Chapter 13: The Egg of Legacy

Tian Jue stepped cautiously into the cave where the dragon snake had retreated. The temperature rose a few degrees—not from fire, but from something deeper. Something sacred.

Inside, he found a large nest of silken vines and dragon grass, glowing faintly with residual qi.

At its center lay a single egg, dark crimson with streaks of golden light pulsing across its shell.

Before he could speak, the dragon snake's voice echoed into his mind again. "The egg… is not mine."

Tian Jue turned sharply.

The snake's massive form shimmered—then shrank. A pulse of spiritual power surged through the cave, and before his eyes, the beast transformed.

A tall, lithe woman now stood before him—her long legs poised, her hips full and graceful, her skin smooth as jade. She bore an oval face, entrancing eyes, and a calm but sultry aura that commanded the space.

But Tian Jue was not dazed by her beauty—he was stunned by her perfection.

"This transformation is complete…"

In his previous life, he had met a Divine Falcon with the bloodline of the legendary Kunpeng—but even that being, whose cultivation rivaled saints, could not transform fully into a human form.

But this dragon snake—she had done it with ease.

"What kind of noble bloodline…?"

She stepped toward the egg and knelt beside it.

"I was entrusted with this egg," she said gently, her voice carrying the undertones of wind and fire. "Its true parent… passed long ago. I have waited years for someone worthy to appear."

She looked at Tian Jue with an expression of quiet conviction.

"I noticed you the first time you entered this mountain. Your battles were clever, controlled. You didn't act recklessly, and you showed mercy where it mattered. When you aided the young girl against the monkey, I was convinced."

Tian Jue glanced at the egg again, then back at her. "Are you sure you want to give this… to me? A human?"

Her eyes flickered. She studied him for a moment, then tilted her head, suddenly curious. "How old are you, Tian Jue?"

"…Six," he answered.

Her eyes widened. A flicker of something ancient passed through her gaze.

Then, she smiled—a soft, almost knowing smile.

"You… You're not like the others."

Tian Jue's eyes narrowed, alert.

She continued. "Tell me… do you know the current state of the cultivation world?"

He lowered his gaze, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Not much."

She laughed—a melodious, enchanting sound. "Then don't worry about the egg. You'll learn in time that its bond will only strengthen you, not hinder you. You need only concern yourself with walking your path."

Tian Jue stepped forward, knelt, and gently placed his hands on the egg.

"I will protect you," he whispered. "No matter what."

The egg pulsed softly in response, like a heartbeat. A subtle warmth spread up his fingers.

The dragon woman stepped closer and held out two crystal vials, each brimming with glowing blood.

"One for you," she said, "and one for the egg."

Tian Jue accepted both with reverence.

As they sat by the egg, Tian Jue finally asked, "The beasts in the mountain have varying strength some of them have more power than other at same cultivation. What are the ranks?"

The woman nodded. "Bloodline ranks in this world are divided into three: Royal, Imperial, and Divine—ascending in strength and purity."

She paused. "But even more important for both human and beast… is physique."

"Physique?"

"There are five tiers," she explained, tracing lines in the air with her finger. "Mortal, Earth, Heaven, Divine, and Ancient Physique. For beasts, physique grade is mostly determined by bloodline. For humans, it's linked to their spirit root—something most don't awaken until they start cultivating."

Tian Jue sat still, absorbing every word.

"So even the foundation of the body is more layered than I ever realized…"

This world was not just more abundant—it was vastly more refined. And he had been blind to its depth.

Before he departed, the woman gave him a scroll—a hand-drawn map showing where to find the remaining herbs needed for his Marrow Tempering.

"I must retreat," she said, her tone quieter now. "My body has already begun to evolve… the wounds are superficial, but I must consolidate."

Tian Jue bowed deeply. "Thank you. I'll keep my promise. I'll protect the egg… always."

She smiled—an expression full of grace and trust.

By midday, Tian Jue had retrieved the final herbs from the marked location.

He stored the egg safely in his satchel, wrapped in qi-dampening silk from the dragon snake's cave.

And then—he returned.

As he stepped into the courtyard of his home, the sun now warm and high, the first thing he saw was his mother.

She stood by the doorway, her eyes bright with warmth, her hands gently wiping herbs on the drying rack.

The moment she saw him, her face lit up with pure relief.

Tian Jue dropped his gear and ran to her.

She opened her arms—and he embraced her, burying his face into her robes.

"I'm home."

To be continued…