Days passed since the battle.
Long Tian's territory had grown more vibrant than ever. The Thunderfire Seal Array was now inscribed into the outer perimeter, supported by pillars carved with runes of suppression and counterattack. Spirit herbs glowed brighter from his Growth trait, and new medicinal fields were cultivated using fertile ash from fallen enemies.
Tian had distributed spirit stones to resource hubs, aiding the cultivation of loyal beasts. Over 300 creatures now called this territory home, forming hunting squads, cultivation teams, and patrol groups.
Yet Tian remained vigilant.
> "Killing human cultivators will draw more than scouts. I must strengthen everything."
He spent days reinforcing sub-arrays, modifying the pond's core formation, and setting up Teleportation Talismans in key zones. His lair now functioned as both a sanctuary and fortress.
---
One evening, a low roar shook the eastern side of the forest.
Beasts backed away. Trees trembled. The array flickered—but not from human presence.
Tian narrowed his eyes.
> "That's a beast's roar… powerful… young?"
He soared toward the source, cutting through branches and Spirit Qi mist.
There, at the edge of a thunder-wreathed cliff, stood a white-furred cub—a White Tiger.
Silver stripes etched his sides, and a small crystalline horn protruded from his forehead. Tiny wings twitched on his back. His aura was fierce, prideful—and pure.
A born king.
> "Another divine beast descendant," Tian murmured. "Same age… same energy. Another… abandoned child?"
Their eyes met.
No words.
Just challenge.
Both beasts understood.
There could not be two kings in the same forest.
---
The clash was instant.
Thunder and white flame tore through the sky as their auras collided. The White Tiger dashed forward with terrifying speed, claws glowing with wind and killing intent.
Tian parried with a twist of his body, lightning arcing around him. Their battle shook the trees, split boulders, and cracked the sky itself.
> "You're strong," Tian thought, "but not strong enough."
He unleashed Thunder Step, vanishing and reappearing behind the tiger, striking with a tail wrapped in lightning.
> Boom!
The White Tiger crashed into the ground, groaning. He rose again—but his legs trembled.
Still… he roared.
Still… he charged.
> "Enough," Tian said, stepping down with force.
The ground quaked. The air stilled. His space trait and thunder aura pressed down like a god descending.
The cub collapsed, panting, eyes wide not with fear—but with respect.
Then…
He bowed.
Lowered his head.
A gesture of surrender and fealty.
> "Swear it," Tian said. "Not as my subject… but as my brother."
The White Tiger opened his mouth. "I, Bai Hu, descendant of the Four Divine Beasts, swear loyalty to Long Tian. From this day forth—we are brothers beneath heaven."
Tian nodded.
> "Then rise… Brother."
---
That night, the companions welcomed Bai Hu with wary but growing warmth. The cub ate with restraint, listened more than he spoke, and gazed often at the stars—just like Tian once did.
Yunxiao murmured, "Another child abandoned to grow strong."
Baoyun grunted. "He's proud. But loyal. I like him."
The Ice Phoenix said nothing, but her approving nod was enough.
---
Yet Tian stood alone near the Origin Trees.
The moonlight cast a silver glow over his scales.
> "I killed humans," he whispered. "This forest… can no longer remain hidden."
> "And when the next wave comes… it will be stronger. Smarter. Greedier."
He looked at the stars again—then at the sleeping figures of his companions.
His claws dug slightly into the earth.
> "So be it."
> "I will make this forest... a fortress."
> "And if the heavens want war… then let the dragon rise."