Chapter 29: The Spirit Beast Stable

Chapter 29: The Spirit Beast Stable

The morning sun rose lazily over Clear Water City, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. From afar, the city looked like a sleeping giant slowly waking, its towering gray walls looming proud, banners of noble clans and merchant guilds fluttering along the battlements.

For the time in a long, Xiao Chen and Xiao Rongyu stepped beyond the gates of the Xiao Family Estate 'together', the world outside bustling with life that felt almost foreign.

The cobbled main streets of Clear Water City stretched wide, polished by countless footsteps over the years. Two lines of stately buildings flanked the path, their wooden beams dark and strong, their rooftops elegantly curved like the wings of resting cranes. Every structure spoke of Clear Water's prosperity—homes of merchants, inns, alchemy pavilions, blacksmith shops, and tea houses—each competing in grandeur. Clear Water City was indeed worthy of its fame—one of the most prosperous trade cities in Lingshui Country.

Crimson lanterns swayed lazily in the breeze, casting soft glows across market stalls packed tightly together. Merchants barked out their wares, their voices blending into a chaotic but strangely harmonious symphony.

"Fresh spiritual herbs! Harvested from the Moonlight Valley, perfect for body tempering!"

"Beast hides! Tougher than iron, cheaper than you'll ever find again!"

Bakers displayed golden loaves steaming fresh from their ovens, while alchemists hawked bottles of elixirs, their colorful fumes rising into the air. The mingled scents of roasted meat, fragrant incense, and sharp medicinal herbs created a heady atmosphere that filled the senses.

Xiao Rongyu's eyes lit up as she took it all in, unable to hide the small smile curling her lips. "Brother Chen... Isn't it beautiful? I always forget how alive the city feels." She turned, voice soft. "Did you ever just... walk through here before?"

Xiao Chen glanced sideways, his gaze calm as always. "No. Never had a reason to."

"That's a shame..." Xiao Rongyu sighed wistfully. "Life outside the clan walls is... different. Look at everyone—living, breathing, dreaming. It makes our struggles feel... less lonely."

Xiao Chen didn't answer, but his gaze lingered on her a heartbeat longer than usual.

Their slow stroll attracted attention. It didn't take long before murmurs spread among the crowd.

"That's Xiao Chen... and Xiao Rongyu, right?" "The Xiao Family's geniuses... I heard Xiao Chen had a reawakening and awakened a terrifying martial spirit." "If I can get them to buy something... just one sale could change my fortune!"

Merchants began scrambling forward, shoving others aside.

"Young Master Xiao! A rare spirit herb, perfect for enhancing strength—only one gold coin!" "Young Miss Rongyu, surely a beauty like you deserves this Phoenix Silk Robe!"

Xiao Rongyu chuckled, waving them off. "They're really trying hard, Brother Chen..."

Xiao Chen remained aloof, barely sparing the hawkers a glance. But just as they moved to pass, his eyes caught an old man squatting by the corner, half-hidden behind a worn stall. The man's cap was tattered, his sparse teeth yellowed and crooked. He had nothing but a small wooden tray of jade trinkets—most cheap, poorly carved, and coated in dust.

However, one piece stood out—a jade necklace, plain and unimpressive at first glance, but Xiao Chen's sharp eyes caught the faint, ancient runes etched deep within the stone.

"How much for that?" he asked, pointing.

The old man's eyes gleamed instantly. "Ah! Young Master, such excellent eyes! That piece? Ten gold coins only. Found by a lad who claimed it came from a cultivator's grave, I swear on my ancestors!"

Xiao Rongyu blinked. "Ten gold coins? Brother Chen, don't—he's trying to cheat you. It's worthless."

But Xiao Chen ignored her, calmly tossing ten gold coins onto the tray.

The old man nearly wept with joy, grabbing the coins as if he feared the heavens would snatch them back. "Thank you, Young Master! Thank you!"

Xiao Rongyu frowned deeply as they walked away. "Why did you do that? Ten gold coins... You know he scammed you, right?"

"It's not a scam, if anything I scammed him." Xiao Chen replied without turning. "That jade is a low-grade Spirit Rank treasure. The formation patterns amplify fire elemental energy."

She froze. "Wait... you knew?"

"Mhm. Useful for someone with a fire affinity." He handed it to her without another word.

Xiao Rongyu stared, stunned. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink. "For... me?"

"Keep it. It'll aid your cultivation," Xiao Chen added indifferently, gaze forward as if the conversation bored him.

Her heart fluttered uncontrollably. She wanted to smile, to tease him—but seeing his calm, aloof face, her words caught in her throat. Still, a small smile crept onto her lips as she slipped the necklace around her slender neck, fingers brushing the cool jade.

They walked in companionable silence until the city's walls came into view again—but this time, it was the massive complex known as the Spirit Beast Stable that caught their attention.

As Xiao Chen and Xiao Rongyu approached the Spirit Beast Stable, the scent of fresh hay and lingering beast qi thickened in the air. Rows of spirit beasts growled and snorted from their pens—sleek Wind Wolves, towering Iron-Backed Boars, even a few rare Cloud-Treading Colts. Each beast possessed sharp, intelligent eyes, their bodies rippling with strength far beyond common creatures.

