C27 Subduing White Tiger

Today marked Aotian's final day in the Devil Beast Forest. He rose with the dawn, as he always did, and absorbed the fire elements with practiced ease. The only change was his transformation from a body of tempered flesh to one of incinerated bone. For the past two days, Aotian had been quietly gathering the fire elements, but today marked the true beginning of his third-stage cultivation.

At just fourteen, Aotian had achieved the strength of a swordman, a feat exceedingly rare for someone his age. In fact, he knew of no one who had reached this level so young in the last millennium.

Delving deep within himself, Aotian directed the elements into his bone marrow, initiating an intense internal and external tempering process. The fire elements, upon nearing his marrow, became volatile. They stirred restlessly, fiercely searing his bones and coaxing sweat to bead on his brow. Despite having endured countless temperings, the excruciating pain forced a sharp grunt from Aotian. This agony was easily tenfold that of his previous trials.

With gritted teeth and the aid of his ring, Aotian commenced his first bone-burning cultivation. After enduring the torment for half an hour, he reached his limit and gradually ceased the practice.

"Kid, take it easy. That's enough for today. Rest up," Matt advised, understanding the expression on Aotian's face all too well. Having experienced the agony himself, he knew the bones to be both the strongest and most fragile parts of the body. The pain of bone refinement was not for the faint-hearted. Indeed, the difficulty of mastering the Blood Refinement Arts lay largely in the unbearable pain of the bone-burning process.

"Phew, okay, Master! Now that I've entered the third stage, can I start learning the next spear technique?" Aotian inquired, exhaling deeply.

"Yes, reaching the third stage means you're ready to learn the Eighteen Tornado Strikes and the Gale Spear. But for now, put the spear technique out of your mind and concentrate fully on your Bone Burning. I'll teach you the spear technique after some time has passed," Matt responded.

Over the past couple of days, you've probably noticed your strength has increased a notch, haven't you? And your physical resilience has improved to the point where ordinary weapons can't harm you anymore! So now, you really need to focus on mastering the control of your newfound power."

Matt paused to reflect before adding.

"Yes, Master!"

"Good. Rest up for a bit, then head out to train. Make the most of this final day!"

Aotian mulled over his master's advice and realized the truth in it. Who knew how many years would pass before his next visit?

Seizing the moment, Aotian, with Little White in tow, quickly made his way outside.

Before long, Aotian came face-to-face with a massive lion!

Summoning a thunderous energy, Aotian channeled all his might into an attack on the lion! It's worth noting that this lion possessed the strength of at least a swordman. Aotian had faced it once before, enduring a grueling battle for over half an hour, yet he had been unable to defeat it, ultimately forced to flee. But today, an improved Aotian was not about to pass up the chance for revenge. He charged fiercely, unleashing his signature move, the Earth-Splitting Spear, in hopes of dealing a crippling blow to the lion! Of course, Aotian wasn't foolish enough to think he could slay it with a single thrust of his spear!

The lion, quick to react to Aotian's onslaught, nimbly sidestepped the attack. Then, with a powerful push off its hind legs, it lunged at Aotian, propelled by the force of its leap!

As the lion bore down on him, Aotian deftly spun around, using the momentum to deliver a powerful side swipe with his spear, aiming to knock the lion aside! He employed the Swing Symbol Art from the circular spear technique, striking swiftly and forcefully at the lion!

Caught off guard, the lion was sent flying nearly ten meters by Aotian's ferocious strike. Enraged, it roared and charged at Aotian again, all the while dodging his blows from side to side!

In this way, Aotian and the lion swiftly spent a quarter of an hour locked in combat. Seeing the lion's pace slow from exhaustion, Aotian seized his chance, leapt above it, and with a mighty yell, "Earth-Splitting Spear!" he drove his weapon deep into the lion's flesh!

Blood slowly trickled from the corner of the lion's mouth before it collapsed to the ground with a thunderous thud.

