Chapter 40: 040
He gazed at his inner demon, at himself in a way, and didn't know what to say. It was true. He knew that the test would be difficult, they always were. And he knew that the more complex the element, the tougher it would be. He just didn't expect such a spike in difficulty compared to a better-known element.
There weren't any elements weaker than others since it mostly depended on how you used them. That being said, the one you picked for your core held great importance. It provided a boost to your comprehension of the related elements and enabled to showcase more might when using them. If you dreamt of unleashing thunder, you were better off staying the hell away from earth-related elements. The Season element was peculiar in such a way that it contained harmoniously many different relationships to many other elements. Having it would help greatly any cultivator, especially at the early stages of cultivation. There weren't any demerits to it. And that was why it was giving such a difficult challenge to whoever tried to harness it. The most fearsome truth was that this was only the challenge of the 10th stage. If he found a treasure with that element and aged 10 years, would he dare use it for his breakthrough to the 20th stage? He wasn't certain he would be brave enough.
As such, he had nothing to retort to his demon. Instead, he dodged the question and asked one of his own: "And, who is this?"
The thing was that the inner demon wasn't the only one there with him. There was something else. It was a hazy shadowy figure of a bird the same size as his owl body. It stood there close-by. And he honestly had no idea what it was or who it was.
The inner demon was him but he wasn't just that. He knew the answer and didn't mind sharing it: "That's the beast predecessor. A remnant of it that was contained in your blood. It's quite friendly"
Then, with a deep voice, the hazy figure spoke: "Greetings, younger one"
Owl frowned and wondered what this thing was even supposed to be and why it was here. A remnant of a predecessor in his blood? What does that even mean? He asked since there were no reasons not to: "Who are you? What are you here for?"
The hazy figure chuckled and answered: "As the inner demon said, I am the beast predecessor remnant shared through your bloodline. I exist solely to guide you through the different evolutionary paths you might take"
No wonder he didn't know about this thing. He was something related solely to beasts. As such, even if he had lived once before, it was to be expected that this was their first meeting. Since sentient spiritual beasts existed, this thing should be known and there had to be many manuscripts about it. However, as he never bothered about learning about beast taming and didn't have any sentient beast acquaintances, he couldn't have known.
Since its identity was now found and understood, unless he lied, Owl decided to focus on the other part of his introduction. He was here to guide him through evolution? What did it mean exactly?
Fortunately, the hazy figure understood that he lacked knowledge of the topic and spoke once more: "You seem confused which is understandable. To be honest, you are of the better kind since you have awareness. As a beast, your body evolves along with your cultivation and I am here to guide you through this process"
That explained why many beasts changed after reaching certain stages and how sentients ended up becoming a thing. It was because of this process of evolution that went with reaching higher heights through cultivation. It was quite the impressive perk that the beasts had. If only they were smart enough to make use of it… Well, he would be.
Owl asked: "So, how will you guide me?"
The hazy figure answered: "I will tell you about your options and guide your evolution according to your choice"
Before Owl could think or speak further, it quickly added: "And please, since you have awareness, wait for me to show you all options before picking one… Don't pick the first one right away like most beasts…"
Owl nodded at him. It was obvious that he wouldn't pick whatever was introduced first before having being shown all possibilities. Who would be stupid enough not to check all of the options first? Well, according to the haze, most beasts. Fortunately, he wasn't 'most beasts'. This was an opportunity he would grab. He told the hazy figure to proceed and, in the end,, it detailed him three options:
.1. Giant Owl
=> Size Augmentation to 3m tall
=> Physical power enhancement x4
=> Flying ability enhancement
.2. Owl of the four Seasons
=> Size Augmentation to 1.5m
=> All elemental affinities enhancement x2
.3. Venerable Tree-Owl Sage
=> Size Augmentation to 3m tall (growth possible)
=> Physical power enhancement x4
=> Body alteration to fauna (type: tree)
=> All elemental affinities enhancement x1.5
=> Elemental affinities related to life and nature enhancement x1.75
=> Loss of flying capabilities
Those were the only three options available. None hinted at sentience or a humanoid shape. Owl asked the haze: "Is that all?"
The haze laughed as he answered: "Most beasts only get a single choice at this stage, you know"
Owl reflected on his previous thoughts. It was a fact that he was only at the 10th stage. He didn't know how and when the other beasts managed to evolve to sentients but it was unlikely that it happened at the very first evolution opportunity. He could only take slow steps towards this goal.
Since there were only three choices, he needed to analyze them. Clearly, the first one was out. It was bait for dumb beasts. Physical power and flying enhancement might seem nice but they weren't worth that much. Spiritual energy was the way to go as it could bring far greater effects. Of course, if you added spiritual energy on top of those enhancements, it would create something substantial. But it wouldn't be as good as a full-on bonus to spiritual energy. Especially now that the elements would come into play.
That's what made the second option very attractive. An enhancement in all elemental affinities meant that not only would his use of the elements be eased and strengthened, he would have an easier time getting in touch and comprehending the elements. Considering that he held the Season element now, he would be able to understand and manipulate may elements quickly with such a perk.
The third option also had it. It wasn't much worse since there was an additional multiplicator for life and nature elements. That being said, the alteration to fauna and the loss of flight abilities got him scared. The perks were great but it seemed like they came at a great cost. He asked the haze and the answer he got proved him that his guess was right. If he picked this, he would become a tree with awareness. Meaning that he would be stuck in one place due to roots. Though, apparently, he would be able to move from the trunk up. But what was the point of this? He likely got this option due to the trial he just finished. In any case, it was a big no-no. He would never wish to become a tree. This option was sent to the trash bin right away.
In the end, the best one was the second option. Good perks, no demerits. A good way to evolve in for now. He made up his mind and stated it to the haze. The haze seemed to bow as it told him that he would guide him on this path.
His inner demon waved him goodbye as he felt himself being sent out forcefully, losing consciousness.
He woke up on the bed he laid down to absorb the treasure in the first place. He sighed once, thinking back on all that happened and wondered how his body had transformed. However, before he could even move to go check, he felt terrible waves of pain throughout his body. He screamed in agony for a few seconds before passing out.
Once he woke up, he was a different owl. He could feel it. He held tremendous power in his body compared to what he expected. It was a lot more than some average 10th stage cultivator. At the same time, he began to feel hints of some elements. He was slowly, on instincts, comprehending them and noticing them in his surroundings.
He grinned as the prospect of soon mastering the use of many kinds of elements. Something only elites did and he had been unable to do back in the days.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
UguDyLight
UguDyLight Evooooooluuuuuutioooooonnnnnnn~
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