Silence settled in the vine enclosure, thick and heavy, broken only by the soft sounds of the recovering Ah Yin's breathing and the distant hum of the Herbal Garden's life energy.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion, still radiating palpable power from its recent breakthrough, looked from its stabilized aura to Song Qing, its three golden eyes holding a new depth of understanding and resolve.
Its previous acceptance of waiting seemed to evaporate almost instantly, replaced by a startling, fresh urgency.
'Song Qing…' its mental voice chimed, clear and strong, resonating directly in his mind. 'You are right. Seeking the Scarlet King's counsel is the proper path. The respectful path.'
A pause, then the urgency flooded back. 'Therefore… let us not delay! Please, Song Qing, take me back to the Great Star Dou Forest now! I wish to speak with the Great King immediately! I must know if he will permit this transformation!'
Song Qing blinked, slightly taken aback by the creature's sudden, intense impatience.
'Now?' he thought, tilting his head slightly as he regarded the majestic young beast. 'Immediately? It just finished a massive absorption and consolidation of power. Usually, spirit beasts would rest, integrate further, stabilize for weeks or even months after such a leap.'
He considered the lion's eagerness. 'Why the immense hurry? Is it just youthful impatience? Or is there some deeper instinct driving it, some facet of its Auspicious nature urging it towards human form for a reason I don't yet perceive?'
He quickly reviewed his own schedule. The situation with Liu Erlong was settled for now; she was departing. Bibi Dong was occupied with her task, motivated by his promise of a future 'reward'. His time with Renxue and the others was precious, but a brief trip to the Star Dou Forest wouldn't disrupt things significantly.
'I have no pressing engagements that cannot wait a day,' he concluded. 'And maintaining a positive relationship with the Forest rulers, especially after delivering such stellar results with their Auspicious Beast, is strategically wise.' He met the lion's eager gaze.
'You wish to return immediately, little one?' his mental voice responded calmly. 'No desire to rest further, to acclimatize to your new strength first?'
'Rest can come later!' the lion projected fervently. 'This feeling… this potential… it burns within me! I must know if the path is open! Please, Song Qing!'
Song Qing gave a slight mental sigh. 'Very well. Your eagerness is noted. If you are certain, we shall depart now.'
He stepped closer to the now waist-high golden beast, placing his hand firmly upon the crown of its head. He could feel the immense, stable power thrumming beneath his palm, a testament to the potent combination of Immortal Herbs and his own life-based abilities.
"Hold still," he murmured aloud, more for his own focus than for the creature. He channeled his void energy, activating the Void Anchor ability linked implicitly to his connection with this place and the specific destination.
Space warped around them.
The familiar, disorienting sensation of spatial displacement washed over them for an instant.
The air shimmered, solidified.
They were no longer in the controlled environment of the Spirit Hall Herbal Garden.
Instead, they stood on the damp, energy-rich shore of the Lake of Life, deep within the core area of the Great Star Dou Forest.
The sheer density of life energy here was staggering, dwarfing even his own garden. Ancient trees soared towards the heavens, their foliage creating a dense canopy. The vast, mirror-like surface of the lake stretched before them, teeming with unseen power.
In the distance, across the water, Song Qing could perhaps glimpse the colossal forms of Da Ming and Er Ming lounging near their territory. He felt the familiar, playful energy signature of Xiao Wu somewhere nearby.
But he deliberately ignored them.
'No time for reunions today,' he decided firmly. 'Focus on the objective: the Scarlet King.'
He immediately placed a firm but gentle hand on the Three-Eyed Golden Lion's back. "Stay close."
Concentrating his void-attribute soul power, he unfurled his magnificent Ancient Void Dragonbone Wings. They erupted from his back – vast, skeletal yet draconic, membranes shimmering with captured starlight and the unsettling energy of the void. They pulsed with power, instantly drawing the attention of any nearby powerful beasts.
He activated Aerial Supremacy, leveraging the void attribute inherent in the wings. With a powerful downbeat, he launched them into the air, simultaneously executing a short-range spatial jump.
Whoosh!
The scenery blurred. Instead of a leisurely flight, they traversed the vast forest canopy at incredible speed, punctuated by disorienting, instantaneous shifts in location. Towering trees became green streaks below them. Mountain ranges zipped past in moments. Song Qing navigated unerringly, guided by his memory of the forest's layout and the distinct, fiery aura emanating from the Scarlet King's domain miles away.
The journey, which would have taken hours or even days by conventional means, was compressed into mere minutes thanks to his unique combination of flight and void manipulation.
Soon, the lush greenery began to give way to a harsher landscape. The air grew warmer, tinged with the faint scent of sulfur. They descended towards a desolate region dominated by jagged peaks of dark, volcanic rock and plains stained the colour of dried blood.
Song Qing landed smoothly near the gaping entrance of a colossal cave system carved into the base of the largest, most menacing peak. The oppressive aura of a truly ancient and powerful spirit beast radiated from within. His wings retracted silently.
