A soft wind swept across the Supreme Void Sect as Nathan crouched before the trembling spirit beast. Morning light slid across its fur, revealing a silvery sheen—as if moonlight itself clung to its body.
The creature was small—no larger than a house cat—with soft ears, a fluffy tail, and delicate paws. But beneath its frightened exterior, Nathan felt something else…
Something ancient.
Something rare.
Behind him, Ash whispered:
"Master… it's cute. Scary cute. Like the kind of cute that can bite your face off."
Cyril shot him a cold glance.
Lia was more focused, her eyes widening with sympathy.
"It's injured… Master, can we help it?"
Nathan extended his hand slowly toward the creature.
The beast flinched at first—but its nose twitched, and after a long, trembling moment, it nudged its head into Nathan's palm.
As soon as his skin touched its fur—
a chime echoed inside Nathan's mind.
*DING*
[Spirit Beast Identified: SILVERLIGHT FOX CUB]
[Grade: Rare Species]
[Innate Element: Lunar Qi]
[Age: 3 months]
[Potential: High]
[Condition: Injured / Weak / Recently escaped predator attack]
[Special Note:
Silverlight Foxes naturally bond with cultivators possessing stable spiritual presence.
Chance of forming a Heart-Bond: 62%]
Nathan kept his expression neutral.
So this little fellow is a Silverlight Fox… no wonder its fur glows.
The creature curled slightly against his palm, whimpering softly.
Lia stepped forward.
"Master… it trusts you."
Ash's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Can we keep it? PLEASE? I promise I'll feed it! And brush it! And not let it bite Cyril!"
Cyril narrowed his eyes.
"It will not bite me."
Ash muttered, "I dunno… everything wants to bite you."
"Quiet," Nathan said calmly.
Both boys froze instantly.
Nathan lifted the fox gently and examined its bleeding paw.
The wound was shallow but torn, as if something with claws had tried to drag it away.
The system chimed again.
*DING*
[Minor injury detected.]
[Recommendation:
Apply Qi Restoration Pill powder to wound for rapid healing.]
[Note:
Beast physiology is compatible with low-grade pills.]
Nathan nodded silently.
He reached into his robe and withdrew one Qi Restoration Pill from the set he received earlier. Crushing it between his fingers, he sprinkled the fine powder onto the cub's paw.
The fox whimpered—
then relaxed as a soft warmth spread through its leg.
The wound began closing slowly.
Lia watched in awe.
"It… it's working…"
Nathan stood and carried the fox back toward the courtyard.
"Come. We need to let it rest."
Inside the main hall, Nathan placed the cub onto a folded cloth laid atop a low table.
The fox sniffed its surroundings before curling into a small ball, tail wrapped neatly around its body.
Ash leaned close.
"It's SO FLUFFY I could die."
Cyril pushed him away by the face.
"Do not disturb it."
Nathan folded his arms.
"This fox is not a pet."
Ash's smile froze halfway.
"…It's not?"
"No," Nathan said. "Silverlight Foxes are spirit beasts. Highly intelligent. Loyal only to those they choose."
Lia's eyes softened.
"Then it chose you, Master…"
Nathan did not comment.
Instead, his gaze drifted toward the windows—toward the trees on the far end of the plateau.
His instincts stirred.
Something felt… off.
Not here, not near the sect—
but deeper within Dawnshadow Mountain.
The system sensed his thought.
*DING*
[Environmental Analysis Activated.]
[Scanning…]
[Warning:
Unstable Qi fluctuations detected in Dawnshadow Mountain's inner zones.]
[Potential Threat Level: Unknown]
[Recommended Action:
Host should strengthen disciples and prepare defenses.]
Nathan's eyes sharpened.
So danger is moving early.
He turned back to his disciples.
"All of you—sit."
Ash sat instantly.
Cyril knelt with calm discipline.
Lia folded her legs gracefully.
Nathan sat across from them.
"Before training begins, there are three things you must understand."
He held up one finger.
"First: Cultivation is a path of strength. But it is also a path of danger. This mountain holds beasts and threats you cannot imagine yet. You must take training seriously."
Ash nodded vigorously.
"Yes, Master!"
Cyril's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"So something is coming."
Nathan did not deny it.
"Second: A sect is built on unity. You three are the foundation of the Supreme Void Sect. There is no room for conflict or arrogance here."
Lia nodded respectfully.
"Understood, Master."
"And third…" Nathan's tone grew slightly softer. "You must learn to rely on each other. Strength alone is not enough. Understanding each other's abilities will keep you alive."
Ash puffed up his chest.
"I will protect everyone!"
Cyril shot him a doubtful stare.
"You can protect yourself first."
Lia chuckled quietly.
Nathan raised his hand.
"Enough."
They fell silent.
Nathan looked at them one by one.
"Ash."
"Yes, Master!"
"You must work on stability. Your Qi control is the weakest. Your first mission is simple: meditate for two hours each morning. Not move. Not talk. Meditate."
Ash's face fell.
"Two hours…? But I have a very fidgety body—"
Nathan narrowed his eyes.
