The Forms Of Ancient Beast

Chapter 199 — The Forms of Ancient Beasts

Nyra remained beside Nyx, seemingly unwilling to put any distance between herself and her younger sister. Her three tails swayed gently as she watched Nyx explore the clearing. Occasionally, she would nudge her little sister or brush her head against hers, enjoying the simple reassurance that they were finally together again.

Aether allowed them some time before turning toward the forest.

"Nyra, how much of your former inheritance do you still remember?"

"Almost everything," she replied. "My memories and inherited knowledge were preserved in my physical imprint. My cultivation and body have also been restored, although some of my former abilities will require time to recover completely."

"Then perhaps you can answer something I've been curious about. How do beasts achieve human transformation?"

Nyra tilted her head.

"Are you planning to become a beast?"

"No. I'm trying to understand the companions accompanying me."

"An admirable reason," she said, her golden eyes carrying a hint of amusement. "Very well. The requirements differ between species, but there are some general principles."

Long Zhentian joined the conversation. "For most ordinary beasts, stable human transformation generally requires reaching the Origin Law Realm. Their bodies must develop sufficient control over Origin Energy to reconstruct their physical structure without destabilizing their foundations."

"Powerful bloodlines can achieve it earlier," Nyra continued. "Some exceptional ancient species possess inherited transformation abilities. They may develop temporary humanoid forms around the Origin Manifestation Realm, while particularly powerful bloodlines can achieve stable transformation around the Origin Domain Realm."

Aether considered this. "So cultivation establishes the general threshold, but bloodline determines how early an individual can overcome it."

"Precisely. There are also different forms of transformation. Some beasts assume completely human appearances, others retain characteristics such as ears, tails, horns or scales, and some prefer hybrid forms that combine humanoid bodies with their natural advantages."

Long Zhentian added, "At the Origin Sovereignty Realm, powerful cultivators generally possess far greater control over their transformations. They can switch between forms with little difficulty. Naturally, these are general expectations rather than absolute restrictions."

Aether looked at Nyra.

"Then demonstrate yours."

Nyra's ears twitched.

"You're rather direct."

"Would you prefer that I ask politely?"

"Perhaps. But I'll forgive you this once."

Golden Origin Energy surrounded her body. Her wolf-like form gradually transformed, revealing a young woman with long dark-silver hair, golden eyes and three tails. Her wolf ears remained visible, preserving the distinctive characteristics of her Ancient Origin Moonwolf bloodline.

The transformation was smooth. There was no instability in her Origin Energy, and her physical structure remained perfectly balanced.

Aether observed her carefully.

"Origin Manifestation Realm Stage 1, yet you can maintain a stable humanoid form. Your bloodline inheritance is impressive."

"Ancient Origin Moonwolves possess an exceptional transformation inheritance. My ancestors could achieve this much earlier than ordinary beasts. Even so, my current cultivation and bloodline development limit some of the abilities I can use."

Aether nodded. His Infinite Origin Physique had already shown an unusual ability to harmonize different physical characteristics. Nyra's transformation offered another interesting example of how a powerful bloodline could alter the natural limitations of a species.

"Can you use your hybrid form in combat?"

"Yes. It allows me to retain many of my natural advantages while using a humanoid body. My original form is still preferable when I need to release my full physical strength, though."

She returned to her wolf form, her three tails swaying behind her.

"Nyx will eventually learn to transform as well. Her bloodline has extraordinary potential, but her ancestral seal must be addressed first. I won't allow her foundation to be damaged just to accelerate her transformation."

Nyx moved closer and pressed her head against Nyra's shoulder.

"I'll guide you properly," Nyra reassured her.

Aether nodded. "Take your time. There's no benefit in rushing her."

The young Earth Dragon raised her head.

"Then what about me? When will I be able to transform?"

Long Zhentian examined her briefly.

"Your cultivation has reached the Origin Manifestation Realm, but your bloodline hasn't developed the necessary ability yet. You'll need further growth before attempting it."

The little dragon looked somewhat disappointed.

At , the author publishes this chapter; this copy appeared without permission, so the source supports the writer.

Nyra chuckled. "Don't worry. Your time will come. Different species develop at different rates."

Kiyomi, who had been watching Nyra's transformation with considerable interest, approached and examined her three tails. Nyra lowered one of them, allowing the little fox to investigate.

"You're a Nine-Tailed Origin Fox," Nyra observed. "Your species possesses its own ancient transformation inheritance. Once your bloodline and cultivation develop sufficiently, you'll have opportunities of your own."

Kiyomi made a small, pleased sound before returning to Aether.

Aether looked at his companions. Each possessed a different evolutionary path, and Nyra's knowledge could help him understand those differences. Her return was more valuable than simply adding another powerful existence to his side.

Aether turned toward Nyra.

"Nyra, I'd like to ask you something. Would you be willing to become one of my personal beast companions? Not simply because you're a Living Origin Shadow, but because I genuinely want you beside us. I want you to have your own judgment and freedom to make decisions. And if you're willing, I'd like you to help Nyx develop her bloodline."

Nyra's golden eyes softened.

"Gladly. I already intended to stay beside my little sister. Having a place among your companions makes that arrangement even easier."

[New Beast Companion Registered: Nyra]

[Species: Ancient Origin Moonwolf]

[Bloodline: Primordial Moonwolf Bloodline]

[Current Cultivation: Origin Manifestation Realm — Stage 1]

[Bloodline Status: Partially Awakened]

[Companion Status: Registered]

[Origin Shadow Status: Active Living Origin Shadow]

Long Zhentian nodded. "A sensible decision. Her knowledge of ancient bloodlines will be useful."

