The sky was painted in streaks of golden orange and deep blue as the Level 9 Spirit Eagle soared above the jagged peaks of the Stormcloud Mountain Range. The winds at this altitude were fierce, howling like ghosts between mountain ridges, but the Spirit Eagle cut through them like a blade.
Below, ravines, waterfalls, and endless forests sprawled out like a sea of wilderness, untouched and wild.
Su Yang stood near the rear of the beast's massive back, his hand lightly gripping Max's fur. The small -beast sat calmly, unbothered, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
Jin Hao stood at Su Yang's side, adjusting the blade on his back. "I heard that the Stormcloud Range is home to many beasts who survived the old era. Some say even Saint-level remnants hide deep within."
Su Yang nodded slightly. "I've read the same. This region was once a battlefield between ancient sects. The spiritual energy here is violent, unstable… ideal for strong beasts."
The flight continued smoothly for a while until—
CRACK–BOOOM!
Thunder cracked above them. The clear skies suddenly twisted into dark clouds. A violent gust of wind slammed into the Spirit Eagle, making some of the disciples stumble.
"What's going on?!"
"Was that thunder?!"
"Why is the sky turning dark?!"
From the front of the platform, Elder Mo—the man in white robes—narrowed his eyes.
> "This isn't natural thunder…"
Just then, the Spirit Eagle gave a loud screech, flapping its enormous wings to stabilize itself. Its instincts screamed of danger. The clouds ahead turned pitch-black, and a shadow descended like a curtain from the sky.
From within that shadow, a monstrous roar echoed—
ROAAAAARRRRRRRRR!
The very air trembled as a giant creature emerged from the clouds. It was massive—at least 40 meters long. Covered in black scales that reflected flashes of lightning, with four powerful limbs, jagged wings, and piercing yellow eyes.
> "A Thunderstorm Lizard Drake!" Elder Yan shouted, his face turning grave.
The disciples went pale.
Su Yang's pupils shrank. A Level 9 Spirit Beast, mutated with lightning essence. The creature crackled with storm energy, lightning dancing between its horns and claws.
"Why is it attacking us?!" a girl screamed.
Su Yang's eyes swept over the beast. "It's not hunting us out of instinct… it's testing territory."
Stormcloud Mountain Range was known to be dangerous, but to think that a high-level predator would attack even a Spirit Eagle…
The beast opened its maw and unleashed a wave of destructive lightning!
CRAAAAACK!
"Everyone, brace yourselves!" Elder Mo's voice boomed.
With one flash of movement, Elder Mo leapt off the Spirit Eagle—into the air.
He hovered in midair without support, his white robes fluttering wildly as lightning struck toward him. But just as the lightning reached him—
BOOOM!
A golden barrier erupted from his body, blocking the bolt effortlessly. He raised one hand, and spiritual symbols burst from his fingertips, forming a swirling net of light.
> "I, Mo Tianhai, will not allow a beast to harm our disciples."
As he declared this, his Qi Condensation (Peak) cultivation exploded outward. The very clouds seemed to retreat before his aura.
The Thunderstorm Lizard let out another furious roar and dived down.
BOOM!
Claws clashed with spiritual force midair. The shockwave sent tremors through the Spirit Eagle's body, but it didn't falter. Meanwhile, disciples held on tightly, staring in awe as a real battle between two peak existences unfolded before their eyes.
Su Yang's eyes remained fixed.
> "So that's Qi Condensation Peak… and that's just a fraction of his strength."
The power Elder Mo displayed wasn't flashy—but it was absolute. Each movement was precise, calculated. As if every inch of space and wind bent to his will.
The battle didn't last long.
After a few powerful exchanges, Elder Mo's body blurred, and he appeared right above the Thunderstorm Lizard's head. He extended his palm—
> "Binding Seal: Nine-Chain Suppression!"
Golden chains erupted from the sky like lightning itself, wrapping around the beast's limbs, neck, and wings.
The beast screeched, but it was too late.
With a roar, Elder Mo pushed his palm down—
BOOOOOOOM!
The beast was slammed onto a rocky peak below. The mountain cracked, the beast howled in pain, then fled—beaten, humiliated, and wounded.
The skies cleared once more.
The Spirit Eagle steadied itself and resumed its path.
Everyone was silent. No one spoke for minutes. Then:
"…That was the strongest battle I've ever seen," someone whispered.
Lin Xue stood with her hand on her chest, eyes wide.
Jin Hao exhaled. "That beast was more terrifying than I imagined. And Elder Mo…"
Su Yang closed his eyes briefly. His mind had already begun analyzing the battle—movements, aura flow, intent.
> "So this… is the level I must reach. No—not just reach. Surpass."
Max barked softly, nudging Su Yang's hand. Su Yang smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes, I'm fine. But I won't forget this. Strength like that… changes everything."
Soon, Elder Mo returned to the Spirit Eagle and sat down silently, as if nothing had happened.
Elder Yan stepped forward, voice loud and calm:
> "Let this remind you: the world of cultivation is vast and perilous. If you are weak, even the sky will try to swallow you."
The disciples silently nodded, their hearts filled with a new kind of fear—and motivation.
And so, the Spirit Eagle continued forward, carrying the next generation of cultivators toward the heart of the Seven Valley Sect.
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