0:00 I'm the high priestess of the Beast Tamer Sect. To rack up merit, with tears in my eyes, I [music] released 9,999 spirit beasts and squatted by the sea playing the merciful saint. The [music] strange thing is, every single time I scoop up the same little octopus, a blue-ringed one, the deadly poisonous kind, out of habit, every time I release [music] it, I plant a quick smack of a kiss on its little forehead. By the hundred thousandth time, [music] I mechanically scoop it up. That should be enough merit by now, right? My fingers absentmindedly stroke one of its tentacles. All done? Off you go. I flick my wrist and toss it back [music] into the sea. To my shock, it swells up midair, eight thick tentacles wrapping tight around my waist, dark blue pupils churning with hidden storms, voice dangerously low, "Flirt with me and then run? Don't even think about it. Human, you owe me." A thick, [music] hot tentacle presses against my inner thigh.
0:45 I freeze, dumbstruck. As high priestess of the Beast Tamer Sect, [music] I've tamed countless beasts, raised so many spirit insects that I nearly bankrupted the sect, yet I still couldn't ascend. Master Oren counted on his fingers and declared this was because I had petted too many fluffy creatures bald, racking up too many romantic debts. "Release them," Master Oren said with deep sorrow. "Let all your spirit beasts go and earn some merit." I clutched my 9,999th spirit pet and refused to let go. My junior sectmates crowded around, hugging my legs and wailing, "Lyra, please, just let them go. If you keep raising them, we won't even be able to afford fasting pills." I had no choice. With tears streaming down my face, I bid farewell to 9,999 spirit pets I'd raised for years, keeping only my destined spirit beast. Some beasts wept as they left, others sprinted off without looking back. To my
1:30 surprise, I discovered the thrill of setting things free, and I couldn't help myself. My hands itched, so I secretly released a few of my senior brother's spirit beasts, too. "Lyra, what are you doing? Master Oren, she's at it again. Someone come stop her." Oh, I forgot to mention, I have a bad habit. I get hooked on everything I do. When I got hooked on raising spirit pets, I bonded with more than half of the spirit beasts in the cultivation realm, not even sparing the mosquitoes. If I got hooked on releasing, too, the entire Beast Tamer Sect shuddered in unison. Master Oren trembled as he handed me a cosmic pouch. "My disciple, why don't you go down to the mortal realm? There are plenty of wicked cultivators down there. One of you can match 10 of them." Before I could react, he kicked me straight down to the mortal realm and issued a strict command. I'm not allowed back until I've released a million spirit beasts. Fine, if I can't go back, I won't. I dust off my sleeves and stand up. I haven't been to the mortal realm
2:16 in centuries. Let's see how things have changed. After 2 weeks of feasting non-stop in the mortal realm, stuffing my cosmic pouch full of snacks, I finally remember the real task. But ordinary won't count as merit, and trapped spirit beasts are hard to find. I rack my brain, then a brilliant idea strikes. If there's no problem, create one. Catch the spirit beast first, then release them. Doesn't that still count as releasing? With that thought, I gnaw on a candied hawthorn skewer, squat by the sea, and form a hand seal. I'm hoping to catch tens of thousands at once, but the net holds only one glowing little blue octopus. Eight tentacles shimmer with spirit light, wreathed in venomous mist. Top grade quality. In the cultivation realm, it would qualify as someone's destined spirit pet, but sadly I can't bond with anything new. I poke its round little head, and out of habit press a kiss to its forehead. This is the beast tamer sect's soothing ritual. Passing a bit of spirit energy makes
3:01 them happy. Off you go, little one. Be more careful next time. Don't get caught again. I flick my wrist, [clears throat] and splash, it lands back in the sea. I cast the spell again, and the net still holds the same blue-ringed octopus. I raise an eyebrow. Is it stupid? So careless. Seeing its tentacles cling to my finger, blue eyes staring straight at me, I suddenly understand. Maybe I didn't give it enough spirit energy. I kiss it three more times. That's enough, right? After kissing, I release it once more. But then, the 10th time, the 100th, the 1,000th, I keep scooping up the same one. Every single time it puts on a haughty, aloof act while its tentacles secretly cling to my fingers. Only after I kiss its forehead does it slowly let go. When I toss it back into the sea, it shoots me a wounded glance with those deep blue eyes, as if I'm some heartless cheater. Has this little octopus fallen for me? A slow smile curves my lips. Fun. I'm hooked. After
3:47 scooping it up 20,000 times, I start trying different poses by the shore, different intervals, different casting directions, even different seas. But no matter which sea I move to, as long as I'm within the mortal realm, I always catch it, and only it. So impressive. My eyes light up and I play even more eagerly. Of course, every time I remember to reward it with a kiss. After repeating this, scooping up and releasing for the hundred-thousandth time, I'm hooked beyond saving. Mechanically, I plant a smacking kiss on its head. My last drop of spirit energy has been drained. Surely, I've saved up plenty of merit by now, I mumble to myself, fingers absentmindedly stroking its cool, smooth tentacles. Even if it's not enough, I don't want to keep going. It's getting boring. I see someone up ahead releasing mountain spring water. That might be more fun. I dust off my backside and stand up. Little octopus, looks like our time together ends here. Don't follow me this time, and don't get caught by anyone else. I lift it up and fling it hard into the sea, silently
