It was the dawn of a new day as the rays of the sun shone down. The rays of the sun brought a glitter to the fields. The yellow of the grass had changed subtly from it. It is a transfixing sight to behold as if the land was cloaked in gold. He could not help but deeply admire such a sight. His face showed his rapture with such a transcendent sight.
This place has more than earned its name with this sight alone. It will certainly engrave itself upon his mind from here on. The sight drives away his remaining shiver of the previous night. Putting his mind at ease with a feeling of enjoyment.
Everyone enjoys the sight of the golden-shaded land. It would be a waste to miss such a sight so early in the morning. Yet he can't let himself stay idle forever. So, with a sigh, Tang Yuan begins his daily activities. Quickly completes his daily workout for the day.
Then as he eats his ration for the day he contemplates yesterday. More specifically his performance in the battle. Trying to pick out any mistakes he made during it. His performance was rather good by his own reckoning. Though it would not have been without his recent spars with the brothers.
Tang Yuan reckons his greatest mistake was over-focusing. He had focused solely on the jackal's mouth and fangs. Leading him to overlook their sharp claws as a result. That led to his injuries from the day before.
The second mistake was impatience on his part. He was overeager to try and defeat them. This saw him try to attack them rather aggressively with his hammer. He hadn't really paid for it too much in that battle. Yet he felt he was at least slightly reckless in his approach. Though not to the point he didn't evade most attacks.
Still, his own insight might be biased towards himself. Giving himself too much credit. So he moves over to his father to ask his view. If anyone can give prime advice it would be him. He certainly has the most combat experience here.
"Father" Tang Yuan asks his father with a leading prompt. Tang Chen quickly focuses his attention on his son. His expression showed his attention. "I was reviewing my ability in the battle from yesterday. I wanted to observe my mistakes to learn from them. I also wanted your opinions on them to have another view."
Tang Chen nods with his words. Inwardly he is impressed that Tang Yuan even tries to review his performance. Most children his age would simply dismiss the battle. That or they would be bouncing with joy and pride. At least in the case of a victory for them. Though he is not absolutely surprised well aware of his son's ability.
"It's good that you are reviewing your battle. Even if the view is biased it can be better than nothing." Tang Chen says to his son. Then he takes a few moments to decide how to start. "First what are your own thoughts and views of yesterday's fight?"
Tang Yuan organizes his thoughts to properly word his assessment. "I believe that I focused too much on one thing. In this case, the fangs of the beasts, and as a result neglected the claws. I also felt I was too reckless in that fight." Tang Yuan says to his father with confidence in the former. The latter though he is unsure of it for some reason.
Upon thinking about the fight he felt that there was something off. The second issue he came to was reckless or overconfidence. Yet he couldn't quite feel that was exactly right. It was an infuriating situation the answer should be understandable. Like an answer on the tip of the tongue, but so far away.
Tang Yuan feels that the answer is important, no it's critical to all his future battles. Perhaps it's instinct or a feeling that tells him that. A itch in the back of his head he can't quite scratch. So maddening he keeps going back in circles and making sayings about it in his head.
Tang Chen hears his words and sees the indecision on his face. His look changes to a long look of contemplation. Like he is considering something important. Perhaps he has realized the unspoken words. Perhaps he only has an inkling that words have not been spoken by Tang Yuan.
Still seeing his look Tang Yuan opens up about his uncertainty. "Father the second issue catches my attention even more than the first. Though I am unable to place exactly why that is," he tells Tang Chen questionably. Hoping that he would have insight into the problem. "It felt like my actions were reckless, but I felt I defended well." he continues with his words.
Tang Chen looks at his son with a flicker of understanding. He begins to speak with an attention-grabbing voice. "Your first assessment was indeed accurate. You over-focused not only on one enemy, but on one part of that enemy." his words voice agreement, but also disagreement with the first issue.
"As for the second issue, there were indeed signs of recklessness." Tang Chen pauses in his speech. He contemplates how much to reveal directly. As well as how much experience should be experience personally. Finally "there was a point you turned your back to the rest of the enemy." he begins to say.
