Yan Fu slowly slid off Vorath's back.
The massive black lion stood silently behind him, its amber eyes fixed upon the towering structure before them.
The spiritual palace rose ahead like an ancient heavenly court forgotten by time. Its gates stretched high toward the sky, carved from radiant white stone and covered in faintly glowing celestial inscriptions. Soft currents of pure spiritual energy drifted around the palace, giving the entire place an atmosphere of calm sanctity.
Yan Fu studied the palace quietly.
Even with his current strength, he could sense the immense presence hidden within. The aura inside was powerful, but unlike the violent and oppressive energies that filled the rest of the Forest of Yin and Yang, this presence felt calm and balanced.
It was the aura of a being whose Dao was steady and pure.
Vorath slowly lowered its massive body onto the grass behind him.
"I will wait here," the black lion rumbled quietly.
Yan Fu nodded.
"Rest well."
With that, he turned and walked toward the palace gates.
His footsteps were calm and steady. The closer he approached the doors, the stronger the gentle spiritual aura became. Unlike the suffocating pressure of many powerful beasts, this aura felt warm and peaceful, almost like standing beside a quiet mountain spring.
Soon he stood before the enormous gates.
They were covered in intricate carvings of celestial creatures, flowing rivers of spiritual energy, and countless ancient runes that shimmered faintly with power.
Yan Fu slowly raised his white staff.
The divine weapon faintly glowed as celestial energy flowed through it.
He gently tapped the staff against the gate.
Clink.
A ripple of spiritual energy spread outward.
For a moment, the palace seemed to awaken.
The ancient runes carved into the massive doors began glowing one by one, like distant stars appearing in the night sky.
Then the gates slowly began to open.
Rumble…
Yan Fu stepped inside.
The moment he entered, his eyes quietly swept across the palace interior.
Treasures.
The hall was filled with countless celestial and divine treasures. Ancient spirit weapons rested on golden racks along the walls. Crystal containers floated gently in the air, each holding rare spiritual herbs that radiated pure energy. Piles of luminous spirit stones illuminated the hall like scattered stars.
It was a treasury that could tempt even the most disciplined cultivator.
Yet Yan Fu did not touch a single item.
Instead, he calmly clasped his hands behind his back and continued walking forward.
"Taking treasures without permission would be disrespectful," he murmured softly.
He had not come here for treasures.
He had come for the guardian who resided within this palace.
Yan Fu continued deeper into the palace.
The halls became increasingly magnificent the further he walked. Massive pillars carved with celestial runes stretched toward the high ceilings while streams of soft spiritual light drifted through the corridors like glowing mist.
The deeper he went, the purer the spiritual energy became.
Meanwhile, outside the palace, Vorath rested in the clearing.
The ancient black lion lay upon the grass with its eyes closed, though its senses remained alert. Even in rest, the beast's powerful aura spread across the surrounding land like a silent ruler watching over its domain.
Back inside the palace, Yan Fu eventually reached the end of a long corridor.
Before him stood a pair of enormous jade doors.
The throne hall.
Yan Fu placed his hand on the door and slowly pushed it open.
Creeeeak…
The doors parted, revealing a vast chamber.
The throne hall was enormous, large enough to contain a small mountain. Towering pillars lined the chamber, each engraved with glowing celestial inscriptions that shimmered with faint light.
At the far end of the hall stood a magnificent throne carved from white jade and crystal.
And standing before that throne was a divine being.
Yan Fu stopped walking.
Before him stood Aetherion.
The majestic creature resembled a noble horse, yet every part of its existence radiated ancient celestial magic and elegance.
Its body shone with a pure white glow, like moonlight resting upon fresh snow. The soft light surrounding it made it appear almost ethereal, as if it were formed from celestial energy rather than flesh.
Flowing down its neck was a long mane shimmering with pale silver and faint turquoise hues. The strands drifted gently as if moved by an unseen magical breeze, scattering tiny motes of spiritual light through the air.
From its forehead rose a slender radiant horn that pulsed faintly with mystical power.
That horn carried ancient magic—healing, protection, and celestial energy.
Delicate ornaments of silver and glowing blue gemstones rested across its body like sacred armor. Intricate patterns were engraved into the metal, hinting at a forgotten royal lineage.
Its calm turquoise eyes gazed at Yan Fu with deep intelligence.
Behind it flowed a long feathered tail that shimmered with gentle magical light.
The presence surrounding Aetherion was incredibly pure.
Its Dao was steady and unwavering, like a tranquil lake that no storm could disturb.
For several moments, silence filled the throne hall.
Then Aetherion slowly began walking forward.
Each step echoed softly through the vast chamber.
When it stopped before Yan Fu, it spoke.
Its voice was calm and dignified.
"Human."
Yan Fu remained composed.
"You carry the aura of authority… yet you are not a being of this forest," Aetherion continued.
Its turquoise eyes studied him carefully.
"State your name."
Yan Fu respectfully placed a hand over his chest.
"My name is Yan Fu."
"I am the master of Ji Xia Sect."
At the mention of that name, Aetherion's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Ji Xia Sect…"
The divine being slowly circled him, observing him from every angle.
"That is an ancient name."
Aetherion stopped walking.
"Why have you come here?"
Yan Fu answered calmly.
"My sect has fallen into ruin. Its glory has long since faded."
"But I have come to rebuild it."
Aetherion remained silent for a moment.
"And what does that have to do with me?" it asked.
Yan Fu lifted his gaze.
"I seek guardians strong enough to protect the future of Ji Xia Sect."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"I have already formed a pact with Vorath, the ancient black lion who waits outside your palace."
Aetherion's ears twitched slightly.
"Vorath…"
A faint hint of recognition appeared in its eyes.
"So the shadow king has already chosen you."
Aetherion stepped closer.
"Then tell me, Yan Fu."
Its turquoise eyes glowed faintly.
"What kind of future do you intend to build?"
Yan Fu answered without hesitation.
"A future where cultivators can pursue the Dao without fear."
"A sect where strength exists alongside wisdom."
"And a place where those with talent may rise without oppression."
Aetherion studied him quietly.
It asked many questions.
About Yan Fu's intentions.
About the disciples he planned to guide.
About the responsibilities of commanding divine guardians.
Yan Fu answered every question calmly and honestly.
Time passed slowly within the throne hall.
Finally, Aetherion stepped closer and lowered its head slightly.
"You possess determination," it said.
Its horn began glowing softly.
"And more importantly… your Dao heart is steady."
The divine being lifted its head proudly.
"I, Aetherion, will become the second guardian of Ji Xia Sect."
A wave of celestial energy spread throughout the throne hall.
Yan Fu raised his divine staff.
Ancient runes appeared in the air as a sacred contract circle formed beneath them.
Light intertwined with celestial energy as the guardian pact was forged.
Far outside the palace, Vorath slowly opened one amber eye.
The ancient black lion could feel the contract forming through the forest.
Aetherion had accepted Yan Fu.
And the strength of Ji Xia Sect had grown once again.