Chapter 21: Companion

In the quiet solitude of the main pavilion, Wang Chu communicated silently with the system.

"How many heaven coins do I have left?" Wang Chu asked in a steady voice full of expectation.

"Master, you currently have 100,000 heaven coins. This includes those from the previous host's inheritance and the last mission," responded the system immediately.

Wang Chu smiled at this surplus. He calculated how much he might need for Nightfire Stallions for Murong Lingyun and Su Chen, as well as a Cloud Chaser Kun for Xiao Chi. If he set aside 5,000 heaven coins for both steed and another 5,000 for the Cloud Chaser Kun, that would leave him with 80,000 after he bought them.

Journeying to the secluded part of the island, where he sealed when they first arrive here.Wang Chu began the task of creating a sanctuary for their mounts and divine beast in the future. "System can you create a landscape suitable for Nightfire stallion and Cloud Chaser Kun".I want them to roam freely on this island with us in the future

As the sanctuary took shape, Wang Chu focused on creating terrains suitable for the Nightfire Stallions and the Cloud Chaser Kun. For the Nightfire Stallions, he fashioned open fields with gentle slopes and ample space for them to gallop and exercise their speed. Tall grasses swayed in the breeze, providing cover for the majestic creatures as they roamed freely.

He let his imagination come up with what could be considered a stable or barn-like structure where horses or other mammals were kept once they were tamed by humans. That's when he realized the place had to be different from any other stable that existed.

"Nightfire stallion needs to have its freedom and it shouldn't feel like being locked up in a cage. Cloud Chaser Kun on the other hand loves flying around all day long so I need you to create something" said Wang Chu

For Nightfire Stallions, it was open fields with gentle slopes – space enough for them to gallop and exercise their speed. The air was filled with tall grasses that swayed gently in the breeze providing cover for these majestic creatures as they roamed freely.

He made sure there were rocky outcrops for climbing and springs hidden should they get thirsty; everything had been planned out well so that these fiery mounts find their new home comfortable yet exciting at the same time.

Once the landscape was complete, Wang Chu stepped back to admire his handiwork. Satisfied with the result, he knew that the Cloud Chaser Kun would thrive in its new home, soaring high above the island with grace and freedom.

With the landscapes for the Nightfire Stallions and the Cloud Chaser Kun complete, Wang Chu turned to the system once more.

"System, please release the Nightfire Stallions and the Cloud Chaser Kun," Wang Chu requested, anticipation coursing through him.

"As the system complied, the Nightfire Stallions burst forth from their confinement. The Nightfire Stallions were so big that they filled up the sky with their majesticness and made everyone feel weak. Wang Chu couldn't believe there were real creatures like this in existence before his eyes, and it was also his first time seeing them – everything about their size, looks and presence made him dumbstruck in awe. Each night fire stallion was a wonder with its flaming mane and tail that shone an eerie light.

It wasn't just their appearance but what could be done with them too which awed Wang Chu most; these weren't ordinary beasts but those belonging to emperors so far up anyone could only dream of reaching there. Those were some seriously powerful legendary creatures captured by the system somehow showing its might!

As for the Cloud Chaser Kun, it wasted no time in taking to the skies, soaring effortlessly through the clouds with grace and agility. Wang Chu watched with admiration as the divine beast disappeared into the horizon, its form blending seamlessly with the endless expanse of the sky.

Turning his attention back to the Nightfire Stallions, Wang Chu knew that they would need to establish a bond with his disciples before they could truly harness their power. Approaching the creatures with caution, he began to speak to them, his voice calm and reassuring.

"We are allies, not masters," Wang Chu told the Nightfire Stallions. As Wang Chu conversed with the Nightfire Stallions, he could sense their intelligence and understanding. They were not mere beasts—they were sentient beings, capable of empathy and loyalty. And it was this bond that would ultimately make them formidable allies in the battles to come.

Once the Nightfire Stallions had accepted Wang Chu's words, he called for his disciples to join him. As they gathered around, their eyes widened in astonishment at the sight of the legendary creatures before them.

When Old Ji and Su Chen saw the Nightfire Stallions, the surprise they felt was palpable. It was as if they were witnessing a legend come to life before their very eyes. The Nightfire Stallions, renowned for their unparalleled speed and power, were creatures of myth and mystery, said to have disappeared from the world long ago. Yet here they stood, majestic and proud, their fiery mane and tail blazing with an otherworldly light.