"While it's true that you had to keep attention on the enemies past you. You should have also paid attention to the others as well. Even with us there to assist you and cover your back. You won't always have someone to cover your back. That or such a mistake could put them in danger." he lectures him in a gentle, but strong voice. Do his best to impress on his son that.
"There is more to your perception of recklessness. However, I want you to try to discover the problem on your own. If you have not found the answer. By the time we return to the clan mountain. Then I will help you discover the mistake properly." Tang Chen says with a serious voice.
Tang Yuan can't help but feel that it will involve hands-on teaching. As in combat until he discovers the problem himself. It must be a really serious mistake that he's making then. No wonder it's nagging on him so much if his father intends to help.
After that promise, Tang Chen proceeds to point out a few other mistakes. Including small flaws in his footwork. He also brought to mind the good parts of his fight including the use of rocks. Though he also cautioned him. "While using the rocks was effective. It will not be effective at the higher levels. Even in the form of distractions."
It was a fact that was true enough. His rock-throwing strategy would be effective for a while. Especially with the addition of reinforcement. Though how far he could take simple rocks is questionable. "I understand I'll be careful in the future."
They continued the discussion into the fight for a while longer. Tang Yuan felt he had learned several things. His father had a great deal of insight. Though it also brought him a degree of frustration. His father's final words. "One of the most critical issues is that you lack experience."
A very simple, yet effective statement. "This lack of experience is not something easily corrected. You have begun to try and fix it yourself. But remember spars are not the same as life or death combat. Once more only time and battles can truly help you." Tang Chen tells his son with a stern expression. Hoping to impress this fact upon his son properly.
Tang Yuan can only nod to show his understanding of his words. Though with a bit of helplessness in his expression. He understands the words are true. Yet a measure of impatience is still present in him.
After eating another portion of rations. Only a few days of them, and he's already sick of them. They set out once more into the wide sweep of the Savanna. Making sure that they are ready for the day of exploring.
It had already been several hours into the day. They had trekked through a large swath of territory. Even more than the parts from the day before. Yet much of it was the same as yesterday. Yellow grass, green trees scattered here and there. The same for hours and hours with only minor changes.
An hour ago they had found a sought-after resource on the Savanna. Water, is a most precious and limited resource here. They had found a small river that was moving through the area. It was a collective decision to follow it as they moved deeper. If they follow water they'll inevitably find life.
They had already seen several soul beasts on their path. Including several gazelle-type beasts from the day before. All of whom showed the same skittishness as well. Running away at their approach. The four of them just kept on walking down the river.
As they did the river widened slightly as they went onward. Finally, they came to a large rock formation. They continued to move forward. As they did they saw what the formation was surrounding. It was a massive watering hole at least a dozen meters wide.
A number of soul beasts are surrounding it drinking from it. This is likely a major water source for the beasts of the area. The rock formation was that of a half circle. Large enough to obscure the sight of the water and vegetation. Getting much smaller at the sides.
The watering hole has led to a large amount of plant life. Including the largest amount of trees he had seen grouped together. It was a nice change. The place seemed to be an idyllic part of the wilderness. That's when his gaze fell upon them.
They were massive the largest things present. They didn't seem to be different from his past world. They are without a doubt Elephants. They weren't really larger, but they were more intimidating. Their tusks were massive like spears to eviscerate all in their path.
Golden Elephants it would seem had been found. One of the Savanna's most powerful species. In terms of pure strength and defense, they were number one. With an exception or two in unique cases. They were also known for having even more powerful mutations themselves.
He observes them closely. After all, they were one of the options he considered for a spirit ring. They were an impressive choice for strength. He could obtain a powerful attack from their ring.
As he observes the beasts one moves to the water. It uses its trunk to draw water. Yet suddenly the surface of the water explodes. The golden elephant is suddenly ambushed. A fanged mouth opened wide for an attack. Its armored scaly skin is greenish-gray.