He released the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. "We are here."
The lion shook its magnificent golden mane, its three eyes adjusting to the dimmer light and the different energy signature of this place. It seemed undaunted by the Scarlet King's imposing aura, instead radiating a determined energy of its own. It trotted purposefully towards the cave entrance.
Song Qing followed a few paces behind, calm and observant.
They didn't need to announce themselves. The moment the Three Eyed Golden Lion's aura – familiar, yet drastically, unbelievably changed – entered the periphery of the cave, a low, guttural growl echoed from the depths.
Then, a truly monstrous figure emerged, blotting out the light from the cave entrance.
The Scarlet King.
It was immense, easily dwarfing even large spirit beasts. A Three-Headed Scarlet Devil Mastiff, its fur the colour of dried blood, matted and coarse. Each head was fearsome, filled with rows of dagger-like teeth, saliva dripping from powerful jaws. Six malevolent eyes, burning with crimson light, fixed instantly upon the relatively small golden figure standing before it. A palpable wave of demonic pressure and ancient power washed over the area.
The King's initial reaction was recognition, followed immediately by utter, profound shock that resonated from its massive frame. Its six eyes widened simultaneously. Its three great heads lowered slightly, massive nostrils flaring as it took in the Three Eyed Golden Lion's aura with intense scrutiny.
A powerful mental roar, laced with disbelief, echoed not just in Song Qing's mind, but likely across the entire domain.
'THIS AURA…! IMPOSSIBLE! IT IS THE AUSPICIOUS ONE… BUT THE POWER…! HOW?!'
The Scarlet King could feel it clearly. The cultivation base wasn't the fledgling five thousand years it remembered. It pulsed with the undeniable depth and stability of thirty thousand years! The leap was astronomical, achieved in what felt like an impossibly short time.
'THIRTY THOUSAND YEARS?!' its incredulous thoughts continued to boom. 'And this vitality! So vibrant! The bloodline… the Golden Dragon essence… it's purer, stronger, awakened to a degree I didn't think possible yet! Fire and Light attributes perfectly integrated, denser than before… Its spiritual sea… vast! This power… it eclipses ordinary beasts of fifty, sixty thousand years! It feels… comparable to a hundred thousand year beast in sheer foundational strength and potential!'
The Scarlet King's six crimson eyes swiveled, fixing momentarily on Song Qing, who stood calmly nearby, meeting its gaze without flinching. Acknowledgment warred with ingrained suspicion.
'The human… Song Qing…' The mental tone shifted slightly, losing some hostility, gaining a grudging respect. 'He claimed he could nurture the Auspicious One… He spoke of unique methods… I doubted… but the proof stands before me. He has fulfilled his promise. Magnificently.' A low rumble vibrated from its central chest, a sound that might have been grudging approval. 'He has proven… useful. Trustworthy in this task, at least.'
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion, undeterred by the King's initial shock or imposing presence, stepped forward confidently. It tilted its central head up, meeting the gaze of the Scarlet King's central head, and projected its thoughts clearly, respectfully, but firmly.
'Great Scarlet King. It is good to see you again. I have returned.'
It paused, allowing the King a moment to fully absorb the transformation.
'As you have undoubtedly sensed, my journey with Song Qing has been… fruitful. His guidance, combined with unique resources he provided, allowed my cultivation to advance significantly.' Its mental voice was filled with pride.
Then, the tone shifted, becoming earnest, pleading.
'This newfound power, Great King… it has revealed a new path. A possibility. I feel the threshold clearly now. The potential to take the next great step in evolution.'
It looked up, its three eyes shining with determination. 'I wish to transform. I desire to take human form. I have returned specifically to seek your invaluable counsel… and to request your permission for this transformation, Great King.'
The reaction from the Scarlet King was instantaneous and visceral.
All three heads let out a simultaneous, deafening roar that shook the very ground beneath them. The mental projection accompanying it was pure, unadulterated opposition.
'HUMAN FORM?!' The thought crashed against their minds like a physical blow. 'ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN! PREPOSTEROUS! MADNESS!'
The King's massive form bristled, radiating waves of fury and disbelief.
'YOU DARE?! You, the Auspicious Emperor Beast! The vessel of destiny for all spirit beasts! You wish to cast aside your noble form, your innate power, for the weak, fragile, treacherous shape of HUMANS?! Have you lost your senses?! It is unnatural! Dangerous! A betrayal of your very essence!'
The Scarlet King paced agitatedly, its three heads swinging, crimson eyes blazing. 'Humans hunt us! Enslave us! Steal our rings and bones! Why would you seek to become one of them?!'
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion stood its ground, meeting the King's fury with unwavering determination. Its small form seemed insignificant before the behemoth, yet its mental voice remained clear, strong, and surprisingly persuasive.
'Great King, please, hear my reasoning,' it projected calmly, cutting through the King's rage. 'This is not abandonment. It is not betrayal. It is… strategy. Necessary evolution, perhaps.'
