Walker Of The Worlds

Chapter 3229: Talking To The Ice Drake Elder

Seeing that the Elder seemed to be responsive to him, Lin Mu felt a bit better. He knew he had made the right decision in reading up some books about the etiquette of dealing with Dragons, Drakes and other Draconic beasts.

”I have also brought a gift,” Lin Mu continued, maintaining his composure. ”A token of goodwill, one that I believe is worthy of the children of dragons.”

That made the Elder’s eyes narrow slightly, though not in hostility. There was now a hint of curiosity in his gaze.

”A gift, you say? Few humans remember our customs, let alone honor them. I did not expect any to follow such etiquette anymore.”

Lin Mu smiled faintly, keeping his tone humble. ”Respect is a universal truth, Elder. Especially toward those whose bloodlines once soared above the clouds and ruled the elements themselves.”

The Elder’s expression softened ever so slightly, and his aura relaxed by a fraction. ”You speak well for one so young. Very well, let me see this gift of yours.”

Lin Mu nodded once, then took a deep breath. He placed one hand on his chest and began chanting softly in his mind, the mysterious verses of the Nurturing Heart Sutra of the Beast Path.

’Open thy heart to the world, embrace its creations and become one with them!’

As the chant continued, the Qi within his dantian began to transform. The ordinary immortal qi twisted and evolved into a deeper, more primal energy. It pulsed like the heartbeat of a beast, raw and alive. Soon, a faint shimmer of pink-golden light began to leak from his skin.

Lin Mu raised his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, a sphere of Qi emerged, growing larger and brighter until it hovered above his palm.

But this was not ordinary Qi. The energy within it was thick, vibrant, and alive, it carried the pulse of beastly will itself. It was pure Beast Qi, untainted by human will.

As soon as the Beast Qi appeared, the entire valley stirred.

RUMBLE

From every direction came faint, low growls and guttural roars.

The sound reverberated through the ice caverns as if dozens of massive creatures were awakening at once. The sound was primal, almost hungry. The drakes hidden within the ice reacted instinctively to the overwhelming purity of the energy.

Even the three drakes who had escorted him reappeared at the edge of the cliffs, their eyes glowing with faint hunger and awe. The very air shimmered, rippling from the convergence of beastly intent.

The Elder’s eyes widened slightly, and for the first time, his stoic composure wavered. He stepped forward once, and the ground cracked under his feet. His sharp gaze focused on the sphere of light above Lin Mu’s hand.

”That... is pure Beast Qi,” the Elder said slowly, disbelief evident in his tone. ”Not just the imitation most tamers attempt to refine, but the true essence of beastly origin. How is it that a human wields such purity?”

Lin Mu let the sphere hover higher, where it shone like a small sun against the icy cliffs. The light reflected in countless frozen surfaces, scattering rainbows across the valley.

He bowed slightly. ”It is something I have cultivated through the Beast Path. My companion, Little Shrubby, as well as my other beast companions and I share a bond that goes beyond simple taming. Through understanding and nurturing the beast’s heart, I was able to harmonize my Qi with the flow of living nature itself.”

Lin Mu knew this question would be asked one day, and as such he had his answer ready. He didn’t need to tell them it was the sutra behind it, he just needed to justify it enough.

The Elder’s eyes narrowed in thought, his sharp gaze flicking briefly to Little Shrubby.

The beast stared back, unflinching. For a moment, a faint hum filled the air as if the two exchanged something deeper than words, an instinctive recognition between creatures of great lineage.

The Elder exhaled softly, releasing a plume of mist that froze midair before dispersing. ”You have achieved something that only the most ancient beast tamers of the Ancient Era were capable of. Even among the descendants of dragons, few can manifest Beast Qi of such purity.”

The old man’s tone had changed entirely. The pride of a draconic elder still lingered, but there was now respect in his voice... a recognition of Lin Mu’s worth.

Behind him, the rumbling of the other drakes began to subside, their curiosity now tempered by awe. The valley returned to silence, though the frost still glimmered from the lingering energy of Lin Mu’s offering.

Finally, the Elder nodded once. ”Your respect is genuine, and your strength is no illusion. You have earned my attention, Lin Mu of the Alliance. Speak, and let us see why you have come to our frozen domain.”

Lin Mu lowered his hand and allowed the sphere of Beast Qi to fade, the light dissolving into sparkling motes that drifted like snowflakes into the air. But in reality it had returned to his Dantian. He could understand the Elder wished to hear his words before accepting his gift.

He took a step forward, meeting the Elder’s gaze directly. ”Elder, I have come not only to pay respect, but to warn your kin of a danger greater than the mortals who broke your treaty. There are those who wish to use this tension to their advantage. They are the true culprits behind the chaos that befell your children.”

The Elder’s expression hardened slightly, the ancient power in his eyes returning in full force.

”Then speak clearly, human,” he said. ”For if what you say is true, the Ice Drakes will not rest until the truth is buried in the snow.”

”I know the Darkhan Dynasty was unable to give you the culprits behind the abduction of the young Ice Drake, but I’ve come to tell you they are known as the Ephemera Sect.” Lin Mu revealed, making the old Ice Drake frown deeply.