The Beasts That Became His Shadows

Chapter 162 — The Beasts That Became Shadows

The forest of Astralis was considerably different from the wilderness Aether had encountered on Earth. Origin Energy flowed through everything. Ancient trees possessed stronger vitality, ordinary plants sometimes carried traces of spiritual energy, and even the air contained enough nourishment to support cultivation.

Aether walked at the front of the group, observing their surroundings through his Origin Sense. Nyx followed nearby, her golden eyes occasionally scanning the trees, while Kiyomi seemed far more interested in the small creatures moving between the roots. Suddenly, the little fox spotted something. A small rabbit with pale blue ears emerged from a bush, its ears shimmering like crystal. Kiyomi's nine tails immediately rose as she stared at it. The rabbit noticed her, froze for a moment, and then ran.

Kiyomi chased after it.

"Kiyomi, don't go too far," Aether called.

The little fox didn't seem particularly interested in listening. Lyra laughed at the sight. "She found something more interesting than us."

"Let her play for a while," Aria said.

Aether shook his head, although a faint smile appeared on his face. He could still sense Kiyomi's presence, so there was no immediate danger. After a short while, the fox returned, looking slightly disappointed. The Crystal-Eared Moon Rabbit had escaped. Aether gently rubbed her head.

"Next time."

Kiyomi made a small sound before settling beside Nyx. The group continued exploring, eventually discovering a patch of unusual grass growing between several dark stones. Its blades possessed a metallic sheen, and faint golden energy circulated through their veins. Aether examined it through his private System.

[Ironcrest Spirit Grass]

[Grade: Earth Grade]

[Properties: Improves physical refinement and metallic Origin Energy affinity.]

Aether carefully collected several mature stalks and stored them. "This should be useful. After proper refinement, it could improve our physical foundations and help anyone with metallic Origin Energy affinity."

Aria looked at the grass with interest. "Can we cultivate with it?"

"Yes, but consuming it directly might not produce the best results. I'll examine it more carefully before we use it."

They continued deeper into the forest, but their exploration soon came to an unexpected halt. A tremendous disturbance erupted somewhere beyond the trees, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Aether immediately raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop. Two enormous auras were colliding in the distance, and he expanded his Origin Sense to examine them.

Two beasts were fighting. One was an enormous tiger covered in metallic-looking fur, its claws reflecting a cold golden light while dense Origin Energy surrounded its body. The other was a mountain bear with thick, stone-like armor covering its enormous frame. Aether's private System activated.

[Target detected: Ironcrest Mountain Tiger.]

[Origin Manifestation Realm — Stage 3.]

[Potential: A.]

[Physical strength: Extremely high.]

[Defense: Exceptional.]

Another scan followed.

[Target detected: Mountain Bear.]

[Origin Manifestation Realm — Stage 3.]

[Potential: A.]

[Physical strength: Extremely high.]

[Defense: Extremely high.]

Aether's expression became serious. Both beasts were several major realms above him. "Everyone, hide your auras." The group immediately followed his instruction, moving behind a cluster of enormous rocks to observe the battlefield. The tiger attacked first, its metallic claws striking the bear's armored body with tremendous force. The bear retaliated with a heavy swing that sent the tiger crashing through several trees. Neither creature showed any intention of retreating.

Aether watched carefully. Even with his combined physiques, he couldn't defeat either beast in a direct confrontation. The gap between Origin Tempering and Origin Manifestation was simply too large. The battle continued, and eventually the bear suffered another powerful attack. Its movements slowed before its enormous body collapsed onto the ground. The tiger had won, but victory had come at a considerable cost. Its breathing became heavy, several wounds covered its body, and its Origin Energy fluctuated irregularly. It attempted to stand straight, only to stumble.

Aether waited until the tiger had exhausted itself fighting to remain standing. Then he looked toward his companions. "Stay here. I'll handle it. Everyone remain ready, but don't approach unless I call for you."

Lyra frowned. "You're going alone?"

"I have to. Even in its current condition, that beast is dangerous."

