Such a huge creature… killed so easily by such a small beetle.Ocridef still couldn't believe what he'd seen. And that power — was that magic?If I could learn to use it too, maybe I wouldn't have to be so afraid of everything.
He took a deep breath and asked carefully, "Cadran, what was that huge creature? I heard you call it a demonic beast — could you tell me more about them?"
The golden beetle floated ahead, turning his head slightly before replying,"Master, that creature was a Water Hog — a demonic beast of the water element. Thankfully, it was only a Tier One, early-stage beast, so it posed no real threat to a late-stage demonic beast like me."
"Oh, right, Master," Cadran added, his tone softening, "you are from another world, so you wouldn't know. We demonic beasts are divided into tiers from One to Five. Each tier has three stages — early, middle, and late. Once a beast reaches the peak of the late stage, it can attempt to advance to the next tier."
Ocridef listened intently as they walked deeper into the forest.Demonic beasts, tiers, elements… he thought. This world really is even more dangerous than I imagined. Without strength, I wouldn't even know how I died. Thankfully, Cadran was the one who found me. If it had been another beast…He shuddered. Let's not think about that right now. I just want to get somewhere safe and ask all the questions in my head.
"Cadran," Ocridef asked quietly, "how much longer until we reach your nest?"
"We're almost there, Master — just a bit farther," Cadran answered. "Don't worry, encounters like that Water Hog are rare in the outer region of the Great Forest. It probably wandered off after being chased by stronger beasts."
"I see… well, I'll still have to rely on you, just in case we run into another one," Ocridef said.
"Don't worry, Master," Cadran replied with pride. "Your safety is my highest priority."
Ocridef let out a small breath of relief. "Then I'm reassured," he said gratefully.
After passing several towering trees, a cave entrance came into view — just large enough for a person to fit through.
"Master," said Cadran, hovering beside him, "this is it — my nest. Please, come inside. It's absolutely safe."
"Then I'll intrude," Ocridef said with a faint smile.
"Master, my nest is your nest," Cadran replied warmly. "It may not be a grand Daoist abode, but it has been my home for the past hundred years."
Stepping past the entrance, Ocridef was momentarily blinded by a soft green glow. Inside, the cave walls sparkled with radiant green crystals arranged in intricate patterns.
"Master," Cadran said proudly, "these are Elemental Gathering Crystals I acquired from a powerful demonic beast of the wood element. They're perfect as a light source — and together, they form a defensive array when arranged according to the beast's acupoints. Only by personally slaying the beast can one comprehend its acupoint pattern and use its crystals. I was extremely lucky to manage it," he said in an excited tone.
"So even arrays exist in this world," Ocridef muttered under his breath, amazed. "This place keeps getting stranger."
"Master, please sit wherever you like," said Cadran. "I'm sure you have many questions you'd like to ask me."
Ocridef looked around and found a small rock in the middle of the cave. Sitting down, the soft green light illuminated his face. His eyes locked onto the golden beetle resting on another stone, its tiny eyes glimmering with anticipation and adoration.
"First of all, Cadran," Ocridef began gently, "could you tell me about yourself? I'd really like to know you better."I need to understand more about this little beetle, he thought. The more I know, the better I can keep him believing I'm really his master.
"Well, Master," Cadran said proudly, "I am a demonic beast of the metal element! Oh — I forgot to mention: in this world, there are five elements that compose the Heavenly Dao — Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. All demonic beasts draw power from one of these elements, and as our cultivation increases, our control over it deepens.
"As for me," he continued, "I am one hundred and twenty years old. I spent my first twenty years as a larva under my father's care. It's from him that I learned about you, Master. Ever since I can remember, he told me that one day I would meet you!"
"Again with this mysterious father…" Ocridef muttered under his breath. How does he know so much? Could he see the future? And if he could — why would he want his son to become my follower? Ocridef frowned slightly, puzzled, but continued to listen.
"After I pupated," Cadran said, "my father brought me to the Great Forest. He told me to walk the same path every day until I met a human who would say he came from another world called Earth. I once asked him why that person would be my master — someone I'd never even met."
Hearing that, Ocridef unconsciously gulped.
"But my father only said that it was decided after much consideration," Cadran continued earnestly. "So I waited. For the past hundred years, I've dreamed of meeting my Master. I met many humans in this forest, and I asked each one the same questions I asked you. But none of them knew of Earth, nor did any claim to come from another world. So I knew they weren't the one my father spoke of."
"So that's why you asked me those questions," Ocridef said softly, finally understanding.
"Yes, Master. Those were the questions my father told me to ask every human I encountered in the Great Forest," Cadran said, nodding. "Of course, those who lied to me… I killed. After all, I can sense the fluctuations of emotion within all creatures. But those who were honest — I spared. After all, I, the Great Golden Beetle Cadran, am a righteous Daoist!"
Ocridef swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Thank goodness I didn't lie before… or I'd be dead already.Who knew Cadran had such a terrifying ability? Lying to him sounds impossible.
Suddenly, a loud growl echoed through the cave.Ocridef froze, glancing down at his stomach.
"Master, you must be hungry!" Cadran exclaimed.
"Ah… I guess I am," Ocridef admitted, embarrassed. "This body of mine doesn't seem to have eaten in a long time."
"Wait just a moment, Master! I'll prepare the Water Hog's heart for you immediately."
Cadran floated upward, guiding the large, still-glowing heart that had been set aside earlier. Then, with a deep breath, he exhaled — a small golden flame spewed from his mouth. The massive heart began to sizzle instantly, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that filled the cave.
Ocridef's throat tightened as he watched the heart roast midair, golden light reflecting in his eyes.A deep, primal desire welled up inside him — a craving to devour the heart immediately. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay still, eyes wide with apprehension. Even from where he sat, he could feel the terrifying heat radiating from Cadran's golden flames. It was clear — even a single spark could turn him into charcoal.
After a few seconds, the floating heart turned golden brown. Cadran immediately stopped spewing flames and guided the heart toward Ocridef."Master, please try it. The Water Hog's heart is extremely nutritious for creatures with low cultivation. Humans actively hunt Water Hogs for their hearts — they greatly boost vitality and can even increase cultivation."
Hearing that, Ocridef didn't hesitate. He reached out and grabbed the heart. Strangely, it wasn't hot anymore.
"Don't worry, Master," Cadran said proudly. "I retracted all the heat from the heart, so you can eat it right away."
Ocridef nodded gratefully, then took a strong bite. His eyes widened, and his body trembled slightly as the strange, warm energy coursed through him.
Instantly, a powerful, gentle surge flooded every vein and muscle, making his heart pound. A mechanical voice echoed in his mind:
"Ding. Strong energy-containing substance detected. Activating energy absorption mode. All energy will be used to increase cultivation value."