In the desolate Northern Great Wasteland, barren trees and swamps stretched endlessly, usually silent. But today, a terrifying pressure descended, blanketing the region. Countless magical beasts trembled, kneeling toward the heart of the wilderness in worship.
The dozens chasing Tian Fan paled, blood trickling from their mouths, fear etched on their faces as they looked ahead.
Tian Fan struggled to turn, his pupils widening. The scene was too familiar. Behind him stood a colossal creature, its lantern-like eyes gleaming coldly. Its body spanned dozens of yards, exuding waves of terrifying pressure. It was a dragon, unmistakably in the Immortal Ascension Realm.
Legends spoke of the deep wilderness housing not only powerful beast kings but also beings in the Immortal Ascension Realm, called sacred beasts by cultivators of the Divine Martial Continent.
“Sacred… Sacred Beast, we didn’t know you were cultivating here. We intruded unintentionally. Please, spare us!”
The green-robed elder kowtowed to the old dragon, trembling, didn’t dare show the slightest disrespect. The others mirrored him. This was a sacred beast in the Immortal Ascension Realm, a being even human Immortal Ascension experts avoided.
“Leave!”
The old dragon spoke, its faint voice causing the surrounding void to shudder.
“Yes, yes, we’ll leave at once…”
The elder nodded subserviently, retreating.
The Golden Spirit Hall Master, who hated Tian Fan the most, reached for him, intending to drag him away.
“Pfft…”
The dragon glanced over, a glint in its eyes. The Hall Master exploded, dissolving into a mist of blood.
“Can’t you understand my words?”
Its low, majestic voice sent chills through the group, their bodies shaking. A mere glance had obliterated the Hall Master, half a step into the Primordial Unity Realm. The legends of Immortal Ascension Realm beings wielding world-destroying power were true.
Terrified, they fled, ignoring their fallen comrades, fearing the dragon’s next glance.
“D*mn it, I was so close to killing that brat. I’m not reconciled!” Far off, Yin Shitian roared, smashing a shrub.
“No need to worry. He’s doomed. You think he can escape a sacred beast?” Huangpu Han said calmly.
“But the Yin-Yang Sword is still with him. How do we get it back?” Yin Shitian’s face darkened further.
The others stayed silent.
This mission had cost their sects dearly—many disciples dead, especially the Golden Spirit Hall, which lost its master. The surviving disciples looked panicked, knowing rival sects would exploit their weakness, likely spelling their doom. The group trudged toward the wilderness’s edge.
Deep in the wilderness, bodies lay scattered, blood oozing from their orifices. Ahead, one man and one beast faced each other. The dragon’s lantern-like eyes fixed on Tian Fan.
Tian Fan gave a bitter smile, gazing at the towering dragon. He’d escaped a tiger’s jaws only to land in a wolf’s mouth—and this wolf was a legendary sacred beast.
“Awu, awu…”
As Tian Fan braced for death, the bushes behind the dragon rustled, emitting cute cries.
“Awu, awu…”
A tiny creature darted out, a miniature version of the dragon. Its big, watery eyes blinked as it hopped to Tian Fan, licking his cheek.
“Little one, it’s you? Why are you here?”
Unable to move, Tian Fan spoke weakly to the creature.
“Awu, awu…”
It chirped, pointing at the old dragon behind Tian Fan.
“Your father?”
Tian Fan turned.
The dragon’s eyes softened, gazing lovingly at the little creature.
“Awu, awu…”
The little dragon nodded, eyes squinting happily.
“Phew, I see…”
Tian Fan exhaled, relieved he hadn’t stumbled into a true wolf’s den.
“Awu, awu…”
The little dragon called to its father, pointing at Tian Fan. The old dragon’s gentle gaze shifted to him, a divine light flashing in its eyes.
In moments, Tian Fan’s grave injuries healed.
“Thank you for saving me, Senior…” Tian Fan stood, bowing respectfully.
“No need for formalities, human. Come to my abode…”
The dragon spoke, a gentle force enveloping Tian Fan and the little one, placing them on its back.
A sacred beast’s speed was astounding. In a blink, the scenery changed. They arrived at a serene place with a vast, clear pool brimming with spiritual energy. Exotic fruits grew around it, emitting faint fragrances.
Ahead was a massive cave. The dragon strode toward it, gently setting Tian Fan and the little one down.
“Awu, awu…”
The little dragon hopped to the pool, picking red fruits. Its big eyes blinked as it offered the largest one to Tian Fan.
“Heh, thanks, little guy.” Tian Fan crouched, patting its head affectionately.
“Awu, awu…”
The little one’s eyes curved adorably. It toddled to its father, offering the next largest fruit.
The dragon’s gaze softened, shaking its head gently. The little one bit into the fruit, chirping happily.
“Human, thank you for saving my child,” the dragon said, its eyes warm.
“No need, Senior. I’m fond of this little guy,” Tian Fan replied earnestly, returning the courtesy.
“Why were they chasing you?”
Curious, the dragon asked. Tian Fan explained the situation, causing the sacred beast to frown.
The little dragon chirped angrily beside it.
“I should’ve kept them here,” the dragon said faintly, touching Tian Fan.
“Thank you, Senior. I’ll visit them myself later and show no mercy.”
Tian Fan’s eyes flashed coldly as he thanked the dragon, earning its quiet approval. He then sought its guidance on cultivation.
A sacred beast, likely thousands of years old, could offer invaluable advice.
Tian Fan stayed for days.
By day, he and the little one soaked in the spiritual pool, ate the surrounding fruits, and played joyfully.
The little dragon’s “awu awu” cries echoed happily, its eyes crescent moons.
The old dragon watched them fondly.
At night, Tian Fan consulted the beast on cultivation, gaining immense insights that eased his path to Cloud Heaven’s peak.
One day, he bid farewell, unable to stay forever.
The little dragon whimpered, clinging to him.
The old beast gently pulled it back, telling Tian Fan to return if he faced trouble—it would protect him. No one would dare harm him.
“Awu, awu…”
The little dragon waved its tiny claws reluctantly as Tian Fan walked away, eyes misty.
Tian Fan felt a pang of sadness. He’d grown attached to this place and its inhabitants. But he had his path. Resolutely, he turned, using Divine Cloud Steps, vanishing into the distance…