Aether stepped out from behind the rocks. The tiger immediately noticed him, its eyes remaining dangerous despite its injuries. Aether didn't underestimate it. He released his Origin Energy and activated his integrated physiques. The Voidmoon Physique stabilized his movements, the Starforged Physique reinforced his body, and the Thunderheart and Moonlit Life Physiques supported his energy circulation and vitality. His Executioner's Blade appeared in his hand as he prepared to end the confrontation quickly.

The tiger roared and attempted to attack. Aether moved aside, avoiding its weakened charge. He couldn't afford a prolonged confrontation, so he concentrated his Origin Energy into the blade and struck with everything he could safely release.

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BOOM!

The tiger attempted to defend itself, but its exhausted body couldn't respond with its previous strength. The impact brought the enormous beast down. Aether immediately followed with another concentrated strike, finally bringing the battle to an end. He remained alert for several seconds before confirming that the threat had ended.

[Ironcrest Mountain Tiger defeated.]

[Origin Points gained: 8,000.]

[Mountain Bear defeated.]

[Origin Points gained: 8,000.]

[Total Origin Points gained: 16,000.]

Aether exhaled. "That was closer than I wanted."

He approached the two fallen beasts and activated his Shadow Authority. Dark Origin Energy spread across the ground, surrounding their bodies. Their physical forms gradually dissolved as their Origin imprints were extracted, and two new manifestations began taking shape.

[Ironcrest Mountain Tiger imprint successfully extracted.]

[Mountain Bear imprint successfully extracted.]

[Shadow Storage updated.]

[Active Shadow Capacity: 3/3.]

[Additional manifestations cannot currently be deployed.]

Aether examined the two newly registered imprints. They were powerful additions, but his current Shadow Authority couldn't accommodate more active manifestations. That would have to change later.

Another notification appeared.

[New ability unlocked: Origin Shadow Assimilation.]

Aether's eyes narrowed as the System explained the ability. Origin Shadow Assimilation allowed him to absorb a portion of the cultivation energy contained within his registered shadows. The energy would be refined through his Infinite Origin Physique and could contribute to his cultivation and physique development. However, each shadow possessed a finite amount of available energy. Assimilation temporarily reduced its combat reserves, and higher-realm energy required considerably more effort to refine.

Aether looked at the two new imprints. "Let's see how much I can absorb."

He began carefully drawing energy from both shadows. The moment it entered his body, the pressure became enormous. Even his reinforced meridians trembled under the concentrated energy, but the Infinite Origin Physique responded immediately. It began refining the energy, removing impurities and harmonizing its different characteristics. Aether closed his eyes and allowed the process to continue.

[Origin Energy assimilation progressing.]

[Infinite Origin Physique responding.]

[Physique Development: 1.25% → 1.40%.]

His cultivation foundation began expanding. Aether first felt the familiar barrier of Origin Tempering Stage 10. The incoming energy pressed against it until his foundation finally stabilized and expanded.

[Breakthrough achieved.]

[Origin Tempering — Stage 11.]

He continued refining the energy. His Infinite Origin Physique handled the enormous influx with increasing efficiency, allowing his foundation to advance further. Another barrier appeared, and after stabilizing his energy circulation, Aether broke through once again.

[Breakthrough achieved.]

[Origin Tempering — Stage 12.]

For an ordinary cultivator, reaching these two stages would have been extraordinarily difficult. Stage 12 was not simply another cultivation level; it demanded a foundation far beyond what normal cultivators could establish. The concentrated energy from two Realm 6 beasts would have overwhelmed an ordinary Origin Tempering cultivator. Without a physique capable of refining and harmonizing it, attempting to absorb such an enormous quantity could destroy their foundation and cause their bodies to collapse.

Aether's Infinite Origin Physique was the reason he could withstand it. In fact, the breakthroughs had been considerably easier than they should have been. His physique continuously refined the incoming energy, allowing him to absorb an amount that would normally be impossible at his current cultivation level. However, the energy alone wasn't enough. His accumulated foundation was what allowed him to stabilize each breakthrough rather than simply being overwhelmed by the pressure.