An oasis crocodile he identifies it as. One of the many types of crocodiles that inhabit the Endless Desert. It must have migrated here. Perhaps its ancestors did. Tang Yuan could not judge its age properly. Still, it did not appear weak at all.
The elephant falls victim to the crocodile's suppruse lunge. The bloodthirsty fangs Pierce into dense flesh. The elephant tries to shake the crocodile off. Thrashing around stomping its feet, and swinging its trunk. Yet the oasis crocodile holds firm to the bite. It tries to drag the elephant into the water.
There is a clear size difference between the two. The elephant is much larger, but the crocodile is not losing out much. Then another intervenes in the fight. In the form of a massive truck swung like a wrecking ball. The crocodile is hit by it and is basically flung off. It falls back into the waters in which it came.
The trunk that struck was attached to a particular example. It was the largest of the elephants present. Larger than the smallest member by at least two times. It was taller than Tang Chen by at least three times.
The hide was incredibly solid-looking like a mountain of muscle. Two massive tusks emerge like great spears. Its body and tusks shine with a slight glitter on them. It gives a feeling as if the body of the beast were layered with gold. It seemed to be on another level than the others of its kind.
The mountain of muscle and might slammed its food down. The sound traveled outward like a war drum. With another stomp, the creature showed a great deal of rage. It was a beast ready to throw down. Never once does it turn its gaze from the water.
That's when its caution is shown to be a wise precaution. A blast of water emerges from the watering hole. It hits the beast directly. Yet the veritable bastion of defense is unbothered. Not a single wound, and not a single step back.
The head of the crocodile emerges from the water. The oasis crocodile watches its opposing foe with steadiness. It opens its mouth wide drinking in the water. Then it positions itself in the water. In its mouth, the water condenses slightly before. The water shoots out in a blast of water.
Once more the elephant stands firm in the face of attack. The water hits it full force. Drenching its form as it spills off its body. This attack was stronger than the one before it, and yet. The lead elephant is just as undetected as the one before. It stands as strong as it did after the first attack.
The crocodile repeats the process of absorbing water once again. This time it takes slightly longer. What emerges from its mouth is entirely different. Tang Yuan can only slightly see what emerges. Like an incredibly quick blast of water. Then suddenly the elephant is bleeding slightly. A small cut runs around its trunk.
A water slash he concludes. At least it was something similar to that. A blade of water that acquires cutting power. The water was likely enchanted with the beast's soul power to acquire such an ability. It was the only blow to affect the elephant, and only a small cut.
With a slam, the elephant releases a sound of anger. As it slams its feet with an increasing beat. Once again he is reminded of a war drum. Then its body begins to tense and its stomps grow stronger. A soul skill with amplification ability.
With its already considerable power being amplified the elephant rears up. Its trunk is moving into the air like it did before. This time a aura envelops it of a white aura along its length. Suddenly it straightens its trunk pointing it forward. Then the sound like a cannon suddenly resounds.
The crocodile dived into the water, and where it once was a massive splash occurred. Like a large rock being thrown into the water. In this case something like an air bullet attack from its trunk. It seemed to be incredibly powerful. The oasis crocodile was wise to dodge the attack.
The elephant and the spectators watched waiting for it to resurface. Yet it shows absolutely no sign of doing so. Perhaps it's decided that this is a fight it can't win. Considering that only one attack managed to hurt its opponent. Once more a mere flesh wound. It has likely made a good choice.
The elephant continues its vigilance for a time. It makes a noise. The others of its herd move to the watering hole. They quickly fulfill their watering needs. Some of them drink from the watering hole. Others use their trunks to put water on their bodies for bathing.
As the herd fulfills its needs the head keeps watch. Finally, they watch as the herd finishes. Then the head cautiously moves to the watering hole. It quickly begins to see to its needs. Once it finishes it moves away from the water. The crocodile had not made another appearance during that entire time.
Having watched the short, but impressive confrontation. The four of them now cautiously approach the water. "So was that elephant especially strong, or was the oasis crocodile particularly young?" Tang Yuan asks with interest. As they moved closer to the water.
