The morning sun bathed Shadow Mountain in golden hues. Gentle wind rustled through the spirit trees, and dew shimmered on the surface of the spiritual river. The serene beauty of the mountain could make anyone forget the chaos that once ruled this land.
Xuan Long stepped into the open courtyard, his long robes fluttering as his powerful presence swept through the air like a storm hidden in calmness.
He raised his voice, his tone firm yet brimming with warmth. "All cultivators at the Qi Refining stage, gather!"
One by one, the newly joined Shadow Guards – those who had been rescued from the Zhou family's clutches – gathered and kneeled before their Lord. Their eyes held gratitude and determination, the pain of their pasts now replaced by the hope Xuan Long had given them.
"You have one month," he said. "In that time, I want every one of you to break through to the Foundation stage."
A collective breath was held.
Then, with a wave of his hand, he summoned tens of thousands of pills – glowing with radiant medicinal aura. "These are Qi Refining Pills and Recovery Pills – ten thousand of each. Train, cultivate, break your limits. This is your second life, make it worth something."
The Shadow Guards bowed. "Thank you, Lord Xuan!"
---
After the announcement, Xuan Long walked to the inner garden, where Xiou Xue was playing with Yue Mei. The two girls were laughing, running between spirit trees, occasionally splashing each other with water from the river. It was a sight that melted even the hardest hearts.
"Xiou Xue," Xuan Long called gently.
She turned and ran to him with a bright smile. "Big brother!"
He knelt and touched her soft hair. "You're healed now. It's time for you to begin cultivating."
Xiou Xue's eyes lit up like twin stars. "Really?!"
"Yes."
She hugged him tightly. "Thank you, thank you, brother!"
Yue Mei bounced like a bunny nearby, her fox ears twitching. "Yay! Now we can all cultivate together! This is gonna be so fun!"
Xuan Long looked at both girls, his eyes soft with affection. *One a five-year-old human girl with no family, the other a three-year-old fox with only her big sister... and now they are mine to protect.*
The two girls played and trained under the soft sun, their laughter echoing like music across the mountain.
---
Thirty days passed.
Thunder cracked across the sky.
One after another, powerful auras exploded from within the secluded chambers across Shadow Mountain. The earth trembled as the cultivators stepped out.
Hei Mo emerged first, his dark robes flickering with demonic energy. "From Core Formation Level 5... I now walk the Nascent Soul path."
Mu Chen followed, his sword humming at his side. "Level 3 Nascent Soul Realm... I've surpassed expectations."
The two demi-humans came next, their silver eyes glowing with sharp intelligence. "Nascent Soul Level 1."
Yue Li floated out, radiant and powerful. Her aura had shifted, refined and deadly. "I too have reached Nascent Soul Level 1."
Lin Qian emerged, slightly weaker than the rest, but still smiling. "From Level 2 to Level 8 of Core Formation Realm... I will catch up soon."
Shadow Guards, who had been at the Qi Refining stage just a month ago, now burst out from their rooms like roaring waves. Foundation Realm cultivators now filled the mountain.
And finally, Huang Liang stepped out, flushed with accomplishment. "Senior Xuan... I've reached Core Formation Level 8! Thank you!"
Xuan Long stood in the central courtyard as all his people gathered. His expression was calm, but the pride in his eyes was unmistakable.
He chuckled. "Is this all it takes to make you happy?"
The crowd was stunned.
Mu Chen smiled. "Master, your standards are too high."
Xuan Long waved his hand and brought forth a wooden box. As it opened, a divine radiance poured out, and a powerful medicinal fragrance filled the air.
Six glowing pills floated within.
"Scarlet Heaven Ascension Pills," Xuan Long said. "Each one will allow the user to ascend two levels instantly. However... it can only be used once in a lifetime."
Gasps filled the air.
"This... This is a Divine-grade pill!" Yue Li muttered, eyes wide.
Hei Mo stepped back, stunned. "Senior, these are priceless... How do you possess them?"
Xuan Long simply smirked.*.*
"Take them. Use them. This is my gift to you for your loyalty."
Everyone trembled with disbelief.
"Master... this kindness... we can never repay," Mu Chen said solemnly.
Yue Li looked at him, her eyes a mix of admiration and something warmer.
"Go," Xuan Long said. "You have one hour. Use this time well."
They all rushed into seclusion again.
---
One hour later.
Explosions of spiritual light erupted across the sky.
Hei Mo – Nascent Soul Level 3.
Mu Chen – Nascent Soul Level 5.
The two demi-humans – Nascent Soul Level 3.
Yue Li – Nascent Soul Level 3.
Lin Qian – Core Formation Level 10.
Huang Liang emerged last, her face pale from the intense surge in power. She now stood at Core Formation Level 10, her aura stable.
"Senior Xuan... I... I don't know how to thank you."
Xuan Long looked at her calmly. "Then don't thank me with words. Grow strong. Protect your people."
She knelt and bowed. "I swear upon my spirit – I will never betray Shadow Mountain."
Seeing her, all Hua Sect members present followed. "We swear upon our spirits – never to betray Shadow Mountain!"
Xuan Long smiled lightly. *They are truly mine now.*
As the sun began to set, Shadow Mountain stood stronger than ever. From a humble refuge to a force that shook the very foundation of cultivation – this was only the beginning.
Xuan Long gazed out at the horizon.
"Let them come. Let the world tremble. Shadow Mountain... shall rise without end."