[Your little companion, Xueyan. She’s been missing you quite a bit lately. You’ve left her in the Beast Companion Space for far too long. She might be feeling lonely,]
Yue Lan teased, though there was a hint of genuine concern in her tone.
Shen Yuan’s smirk softened into a thoughtful expression. “Xueyan…” He looked at his system screen, his mind connecting with the Beast Companion Space. “I suppose it’s been a while since I let her stretch her legs.”
[More like she’s been sleeping peacefully, waiting for you to notice her absence,] Yue Lan quipped.
With a flick of his wrist, a soft, ethereal light shimmered in the courtyard as the portal to the Beast Companion Space opened.
A moment later, Xueyan stepped through gracefully. Her pristine white fur glistened like freshly fallen snow, streaked with lines of deep black and fiery red.
Her luminous amber eyes with flecks of frost blue locked onto Shen Yuan immediately.
A low, affectionate rumble echoed from her as she approached him. The air around her shimmered faintly, carrying her unique aura of primal.
“Xueyan,” Shen Yuan called softly, extending a hand to her. She nuzzled into his palm, her soft fur feeling gentle. “I’ve missed you too, little on—what the fuck, how is she already at the Extreme Origin Core Realm?” His brows shot up as he looked at the absurd cultivation base of her.
Shen Yuan’s astonished expression deepened as he observed Xueyan’s cultivation.
The serene yet powerful aura she exuded was undeniable. Her presence felt leagues above what he had last remembered, and it wasn’t just the sheer force—it was the harmony of her being.
[Yuan’er, are you truly surprised?]
Yue Lan’s voice rang out, laced with amusement.
[After all, you’ve been spoiling her more than you realize.]
Shen Yuan’s brow furrowed as he turned his gaze upward, addressing Yue Lan. “Lan’er, don’t play games. How did she jump to the Extreme Origin Core Realm so absurdly fast? Beasts don’t just leap through ranks like that.”
[Oh, don’t they?]
Yue Lan teased, but quickly continued with a more explanatory tone.
[Let me break it down for you. First, you’ve been feeding her spiritual stones like they’re candy. Do you even remember the quality of stones you gave her last time? Mid-tier? High-tier? Oh no, Yuan’er, they were Supreme-tier Spirit Stones.]
Shen Yuan blinked, trying to recall. “Supreme-tier…?” His voice trailed off, and his hand moved to rub his temples as realization struck.
[Yes, and don’t forget the volcanic beasts she devoured back then. Every one of them carried a significant amount of Fire Qi and Vital Essence, which was perfectly suited to her bloodline.]
Shen Yuan glanced at Xueyan, who was nuzzling his side affectionately, her amber eyes glowing faintly as if acknowledging Yue Lan’s words.
[And then, there’s her unique heritage,]
Yue Lan continued.
[Xueyan isn’t an ordinary beast, Yuan’er. Her lineage is tied to primal forces—Fire, Shadow, Lightning, and Frost. These elements in perfect balance make her cultivation progression far smoother and faster than that of common beasts. That, combined with the Beast Companion Space, allowed her to refine the excess energy efficiently and ascend through the ranks without bottlenecks.]
Shen Yuan let out a deep breath, his lips curving into a wry smile. “So, she’s been quietly surpassing expectations while I’ve been running around managing everything else.”
[Precisely,]
Yue Lan affirmed.
[You provided her with all the tools and resources, and her natural talent did the rest. Xueyan’s growth is a reflection of your care and investment.]
Shen Yuan crouched slightly, placing both hands on Xueyan’s soft fur as he met her gaze. “You’ve done well, little one. I’m proud of you.”
Xueyan rumbled softly, her tail swaying behind her as a faint aura of warmth enveloped them both. It was as though she was expressing gratitude for his love and care.
[Yuan’er, there’s more,]
Yue Lan added, her tone now carrying a note of seriousness.
[At her current level, Xueyan can’t just be a passive companion. She’s strong enough to fight alongside you, even against Dao Core Forming Realm beings.]
Shen Yuan’s smirk returned, “Good. She’ll be perfect for what’s coming next.”
He stood up, a glint of anticipation in his eyes as he glanced in the direction of the Silver Fox Sect. “With Xueyan in the mix, I think it’s time we gave the Silver Fox Sect a taste of real power.”
[Yuan’er, don’t go ahead and get yourself killed,]
Yue Lan warned, though her voice carried a trace of amusement.
[Xueyan is strong, but the main fighting force will still be you.]
Shen Yuan nodded, his gaze focused. “Of course. I alone am enough for a few Dao Core Forming Realm cultivators, but with Xueyan, I can take care of them even more easily.”
At that moment, Lian Fang returned, fully prepared for the journey. Her eyes briefly flickered to Xueyan, widening slightly at the beast’s intimidating aura, but she quickly calmed her expression. “Young Master, I’m ready.”
Shen Yuan gestured toward Xueyan. “Meet Xueyan, my companion. She’ll be joining us.”
Lian Fang gave a respectful nod, though her expression betrayed her curiosity. “A powerful ally indeed, Young Master. Even I’m intimidated in front of her mere presence.”
Shen Yuan chuckled. “Let’s see how the Silver Fox Sect handles her when they meet her in battle.”
Xueyan let out a low, almost amused rumble as she nuzzled Shen Yuan. The affection in her actions contrasted with the primal aura she exuded.
She then moved to the center of the courtyard, her body shimmering as she began to enlarge.
In moments, her once compact frame grew massive, her fur gleaming under the light, and her wings, streaked with black and red, spread wide, creating a shadow over the courtyard.
Lian Fang instinctively took a step back. “Young Master, is she preparing to carry us?”
Shen Yuan nodded, stepping toward Xueyan, who lowered herself gracefully to allow him to climb on. As he settled comfortably on her back, he glanced at Lian Fang, motioning for her to follow. “Come on. She’s faster than any other steed, and we’ll save time this way.”
Lian Fang hesitated, taking a cautious step forward, but Xueyan’s piercing gaze stopped her in her tracks. A soft growl emanated from the majestic beast, her amber eyes narrowing in what could only be interpreted as refusal.
[Yuan’er, it seems your little companion has her boundaries,]
Yue Lan said with an amused laugh.
[She’s not too keen on sharing her space.]
Shen Yuan sighed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. “Of course, Xueyan wouldn’t make this easy.” He patted her neck affectionately. “Alright, fine. Fang, it looks like you’ll need another way.”
Lian Fang frowned but quickly composed herself. “Understood, Young Master. I’ll find transportation.”
Shen Yuan reached into his inventory, pulling out a spatial ring filled with Spirit Stones, which he tossed to Lian Fang. “Take this. Get yourself a Northern Wind Horse we used last time. It’s reliable and fast enough to keep up.” Experience tales at empire
Lian Fang caught the spatial ring and bowed. “Thank you, Young Master. I’ll meet you at the city’s northern gate.”
“Good.” Shen Yuan turned back to Xueyan, who let out a satisfied huff, clearly pleased with her exclusivity. “Let’s go, Xueyan.”