Xuan Long sat quietly upon his black crystal throne in the grand hall, carved deep into the heart of the mountain. The hall buzzed with tension—dozens of elite members from the Shadow Army stood silently in rows. In his lap, Xiou Xue, his five-year-old sister, was curled like a kitten, fast asleep with her small hands gripping his robe tightly. Her long lashes fluttered with dreams, and her face was serene in contrast to the storm about to descend.
He gently rubbed her back as his sharp eyes swept across the gathered warriors. "Why did the scouts call me so urgently?" his voice echoed, deep and commanding.
Hei Mo stepped forward and knelt. "Master, we intercepted several demonic scouts near the outer formations. After a soul search, we discovered that a large force is preparing to attack us… in five days."
Xuan Long's eyes narrowed. "From which direction?"
"The northern valley," Hei Mo replied. "They're not ordinary. They're well-equipped and sent by a coalition of demonic sects."
"Then prepare every defense. No one rests until we've reinforced all outer formations and battle lines. Double shifts. Triple rotations," Xuan Long ordered, his voice calm but deadly.
Suddenly—
ROOOAAARRRR!
A deafening roar cracked through the sky like thunder. The mountain trembled beneath their feet. Birds scattered. Clouds dispersed.
"I am the Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Flying Sect! Come out, murderer of my sect—I've come for revenge!"
The air warped from the sheer pressure of his aura—Nascent Soul Level 10.
Hei Mo and Mu Chen staggered, unable to bear the overwhelming spiritual force. Yue Li collapsed to her knees, her face pale as snow. Inside her room, little Yue Mei jolted awake and started crying in terror. Xiou Xue gripped her brother's robe even tighter and whispered, "Brother… be safe…" before scurrying to hide behind the throne.
Xuan Long stood up, gently shifting Xiou Xue into the hands of Lin Qian. His cold gaze pierced the skies. In a blink, he vanished—and appeared floating in front of the raging elder, high above the mountain.
"You're disturbing my home," he said coldly. "If you've come to die, I won't stop you."
"Insolent brat!" the elder roared. "You dare mock me? You killed my sect—I will tear your soul apart!" With that, the elder unleashed a massive Heaven Palm Technique, a move capable of flattening entire mountain ranges.
But Xuan Long raised a hand—and absorbed the attack.
In a flash, he countered with the same Heaven Palm, but double the power. The elder barely managed to raise his defensive treasure to block the incoming strike. Shock filled his eyes.
"How… how are you using my sect's supreme technique?!"
"I absorbed it," Xuan Long said flatly. "And I improved it."
"Y-You… thief! You dare steal our sect's skills!"
"So what?" Xuan Long smirked. "Can you take it back?"
Furious, the elder unleashed his strongest skill—Heaven Flower Blast, a forbidden technique that could collapse small cities. But again, Xuan Long absorbed the skill… and returned it, amplified. The elder barely survived, coughing blood.
Desperate now, the elder used his final move—Heaven Body Qi Blast, a move that drew from one's life essence. But the moment he launched it, Xuan Long mirrored the attack with terrifying power.
The elder turned to flee. "Monster! This… this isn't human—!"
BOOM!
The sky exploded with light. His body disintegrated in midair, obliterated before he could even scream.
—DING!—
[Skill Upgraded: Heavenly Mirror]
New Effect: Control Life Essence – Devour or Restore. You may now absorb life force or restore it. Near-death revival and total devouring of living beings are possible.
Xuan Long hovered silently, the notification flashing in his mind.
This… this ability… could change everything.
Back on the ground, the Shadow Army members stared in awe. Yue Li rushed forward, stunned. "Young Master… you—what realm are you at…?"
Hei Mo and Mu Chen exchanged nervous glances. They too didn't know.
Xuan Long only smiled and replied, "Some questions aren't worth the weight they carry. Focus on your path. That's all that matters."
He turned to Yue Li. "How is your sister adjusting?"
"A little… She's still scared," Yue Li said honestly.
"Keep being patient. She'll warm up." He turned to the hall. "I'll return shortly."
Outside, the sun shone over the mountain meadow where Xiou Xue was now playing tag with Hei Mo, Mu Chen, and two demi-human generals. Her laughter echoed across the hills.
"You're too slow, Uncle Hei Mo!" she giggled, dashing around.
"You cheat, little devil!" Hei Mo shouted, pretending to fall dramatically.
Mu Chen tried to tag her but slipped in the grass. She jumped on him and giggled. "Caught you! I win again!"
High above, Yue Mei peeked from her room window. Her big round eyes sparkled as she saw Xuan Long laughing, playing along with his soldiers and sister. When Xiou Xue pounced on him, he caught her midair and spun her around.
She couldn't help it—she giggled. A small, sweet giggle.
Down below, Xuan Long paused and glanced up toward the window. Yue Mei gasped and hid immediately behind the curtain. He chuckled softly.
Inside, Yue Li stepped into the room. "You want to go out and play with them?"
Yue Mei shook her head quickly, "N-No…"
But her eyes said otherwise.
"They're not scary," Yue Li said gently, patting her head. "They're your family now, little fox. Trust them."
Yue Mei stayed silent but clutched her sister's sleeve.
That night, the moon bathed the mountain in silver light.
Xuan Long quietly entered Yue Mei's room, where she sat curled up in her sister's lap, playing with a toy fox.
When she saw him, she immediately hid behind Yue Li.
Yue Li smiled, "You're visiting late, Young Master."
"I came to befriend this adorable little fox," Xuan Long said gently. "Can I?"
Yue Li laughed. "Of course."
"Little foxy," he said, crouching. "Did you like the toys I brought?"
Yue Mei hesitated… then whispered, "I… I liked them."
He smiled warmly. "Good. If you ever want anything, just tell me. I'll bring it for you."
She looked up shyly. "Even sweets…?"
He nodded. "Even mountains of sweets."
"Will you protect my sister too?"
"I swear it." He patted her head. "If someone bullies you, I'll punch them in the face."
She giggled. "Will their face hurt?"
He chuckled. "Only if you want it to."
Without warning, she leaned forward and hugged him.
Xuan Long froze—then gently wrapped his arms around her.
"You're a sleepy little fox, aren't you?"
She nodded with a yawn. "Come again tomorrow… okay?"
"I will."
He stood up, Yue Li watching him with a soft blush.
"You're very… handsome at night, Young Master."
Xuan Long smirked, "Is that so? Goodnight, Yue Li."
When he returned to his room, Xiou Xue was waiting with puffy cheeks.
"Brother! You said you'd tell me a story tonight! You're late!"
Xuan Long laughed and sat on the bed, scooping her up. "Alright, alright, my princess. Let me tell you a story—about a lonely little fox who found a new home, with a big brother who punched all the bad guys for her."
Xiou Xue giggled and leaned on his chest. "And did the fox love her new family?"
"She did. Because they never let her cry again."
And as he told the story, the mountain slept under the stars—gathering its strength for the storm that was only five days away.