The Choice

A violent spatial tearing sensation washed over me, as if my internal organs were about to be displaced. Before my eyes flashed bizarre and dazzling lights, and in my ears came the unique buzzing of the Space Passage. This feeling lasted for about ten breaths, more intense and shorter than any Space Wormhole I had ever traveled through before.

When the feeling of solid ground returned and the blinding light faded, Lin Ming and his companions found themselves in a completely unfamiliar place.

This place is no longer an endless abyss or a collapsing Altar, but a magnificent, ancient palace, yet permeated with boundless desolation and the aura of dust.

The palace's dome soared high, its top invisible, hidden in the deep darkness.

All around are thick stone pillars supporting the dome, each carved with various lifelike Magical Beast Totem, from fierce tigers and giant bears running on the ground to Eagle Roc and rocs soaring in the sky, and even Dragon Whale swimming in the deep sea, each with a different shape and a majestic aura, as if they could come to life at any moment and devour people.

However, most of these totems are covered in dust, and many are even damaged, telling the story of the ruthlessness of time.

In the center of the hall was a circular Altar, much smaller than the one outside, but with a more complex and intricate structure. It was covered with densely packed runes that moved like a galaxy, emitting faint and mysterious energy fluctuations.

The air was filled with an old, decaying atmosphere, yet it also contained an indescribable Ancient Dao Rhyme. This place seemed to be a corner forgotten by time.

"Is this... the true core of the Beast Taming Sect?"

Xiong Zhan looked around and said in a deep, muffled voice, which echoed in the empty hall, adding to the sense of loneliness.

Zi Yan also put away her usual playful nature and curiously examined the Magical Beast Totem. She could sense a very faint trace of Beast Soul Aura remaining in these totems.

Qing Lin stared blankly into the depths of the hall, where there seemed to be a tall, blurry shadow of a throne. An instinctive throbbing from her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils made her feel incredibly close to and longing for this place.

The figure that led them here, formed from the Remnant Soul of Beast Taming Sect Master the Yu Cang Taming Sect, had dimmed to the point of being almost transparent and seemed as if it might dissipate at any moment, was quietly suspended above the central Altar.

His face was even more blurred than before, and his breath was as weak as a candle flickering in the wind, but in his eyes burned a final glimmer of hope and relief.

"Children, welcome to the last remaining site of our Beast Taming Sect's legacy— the Myriad Beast Hall."

Yu Cang's voice rang out, tinged with barely concealed weakness, yet still gentle.

"Time is running out; this Remnant Soul is about to completely dissipate."

His gaze swept over the four people, finally settling on Lin Ming and Qing Lin, his eyes flashing with an unprecedented brilliance.

"To meet you all at the last moment is the fortune of my Beast Taming Sect, and also the will of Heaven!"

His tone was filled with excitement. "Young man, your Soul Power has reached the Spirit Realm Grand Perfection. Your understanding of the essence of power far surpasses your peers. Your will is resolute, making you an excellent candidate to inherit our sect's Beast Taming Secret Method and control the Soul of Myriad Beasts!"

He then looked at Qing Lin, his eyes filled with amazement and fervor. "And you, little girl! You possess the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils! This is the Supreme Eye Technique in the world for snakes, and even for all scaled, Yin Attribute Magical Beast! You are the perfect inheritor that my Beast Taming Sect has always dreamed of! Your existence is simply made for my Beast Taming Sect!"

His words echoed in the empty hall, carrying an unquestionable judgment.

Lin Ming and Qing Lin exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes. They hadn't expected that the last Sect Master of this ancient sect would speak so highly of them.

However, Yu Cang's next words made their hearts sink.

"But..."

A deep sense of helplessness and bitterness appeared on Yu Cang's illusory face.

"I am ultimately just a Remnant Soul about to dissipate. Forcibly stopping my self-destruction, burning my soul to transport you through space, and temporarily isolating me from external detection have exhausted my last bit of Origin Power."

He pointed to the intricate and complex Altar below and sighed, "This 'Myriad Beast Inheritance Altar' is the very core of our sect, containing the true essence of beast taming and the source of power left by successive Sect Master and sages. However, activating it requires immense energy and a complete Soul Imprint for guidance. Right now... I can only barely open the Inheritance Passage one last time."

His gaze refocused on Lin Ming and Qing Lin, his tone becoming extremely solemn, carrying an unyielding resolve:

"So, between the two of you, which one is willing to accept the final inheritance of my Beast Taming Sect?"

"Only one person?!"

Zi Yan couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. Xiong Zhan also frowned.

Qing Lin abruptly raised her head, almost without hesitation, and looked eagerly at Lin Ming, saying, "Brother Lin Ming! This inheritance should be received by you! Your talent and strength are far superior to Qing Lin's; receiving the inheritance will surely allow you to reach even greater heights! As long as Qing Lin can stay by Brother Lin Ming's side..."