It began to lay out its arguments, developed during the flight and its own contemplation.
'How can we hope to overcome humanity, or even simply coexist securely, if we do not truly understand them? We observe them from the forest, yes. We fight them when they intrude. But do we grasp their motivations? Their societal structures? The nuances of their cultivation paths that allow them such rapid advancement?'
Its mental voice grew more earnest. 'Taking human form would allow me unparalleled access. I could walk among them, live among them, learn their language not just as sounds, but as concepts. I could study their academies, their clans, their Spirit Hall from the inside. Gather intelligence far more valuable than any scout could provide. Identify their true strengths, their critical weaknesses.'
It pressed on, sensing a flicker of thought behind the King's anger. 'Consider their cultivation. They advance so quickly. Why? Perhaps by experiencing their methods firsthand, integrating their concepts with our own innate power, I could discover new pathways for spirit beast advancement? Bridge the gap?'
It shifted tactics slightly, appealing to a different aspect. 'And my own power, Great King… the Auspicious Blessing… it influences luck, destiny. Perhaps by immersing myself in the human world, experiencing their complex emotions, their hopes, their fears… perhaps this will unlock new depths within my own abilities? Allow me to better perceive, maybe even subtly guide, the threads of fate for the benefit of all spirit beasts?'
It addressed the King's primary concern directly. 'As for the danger… you see the results of Song Qing's nurturing. His power is undeniable, his methods unique. He has pledged to protect me. He can shield me during the vulnerable transformation period. He can guide me within the human world. With him as my guardian, the risk is significantly mitigated. He has proven capable.'
Finally, it reaffirmed its loyalty. 'My heart remains with the Forest, Great King. My destiny is intertwined with that of all spirit beasts, under your rule and the ultimate guidance of Lord Di Tian. This transformation is not an escape; it is an infiltration. A strategic deployment, if you will. A calculated risk, undertaken for the potential of immense long-term gain for our kind.'
The lion fell silent mentally, having presented its case eloquently, logically, appealing to the Scarlet King's fierce protectiveness but also its underlying pragmatism regarding the human threat.
The Scarlet King ceased its pacing. The furious roaring subsided into low, rumbling growls from its three throats. Its six eyes stared intently at the small golden beast, processing the deluge of reasoned arguments. One head looked thoughtful, another remained deeply suspicious, the third seemed torn.
The logic was… sound. Uncomfortably so. Understanding the enemy was paramount. The potential benefits were undeniable. And Song Qing's proven ability to protect and enhance the lion did mitigate the physical risk significantly.
But still…
'The Auspicious One… in human form…' The thought remained deeply unsettling to the ancient king. It felt like tampering with destiny itself. The potential for unforeseen consequences was vast. The symbolism alone was problematic.
It remained silent for a long, tense moment, the weight of ages pressing down on its decision.
Finally, its central head spoke, its mental voice resonating with grim finality, no longer furious, but heavy with responsibility.
'Your words… hold reason, little Auspicious One.' A deep rumble. 'Your arguments are… persuasive. The potential benefits you outline… are not insignificant.'
Another low growl vibrated the air. 'HOWEVER… the matter of an Auspicious Emperor Beast, the bearer of our race's luck, taking human form… this transcends ordinary strategy. This touches upon the very soul, the very destiny of all spirit beasts on this continent.'
Its gaze hardened. 'This decision is far too monumental for me, the Scarlet King, ruler of this domain, to make alone. Its potential repercussions are immeasurable.'
The King drew itself up to its full, terrifying height. 'Therefore, I must… and I WILL… defer to the highest authority.' Its mental voice became ironclad. 'I will journey to the core sanctuary. I will seek audience with the Beast God himself, Lord Di Tian. I will relay your request, in full. I will present your arguments, fairly.'
Its six eyes bore down on the small lion. 'Only with the Beast God's unparalleled wisdom, his divine judgment, can such a profound alteration of destiny be contemplated, let alone approved. His word will be final.'
The decree was absolute. 'Until I have spoken with Lord Di Tian, and until his decision is rendered and communicated back to you… you shall NOT, under any circumstances, attempt this transformation. You will remain in your true form. You will wait. You will obey the Beast God's ultimate decree.'
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion processed the verdict. Disappointment warred with understanding. It had hoped for immediate permission, but deferring to the legendary Beast God was logical, unarguable.
It bowed its head slightly, a gesture of deep respect. 'I understand, Great Scarlet King. Your caution is wise. Consulting Lord Di Tian is the correct path for a matter of such gravity.' Its mental voice was subdued but accepting. 'I shall await the Beast God's decision patiently. I will abide by his word.'
Song Qing, who had watched the entire exchange in fascinated silence, gave an almost imperceptible mental nod. This outcome was probably for the best. Rushing the transformation without Di Tian's buy-in could have created significant problems later. This path, while slower, was safer, more politically astute. The Scarlet King, despite its initial fury, had acted responsibly. The next move now lay with the true ruler of the Great Star Dou Forest.