Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast

At that moment, the heavens and the earth suddenly changed, as dark mist surged into the battlefield, plunging everything into pitch darkness. Then, the night sky erupted with booming thunder, and flashes of blue-white lightning pierced through the dark mist in rapid succession. Although the orcs had a natural resistance to magic, they could only reduce the damage instead of being completely immune. Consequently, they were caught off guard by the sudden barrage of lightning, squealing in panic, their rage boiling over.

Taking advantage of the chaos, Tianxiang approached Feng Xuewu, blocking her retaliatory strike with the Death Scythe. In a soft and urgent voice, he said, “Xiaoxue, I am Brother Xiang. Here is a Spirit Restoration Pill; you should have everyone take one. I’ll be back shortly.” After handing her a porcelain bottle, he gently stroked her cheek with affection before departing.

This feeling, which could only appear in a dream, was so familiar yet distant. The warmth of his palm, the rhythm she had grown accustomed to, the gentle pressure-who else could it be but Brother Xiang? The porcelain bottle in her hand reminded her that this was not a dream; it was real. Brother Xiang had truly returned. Suppressing her overwhelming joy, which she couldn’t put into words, she couldn’t hide the rosy glow on her cheeks, akin to a sky filled with evening sunset, as she excitedly shared this news with Liu Feng and the others.

Amidst the swirling dark mist, Tianxiang moved like a ghost, his Death Scythe exuding an aura of death. Merging his mind and spirit with the dark element, he observed every move of the enemy as if they were exposed in broad daylight. Silently, he found lethal angles to strike, and with a swift slash, he opened a path of Yin and Yang. Accompanied by piercing screams and a cascade of crimson blood, yet another soul departed for the underworld.

In the blink of an eye, the cruel and ghostly slaughter transformed the orcs, who were lost in the dark mist, from anger to terror. In a moment, panic spread among them, their cries echoing in despair. Geliesi, who had unintentionally sacrificed his subordinates due to negligence, quickly dispelled his ignorance and calmly stated a strategy: “Beast Roar! To the right!”

At these words, the orcs, who had been running around like headless flies or waiting to be slaughtered like lambs, immediately opened their mouths. The sounds of bear roars, lion and tiger growls, and wolf howls erupted simultaneously, as if a thousand beasts had gathered at that moment.

Although the Beast Roar was accompanied by the sounds of clashing weapons, dying cries, and heavy thuds of bodies hitting the ground, the thunderous roars created a counterclockwise vortex that lifted the dark mist high into the sky, causing it to dissipate. The orcs finally saw the light again. As they regained their sight, they found themselves confronting a cold-faced young man, brandishing a fierce weapon that glowed red against the dark mist, blood swirling around menacingly. He ignored the lifeless bodies scattered across the ground, gazing back at them with an expression that was both unmoved and fearless.

Seeing the corpses of his fellow brothers, Geliesi could no longer contain his anger and shouted, “Who are you to dare to meddle in this mess?”

Tianxiang remained silent, subtly adjusting his breathing. At that moment, having freed himself from the net, Xiaojin, filled with joy at reuniting with Tianxiang, immediately shot toward his shoulder, celebrating his return without a second thought. With teary eyes, he pointed at Geliesi and Po Wu, conveying his grievances to Tianxiang. The rapid shift in expression was so dramatic that even professional actors would be envious.

Suddenly, Tianxiang sensed Xiaojin’s mental fluctuation. However, with strong enemies still present, he chose not to investigate further.

Meanwhile, Po Wu, looking disheveled and in a sorry state, cursed loudly, “Where did this trash come from? Don’t you know we are members of the Flower Moon Alliance? How dare you offend us!”

The insult sparked a hidden fury within Tianxiang. He glared intensely at Po Wu, his form slowly rising into the air. An eerie chill swept through the battlefield as a powerful murderous aura surged from him. Geliesi shouted, “This is bad! Everyone, attack together!”

Xiaojin excitedly darted into the crowd, ready to buy Tianxiang some time. The potent venom he possessed was eager to ensure that the orcs wouldn’t stop Tianxiang. The deadly and horrifying condition of those who fell to Xiaojin’s bite instilled fear in the hearts of the crowd, causing them to slow down and strengthen their defenses, fearing that a careless moment could result in being bitten by Xiaojin.

