Chapter 27: The Companion Beneath the Ancient Sky
The mist that hung over the ancient forest seemed alive, whispering with echoes of forgotten eras. Ye Tianlan walked through it in silence, his robes fluttering with each measured step. After days of exploring the ruins, he had reached the edge of an overgrown valley — one untouched by light for centuries.
The energy here was strange. Not demonic, not spiritual — but something in between. It pulsed faintly beneath the soil, calling out as if recognizing his presence.
"This resonance…" Ye Tianlan murmured, kneeling. He pressed his palm to the cracked earth, and a tremor answered. A faint golden glow rippled outward, forming ancient runes that floated in the air.
From the ruins below, a crystal cocoon emerged, wrapped in chains of light and shadow. Inside it, a figure rested — a beast-like form with silver fur, six eyes closed in slumber, and a faint spiritual flame flickering around its body.
"A spirit beast?" Ye Tianlan whispered. "No… it feels sentient."
As the glow intensified, a voice echoed directly into his mind — soft but burdened with sorrow.
"You… finally came."
Ye Tianlan's breath caught. The creature's eyes opened, revealing a gaze filled with ancient intelligence.
"Who are you?" Ye Tianlan asked cautiously, hand tightening around his sword.
"Once, I guarded the Gate of the Seventh Realm," the creature said. "But betrayal sealed me here. Only the chosen bearer of the Eternal Mark could awaken me."
Ye Tianlan's eyes widened. The Eternal Mark — the same symbol that had appeared on his arm during his last battle.
The realization struck him.
"Then it was fate…"
Chains shattered as spiritual energy burst outward, sending ripples across the valley. The beast — a majestic hybrid between wolf and phoenix — bowed its head before him.
"My name is Fenra," it said. "From this day forth, I shall be your companion."
A surge of light connected their souls — a pact older than history itself. Ye Tianlan felt a torrent of strength rush into him, his spirit realm stabilizing, his core blazing brighter than ever before.
The bond was complete.
Ye Tianlan placed his hand on Fenra's head. "Then we walk the same path," he said. "Until the heavens fall and the seven realms tremble once again."
The mist parted, and under the pale light of dawn, man and beast stepped out together — bound by destiny, walking toward the storm awaiting beyond the ruins.