The forest guided those who listened.
Long Tian, Bai Xue, and Yan Yue traveled deeper into the heart of the Ten-Thousand Beast Forest, drawn by a low, rhythmic pulse in the earth beneath their feet—an ancient heartbeat buried in stone and time. The dragon's instincts tugged him forward, and the faint glow of Yan Yue's antlers flickered in agreement.
"There's something beneath us," she murmured, her voice steady. "Something old."
> [Environmental Alert: Dense Earth Qi Detected.] [Analysis Complete – Hidden Pond Earth Dew Source Nearby.] [Grade: High-Purity. Attribute: Body Tempering, Earth Affinity, Stabilizing Essence.]
Long Tian's golden eyes narrowed. Earth Dew was a rare natural condensation of elemental earth qi and subterranean vitality, often forming over centuries. Its presence meant unspoiled power—perfect for strengthening the body and refining physical essence.
Guided by qi sense and subtle tremors in the soil, the trio descended into a narrow ravine shrouded in mist. Behind a thick wall of overgrown ivy and spirit moss, they found it: a collapsed stone archway leading into a cavern mouth hidden for ages.
The air grew heavier with each step.
Within the cave, bioluminescent roots pulsed with a faint amber glow. At the far end, past stone formations shaped like dragon teeth, lay a small crystalline pool—its surface like still glass, faintly glowing with golden-green light.
The Hidden Pond Earth Dew.
Qi radiated from it in gentle, soothing waves. Every breath in the chamber felt like it cleansed marrow and flesh alike.
Long Tian stepped closer.
> [Earth Dew Recognized – Compatible with Host Physiology. Initiate Absorption?] [Warning: Requires Qi Convergence State. Will induce rapid body tempering and latent bloodline activation.]
He glanced at his companions.
Bai Xue shook her head gently. "This is for you, Tian. It's purest when unshared. We'll guard the entrance."
Yan Yue flicked her tail, antlers lighting the walls with holy flame. "No beast shall interrupt. The ground itself bends to you here."
He nodded in silent thanks and slithered into the pond.
The moment his body touched the surface, the Earth Dew surged. It wasn't liquid—it was essence, alive with intent. It rushed into his pores, coiling around his bones, cracking through old limits.
Pain bloomed. Muscles tore and regrew. Scales hardened and shimmered like reinforced jade. A roar—deep and primal—echoed through the cave as qi whirled into a storm around his form.
> [Body Tempering Surge Initiated.] [Dragon Bone Tempering – Enhanced.] [Azure Heart Core Stability: +30%.] [Bloodline Awakening Progress: 12%]
Cracks formed in the cave ceiling. Roots shuddered. Outside, even distant beasts paused at the distant thunder that came from below the ground.
When the light finally faded, Long Tian emerged from the pool—taller, stronger, and radiant with barely restrained power. His claws shimmered like obsidian, and his scales bore a faint earthen luster over the azure glow.
He had taken another step.
Not just toward survival.
But sovereignty.