Tianxiang meaningfully and said, “The main reason is that you unraveled the mystery of the horses’ deaths; we believe this will be helpful in finding the exotic beast. Additionally, we don’t want the mystery to be exposed, giving those with malicious intent toward Pegasus Ranch, whether forces or kingdoms, an opportunity. If people learn about this exotic beast, they might use mass breeding methods to threaten Pegasus Ranch, creating unrest for us.”

Gong Jianfei added, “So we have to quietly ask for your help, along with Yiye and others. As for those unaware of the situation, we’ll politely decline their assistance.”

Tianxiang thought to himself that this incident had left everyone at Pegasus Ranch unsettled and anxious. Addressing it this way was indeed the best method to calm everyone’s nerves and prevent other forces from taking advantage of the situation. Driven by his curiosity about the unknown exotic beast, he said, “Alright! However, I would like to recuperate here for three days before setting off to search for the beast.”

Upon hearing Tianxiang’s agreement, Gong Jianfei and Shang Daoyou could hardly contain their joy, saying eagerly, “That’s no problem at all, stay at Yan Hua House for as long as you need.”

While they were still reveling in their happiness, Tianxiang added, “Owner, if possible, I would like to visit your young master and lady.”

Gong Jianfei and Shang Daoyou were even more delighted upon hearing this. Gong Jianfei responded, “Of course, there’s no problem at all. When would you like to go?”

Tianxiang said, “Right now.”

Without a second thought, both replied, “Good, let’s go!”

Upon reaching Wanpan Pavilion, in the two small rooms, Yiye, Ziqin, Shasha Jia, and the two madams of Gong Jianfei were anxiously watching over the two children. The ghastly pale faces and purple lips had faded away, replaced by snow-white complexions. Their bodies were still unusually cold, and they remained unconscious, leaving Ziqin and Shasha Jia puzzled as to why this was happening. Based on past experiences, they should have recovered normally after the removal of the vengeful spirit, but why was this time different?

While everyone was deeply concerned for the two, Tianxiang, Gong Jianfei, and Shang Daoyou entered the room. Without a word, Tianxiang immediately went to the children’s bedside and focused on taking their pulse. Everyone held their breath, afraid even to exhale loudly, for fear of disturbing Tianxiang’s diagnosis. Their eyes were filled with hope as they awaited Tianxiang’s verdict. Amidst the hopeful gazes, Ziqin’s look was tinged with worry, resentment, affection, confusion, and guilt.

Finally, Tianxiang slowly stood up, immediately falling into deep thought. While taking the pulse earlier, he had channeled a strand of spiritual qi as thin as a thread from heaven and earth, only to discover that the internal organs of the two children were being invaded by the lightning element, mirroring the cause of death of the horses exactly.

However, the current strength of the lightning element was significantly more potent than before. Moreover, having been occupied by this energy for so long, the children’s bodies had become considerably weakened. What was even more extraordinary was that the lightning element had formed a symbiotic state with their bodies. If he were to forcefully remove the lightning element using the Void Blue Crystal, the sudden loss of this energy would be fatal to the children. The most viable solution now would be to let the children absorb the energy of the lightning element or find an alternative energy to replace it.

He had never encountered such a case before, not even in the medical books left by his Master and Yelena. He needed to think this over carefully before proceeding with the treatment.

As this thought crossed his mind, a spark of determination flashed in Tianxiang’s eyes, and a faint smile appeared on his face. Realizing everyone was waiting for him to explain the current situation, he calmly said, “Each of the children has a strand of the lightning element within them, identical to what killed the horses, but since the lightning element has formed a symbiosis with the children, we cannot use the same method we would to save the horses.”

Upon hearing this, the two madams felt their hearts break, tears welling up in their eyes as they looked at their children with immense tenderness. The others were greatly shocked, especially Ziqin and Shasha Jia, who were utterly astonished by the turn of events.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Gong Jianfei asked, “Is there really no other way to save them?”

Tianxiang replied, “I need to study this further. However, madams, please be assured that your children are not in immediate fatal danger.” He paused before continuing, “Owner, I would like to move in here to closely monitor the children’s condition and contemplate potential solutions.”

Gratefully, Gong Jianfei responded, “We are in your hands. I will have Xiao Long and Xiao Nu come over to look after your daily needs. Let us know if you need anything else.”

Tianxiang nodded, glanced at the two madams, and said, “Thank you, Owner Gong. Having Youni take care of everything for me will be sufficient. I only have one request: for the next three days, no one should enter this room. Please just leave meals at the door.”

