“The Dragon Fairy will remain loyal to you once it realizes you saved its life—even if you were the one who wounded it first,” Yueyin said firmly, her voice echoing in the quiet mountain clearing. Wu Tian’s brows furrowed. “So it won’t hold a grudge against me?” “No,” Yueyin replied with certainty. “Dragon Fairies remember only their saviors, not those who harmed them.” Wu Tian exhaled, his chest heavy with doubt. “But if this shadow we’ve been chasing turns out to be a Dragon Fairy, and we’ve saved it, how can we still convince Xin Xin to heal me? She demanded proof of our victory.” Yueyin’s gaze softened, though her words carried weight. “Dragon Fairies possess healing powers of their own. Whether their gift can mend a human body like yours, I cannot say. But as for Xin Xin, we’ll tell her the truth—that we drove the shadow away. Whether she believes us or not, we’ll face that when the time comes.” Wu Tian nodded reluctantly. “Very well, Yueyin. I’ll trust your judgment.”

“I want to ask you something, Lady Xin Xin, if I may,” Wu Tian said quietly, his voice steady though his body still trembled under the healing touch of the Cultivator fairy. Xin Xin’s eyes flicked toward him, her palm glowing faintly as she pressed it against his chest. “Ask, Wu Tian. What troubles your mind?” “Is it true that a Dark Beast still roams these mountains? The creature said to be the pet of the Darkness Cultivators?” His tone carried both curiosity and unease. He and Yueyin had searched for it, but all they found was the Dragon Fairy, Trexis. Xin Xin tilted her head, her brows knitting. “Wasn’t the shadow you drove away the Dark Beast itself?” Wu Tian shook his head. “No. That shadow wasn’t the Dark Beast. That’s what confuses me. The Dark Beast should be here, yet it has vanished.” Xin Xin’s lips curved faintly. “Do you even know what the Dark Beast looks like?” Wu Tian sighed. “I’ve never seen it with my own eyes. They say it’s a Demonic Beast twisted by dark

Xin Xin—revealed as the Dark Beast—refused to let Yueyin leave with Wu Tian. Her obsession was clear: she wanted Wu Tian to become one of Mao Xiang’s chosen guardians, a Cultivator Beast bound to darkness. Yueyin, resolute and unwavering, could not allow such a fate. She knew that if she did not fight, she and Wu Tian would never escape the cursed mountains of Ming Huan. “Leave Wu Tian here, Yueyin,” Xin Xin’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. “If you abandon him, I promise you safe passage through Ming Huan Village. The Dark Cultivator Fairies will not touch you.” Yueyin’s eyes blazed with defiance. “I will never do that, Xin Xin. Wu Tian leaves with me—or neither of us leaves at all.” Wu Tian, torn between fear and loyalty, spoke hesitantly. “Save yourself, Yueyin. I’ll find another way out later.” But Yueyin shook her head, her voice trembling with emotion. “I will not abandon you, Wu Tian.” Xin Xin laughed, her tone dripping with mockery. “How sweet. But listen clo

Yueyin’s heart was uneasy. Even though the Dark Beast—their leader—had been destroyed, the Dark Fairies still ruled over Ming Huan Village. Their presence lingered like a shadow across the valley, a reminder that danger had not yet passed. Wu Tian’s eyes burned with determination. “We can fight them, Yueyin. If we don’t drive them out, we’ll never escape these mountains.” Yueyin’s voice trembled with caution. “If we rush into battle without preparation, Wu Tian, the darkness may consume us instead.” Wu Tian clenched his fists, his grief over Xin Xin now hardened into resolve. “I know the risk. But waiting too long will only endanger Zhou Chen. We cannot delay.” Yueyin studied him, her mind racing. “Then what do you suggest?” Wu Tian’s gaze was steady. “We break through Ming Huan Village, no matter the cost.” Yueyin hesitated, but she knew he was right. There was no other path. To return to Hu Nan City, they had to pass through the village, and the Dark Fairies would not le

“How about it, Trexis? Will you carry out your task?” Wu Tian’s voice was steady, but his eyes gleamed with urgency. The dragon Trexis already knew what was being asked of him. His massive chest expanded, scales shimmering like molten bronze beneath the sunlight. In a single breath, he unleashed a torrent of fire. The flames roared across Ming Huan Village, devouring rooftops, swallowing alleys, and reducing every shadow to ash. Within moments, nothing remained but smoldering ruins and the acrid scent of charred wood. “With the village burned to the ground, Mao Xiang will struggle to rebuild his army of dark fairies!” Wu Tian declared, his tone fierce yet triumphant. “Well done, Wu Tian!” Yueyin’s voice rang out, admiration mingling with relief. Trexis lowered his head, smoke curling from his nostrils. “Is my duty complete?” Wu Tian laughed, though the sound carried a weary edge. “For now, yes. But listen carefully, Trexis—you must not reveal yourself too often.” The drago