The Nine-Headed Lion was an awe-inspiring sight, its entire body forged from gold—powerful, intimidating, with dazzling golden mane that radiated explosive strength. Its cold, piercing eyes resembled those of an ancient deity descending upon the mortal realm. As it strode through the mountains, countless creatures trembled in fear.
“Am I seeing this right? That’s a Nine-Headed Lion, a legendary remnant species! Once it matures, its power will shake the heavens, becoming invincible. How has it been reduced to a mount?”
“What have I witnessed? A true Nine-Headed Lion! I once saw it from afar—its roar alone shattered stone mountains. Such a sovereign, unrivaled in might, now subdued by someone?”
Throughout the mountains, countless creatures were astounded. The Nine-Headed Lion, a noble among the ancient remnant species, carried divine blood in its veins, its ancestors renowned as god-kings in the primordial era. Yet now, a terrifying golden lion had been tamed by a mere human youth, turned into a steed—an absolutely shocking revelation!
Little Rascal sat atop the Nine-Headed Lion, thoroughly pleased. As they traversed the wilderness, no creature dared challenge them, all cowering in fear. With such a mount, his presence was truly majestic, shaking the entire mountain range. Wherever they passed, creatures fled in terror.
“Little brother, you’re truly impressive. Just your presence sends beasts and birds alike into panic. Since we set out this morning, not a single fool has dared provoke us,” Little Rascal praised.
The Nine-Headed Lion nearly wept. Being reduced to a mount—who wouldn’t fear them? In ancient times, only deities could ride their kind as steeds. Who else would dare? Moreover, their ancestors, once transformed into pure-blooded primordial beasts, had slaughtered gods. Few would dare provoke such a ferocious lineage.
Frustrated, the lion knew their journey intimidated all, forcing other races’ geniuses to flee. Yet, for it, this was no glory—merely the humiliation of servitude.
They had parted ways with the Fire Nation princess and several geniuses from the Sky Mending Pavilion. Little Rascal sought the Fountain of Youth and other opportunities beyond this region.
“Your golden prayer beads are quite impressive—each like a miniature world, truly fearsome,” Little Rascal praised its crystalline bone beads.
The Nine-Headed Lion swelled with pride. These beads were no ordinary trinkets—they were crafted from the golden remains of its ancestors, imbued with the terrifying runic laws of their lineage, bestowed by the Nine Spirits King.
“May I take a look?” Little Rascal asked shyly, extending his hand.
“No!” The lion’s mane bristled, its golden fur standing on end as it glared, refusing outright. It knew too well—once given, never returned. This sworn brother was too ruthless.
“Little brother, one must be magnanimous to conquer the world someday. It’s just a string of beads—what harm is there in looking? You’re being petty,” Little Rascal chided.
“If you take them, will I ever get them back? They’d be yours forever!” the lion retorted, adamant.
Little Rascal sighed. “Fine, it’s just a string of beads. No need to be so tense. Later, I’ll give you a hundred more until you’re sick of them. Now, how about those nine fang-swords? Surely that’s no issue?”
“No!” The lion refused without hesitation.
“Little brother, this is wrong. It’s just a treasure—can’t I even glance at it? You’re too stingy. A lion must be grand, not petty!”
Ignoring him, the lion muttered—better stingy than robbed.
Throughout their journey, Little Rascal lectured endlessly on magnanimity, scheming to borrow its treasures—all in vain.
Finally, he raised his voice. “Will you lend them or not?”
“No!”
“Then don’t blame me—I’ll take them myself!”
“These treasures are part of my bones! Push me, and I’ll self-destruct!” the lion threatened back.
“Stingy lion!” Little Rascal fumed.
“Roar—!” The lion howled. “You tore out my golden mane—is that ‘stingy’? Keep pulling, and I’ll fight you!”
“If you won’t give me treasures, at least spare some fur. A golden vest sounds nice.”
“I’ll fight you!”
Their journey was anything but peaceful—galloping one moment, bickering the next.
Ahead, mist swirled—they had reached the region’s edge, where a luminous passage led elsewhere.
“Whoosh!” Little Rascal raised his bone mirror, sending lightning through distant woods, startling hidden creatures—some formidable.
The Nine-Headed Lion strode forward, golden radiance blazing. “Any anomalies here lately?”
As they prepared to cross, a winged beast transmitted: “Human experts come and go, laying traps beyond the passage.”
“An ambush!” the lion exclaimed.
“Little brother, they must be after you—a prized remnant species. Fight hard, and I’ll assist,” Little Rascal declared nobly.
Had it not known him, the lion might’ve been moved. Instead, it hesitated. “Rumors say human factions seek you. Could they be your enemies?”
“Nonsense! Even if humans feud, they wouldn’t be so cruel. I heard a clan seeks six remnant species’ blood for a divine elixir—you’re likely on their list. As a fellow human, I won’t stand for it. Let’s crush them!”
The lion eyed him skeptically but grew uneasy—similar rumors had circulated.
“Let’s take another path, flank them, and slaughter them all!”
They diverted to a secluded, mist-wreathed passage, crossing into a new realm—damp, lush, yet unsettling.
Ahead, a flood dragon fled at their approach. Creatures scattered, terrified by the lion-mounted youth.
Suddenly, as they entered a mountain range, runes ignited—blades of light slashed at them.
“A trap!”
They fought fiercely, shattering stone with treasures, barely escaping multiple layered arrays. Bloodied but alive, they emerged.
“Who dares ambush us?!” the lion roared, enraged.
Ten figures approached, stunned to see the Nine-Headed Lion—and its rider.
“It’s him—the Bear Child of the Void God Realm!”
“Who are you? Why attack us?” Little Rascal demanded coldly.
Rain intensified, empowering the ten—their auras flaring.
“Eight years ago, our clan ambushed Shi Ziling and his wife. Though we lost many, they were left crippled—unlikely to survive,” one taunted, probing for reaction.
Little Rascal remained icy, raising his mirror in silence.
These were Rain Clan members, testing if he was the child whose stolen bone empowered Shi Yi.
Without a word, he struck—the battle began.
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