4:33 chanting, "Off you go." But not only does it not leave, it swells rapidly midair, eight thick tentacles snapping around my waist and yanking me close. Dark blue demon energy surges, and a tall man silhouette looms over me. One hand clamps around the back of my neck, deep blue pupils churning with hidden storms, voice low and dangerous. "Flirt with me and run? Don't even think about it, human. You owe me." Thick tentacles, burning hot, coil tightly around my waist, and one even shamelessly brushes against my inner thigh. I'm done for. I think I've provoked someone I really shouldn't have. This is no little octopus. This is a thousand-year-old deep sea demon. Spirit beasts can take human form once they bond with a master, but demon beasts have to cultivate to the half step to immortality stage before they can shed their beast form. I look up at the handsome face just inches from mine, then down at the tentacles wrapped around my waist, and belatedly swallow. Out of body manifestation, half step to immortality, does that mean all
5:20 the seas in the mortal realm answer to you? The lord of the Kaylan Abyss lets out a low laugh, tentacles tightening. "Just figuring it out now? Why aren't you kissing me anymore?" My face flushes with embarrassment. "Uh, this is a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding." He narrows his eyes, cold fingertips gripping my wrist. "Do you know where you just touched me?" His long fingers guide mine, from his bobbing Adam's apple down across his jade smooth collarbone, his firm chest, his sculpted abs, and that scorching V-line. As he keeps guiding my hand lower, I yank it back like I've been shocked, face burning red all the way down to my neck. I I'm sorry. I didn't know that was Not knowing doesn't change that you touched me. His lips curve up. Touch me and you owe me. I stammer. How do I owe you? Kayden's tentacles wrap around my waist again pulling me firmly into his arms. He leans down his nose almost touching mine. Two choices become my wife or a tentacle presses against my
6:05 inner thigh. Become my bonded master and stay with me forever. His overly intimate posture throws my breathing off and I blurted out, I can't. I already have a destined spirit beast. The air suddenly freezes. Who? His voice turns cold. Rune. >> [laughter] >> We grew up together, I answer honestly. And I'm trying to earn merit to ascend now. Master Oren said I can't take in any more spirit beasts. Male? Yes, an azure abyss serpent, very powerful. Kayden's gaze turns dangerous. Tentacles tightening slowly. So you'd rather have a snake than me? The squeeze hurts a bit but I patiently explain, it's not that I don't want you. My bonding slots are just full. How about I ask my fellow disciples for you? He suddenly grabs my chin hard enough to make me wince. A hundred thousand times, he grits through his teeth. You kissed me a hundred thousand three hundred and fifty-nine times and now you say no? Only then do I realize how serious this is and quickly
6:50 wave my hands. That was the beast tamer sex soothing ritual, really. I do that to every spirit beast. The moment I finish a massive wave erupts from the sea. His voice turns cold as ice. Who else have you kissed? I count on my fingers. Little white rabbits, little squirrels, little celestial cranes. Enough! He furiously squeezes my face. From now on you only kiss me. Kayden presses his hand against my chin. Me or that snake? His breath is hot. His gaze dark. I'm panting wiping water droplets from my face and sigh. You don't need to force me. His eyes light up slightly as if he thinks I've finally come around but my next sentence smacks him right back to square one. Bonding with a contract beast only requires a kiss on the forehead or when both parties consent an exchange of blood or fluids. I look at him seriously. If you really want to become my bonded beast, of course I'll accept you. There's no need for this kind of forced exchange. I keep
7:35 patiently explaining and just now if I hadn't been willing the spell could have backfired on you. That's It's dangerous. I pat his shoulder. Don't do that again. Kaylen's expression looks like he's been struck by lightning. Blue eyes locked on mine, searching my face for any hint of a joke. Sadly, there isn't one. I mutter to myself in distress. The Beast Tamers Act is an orthodox school. Our spirit pets are all spirit beasts of the cultivation realm, or at least awakened spirit birds. No disciple has ever bonded with a demon beast. I pause, then quickly shrug it off. Whatever. I'm the high priestess. The worst Master Oren will do is scold me a little. I reach out and pat Kaylen's head. Since we're bonded, you'll come with me from now on. Do you prefer human or original form? I'd suggest changing back. You're way too showy. Walking through the mortal realm would draw too many stares. I point to the spot on my chest where a beast pouch is sewn in. I usually like keeping my spirit beast close to my
8:21 chest so I can pet their fluffy heads now and then. Want to go in? Kaylen's forehead veins twitch, face turning black, then red, then black again. Finally, he lets out a cold huff. Just as I think he's offended, he plops back into a little octopus, eight tentacles awkwardly tugging at my collar, rumpling and smoothing it over and over again. His round little head sulkily bumping against my chest before he reluctantly burrows in, leaving only two damp blue eyes peeking up at me. Uh-oh. This is kind of cute. What do I do? I want to pet him. The next day, once my spirit energy is restored, I take Kaylen and start a new release journey. The seaside is off-limits now. I'm afraid of fishing up another Kaylen. So, I switch to the deep forest. I figured that with Kaylen, the overlord of the mortal realm helping me, things would go twice as fast. But instead, I keep hitting walls. What an adorable little bunny. I crouch down and gently stroke a moonlight rabbit, its ruby eyes glistening, ears twitching, making me want to kiss its little head.
