Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast - Chapter 50 - Third Element 2

th profound skills.”

Tianxiang paused and continued, “This treatment method is something I conceived over the past three days. The approach involves Youni and me working together, using the regeneration characteristic of the light element and the destruction property of the dark element to expel the lightning element. We would then guide the energy within the water and fire crystals into the children’s bodies to replace the lightning element. This process is extremely perilous, which is why we need two highly skilled individuals to protect the children’s heart meridians. However, this method is my own creation, so I can’t guarantee the outcome for the children. You may take some time to consider it and let me know once you’ve decided.”

The people present were secretly astonished and worried upon hearing this. Their concern stemmed from the unorthodox nature of such a treatment method. After all, the lightning element is already integrated with the children, removing it is like pushing them towards the abyss of death. Nonetheless, it is undeniable that if successful, the enhancement from the water and fire element energy, with appropriate training, could lead to limitless potential for both children.

What amazed everyone was Tianxiang’s narration and demeanor-he seemed as if he had rehearsed it hundreds or thousands of times without any hesitation. It was entirely unlike what he mentioned as being his first attempt, making the choice between risk and safety a tough decision. As everyone contemplated the possible outcomes of success or failure, Gong Jianfei suddenly exuded the presence of a leader, calming everyone’s hearts, and decisively said, “Alright, Tianxiang, we will proceed as you suggested. The children are in your hands now.”

The madams cried out in surprise, “Master!” Gong Jianfei gestured for silence and resolutely said, “Madam, there’s no need to say more. It is their fate to face such a calamity. What we can do now is to have faith in Tianxiang!”

In the Wanpan Pavilion, the room was filled with the calming scent of medicinal herbs, while Gong Jianfei sat silently outside, his face occasionally showing signs of worry. Two madams paced back and forth restlessly, frequently looking towards the room, hoping for good news. Yiye and two others waited quietly.

Outside the room, the atmosphere was tense with worry, but inside, there was a solemn stillness. Two children sat quietly on the bed, practicing Cross-legged Sitting, their hands crossed at the Dantian, holding water and fire crystals. Shang Daoyou and Ye Tianlin, deeply concerned for their grandchildren, voluntarily took on the role of protecting their vital meridians. They too sat cross-legged behind the children, their palms pressed against the children’s backs, gently channeling robust and steady internal strength like a fortress protecting a palace, safeguarding the vital meridians.

Youni revealed her true form as a dark elf, her wings lightly flapping as she floated mid-air. Her hands were placed on the children’s baihui acupoints, channeling the overwhelming dark element, which devoured everything in its path, from the baihui directly into the children’s organs, striving to expel the lightning element from their bodies. Tianxiang sat between the children, his hands on the water and fire crystals, gathering the light element and slowly infusing it into the crystals. He then directed the water and fire elements from the Dantian to the Huiyin, up the spine, passing through the baihui acupoint, aiming to replace the lightning element within.

Although outwardly calm, a tumultuous battle raged within their bodies, initiated by the resistance of the lightning element. Faced with the relentless onslaught of the dark element, the lightning element did not succumb easily but fought back fiercely, relinquishing much of its territory within the organs but still fiercely holding on.

The aggressive dark element pushed the lightning element back toward the lower abdomen near the Dantian. However, sensing the light element, and because light and dark cannot coexist, the dark element ceased its advance, allowing the lightning element a chance to breathe and settle in a corner. When the light element reached the baihui and found its path blocked by the dark element, it became trapped, unable to move forward.

Tianxiang discovered that his light element, which was supposed to guide the water and fire elements, was inexplicably immobilized. Consequently, he released a wave of spiritual qi of heaven and earth to probe the situation. After a complete cycle of the heavens, he clearly understood the internal state of the two smaller bodies and chastised himself for neglecting the basic principle of light and dark repulsion, which had led to his current predicament of being unable to advance or retreat.

Realizing that it was not the time for self-reproach but for solving the problem, Tianxiang speculated that if the light element could not pass, perhaps masquerading as the dark element would work.

