The next day, Little Life wandered through the Beast Country's capital. The streets were wider here, made from gray stone carved with ancient symbols. The buildings rose high, made of wood, bone, and spirit stone, each shaped like the beast clan that built it—snake-head roofs, clawed walls, lion-guard statues at every gate.
Despite his calm look, he was nervous inside. Even though he could now hide his horns, there was always the risk that someone might see through the disguise. Beside him, floating silently in the air, was the silver-red fish. It shimmered with every movement, attracting a few curious glances, but most beastfolk ignored it.
"What should I call you?" he asked the fish as they walked down a side road away from the main market.
The fish didn't answer at first. Then, it spun slowly and said in a quiet voice, "You can call me Shuiyin."
Little Life blinked. "That's… a beautiful name. Means Silver Water, right?"
"Yes."
He smiled faintly. "Alright, Shuiyin. You saved me yesterday. Guess I owe you now."
"You owe me nothing. I gave you my blood because you healed me."
They walked quietly after that, passing a few groups of young beast cultivators laughing and sparring. A hawk-headed boy glanced at Little Life, sniffed the air, then turned away.
Suddenly, Shuiyin darted ahead and stopped. "Careful," it said.
Little Life frowned and followed its gaze. Ahead, a group of beastmen in dark robes stood at the corner, whispering to one another. Their clothes bore the symbol of a coiled serpent.
"Who are they?" he asked.
"Poison Fang Clan," Shuiyin replied. "One of the most dangerous groups here. They trade in rare poisons, forbidden arts, and... humans."
His eyes narrowed. "Slavers?"
"Yes."
A growl formed in Little Life's throat, but he calmed himself. "Let's not cause trouble. We don't have a place in this city yet."
Shuiyin nodded, but its fins flicked as if annoyed.
They walked past carefully, but one of the Poison Fang members glanced at them. His snake eyes narrowed. "You... where are you from, goat-boy?"
Little Life stopped. "Just arrived. Passing through."
"Strange smell," the snake-man hissed, stepping closer. "You smell of sea and blood... and something holy."
Shuiyin floated in front of Little Life, its fins glowing faintly. "Move," it said coldly.
The snake-man's eyes widened. "A speaking beast?!"
Before he could act, another beastman in the group grabbed his shoulder. "Let him go. We've no time for street fights today."
The snake-man gave one last glare and turned away.
Little Life let out a long breath. "That was close."
Shuiyin circled him once. "We should leave this district."
They made their way deeper into the city. The further in they went, the cleaner and richer the buildings became. This part of the city was where the high-level beast clans lived. Sacred fire foxes, royal lionbloods, even a few heavenly turtles walked the streets, heads high and eyes proud.
They passed a towering building made of blue jade. A plaque on the wall read: "Beast Scholar Pavilion."
Little Life stopped. "A library?"
"Yes," Shuiyin said. "But you can't enter without a Beast Token."
He frowned. "Where do I get one?"
Shuiyin flicked its tail. "You'll need to earn it. Each clan has their own way. You can fight in the city arena, or… join a sect."
"Sect?" he asked.
"Yes. There's a small open recruitment happening today near the Fire-Eye Plaza. Want to check it out?"
He hesitated. "Wouldn't that tie me down?"
"You don't have to stay long. Just long enough to get a Beast Token and learn about this continent."
Little Life thought for a while, then nodded. "Let's go."
---
The plaza was huge, filled with young beast cultivators, teachers, and recruiters. Tents lined the sides, each marked by a flag with a different beast: falcon, tiger, turtle, even deer.
Little Life walked through slowly, watching the crowd. Some cultivators wore battle gear, others robes of study. Most were Beastmen, but a few rare humans were here too—usually healers or potion makers.
At one tent, a young lioness called out to him. "You there! With the silver fish! Come try out for our Fire Pelt Academy!"
He stopped. "What do you offer?"
"Training, food, housing, and access to the Beast Scholar Pavilion. If you pass, you get a temporary Beast Token."
He glanced at Shuiyin.
"It's a decent choice," the fish said.
"Alright," he nodded. "I'll try."
---
The test was simple: survive ten minutes in the 'Trial Ring.' A space made from a sealed spirit domain where young cultivators faced wild illusions. Each illusion tested one's combat, spirit, and endurance.
Inside, the air was thick with fog. The moment Little Life stepped in, the ground trembled, and a giant flaming wolf appeared.
He took a breath. "Let's see what this new power can do."
He summoned his light, now mixed with beast aura. A golden glow surrounded him. The flaming wolf howled and charged.
He dodged quickly, channeling light into his hands and blasting the wolf with a wave of purifying energy. It roared, staggered, and charged again.
He jumped over its back, landed, and kicked it hard. His beast strength showed its power.
Another illusion formed—this time a deep pit with grasping vines. He was pulled in, but his light burned through the traps.
Each challenge was different: fear, pain, darkness, illusion. But he didn't fall.
Finally, the fog cleared. Ten minutes had passed.
He stepped out, slightly injured, clothes torn but smiling.
The lioness nodded. "Accepted. Report to the academy tomorrow morning. You'll get your token then."
Little Life bowed. "Thank you."
He turned and walked away, Shuiyin flying beside him.
"Not bad," the fish said. "You used your strength well."
"I learned something too," Little Life replied. "My light powers work better here. Maybe the beast blood helps."
They returned to the inn. As night fell, Little Life stared out the window at the city lights.
"Tomorrow, we learn more," he whispered.
Shuiyin floated closer. "And grow stronger."
Little Life smiled faintly. "Together."
The fish rested on the windowsill, its silver-red scales glowing under the moonlight.
For the first time since leaving his brothers, Little Life felt… not alone.
--[To Be Continued]--