Tian Mai stood before the Toad Shrine of Mount Myōboku. The mountain wind howled, carrying the damp, mossy scent that wafted towards her, a sour and astringent smell that seemed to seep into her very bones. Beneath her feet stood the iconic, enormous Toad Shrine of Mount Myōboku. This shrine was truly a strange object; its overall shape resembled a giant, crouching Toad. Its surface was pitted and uneven, with countless raised bumps that looked like a myriad of eyes staring straight at her, making the back of her neck tingle and giving her goosebumps.
Tian Mai, that girl, has such a carefree and outspoken personality. Having grown up navigating the world of martial arts, she's fearless and daring. She's stunningly beautiful, with a delicate face, exquisite features, large, bright, expressive eyes, and long, fluttering eyelashes that seem to speak volumes. She has a high, straight nose, a small mouth, and when she smiles, the dimples at the corners of her mouth are absolutely mesmerizing. Her long, glossy black hair is casually tied into a ponytail, swaying with every movement, exuding a playful charm. She wears a fitted outfit with a red belt around her waist, from which hangs a jade pendant—her most treasured possession. Now, her knuckles are white from gripping the pendant so tightly, showing just how anxious she is.
Ever since swallowing her third elixir and breaking through to the Late Foundation Establishment stage, Tian Mai was incredibly confident. She signed a partnership contract with the Toad Sage and happily arrived at Mount Myōboku, her mind preoccupied with one thing—she had to extract Tsubasa's whereabouts from the Toad Sage. Tsubasa was the most important person to her; she had to find him no matter what. But that old Toad was truly infuriating; he remained hidden in the temple, sleeping, refusing to come out no matter how much Tian Mai called or called him.
"Hey! Old Toad Sage!" Tian Mai shouted at the top of her lungs, her voice loud and clear, making the surrounding air buzz and startling several Fire Fly that were perched in the Toad Temple. The Fire Fly, flashing with a faint light, flew around erratically in the air, seemingly frightened by Tian Mai's shout.
"What kind of skill is it to hide from me? I'm your contracted partner, after all! Help me use my dream of foreseeing the Mirai once, and I'll consider it a favor I owe you!" Tian Mai put her hands on her hips, tilted her head back, and glared at the Toad Temple, looking like she wouldn't give up until she got what she wanted.
The temple doors suddenly trembled violently, and several pieces of rubble fell down. Tian Mai's pupils contracted sharply, and she instinctively leaped backward, her movements as nimble as a deer. She stared nervously at the Toad Temple before her, only to see the temple slowly open, the heavy stone doors emitting a harsh scraping sound, as if telling the story of the vicissitudes of time. The Toad Sage had awakened.
Tian Mai looked at the dim light shining from the temple, feeling both nervous and expectant.
"Little girl, it's not good for you to keep disturbing my sleep like this." The hoarse voice made her eardrums ache. A giant, bumpy Toad- like face appeared on the altar, its bumps rising like small hills, yet it wore a doctor's cap to appear learned—it looked rather disgusting. "Two years have passed. You've become much stronger, and your temper has grown too."
Tian Mai landed firmly and gritted her teeth, saying, "If my husband hadn't insisted that you were the most powerful two years ago and made me sign a contract with you, would I have paid any attention to you, you old Toad spirit! You sit here all day long, what can you do to help me! Now I finally need you, I only ask that you use your Dream Prophecy Technique to help me find Tsubasa's whereabouts!" Her voice trembled involuntarily as she spoke the last few words.
The Toad Sage was silent for a moment, a strange blue light swirling in his eyes. "That kid who always wears the red Hokage robe? A few months ago, there was indeed a strange and powerful fluctuation of Spiritual Power that disrupted the Natural Energy of the Shinobi World..." He suddenly sneezed, causing Tian Mai to take a few steps back. "But if you want me to use my Prophecy Technique to specifically predict one thing or one person, what will you give me in exchange?"
"I've already signed a partnership contract with you!" Tian Mai blurted out without thinking. As soon as she finished speaking, the Toad Sage let out a deafening laugh that made the surrounding trees rustle.
"With your Late Foundation Establishment cultivation? Becoming partners with someone like me, a Golden Core Stage cultivator, is a huge win for you." The Toad Sage's laughter was full of sarcasm. "Moreover, once this contract is signed, my Mount Myōboku clan will help you in every battle. But we always have to give each other some benefits for doing things for us!"
Tian Mai took a deep breath, her fingertips tracing the sword at her waist. The runes engraved on the blade suddenly glowed faintly; it was her natal sword, nurtured with blood sacrifices over the years. "I've made up my mind," she said, looking directly into the Toad Sage's crimson vertical pupils. "I'm willing to pay any price to find out Tsubasa's whereabouts."
The Toad Sage suddenly fell silent, licking his eyes with his enormous tongue. "Interesting. Watch closely."
"Wait, old Toad, don't be in such a hurry to make your move." Tian Mai's eyes darted around, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Your Prophecy Technique aren't just for show. Tell me, what do you want?"
The Toad Sage glared at her, his gaze like that of someone looking at a cunning little animal. "There are a few things about you that interest me. This sword looks decent, but Mount Myōboku has no shortage of weapons. And the jade pendant at your waist, hmm, interesting, but not worth using. What I want is for you to owe me a favor."
"A favor?" Tian Mai frowned. "What does that mean?"
"In other words, if I help you this time, you have to help me unconditionally if I ever need anything in the future," the Toad Sage said slowly, a cunning glint in his eyes.
Tian Mai's heart skipped a beat; this old Toad was indeed not easily fooled. She thought for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Fine, I agree. However, you have to guarantee that this Prophecy Technique will give me accurate information."
The Toad Sage chuckled, "Little girl, my Toad Sage Prophecy Technique are no joke. However, I can give you a choice. Either you owe me a favor, or you use your natal sword as collateral."
Tian Mai's eyes widened. This old Toad was truly insatiable. She touched the sword at her waist, a sword she had nurtured with her lifeblood for years, and she had grown deeply attached to it. But thinking of Tsubasa, she hardened her heart. "Fine, I'll use my natal sword as collateral. But if you dare to lie to me, I'll never forgive you!"
The Toad Sage grinned, revealing a row of sharp teeth. "Deal. However, if the prophesied Tsubasa doesn't appear, or if your husband is truly in danger, I can't guarantee his safe return."
Tian Mai's heart tightened, but she still forced a smile and said, "I know. I'll be satisfied as long as you can tell me his exact whereabouts."
The Toad Sage nodded, closed his eyes, and began chanting strange incantations. A mysterious aura filled the temple, and the surrounding air became heavy. Tian Mai watched nervously, silently praying for a good outcome this time.
A powerful force enveloped Tian Mai and the Great Toad Sage, and both of them entered a magical dream space.