"No."

Before Qing Lin could finish speaking, Lin Ming interrupted him gently but firmly.

Lin Ming wore his usual calm smile as he reached out and gently ruffled Qing Lin's hair, the same gesture he had made years ago in Stone Desert City, full of doting affection and an undeniable protectiveness.

"Silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about?"

Lin Ming looked at her, his eyes clear and certain, and said, "Your Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils is an opportunity uniquely prepared for you by heaven and earth. Senior Yu Cang also said that you are the most suitable person for the Beast Taming Sect's inheritance. This inheritance is like a gift specially prepared for you."

After a pause, Lin Ming's tone softened further, yet remained resolute. "As for me, I have my own path to walk. Heavenly Flames, Space Power, Soul Cultivation... there are still many paths I need to traverse; trying to do too much at once will only lead to failure. As for the Beast Taming Sect's inheritance, it complements you, maximizing the potential of your eye techniques and giving you the true means to establish yourself in this world."

Lin Ming's gaze towards Qing Lin was filled with trust and encouragement. "Go, Qing Lin. Accept it. Become stronger, so you can help me better in the future, right?"

"Brother Lin Ming..."

Qing Lin's eyes instantly reddened, tears welling up. She understood that Brother Lin Ming had always been like this, always giving her the best opportunities while bearing all the hardships himself. From protecting her in Stone Desert City back then to now handing over the supreme inheritance of this ancient sect... this affection was heavier than Mount Tai.

She wanted to say something more, but Lin Ming stopped her with a look. That look told her that it was an order, and also his truest choice.

"But..."

Qing Lin's voice choked with emotion.

"No buts."

Lin Ming smiled and gently pushed her forward a step.

Believe in yourself, and believe in me. You deserve this strength.

Yu Cang, hovering above the Altar, witnessed everything. A complex expression appeared on his illusory face. There was admiration for Lin Ming's magnanimity, relief at Qing Lin's gratitude, and above all, a sense of relief and peace. To be able to entrust the future of the sect to such a kind-hearted and supportive young man... he could die without regret.

"Now that the decision has been made, let's... begin."

Yu Cang no longer delayed. His already dim Remnant Soul began to emit its last light, like Zhu Huo about to burn out, desperately releasing its last light and heat.

He raised his hands with difficulty, forming an ancient and extremely complex hand seal, while chanting obscure and difficult-to-understand ancient incantations.

"In the name of Yu Cang, the thirty-seventh Sect Master of the Beast Taming Sect, I burn my Remnant Soul and beseech the Myriad Beast Heroes... to open the Gate of Inheritance!"

Buzz--!

As his last syllable faded, the entire Myriad Beast Hall seemed to come alive! The Magical Beast Totem on the stone pillars all emitted a faint, resonant light! In the darkness of the hall's dome, it seemed as if countless ancient eyes suddenly opened!

Below, the Myriad Beast Inheritance Altar erupted with dazzling light! Countless runes flowed and combined as if they had come to life, finally condensing in the center of the Altar into a rotating, profound energy vortex that seemed to lead to another world!

The passage is open!

At this moment, Yu Cang's Remnant Soul, as if having completed its final mission, became even more transparent, almost merging into the world. He took one last look at Qing Lin, his eyes filled with anticipation and blessings.

"Little girl... the future of the Beast Taming Sect... rests in your hands..."

His voice was as faint as a whisper. Finally, the illusory figure completely dissipated, turning into specks of light that merged into the dazzling Inheritance Passage, as if becoming a beacon guiding the way forward.

"Senior!" Qing Lin couldn't help but call out, tears finally streaming down her face.

Lin Ming also looked solemn and respectfully clasped his hands in a salute towards the Yu Cang had disappeared. This ancient Sect Master had given up everything for the sake of the sect's inheritance, and he was worthy of respect.

"Qing Lin, go." Lin Ming composed himself and said gently to Qing Lin, "Don't let your senior's sacrifice be in vain, and don't let your talent go to waste."

Qing Lin nodded vigorously, wiping away her tears, her eyes becoming incredibly resolute. She turned back and looked deeply at Lin Ming, as if trying to etch his image into her heart, then resolutely turned around and strode confidently toward the radiant Inheritance Passage.

The moment her petite figure stepped into the energy vortex, the light of the entire Altar suddenly receded, the vortex rapidly contracted, and finally, along with Qing Lin's figure, disappeared into the center of the Altar.

The main hall fell silent once more. Only Lin Ming, Zi Yan, Xiong Zhan, and the silent Magical Beast Totem remained.

The inheritance has begun. And all they need to do is wait and protect this place until Qing Lin returns successfully.

Lin Ming stared at the empty Altar, his gaze deep. He knew that when Qing Lin emerged again, she would be completely transformed. And the strength of their team would therefore experience a qualitative leap.