Su Chen's eyes widened in awe as he took in the sight of the legendary steeds. He knew of their reputation, the Nightfire Stallions were revered as the fastest beasts in the upper realm, capable of outrunning even the most skilled pursuers. If they could harness the full extent of their power, they would be unstoppable.

Beside him, Old Ji's expression mirrored his own astonishment. He had heard tales of the Nightfire Stallions from his youth, stories passed down through generations of cultivators. To see them now, standing before him in all their glory, was a sight he never thought he would behold.

Murong Lingyun, ever the observant one, watched the scene unfold with keen interest. Although he couldn't fully grasp the significance of the Nightfire Stallions, he could sense that they were no ordinary beasts. There was something special about them, something that set them apart from any other creature he had encountered.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chi stood off to the side, his expression clouded with disappointment. While everyone else had been given a magnificent mount, he had been left out. But just as he resigned himself to his fate, Wang Chu surprised him with a gift beyond his wildest dreams.

"Xiao Chi," Wang Chu called out, his voice gentle yet firm. "Come forward."

Confused yet intrigued, Xiao Chi approached his master, his eyes wide with anticipation. What could Wang Chu possibly have in store for him?

With a flourish of his hand, Wang Chu summoned forth the Cloud Chaser Kun, its majestic form materializing before them in a burst of light and color. Old Ji couldn't help but gasp in amazement—it was a sight beyond anything he had ever seen.

The Cloud Chaser Kun, with its shimmering silver fur and wings of pure white, exuded an air of elegance and grace. It hovered in the air for a moment, as if surveying its surroundings, before alighting gracefully on the ground before Xiao Chi.

For a moment, Xiao Chi was speechless. He had never seen anything so beautiful, so ethereal, in all his life. It was as if the heavens themselves had bestowed upon him a gift of unparalleled magnificence.

Wang Chu smiled as he watched the young disciple's reaction. He knew that the Cloud Chaser Kun will be more than just a mount to Xiao Chi. It will be his companion and friend for a long time. 

"Xiao Chi," Wang Chu said, his voice soft yet commanding. "This is your Cloud Chaser Kun. Treat it with care, and it will serve you faithfully."

Xiao Chi nod in awe as he reached out to touch the Cloud Chaser Kun's outstretched hand. As his fingers made contact with its soft fur, he felt a surge of energy course through him. 

"Little White," Xiao Chi whispered, his voice soft yet full of conviction. "That shall be your name."

Hearing this, Su Chen was dumbstruck about what he heard. His Junior Brother really called a descendant of Kun Peng "Little White".

"Junior brother, Cloud Chaser Kuns are proud creatures, fiercely independent and unyielding in their ways. We should at least named it correctly." To his surprised the The Cloud Chaser Kun seems to like its name.

As Su Chen expressed his surprise at Xiao Chi's choice of name for the Cloud Chaser Kun, Xiao Chi simply shrugged, his expression unbothered by Su Chen's concern. With a mischievous grin, he looked up at Su Chen.

"Senior Brother, why so serious?" Xiao Chi replied, his voice tinged with playful innocence. "I named him 'Little White' because I like it. Besides, he's white, isn't he?"

Su Chen couldn't help but chuckle at Xiao Chi's response. Leave it to Xiao Chi to come up with a name that was simple and straightforward. It was just like him to see things in such a pure and uncomplicated way.

"Fair enough, Xiao Chi," Su Chen said, his tone light-hearted. "If that's what you want to call him, then so be it.

With a gleeful whoop, Xiao Chi threw his arms around Little White's neck, hugging him tightly. Little White seemed to respond with a contented rumble, nuzzling Xiao Chi affectionately.

As Su Chen and Murong Lingyun approached their designated Nightfire Stallions, anticipation mixed with apprehension in the air. The majestic creatures stood tall and proud, their fiery manes flickering with an otherworldly glow. As Su Chen reached out to his designated stallion, it took a step back, its eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Su Chen's brow furrowed slightly, surprised by the stallion's initial reaction. He had expected a moment of connection, a mutual understanding between them, but instead, he was met with resistance.

Murong Lingyun observed the interaction with a calm demeanor, his expression is unreadable as he approached his own Nightfire Stallion. Like Su Chen, he extended a hand in a gesture of peace, but the stallion remained aloof, its gaze unwavering.

"These disciples are under my guidance, they will be your companion in the future. You can trust them." Sensing Su Chen frustration, Wang Chu stepped forward, , his gaze meeting theirs with a silent understanding.

As Wang Chu continued to speak, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere. The Nightfire Stallions regarded him with respect, their fiery gaze softening as they acknowledged his words.