Liang Feng's sword clashed against the Ninth Beast's snapping jaws, creating sparks like a blacksmith's forge. He twisted in the air, barely avoiding the monster's next attack. So, you faked me out, huh? he spat, his teeth clenched tight.
The Ninth Beast roared, and the dungeon floor trembled. Its red eyes glowed fiercely, and electricity danced across its dark scales. Hot steam poured out, turning the dungeon into a deadly, boiling mess.
Liang's muscles burned, and his energy was running low. Still, he wasn't giving up. Alright, Beast. Let's see how you handle this!
He slammed his hands together, calling upon the spirits he'd made deals with long ago in faraway lands.
The air tore open.
Golden feathers fell like rain – the Vermilion Phoenix Spirit appeared, its wings burning with a holy fire.
A deep rumble echoed as a huge jade figure rose – the Azure Dragon Spirit, wrapping itself around Liang with scales that shone like green liquid.
A chilling cry cut through the air as the White Tiger Spirit leaped forward, its sharp teeth bared, its stripes shining silver in the dim light.
And finally, the quiet ripple of the Black Tortoise Spirit, ancient and wise, its shell covered in old symbols.
Now! Liang shouted. Hold it down!
The spirits charged. Phoenix flames scorched the Beast's hide. The Azure Dragon squeezed the creature's body, its force like a god's. The White Tiger slashed, tearing bloody marks across its skin. The Black Tortoise breathed out chains made from the earth itself, binding it tight.
The Ninth Beast thrashed, roared, and screamed. Crimson energy spread out, shaking the dungeon's walls. But the spirits held on, their power pushing it to its knees.
Liang stumbled forward, and sweat dripped from his face. He put his hand on the beast's big forehead.
Give in, he ordered, his voice low and full of power. Obey me, or I will erase you.
The Ninth Beast shook. Its red eyes dimmed, then flickered, confused.
You… are strong… the Beast's voice echoed in Liang's mind, old and deep. No master… for ages… but you…
Liang pressed harder, his spirit burning. Pledge loyalty. Or die.
The Beast let out one last roar… then lowered its head.
It gave in.
Liang's sword dimmed, and the spirits vanished.
Silence filled the dungeon, only broken by Liang's heavy breathing.
***
When they walked out of the dungeon, even Master Qian Xu fell to his knees in surprise. The Ninth Beast – once their biggest fear – now stood obediently by Liang's side, its head lowered like a trained dog.
Unbelievable, Mei Xuan whispered, her eyes wide. You… tamed it.
Liang didn't answer right away. His eyes were distant. But when he spoke, his voice was steady.
We're riding it to the Family Meeting.
Qian Xu's jaw dropped. But… even with the Beast, it takes five days to reach the Mother's palace and we can't just teleport everyone; only Sky Jade rank and higher can travel between realms.
Liang smiled slightly. Don't worry. I'll take care of the speed.
By sunrise, they had turned the Ninth Beast into a moving fortress.
A wooden structure made from magical Hai Zhen wood was built on its back. It had rooms for sleeping, viewing areas, and storage for supplies. Special protections kept it balanced while the Beast swam.
Liang stood at the front, his hands glowing as he chanted, connecting an old sea map to the Beast's mind.
Remember every current, every reef, every hidden spot, he said softly. The Ninth Beast rumbled in agreement, its eyes now softer, even playful.
Faster… we need to go faster, Liang ordered.
The Beast roared, showing its approval, and shot forward, slicing through the sea like an arrow. Waves crashed around them, and the world became a blur.
As they rode, worries began to surface.
There are dangerous people in these seas, Mei Xuan said, frowning. Even some from the other Empires. They'll sense our movement.
But Liang just chuckled. Let them come. This Beast is hungry – and it only eats enemies now.
As he said, when a group of sky pirates tried to attack them on the second day, the Ninth Beast rose from the depths, crushing their ships with its jaws. The crew cheered as the Beast returned with strange sea creatures, throwing them on deck – shining fish with sapphire scales, and squids that glowed like lamps.
We haven't seen anything like this since before the Seven Empires, Qian Xu said in amazement. It's like the old world is waking up.