9:07 Just as I lean down, a tentacle suddenly tightens around my waist. Kaylen's, somehow already wrapped around me, pulling me back half a step. What's wrong? I turn around puzzled. He's shifted into human form, standing right behind me, blue eyes narrowed. A low-grade spirit rabbit like this, releasing it earns barely any merit. Before he finishes speaking, the rabbit suddenly stiffens and drops to the ground with a thud, playing dead. Kaylen casually withdraws the pressure he'd been secretly releasing and looks at me with an innocent face. Not my fault. It's just a coward. Walking on, we come across a wounded celestial crane, its snow-white feathers stained with blood, looking so pitiful. Don't be afraid, I'll heal you. I speak gently, reaching out to touch its feathers. Slap. Kaylen's arm suddenly cuts between me and the crane. The crane startles, flaps its wings, and flies off, leaving behind a few feathers. Kaylen! I stamp my foot in anger. It had parasites, he lies with a straight face. I was looking out for
9:53 you. The worst part is when we run into a little green snake, the moment I crouch down, it twists and bolts like it's seen a ghost, even slamming into a tree along the way. I whip my head around to glare at Kaylen. What's your excuse this time? He elegantly straightens his sleeves and says coolly, "Snakes are inherently lewd creatures. They sully your purity." That's just prejudice. Rune is also a snake, and he's perfectly pure. I defend the snakes indignantly. Kaylen suddenly leans in, cold fingertips lifting my chin. I told you, you only get to touch me. Hidden currents stir in his blue eyes. Let me catch you touching another spirit beast again. Well? I glare back stubbornly. How is he more domineering than me? Kaylen, as if reading my mind, suddenly smiles, a smile that's dangerous and captivating. I'll just do them all into soup. I widen my eyes, about to lecture him that this is wrong, that spirit pets should live in harmony, but his next move stuns me into silence. He actually turns himself back into a little octopus
10:39 on his own, and plop, hops into my arms, eight tentacles tightly wrapping around my waist. His round head nuzzling my chest like a clingy baby. I look down at this needy little thing, torn between exasperation and amusement. The mighty overlord of the mortal realm. How does he act like a jealous little cub? Whatever. My heart melts instantly. I'll spoil you this once. New bonded beasts are all like this, clingy, easily jealous. They'll get over it eventually. I comfort myself while unconsciously rubbing his cool, smooth head, feeling a tiny tremor at my fingertips. I look down and meet the tip of a tentacle curled up in glee. Little thing, you're quite the operator. Don't do it again, I warn with a stern face, but my hand strokes him even more gently. Kaylen, pushing his luck, nuzzles further into my palm, tentacles winding tighter. Five years pass in a blink. I wonder how Master Oren and the others are doing. Over these five years, living day and night with Kaylen, I've worked out a clever scheme to rack up merit. He plays
11:25 the bad guy and captures the spirit beasts, then I play the good guy and release them. Round and round, my merit shoots up. The million beast quota Master Oren set has long been blown past, just at the cost of those poor beasts who keep getting caught. Word has spread all over the mortal realm. There's a perverted demon who specializes in tying up spirit beasts, powerful in cultivation, but utterly cruel in his methods. He catches spirit beasts, ties them up, blindfolds and gags them, doesn't eat them, doesn't touch them, just watches them struggle in panic. Even stranger, this demon is always followed by a saintly female cultivator. She's beautiful and kind, her spirit energy pure and holy. The moment the demon lord leaves, she shows up to rescue the spirit beast and gently heal their wounds. Slowly, the spirit beasts of the mortal realm come to call her the merciful little fairy. And that demon, the cruel demon lord. The first time we hear this rumor, Kaylen's face turns dark enough to drip ink while I
12:10 laugh so hard I nearly bend in half. Kaylen, irritated by my laughter, leans in close, blue eyes churning. "Laugh again and I'll blindfold and gag you, too." I blink. "And then? Are you going to tickle me?" My own thought makes me laugh even harder. Kaylen's eyes darken further. "Heh, you can try me." Sensing his dominance, I wisely back down. "Okay, Kaylen, I'm sorry." My fingers expertly scratch under his chin as I coo, "You're the best to me." This trick worked every time on my old spirit pets, but for some reason with Kaylen it never works. His breathing grows hotter, eyes swirling with emotions I can't read. He huffs and reluctantly puts some space between us. Strangely, Kaylen seems particularly fond of being close to me. After bonding, our minds and souls are linked. When one of us cultivates, the other receives the spirit energy, too. Yet, he always likes to demand that little bit of cultivation through close intimacy. Surprisingly, when we're that close, my mind becomes especially clear
12:56 and my cultivation grows faster than in years of secluded training. At this rate, within a century we could both ascend together. There's just one thing that troubles me. Today, Kaylen, in human form, wipes a smear of candy from the corner of my mouth. I suddenly notice a small cinnabar packed tattooed on his right palm and from it pulses a rhythm of spirit energy that isn't mine. At first I thought it was his own, but then I realized, he's a demon. Where would he get spirit energy? "Who tattooed this on you?" Kaylen's body stiffens. The hand that had been gently caressing my cheek slowly lowers. After a long silence, he says, "I'll tell you later." Then he turns back into a little octopus and droops listlessly on top of my head. Oh, I don't press further and keep nibbling on my sugar pancake, but suddenly my chest feels heavy like a soaked wad of cotton, heavy and sour and tingling. Before I can figure out where this complicated feeling is coming from, a deep tremor pulses from within my inner world. It's Rune. He's about to
13:41 wake. I freeze in place. Kaylen, perched on my head, seems to sense something too, tentacles tightening slightly. What is it? Nothing. I push down the unease and sip some tea to steady my mind, but the pulse only grows stronger like a warning. Rune, my Destined Spirit Beast, we've depended on each other since childhood and his jealousy runs deeper than Kaylen's. If he finds out that during his slumber I not only took in nearly 10,000 Spirit Beasts, but also bonded with a Demon Beast, I'm done for. I wonder if it's too late to ditch Kaylen and run right now. When I was young, Master Orin personally took me to the Abyss of Shadows to obtain my Destined Spirit Beast. He carries the bloodline of an ancient Dragon God, a rare Azure Abyss Serpent. We sealed our bond with souls, swore our oath with blood and shared one fate in life and death. 150 years ago his Dragon God bloodline awakened and he fell into a deep slumber. Now he's about to wake. The Spirit Orb trembles in my palm. With