Nyra glanced at him. "You sound almost as though you're approving my appointment."

"I'm simply acknowledging a useful addition."

"How generous."

Aether looked between them. "If you're both finished evaluating each other, we should continue."

Nyra gave a quiet laugh, while Long Zhentian maintained his usual dignified expression.

The group left the clearing and followed the golden pathway deeper into the Ancestral Awakening Forest. The ancient trees gradually became taller, their roots spreading across the ground like enormous natural formations.

After some time, they reached a broad terrace covered in pale-golden flowers. Delicate silver veins ran through their petals, and each blossom released a gentle pulse of energy.

Aether's System immediately responded.

[Ancient Moon-Origin Blossoms Detected]

• Quality: High
• Primary Characteristics: Bloodline Nourishment and Origin Energy Refinement
• Additional Properties: Stabilization of ancient bloodline characteristics
• Compatibility: High — Ancient Origin Moonwolf Bloodline
• Compatibility: High — Nine-Tailed Origin Fox Bloodline
• Compatibility: Moderate — Infinite Origin Physique

Nyra approached the flowers and carefully examined them.

"These are useful. They naturally absorb moonlight and refine the energy before distributing it. Their nourishment is gentle enough to help developing bloodlines stabilize without forcing an awakening."

"Would they help Nyx remove her seal?" Aether asked.

"They can support the process, but they won't remove the seal themselves. Think of them as nourishment for her bloodline. The actual work still requires careful guidance and gradual adaptation."

Aether collected several mature blossoms, leaving the rest undisturbed.

Then he noticed something unusual.

The flowers weren't simply gathering and releasing energy. Their silver veins were separating different energy characteristics before allowing them to circulate together. It was a natural process of refinement and harmonization.

He crouched beside one blossom and carefully examined its energy circulation.

"Long Zhentian, look at this."

The dragon approached.

"Interesting. The flower doesn't force the energies into a single pattern. It refines them individually before allowing them to coexist."

"Exactly."

Aether's attention sharpened. This principle was closely related to the harmonization process of his Infinite Origin Physique. He had already begun understanding how different physical characteristics could coexist without being forced into identical states. These flowers demonstrated a naturally occurring version of the same principle.

He selected one mature blossom and sat down.

"Give me some time."

Aether circulated his Origin Energy and carefully absorbed the flower's refined essence. He didn't rush the process. Instead, he observed how its energy interacted with the different characteristics already being integrated into his physique.

His Infinite Origin Physique responded gradually.

The energy flowed through his body, reinforcing the stability between its developing characteristics. It didn't produce an overwhelming increase in power, but it improved the efficiency of their interaction.

After a while, Aether opened his eyes.

[Natural Harmonization Principle: Further Comprehension Achieved]

[Infinite Origin Physique Development: 4.6% → 4.7%]

[Physical Foundation: Slightly Strengthened]

[Origin Energy Refinement: Improved]

Aether examined his condition.

A modest improvement, but a meaningful one. More importantly, he had gained another piece of understanding that could benefit future physique integration.

Nyra watched him with interest.

"You gained insight from a flower?"

"From its natural energy circulation."

"Then perhaps I should collect every unusual flower I encounter for you."

"Only if you can identify which ones are valuable."

Nyra's golden eyes narrowed playfully. "Are you questioning my knowledge of ancient plants?"

Long Zhentian answered before Aether could.

"He's probably concerned that you'll collect everything you find and call it valuable."

Nyra turned toward him. "And you're probably concerned that someone else might know more about ancient treasures than you."

"Knowledge isn't a competition."

"That's convenient."

Aether shook his head. "I see that having two ancient companions is going to be troublesome."

"Only if you make poor decisions," Long Zhentian replied.

Nyra laughed.

Meanwhile, Nyx and Kiyomi had begun gathering several fallen blossoms. The young Earth Dragon stayed nearby, carefully collecting the Origin Nourishment Crystals scattered along the terrace's eastern slope. Aether inspected the crystals before storing them, confirming that their concentrated energy would also be useful for cultivation.

Their exploration continued for another hour.

Then Nyra suddenly stopped.

Her ears turned toward the distant forest.

"Something is moving beyond those trees."

Long Zhentian extended his perception. His expression became more serious.

"Several creatures. Their auras are unusual. They're carrying ancient bloodline characteristics."

Aether looked toward the distant trees but didn't immediately approach.

"Can you identify their species?"

Nyra concentrated for a moment.

"Not yet. Their bloodlines are incomplete, but the energy surrounding them resembles the ancient evolutionary signatures throughout this forest."

The System began analyzing the distant fluctuations.

[Multiple Ancient Bloodline Signatures Detected]

[Classification: Incomplete]

[Potential Evolutionary Resources: Detected]

Aether's interest increased.

He had already witnessed Nyx's ancestral mark react to this region, discovered the Ancient Bloodline Nourishment Tree and reunited Nyra with her younger sister. Now another group of ancient creatures had appeared.

"Let's observe them first," he ordered. "I want to know what we're approaching before we reveal ourselves."

Nyra returned to her original form and moved beside Nyx. Long Zhentian followed Aether while Kiyomi and the young Earth Dragon stayed close.

The group quietly advanced through the trees.

Ahead, several enormous silhouettes moved between the ancient vegetation. Their appearances remained obscured, but their auras were becoming clearer.

Aether's gaze sharpened.

The Ancestral Awakening Ground still held plenty of secrets, and he intended to uncover every worthwhile opportunity.

This time, however, he might have found something connected to an entirely different ancient bloodline.