The energy continued circulating, and Aether reached the limit of Origin Tempering. His next breakthrough began as Origin Energy surged through his body, transforming and reinforcing his internal structure.

[Major breakthrough achieved.]

[Origin Vein Realm — Stage 1.]

Aether continued refining the remaining energy. His newly established foundation stabilized, allowing him to advance through the next stages.

[Origin Vein Realm — Stage 2.]

[Origin Vein Realm — Stage 3.]

[Origin Vein Realm — Stage 4.]

Finally, the remaining energy settled into his foundation.

[Breakthrough achieved.]

[Current Cultivation: Origin Vein Realm — Stage 5.]

Aether slowly opened his eyes. The difference was enormous. His body could now accommodate significantly more Origin Energy, and his internal circulation had become far more efficient. The System displayed his physique development.

[Infinite Origin Physique: 2.50%.]

[Voidmoon Physique Integration: 70%.]

[Starforged Physique Integration: 45%.]

[Thunderheart Physique Integration: 42%.]

[Moonlit Life Physique Integration: 40%.]

Aether studied the results. The energy from the two Realm 6 beasts had accelerated his development considerably, especially the integration of his existing physiques. However, he understood something else. If an ordinary cultivator somehow possessed the capacity to absorb and refine the same amount of energy, along with a foundation capable of supporting it, they might advance even further than Aether had. The enormous energy supply could potentially carry such a cultivator beyond Aether's current realm. His own foundation was exceptional, but it was still growing.

He closed the interface, only for another notification to appear.

[New ability unlocked: Origin Bond Resonance.]

Aether paused as the System explained that his cultivation breakthroughs could now nourish his bonded companions and registered shadows. The effect would vary according to each individual's potential, foundation, and condition. He immediately sensed a subtle change in the energy surrounding Nyx. Her Origin Energy began circulating more smoothly, and her already powerful foundation received additional nourishment. Her bloodline resonance also became slightly stronger.

Kiyomi received a gentler stream of energy. Her small body glowed faintly as her Origin Energy reserves expanded, with the nourishment carefully adjusted to her developing foundation so that she wouldn't be overwhelmed. The three active shadows experienced similar changes. Blackfang's energy became more stable, Ironhide's defensive Origin Energy strengthened, and Grimhorn's manifestation became slightly more stable, improving its recovery capacity. Even the two newly stored imprints received a weaker resonance. They couldn't manifest or fight yet, but their Origin Energy would gradually benefit from Aether's development.

Aether looked toward Nyx and Kiyomi. "So you two benefit from my cultivation as well."

Nyx approached and rubbed her head against his hand. Kiyomi immediately followed, pressing herself against his leg. Aether smiled and gently patted them both. "Looks like this ability will be useful."

Nearby, Vaelira had discovered something carved into the surface of an enormous stone. "Aether. Come look at this."

He approached and examined the damaged inscription. Several spatial symbols remained, although most of the original structure had been destroyed. Vaelira carefully studied them. "This is an ancient spatial technique."

Aether focused on the inscription while his System began analyzing it.

[Partial technique detected: Spatial Anchor Stabilization.]

[Analysis Progress: 31%.]

[Condition: Incomplete.]

Aether looked toward the remaining symbols. It was another useful discovery, although understanding the complete technique would require more time. They established a temporary base near a nearby stream before nightfall. The group had gained valuable resources, two powerful new shadow imprints, and an unexpected breakthrough.

Aether sat quietly, examining his newly strengthened foundation. He had entered Astralis only recently, yet he had already advanced from Origin Tempering Stage 10 to Origin Vein Stage 5. His Infinite Origin Physique had also developed considerably. Astralis was full of powerful beasts, ancient inheritances, and unknown opportunities, and now every major breakthrough would gradually strengthen the companions who traveled beside him.

His growth would no longer be limited to himself. It would become the foundation upon which his entire force could grow.