14:27 no time to explain to Kaylen, I hurry to find a Spirit Mountain and lay down layer upon layer of arrays, shielding the Spirit Orb in my palm because Rune's awakening always comes with a lightning tribulation. For seven full days I don't leave for a moment, even feeding the Orb with my own essence blood every day. The Orb grows brighter and warmer while my face turns paper white. The silent Kaylen beside me finally can't hold back. His blue eyes deep. Is he that important? His voice carries a heaviness I can't read. Of course. I wipe the blood from my lips, panting. Rune is my only Destined Spirit Beast. Seeing his face darken, I pause and add, "If you also" "Shut up." He cuts me off with a low growl. The word only stabs at him like a dagger. I don't need it. Storms churn in Kaylen's eyes. He whirls around, chest heaving violently as if he might vanish from my sight in the next breath, but his foot only moves half a step before locking in place. He draws a
15:13 deep breath, turns back with lingering rage, and sits cross-legged behind me in silence. Warm, blazing demon energy instantly blankets me, pouring generously into my drained meridians. Kaylan grits his teeth, voice cold and hard. A worthless snake. When he comes out, I'll catch him and stew him into soup. Slow as I am, even I can easily sense the jealousy and bitterness in his words. My heart suddenly clenches. I used to find it amusing when my spirit pets fought over my attention, but seeing Kaylan like this makes my chest ache. My fingertips itch to smooth his tense back, to ease the crease between his brows. This unfamiliar urge unsettles me. When did I start caring about him this much? Before I can sort it out, kaboom! The first lightning bolt tears the sky open. I'm pinned [clears throat] in place by the terrifying pressure, blood surging instantly. Kaylan is harshly pushed away by the rules of the tribulation. Boom, boom, boom. The thunder strikes one
15:58 after another like giant hammers. I hold up the trembling array, my vision flickering black. Outside the array, Kaylan's figure is taut as a drawn bow, demon energy raging wildly, eyes locked on me. The final, world-shattering bolt strikes down. My vision goes completely black, and I fall backward. Lyra! Kaylan's eyes nearly tear at the corners, and he charges forward without a thought. But a deep green figure moves faster, a slender arm catching me around the waist. Rune's familiar, crisp scent rushes over me. Silly Lyra. Powerful dragon blood mingled with that cool scent floods into my body, instantly soothing every wound. I shiver and can't help letting out a satisfied sigh. Rune holds me tight, as if trying to crush me into his bones. His low voice rough from long sleep and thick with longing. Lyra, I missed you so much. I miss you, too, Rune. I cling to his lean body, the bloodline deep stirring putting me at ease. Behind me, Kaylan's hand freezes
16:44 midair, knuckles white, eyes locked on Rune's arm around my waist. Blue eyes churning with fury and pain. Rune lifts his gaze. His cold, indifferent stare treating Kaylan like an insect. Get lost. Rune tightens his grip, lips brushing my hair. My Lyra is not for filthy things like you to touch. Kaylan's demon energy explodes outward, and the ground cracks inch by inch. A cold smile twists his lips, storms raging in his eyes, and he says word by word, "A useless serpent who needs his master to take a lightning tribulation for him, and you dare bark at me?" Kaylan rages. Rune, unphased, lets his slender fingers calmly comb through my hair, not even bothering to lift his eyelids. The treatment of a destined spirit beast, a wild demon like you wouldn't understand. His voice is low, carrying inborn arrogance. Sharing tribulations, fusing essence blood, in this world only I am that close to her.
17:29 Kaylen's pupils shrink, his chest pierced as if by a blade, breath caught for a moment, but he quickly twists his lips into a mocking smile. An old relic who slept for a hundred years, you dare talk about closeness? He steps forward, demon energy surging like a wild tide, voice almost gentle. All those years you were lost in sleep, the one standing side was me. Rune's fingers suddenly tighten, and my hair is pulled enough to sting. A wicked satisfaction flashes in Kaylen's eyes, and he continues, "The things we've done, far more than a useless thing like you can imagine. She even said it herself, I'm her only one." I've just absorbed the surge of dragon blood Rune passed to me, my spirit energy still unsettled, my mind still hazy. Hearing Kaylen's words, I instinctively nod. I did say that, that time I accidentally let it slip. I told Kaylen I'd lost merit because I'd bonded with 9,999 spirit beasts, and was forced down to the mortal realm to make up for it. He
18:15 flew into a jealous fit on the spot. His demon energy went wild, and he wrecked half a valley. For three whole months afterward, he wouldn't let me touch him. Every time I came close, he'd coldly turn his face away, his voice both hurt and haughty. "What do you want from me? Go find your 9,999 spirit beasts." That look, carrying desperately but forcing on an aloof face, made me pity him and adore him. In the end, when he pinned me against a wall and demanded, "Who is your only one?" I got carried away in the moment and said those words. But now, that careless nod, falling into both their ears, becomes the most fatal admission. Rune jolts, his arm clamping around my waist with force that nearly crushes me. Jade green slit pupils narrowing dangerously, voice frighteningly low. "Lyra, is what he said true?" Before I can answer, Kaylen bursts into wild laughter, the joy in his eyes almost tangible. "Did you hear that, snake? She
19:01 admitted it. In her heart, you stopped being the only one a long time ago. You're dead." Rune's dragons might erupt around him, his arms releasing me, his green robe slicing through the air in a sharp arc. His five My form claws, striking straight for Kaylin's throat, fast enough to leave afterimages. Kaylin scoffs coldly, his dark blue demon energy instantly forming a barrier. The dragon claws crash against the ice crystal barrier, releasing a teeth-grinding shatter, demon energy fragments flying like hail. I snap back to my senses, quickly forming hand seals to stop them, but the spirit energy in my body, just shocked by the dragon blood, is now sluggish like a dead pool. The spell gathering at my fingertips dissipates before it even takes shape. "Stop, both of you." My voice is drowned in the thunder of their battle. Rune's first strike misses. His figure spins like a phantom, a phantom serpent tail sweeping out. Kaylin presses forward instead of retreating, hands forming seals, eight blue tentacles fanning out.