He had read that the oasis crocodile was a strong species. Yet in that fight, it was absolutely on the back foot. Though the golden elephant was incredibly powerful as well. Both of them are beings that normally dominate areas. Both apex beasts though the crocodile should actually be higher.
"The former if I'm not mistaken." Tang Chen tells the three of them. "It definitely has a strong bloodline. A mutational variant of the golden elephant. Though it hasn't reached the point it can't be called a golden elephant." he tells the three of them.
Tang Yuan had read about the golden elephant. It was a species well known for having a number of mutations. With connections to powerful lineages of other elephants. Such as the diamond mammoth or even stronger vajra elephant. With other bloodlines also appearing here.
Tang Yuan wonders what bloodline it came from then. "Father, what bloodline exactly did that elephant come from?" Tang Yuan asks his face showing his curiosity.
Hearing the question Tang Chen face takes on a considering look for a few moments. Then he answers "that one should have the bloodline of a mountain elephant." his words are filled with certainty. Likely from a great deal of experience in the wild.
Still hearing the term mountain in its name is interesting. Certain soul beasts have that term in their name. Practically all of them are apex beasts if not higher. Though there are fewer of them than those with the golden bloodline. He wonders how many have dragon blood in them.
The four of them relax by the side of the watering hole. Though they keep a set distance away from it. They use the chance to refill their water carriers. Though they have no intention of trying to bathe in it. That was just asking to be eaten, but they could take water from it to do so.
"This place is a nice place to take a rest." Tang Xiao voices as he sits down. The ground is not particularly comfortable, but it was enjoyable. After such a long day. It would be amazing if they could just stay here. Actually thinking about it maybe they could.
"Do you all think that are target might actually show up here. One of are targets actually showed up. Perhaps the other will as well." he asked the three of them. There was indeed a chance of that happening. Every animal needed water after all, and this was a major source.
"Plus it would mean that we could not walk for the day," he tells them the last part convincingly. The last part had a large part of his desire to do so. Access to clean water for proper use. With that water comes a good deal of food as well.
"That sounds tempting." Tang Hao says sitting down on the ground himself. Tang Chen seeing that the others had been swayed decided to sit down himself. Though all of Tang Yuan's words were correct. There was a good chance of a Golden Lightning Leopard appearing.
Though that chance was far from absolute. After all, it could go to another water source. "We can stay here for the day and night, but if it doesn't work out. We'll need to move on." Tang Chen says to the lot of them.
With that, their second day basically ends. A few hours early from sunset. This time they can experience a far nicer environment. So the four of them quickly make their camp at least partially. Not using beast-repelling powder this time. They set the camp up behind trees on the watering holes' side.
A safe enough position, yet one that would let them observe the enclosure. As they waited watching beasts came to the watering hole. There were quite a number of them of many types. Hours quickly begin to pass as they watch. Yet a suitable target is not seen by them.
The oasis crocodile had resurfaced after a few hours. Dragging a few spurt beasts into the water. They lacked the same fight as the golden elephant. Thus they were quickly subdued, and not seen again. Only a pooling of blood in the water, before that disappears. Normally a dead body would cause water quality issues. Thankfully the oasis crocodiles' presence prevents that.
As the hours pass they enjoy a slow day of adventure. It was not a bad experience. The sunset eventually comes as the day truly comes to an end. This time they aren't stuck eating rations. They hunt one of the gazelles for food for the day. Much better and palatable than rations.
Tang Yuan continued to walk along the river area. Yesterday had not come to anything much. They had seen a golden lightning leopard. Yet it had been too young. Still, they had managed to observe it for a time.
Unfortunately, they are not a species that groups up in packs. So they couldn't just follow it to find more. So now today they are continuing to travel the river. Hoping that they can locate signs for finding one. They had found small signs of one in fact.
"Another one marked by claws." Tang Xiao says as he observes a tree closely. It had been marked by claws in a scratch. They had begun to mark out a proper direction. How accurate the said direction is still to be seen. They continue onwards following the trail as best as possible.