With his golden hair flowing elegantly, the Death Scythe swung slowly in his hand, creating a bizarre and captivating scene of gold and black. Supported by the unique tones of the demon race and the power of the dark element, small black dragons appeared out of thin air. Tianxiang’s expression was cold and unfeeling, his eyes like the icy depths of the Arctic. He declared emotionlessly, “Dark Thousand Dragon Flash!”

At that moment, Geliesi shouted in surprise, “Demon race!” This caused everyone to heighten their guard, but it did nothing to change their fate, especially for Po Wu and the Blood Cloud Leopard.

The little black dragons shot into the orc crowd like arrows released from a bow. The silence of the dark element was like piranhas fighting for food, leaving the burly orcs injured and bleeding, their wounds deep enough to see bone. Geliesi, filled with battle spirit, was no pushover; he swung his axes fiercely to protect himself. However, there were still gaps through which the little black dragons could invade, resulting in some minor injuries.

The sight before him drew a sharp breath from Geliesi as he took in the scene: not a single orc under his command remained untouched. Each one bore injuries-arms and legs maimed. Po Wu and the Blood Cloud Leopard were unrecognizable, their bodies reduced to a bloody mass of flesh and bone, completely obliterated.

As he landed, Tianxiang stated coolly, “Take your people and leave!”

Suddenly, a night wind blew, giving the orc a chilling feeling as if he were in purgatory, and he immediately felt the urge to retreat. Tianxiang’s entire body continued to emit a cold and ruthless aura, locking onto Geliesi.

Geliesi, who had initially wanted to fight, noticed that Tianxiang’s momentum had not weakened but was instead continuously increasing. Seeing that his subordinates had completely lost their fighting spirit, and that Feng Xuewu and others had inexplicably returned to normal and were standing behind Tianxiang, he calculated in his mind, realizing that they had no chance of winning. Moreover, he couldn’t gauge the depth of this young man’s abilities, so he asked, “Who exactly are you?”

Tianxiang, unmoved, repeated, “Take your people and leave!”

Geliesi looked at Tianxiang’s unyielding expression and realized that further words would be futile. With a huff, he muttered, “We’ll see what happens next!” He then turned and led his dejected subordinates away from this nightmarish scene.

Unable to contain their excitement, Feng Xuewu and Yue Lianxuan rushed into Tianxiang’s embrace. Their overwhelming emotions transformed into joyful tears that fell onto his chest, melting away his cold, killing aura. However, as Tianxiang experienced this moment of warmth, a sudden dizziness washed over him. Despite his internal strength returning, he knew that his body could not withstand the immense backlash from the Dark Thousand Dragon Flash, a martial skill of the demon race. After all, he did not possess the superior physical condition of either the demon race or the deity race.

Fortunately, the loss of his martial arts prior had led to a significant increase in his mental power, far surpassing the increase in his internal strength. This was why he was still able to stand; if Geliesi had been a hot-headed orc at that moment, he might have realized that Tianxiang’s body was like an empty house, vulnerable and unable to withstand a blow.

After embracing Liu Feng, Atta, and Yingdie, even Xiaojin and Dixiang wanted to join in the reunion. The group, not wishing to dwell on the corpses surrounding them, quickly relocated to a serene spot devoid of bloodshed. Under the starry sky, illuminated by the glow of a fire, the atmosphere felt both mysterious and ethereal. It felt reminiscent of Tianxiang himself, no longer the cold enigma they had known but rather someone warm and approachable, evoking a sense of comfort that made them want to stay by his side.

Tianxiang truly said, “I’m sorry for worrying everyone and for causing you heartache.”

The three women’s eyes immediately turned red, their faces reflecting a sorrowful and affectionate expression.

Liu Feng quickly interrupted, “It’s great that the Boss is back! Everyone, don’t act so upset! It’s as if the Boss has already died!” Suddenly sensing three deadly glares directed at him, Liu Feng hurriedly smacked his own mouth and exclaimed, “Ugh! Ugh! Ugh, kids say the darndest things.”

Atta spoke up, “Now that we see the Boss is safe and his martial arts have recovered, I think everyone can finally relax.”

Upon hearing Atta’s words, the heavy weight that had been pressing on everyone’s hearts was finally lifted. However, what followed from the seemingly honest Atta made everyone burst into laughter uncontrollably.