Ash straightened instantly.
"I—I mean, yes Master! Two hours! I can do that!"
Cyril smirked.
Nathan turned to him.
"Cyril."
Cyril straightened.
"You possess excellent control, but your foundation is rigid. Too rigid. You must learn fluidity. Your mission is to practice the basic movement forms I give you—slow, precise, and without tension."
Cyril bowed.
"As you command."
Finally, Nathan turned to Lia.
"Lia."
She lifted her gaze.
"You have a balanced flow and good sensitivity. But your confidence is fragile. Your mission is to circulate Qi through your entire body twice a day. This will build internal stability—and trust in your own strength."
Lia smiled softly.
"I understand, Master."
Nathan nodded.
Then a message whispered inside his mind again:
*DING*
[Sect Mission Hall activated.]
[Automatic Missions Assigned:
— Ash: Beginner Meditation Mission
— Cyril: Movement Form Mastery
— Lia: Qi Circulation Training]
[Rewards available upon completion.]
Nathan ignored it for now.
Their real training would begin soon.
A small whimper broke the silence.
The Silverlight Fox cub lifted its head, blinking sleepily.
Its paw looked much better now—only faintly pink where the wound had closed.
Lia hurried to its side.
"It healed so quickly…"
Cyril observed silently.
"Spirit beasts have potent regeneration. With assistance, they recover fast."
Ash leaned closer, whispering,
"Hi little fox… do you… wanna be my friend?"
The fox hissed at him.
Ash flinched.
"Or we can take things slow."
Nathan stepped to the table.
The fox stared up at him, its silver eyes reflecting the morning light.
"Do you have a home nearby?" Nathan asked gently.
The cub lowered its head.
A soft, sorrowful cry escaped its mouth.
Lia covered her lips.
"Master… I think its family… might be gone."
Cyril's jaw tightened.
"It came from the deeper mountain. It probably fled something stronger."
Ash swallowed hard.
"You mean… there's something scary up there?"
Nathan placed his hand softly on the cub's head.
The fox pressed against his palm as if seeking comfort.
Another chime echoed in his mind.
*DING*
[Silverlight Fox cognitive state:
Fear / Loss / Seeking protection]
[Heart-Bond Compatibility: High]
[Host Action Recommended:
Establish a bond to increase beast morale and provide long-term benefits to the sect.]
Nathan took a slow breath.
He had not planned on forming a beast bond.
Not yet.
Not this early.
His goal was to build a sect, not become a beast tamer.
But…
The cub looked up at him with gentle, trusting eyes.
Lia whispered, "Master… it wants to stay with you."
Ash clasped his hands dramatically.
"Master please say yes! We need a mascot! I've always wanted a fox mascot!"
Cyril ignored them both, but his quiet stare showed he was also watching Nathan's decision closely.
Nathan exhaled slowly.
"Stay with us," he said to the cub. "If you wish."
The fox tilted its head.
Then—
tentatively—
it placed its tiny paw on Nathan's hand.
A warm glow, faint as moonlight, shimmered around its fur.
Not bright enough for others to notice—
but sufficient for him to feel.
The system chimed loudly.
*DING*
[Heart-Bond Formed: Silverlight Fox (Young)]
[Bond Benefits:
• Beast will gradually strengthen alongside Host.
• Beast loyalty: High.
• Beast senses now partially linked with Host.]
[Name Required: Please choose a name for your bonded beast.]
Nathan stared at the cub, which stared back with soft silver eyes.
Ash leaned forward eagerly.
"Master! Call it 'Fluffy Supreme'!"
Cyril elbowed him.
"That is ridiculous."
Lia giggled softly.
"Something gentle would suit it…"
Nathan lifted the fox, holding it gently.
"Your fur shines like moonlight," he murmured. "Silver… peaceful… but strong."
He smiled.
"Your name will be… Lumen."
The fox chirped happily and curled against his chest.
Ash punched the air.
"LUMEN! I love it!"
Cyril nodded quietly.
"A fitting name."
Lia smiled warmly.
"It suits him perfectly."
Nathan stroked the fox once.
Welcome, Lumen. Our first guardian.
But before he could enjoy the moment—
A deep rumble echoed in the distant mountain.
The plateau trembled faintly.
Birds scattered from the treetops.
Cyril instantly stepped forward, eyes sharp.
"That… was not natural."
Ash turned pale.
"M-Master… wh-what was that?"
Nathan narrowed his eyes toward the mountain's depths.
Lumen shivered in his arms.
The system whispered:
*DING*
[Warning:
Unstable Qi surge detected in Dawnshadow Mountain's inner region.]
[Possibility:
A beast awakening, territory conflict, or artifact disturbance.]
[Threat Level: Increasing]
Nathan gently placed Lumen on his shoulder.
"Disciples."
They stood instantly.
"For now, continue your missions. Stay within the sect barrier. Do not wander."
All three bowed deeply.
"Yes, Master!"
Nathan gazed toward the shadowy depths of the mountain.
Something dangerous had awakened.
And the Supreme Void Sect…
had just taken its first step into the real world of cultivation.