19:46 Boom! The shockwave levels every plant and tree within 30 m. I have to raise my hand to shield my face, and through my fingers I see a streak of blood on Kaylin's left cheek from the dragon energy, while Rune's right wrist is burned by demon fire, his sleeve catching dark blue flames. "Rune, Kaylin!" My voice cracks with panic, but neither hears me. At that moment, I notice the space behind Kaylin twist eerily. Several transparent tentacles silently form, tendrils covered in suction cup-shaped demon markings strike soundlessly at Rune's back. "Kaylin, no!" My body acts faster than my thoughts. I force my dantian to surge, blood rushes up my throat, but I still pour everything I have into a beam of golden light. The spell strikes one of the tentacles dead on, demon blood spraying like rain. Time seems to freeze in that instant. Kaylin slowly turns his head, the shock and hurt in his eyes wrenching my heart. He reaches up and touches the wounded tentacle, fingertips
20:33 smeared with dark blue blood. "You hurt me for him?" Only then do I realize what I've done. I rush forward. "I'm sorry, I just" The words catch in my throat. What do I say? That we grew up together? That protecting Rune has become instinct after centuries? That when I see him in danger, my body moves faster than my mind? Or weakly defend myself, saying I didn't mean it? I just couldn't bear seeing either of them hurt? But I know, no matter what I say, Kaylin won't believe me anymore. My fingertips tremble. "I'm sorry, let me heal you." The moment I reach out, he sharply slaps my hand away. "Him or me?" Kaylin's eyes lock onto mine, every word grinding through clenched teeth. "Choose who?" The question slams into my heart like a heavy hammer. My breath catches. I instinctively glance at Rune. He's already withdrawn his dragon form, watching it all coldly, the faintest trace of a smirk on his lips. That single glance shatters Cailin completely. He lets out a low laugh, the self-mockery in it twisting my heart
21:19 like a knife. I see. I brought this on myself. When he turns away, his robe sweeps like a banner of clouds, the wind hitting my face cold as ice. I reach out to grab him, but my fingers only catch a few drops of his blood, blue and stinging. Cailin! My throat tightens, but he's already vanished into the warped air. The blood drops in my palms sink into my skin, scalding hot, making my fingers tremble. Rune wraps around me from behind, his breath brushing the side of my neck. Lyra, there's a smile in his voice, tender and entangled. You're mine in the end. His fangs sink into my bloodline once more, warm spirit energy flooding in like a tide. I close my eyes and accept his surging love, but my heart feels like there's a hole in it, cold wind howling through. Rune's stubbornness is different from Cailin's. Cailin is domineering, Rune is restrained. That night, Rune holds me in his arms. His tight grip carrying a silent warning, yet precisely stopping at the line that won't make me uncomfortable. Lyra, what did you do
22:04 with him? He lifts a strand of my hair, curls it around his finger, voice low like wind brushing a deep pool. Cailin, clingy, knows how to act spoiled. Always wearing that aloof, cold face in public, but in private, a complete softy, coaxing me into doing all sorts of things. We even bathed together once, scrubbing each other's backs. He had me guess which tentacle wasn't allowed to be touched, then coaxed me into touching every single one. My cheeks burn furiously and I press my lips together. Rune's breath drifts past my ear, carrying a knowing soft laugh. He and I are bound in mind and soul. If he wants, my embarrassment has nowhere to hide. Lyra, what am I supposed to do with you? After that, for three straight months, I don't leave the bed. The lightning tribulation was brutal. I'm just recovering from severe wounds, and though Rune passed his tribulation successfully, his vitality is also drained. He doesn't leave my side for a moment, his lips and tongue stubbornly tracing every inch of my skin, covering old marks with new ones. The 150-year
22:51 gap of his slumber he reclaims inch by inch through this airtight closeness. I sink into it, as natural as breathing, even savoring this prison-like intimacy. But Cailin's silent, straight-backed figure as he walked away keeps surfacing in my mind uninvited. When it was just the two of us, how peaceful it was. After our intimacy, Rune combs my hair, his fingertips faintly grazing the back of my neck. You had no distractions then, not like certain outsiders with tangled hearts who only get in the way. I lean against him, fingers tracing the patterns on the back of my neck, but the hollow in my chest isn't filled. If anything, his words let in a colder wind. Kaelen's awkward way of caring, his jealous glare, even the slippery yet reassuring feeling of his tentacles wrapping around me, all of it is sharply clear right now. Rune's embrace is still the most familiar harbor, but this too-tight for the first time makes me feel a strange, indescribable suffocation, like the softest silk
23:36 threads have tied up my hands and feet. Rune, my voice is soft yet carries a resolve unfamiliar even to me, as if I finally broken through an invisible window. I want to go find Kaelen. Once the words are out, my heart actually settles. I lift my eyes to meet his suddenly darkening gaze. Is that okay? The air freezes. Ink-dark currents churn in Rune's eyes, and the gentle aura around him turns dangerous in an instant. The next moment, sharp pain explodes from the side of my neck. He bites down hard, fangs piercing skin with force and near-violent possessiveness. The pain makes me clutch the silk sheets, thinking he means to tear me apart. My throat locks, and I go limp in his arms, but that terrifying force suddenly eases, soft, silken sensations replacing the pain. Rune licks the wound with restrained tenderness, spirit energy flowing in like warm currents. His voice pressed against my pulse, suppressed and trembling, "Don't ask me if it's okay."