Atta continued, “But Boss, I’m quite suspicious-did you really come back alone? With your talents and looks, you should have at least one or two beautiful women with you. Or have you been hiding a mistress somewhere? Truly, you embody the essence of a Boss! Impressive, impressive!”

With this remark, everyone finally realized that Atta’s down-to-earth demeanor was merely a facade to win the trust of the ladies; in reality, his thoughts and words were no less cheeky than Liu Feng’s. Amid protests from Liu Feng and Atta, the women unanimously decided they would never push their female friends into the fire.

Seeing the two men’s helpless smiles, conveying messages of we’ve been through tough times together, Tianxiang felt a surge of warmth in his heart. These were his true brothers who shared both joy and hardship! Who said he had no family? The people in front of him were his family!

As a harmonious and relaxed atmosphere enveloped them, everyone continued to listen eagerly as Tianxiang recounted his experiences until dawn broke. He skillfully navigated through the highs and lows of each twist in his tale, making them feel as if they were part of the journey, their emotions fluctuating alongside his. By the time Tianxiang finished his story, they were still entranced, savoring his words and realizing that his eloquence was worthy of a bard.

Yingdie was the first to ask, “What about Youni?”

Tianxiang replied, “She’s probably still asleep! After all, she exhausted all her energy at the bottom of Flying River.” Just then, Tianxiang felt a strange fluctuation on his forehead. With a whoosh, Youni suddenly appeared before everyone, startling them.

Youni quickly apologized, “I’m sorry for scaring you!”

Yingdie exclaimed in surprise, “Youni, how did you get out?”

Youni looked puzzled as she responded, “Honestly, I don’t know why either. Even though I was busy repairing my energy, I could hear your conversation clearly. Just as I was about to come out to meet you, I suddenly found myself here.”

This was largely due to Tianxiang’s deeper understanding of the heaven and earth spiritual technique, which helped him perceive that the void and reality of all things in the world could coexist simultaneously. There is no absolute, unchanging truth; once one shifts perspective to achieve a natural balance, the world will change accordingly.

As a result, Youni’s abilities were enhanced, and both Xiao Ya and Dixiang would later realize that they too would undergo significant changes in the future. So why not restore energy without falling into deep sleep? Coupled with the vital connection she shared with the dark element, Youni benefited greatly, enabling her to awaken in a short time, especially since her mental state was not too strained.

During their journey back to Saint Kai Academy, Youni’s cooking once again won everyone’s hearts and appetites, earning them countless compliments and satisfied finger-licking. Meanwhile, Tianxiang was able to engage in mental communication with Xiaojin, the golden pixiu snake dragon, without needing Dixiang as an intermediary. Surprisingly, even Dixiang could communicate with Xiaojin mentally, as their mental fluctuations were completely different. Tianxiang found this inexplicable, attributing it to the saying “one who lives near vermilion gets stained red, one who lives near ink gets stained black!”

Feng Xuewu also informed Tianxiang about their outdoor cultivation training in the Demon Beast Forest where they had captured the night wolf king, Ye Tong. She recounted how the Flower Moon Alliance repeatedly tried to capture them, yet they could not figure out who had the resources and power to orchestrate such a plan.

After listening to her, Tianxiang remarked that within the academy, there were those whose families had power and status, always seeking to get close to Feng Xuewu, but failing to succeed, which led them to act out in frustration with such lowly schemes.

At this, Feng Xuewu and the others couldn’t help but picture the Seventh Prince, Sheng Yatian, with his utterly detestable face.

In the thick of the gloomy atmosphere, Yue Lianxuan broke the silence and asked, “Brother Xiang, you’re not going to leave us again, are you?”

Seeing the eager and expectant expressions on everyone’s faces, Tianxiang felt compelled to speak up firmly, “I’m sorry, but I can only stay here for a short while because I have another commitment that I must fulfill.”

In response to the disappointed expressions of his friends, Tianxiang shared the agreement he made with Old Rick, making sure to keep Old Rick’s true identity a secret while clearly explaining everything else. He was well aware that Feng Xuewu’s Eldest Brother was also searching for Old Rick, and he didn’t want to bring trouble upon him. After all, that place was their final destination to return home.

Amid the mixed feelings of surprise and disappointment, everyone silently accepted this news. After all, the dwarf race’s secret forging techniques could only be passed down under exceptional circumstances, which made it a monumental event! If Tianxiang learned everything, his future would be limitless.