With a single thought, he immediately activated the dark element within his body and pretended to surround the light, water, and fire elements, hoping to bluff his way through. Indeed, after his pretense was complete, the dark element released by Youni, thinking it had encountered an ally, welcomed it enthusiastically. This allowed the light, water, and fire elements to successfully enter the bodies of the two individuals and set themselves up.

Once everything was ready, Tianxiang immediately sent a mental fluctuation to Youni, instructing her to cease deploying the dark element.

As soon as Youni stopped, the lightning element quickly noticed the weakening of the dark element’s force and tried to reclaim its territory. However, fate did not comply with its desires. Tianxiang’s dark element immediately took over from Youni’s, resisting the counterattack of the lightning element. Finally, at the critical moment, Tianxiang managed to deliver the last batch of water and fire elements into their bodies and prepared to completely eliminate the lightning element.

Suddenly, an unexpected change occurred. The lightning element, which had thought itself surely doomed, suddenly found that the flickering light and dark elements in front of it disappeared. Like a drowning person clutching at a straw, it no longer cared what was ahead and frantically tried to escape outward, fearing annihilation by the dark element behind it. With a burst of effort, it reached the crystal, now devoid of water and fire elements. Still not reassured, it followed Tianxiang’s hands and entered his body.

At this moment, Tianxiang was truly in agony, enduring the pain caused by the lightning element rampaging chaotically within him. Despite this, he had to focus all his attention on reconstructing the bodies of the two individuals.

Youni, who was standing by, watched the healing process with concern. She suddenly noticed Tianxiang’s face twisted in pain, his forehead beaded with sweat, yet he maintained a focused expression. Panicked, she immediately flew to his side, only to hear a hissing sound. As she reached out to touch him, it felt as though she was struck by electricity, causing her to recoil and only able to watch him with a worried and sorrowful gaze, unsure of what to do next.

Suddenly, Tianxiang let out a loud scream and fell to the ground, his body convulsing continuously as the lightning moved from inside to the surface of his body, making it impossible for anyone to touch him.

Following his screams, people outside the room quickly entered and found Gong Shuangtan and Gong Shuanghan sleeping soundly in their grandfathers’ arms, seemingly out of danger. However, Tianxiang’s condition was not looking good; blood began to seep from his seven orifices, leaving the onlookers at a loss.

In fact, Tianxiang could have used the light and dark elements within him to neutralize the lightning element. However, doing so at that moment would have jeopardized the lives of the two children, so he endured the pain to complete the final reconstruction. But this delay caused severe damage to his internal organs by the rampant lightning element, leaving him in a dire state that could no longer be managed.

Just as Tianxiang was in a critical state and everyone else was at a loss, a strong purple light and a soft golden radiance suddenly emerged from Tianxiang’s Niqiao Acupoint. These lights slowly enveloped Tianxiang like a silken blanket woven with strands of gold and black. The lightning element, which had been erratically coursing over Tianxiang’s body, was suppressed and drawn back into him. Gradually, Tianxiang stopped bleeding from the seven apertures, and his convulsions ceased, though he remained unconscious.

Seeing the lightning element return to Tianxiang’s body, Youni immediately grasped his hand and found no trace of the electric shock. Without hesitation, she picked Tianxiang up and said, “Sorry, I need to take my master back to Yan Hua House to rest.” With that, she unfurled her wings and flew towards Yan Hua House, disappearing from view in an instant.

“Boss, are you feeling my mental fluctuation?” “Boss, can you hear me?” “Boss, wake up!” “Boss, boss!” “Yates, what should we do? The boss still can’t connect with us,” Yesace’s mental fluctuation conveyed anxiously.

Yates replied mentally, “All we can do now is wait for the boss to wake up on his own. We were a step too late, and the boss was knocked unconscious by the lightning.”

Yesace wondered, “Strange, why was the lightning element running rampant on the boss? Is it some special training method, or does the boss have a strange liking for this?”

Yates responded with a mix of exasperation and amusement, “Don’t jump to conclusions. Better be careful not to let the boss find out.”