24:22 He lifts his head, fingertips brushing the rapidly healing pink mark, his eyes like deep sea after a storm, pain and indulgence woven together. "When have I ever truly refused you?" Lyra, Kaelen isn't hard. He is my bonded beast, after all. With a single thought, the bloodline link stretches out like an invisible thread, pointing straight to a dark abyssal canyon. The canyon is bottomless, thick with demonic aura, filled with a pressure that makes the heart race. I never knew the mortal realm held such a dangerous place. What is Kaelen doing here? "It's dangerous here." Rune's voice lowers slightly. His brow tight, and he steps forward without a word, shielding me securely behind him. I shoot him a grateful look, push down my unease, and follow him deeper into the shadows, pressing on. The deeper we go, the stronger Kaylen's aura grows, tangled with another power. That familiar spirit energy pulse. I've seen it before, on the cinnabar pact in his palm. The cinnabar pact, sealed with
25:08 heart's blood and a fragment of soul, binding both parties in life and death. Unless one dies and the other immediately finds a willing replacement, the array cannot be broken. Both share one fate. It's similar to the beast tamer sex destined spirit beast bond, only broader in scope. The destined bond applies only to humans and beasts, but the cinnabar pact covers humans, beasts, and artifact spirits. Any of the three can be locked together. Back then, I once asked Kaylen about the origin of a cinnabar pact, but he refused to tell me. Now, a cold suspicion rises in my heart. Besides me, Kaylen may have had another master all along. The thought of Kaylen being close, acting spoiled, even sharing intimate moments with someone else the way he does with me. The way he does with me. My chest seizes painfully, sour and aching all at once. My steps slow without my meaning to, and a flicker of hesitation creeps in, making me want to retreat. Suddenly, Rune halts
25:53 abruptly, even though I can feel Kaylen's aura just up ahead. Rune turns around at once, his warm palm covering my eyes. "Don't look." His voice is low, full of reluctance. "Looking will only hurt you." My breath catches. After a moment of silence, I gently pull his hand down and stubbornly peek around him. Deep in the eerie canyon, a strangely sacred field of flowers stretches out. At its center, Kaylen, eyes shut, his handsome face buried in the embrace of a stunning woman. And that woman is cupping his face, softly kissing his forehead. Sensing our arrival, her eyes drift over. The look she throws me full of contempt. My suspicion is confirmed. My heart feels stabbed, sour and aching, unbearably so. I jerk my head away, instinctively wanting to run. "Don't be afraid, I've got you." Rune's strong arm steadies me from behind. "Don't you like that stinking octopus? If you leave today, you'll regret it. Better to ask straight out, get a clean answer." Rune's support
26:38 gives me courage. Yeah, why should I run? Even if that woman is the one Kaylen loves, so what? I am the high priestess of the beast tamer sect. Kaylen is my bonded beast. A master reclaiming her bonded beast. That's the natural order. With that thought, my courage returns, and I step forward and shout, "Caelan, you get back here. I don't recall ever allowing you to find another master." Caelan shows no reaction, sleeping deeply. The woman raises her brow and laughs. "So, you're the woman who broke my Caelan's heart. Don't waste your breath. You abandoned him for 3 whole months. His heart already died, and he willingly offered his heart to me as a sacrifice. The spell is complete now. Not even a golden immortal can undo it." She bursts into mad laughter. "What a joke. He even sent me a message saying he wanted to find a way to break the Cinnabar Pact so I could no longer drain his soul so he could keep himself whole for you. What wishful thinking." Her laughter sharpens. "And in the end, he still
27:24 crawled back like a dog, just like his father. Never escapes my grasp." The woman is unhinged, her face terrifying. I frown. What is she babbling about? I didn't catch it. Sounded like she called that ugly octopus a dog. Rune nods in agreement, but I'm furious. What kind of nonsense? How dare she insult my adorable Caelan? Sure, dogs are usually cute, but in this context, this mad woman is insulting my little darling. And looking at Caelan, helpless and unconscious at her mercy, he's always been proud and overbearing. How could he willingly let himself be humiliated like this? In an instant, I see through it all. Fury rises, and I form a hand seal and charge forward. "Wretched woman, give Caelan back. He's mine." The woman's smile freezes as she realizes how powerful my spell is. Her face pales, and she yanks Caelan in front of her as a shield, screaming, "Go on, hit me. You don't care about him anyway. If you dare, blast right through him, too. You coward." Her threat hits my weak
28:10 spot precisely. I forcibly pull back my spirit energy. The smug look has just risen on her face when the next instant, Rune's serpent tail flashes like green lightning, silently piercing through her heart from behind. He flicks the blood off his tail, scrubs it clean with a quick spell in disgust, and pouts as he nuzzles up to me. "Lyra, I'm dirty now. I got another woman's blood on me." I'm torn between exasperation and laughter. Is now really the time to act spoiled? I sigh and stand on my toes to pat his head. "Yes, Rune is amazing. I'll wash you well when we get home." Rune's eyes light up, and he pushes his luck. "Wash with your mouth the way I did for you before." My cheeks flame red. Before I can speak, a furious shout explodes behind me. "You shameless snake, have you no decency?" It's Caelan. He's awake, half kneeling on the ground, face deathly pale, blood at the corner of his lips. The moment his eyes meet my joyful gaze, a flicker passes through his eyes, his cheeks flushing, but he immediately turns his face away. Voice cold as ice.
