The morning sun filtered down through thin strands of cloud, casting a gentle glow across the Bai Clan's new territory. The sound of waves lapping against the distant shore was faint but constant, a soft reminder that this island was now their home.
Bai Tianlong stepped into the main hall with measured steps. His robes were simple but clean, his hair tied neatly behind him. The moment he saw his grandfather, Bai Wu, he cupped his fists deeply.
"Grandfather," he said with a faint smile, "I have something to report. Yesterday, I broke through and entered the First Stage of Qi Condensation."
Bai Wu, who had been going over a stack of clan records, froze for a moment before slowly lifting his head. Surprise flashed in his eyes, followed by warmth and pride. "The First Stage already? Hah! Truly worthy of my grandson. It hasn't even been that long since you reached the Innate realm, yet you've stepped into Qi Condensation without a bottleneck."
He rose from his seat and walked toward Tianlong, his eyes scanning him up and down as if confirming the breakthrough with his own gaze. "Even for an Imperial Beast Tamer, this speed is remarkable. Most take a year or more to reach this step, even with feedback from contracted beasts. Yet you—" Bai Wu's gaze softened. "You've done it in months."
Tianlong simply smiled. He couldn't very well explain the system, his master, or the resources he'd had. Those were secrets for later.
Bai Wu waved his hand. "Wait here. I have something for you."
From a storage ring, he withdrew two items: a finely made robe and a sword. The robe shimmered faintly with protective runes, its fabric lightweight yet tough enough to withstand blows from an early Qi Condensation cultivator. The sword's black-metal blade gleamed with a cold luster, a faint trace of spiritual energy pulsing within.
"This robe is a low-grade cultivation treasure, well-suited for someone in the early Qi Condensation stage. It will protect you and aid your Qi circulation," Bai Wu explained. "This sword is mid-grade. Sharp, balanced… but still within your control. Higher-grade treasures would be wasted on you for now—without the Qi to sustain them, they'd be more burden than help."
Tianlong bowed. "Thank you, Grandfather."
Bai Wu chuckled. "Work hard. The day will come when you'll need greater treasures… but for now, master the basics."
After exchanging a few more words, Tianlong excused himself and returned to his courtyard.
---
The next day, his focus shifted. Cultivation would remain his main priority, but now that White Fang's evolution was complete, it was time to make use of the avatar's strength.
White Fang slithered toward the sea with a fluid, powerful motion. Its scales gleamed in the sunlight, and the faint trace of dragon might in its aura made lesser sea beasts scatter in fear. The nearby waters were calm, almost serene, with sunlight reflecting like shattered glass on the surface.
These waters were still safe. The danger lay farther out—five hundred kilometers away, where a dense, impenetrable fog belt formed a massive ring around the island. That fog wasn't natural; it was an ancient formation, a natural illusion that hid the sanctuary within. From the outside, the fog looked endless, but within the ring, sunlight poured freely.
Bai Wu had told Tianlong about it weeks ago.
"This island is a refuge," his grandfather had explained. "But it is also a prison if one is too weak. The fog keeps stronger sea beasts from wandering in freely… yet it also hides what's beyond. We've already begun gathering intelligence on the powers that surround us—both in the sea and along the coastal continents. In time, you'll be part of those discussions."
That memory echoed in Tianlong's mind as he watched through White Fang's senses.
The serpent glided through the shallows, occasionally diving to investigate a rock crevice or chasing off a curious fish-type demon beast. It wasn't hunting seriously today—this was reconnaissance, getting a feel for the territory. But Tianlong knew that soon, the real battles would begin.
---
White Fang glided silently beneath the surface, its serpentine body cutting through the water with minimal resistance. It wasn't long before a flicker of movement caught its eyes—a trio of Wavefin Barracudas, each the size of a man, circling a coral outcrop.
The serpent's pupils narrowed, its body coiling slightly as venom sacs began to stir within. With a burst of speed, Rapid Movement activated, launching it forward like a streak of white lightning.
The first barracuda never saw it coming. White Fang's fangs sank deep into its side, injecting a paralytic venom that froze the beast within seconds. The second and third scattered, but the serpent's agility and close-combat instincts took over. A quick tail sweep disoriented one, while the Dragon Spiritual Eyes locked on to the other's movement pattern, predicting its dodge before it happened.
Within moments, all three lay still, their spiritual essence seeping into White Fang's body.
> [Evolution Points +3]
[Evolution Points +4]
[Evolution Points +3]
White Fang had started the day with only 0 points. After this hunt, it now had 10 total.
But Tianlong's brow furrowed. Through the system interface, the next evolution requirement glowed faintly:
[Next Evolution Requirement: 1000 Points]
This meant that even now, White Fang was only 1% of the way there. Compared to the last evolution, which had required just 100 points, this was ten times more difficult.
"Looks like this won't be a quick process," Tianlong muttered to himself. "At least a hundred hunts like this just to meet the minimum."
Still, the power White Fang now possessed was undeniable. As a beast with a dragon bloodline, multiple talents, and refined combat skills, it could contend with early peak Qi Condensation demon beasts. Survival, even in dangerous waters, was no longer impossible.
---
He also remembered his grandfather's last words on the matter:
"When you are inaugurated as the Young Clan Leader, you will take part in managing these outside affairs. But that will not be until you've reached at least the late Qi Condensation stage. Until then… you are still too weak to shoulder such responsibilities."
Too weak? Perhaps for now. But Tianlong's eyes narrowed as a faint smile touched his lips. "Late Qi Condensation… it won't take me that long, Grandfather."
Above the calm waters, a lone seabird cried and wheeled away toward the distant fog ring, vanishing into the white wall.
Bai Tianlong's gaze followed it, his heart steady. He had time… but he also had a goal.