Yesace’s mental fluctuation replied reassuringly, “The Boss is unconscious now, and there’s not even a trace of mental fluctuation from him. How would he find out? Unless, Yates, you better not blabber in front of the Boss!”

Yates chuckled through his mental fluctuation, “Why would I do that?”

However, Yesace had little faith in this assurance and, feigning boldness, retorted, “If you dare talk nonsense, I’ll never let you off!”

Yates teased back, “You can deal with me after you chat with the Boss, okay?”

Yesace grumbled, “Hmph, I’ve finally seen your true colors, Yates.”

Yates replied, “Right back at you. Enough joking around. Hey, do you feel like the lightning element has calmed down?”

Yesace agreed, “Yeah, our Boss’s wisdom and power are unmatched. A little lightning element is nothing for him.”

Yates noted, “Wow! The Boss is really something else, using the threat of the dark element and the allure of the light element to manage the lightning element. He merged them into his core, creating a balance of three elements.”

Yesace exclaimed in awe, “What kind of monster is our Boss? He even tamed the lightning element as his Third Element!”

Yates was pleased, “Hmm, it’s finally all in harmony. The Boss should be waking up soon, right?”

Quickly, Yesace called out, “Boss, Boss, come on!”

Before he could finish, he heard a sudden mental response from Tianxiang, “Yesace, what are you calling me for?”

Startled by Tianxiang’s reply, Yesace said, “Nothing really, it’s just that I haven’t chatted with our wise, powerful, and charming Boss in a while. I really miss you.”

Tianxiang’s mental fluctuation responded, “Is that so?”

Yesace continued, “My longing for the Boss can be expressed only to the heavens and witnessed by the earth. It’s like the endless river flowing, never ceasing.”

Yates muttered through his mental fluctuation, “It’s just that we’re worried the Boss will collect the rent and empty your treasures.”

Amidst his enthusiastic praise, Yesace shot back, “Yates, you’re no different. Don’t point fingers when we’re in the same boat.” Then, he resumed singing Tianxiang’s praises.

Tianxiang’s mental fluctuation chimed in, “Alright! I’m here to thank you both. Without you, I would have died without knowing why.”

Excited, Yesace quickly replied, “Oh, don’t mention it, protecting you is our duty. Besides, if you died, where would we find such a good host who can endlessly provide the energy we need to recover? Although the rent is a bit steep, it’s much better than wandering aimlessly and then sleeping for thousands or even tens of thousands of years somewhere. Comparing the two, the latter is definitely more of a disadvantage for us! So, of course, we’d choose to save you! It wouldn’t be worth it if you really died!”

Tianxiang found himself momentarily speechless, quietly listening to Yesace’s rambling. Yates quickly changed the subject, saying, “Congratulations, Boss, on conquering the Third Element.”

Surprised, Tianxiang asked, “How do you know?”

Yesace interjected, “I know, too. The process of conquering it was truly impressive!”

Yates explained, “As for how we know, I’m not entirely sure. It seems there was a period when you, for some unknown reason, lost contact with us, so Yesace and I also went into slumber. It wasn’t until a while ago that we sensed your mental fluctuation connecting with us again, so we awoke. Not long after, you encountered trouble, and after we saved you, we realized we could perceive the movements of the elements within you, leading us to discover you had conquered the Third Element.”

Tianxiang responded with an understanding “Oh” and then said, “Anyway, thank you both. But from now on, don’t call me Boss anymore. That was just a youthful whim. You can just call me Tianxiang.”

Yesace’s mental fluctuation protested, “No way! I’m already addicted to calling you that. Besides, I’ve never called anyone else ‘Boss,’ and it feels pretty good.”

Yates added through his mental fluctuation, “Boss, even though your current powers don’t match ours, your ability to conquer elements is something we can’t even dream of. Plus, you’ve done us a great favor, so calling you ‘Boss’ is only fitting.”

Tianxiang’s mental fluctuation suggested, “How about a compromise? You can call me Master Xiang. As I grow older, I’m really not used to being called Boss.”