Ignoring the sorrowful looks from the madams, Gong Jianfei immediately responded, “Alright, everything will be as you say. For the next three days, no one is to enter this room. Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with according to Pegasus Ranch’s rules.”

After hearing Owner Gong’s command, Tianxiang sat down cross-legged on the floor, closing his eyes to contemplate all possible ways to save the two children. Everyone quietly exited the room.

For three consecutive days, Tianxiang did not step out of the room. Youni brought his meals in, but they were always returned untouched. Inside, Tianxiang meditated in a profound state, reviewing all the medical books he had read, in hope of finding a good treatment method. Simultaneously, he gradually allowed his body to absorb the spiritual qi from heaven and earth to heal his own injuries.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps and faint auras pulled Tianxiang’s Six Senses back to reality. He opened his tiger-like eyes to see Youni speaking with a group at the door. He first assessed his own injuries, noting that his internal injuries were 70% healed and his organs felt no discomfort. He should be able to enter the soul taiji state to communicate with the two vengeful spirits to understand the situation.

“Tianxiang, you’re finally awake,” Youni’s voice brought Tianxiang fully back. He noticed Owner Gong, the two madams, Yiye, and the three clan leaders-all gathered, looking at him with hopeful eyes, anticipating good news.

After surveying everyone, Tianxiang said, “I have a preliminary plan, but I need to confirm a few things before I can begin the treatment.”

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a sense of relief. Gong Jianfei asked, “Tianxiang, what do you need to confirm? Can we assist you in any way?”

Tianxiang shook his head and said, “No need. By tonight, I’ll reveal the method to save them. For now, please leave the room.”

Everyone was taken aback by Tianxiang’s sudden request for them to leave, exchanging puzzled glances. Finally, Gong Jianfei spoke up, “Tianxiang is our last hope. Let’s do as he says and give him space.”

After everyone had left, Tianxiang asked Youni, “During these three days, have there been any changes in the two children?”

Youni replied, “No, everything has stayed the same.”

With a nod, Tianxiang said, “Youni, stay by my side and make sure no one disturbs me.” With that, he concentrated and entered the soul taiji state.

Upon entering soul taiji, he immediately sensed the presence of two Soul Energies mingling with Huci’s. Infinity was the first to speak: “Tianxiang, you’re finally here. We’ve been waiting for you.”

Tianxiang’s mental energy replied, “I was delayed because of some injuries. I have a few questions for our new friends here.”

One of the Soul Energies spoke, “You must be Tianxiang, as they call you. Let me introduce myself. I am Leiya, a phantom beast known as Leiya Diao, naturally capable of gathering lightning elements and casting lightning magic. My partner here is Yuzhai, also a Leiya Diao.”

Tianxiang’s mental energy responded, “Nice to meet you both. I’d like to know why you’ve attached yourselves to the two children.”

Leiya’s Soul Energy spoke, “This story begins a year ago. That day, right after Yuzhai had given birth to our child Xiao Ya, she was extremely weak. Unexpectedly, those two kids brought a large group of people who somehow found us. They wanted to subdue us and make us their phantom beasts as soon as they saw us.

But we were used to being free and refused to submit. So, they started using force to make us comply. We had to split up and hide from their pursuit. After I had hidden Xiao Ya, I turned around only to find Yuzhai, who had just given birth, was completely drained of energy and spirit, and had fallen into their hands. I did everything I could to save Yuzhai, attacking them furiously. The only thought in my mind was to keep attacking. In a moment of opportunity, I rushed towards the two kids, ready to unleash my thunder magic, when suddenly, a sharp, excruciating pain pierced through me from the right-a silent arrow had penetrated my body. My last sight was of Yuzhai’s heartbreakingly sorrowful face. I couldn’t accept it. Why should our family be sacrificed and torn apart because of human greed? Just because we are phantom beasts? Perhaps it was this resentment that endowed our souls with self-awareness, allowing us to seek revenge.”

Tianxiang’s Mental Energy asked, “Has your heart of resentment calmed?”

Leiya’s Soul Energy replied, “I don’t know, I really don’t know. Yuzhai has urged me many times to let go of my hatred, but every time I recall the last look on Yuzhai’s face, I burn with rage, wanting those two kids to die without a place to be buried.”

Yuzhai’s Soul Energy said, “Leiya, calm down. Tianxiang, thank you for saving us. Otherwise, we might have been destroyed by that girl. Now, all I hope for is to see Xiao Ya once more, to apologize and ask for forgiveness from her, as I failed to fulfill my duties as a mother.”

