The night deepened as the egg's glow intensified, throwing shifting patterns of pale silver across the courtyard stones. Haoran stood close enough to feel a faint warmth radiating from it, like the breath of a sleeping beast.
Another crack appeared, thin but sharp, running down the shell like a jagged lightning bolt.
Ruolan steadied her stance. "Master, be prepared. If it's dangerous, we must act fast."
Zhang crouched behind her, peering over her shoulder like a child watching a horror play. "If it's edible, I call dibs."
Haoran didn't even bother responding.
The System chimed, sounding far too relaxed for Haoran's comfort.
[Host, maintain composure. This is a rare event. Rare in the sense that it normally doesn't occur in this realm at all.]
"That statement raises more questions than answers," Haoran muttered.
[And yet you are not ready for the answers.]
Haoran exhaled slowly. "Fine. We'll do this your way."
The egg pulsed again.
This time, the glow flooded the entire alcove.
Ruolan stepped forward, hand lifting slightly as if to shield Haoran. He noticed it, and for a moment forgot how to breathe. There was something protective in her movement, a habit she clearly wasn't aware of.
A final crack echoed.
Then silence.
Zhang whispered, "Master… is it dead?"
The egg shook violently.
Haoran jerked back. "No, Zhang, it is very not dead!"
The top of the shell burst upward—light exploding from the opening like a flare. Ruolan shielded her eyes, while Zhang let out a sound that was definitely not a scream but wasn't dignified either.
Something moved inside.
A small shadow shifted.
A moment later, a creature no bigger than Haoran's forearm crawled out onto the broken shell and blinked up at him.
Haoran blinked back.
It was… round.
Very round.
Covered in soft silver fur that shimmered faintly in the moonlight.
Two tiny horn buds poked out of its head.
Its wings were small, almost decorative.
And its eyes—bright, deep blue—regarded Haoran with an expression that could only be described as judgmental.
Zhang whispered, "Master… that… that looks delicious."
Ruolan elbowed him hard enough to send him stumbling.
The creature opened its mouth.
A small puff of silver smoke drifted out.
Haoran stared. "Is that… a dragon?"
The System chimed smugly.
[Host, congratulations. Your guardian beast is an infant Silver-Mist Sky Dragon.]
Haoran stared harder. "System, dragons do not exist in this realm."
[Correct. Which means yours is the only one.]
Ruolan knelt slowly, eyes softening in awe. "Master… this creature is from a higher realm. It shouldn't be here."
The dragon blinked up at her, then trotted toward Haoran with small, clicking steps. It sat at his feet and tapped his boot twice with its paw.
Zhang gasped. "Master, it imprinted on you!"
Ruolan frowned. "Are we sure that's a good thing?"
Haoran crouched and hesitantly offered his hand. The little dragon sniffed it, then bit his finger. Not hard, but definitely intentionally.
"Ow—hey!"
The System made a noise suspiciously like laughter.
[Host, congratulations again. It recognizes you. That bite is a sign of acceptance.]
Haoran glared at the dragon. "Is biting their sect master a tradition?"
The dragon yawned and curled around his foot.
Zhang whispered, "Master… it's adorable."
Haoran sighed, still rubbing his finger. "Adorable and violent. Wonderful."
The System spoke again.
[Host. Take this seriously. Sky Dragons are born with innate talent in qi manipulation, illusion resistance, and spiritual perception. With time, it will become one of the most powerful guardian beasts in any realm.]
Haoran froze.
Ruolan's eyes widened slowly. "…Any realm?"
[Yes.]
Haoran looked down at the round, fluffy creature currently chewing on the hem of his robe.
"This thing?"
The dragon paused to glare at him with an offended chirp.
Ruolan stifled a laugh for the first time since he met her.
Zhang whispered, "Master, it's judging you."
Haoran continued staring.
Everything suddenly felt too big, too important, too impossible.
Then the little dragon climbed into his lap and promptly fell asleep.
Ruolan smiled—genuinely this time. "Congratulations, Master. Heavenly Peak now has a guardian."
And for the first time since he arrived in this ruined sect, Haoran felt something warm in his chest.
A beginning.
A real one.