"Phew."

Aotian exhaled deeply, swiftly stowing the lion's body in his storage ring before turning to leave. This was to be the meal for him and Lil' White today!

He called over Lil' White, who was still lounging in the sun, and together they continued on their way.

By noon, Aotian scanned the sky, found a clean spot, and set about preparing lunch.

As they relished the roasted meat, Aotian mused to Lil' White, "This might be the last barbecue I make for you. There may not be another chance. After we eat, I'm heading home."

Reflecting on his imminent departure, Aotian felt a pang of sadness. His bond with Lil' White had grown strong; he considered the creature family, a friend. Aside from his warm relationship with Aunt Maria, Aotian had never connected with anyone like he had with Lil' White. Despite being an animal, Lil' White had earned Aotian's trust more than anyone else he'd known. The thought of leaving Lil' White behind was unbearable.

Lil' White looked up at Aotian, puzzled by his words, then promptly resumed its feast.

Aotian chuckled at Lil' White's response, tossing two more pieces of meat its way before taking another bite of his own.

"Kid, hey, it's time to hit the road!" Matt announced, seeing Aotian finish his meal.

"Oh, but Master, what about Lil' White?" Aotian asked, his concern evident.

"If you haven't tamed it, what can you do? Don't worry, that little guy is tougher than you think. It'll be fine," Matt reassured him, his voice tinged with a hint of sentimentality.

"Alright then, let's hit the road!"

With that, Aotian rose to his feet and made his way to the water's edge for a quick rinse, deciding a thorough bath was in order. After cleaning up and donning a fresh set of clothes, he was ready to embark on the journey home.

"Little White, I'm heading out. From now on, you'll have to fend for yourself here in the forest. Stay safe, and remember, finding food is up to you! I hope we'll have the chance to see each other again someday." With a final word to Little White, Aotian stood and began his trek out of the woods.

He walked without encountering any demonic beasts, and soon reached the forest's edge, spotting the main road he had arrived on. Glancing back, he was astonished to see Little White had followed him out of the Devil Beast Forest.

"Little White, go on back now! I've got to leave!" Aotian crouched down, affectionately patting Little White's head with a heavy heart.

Little White, tugging at Aotian's clothes with a soft whine, seemed to be pleading for him to stay.

"No, I can't. I have to return to my studies. Be a good one and head back!" Aotian coaxed gently.

Just then, Little White gave Aotian a longing look, glanced back at the forest, and suddenly lunged at him, biting him fiercely! Despite Aotian's tough skin and strong muscles, Little White's bite drew blood, which quickly filled its mouth.

Caught off guard, Aotian yelped and smacked his lips in pain.

"Aotian, stay focused, that little guy is forming a pact with you! Looks like you've tamed it!" Dark Night exclaimed with excitement.

"Oh, got it!"

Allowing Little White to draw his blood, Aotian's initial bewilderment and irritation shifted to eager anticipation.

After taking in a substantial gulp of blood, Little White released its bite and settled down in front of Aotian. Then, an extraordinary thing occurred: a golden halo, etched with mysterious symbols, emerged on Little White's forehead. It spun rapidly before gradually slowing down and fading away completely.

"Master, I've never heard of this method of bonding with a beast before! Isn't it written in the books that to tame a magical beast, the master must mix his blood with the beast's and willingly drip it onto the beast's forehead? Why did Little White just bite me!? It scared me half to death!"

Aotian spoke with a hint of frustration after witnessing the recent events.

"Listen up, kid, you've struck it lucky. The odds are high that this little one is a white tiger. The ritual you just experienced is an ancient pact, used only by a select few of the most powerful demonic beasts, and only they have the right to initiate it! You've hit the jackpot!"

Matt, known as Dark Night Zhan, couldn't hide his jealousy after seeing the successful bond.

"Alright, now that Little White is yours, you'd better get moving! Otherwise, you'll find yourself spending another night out in the wild!"