After some contemplation, both Yesace and Yates agreed simultaneously through their mental fluctuations, “Alright, Boss, we’ll go with what you said.”

Tianxiang couldn’t help but laugh, “And you still called me Boss!”

Yesace’s mental fluctuation responded, “Master Xiang, there’s always a first time and a last time, right?”

Tianxiang concluded, “Alright then! I should get back to the real world. Take care, both of you!”

Yesace replied, “You take care, Master Xiang. We’ll do the same.”

Yates added, “Master Xiang, let’s chat again sometime! I’m really curious about how we could sense the fusion of elements in your mental field.”

Tianxiang’s mental fluctuation replied, “Alright, I’m off.”

Lying in bed, Tianxiang slowly opened his eyes, only to find the sunlight unusually glaring and quickly shut them again. Youni, who had been vigilantly by his side, almost thought she was imagining things until Tianxiang opened his eyes again. Seeing Youni’s worried, tired expression, he softly said, “Sorry, Youni, for worrying you.” Youni shook her head, choking back tears, “It’s okay, how are you feeling now?”

Tianxiang sat up, slowly stretched his limbs, and checked his internal condition. He realized that this incident was a blessing in disguise. Not only had he gained control over the lightning element, but their rampant energy had considerably strengthened his meridians. Future cultivation of the heaven and earth spiritual technique would surely yield twice the results with half the effort. However, his body was not yet ready for intense activity. The process was truly perilous, and without Yesace and Yates’s help, he wouldn’t have been sitting there so calmly.

After checking his condition, Tianxiang noticed Youni looking at him with tear-filled eyes. He gave her a reassuring smile and pointed to his head, saying, “Go and rest. I’m fine now!” Overjoyed yet exhausted, Youni let out a soft “Hmm” before transforming into a dark light and vanishing into the air.

In the hall of the Pegasus Ranch, after everyone’s explanation, Tianxiang learned that he had been unconscious for five days. During this time, everyone at the ranch was worried and saddened for the little divine doctor who solved the mystery and healed both the young master and the lady. When Tianxiang finally reappeared, the entire Pegasus Ranch seemed to come alive, bursting with decorations, firecrackers, and loud celebrations, much to the surprise and delight of Yiye and his companions.

The owner, in particular, announced a three-day feast to celebrate the awakening of the little divine doctor, the recovery of the young master and lady, and the resolution of the mysterious horse deaths. Everyone at the ranch was encouraged to relax and indulge. Even the usually reserved clan leader joined the younger generation in drinking, discussing martial arts, and chatting about life.

However, after joining the festivities with everyone on the first night, Tianxiang was discovered missing the next morning by Xiao Long. He had left without saying goodbye, leaving only a letter addressed to Gong Jianfei on the room’s table.

When the news broke in the hall, everyone was stunned. It wasn’t until Gong Jianfei read the letter and shared its content with everyone that they understood why Tianxiang had left. Their appreciation for everything Tianxiang had done for the Pegasus Ranch deepened as they pondered the enigma that was Tianxiang. The letter read:

“Owner, please forgive my departure without farewell. By the time you read this letter, I am already far from Pegasus Ranch, heading to fulfill an appointment made two years ago, an important commitment.

Your children are no longer in danger; they just need ample rest. However, the second madam has shown signs of early aging due to long-term stress and worries. In gratitude for her selfless dedication and sacrifice for her children, I have enclosed a treatment to regulate energy and blood, hoping she regains her elegance soon.

Also, you need not worry about the exotic beast anymore. I will do my utmost to resolve this matter, and I believe Pegasus Ranch will soon regain its former glory. Tianxiang.”

Silence fell over the hall as everyone’s thoughts lingered on Tianxiang’s handsome visage, which seemed to hover in their minds.

Outside Pegasus Ranch, a nimble figure was weaving swiftly through the trees. Suddenly, with a movement like a swallow returning to its nest, he veered slightly to the left and, moments later, appeared atop a large boulder. There, he found Xiaojin playing happily with a silver ermine that had a pure silver-white body and ruby-red eyes, similar to Xiaojin in that it also had long fangs.

