Chapter 110: Birth of the Thunder Kirin

The cocoon that enveloped Lion-Eagle shone brighter and brighter, its luminance piercing through the dimness of the room. Slowly, the cocoon began to show cracks, like the fragile shell of an egg preparing to unleash the life within. These cracks grew, interweaving into a web until, with a sound like tinkling glass, the fragments floated upwards and vanished into thin air.

From the dissipating remnants of the cocoon emerged a creature of awe and majesty. It was not the familiar form of Lion-Eagle that Li Yang had grown accustomed to. This creature possessed the head of a dragon, the antlers of a deer, the eyes of a lion, the back of a tiger, the waist of a bear, and scales of a serpent. Its tail resembled that of an ox and its hooves, a horse. Atop its round head, a pair of antlers proudly stood, signifying authority and wisdom. The mythical Kirin, an emblem of good luck and prosperity in legends, now stood before Li Yang.

Li Yang was stunned, his eyes wide with amazement. The Kirin, a creature spoken of only in legends, was now right before him. But that wasn't the only change. The elemental attributes that once signified Lion-Eagle, namely earth and wind, had evolved. They now shimmered with the vibrant energy of thunder and wind. A subtle yet profound transformation.

With profound respect and a touch of pride in his voice, Li Yang proclaimed, "You are no longer the Lion-Eagle. You shall now be known as the Thunder Kirin - Ares!"

The rebirth, while wondrous, was not without its toll. Ares seemed drained, its energy consumed by the intense process of evolution. Recognizing the need for rest, Li Yang decided they would recuperate for a few hours. From his storage card, he drew out nourishing food and all necessary provisions to spend the night comfortably.

As they settled in, Li Yang's thoughts drifted to the looming challenge ahead. The ranking competition was just three months away. Time was of the essence, and every moment was crucial. The evolution of Lion-Eagle into Ares, the Thunder Kirin, had bolstered their strength, but the journey was far from over. With renewed determination, Li Yang started planning their next moves, strategizing, and envisioning the challenges that lay ahead.

The quietude of the room was punctuated only by the rhythmic breathing of Ares. As the Kirin slept, its body emitted a faint glow, indicating the healing and strengthening processes underway. Li Yang, watching over his evolved partner, couldn't help but reflect on their journey so far. From the trials in Demon City to their current position at the 700th layer, they had come a long way. And with Ares by his side, Li Yang felt invincible.

The bond between Li Yang and Ares was not just of a master and his beast but of two souls who had journeyed together, faced perils, and emerged stronger. This evolution was a testament to their bond, their combined strengths, and their will to persevere. And as the night deepened, Li Yang made a silent vow – to protect, guide, and stand by Ares, no matter what challenges the future held.