28:57 "Mhm, wretched woman, didn't you pick your darling snake? Why come find me?" Same familiar flavor, same familiar recipe. It's Kaylin. He hasn't changed. Joy bursts in my heart, and I can't help shouting, "Good, Kaylin, I've come to get you. Once I defeat this crazy woman, we'll go home together." Rune beside me sounds a little jealous. He huffs coldly. "Go home? I never said I'd accept him." He turns to Kaylin, taunting, "Foolish demon, this time I'll make sure you understand who the only one really is. Like I'd be afraid of you." Kaylin flares with rage at his words, demon energy surging around him. Eight dark purple tentacles snap the invisible array binding him in an instant. "Even 10,000 times over, Lyra would still love me most." Just as the two of them square off, the madwoman suddenly lets out a shrill sinister laugh. "Impossible, the spell is complete. Under the soul-devouring array, your soul should already be scattered. How could you break free of my seal?" Her face contorts as she points at Kaylin. "I command you, kill
29:44 them for me." Kaylin's tentacle whips through the air, flinging her viciously aside. "You think you're worthy of commanding me? I'm your mother." The woman shrieks hysterically. "Silence." Kaylin's eight tentacles strike down like thunder, demon energy exploding outward, the entire canyon shaking. Towering rage burns in his eyes, his voice piercingly cold. "My mother passed on a thousand years ago. You are nothing but a fragment of her soul. The tips of his tentacles gather a chilling killing intent aimed straight at her heart. Out of regard for our mother-and-son bond, I let you survive through the Cinnabar Pact until now." Blood red surges in his eyes. "You dared to fall into the demonic path on your own and scheme against me." The woman's face turns ashen, lips trembling as she tries to explain, but Kaylin's violent demon energy pins her down. He sneers, killing intent piercing the air. "If not for your deliberate attack, would I have ever fallen unconscious? I won't let you
30:30 live today." His tentacles plunge down. "No." The woman shrieks. "We share the Cinnabar Pact. If I die, you die, too." Seeing he still doesn't let go, she sneers viciously. "What? Do you really think she'll save you? Dream on, she already has a destined spirit beast. What are you to her? Kaylen ignores her completely, only gazing at me silently. Those eyes, always so proud, now show a trace of acceptance. I know I can't compete with him. His voice is low and rough, but every word is clear. But loving you, that part is real. A thousand years of cultivation and both the human and demon world see me as an outsider. He pauses as if suppressing the emotions surging within him. Only you never looked down on me. All eight tentacles crack with a bone-shattering sound. He looks at me one last time, voice as soft as a sigh. Live well and don't forget me. A single tear slides slowly from the corner of his eye. Kaylen lowers his head, a lonely, resigned smile at his lips. I look at
31:17 him completely confused. Wait, sweetheart, what are you crying for? I'm about to die, can't I cry? Who said you have to die? I never said I wouldn't bond with you. Kaylen jerks his head up to look at me. You mean it? His voice trembles. I nod earnestly. Of course, I can't bear to lose you. Dying is just forming an array, isn't it? I already have a one death takes two situation with Rune. Add Kaylen, one death takes three really isn't that many. I poke his burning hot tentacle and add, perfect keeping you two in check so you stop fighting all day. If either of you got hurt, I'd be heartbroken. Better that we all rise together and fall together. Kaylen's eyes go wide, his whole body flushing red in an instant. His eight tentacles flailing into a panicked tangle. The next second, he suddenly explodes into action, crushing the soul fragment to powder and forming the array with movements so fast they leave afterimages. Then, with a soft pop, the deep sea overlord who was just radiating murderous intent becomes a palm-sized
32:02 little octopus, diving headfirst into my collar and absolutely refusing to come out. Only two bright red tentacle tips showing, flailing wildly against my collarbone. He's embarrassed, I think to myself, secretly amused. Rune beside me makes a snide, jealous remark. Shh, sweetheart. More like a big crybaby. Old enough to know better, still crying at the drop of a hat, no shame at all. Then, Rune sidles up shyly and whispers in my ear. Lyra, Lyra, am I your big sweetheart? Pfft. I burst out laughing. With one hand stroking Kaylen's little head against my chest and the other scratching under Rune's chin, I coo indulgently, "Yes, yes, yes, you're both my darlings, my sweethearts. Come on, let's go home." Cultivation realm, in front of the Beast Tamer Sect's Great Mountain Guarding Array. I peek out from behind Rune, sheepish as a guilty puppy. "Why won't you let me out?" Kaylan grumbles and squirm inside my collar. "Shh." I press his squirming head down.
