Fatty and Shun slipped into the group's midst, their presence as unobtrusive as shadows underneath the aged trees.

Both once had trained upon these slopes. Memories grasped onto every mossy stone and winding path, strands of their past woven deeply into the landscape.

As the group pressed onward, Shun's voice drifted through the air, carrying tales from their days of trial and triumph.

"You see that ridge over there?" he said, pointing toward a distant cliff face. "That's where we first encountered the Wolpertinger."

Ren's eyes widened.

"The creature with rabbit legs, wings, and antlers?"

Fatty let out a theatrical sigh and nodded, brow knitted. "Nearly took the whole thing off, antlers and all."

"That one nearly tore my arm off."

Lily blinked.

"Seriously?"

Fatty rubbed his nose, grinning crookedly.

"Well… Otako saved us."

A calm descended on the group, the air growing dense under the burden of old memories.

Shun's words grew softer, as if the mountain itself listened.

"We lost several companions during those trials."

The seriousness of his words forced the younger ones into silence, their excitement momentarily stilled.

Chin Chin cocked her head, lips twitching in anticipation.

"Will we get to see any of those creatures you fought?"

Ren and Lily gave a glance.

"Yes!" Lily was eager.

"Can we?"

Shi Min and Mushu spoke at the exact same moment.

"No."

Their voices cut through at once, crisp and unshakable.

A series of groans rose from the girls. Their disappointment resounded across the clearing, lingering as a soft rebellion against caution.

Lily flung her arms wide. "Oh, come on! Where's your sense of fun?"

"What's the point of exploring if we can't see the dangerous ones?"

Ren locked her arms across her chest, chin jutting, eyes daring. "Butterflies are for the garden, not for us."

"We didn't come here to watch butterflies."

Huang's laughter proved gentle, growlable, patient and warm, as he prepared to explain.

"There are different regions within Mystic Mountain."

He beckoned toward the surrounding landscape.

"Some areas are designated safe zones where gentle spiritual beasts reside."

"But beyond those borders," he continued, his voice tone deepening slightly, "live creatures known as Demonic Beasts."

"The name explains their nature well.

They are wicked, bloodthirsty, and extremely dangerous."

The twins leaned in, eyes beaming with anticipation, as if they could already glimpse the shadowy forms of demonic beasts beyond the mist.

"Demonic beasts!"

Huang's sigh was silent, a trace of concern beneath his calm demeanor.

If their hearts truly longed for such an encounter, the mountain would surely answer.

"It is not impossible," he admitted carefully.

"But if we encounter one, you must be prepared to fight."

"Do not worry," Zhu added with confidence.

"With us here, nothing will harm you."

In an instant,

Ren's eyes lit up.

Lily's expression brightened.

Even the twins could not contain themselves, bouncing with barely restrained glee.

"Then let's go!"

Huang and Zhu shared a glance. Tacit understanding flared between them like lightning in a summer storm. Still beneath that quiet connection, a subtle rivalry simmered. Huang's look lingered a second longer — confident and measured. Zhu's eyes challenged back; the corner of his mouth quivered with a hint of competitive amusement. Each seemed to silently weigh who would lead. Whose approach would prove superior should danger appear? Though their trust was unspoken, so too was their determination not to be outdone before the others.

Deep within, the same thought repeated in both their minds.

'Never before had Mystic Mountain played host to such mischievous spirits.'

Shi Min rubbed his temple helplessly.

"My sisters are too playful…" He mumbled.

He let out a long-suffering sigh, as if surrendering to fate. Mushu, next to him didn't know whether to laugh or cry. 'The Young Misses are truly extraordinary.'

"Alright. It is far from here.

So we will fly."

Ascending to the Sky

A large eagle spirit bird suddenly cut across the sky above them, gliding swiftly toward the palace.

It was already on its way to report the expedition to the Azure Dragon.

At the same moment,

The two dragon brothers shifted forms.

Shining light and crimson energy spiraled outward, scales unfurling and limbs stretching as the brothers transformed into dragons of magnificent majesty.

Chin Chin immediately climbed onto Huang's back.

"Brother Huang!"

Ren followed next to her.

Kim Kim, and Lily mounted Zhu.

Fatty jumped onto Mushu's flying sword.

Shun stood behind Shi Min as they lifted into the sky.

Little Xiao Chi shimmered, her figure shifting in a burst of radiant color.

Crimson flames burst around her as she took flight, a joyous phoenix weaving through the sky beside Shi Min.

For the first time in his life,

Shi Min felt his heart flutter strangely.

The sky above Mystic Mountain stretched vast and unblemished, a palette for dreams and dragons alike.

Dragons glided through billowing clouds, their scales sparkling in the sunlight in flashes of amber and scarlet.

A phoenix twirled between them, trailing ribbons of fire across the blue expanse.

Their destination waited beyond the tender borders, where the unknown beckoned.

The Encounter

They entered into a rocky valley, its floor scarred by ancient tunnels which whispered secrets deeply hidden.

A faint metallic hint wafted in the air, sharp as the memory of old battles.

Huang's golden eyes narrowed.

"Stay alert."

They had scarcely taken a handful of steps before the earth shivered under their feet.

A shrill screech ripped from the darkness of the tunnels, resounding off stone walls.

Then,

It emerged at

"This is a Tatzelwurm.

Also known as the Dragon of the Mine Tunnel," Huang explained calmly.

The creature was a nightmare given form.

Its head was that of a monstrous cat, eyes shining brightly with feral intelligence, while its body expanded into a serpent's length, armored in thick, glistening scales. Two clawed forelegs raked the earth, the rest of its sinuous form undulating behind.

A crest ran along its skull.

Cow-like bristles extended down its spine.

Its body was covered with muscle, segmented like a grotesque caterpillar, each plate shifting as it moved.

A forked tongue darted from its maw, tasting the air.

Rows of pointed teeth glistened, promising pain.

Fatty and Shun caught each other's eye. They certainly knew this beast.

Then spoke almost simultaneously.

"It's extremely venomous."

"Its breath releases poisonous fumes."

"Don't get too close!"

"It can shriek loud enough to rupture eardrums."

"Its blood is acidic!"

The girls, far from frightened,

They were absolutely thrilled. Their eyes lit with wild excitement, the girls could not hide their anticipation.

Huang and Zhu could only stare, disbelief glimmering across their faces.

'Why are they excited?'

'They don't seem to be afraid at all???'

"…."

The Battle Begins

Ren advanced forward first.

Her countenance sharpened instantly.

Golden strands of energy formed between her fingers.

The Golden Needle Sutra. Once considered a lost art among the mountain sects, it is said to have been created centuries ago by a healer who sought to turn acupuncture into a martial form. Only the most disciplined cultivators could master its intricate threadwork, weaving invisible qi into hundreds of piercing needles. Ren had trained under Shinsei's watchful eye, finally earning the right to wield it in battle.

Hundreds of invisible needle-like qi threads shimmered in the air.

Beside her, Lily inhaled deeply.

Wind spiraled around her.

The Voice Resonant Truth technique is activated.

Fatty positioned himself protectively near her.

His Stone Heart Resilience hardened his body like living granite.

Shun stepped beside Ren.

Flames ignited along his arms.

The Phoenix Command Sutra surged to life.