Heir Of The Celestial Throne & The Blooming Empress

Chapter 28: The Awakening of the Divine Beast

Chapter 28 - The Awakening of the Divine BeastAs the cave's spiritual barrier shimmered faintly, Tianyang sat cross-legged, his eyes slightly open, his expression tense. He had felt the sudden absence of Yao'er's spiritual signature after the thunderous tribulation. His heart raced with worry, and his instincts urged him to leave the cave and

"I've done it," he muttered to himself, his voice deep and resonant. "Master Tianyang and Mistress Yuqing will be so proud."

He turned toward the cave, his heart filled with eagerness to share his achievement. Just as he approached the entrance, a sudden chill ran down his spine. His keen senses, now sharper than ever, picked up the faint sound of movement.

Whoosh!

A sharp burst of spiritual energy shot toward him, aimed directly at his exposed back. Without hesitation, Yao'er spun around, his wings unfurling like a shield. The attack collided with his scaled wings, sending a ripple of energy through the clearing but leaving him unharmed.

From the shadows of the forest, a group of figures emerged. They were dressed in dark robes, their faces concealed by masks. Each of them radiated the aura of experienced cultivators, their weapons gleaming with spiritual energy.

The leader, a man with a peak-void tribulation cultivation base, stepped forward. His voice was cold and filled with disdain. "A newly evolved divine beast, and already flaunting its power. You've made quite the ruckus, little dragon."

Yao'er growled, his crimson eyes narrowing as he assessed the group. There were six of them, each exuding dangerous energy. Despite his newfound strength, he understood the need to remain cautious.

"What do you want?" Yao'er demanded, his voice echoing like thunder.

The leader chuckled, his tone mocking. "Isn't it obvious? A divine beast like you is a treasure trove of rare materials. Your scales, blood, and core would make us rich beyond imagination. And with your aura attracting attention, we figured we'd strike before others arrived."

Yao'er's claws flexed, his wings spreading wide as his aura flared. "You dare covet my body? I'll make you regret stepping into this forest."

The leader sneered. "Big words for a beast fresh out of its cocoon. Let's see if you can back them up."

The battle began with a flurry of attacks. The hunters moved in sync, their techniques blending seamlessly as they surrounded Yao'er. The leader wielded a low divine-grade spear, its tip crackling with lightning energy. His companions each wielded legendary-grade weapons, their strikes coordinated and precise.

Yao'er roared, his body surging with energy. He unleashed a burst of lightning from his wings, forcing the hunters to scatter. Using his agility, he soared into the air, evading a barrage of attacks before diving toward one of the weaker hunters.

His claws gleamed as he struck, tearing through the hunter's defenses and sending him crashing into a tree. The remaining hunters retaliated, their combined attacks creating a web of spiritual energy that sought to trap Yao'er.

But Yao'er was no ordinary beast. His newly evolved divine-tier bloodline gave him unparalleled resilience and power. He activated a defensive technique, Azure Dragon's Aegis, enveloping his body in a shield of lightning-infused energy. The hunters' attacks dissipated against the shield, leaving him unscathed.

The leader cursed under his breath. "This beast is stronger than we anticipated. Focus your attacks on its wings! Ground it, and it'll be easier to kill."

The hunters shifted their strategy, aiming their strikes at Yao'er's wings. Yao'er growled, realizing their intent. He folded his wings, using them as a shield, and retaliated with a powerful swipe of his tail. The force of the blow sent two hunters flying, their bodies slamming into the ground with sickening thuds.

Despite his dominance, Yao'er could feel his energy depleting. The prolonged battle and the hunters' coordinated efforts were beginning to take their toll.

Inside the cave, Tianyang and Yuqing felt the disturbance outside. The connection through their contract with Yao'er buzzed with urgency, and they could sense his growing fatigue.

Tianyang's eyes darkened, his aura flaring. "Yao'er's in trouble. I can feel it."

Yuqing placed a hand on his shoulder, her gaze firm. "We've consolidated enough. Let's go out and help him. He needs us."

Without another word, the two rose, their auras merging as they stepped out of the cave.

The battle raged on, but as Yao'er prepared to unleash a desperate counterattack, a powerful burst of yin and yang energy swept through the clearing.

Tianyang and Yuqing appeared, their presence radiating authority.

The hunters froze, their expressions turning to panic as they recognized the immense power of the newcomers.

"You dare harm our little Yao'er?" Tianyang's voice was cold, his aura suffocating.

Yuqing's gaze was equally deadly. "Leave now, or die."

The hunters hesitated, but the leader snarled. "Don't be intimidated! They've only just appeared. Focus on the dragon—"

Before he could finish, Tianyang vanished, reappearing in front of the leader in an instant. With a flick of his hand, he unleashed a wave of energy that sent the leader flying.

Yuqing moved with equal precision, her strikes swift and merciless as she incapacitated the remaining hunters.

Within moments, the clearing was silent once more.

Yao'er looked up at his masters, his chest heaving. "You came..."

Tianyang smiled, placing a hand on Yao'er's head. "Of course we did. You've done well, Yao'er."

Yuqing nodded, her voice gentle. "Rest now. We'll handle the rest."