32:48 Rune crosses his arms and scoffs. "Foolish demon." Kaylan instantly bristles. "You stinking snake, what did you say?" Just as the two of them are about to start fighting again, "Both of you, settle down. I still haven't figured out how to explain you two to Master Orin. If we get caught now, we'll all get a lecture." Of course, the very thing I feared comes true. The loudest junior in the entire sect, Rocco, happens to be heading out for supplies, and his eyes immediately lock onto my sneaky figure. His eyes light up, and without a second hesitation, he draws a deep breath from his core, turns toward the sect, and bellows like he's splitting the sky open. "Everyone, come out and look! Lyra's back!" The entire Beast Tamer Sect erupts in an instant, figures flying everywhere, dark sect robes pouring like a tide to the array. The Great Mountain Guarding Array silently opens, and the long missed scent of plants and spirit herbs floods my senses. Master Orin sounds stern and
33:35 distant. "Hm, you still remember back?" Senior Cade, warm and smiling, says, "It's good you're home." Pippa hops over excitedly. "Lyra! Lyra! Did you bring us any treats or fun stuff?" I quickly slip out from behind Rune, guilt plastered on my face. "I did! I did!" I hurriedly pull a colorful pile of Mortal Realm snacks and trinkets out of my storage pouch, which the juniors cheerfully snatch up in seconds. My gaze shifts to Wesley and the other senior brothers standing silently to the side. Even more guiltily, I pull out another beast pouch and bring out several little Mortal Realm beasts brimming with spirit energy. "Wesley, Zane, Logan, I'm sorry about back then. I shouldn't have taken in and released your spirit beasts. These are my apology." The senior brothers freeze for a moment, then their eyes well up. Wesley says, "Just a few spirit pets, no big deal." But his hand snatches the pouch in a flash. The moment they peek inside, their eyes go
34:20 wide, and they nearly start fighting over the pouch. The mood is lively. Master Orin's gaze sweeps over Rune, and he gives a slight nod. "Rune has emerged from seclusion. Not bad. His aura is much steadier." Then he turns to me with a stern face. "Now that you're back, focus on preparing for ascension. No more fooling around." So unfair! I pout and cry out. "I clearly finished the task you gave me. 1 million spirit beasts, not a single one short. My merit must be more than enough for ascension. If you don't believe me, check it yourself." Master Oren freezes. "What? 1 million spirit beasts? What merit?" My eyes fly wide in horror and I stare blankly at the equally bewildered Master Oren. Senior Cade, beside us, can't hold it in any longer, his grin stretching to his temples. "Lira, Master Oren only said that because he was worried you'd raise too many spirit pets and lose yourself to play. He just blurted it out. You took him seriously?" Seeing my mouth fall open, he laughs so hard he
35:06 shakes. "Silly girl, if the Beast Tamer Sect lost merit from raising beasts, we'd have shut down ages ago. How would we ever talk about ascension?" The sky is falling. I close my eyes in despair, refusing to speak, and Master Oren has to rub salt in the wound, straightening his back as he salvages his dignity. "It was for your own good. Look, if I hadn't sent you to the mortal realm to train, Rune wouldn't have come out of seclusion this quickly, would he?" I might as well go all in. I yank Kaylen out. "Master Oren, since you tricked me, I won't pretend either. This is the demon beast I bonded with. We're already bound in life and death. You have to accept him." I demand boldly. "No scolding me and definitely no kicking me out of the sect." Master Oren says nothing, his eyes flicking between me and Kaylen. Then he suddenly slaps his forehead with a loud smack, his expression beyond words. "My dear disciple, how are you so naive? Which sect rule ever said you can't bond with a demon beast? No one's done it before because greater demons
35:53 are too proud to be spirit pets and lesser demons aren't worth the trouble. Nobody bothers." He points at Kaylen, corners of his mouth lifting. "A great demon like him, our sect would be thrilled to welcome him. Why would we drive you out?" Then he points at me, exasperated. "I really did spoil you too much. With this brain, a single piece of candy could convince you to follow a stranger anywhere. From now on, you absolutely must go out and train more often." Thanks, already got fooled, paid for it with my own life. Looking at Master Oren's helpless expression and at the senior and junior disciples beside us trying desperately to muffle their laughter, shoulders shaking, I burst into a wail and throw myself into Rune and Kaylen's arms. Wedged between them, left arm around Rune, right arm around Cailin. Someone teach me, oh great juggler of two lovers, I can't live like this. 50 years later at the peak of the Beast Tamer Sect, three bolts of violet
36:38 heaven lightning tear open the sky, only to be effortlessly dispelled by the joint array Rune, Cailin, and I form together. Rune's dragon power, Cailin's demon energy, and my spirit energy weave into a net, swallowing the heavenly tribulation whole. In the radiant glow of ascension, the three of us share a smile. Just as I reach for both of their hands, the rushing currents of breaking through the realm seal sweep us apart. I don't know how much time passes. I open my eyes with difficulty, rainbow-colored light filling my vision, rich immortal spirit air pouring into my lungs, the cold white jade ground beneath me painfully hard. So, this is the immortal realm. I push myself up on aching bones, instinctively looking for Rune and Cailin. Though I can't see them, I can feel they're not far. Just as I'm about to head over to meet them, a soft, pained whimper, clear yet carrying the soft boyish sweetness of a teenager, drifts into my ear without warning. I
37:23 whip my head around, and just three steps away from me, a figure curls on the pristine white immortal stone ground. The boy is no more than 16 or 17, dressed in spotless white robes. As if sensing my gaze, he lifts his head, too. Our eyes meet, and in that instant, it's as if shattered gold is flowing between us. I'm stunned by his pure golden eyes. So innocent, they seem to hold no trace of impurity. The look he gives me is full of unhidden delight and pure dependence. "Lyra." The boy lifts his face, golden eyes glistening with tears. "I'm hurt. Can you save me?" His voice is as sweet and soft as honey. Just like back at the Beast Tamer Sect, when I'd see fluffy little spirit beast cubs gazing up at me with damp eyes, the softest part of my heart gives a gentle squeeze. I quickly move to his side, healing spirit light glowing at my fingertips, reaching without hesitation toward his curled up leg. "Don't be afraid. Let me take a look." Just as I'm about to touch the boy. "Lyra, don't
38:09 touch him!" Cailin and Rune's furious shouts erupt behind me at the same time. "Hm?" Before I can react, the boy suddenly bursts into a giggle. His pure white robes instantly transforming into sky-covering golden wings, and a massive claw scoops me up around the waist. "Lira is mine now. None of you can take her from me." The golden-winged roc lets out a long cry and shoots straight into the sky. "Put her down." Caylin's roar surges like a raging deep-sea tide, and Rune's dragon's roar shakes the nine heavens. Two streaks of immortal light, one blue and one green, tear across the sky, but the golden flash has already pierced through the clouds, vanishing thousands of miles away in an instant.
