The valley buzzed with spirit energy, as a new center of power began to reshape the surrounding forest.
At its heart lay the Azure Heart Pond — a tranquil pool of luminous sapphire water. Formed during Long Tian's breakthrough into the Qi Condensation Realm, it was no ordinary pond. Its waters pulsed with pure Azure Dragon Spirit Qi, nourishing the land and drawing beasts from miles around.
But the pond was more than just a spiritual wellspring. Those who meditated near it experienced deep clarity of mind, accelerated Qi circulation, and glimpses of their inner flaws through its Reflective Insight Effect. To the wild beasts of the forest, it had become sacred — a symbol of authority, power, and promise.
Long Tian coiled near the water's edge, his eyes half-lidded as he surveyed the changes rippling through his territory.
And the most significant change had come just a day ago — when the Thunderwind Wolf Pack, a powerful and formerly independent force, arrived.
Their alpha, a battle-hardened wolf named Stormfang, had bowed his head and submitted after witnessing Long Tian's might and the pond's influence. Now under Long Tian's banner, they patrolled the northern border, trained near the cliffs, and referred to him not as a rival…
…but as their sovereign.
Stormfang, already at Qi Condensation – Layer 2, had begun cultivating the Storm Vein Method Long Tian had gifted him. Empowered by the resources and dragon Qi of the territory, he was already on the verge of reaching Layer 3.
Long Tian watched with satisfaction as the wolves sparred, the air crackling with wind and faint lightning.
Further down, the young Qilin trained beneath the cascading waterfall that fed the Azure Heart Pond, her steps light but powerful. The spirit fox, cloaked in moonlight, practiced illusion steps in the trees, flickering between shadows like a ghost.
His territory was no longer just a haven — it was becoming a beast cultivation ground.
---
But peace rarely lasted.
That evening, the Spirit Qi Formation along the southern border flared with warning.
Long Tian rose instantly. In a flash of blue, he surged into the canopy, arriving with Stormfang and two elite wolves.
There they saw them — six beasts cloaked in bark and bramble, their eyes glowing a sickly green.
Forest Scour Stalkers. Ambush predators. Assassins. They thrived on testing — and destroying — rising forces before they could fully grow.
The lead stalker sneered. "You claim dominion, yet your roots are shallow. Shall we test how deep they run?"
Long Tian's voice was low, calm, but cold.
"You may test. But you will not leave whole."
The air shattered.
The stalkers lunged — only to be met with illusion and lightning. The spirit fox's phantoms led them into Stormfang's jaws. The Qilin descended from the treetops, releasing a storm-charged stomp that cracked the ground.
Long Tian himself swept through the center, his claws glowing with Azure Qi Mist, his tail snapping bones like twigs.
Within seconds, the invaders were crushed. Two fled — barely — vanishing into the dark, surely to carry warnings with them.
Long Tian returned to the Azure Heart Pond, his reflection replaced with swirling patterns of Qi and resonance.
More beasts would come. Challenges would rise.
But so would he.
The Azure Crest was no longer forming.
It was awakening.