The deeper they walked into Star Dou Great Forest, the more the world seemed to close in. Towering trees blotted out the sun, their roots curling like the arms of sleeping giants. Strange cries echoed through the mist, some sharp like metal scraping, others deep and guttural. The air smelled of damp earth and blood.
Oscar whistled low, his hands folded behind his head as if he were out on a countryside stroll. "Cheerful place, isn't it? Lovely vacation spot. I bet if we set up a hot dog stand here, business would boom."
Bibi Dong's eyes flicked toward him. "A hot dog stand."
"Of course," Oscar said earnestly. "Hunters, spirit masters, terrified villagers fleeing for their lives—everyone needs snacks. And what better than the world's first sausage vendor right in the belly of death?"
Bibi Dong pinched the bridge of her nose. "You truly cannot keep your mouth shut, can you?"
"Not when I have such pearls of wisdom to share." He winked. "Besides, my glorious future needs its humble beginnings."
Despite herself, her lips curved faintly. His voice carried pride and playfulness, but his eyes—those sharp golden eyes—were sweeping every shadow, every tremor of leaf. He was not as careless as his words suggested.
Hours passed. They crossed streams and avoided the deeper paths where growls echoed too loudly. Bibi Dong taught as they moved, her tone calm, precise.
"Remember this, Oscar. Spirit beasts are classified not just by years but by nature. Some focus on speed, others on defense, others on brute force. The first ring should always be chosen to complement your foundation. Too weak, and you waste potential. Too strong, and it may cripple you."
Oscar nodded solemnly… then ruined it. "So, no sausage beast, then?"
She gave him a long stare.
"Fine, fine." He chuckled. "Just making sure. But tell me, Mother, what if I accidentally charm a beast with my overwhelming handsomeness? Will I be forced into a political marriage with a rabbit?"
Her laugh escaped before she could stop it, quiet and genuine. He grinned triumphantly.
But the light mood evaporated when the forest itself seemed to shudder. A heavy boom, like a tree trunk slamming into the ground, echoed through the mist. Another. And another.
Oscar's grin sharpened. "Ah. Company."
Through the trees, a shape emerged—a towering ape, black-furred, muscles bulging like mountains, eyes burning scarlet. Its arms were as thick as ancient oaks, knuckles dragging the ground. Its skin shimmered faintly, as if covered in plates of stone. When it beat its chest, the sound cracked through the forest like thunder.
"Ironclad Armored Ape," Bibi Dong murmured. "Approximate age: two thousand years. Brutal strength. Dense natural armor. Ideal for you."
Oscar whistled. "Perfect, huh? He looks like he eats wagons for breakfast. I was hoping for something cuter."
The ape roared, shaking branches loose.
"Ah, my apologies!" Oscar called out, raising his hand in mock greeting. "You're very handsome too! A true gentleman of the forest! Care to sit for a sausage?"
The ape pounded forward.
Oscar's grin widened. "Guess that's a no."
He inhaled sharply, and golden light flared across his body. Dragon scales shimmered into existence along his arms and shoulders, faint patterns of ancient majesty pulsing beneath his skin. His pupils narrowed into vertical slits, glowing faintly with gold.
The Dragon God martial spirit awoke.
The ground trembled as his aura surged outward. Even the armored ape, mad with fury, hesitated for half a heartbeat under that oppressive draconic pressure.
"Much better," Oscar muttered, flexing his clawed hand. "Now let's dance, you overgrown pebble."
The ape lunged, its fist crashing down like a falling boulder. Oscar rolled aside, dirt exploding where he had stood. He sprang up lightly, scales flashing as he slashed his claw across the ape's forearm. Sparks flew—the scales cut, but the beast's hide was absurdly tough.
"Yup," Oscar panted, dodging another blow. "Definitely made of stone. Mother, are you sure you didn't just drag me into a mining expedition?"
Bibi Dong watched silently, her spirit power ready but restrained. This was his trial.
The battle raged. The ape swung, uprooting trees, but Oscar's dragon aura lent him speed and strength beyond normal. He ducked, darted in, raked claws across joints. His prideful grin never faltered, though sweat dripped down his temple.
"Big guy," he called between dodges, "if you stop now, I'll give you lifetime sausage supply. One per day, guaranteed!"
The ape roared, spittle flying.
"No? Tough crowd." Oscar grimaced as the fist grazed his shoulder, sending him sprawling. Pain lanced through him, blood blooming across his cloak.
He coughed, spat dirt, then laughed. "Alright. No more playing around."
The scales along his arms flared brighter, draconic aura roaring outward. The Ironclad Ape staggered under the pressure, its scarlet eyes widening as instinct screamed.
Oscar shot forward, claws blazing gold. With a feral roar of his own, he slashed across its chest, tearing through armor and muscle in one clean strike.
The ape howled, stumbled, and finally crashed to the earth.
Oscar dropped to one knee, panting, blood staining his lips—but his grin was feral, victorious. "First beast… down."
Bibi Dong approached, her eyes steady but proud. "Well done. You controlled your aura better than I expected."
Oscar wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, then smirked. "Please, Mother. Did you expect anything less from your brilliant son?"
She knelt beside the ape's still body. "Sit. Begin absorbing before the energy fades."
Oscar obeyed. The purple ring rose from the beast's corpse, circling above him like a crown. He drew it in, closing his eyes as power flooded his veins.
Pain seared—burning, ripping, reshaping—but he gritted his teeth, pride refusing to let him cry out. He muttered between breaths: "Come on… it'll take more than this to break me."
The Dragon God within him stirred, its ancient might resonating. The ring melted into his being, settling into place.
When the glow faded, Oscar's eyes snapped open. A new pulse of energy hummed in his sausage martial spirit. He raised his hand—and conjured a sausage shimmering faintly with red light.
He grinned wickedly. "Strength Boost Sausage. Eat this, and your muscles double in power. Behold, my culinary miracle."
He held it out to Bibi Dong like a prize. "Care to taste my greatness, Mother?"
She gave him a look. He wiggled the sausage. She sighed—and took a bite.
A moment later, her eyes widened slightly at the flood of raw strength coursing through her limbs.
Oscar's smirk grew smug. "Told you. Delicious and effective. Truly, I'm the most generous son alive."
She shook her head, but her gaze lingered on him with warmth she rarely allowed herself. "You are… remarkable."
Deep within the forest, far from their battle, a pair of golden eyes snapped open in the darkness of a cavern.
Di Tian rose slowly, obsidian scales gleaming, golden eyes burning with ancient fire. He felt it—the faint ripple of the Dragon God's aura, stirring after ages of silence.
At the bottom of the Lake of Life, Gu Yuena's silver eyes opened. Her voice was a whisper, soft yet resonant across the beast domain.
"He has returned."
The forest itself seemed to shiver.