Chapter 7: The Growing Bond

The return to the Celestial Jade Clan had been smoother than expected. No elders had questioned them about their little escapade into the Mystic Moon Forest, and for now, their reckless adventure remained a secret.

However, the biggest change wasn't just in their experiences—it was in Li Tian's new companion.

A Moonshadow Fox.

She was no ordinary beast, and his friends knew it.

Settling Back into the Clan

Back in his private courtyard, Tian sat beneath the starry sky, Yue'er curled up comfortably beside him.

The little fox had stuck to him like a shadow ever since they had left the forest. Unlike most newly bonded spirit beasts, she showed no signs of hesitation or fear. Instead, she acted as if she had always belonged by his side.

Her fur gleamed silver under the moonlight, her violet eyes half-lidded with contentment. Occasionally, her large, fluffy tail flicked against his robes, as if reassuring herself that he was still there.

Tian smirked. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

The fox responded with a soft chuff, clearly pleased.

Just then, a knock sounded on his courtyard gate, followed by a familiar voice.

"Tian, open up! We want to see the fox!"

Tian let out a sigh but allowed them in.

Wu Xue, Bai Ling, and Han Lei strolled in, their eyes immediately locking onto Yue'er.

"She's still clinging to you, huh?" Wu Xue teased, hands on her hips.

"Seems like she knows what's good for her." Tian smirked.

Han Lei folded his arms. "You do realize how rare a Moonshadow Fox is, right? Most people would kill to have one."

Bai Ling nodded, observing Yue'er closely. "Their species is known for their stealth and intelligence, but she feels… different."

Tian glanced down at the fox resting against him. He felt it too.

She wasn't just a rare beast—she was special.

An Unexpected Development

As the conversation continued, Yue'er suddenly stirred.

Her ears twitched, her body shifting slightly, before a thin wisp of Qi extended from her and wrapped around Tian's core.

Bai Ling gasped. "Wait—what's she doing?"

Tian narrowed his eyes. She was trying to sync with his Qi?

Han Lei tensed. "Hey, is she draining you?"

Tian shook his head. It wasn't that.

Instead of pulling his energy away, the Qi flow between them felt natural, like a connection forming on a deeper level.

For a fleeting moment—he could feel her emotions.

Curiosity. Comfort. Trust.

Then—a voice echoed in his mind.

"Tian."

His fingers froze.

It wasn't speech. It wasn't even telepathy in the traditional sense.

It was something… deeper.

A direct link between their souls.

Tian's smirk widened. "Well… that's new."

Shocked Reactions

Wu Xue's eyes widened. "Did she just—?"

Tian nodded. "Yeah. I heard her."

Han Lei looked skeptical. "Beasts don't just randomly start talking in your head."

Bai Ling, however, was fascinated. "This isn't a normal spirit beast contract. It's an instinctual soul bond. Incredibly rare."

Tian let out a low chuckle, stroking Yue'er's fur. "Guess she really has chosen me."

Yue'er flicked her tail, clearly satisfied with the development.

Han Lei groaned. "Great. So now you have a fox that can sneak up on us, read your mind, and act smug about it?"

Wu Xue smirked. "Sounds like a perfect match for Tian."

The group laughed, but Bai Ling remained thoughtful. "Tian, this bond… it could mean a lot of things. You should test it, see what abilities it unlocks."

Tian leaned back against the stone railing, looking at the fox resting in his lap.

He had a feeling Bai Ling was right.

This was just the beginning.

The First Training Attempt

Later that night, Tian sat in his meditation chamber, Yue'er curled around his lap.

Closing his eyes, he tried to focus on their connection.

The more he reached for it, the clearer it became. Unlike normal spirit beasts, Yue'er's Qi was blending with his rather than merely drawing from it. It was as if they were… evolving together.

Then, without warning—a flicker of movement.

Tian opened his eyes. Yue'er had vanished.

No sound. No disturbance in the air.

Just… gone.

Then—a soft whisper in his mind.

"Behind you."

Tian turned, and there she was, perched silently on a nearby table, her violet eyes gleaming with intelligence.

He let out a low chuckle. "So, you can already use your stealth ability that well?"

The fox blinked, then vanished again.

Tian's smile widened.

This wasn't just a pet.

She was a true companion—one that could grow alongside him.

And deep down, he knew—

Their fates were now entwined.

And one day, Yue'er would stand beside him as an equal.