About an hour later they find an end to their trail. The scratches on trees had gotten progressively more common. At least this is an area frequented. If it is not a den location for a golden lightning leopard. They look around the area for other signs.
That was when it revealed itself properly. Moving lithely from the brush like a silent bringer of death. It was larger than even a normal big cat. It was taller and longer than one not by a small amount. It's every step carried a feline grace and the aura of a predator.
Its body was massive, but lithe for its size. It was indeed mostly similar to a leopard. Yet he did not naturally associate it with a leopard. Instead, he associated with a creature of fantasy. The coeurl of Final Fantasy, or at least another iteration of it. It even has the whisker-like tendrils coming from its body.
Once the beast was before them it did something unexpected. It sat down as if taking a rest. The whiskers begin to quickly spark with electricity. They're charging up with elemental power ready to release. Despite looking like it's not ready for combat. It's just waiting for an attack for an instant counter.
He couldn't help, but wonder something. Do these things actually need to hunt? Maybe they just sit around kike that until a predator comes after them. Then explode into action with a killing strike. Letting their prey just unknowingly walk right up to them.
"Careful, that stance is a trap." Tang Yuan says the brothers. They had already summoned their martial souls. They turn to Tang Yuan at his words. They had not hunted this particular beast. Though they were experienced enough to spot the trap nature of it. What kind of trap it was is another story. Thus they look to him.
"Its long whiskers collect electricity. It can unleash it in the form of light blasts. It can also channel it through its body. Its most dangerous use for it is this stance right now. Blaster is the name of the skill. For many it can be a critical blow if not an instant death blow." he tells them it's lightning abilities in an instant.
The brother's gaze on the creature takes a new form of caution. The said beast just continues to wait patiently. Amongst elemental powers, lightning is among the most dangerous. This beast is a prime example of that. Tang Yuan speaks up again "If one of you attacks from its back it should break its stance."
The brothers ignore the should part of the sentence. Tang Xiao the stronger of the two begins to move. He slowly takes steps to get behind the creature. Yet instead of continuing its stance the beast suddenly roars. The brothers both move to the sides quickly enough. Then visible lightning slams down where they were standing. They were relatively small bolts of lightning. Still, they would be dangerous even deadly.
The beast stands up from its sitting position. Its imposing body tenses up, and then it moves. It's fast without a doubt. It immediately charges Tang Hao. Perhaps it feels he is the easiest to defeat. Its claws aim to eviscerate him, and its fangs to tear out his throat. All the while its body still sparks with lightning.
In an instant, it is nearly upon him. Then it lunges its feet leaving the ground. Using its momentum to close the distance. At least it tries to do so. Tang Hao simply side steps the creature. While it's fast he is simply faster. Then he slams his hammer down on its body. "First Skill: Hammer Strike."
The blow hits the creature rather hard. The golden lightning leopard though recovers quickly. It was fairly tough. Even if it was a first soul skill it was one from a soul king. The leopard was definitely on the back foot in this fight though. A thousand-year beast against a soul king and soul Emperor its defeat was certain.
Still, Tang Yuan watched it closely. Part of this was to determine if taking a chance on it was a good idea. The leopard jumps away from Tang Hao. It assumes its resting stance once again. This time it immediately begins to unleash lightning bolts. The brothers dove them easily enough.
This was not really an equal fight, but instead a one-sided battle. Despite that Tang Yuan did not look down on the leopard. Because if he were the one fighting it he would definitely die. The thing was just too fast. Besides lightning, it definitely seems to be an agility type. It's just that its opponents are on a different level.
This battle continues for a few minutes. During that time the beast continues to fight fiercely. Yet it just can't get a leg up. Both brothers are experienced fighters. They avoid all the attacks it makes. Then land attacks as they can aiming for the legs.
The leopard at some point changes its strategy. Simply dodging attacks as they come. Doing its best not to get hit. It realized it doesn't have a chance of winning. At least that's his assumption. Then during a break in the battle, the beast moves away. It seems to be retreating from the brothers.