However, the surprises and disappointments did not end there. When Tianxiang revealed that he had reunited with his biological parents, everyone joyfully congratulated him. But what followed brought tears to their eyes. The recollections of their own past grievances, particularly among this group of young people who had faced the loss of their parents at a young age, made them even more empathetic to Tianxiang’s situation. Even Tianxiang found himself engulfed in sorrowful emotions.

It was Liu Feng who lightened the mood amidst the grief, saying, “It seems that our Boss’s parents are somehow connected to Dream Eagle, which is why he came to the Kingdom of Saint Kai to rescue us in a timely manner. Dream Eagle surely is the beloved of lovers.” Liu Feng’s words eased the subtle sadness and painted an enchanting picture of the mysterious legend surrounding Dream Eagle in everyone’s minds.

Their group finally arrived in the capital of the Kingdom of Saint Kai, Saint Kai City, a city bustling with political, economic, military, and transportation activities. Given that there were still a few days until their return to school, they accepted Feng Xuewu’s invitation to stay at the Duke’s Mansion for a few days, where Duke Dark happened to be at home.

As soon as Duke Dark saw his daughter return safely, he couldn’t help but smile broadly with relief. He paced back and forth in concern before exclaiming, “My dear daughter, you’ve finally come back! Let me take a good look at you to see if you’re hurt!” After showing his care for Feng Xuewu, he then noticed the group behind her and joyfully added, “I didn’t expect you to make such good friends! Excellent, excellent! Xiao Xue, don’t rush to introduce them; let me take a guess!”

Clapping Liu Feng and Atta on the shoulders, Duke Dark said, “You are Liu Feng! You are Atta! I heard that you two are my daughter’s underground bodyguards! I officially promote you to be her full-time bodyguards. Do your job well and don’t let me down.”

Turning to Yue Lianxuan and Yingdie, he continued, “You are Yue Lianxuan, a real beauty indeed! And you are Yingdie, my daughter’s good sisters. Please stay at the Duke’s Mansion for the next few days, and we will treat you well.”

Despite his vast responsibilities and power, Duke Dark was surprisingly approachable, friendly, and witty. He even recognized these young people who were yet to make a name for themselves, leaving Liu Feng and the others feeling like they could brag about this for days. This also showcased the deep care that Duke Dark had for Feng Xuewu; he was no different from an ordinary father, fully aware of her friends and social situation. At that moment, he truly embodied the role of a responsible father rather than the authoritative figure known for commanding the political arena.

Ignoring the astonished expressions of the others, who looked like they could fit ostrich eggs in their mouths, Duke Dark continued to address the little snake and big cat at Tianxiang’s side. “You are Xiaojin, and this is Dixiang. They truly are exotic beasts.”

As his gaze met Tianxiang’s, the playful demeanor of Duke Dark suddenly shifted to one of seriousness. His sharp eyes seemed to pierce through Tianxiang’s very essence. Yet, Tianxiang remained calm and collected, staring back at Duke Dark, creating a tense, quiet atmosphere as if a storm was brewing.

Duke Dark was the first to break the silence, asking, “Tianxiang?”

Tianxiang respectfully replied, “Yes, Duke Dark.”

Suddenly, without warning, Duke Dark launched a powerful punch toward Tianxiang, shocking everyone in attendance. Feng Xuewu cried out in alarm, “Father!”

The punch, although seemingly ordinary, was infused with an extraordinary technique that transformed the laws of heaven and earth. It skillfully cut off Tianxiang’s avenues for retreat and potential counterattacks. This was the first time Tianxiang encountered such a delicate move, and he quickly understood that he had a considerable gap in strength compared to the duke. He also realized that the duke’s position hadn’t come without merit; one must possess a certain level of strength to maintain such status, or they would have been ousted long ago.

However, trained by battle and survival through numerous life-and-death experiences, coupled with the insights gained from the heaven and earth spiritual technique, Tianxiang was not one to passively accept his fate. This test only ignited his innate ambition and competitive spirit. With his feet firmly planted on the ground, he gradually extended his right hand, raising his thumb to meet the duke’s punch.

Tianxiang’s reaction elicited a look of approval from Duke Dark. “Responding to the unchanging with the unchanging, and overcoming the extraordinary with the ordinary!” he thought. This intrigued the duke; after all, at his level, no one dared to spar with him in such a manner. With a sudden smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, the duke intensified both his momentum and speed. The same punch now felt as if it carried the weight of a thousand soldiers amid fierce slaughter.

