Volume 1, Chapter 10: The Contracted Divine Beast

Gu Mingxi now understood the origin of the bead: it was, in fact, the Lightning Spirit Bead. Just as she was preparing to thoroughly investigate its uses, Little Flower called out to her in a panic, urgently insisting that she enter the space. Having never seen Little Flower so distressed, Gu Mingxi frowned and immediately stepped inside to see what was happening.

Once inside, she found Little Flower circling a black egg that was crackling with lightning. Seeing Gu Mingxi, Little Flower hurriedly beckoned her over. "Sister, ever since you broke the seal on the Lightning Spirit Bead, this black egg appeared in the space. It is surrounded by arcs of lightning, and I cannot get close to it, so I had to call you."

Gu Mingxi approached the egg. Because of her own Lightning Spirit Body, the electrical discharges could not harm her. Looking at the black egg, she could not determine what kind of spirit beast it might be. She asked Little Flower, "Was this egg originally in the space?"

Little Flower replied dejectedly, "I don't remember. The previous master collected many things, but he never told me what this black egg was." Then, brightening up, it added, "However, since the previous master brought it into the space, it must mean the egg poses no threat to you. I think you should try to form a contract with it."

Gu Mingxi looked at Little Flower with a complicated expression. How could this advice feel so unreliable? Yet, she had no other choice. She had to try; otherwise, the constant discharge of lightning from the egg was detrimental to the growth of the spiritual herbs in the space. Since her ancestor had placed it here, it surely couldn't be dangerous—surely an ancestor wouldn't set a trap for their own descendant? If nothing else, she would simply end up with a strange spirit beast; it wouldn't be a major loss.

Deciding to act, Gu Mingxi sliced her palm, let the blood flow, and pressed her hand against the black egg. Suddenly, the Lightning Spirit Bead she had just set aside appeared out of nowhere. The space erupted with lightning, and the black egg began to emit a brilliant purple glow. Gu Mingxi couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation; the process was so similar to the resonance of the Lightning Spirit Bead that perhaps this was a powerful lightning-type spirit beast.

Just as her imagination ran wild, a young, crisp voice resonated in her mind: "I am the Divine Beast White Tiger. Having been awakened by you, are you willing to forge a soul contract with me?"

White Tiger! It was actually the Divine Beast White Tiger! She had once read about it in the Records of Divine Beasts in the library. It was described as a beast that governed punishment and wielded lightning—a righteous creature perfectly suited for a pact with someone possessing a Lightning Spirit Body or Lightning Spirit Root. She had once fantasized about such a contract, but to actually encounter one and be in the middle of forming a soul bond felt like having every wish granted. Her luck was truly incredible. Even Mo Yuqing, the "Daughter of Heaven" of this world, had to pay a heavy price for her opportunities, whereas Gu Mingxi had her ancestors paving the way—it was simply wonderful. Having connections was truly great!

Returning to the present, Gu Mingxi quickly replied, "I am willing!"

The White Tiger continued, "From this moment on, we shall share life and death, never to be parted!"

Gu Mingxi answered solemnly, "From this moment on, I shall share life and death with you, never to be parted!"

The White Tiger then said weakly, "You must keep me by your side at all times so that I may absorb enough lightning energy. Without it, I cannot break my shell."

Gu Mingxi frowned, suddenly remembering the lightning-attribute spirit stones in her storage bag. "Would lightning-attribute spirit stones work?"

"Anything that can generate lightning energy will do," the White Tiger replied faintly. It then asked curiously, "During the contract, I sensed an extremely pure source of lightning energy. You must keep me near it while you cultivate."

*Extremely pure lightning energy?* Gu Mingxi realized it must be the Lightning Spirit Bead. She quickly took it out and asked the White Tiger if it could help.

The White Tiger’s voice grew slightly stronger with surprise. "I didn't expect you to possess a Lightning Spirit Bead! If you keep the bead and me together, I can absorb the energy through it. Once I have absorbed enough, I will be able to hatch."

Gu Mingxi touched the egg and said, "Alright, I'll be waiting for you." She then asked, "White Tiger, do you have a name? I can't just keep calling you 'White Tiger'."

The White Tiger hesitated before saying, "I have no name. My parents never gave me one. You may name me."

Gu Mingxi pondered for a long time but couldn't think of anything suitable. Finally, giving up on perfection, she said, "Legend says white tigers have white fur. How about I call you 'Little White'?"

The White Tiger had no concept of names and did not object, accepting the name immediately. It seemed satisfied with "Little White," at least for now.

After naming it, Gu Mingxi said, "Little White, don't call me 'Master' anymore. Just call me 'Sister,' like Little Flower does." Remembering she hadn't introduced them, she called Little Flower over. "Little White, this is Little Flower, the spirit of my space. If you have any problems, you can ask Little Flower for help."

Little Flower greeted it warmly, "That’s right, Little White! If you need anything, just let me know."

Little White replied, "Understood. I am going into a deep slumber to cultivate. We shall meet again."

After settling Little White, Gu Mingxi began studying the Lightning Spirit Bead. However, whether due to her low cultivation level or another reason, she could not unlock any other functions. For now, she could only use it to absorb lightning energy to increase her cultivation. Giving up on her research, she sat down to cultivate alongside the bead. The energy produced was incredibly pure, making her progress far faster than it would have been outside. The process was so rewarding that she didn't want to stop, and she remained in the space until Little Flower reminded her that someone was trying to contact her. Reluctantly, she emerged.