Sometimes, we become so entwined with someone that our very existence feels meaningless in their absence. Even if a thousand breathtaking sights stand before us, their absence dims them all.
Such was the state of Wang Gung.
Like a lifeless shell, he walked silently alongside his group toward the Red-Stone Cave of the Fire Element. The view ahead was undeniably beautiful...maple trees with crimson leaves framed the landscape, making the divine cave appear like a scene from a forgotten legend.
The other disciples looked around in awe, their eyes devouring the sight, captivated by the grandeur of the divine cavern.
But Wang Gung remained still. Silent. Like a corpse after death....utterly still.
And yet…
He still had hope.
One last fragile flame remained: Bai Long.
High above, circling under the sky, Master zu gushion's spiritual companion, a white crow, kept close watch. Like a vigilant guardian.
As soon as the disciples stepped toward the cave, the white crow was the first to move. It flew to a corner near the sacred scripture and, bowing its head in reverence, saluted the holy presence.
The disciples' hearts skipped a beat.
Before them, flames roared.....not normal flames, but enormous and dense, hiding whatever lay inside. None could see what dwelled within the sacred ring of fire.
One by one, the disciples stepped forward. Each offered a drop of their blood to the sacred book....and from the fire, spiritual beasts emerged.
Some were chosen by mighty stallions.
Others by swift rabbits.
And some by crimson serpents.
Everyone received their spiritual beast, and the sacred bond was formed.
And then
It was Wang Gung's turn.
...… Mo Yan.
As he stepped forward and extended his hand, the flames calmed.
He bowed deeply in reverence, and offered his blood to the book....just as he had done years ago… with Yu Sui.
And once again, it happened.
The sacred book burst forth in divine white light, and from within emerged a white serpentine dragon, roaring as it spiraled into the air, magnificent and ethereal.
Seeing his shining blue eyes and the divine light emanating from his body. His presence said it all.
Mouths fell open.
No one had ever seen a white dragon...and certainly not one so breathtakingly beautiful.
The crow, too, stared.
Even it bowed its head in reverence to the ancient creature.
The dragon began circling around Wang Gung....seven full rotations, as though recognizing and sanctifying his spirit.
The white crow instantly understood. It had no time to waste.
It launched into the air and soared back toward the Spiritual Instructors' Pavilion, straight to Master Zu Gushion, who stood among the observers cloaked in ceremonial silence in spiritual forest.
Back inside the cavern, the seventh circle was complete.
Bai Long had recognized his master.
And without hesitation, without emotion, Wang Gung looked at the majestic creature with a calm gaze....and gave him the same command he once gave years ago:
"Find Yu Sui."
The moment those words were spoken, a chill swept the room.
Everyone froze. Eyes widened. Jaws remained open.
And somewhere
The name…
Yu Sui…
spoken aloud by Wang Gung.
all who had heard couldn't believe what they had just heard.