บท 9: Chapter 9: Journey
The mountains presented a beautiful site of golden and amber terrain as Wang Chu, Su Chen, Xiao Chi, and Old Ji continued their challenging hike to the area where the Sky Devouring Whale is located. Every step brought them closer to their goal but also added more uncertainty and expectation.
As they made their way across rough trails and climbed winding paths, their bond grew stronger. Wang Chu led the group with determination while thinking about what they were really doing. The presence of Old Ji was comforting. He was an experienced cultivator with many stories to tell about his time walking this very same path.
In a stop in Yan Empire during a brief rest, Wang Chu decided it was time to share his thoughts with everyone. The realm sat in between massive mountains and thick forests — it could be called home by any creature that found shelter here.
"System," he spoke softly to the mystical entity that guides them all, "What is this place? And what can you tell me about it?"
"The Yan Empire," responded the system in its iconic mysterious tone, "is ruled by the Yan Emperor, who is known for his great leadership skills in both diplomacy and war. The empire itself has mid-level strength which gives it power over these lands."
Wang Chu's eyes featurelessly glared at the thriving streets and detailed architecture that showed off the empire's glory. He knew what he had planned after hearing so much about such an influential place.
"Yan Empire…" He whispered under his breath, thinking out loud as he always does when deep in thought."A land where warriors think before moving."
Old Ji noticed his gaze right away and nodded slowly in agreement. "I've heard that too." Said Old Ji calmly, "This empire bases its strength not only on how strong they can fight but how well they can think before fighting."
Their journey continued right after learning everything they needed from this empire. The group carried the empire's strength — a mix of immovable resilience and smooth diplomatic skills. Everything that lay ahead looked difficult and dangerous, but no one in the group felt defeated.
Wang Chu told Su Chen, Xiao Chi, and Old Ji all about Yan's history as they continued their climb to the ocean. The stories ranged from wars to life lessons taught by influential men who had walked alongside them before. A vivid image of what Yan once was floated over everyone's heads like a ghost.
Wang Chu snapped out of his daydream about fighting Sky Devouring Beast and thought back to everything he learned in Yan Empire. Strength comes from more than just power — it could come from how well you can negotiate with your enemy or even how much you can hold your tongue during a heated argument.
The top of Place stood tall above the sky as Wang Chu swept his eyes around the view in front of him. So many things were roaming underneath them — some were trying to kill him and others could be friends.
He whispered softly under his breath while looking at nothing at all, "We're almost there." He spoke with so much weight behind his voice that Su Chen couldn't help but feel scared when hearing it. "But Sky Devouring Beast isn't waiting for us," Said Wang Chu," It's searching for answers just like we are."
Su Chen, Xiao Chi, and Old Ji nodded in agreement with their master without speaking. Trust and understanding were born on this journey, connecting them in a way that transcended simple friendship.
They continued their journey with purposeful steps. The rhythm of the world has become one with their spirits. For each step taken, the whispers of wind secrets grew louder. As they grew louder, the earth resonated with life's heartbeat—a symphony of existence merging into their own.
As they arrived at the ocean, Wang Chu's eyes locked with the Sky Devouring Beast behind him. It was a creature of power beyond imagination that held secrets deeper than any mortal could comprehend. However, there was something familiar in its eyes—finding kindred spirits along its path.
Old Ji watched quietly from behind his spectacles, his respect for Wang Chu growing more profound by the second. The elderly ancestor who had reached martial perfection himself saw how much knowledge emanated from this young cultivator.
Blades didn't need to be clashed today—for it was not about fighting an enemy—it was about speaking with souls as equals.
As Xiao Chi laid his eyes on the Sky Devouring Beast, a shiver ran down his spine. The creature was enormous — so large that it gave even the bravest cultivators pause.
He stammered out his question, voice fraught with fear. "S-Su Chen," he began, "do you really think we can speak to it? Just look at it! It's huge!"
Su Chen put a hand on Xiao Chi's shoulder and smiled calmly. "I understand your concern, Xiao Chi," he said in a soothing tone. "But trust in Master Wang Chu and Old Ji. They've faced challenges like this before and know how to handle it."
Xiao Chi nodded slowly, finding solace in Su Chen's words. He looked up to both Wang Chu and Old Ji with newfound admiration and respect, realizing their expertise in cultivation was beyond anything he could fathom.
Old Ji spoke up with his characteristic wisdom. "You are right to be cautious, young one," he mused with a voice that held decades of experience behind it. "The Sky Devouring Beast is powerful — but power alone does not cause someone to do what they do."