Tianxiang’s mental energy said, “I understand your feelings. I, too, have lived in the darkness of hatred due to the loss of loved ones. I’m gradually stepping out of that darkness, and I hope you both can also find a way out of this entangled web of hatred and vengeance. As for Xiao Ya, I will help you find him and see how to establish a connection.”

He paused before continuing, “Leiya, after the suffering those two children endured this past year, I think they will never forget it. But it’s their parents who suffer the most, watching their children tormented by illness, powerless to help, their days spent in tears and worry. As parents yourselves, what if Xiao Ya went through what these children did? Think about it while you stay in soul taiji-do you still want to continue on your path of revenge? I’ll come back to ask for your decision. Don’t forget to consider Yuzhai, who stands by your side. Regardless, I will save the two children, if only for the sake of their loving mothers. That’s all I have to say for now.” After saying goodbye to Infinity, Xu, and Huci, he left the soul taiji state.

After a short time, Tianxiang opened his tiger-like eyes and saw Youni still vigilantly standing guard. He spoke softly, “Youni, it’s all right now.”

Upon seeing Tianxiang awaken, Youni quickly asked, “Tianxiang, what’s the situation now? What did the vengeful spirits say? Can the children be saved?”

Tianxiang chuckled and said, “You’re always so impatient! In front of others, you appear so composed and gentle, understanding and considerate. Why are you so quick-tempered in private?”

Youni pouted and replied, “It’s because of you-I don’t want to embarrass you. I have to keep a lot inside, which is quite uncomfortable. Anyway, I’ve already made a Heart Imprint Contract with you, so you can’t escape. That’s why I let myself be a bit cheeky and impatient when it’s just us. Nobody else sees, after all.”

Tianxiang said, “All right, as you wish. I don’t care about others’ opinions. As long as you’re happy and not forcing yourself, that’s what matters.”

Youni happily asked, “You still haven’t told me what the situation is now.”

Tianxiang recounted what Leiya had explained, and Youni murmured, “So there’s more to this story! How do you plan to handle it?”

Instead of answering directly, Tianxiang asked, “What would you do if you were in my place?”

After a moment of contemplation, Youni replied, “If it were up to me, I would definitely save the two children. The deceased are gone, but others still have the right to live. As for Xiao Ya, I would take good care of him so that Leiya and Yuzhai can live peacefully in soul taiji.”

After sharing her thoughts, Youni looked at Tianxiang and asked, “What do you think of my plan?”

Tianxiang nodded and said, “It’s pretty much what I had in mind.”

Youni quickly retorted, “Pretty much? Does that mean there’s a difference? Tell me, what’s different?”

Tianxiang answered, “I will ask Owner Gong to implement a rule ensuring all exotic beasts at Pegasus Ranch are treated well to prevent tragedies like this from happening again. If a phantom beast or sacred beast willingly chooses a master, that’s up to them. But if they are forced, it should be handled according to the ranch’s regulations.”

Youni suddenly understood and said, “Oh, that’s the difference! I see now.”

Tianxiang continued, “Let’s go, Youni! We need to talk to the owner about discussing how to heal the children.”

In the main hall of Pegasus Ranch, nearly everyone from the morning was present. Gong Jianfei was the first to ask, “Tianxiang, how are things now?”

Tianxiang once more recounted Leiya’s words and presented his own requests to the group.

The room fell silent as everyone processed the unexpected revelations. Ziqin and Shasha Jia felt deep regret over their rash actions, realizing they had nearly harmed the souls of two phantom beasts, potentially burying an injustice forever.

Seeing Tianxiang’s resolute expression, Gong Jianfei understood Tianxiang’s selfless nature and unwavering determination to advocate for these exotic beasts. He decisively declared, “Very well! Everything will be as you say, Tianxiang! Clan leader Feng, take charge of implementing this new regulation. Should any similar situations arise in the future, the full force of Pegasus Ranch’s rules will be applied without mercy. Ensure that everyone on the ranch is informed of this new regulation by tomorrow.” Feng Jue acknowledged the order and left the hall to carry out his task with strict diligence.

After Gong Jianfei issued the command, Shang Gongxun couldn’t help but ask, “Tianxiang, is there any way to heal my two poor children?”

Tianxiang replied, “There is, but it requires your help.”

Gong Jianfei followed up, “What kind of help do you need?”

Tianxiang asked, “I’d like to know the elemental attributes of the two children first.”

Shang Gongxun smiled slightly and said, “Gong Shuangtan has a Water Attribute, while Gong Shuanghan has a Fire Attribute.”