"Spirit Beast Stable... it's been around for over a century," Xiao Rongyu mused, glancing at the large wooden archway bearing the establishment's name. "Their beasts are always well-trained. That's why even nobles and sect disciples come here for mounts."

Xiao Chen nodded slightly. Beast Taming was the rarest of the three great cultivation professions—Alchemy, Craftsmanship, and Beast Taming. While alchemists refined pills to aid cultivation, and craftsmen forged weapons and armor, beast tamers formed deep bonds with spirit beasts, commanding them in battle or raising them to become loyal companions. Unlike alchemy and craftsmanship, which relied on materials and knowledge, beast taming required an innate connection with the creatures—a rare and difficult talent to master.

A voice, smooth yet laced with experience, drifted from the shadows. "You two must be familiar with beast taming, then."

The stable master stepped forward, his tall, broad-shouldered frame clad in plain brown robes. His face was weathered, his thick gray beard untamed, but his dark eyes gleamed with the shrewdness of a seasoned merchant. He stroked his beard, studying them with quiet calculation before his lips curled into a polite, almost oily smile.

"It's a noble path, but not many have the talent for it," he continued. "A true beast tamer doesn't just command a creature—they earn its loyalty, understand its instincts. That's why the best are so rare."

Xiao Rongyu nodded thoughtfully. "Even in our Xiao Family, we only have one beast tamer in the younger generation."

The stable master let out a low chuckle. "A rare calling, indeed. But for those who have the talent... the possibilities are limitless."

Then, with a quick motion, he spread his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Ah, Young Master, Young Miss... forgive my manners. Welcome to my humble stable. Seeking a beast mount for your journey?"

"To the Mystic Beast Forest," Xiao Chen replied flatly.

The man's eyes narrowed slightly, calculating. "Dangerous place. You'll need something swift... strong... and reliable."

He turned and gestured toward a nearby pen. Inside stood a magnificent Wind Wolf—sleek, silver-gray fur shimmering under the morning sun. Its eyes glowed faintly blue, and its lean, powerful body radiated an aura of untamed strength. Muscles twitched beneath its pelt, a beast built for speed and endurance.

The wolf let out a low growl, its intelligent gaze locking onto Xiao Chen. Not with hostility—but with curiosity.

"This is a Grade 3 Wind Wolf. Fast as the northern gales, silent as the night. Can cross rivers in a leap, and its howls alone frighten lesser beasts."

In Lingshui, beast are ranked by seven known grades, from grade one to grade seven each grade is sub divided into four levels—Low, Mid, High and Peak. "This Wind Wolf is ranked High among Grade Three beasts", the man said with a smile.

"How much?" Xiao Chen asked.

"One low-grade spirit stones... for a day."

Xiao Chen nodded, already tracing for his spatial ring, but Xiao Rongyu stopped him with a soft tug. "Brother Chen... rent just one. I—It'll be... easier that way. We'll move faster... and it's warmer too."

She looked away, cheeks flushed.

The stable master smirked knowingly, but wisely kept his mouth shut. Xiao Chen gave her a long look before nodding. "One is enough."

Xiao Chen reached into his spatial ring and retrieved fourteen Spirit Stones, which he tossed into the air. The stones hovered momentarily before flying towards the stable master, who caught them with an enthusiastic grin.

"Three weeks," Xiao Chen stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "We'll be taking the Wind Wolf for three weeks."

The stable master's smile broadened as he pocketed the Spirit Stones. He nodded, clearly pleased with the transaction. "As you wish, Young Master. Mistshadow is a fine beast, and I'm sure she'll serve you well."

Xiao Chen extended his hand, and the stable master shook it, sealing their agreement. With a satisfied smile, the stable master gestured to one of his attendants.

"Bring out Mistshadow!" he called.

The attendant led out a magnificent Wind Wolf, its silver fur glinting in the sunlight. The beast let out a soft growl, its eyes fixed intently on Xiao Chen.

The stable master patted the Wind Wolf's side, his expression proud. "This is Mistshadow one of our best, known for her speed and agility. You won't find a better mount for your journey."

Xiao Chen nodded, his gaze assessing the Wind Wolf. He seemed satisfied with what he saw, and with a brief nod, he turned to Xiao Rongyu.

"Let's go," he said, his voice low and even.

With practiced ease, Xiao Chen mounted the beast, his posture calm and balanced. Xiao Rongyu hesitated before climbing up behind him, arms wrapping around his waist a little too tightly.

"Ready?" Xiao Chen asked.

She nodded against his back, voice muffled. "Mm."

With a low command, Xiao Chen urged Mistshadow forward. The Wind Wolf burst into motion, paws barely touching the ground as it raced out of the stable, leaving a trail of dust and wind in its wake.

Xiao Rongyu rested her head against Xiao Chen's back, her heart racing—not from fear, but from the steady warmth she felt, so close to him.

No words were exchanged, but a soft smile lingered on her lips. For the first time, the journey ahead didn't feel so frightening.

Their story, like the road stretching before them, had only just begun.