The King's daughter and a new name

The sun dipped below the peaks of Azure Cloud Mountains, bathing Ash's courtyard in a warm, golden glow. Sitting cross-legged on the stone floor, Ash stared at the flickering image of the Golden Bone Ape Spirit floating before him. It was a spectral giant, its translucent fur lined with faint golden streaks, its massive clawed arms folded across its broad chest.

A cold yet wild pressure radiated from it.

> "You… need a name."

Ash thought back to his first spirit, Mrit, and how the bull's raw power had transformed his physical abilities. That single bond had elevated him from prey to predator. But this one—this was something else entirely.

> Tier 5. What can you give me…? Raw power? Toughness? Agility? All of them?

He clenched his fist, feeling a pulse of strength already beginning to bubble in his veins.

> "You're more than brute force. You faced death and still crushed half our group with sheer will. From now on, your name will be—Gorran."

The name echoed in the air, and the spirit roared silently in approval before fading into his inner world.

Ash grinned.

> With you… I'll stand even among the elites.

But his moment of satisfaction was short-lived.

A soft knock echoed on his courtyard gate.

---

A New Mission

Elder Huo stood waiting, arms behind his back, a subtle frown creasing his brow.

> "Ash. You've been summoned."

Ash's expression sharpened. "A task?"

Huo nodded.

> "An escort mission. A week-long royal hunt. You'll be guarding the Fourth Princess of the Scarlet Lion Kingdom, Princess Rin."

Ash blinked. Royalty?

> "I'm a warrior, not a babysitter, Elder."

Huo's eyes narrowed.

> "Which is why they chose you. The girl is known to be… willful. The previous disciple assigned to her returned with a broken rib and shattered ego."

Ash exhaled, already regretting the conversation.

Huo stepped closer.

> "Do not underestimate her. Her father, King Iros, is rumored to have touched the border of Throne Manifestation. His support could raise—or ruin—a sect."

Ash's brow furrowed.

> "So you're saying I should eat dirt and smile."

Huo's lips curled in the faintest smirk.

> "No. I'm saying—be clever. You're rising quickly, Ash. You'll need more than fists. You'll need allies."

---

Preparations

Back in his room, Ash packed lightly. Spirit tokens, two forged daggers, a pill pouch, and an enchanted jade that allowed communication with Elder Huo.

Vulcan stood silently behind him, holding out a thin shortblade it had completed—a masterpiece.

> "Sell it while I'm away. Use the second identity." Ash whispered.

The forging spirit nodded and faded into smoke.

Ash turned to Mrit and Gorran, now seated inside his spirit sea.

> "Watch over each other. Don't mess with Shen Mu."

The ancient soul laughed faintly.

> You worry like a mother hen now, child.

> Maybe I have reasons to, Ash murmured inwardly. I'm heading into the nest of lions now.

---

Dawn Departure

At the eastern sect gates, a royal envoy waited with scarlet banners fluttering in the wind. Horses clad in scale armor snorted clouds of steam. The royal carriage gleamed with golden lotus carvings.

Standing beside it was a girl no older than Ash—long crimson hair, narrowed golden eyes, and a face that screamed spoiled pride.

She looked at Ash once, then spoke loud enough for everyone to hear:

> "This is the bodyguard?"

> "He looks like he just crawled out of bed."

Ash bowed slightly, expression calm.

> "Princess Rin. I'll keep you safe, even if you insult me every hour."

Her eyes narrowed. "We'll see."

And with that, the royal hunt began.

---