All of a sudden, the silver ermine seemed to sense the person on the boulder and leapt toward them. Dixiang quickly sent a mental fluctuation, warning, “Tianxiang, be careful; it can discharge electricity.”

But before he could finish, the silver ermine was already snuggling affectionately in Tianxiang’s arms, its eyes filled with a childlike dependence. Tianxiang gazed at the little creature lovingly and spoke gently, “Xiao Ya, have a good sleep. When you wake up, you won’t be lonely anymore. You won’t have to fear being alone. I will protect you and stay by your side―that’s my promise and my sincere heart.”

As if understanding Tianxiang’s words, Xiao Ya let out a soft chirp and transformed into a silver-white wrist guard, wrapping itself around Tianxiang’s wrist and falling into a deep sleep.

Xiao Ya’s behavior almost made Dixiang and Xiaojin contemplate suicide. When they first found Xiao Ya, they endured electric shocks trying to get close, ending up in a sorry state. Dixiang’s fur nearly got scorched, and Xiaojin was left dizzy and stumbling. Ultimately, they kept a safe distance from Xiao Ya, delivering food daily and treating it like an esteemed master, all to ensure it didn’t wander off.

Fortunately, Dixiang had previous experience taking care of Tianxiang, so this task wasn’t too difficult. However, the restless Xiaojin couldn’t resist wanting to play with Xiao Ya, and since Xiao Ya was equally young and energetic, they soon became playmates.

But with play often comes mishaps. Sometimes Xiao Ya would become so engrossed in play that she’d inadvertently release lightning elements, which inevitably meant trouble for Xiaojin.

Time and again, the exasperated Xiaojin would warn Xiao Ya not to release lightning so carelessly, even threatening not to play with her as a means of caution. Under Xiaojin’s firsthand experience and patient teachings, Xiao Ya eventually learned to control her innate lightning energy. Meanwhile, Xiaojin was nearly trained to become impervious to electricity.

Although Xiao Ya still occasionally had slip-ups, to the now-seasoned Xiaojin, it was nothing more than a tingle.

Dixiang sent a mental fluctuation full of surprise, asking, “Tianxiang, why does Xiao Ya seem to see you as a family member and not discharge electricity around you? What’s going on here?”

As Tianxiang explained, he recalled the events leading up to this moment. After leaving Pegasus Ranch, he realized that although his internal strength was only about fifty percent of its original state, and he continued to feel pain in various muscles and organs, integrating the new lightning element had made him feel more vibrant and spirited. He then found a quiet place to enter his soul taiji state.

In the state of soul taiji, while healing Gong Shuanghan and Gong Shuangtan, Tianxiang unexpectedly absorbed the lightning element into his body, integrating it with himself. The energies within the soul taiji expressed their astonishment at this incredible feat.

Additionally, Tianxiang informed the owner of Pegasus Ranch about the situation with Leiya and Yuzhai, asking him to issue an order that no one at Pegasus Ranch should use force to compel phantom beasts or spirit beasts to recognize them as their master. They should also protect the ranch’s beasts.

Having gained the understanding and consent of Leiya and Yuzhai, they entrusted Xiao Ya to Tianxiang. Moreover, because the lightning element within Tianxiang carried part of Leiya and Yuzhai’s consciousness, Xiao Ya perceived him as a family member. This explained why Xiao Ya frequently returned to Pegasus Ranch. As Xiao Ya was still a young beast, it needed time to sleep and consolidate its lightning energy.

“So when I took Xiao Ya, I immediately coaxed it to sleep, though I have no idea why it chose to exist in the form of a wrist guard,” Tianxiang said tenderly.

Hearing the whole story, Xiaojin and Dixiang realized that their presence here for so many days was unnecessary; Tianxiang could have handled it all by himself. They could only blame fate for leading them into this unexpected adventure.

