One month later.
The cavern was quiet, but the silence was deceptive.
At the heart of it, Long Tian opened his eyes—calm, golden pupils radiating power. His scales shimmered faintly with arcs of thunder, and space distorted subtly around him as if reality itself gave him room to breathe.
His Qi pulsed with unimaginable density.
> "Qi Condensation – Layer 8."
His cultivation had surged—supported by spirit stones, enhanced herbs, powerful pills, and constant breakthroughs in arrays, weapons, and talismans.
But it wasn't just cultivation.
His body arts had evolved, merging thunder movement techniques with draconic strength.
His pill refinement had reached a level where he could refine near-perfect recovery and enhancement pills with minimal waste.
His array knowledge allowed him to inscribe multi-layered formations.
His Growth trait had accelerated the evolution of herbs, trees, and natural treasures across his territory.
And his Thunder trait continued to sharpen, its divine resonance echoing through his every movement.
---
He stepped out into the open, the wind whispering across the territory as beasts lifted their heads in awe.
He was no longer simply their ruler.
He was their Lord.
---
By the Earth Dew Pond, Yunxiao, Baoyun, and the Ice Phoenix waited patiently.
When he appeared, they rose instantly.
"Tian!" Yunxiao wagged her fluffy tail. "You feel… different. Stronger."
Baoyun snorted. "The air around you burns my fur. You've grown terrifying."
The Phoenix's eyes gleamed. "You've awakened another trait… haven't you?"
Long Tian smiled. "Thunder. A gift from the Dragon God Blood."
He showed them the fruits of his seclusion—pill bottles, jade talismans, forged weapons, and refined spiritual tools. He handed each companion several items suited to their talents.
"To protect you, and to strengthen you," he said.
They bowed deeply, their loyalty strengthened.
---
Later that day, Tian flew above his growing domain.
His Array Core was now anchored to four cardinal points, forming a protective formation with layers of defense and counterattack runes. Hidden Thunder Spears, Illusion Arrays, and Fire Burst Points laced the outer edges.
At its heart, the Earth Dew Pond, the Origin Trees, and the Spirit Qi Formation thrived—together forming a sanctuary for nearly 200 beasts under his rule.
Some were body tempering layer 2 and 3. Others had reached Qi Condensation layer 1 under his guidance, fed with pills and supported by Dragon Spirit Qi.
As he passed overhead, beasts bowed, submitting with reverence and awe.
His territory now spanned nearly double its original radius, and it still pulsed with untapped potential.
> "Good," he muttered. "This is the foundation of a kingdom."
---
Two days later.
As the moon hung high and the air stilled—the array fluctuated.
Long Tian, already prepared, stood at the southern edge.
> "They're here."
When the first spiritual ripples appeared, he narrowed his eyes.
Human cultivators.
Five of them. Four at Qi Condensation – Layer 5, and one, taller and wrapped in a dark robe, at Qi Condensation – Layer 9.
They scanned the forest with greedy, hungry gazes.
The leader smirked. "So this is the forest from the report… filled with treasures and Spirit Qi veins. The beasts must have a leader. Let's kill him."
But within moments—
The ground pulsed. Arrays activated. Thunder crackled in the air.
A burning, oppressive pressure fell over the intruders.
Long Tian stepped forward from the shadows.
Scales glinting. Eyes glowing. Power surging.
He spoke coldly—
> "You trespass in a land you don't understand. This… is your last mistake."