LOOKING BACK

"The poor thing," Li Wei whispered, his voice carrying echoes of the beast's own emotions. "It was driven down from the higher peaks by stronger predators. No wonder it strayed so close to the village." His free hand reached out, fingers trailing with water essence that matched the tiger's own spiritual frequency. "We can help you find a new territory, one where you won't need to compete with elder beasts. Would you like that?"

The frost tiger's defensive posture gradually relaxed, its earlier aggression melting away like spring snow. Its crystalline fur stopped crackling with hostile energy, instead beginning to resonate with the same gentle azure glow as Li Wei's formations. The beast took one careful step toward Li Wei, then another, until it could press its massive head against his outstretched hand.