The long days of travel had left Tianxiang and his two beast companions thoroughly exhausted.

That night, as the moon shone brightly with few stars accompanying it, a slight frost appeared. The man and two beasts camped under the open sky, embraced by nature. Xiaojin and Dixiang had already eaten to their fill and wandered off for some post-meal activity. Meanwhile, Youni, having spent those five days tirelessly caring for Tianxiang, and Xiao Ya, needing to absorb energy, both slept soundly.

After completing three cycles of the heaven and earth spiritual technique, Tianxiang examined his injuries internally. The damage to his muscles, bones, and skin had mostly healed, but his internal injuries had only recovered to about seventy percent. Reclining against a tree trunk, he gazed up at the bright, flawless moon. It resembled a mirror, reflecting the unspoken, subtle homesickness of a traveler far from home. He wondered if the people in his hometown were gazing at the same moon hanging in the night sky. “Oh, moon, you can inspire longing-can you also alleviate it? I wish you could convey my thoughts to those I miss.”

As Tianxiang’s thoughts drifted toward memories of his distant hometown and its people, he suddenly sensed a faint presence swiftly moving behind him. By the time he attempted to track it, the presence had vanished without a trace.

Filled with suspicion, Tianxiang recalled the information he had gathered earlier from the villagers at the border between Kitan and the Kingdom of Saint Kai. They had mentioned that by passing through this forest, one would reach Phoenix Mountain, and by following the Phoenix River downstream, one could enter the Kingdom of Saint Kai.

Normally, due to the treacherous terrain of Phoenix Mountain and the occasional harsh mountain winds, it was impossible for an average person to traverse the mountain to reach Saint Kai. Instead, most people chose a safer and more convenient trade route that directly led to Holy Light City, the military stronghold at the border of the Kingdom of Saint Kai. So, who was this person? While it might have nothing to do with him, there was also a chance it was directed at him, warranting caution.

Phoenix Mountain earned its name from its majestic resemblance to a phoenix ready to soar into the sky. The Phoenix River, like a colorful ribbon, winds around the base of the mountain. Rising mist resembles a rainbow-colored fog, swirling gracefully with the mountain winds around Phoenix Mountain, adding to the air of mystique and inviting daydreams.

Tianxiang and his two beast companions ascended with ease, moving as if on a flat path, and took in the breathtaking scenery of Saint Kai and Kitan from the mountain’s slopes, enjoying the journey. As they approached the peak, the mysterious presence reappeared, this time mixed with many unfamiliar presences. All these presences exuded a palpable aura of hostility and remained stationary, seemingly awaiting Tianxiang’s arrival.

At this point, Tianxiang understood that since leaving Pegasus Ranch, he had become the target of a certain power. Other than the five dragon tower, he couldn’t fathom which other force would spend so much effort and resources on him.

As Tianxiang stood still, deep in thought on the path, a sudden and powerful aura of hostility locked onto him, sending a shock through him. He was surprised to find such a skilled individual among them, whose killing intent was as tangible as a weapon aimed directly at him, almost breaking his composure and concentration.

Knowing the opponent had already made a move, Tianxiang realized that retreating now would leave an irreparable gap in his spirit, preventing him from achieving the unity of self and nature, the ultimate goal of Martial Arts and spiritual practice.

The key to combat is to avoid the enemy’s strongest strikes while exploiting their weaknesses. With this principle in mind, Tianxiang quickly used mental fluctuation to communicate with Dixiang: “Dixiang, break through and regroup at Purple Moon Residence.”

After sending the message, he calmed his thoughts, employing the heaven and earth spiritual technique to let his heart roam freely among existence, harmonizing with all things in nature. He sought to overcome aggression with life and to conquer strength with serenity. With a composed demeanor, Tianxiang proceeded towards the summit, his relaxed steps embodying the profound principles of the universe. Each step diminished the hostile aura wrapped around him, like a sharp blade being dulled. Finally, Tianxiang reached the unknown Phoenix Mountain Summit, thus beginning the prelude to this life-and-death struggle…