At night, the Beast – now affectionately called Xiang Long by Mei Xuan – made jokes in broken human language.
Your hair… like seaweed. Haha! It referred to one of the cultivators, making the crew laugh and easing the tension of the trip.
But beneath the laughter, concerns remained.
On the third night, Qian Xu pulled Liang aside, his voice serious.
The Mother expects a gift at the Meeting. We have no slaves to give. If we arrive empty-handed, our empire will be embarrassed… or worse.
Liang's eyes narrowed with dangerous intent. Then offer me.
The Master blinked, surprised. You—?
Yes, Liang said, his voice hard. Present me as your offering. The last living slave of the destroyed Hai Zhen Fortress. I'll get close to her. And then…
Qian Xu agreed right away, too eagerly. Yes. Yes! That could work. The Mother likes rare targets. She'll take a special interest.
Liang saw the excitement in the Master's eyes – as if he had been waiting for this suggestion all along.
On the fourth day, news arrived.
The other six Empires have already reached the palace, Mei Xuan said, her voice tense. We're the only ones left, the Hai Zhen Empire.
She had sent forth her magic ahead of time to track the progress of the event.
Liang nodded. We'll fly faster.
Xiang Long let out a happy roar and surged forward with new power. Waves towered around them, but the Beast's huge body cut through like an immortal spear. Tides broke. Storms parted. And the shining barrier of the Mother's palace appeared on the horizon.
For five nights, the crew rested in the wooden rooms built on Xiang Long's back. They ate, slept, even dreamed.
But Liang didn't sleep. Or eat.
He stood at the front, his eyes fixed on the path ahead, his energy burning bright and cold.
Whispers spread among the cultivators.
Five days… and he hasn't rested once.
His energy… is endless.
Who is this person, really?
Even Mei Xuan, watching him in the moonlight, felt her heart beat faster. He had a lot of power… but also deep, unhealed wounds.
By dawn on the fifth day, they arrived.
The Mother's palace stretched across the sea – a huge structure that was hard to imagine. Walls wide enough to hold entire cities. Gates made from black pearl and jade. Towers of coral and gold.
Every Empire had gathered.
Flags waved in the sea breeze – each family marked by its own color and symbol.
The Qing Lang Empire wore clothes of shining blue. The Crimson Fang Clan gleamed in blood-red silks. The Jade Serpent Sect moved in green threads. The Golden Crane Dynasty dazzled in bright gold. The Silver Lotus House stood in pale silver-white. The Obsidian Wolf Pact loomed in dark black.
And now, the damaged remains of Hai Zhen flew their ripped sea-green flag.
Liang studied the walls – their beauty, their terrible beauty. Behind them, slaves in chains moved like shadows, dragged by their masters. The Mother's Court was both a palace and a prison.
When was the last time they all gathered together like this? Liang asked.
Qian Xu answered quietly. More than ten years ago.
If Liang wasn't mistaken, that was the same time he disappeared into Di Yu.
Liang's jaw tightened.
***
But fate had other plans.
As they got close to the gate, a voice rang out.
Seize them!
Liang's head snapped up – and his blood ran cold.
It was Mei Xuan.
At her command, one hundred animal spirits charged forward – tiger spirits, dragon phantoms, bird-shaped winds, all roaring with power.
Invisible threads, crackling with electricity, shot out. They wrapped around Liang, tying his arms, his legs, and his spirit core.
He gasped. These threads… I can't—!
He tried to teleport. Failed.
Summoned his spirits. They flared… then flickered and vanished.
His power was gone.
Mei Xuan's voice was cold as metal. Liang Feng, infiltrator of the Seven Empires, your game is over.
Even Qian Xu and Zhao Mei Ling were shocked.
Xuan… you betrayed us?! Zhao Mei Ling cried, stepping back.
Mei Xuan smiled thinly. I never served you fools. I am Commander of the Spirit Realm… loyal only to the Seven Empires and the Mother.
Liang struggled against the threads, his heart pounding.
Trapped. Outmatched.
And for the first time in years – scared.