The Pact

Standing before the majestic beast, Xing Wuye felt its gaze piercing through him with an intelligence that unsettled his very core. The great silver deer with deep, piercing blue eyes and wounds that shimmered with a residual aura of her power, held his gaze, almost as if she were assessing his worth. Her fierce beauty and profound aura exuded something beyond ordinary beasts, something ancient and wise.

Wuye hesitated, wondering why such a formidable creature hadn't yet struck him down. Just as he began to ponder, a splitting pain shot through his head, and he gritted his teeth, recognizing the familiar sensation: the Akashic Records had awakened within him, surging new information directly into his mind. Clutching his temples, he focused on the incoming knowledge, trying to absorb it without succumbing to the pain.

The records informed him: this was no ordinary beast, nor even one like the Spirit Beasts he had encountered before. This creature was a Dao Soul Beast—a being with strength equivalent to a cultivator in the Dao Seeking Realm, a level that far surpassed anything he had known. He recalled the records' whispers that the Dao Seeking Realm was a step beyond the Soul Severing Realm, a realm where cultivators could begin to touch the fabric of existence itself. Wuye couldn't help but let out a self-deprecating chuckle. Every time I take a step forward, I'm reminded just how vast this world is, and how small I truly am.

As if sensing his interest, the Akashic Records continued, sending him an ancient method—one as old as time itself. This technique, long forgotten by the world, allowed cultivators to connect their qi with others and communicate telepathically across species. Wuye weighed his options, glancing up at the beast, who continued to watch him with what he could only describe as… mutual curiosity.

Should I try this technique? he wondered, sensing the potential danger in exposing his mind to a creature of such power. But her eyes held no malice, only an unreadable intelligence. Deciding to take the gamble, he closed his eyes, allowing his qi to flow outward, reaching toward her essence.

Suddenly, a voice boomed within his mind, unmistakably feminine yet powerful and commanding. "Impressive technique, young one. It's rare for one of your kind to communicate this way. When I reached a certain level, I became able to project thoughts to others, but I've never tried communicating with a human. I wasn't sure it would work."

Wuye straightened, both surprised and intrigued by the clarity of her speech within his mind. "Why did you seek to speak with me?" he asked carefully, hiding his apprehension behind a calm exterior.

The deer's gaze remained steady. "I have observed your kind in this forest before, and among you, I see an intelligence and potential for reason. That makes you perfect for the favor I wish to ask."

Wuye raised an eyebrow, she then glances westward as she seemed to watch for something in the distance. A low rumble sounded in her chest as she sighed. "That fool is likely licking his wounds now. He will return, and soon."

Wuye followed her gaze, piecing her words together. "You mean the lion?" he asked. "Does he want to... what? Rule this forest?"

The deer's eyes flickered with humor, and she shook her head. "No," she replied, her voice taking on a sharper edge. "His goal is far simpler—he wants to mate with me."

Wuye's eyes shot wide open, and he stammered, "What? How... how is that possible?"

The deer let out a soft snort, almost amused by his reaction. "Intelligence grows the more one pursues the path of power, young human. Along with ancestral knowledge comes the understanding that, at higher realms, the barriers between species blur. Mating becomes… feasible."

Still, the question lingered, nagging at him. "But what does this have to do with me?"

She met his gaze again, her voice carrying a deeper resonance. "I had a child with another creature of power. That lion wishes to kill my offspring."

Recognition dawned on Wuye's face. "So, you want me to protect your child."

She nodded, her calm gaze steady on him. "Yes. I want you to raise her, to teach her.

Despite her words, Wuye felt a moment of hesitation. "There are two issues with that. First, I'm quite weak—especially in the eyes of beings like you. Secondly, my path is filled with revenge and bloodshed. Are you certain you want your child to be around someone like me?"

A flicker of something almost like sadness passed through her eyes. "It is fine," she replied softly. "If it is her fate to die, then so be it. My only hope is to give her a chance. In return, I will not send you away empty-handed.

"First, I will bestow upon you several drops of my origin blood—a priceless gift that carries my bloodline's power." Her voice held a note of solemnity as she continued. "And secondly, I will lead you out of this forest, away from its dangers and beasts. I sense that you would appreciate that greatly."

Wuye's mind raced. This was no ordinary deal. Her origin blood was an invaluable treasure, one that would enhance his power beyond his current limitations. Even the thought of such a gift left him buzzing with excitement. He waited, hoping the Akashic Record would provide more insight into the benefits of origin blood, but for the first time, it remained silent. Seems even it wishes for me to make my own choice, he mused.

He glanced up at her, weighing the pros and cons, but it didn't take him long to decide. This offer was far too tempting to ignore.

"Agreed," he said finally, his voice steady.

She gave him a look that pierced deep into his spirit, as though sifting through his soul. "Swear it, then," she replied. "Promise that you will not use my child solely as a weapon for your own revenge."

The sincerity in her gaze struck him, and though he knew he could lie or attempt to twist his words, something within him resisted. Her wisdom and power demanded his honesty. He nodded solemnly, placing a hand on his chest, and spoke with conviction, "I swear upon my Dao Heart that I will not use your child as a mere tool for my revenge."

The air around them thickened, and he felt the restriction settle over his spirit, binding him to his promise. The deer's gaze softened, a trace of relief visible in her eyes.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice fading into his mind. "In time, I hope my daughter finds her place in this world."