In the outer hall of the Beast God Pavilion, Du Xiaoming stood quietly at the corner, her hands clasped behind her back. The vast hall was silent, its towering pillars carved with ancient beast totems that seemed to breathe faintly under the moonlight. Though only in her twenties, Du Xiaoming carried the calm authority and restrained pressure of a Rank 75 Holy Lord. Each breath she took was steady, controlled, as if the countless battles she had endured were nothing more than distant memories.
Her gaze remained fixed on the bright moon hanging high in the night sky beyond the open hall. Moonlight poured in like silver water, spilling gently across the polished marble floor and reflecting faintly in her eyes. For reasons even she could not fully explain, her heart felt unusually restless tonight.
A soft female voice broke the silence, smooth and slightly teasing.
"It's rare to see you like this, Xiaoming," the voice said. "You don't usually stand around watching the moon at night."
Du Xiaoming turned around, her sharp aura instantly retracting. A faint, respectful smile appeared on her lips. "Greetings, Elder Moon Fox Venerable," she said as she bowed slightly.
A gentle wave of dark wind flowed across the floor, brushing past Xiaoming's boots as an elegant woman walked toward her. Though the woman appeared to be in her sixties, her beauty was refined and timeless, like a well-aged jade. Her long hair shimmered faintly under the moonlight, and her eyes carried both wisdom and mischief. She was Chu Yaoxue—the Moon Fox Venerable.
"It's nothing, Elder," Xiaoming replied calmly. "I simply felt that tonight's moon is… unusually energetic. As if something is stirring beneath its light."
"Oh?" Chu Yaoxue chuckled softly, folding her sleeves. "You're not wrong. Nights like this often precede change."
Before she could elaborate further, the space behind them suddenly trembled.
Crack—
The air split apart as a spatial rift tore open. Violent winds surged outward, causing the hanging banners in the hall to snap loudly. A tall elderly man stepped out from within the distorted space, his presence sharp and untamed. As soon as his feet touched the ground, the裂 closed seamlessly, leaving the hall intact.
"Well, Yaoxue," a deep and amused voice echoed, "you always say the moon is energetic."
The newcomer was none other than Feng Tian—the Wind Eagle Venerable.
Chu Yaoxue's expression darkened immediately. She turned toward him with narrowed eyes. "Feng Tian," she snapped, "how many times have I told you not to use spatial powers inside the Beast God Pavilion? And why are you here at this hour?"
Feng Tian scratched his chin, his sharp eyes filled with curiosity rather than apology. "Is it a crime to be curious? I sensed familiar auras gathering and wondered what you two were discussing. That's all."
Du Xiaoming stepped forward without hesitation and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Elder Wind Eagle Venerable."
Feng Tian nodded slightly in response before shifting his gaze toward her, studying her carefully. "Xiaoming," he said with a hint of amusement, "are you perhaps missing your rival—and best friend—Long Yi?"
Du Xiaoming stiffened for a brief moment, her fingers curling slightly behind her back. "Why would I miss that demon dragon…?" she replied coolly, turning her face away.
Her reaction only caused Feng Tian and Chu Yaoxue to laugh softly, their laughter echoing lightly through the hall.
"Both Long Yi and you grew under Tian's guidance," Chu Yaoxue said warmly, her tone carrying genuine pride. "And look at how far you've come. Two pillars of the younger generation."
Du Xiaoming lowered her head slightly, her voice steady yet filled with sincerity. "I was once a nobody in the Du Clan. When it was discovered that my bond was the Poison Scorpion—and that I did not possess the bloodline of the Poison Snake King—they cast me out without hesitation."
Her eyes hardened as she continued, "It was Elder Wind Eagle Venerable who took me in and raised me. He gave me shelter, strength, and purpose. For that, I am eternally grateful. As long as I draw breath, I will protect the Beast God Pavilion and the Holy Beast Empire."
Both venerables exchanged glances and smiled, clearly pleased by her resolve.
Chu Yaoxue suddenly giggled, covering her mouth lightly. "But Xiaoming, you still haven't said anything about Long Yi."
Feng Tian added teasingly, "After all, you two practically grew up together. Rivals, companions, and thorns in each other's sides."
Du Xiaoming hesitated for a moment before replying, her voice softening. "Yi is… introverted, much like me. She rarely speaks of her thoughts." After a brief pause, she added, "However, I am quite interested in her disciple."
Chu Yaoxue's eyes widened slightly. "Hm? Long Yi took a disciple? What kind of boy is he—and what is his bond?"
Feng Tian's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "His name is Lan Zhen. His bond is a Pure Darkness Dragon."
Chu Yaoxue froze, her expression turning serious. "Just like Yi… a Pure Darkness Dragon?"
"Not only that," Feng Tian continued casually, his tone carrying a hint of gravity. "That boy possesses another bond—one that carries Pure Light."
Chu Yaoxue was left speechless.
Pure Light and Pure Darkness together…?
Her heart trembled slightly at the implications.
———
The scene shifted.
Under the open night sky of the academy's training field, Lan Zhen and his companions—Lei Wei, Gu Na'er, Bing Xue'er, Shi Feng, and Yu Xiatao—were struggling just to remain standing.
An invisible pressure crushed down upon them like a mountain, heavy and merciless. Sweat drenched their clothes, and each step felt like wading through a violent storm of shadows. Their muscles screamed in protest, and their breathing was ragged and uneven.
Long Yi stood before them, her posture relaxed yet terrifying. Strands of Pure Darkness leaked subtly from her body, spreading across the ground like living shadows. Her cold eyes observed every tremor, every stagger.
"Don't stop," she commanded calmly, her voice cutting through their exhaustion. "Keep moving."
Their legs trembled violently, vision blurring, yet none of them dared to fall. Each step forward was an act of sheer will.
Above them, the moon continued to shine—silent, watchful.
The holy battle had only just begun.