As the swift wind from the punch brushed past him, Tianxiang closed his eyes, but his spiritual eye opened wide. Like a magician performing a trick, his soft, dancing palms moved gracefully, reminiscent of a gentle spring breeze stirring cherry blossoms. It was as though life surged forth from heaven and earth, sweeping away the feeling of impending doom.

Using softness to overcome hardness and shifting from life to death, Duke Dark exclaimed, “Well done!” They then engaged each other in close combat. In contrast to the duke’s grand and sweeping moves, Tianxiang had to put forth his utmost effort, integrating his father’s Thirteen Moves of Heaven’s Release into his own style just to keep pace.

Punch after punch connected, each strike seeming perilous, yet Tianxiang felt an exhilarating freedom. At that moment, martial arts transformed into an art form and a feast for the spirit; it was no longer just a technique for killing. The wild and imaginative moves held an indescribable beauty. Even the duke was enthralled by the surprise and emotion Tianxiang brought him.

With a loud bang, Tianxiang was sent flying, staggering unsteadily as he landed on the ground, a trail of blood at the corner of his mouth.

The duke, however, stood in place with a flushed face, his right fist extended straight and his left arm protecting his face.

“Ah!” the three women exclaimed in unison, quickly rushing to Tianxiang’s side. Liu Feng and Ata looked at each other in bewilderment.

Feng Xuewu was the first to question, “Father, what are you doing?”

Faced with his beloved daughter’s anger, Duke Dark’s old face flushed with embarrassment as he said, “I got carried away, and for a moment, I couldn’t hold back, so I used a bit too much force.”

Tianxiang, who had his blood wiped away by Yue Lianxuan, took a moment to steady his breath and then said, “Thank you for your guidance, Duke. I have benefited greatly from it.”

Feng Xuewu’s voice was filled with concern as she said, “Brother Xiang, you can’t be dazed from the fight, can you? Thanking my father after he just hit you!”

Tianxiang replied, “This injury is nothing; I’ll recover after a moment of rest. The exchange we just had, however, was invaluable for my understanding of Martial Arts.”

As Duke Dark watched his daughter converse with Tianxiang, he suddenly suggested, “Tianxiang, how about a deal?”

Feng Xuewu immediately interjected, “Dad, you hurt Brother Xiang and haven’t even compensated him yet. What kind of deal can you possibly make? I won’t allow it!”

Before Feng Xuewu could continue her protest, Tianxiang chimed in, “Xiao Xue, let’s hear what the duke has to say!” Reluctantly, Feng Xuewu pouted and fell silent. The group around them was very curious about this proposed deal.

With his daughter returning to her youthful spirit, Duke Dark sighed and said, “Ah! Truly, a daughter grows up too fast. My deal is simple: I’ll guide you in Martial Arts if you teach me how to manage Xiao Xue properly. I need help so I won’t be overwhelmed, unsure of how to cater to her needs.”

The absurdity of his offer nearly made everyone spit out blood in shock. Feng Xuewu protested, “Dad, I’m not that difficult!” Little did she expect that her father’s idea of a deal would turn out like this.

Only Tianxiang faintly grasped the deeper meaning behind it. At the level of a Grandmaster like Duke Dark, Martial Arts was about cultivating the heart. Only by aligning with both his wishes and the will of heaven could he continuously improve himself. Therefore, the greatest concern for the duke was his beloved daughter. If he could find a way to harmonize the Heart of the Martial Artist with his love for her, perhaps he could break through one of the most significant barriers in his path.

Tianxiang gave a faint smile without saying a word, respectfully bowing to Duke Dark.

As Duke Dark regained his customary composure, he sighed, “Tianxiang, you are truly remarkable. Let’s pretend this deal was never mentioned.” He turned to Feng Xuewu and instructed, “Xiao Xue, please take them to the VIP room to rest.” He then transmitted a thought to Tianxiang, subtly indicating, “You’ll have to take care of Xiao Xue.”

Tianxiang paused for a moment, nodded slightly, and then followed the group into the rear courtyard. As he watched them go, Duke Dark wore a satisfied and proud smile.

The cryptic exchange between Duke Dark and Tianxiang left everyone else puzzled, unsure of what just transpired. The underlying meaning of their words, however, was shared silently between Tianxiang and Duke Dark alone.