Chapter 118: Warriors' Accord
The forest clearing lay heavy with the aftermath of battle,
the air thick with the coppery scent of blood, the earthy tang of sweat, and the faint rustle of settling leaves,
the circle of beasts still formed, their eyes shifting between Lin Xuan and the fallen Huangdi,
sunlight fading into the golden hues of late afternoon, casting long shadows across the scarred ground.
Lin Xuan stood bleeding over the lion, his breath ragged, his voice hoarse but firm,
his black eyes faintly glowing with white pupils, the Celestial Unity Crest dormant yet pulsing faintly,
his body trembling from exhaustion as he looked down at the forest emperor.
"You are emperor not because you're the strongest, but because they believe in you," he said,
his words carrying the weight of a hard-earned lesson, his chest heaving with each syllable.
Huangdi, humbled, its golden mane matted with sweat and blood, looked around,
its fierce eyes softening as the beasts—Yinlong, Xiongdi, Yuanmo, Huli, and Xiangzun—nodded in unison,
their silent agreement a testament to their loyalty, a bond unbroken despite the trial.
Lin Xuan continued, his voice steadying,
"They could've replaced you but didn't. Don't let arrogance ruin their trust."
The lion growled in acceptance, a low rumble that vibrated through the earth,
its head dipping slightly, a gesture of submission and respect that resonated with the gathered beasts.
Lin Xuan turned to Xiangzun the Earthshaker, his tone respectful,
"Senior. My part is done."
The elephant rumbled in approval, its trunk curling with a gentle sway,
a deep sound that echoed like a blessing, the clearing filling with a quiet reverence.
Xiongdi the Ironhide lumbered forward, its massive paws lifting the lion with care,
carrying it toward a cave healing ground as the beasts moved with purpose,
Huli the Swift Claw darting off to fetch herbs, its stripes flashing through the undergrowth,
returning with bundles of green leaves and roots clutched in its jaws.
Lin Xuan, despite his wounds, crafted ointments with practiced hands,
grinding the herbs with a stone, the scent of crushed leaves mingling with the cave's damp air,
treating the lion's gashes and his own cuts, his fingers steady though his body screamed for rest.
Anika stood behind him, silent but supportive, her raven hair framing her face as she watched,
her presence a quiet strength, her eyes warm with pride as she handed him a cloth to wipe his hands,
no words needed, their bond a silent thread woven through the chaos.
No more enemies lingered—only warriors bound by respect,
the cave healing grounds a sanctuary of recovery, the air lightening with the scent of herbs and trust,
the beasts settling around them, their growls softening to murmurs of camaraderie.
Days later, Lin Xuan sat cross-legged in the cave,
the Celestial Unity Crest warming as he unsealed his cultivation,
a surge of energy coursing through him, propelling him to the 5th Layer of Profound Heavenly Realm,
his black eyes flaring briefly with a green tint before settling, his body radiating a subtle power.
He turned to the beasts, his voice clear despite the lingering strain,
"I offer to train you—my strength can be yours. Will you accept?"
Yinlong tilted its head, its golden eyes intrigued, its voice a resonant hum,
"We've seen your might. Yes, we'll learn from you."
Xiongdi nodded, its growl a deep affirmation,
Huli purred in agreement, its tail flicking with excitement,
Yuanmo pounded the ground, a rhythmic thud of approval,
Xiangzun trumpeted softly, its trunk swaying in acceptance.
Anika smiled, stepping closer, her voice a gentle encouragement,
"Together, we'll grow stronger, Xuan'er."
The cave echoed with their unity,
the air carrying the scent of healing and hope,
the beast elders' unity a foundation,
their accord a new bond under Lin Xuan's guidance.