Chapter 114: The Beasts' Challenge
The hidden cave deep within the forest swallowed light in a suffocating gloom,
a cavernous maw carved into the earth, its walls glistening with moisture and ancient moss,
the air thick with the primal scent of fur, earth, and the faint metallic tang of blood,
shadows flickering as the dim glow of bioluminescent fungi cast an eerie sheen.
Lin Xuan followed the massive wolf, its silver fur rippling with each step,
his cultivation sealed,
his black-and-white eyes—black sclera with faintly glowing white pupils—adjusting to the dark,
the Celestial Unity Crest on his back dormant, a silent companion to his raw strength.
The wolf, whom he'd come to know as Yinlong the Silent Fang,
led him into the cavern's heart, where four towering beasts loomed,
their eyes piercing through the gloom like lanterns—golden, amber, and deep brown.
A bear with a pelt like midnight stood first, its bulk a mountain of muscle,
named Xiongdi the Ironhide, its growl a low rumble that vibrated the cave walls.
Beside it, a tiger with stripes like molten gold paced,
known as Huli the Swift Claw, its eyes narrowing with curiosity.
A gorilla, its fur a dark cascade, flexed its arms,
called Yuanmo the Stonefist, its presence a quiet menace.
An elephant, its tusks curved like scythes, shifted its weight,
named Xiangzun the Earthshaker, its trunk swaying with measured grace.
They growled among themselves in beast tongue,
a chorus of deep rumbles and sharp yips, debating his worth in a language Lin Xuan strained to decipher.
Yinlong turned to him, its golden eyes steady,
its voice a resonant hum in the cavern.
"These are my kin, the elders of this forest.
They'll train you, but there's a condition.
You must defeat our emperor—a lion who's lost his humility.
We won't betray him, but his arrogance needs a lesson.
What do you say, human?"
Lin Xuan met their gazes, sensing the honor in their stance,
his voice firm despite the ache in his scarred limbs.
"I agree. I'll face your emperor and earn my place.
Let's begin."
The training commenced immediately,
the beasts circling him with a predatory grace,
their eyes assessing as Lin Xuan mimicked their forms,
drawing on his martial arts to adapt to their primal power.
He mirrored Xiangzun the Earthshaker's strength,
performing Earth-Supporting Pillars—with legs like mountains—
his muscles straining as he held the pose, sweat beading on his brow,
the elephant's trunk swaying in approval as he grunted through 500 repetitions.
Huli the Swift Claw's agility inspired Chasing the Morning Sun,
Lin Xuan running 270 li through the cave's tunnels,
his Celestial Glide footwork dodging imaginary strikes,
the tiger's purr a faint encouragement as his lungs burned.
Yuanmo the Stonefist's power shaped Sky-Reaching Claw,
pull-ups on a jagged rock ledge with Kyokushin Karate precision,
his arms trembling as he reached 500, the gorilla nodding with a grunt,
its fists pounding the ground in rhythm with his effort.
Xiongdi the Ironhide's endurance fueled Dragon Coiling Core,
forging his dantian region, his core twists adding intensity,
the bear's low growl a steady beat as he pushed past 500,
his body hardening with each labored breath.
Weeks blurred into a relentless cycle,
his body transforming—scars fading into taut muscle,
skin glistening with sweat as he adapted to their lessons,
the beasts watching with growing intrigue, their growls softening to murmurs.
One evening, as the fungi glowed brighter,
Xiongdi lumbered closer, its voice a deep rumble.
"You're no ordinary human, Lin Xuan.
Your will rivals our emperor's in its day.
But can you withstand his pride?"
Lin Xuan wiped sweat from his face,
his black-and-white eyes glinting with resolve.
"I've survived worse.
If he's lost his way, I'll bring him back—or break trying."
Huli paced, its tail flicking with a swish.
"His name is Huangdi the Golden Roar.
He rules with strength, but his heart's grown cold.
Prove your worth, and we'll stand with you."
Yuanmo crossed its arms, its voice a gravelly hum.
"Your fists carry honor.
Show him that, and he might listen—
or you'll face his claws."
Xiangzun trumpeted softly, its trunk curling.
"The earth respects your stance.
Train harder—his might is beyond ours."
Yinlong nodded, its eyes warm.
"We've seen your spirit, Lin Xuan.
Rest tonight."
Lin Xuan sank to the cave floor,
his body aching but his mind clear,
the beasts settling around him like sentinels,
their presence a strange comfort in the wild.
He closed his eyes, visualizing the fight ahead,
his voice a whisper to himself.
"Huangdi… let's see who bends first."
The cave grew quiet,
the air lightening with the scent of moss and a budding alliance,
his journey a step toward mastering the forest's heart.