Chapter 119: The Beastmaster's Legacy
The forest training grounds thrummed with a disciplined energy,
a wide expanse carved from the wild, surrounded by towering trees and rustling leaves,
the air rich with the earthy scent of moss, the faint herbal tang of crafted pills, and the musk of training beasts,
sunlight filtering through the canopy in golden shafts, illuminating the scarred earth where lessons unfolded.
Lin Xuan stood at the center, his cultivation now at the 5th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
his black eyes faintly glowing with white pupils, sharpening with each passing day,
the Celestial Unity Crest on his back warming with his unsealed power,
his body a testament to years of trials, scars fading into a physique that embodied a beast's instincts.
He trained the beasts—Yinlong the Silent Fang, Xiongdi the Ironhide, Yuanmo the Stonefist, Huli the Swift Claw, and Xiangzun the Earthshaker—
teaching a simplified Scriptures of Severed Unity, adapting its flows for their primal forms,
blending human techniques like Muay Boran's fluid kicks and Kyokushin Karate's grounded punches,
their growls of effort mingling with the thud of paws and the whoosh of tails as they learned.
He crafted pills to enhance their vitality,
his alchemy skills sharpening with each batch, the cave air filling with the scent of crushed herbs and molten essence,
grinding roots with a stone mortar, his hands steady as he molded the mixture into small, glowing orbs,
the beasts lapping them up, their eyes brightening with renewed strength.
A year passed, his cultivation climbing to the 6th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
his movements stronger, sharper, calmer, a harmony of human discipline and beastly instinct,
the Celestial Unity Crest pulsing faintly, a beacon of his growth as he led the training with quiet authority.
One evening, he gathered the beasts at the forest edge,
the horizon glowing with the orange hues of sunset, the air cool against his skin,
Anika at his side, her raven hair swaying as she stood with a supportive smile,
her presence a steadying force as he addressed them.
"My time here has shaped me, and I've given you what I can," he said, his voice firm yet tinged with gratitude.
"You've taught me strength, and I've shared my path. It's time I return to where I came from."
Yinlong stepped forward, its golden eyes warm, its voice a resonant hum.
"You've honored us, Lin Xuan. Your legacy lives in our claws and fangs."
Xiongdi rumbled, its massive frame bowing slightly,
"Your pills strengthened us. We'll carry your teachings."
Huli purred, its tail flicking with a swish,
"Your moves are ours now—swift and fierce."
Yuanmo pounded the ground with a thud, its gravelly hum a farewell,
"Your fists guide us, human."
Xiangzun trumpeted softly, its trunk curling,
"The earth respects your steps. Go with our blessing."
Huangdi the Golden Roar, its mane restored, growled low,
"You've earned my respect. Return if you will."
The beasts howled in unison, a chorus that shook the trees,
their respect a tangible wave as Lin Xuan and Anika turned toward the liu clan,
the forest edge fading behind them, the air lightening with the scent of pine and departure.
As they approached the liu clan gates, the crimson ring on Lin Xuan's finger sparked,
a faint red lightning dancing along its surface, a signal to his family,
Liu Yue rushed out, her raven hair tied with a crimson ribbon, her eyes wide with joy,
throwing her arms around him in a tight hug, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Brother Lin, you finally came! We felt your return through the rings!"
She pulled back, noticing Anika, her brow furrowing as she asked,
"Who's she? You've been gone so long—did you bring someone back?"
Lin Xuan tensed, his jaw tightening, his voice cautious,
"Let's get inside the house first. There's much to explain."
The gates creaked open, the Liu Clan home looming ahead,
the air carrying the faint scent of sandalwood incense and brewing tea,
Lin Xuan's mentorship a legacy left behind,
his return a bridge to a family reunion tinged with uncertainty.