Wang Chu added to Old Ji's statement with his own signature composure and insightfulness. "The Sky Devouring Beast is about to transition into adolescence," he explained knowledgeably."They're stepping into the realm of divine beasts soon enough. When these creatures get stronger, they don't aimlessly challenge others — instead, they seek out an environment that'll help them grow."
Su Chen nodded thoughtfully as he stared at the creature before them." That's why it hasn't attacked us," he remarked softly."These kinds of beasts can feel the potential for growth within certain places--and this might just be one of those areas."
All four men fell silent as they absorbed the grandness of their meeting with the Sky Devouring Beast. This wasn't a confrontation fueled by anger, but an opportunity for growth and understanding.
"We have to approach it with respect and open minds," Wang Chu spoke up again, his eyes trained on the beast. "Our goal isn't to defeat it -- we want to talk to it. We need to bridge the gap between cultivator and beast and learn from each other."
Old Ji nodded in agreement, a rare smile crossing his face."These moments are few and far between," he murmured thoughtfully. "But it's through them that true power — true harmony — is found."
With their shared understanding, the group approached the Sky Devouring Beast with a mix of reverence and curiosity. The creature seemed to sense their intentions as it stared back at them with a solemn gaze.
The conversation between cultivator and beast was about to begin. A testament that in this vast cultivation realm lay mysteries untold, waiting to be unraveled by those daring enough not to just fight blindly against one another.
The beast dipped its huge head, growling curiously.
Sky Devouring Beast," he began, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity and respect, "we offer you an opportunity—one that could elevate you to the ranks of divine beasts."
The beast inclined its massive head, a rumble of curiosity emanating from its throat.
"In exchange to the service," Wang Chu continued, "I will give you the bloodline of a Star Eater behemoth—a power that could greatly benefit you in the long run."
At the mention of the legendary bloodline, a glint appeared in the beast's eyes. It understood the value of what it was being offered.
"However," Wang Chu continued, his tone hardening, "you must serve as our mobile fortress for 2000 years. During this time we will travel with you and you will take us through realms.
The Sky Devouring Beast pondered this proposal. "And after 2000 years?" it shook one eye open and rumbled its deep voice.
A faint smile formed on Wang Chu's lips. "After 2000 years," he said seriously, "we will leave quietly and let you keep your domain."
The beast nodded its head in agreement, it was fair. "I will be your base," it said. "Before that, give me the bloodline of Star Eater."
Wang Chu's expression turned serious. "Know this," he warned, "if you ever become a nuisance or threaten us, I will not hesitate to end our agreement."
Sky Devouring Beast respectfully lowered his head and said: "Understood," it said obediently.
Sky Devouring Beast looked towards Old Ji and Su Chen with curiosity. "What are your backgrounds?" It asked.
Su Chen stepped forward proudly, his posture exuding confidence. "I am Su Chen, a descendant of the Asura Clan," he stated firmly.
After looking at the both of them for a moment, Old Ji also stepped forward and said. "Old Ji." He then followed with a short introduction of himself: "Just an old bag of bones."
Old Ji has been quietly watching Sky Devouring Beast all this time -"Sky Devouring Beast," he finally greeted ."You are so powerful, yet you have never thought about ascending to a higher realm?"
When Sky Devouring Beast heard what Old Ji asked it lowered its head in silence for a moment before responding: "You talk about going up." It rumbled deeply. Then explained itself saying:
"I don't know how many unknown secrets are hidden in this place. When the ascension was made into the air, there was always a sealed barrier waiting for me."
Old Ji dipped his chin slightly:" There really isn't much difference between closed heavens opening earth and sealed realms."
Wang Chu also replied to Old Ji's words: "Laws and boundaries have layers upon layers, It's not just physical seal but spiritual seal."
Sky Devouring Beast stared at Wang Chu inquiringly: "You speak with wisdom," it admired him by saying: "There are many things at work in this place, even me, I cannot solve it with my strength."
Wang Chu also nodded slightly and said: "This sealed space might not be a disadvantage to us, if other people can invade this place, even eternal peak cultivators will be killed like dogs."
Old Ji seemed to understand something quietly. He sighed: "Deep mystery. Who could have imagined that there was not only a sealed space here but also a spiritual seal?"
Sky Devouring Beast's somber voice was full of respect for Wang Chu and Old Ji:" You understand more than anyone else," it said.
"Everyone is bound by the laws of heaven." Wang Chu said slowly.
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