Eternal Tale

As the evening sun cast its soft, serene glow across the Heaven’s End Plains, a lone figure riding a big black ox leisurely made his way through the vast expanse. The rider wore a straw hat and carried a sketchpad, occasionally pausing to capture the scenery with swift strokes.

Along the way, some spiritual beasts briefly considered a surprise attack, but a sudden wave of terror gripped them. They immediately abandoned their plans, awkwardly grazing on the grass as if nothing had happened. Only after Chen Xun and the ox had passed did the beasts spit out the grass in confusion and pain—What were we thinking?

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Suddenly, a fierce chase erupted above. Two mid-stage Golden Core spiritual beasts were pursuing a massive, fearsome-looking early-stage Nascent Soul beast—the legendary Flameglow Ancient Lion!

Chen Xun and the ox blinked in surprise. They had heard tales of this beast, long extinct in Qian Country’s cultivation world, and never imagined they’d see one here.

The lion’s flesh was said to be a treasure for cultivators and spiritual beasts alike, known for boosting cultivation potential. It was a prized mention in ancient beast records.

But something seemed off. Isn’t this a Nascent Soul-level beast? Why is it running from two Golden Core beasts?

A gust of wind swept across the plains as the Flameglow Ancient Lion fled. The lion was enormous, stretching over seven or eight zhang in length, its majestic form cloaked in dazzling flames with every step—a magnificent sight.

Roar!

The lion turned its head to roar ferociously, but its fierce expression quickly melted into one of panic. It just wanted to live a peaceful life—Why can’t they just leave me alone?!

Due to the lion’s nature, it had been hunted by both spiritual beasts and cultivators for ages.

Its past was tragic. Shortly after its birth, its entire clan had been wiped out. However, thanks to its timid nature, it survived disaster after disaster, wandering the Heaven’s End Plains.

It had no desire for revenge—just survival. Childhood traumas affect both humans and spiritual beasts, and for this lion, survival was the only goal.

Unlike most spiritual beasts, the Flameglow Ancient Lion didn’t hunt; it preferred pilfering from others. It had stolen many spiritual beasts’ eggs and even mates. But after breaking through to the Golden Core stage, it had stopped these petty crimes. Now, at the Nascent Soul stage, its flesh had become even more valuable.

It avoided joining any spiritual beast tribes, always fleeing at the first sign of danger, earning it a poor reputation. With no tribe to protect it, it often found itself alone.

However, reaching the Nascent Soul stage brought some advantages. Its massive form and intimidating presence scared off many threats, and it even mingled with spiritual beast tribes as a guest. Whenever a crisis arose, it would put on a show of intimidation but would never actually fight, slipping away quietly afterward.

Roar!

The Flameglow Ancient Lion was fed up. Even a clay figurine has its limits! How long are they going to chase me?!

Red light flared as the lion unleashed its Nascent Soul aura. The two Golden Core beasts paused mid-air, suddenly realizing that the lion was indeed at the Nascent Soul stage. ŗ𝙖₦Ɵ₿Ěś

Roar! Roar!

Shrill cries echoed as blood rained down. The two Golden Core beasts were left severely injured, while the Flameglow Ancient Lion, equally panicked, transformed into a streak of red light and fled.

Chen Xun and the ox stared, speechless. What kind of creature is this?!

Throughout their journey, they had seen many spiritual beasts fight, but never a Nascent Soul-level beast, and certainly not one as peculiar as this.

Intrigued, Chen Xun and the ox vanished from their spot, silently giving chase.

Half a day later, the Flameglow Ancient Lion found a remote area devoid of spiritual beasts and began digging a hole.

It enjoyed living underground—a tactic that had saved it countless times. Sky-dwelling beasts wouldn’t be able to find it here.

The hole grew larger as the lion used its innate talents to conceal the entrance. It wanted to rest.

Having reached the Nascent Soul stage, it knew it was likely at its peak. No Flameglow Ancient Lion had ever broken through to the Deity Transformation stage; its bloodline talent was nearly exhausted.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the lion lay down, its eyes filled with hope. Maybe I can peacefully live out the rest of my 2,000-year lifespan here.

The Flameglow Ancient Lion’s kind was known for their longevity—Nascent Soul-level lions could live up to 3,000 years, though few ever died of natural causes.

It had no interest in ruling tribes or fighting over resources. Simply staying alive was enough.

“Haha, Flameglow Lion, care for a chat?”

Roar?!

The Flameglow Ancient Lion’s eyes shot open, and it leapt to its feet as clouds of dust billowed around it. Where did that voice come from?!

Before it, two blurry figures gradually appeared—a human and an ox!

It’s over. I’m done for! The lion’s once-proud face was now drenched in sweat. It snorted heavily, staring at the two small figures with no will to resist.

It had already begun controlling its Nascent Soul, ready to abandon its body. If it had to, it would offer its flesh to these two.

“Relax, we’re not here to harm you,” Chen Xun said with a grin. “Moo moo~~” the ox added, matching his smile.

As soon as they spoke, an overwhelming spiritual pressure filled the air. The power of the five elements locked onto the Flameglow Ancient Lion, suppressing its Nascent Soul completely.

The lion’s legs gave out, and it trembled. Even though I was on guard, they subdued me so easily?!

Tears welled up as it lay helplessly on the ground. They suppress me and call themselves good people…

“E-Elder...” the Flameglow Ancient Lion stammered, speaking in a shaky voice. “I’ve never harmed humans or oxen. Please spare me—I’ll be your guide!”

Its large eyes darted nervously. Maybe they’re here to hunt in the plains. If I stay alive, I might have a chance to escape.

“Hmm, why don’t you shrink a bit? It’s tiring looking up at you,” Chen Xun said, still smiling. “We’re not here to kill you. We crossed paths—why not be friends?”

“Moo moo~~” the ox nodded, agreeing.

“Ah? That’s wonderful!” The Flameglow Ancient Lion, eager to please, shrank down… until it was the size of a small dog.

Chen Xun and the ox exchanged baffled looks. They’d heard of spiritual beasts being able to control their size, but never this small!

“Elder, is this better?” the lion asked with a wagging tail. “I’ll do anything, as long as I’m spared.”

“Of course.” “Moo~”

Chen Xun and the ox nodded in unison, and the five-element pressure dissipated.

“Thank you, elders!” The lion bowed in gratitude, but as Chen Xun and the ox prepared to speak, the lion’s body flared with red light. Its Nascent Soul shot out, attempting to flee!

“Old ox, looks like this one prefers the hard way. Teach it a lesson!” “Moo moo~~!”

“Ah!!!”

The lion’s face twisted in horror. An array?! They set a trap—there’s nowhere to run!

“You’re too inexperienced for these tricks. Old ox, let’s give it a good beating!”

“Moo!!”

“Elders, I was wrong!!!~~~”

The cave echoed with pitiful cries and tremors. The ground cracked under the force of the struggle.

Chen Xun and the ox took turns thrashing the Flameglow Ancient Lion, who faked severe injury, even spitting out blood for effect.

Its body was incredibly tough, but it hoped that pretending to be injured would satisfy them.

An incense stick later, the lion lay limp in a large pit, eyes vacant, foam dripping from its mouth. It had been forced to shrink to the ox’s size—easier to handle, they said. And it had complied.

Chen Xun and the ox exchanged puzzled glances. Why was this Nascent Soul beast so weak? We didn’t even hit it that hard…

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