It rushes for them likely deciding that they are the weakest. Well, he is the weakest, but well. As the beast gets close it is suddenly hit hard. Tang Chen had made a move against it. The beast was stopped by the blow and stepped back shakenly.
The leopard collapses to the ground not in its normal stance. Instead in pain if he were to guess. The battle was definitely done now. The two brothers move over to them keeping an eye on the leopard. Just because it was down did not mean it was down.
"Sorry about that little uncle, grandfather it was a fast one." Tang Xiao says as he walks over. He moves over to inspect the creature. Tang Hao does so as well. "For a creature only about a thousand years old. This one was very tricky. Especially in trying not to kill it during the fight." Tang Hao says as he prods it with his hammer.
Tang Yuan having seen it in action definitely wanted it as a spirit ring. Even lightning would be an amazing skill. Let alone if he got a form of blaster. Its other abilities were impressive as well. Time to take a risk and see what he can obtain.
"I've decided I'll absorb this one's ring." Having said that he approached the downed creature. Both Tang Xiao and Tang Hao are at the ready to intervene. Taking his knife from his belt Tang Yuan cautiously moves forward. He closes in on the leopard quickly enough.
Once he is in striking distance he readies the knife. The beast shows no signs of stirring. He drives it down with as much force as he is able. Driving it deep into the leopard's skull. He sighs at the exertion of the blow. The spirit ring quickly emerges from its body. The ring is larger than the one he absorbed for his first. It was also a light purple color.
Sitting down he quickly slips into his meditation. This time he has more experience in absorbing a soul ring. He quickly draws it to him as it begins to circle him. Tang Yuan begins to draw the energy of the ring into him. He immediately observes the energy to be more refined than the power of his first ring.
Even a small amount of this energy is thicker. He immediately begins to move the energy through his meridians. Yet it is much harder to move than normal energy. It's like someone added syrup to water making it much harder to move. Still, he moves it as best he can.
As he moves the energy through his meridians another problem quickly presents itself. The remnant will of the beast. The remnant will of the golden crocodile that was his first ring. It was a mere shade, a gaseous form falling apart. This was different from that.
It was much more substantial. At least it didn't seem that it would disappear as quickly. It was still seemingly made of fog or gas. Yet that was much thicker than his first view of one. It had already begun its attack on his mind. Yet its attack was not directed normally.
Like his first experience, it was more like mental pressure upon his mind. Attacking as much of his mind as possible. Yet unfocused and uncoordinated. If it were a focused attack it might actually hurt. Instead, it was merely discomfort. Tang Yuan continues to define the substantial amount of energy. All the while enduring this pressure.
Then he changes his approach slightly. This mental battle is in his mental realm after all. He manipulates the energy of his mind experimentally. He pushes it forward against the remnant will. His efforts are clumsy and inexperienced. Yet he uses his free Spiritual energy to attempt to strike the remnant.
His efforts are little better than the opposing foe. Yet it certainly causes an effect. The remnant is struggling against his will. The mental pressure weakens as he does. The remnant will begin to weaken at a visible rate. As it does, the pressure on his mind slightly. The energy of the ring continues to be refined.
As hours pass Tang Yuan continues to refine the energy. He also continues to experiment with controlling his mental energy. He had managed to better condense the pressure he had been using on the remnant. Yet his efforts were still unfocused, and inexperienced.
Unfortunately, his efforts come to an end sooner than he would like. The remnant shade had now been reduced to little. What remains is a vaguely spherical shape. It's not a gas but a measure of liquid instead. Only like a few drops of it, but definitely like liquid. The strongest part of the beast conquisnius perhaps.
He quickly begins to use his mental energy to pressure it. Yet it was sturdier than the normal mental energy. Still, it quickly disappears as well. As it does the pressure on his mind disappears as well. The energy of the spirit ring becomes less wild? If he is to describe it.
He focuses his entire mind on the ring's energy. It is only two hours later that he finishes refinement of the energy. As he does the ring is absorbed into his body. With that, his own ring emerges from his body in a light purple color. He had become a spirit grandmaster now the next stage had been reached.