A roar echoed, shaking the ancient trees in the Demon Forest.
"ROAARRR! Out of my way!" came the White Tiger, absolute ruler of that domain. In an instant, the demonic beasts bowed low, clearing a path.
The mighty strides of the forest king brought him to an unusual sight—beneath the shadow of a colossal tree, a tiny baby lay fast asleep. The child's face was serene, sweet, untouched by fear.
"A human child… Why would someone leave it in a place like this? Who would be foolish enough to abandon it in the heart of death?" the tiger thought, his eyes glittering with questions.
The baby stirred and opened its eyes. Instead of crying, it smiled—a pure, innocent smile that pierced deep into the tiger's heart. A strange feeling crept into his chest, a warmth he had never known before.
"How odd… Even grown men tremble at the sight of me, yet this baby… smiles."
The small hand reached out, as if asking for an embrace. When there was no response, the baby burst into loud cries that split the air.
"Hey, hey… why are you crying? Don't do that… I… I don't know what to do…" the tiger muttered awkwardly.
With utmost care—not with his claws, but by gripping the edge of the baby's clothes with his teeth—he lifted the child gently. Slowly, the cries faded, replaced by soft giggles. Something within the tiger crumbled—the wall of savagery that had stood firm all his life began to fall.
Without further thought, he carried the baby back to the cave that served as his throne."From this day forward, you are my child. I will be your mother… until the end of my time."
His gaze fell on a small pendant hanging around the baby's neck."Tian…? Hm. Bai Tian. Good! You are the son of the White Tiger King, Bai!" he declared proudly, his roar reverberating across the skies.
Days passed, and Bai found himself feeling a happiness he never imagined possible. Bai Tian grew quickly—he could already recognize his mother. But behind Bai's smiles lay a bitter truth—he had only a year left to live, a mortal wound from a past battle slowly draining his strength.
Bai was once a White Tiger who had reached the peak of cultivation. Now, they lived in the heart of the deepest Demon Forest, in a mid-tier world known as the Cloud Continent.
"Hao'er, are you hungry? Wait here. Mother will fetch your fruit," Bai said softly.
He walked to the storage chamber deep within the cave. There lay the treasures he had gathered over his lifetime—spiritual stones, rare pills, and precious liquids. He reached for a bottle filled with shimmering white liquid—Soul Water, a drink capable of strengthening the soul without any harmful side effects.
"Here, drink this. Special milk from your mother," he said, feeding the liquid to Bai Tian.
For months, Bai had given everything he had to strengthen the boy's tiny body—treasures, his own qi, and bit by bit, enhancements to his life force. The results were astounding: though still a baby, Bai Tian had already reached the First Level of the Human Realm—a feat that would leave even seasoned experts dumbfounded.
To the forest dwellers, Bai Tian was not merely a human—he was family. And though he was raised in the land of demonic beasts, by the side of a legendary white tiger, he never felt alone.
One Year Later
"Hao'er, come here. Mother brought fruit from the forest, a gift from your tiger uncle."
A golden-furred tiger approached. Nearby, a handsome young boy played with a small demonic cat.
"Mother…" The boy—Bai Tian—ran to her and hugged her large body.
Bai smiled warmly, pulling an apple from her pouch and handing it to him.
Bai Tian bit into it eagerly. This was no ordinary fruit—its pure energy could strengthen the foundation of an early-stage cultivator.
"Ah… It's been years, Hao'er. You've grown so fast. I'm glad to see you like this. Remember, one day… your true mother will come to take you… to your real home."
"Home…? True mother…? I don't understand," the boy said with innocent eyes.
"It's alright, child. You'll understand someday. For now, go play with the little cat." Bai smiled, hiding something in her heart.
Their days in the forest were always filled with joy. Bai Tian was nearly two years old now. Though young, he could walk nimbly and possessed intelligence far beyond other children his age.
Though his cultivation was still at the early Human Realm, his foundation was incredibly solid—thanks to the rare treasures and high-energy fruits Bai had given him. Such things were priceless, even fought over by the world's rulers.
That Night
"My life won't last much longer." Bai gazed at the night sky."After this… I will use the last of my strength to protect him… until someone truly worthy comes to care for him."
Yet beneath her resolve lay a deep fear—that the boy would be lonely after she was gone. Her eyes burned as she imagined his future. She knew that fate was hard to defy, especially with her body growing weaker by the day.
"Child… you are my son. You will always be my son. Though we are of different races, you are my light. Thank you for coming into my life. One day… you will become someone extraordinary, perhaps even a hero."
Tears slipped down her face, but Bai Tian slept peacefully, unaware of her words.
Two Days Before Her Departure
With a heavy heart, Bai carried Bai Tian toward a human settlement. She had chosen a family she believed could raise him well.
Along with the boy, she entrusted several rare treasures—items so valuable that the rulers of the world would fight for them. All for the sake of the child she loved like her own flesh and blood.
Farewell at the Edge of the Forest
Dawn had just broken. A thin mist curled around the trees, making the forest look like another world. Bai stood beneath an old tree, gazing at the sleeping boy in her arms.
The child curled warmly against her, clutching the soft fur on her neck—his habit whenever he slept. Bai let out a long sigh.
"If only I could stay with you longer, child…"
She walked slowly toward a modest home at the edge of the settlement. The chosen human couple was already waiting. They looked at Bai with a mix of awe and fear, but Bai lowered her body—a gesture that softened her feral aura.
"He… is a very precious child," Bai said in a deep yet gentle voice. "Treat him as your own blood. I entrust this to you…"
From the leather pouch at her side, Bai produced an old wooden box containing glowing spirit crystals and strange fruits that exuded a soothing fragrance. One day, these items would save his life.
The couple accepted the items carefully, understanding their value.
Bai looked at Bai Tian for the last time. She lowered herself, letting the boy rest in his adoptive mother's arms without waking him.
"Bai Tian… forgive me. I won't be able to see you grow up. But… believe me, you are not alone. This world is vast, and destiny is waiting for you out there."
She touched his cheek with the tip of her claw—so gently it was almost like a caress. Tears fell once again, dripping onto the earth.
Without looking back, Bai turned and walked into the misty forest. Her steps were heavy, each one carving pain into her heart. From afar, she could still hear the soft breathing of the sleeping Bai Tian…
And for the first time in her life, Bai felt truly alone.