The cat demon defies the heavens and is the emperor’s only beloved disciple!

The midday sun pours down on the fish pond of Linglongxuan like molten gold, creating shimmering waves and reflecting the lush trees and quaint pavilions around it.

The young man Jin Xi held a bunch of spiritual herbs emitting a faint spiritual light, walked briskly through the winding path, and came to this place that he was very familiar with.

"Linglong, I'm here to see you."

Jin Xi stood by the fish pond, calling softly, with a gentle light in her eyes.

The spiritual herb in his hand was picked specially for Linglong, hoping to add some spiritual power to her.

As Jin Xi finished speaking, delicate ripples suddenly appeared on the surface of the fish pond, as if some creature was swimming happily underwater.

Then, a graceful figure slowly rose from the water, transforming into a young girl dressed in azure, with hair as long as a waterfall of black ink. She was Linglong, a close friend of Jinxi's since childhood.

"Jin Xi, you're here."

Linglong's voice was clear and pleasant, with a hint of imperceptible joy.

She landed lightly beside Jin Xi, her eyes full of care and dependence on the young man.

"Look, what did I bring you?"

Jin Xi smiled and handed the spiritual herbs to Ling Long. Ling Long took the herbs, sniffed them gently, and a satisfied smile spread across her face. "Thank you, Jin Xi. These spiritual herbs are truly precious to me."

The two sat down by the fish pond and chatted about recent trivial matters and their experiences in cultivation.

Jin Xi's eyes sparkled with longing for the future, while Linglong listened quietly, occasionally interrupting to offer encouragement and support.

However, good times are always short-lived. When the afterglow of the setting sun began to fill the fish pond, Jin Xi suddenly fell silent, and the smile on his face gradually faded.

Linglong noticed Jin Xi's abnormality and asked with concern: "Jin Xi, what's wrong? Is there something on your mind?"

Jin Xi took a deep breath and said slowly, "Linglong, I will be going to Lingshan Academy in three days. The Emperor asked me to go there for further studies."

When Linglong heard this, a hint of surprise and reluctance flashed in her eyes.

"Jin Xi, this is good news. You should be happy." Linglong tried hard to force a smile, trying to hide her inner loss.

"Yes, I'm very happy. But I can't bear to leave you, Linglong."

Jin Xi's voice was a little choked. "In the future, I may not have so much time to visit you."

Jin Xi and Ling Long sat side by side by the fish pond.

"Linglong, wait for me. When I return from Lingshan Academy, I will become even stronger and protect you and this fish pond."

Jin Xi held Linglong's hand tightly.

Jin Xi's eyes fell gently on Linglong's face. He gently stroked a small cloth bag in his hand, which contained 10,000 taels of medium-grade purple gold spirit stones he had obtained today.

This heavy gift carries the heavy emotions in his heart.

"Linglong, look at the fish in this pond. They are free and carefree."

Jin Xi's voice was low and gentle, as if she was afraid of disturbing the tranquility.

"And I am about to embark on the journey to Lingshan College. The road ahead is full of unknowns and challenges."

When Linglong heard this, a hint of imperceptible worry flashed in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by determination.

"Jin Xi, I know you have high aspirations. Although the path of cultivation is difficult, I believe you will achieve extraordinary things.

I will wait for you here, until you achieve great success and return in glory."

Jin Xi gently held Linglong's hand, and the warmth passed through his palm and reached his heart.

"Linglong, this is the reward I received from the Emperor today: ten thousand taels of mid-grade purple gold spirit stones."

As he spoke, Jin Xi slowly opened the small cloth bag, and the bright light instantly illuminated the faces of the two people.

Those purple-gold spirit stones sparkled with an alluring luster in the sunlight, as if each one contained endless power and hope.

"Linglong, I offer this ten thousand taels of mid-grade purple gold spirit stone as a betrothal gift. I hope you can take good care of yourself before I return. When I achieve the Great Dao, I will marry you with a beautiful wedding dress."

Jin Xi's words were full of determination and affection, and his eyes sparkled with infinite longing for the future.

"Jin Xi, what are you doing..."

"Linglong, I..." Jin Xi hesitated to speak. He knew that the betrothal gift was too expensive, but what he wanted to express more was his inner feelings.

A hint of disappointment flashed across Jin Xi's eyes, but he quickly adjusted his mood and asked gently, "Why? Don't you want to accept my feelings?"

Linglong shook her head, her eyes flashing with complex emotions: "Jin Xi, although you and I are close friends, I know that you are of noble status and are the descendant of the ancient Qilin.

And I am just a small koi. Although I can practice after transforming into a human form, I can never be accepted into the upper class. The gap between you and me is too big. I..."

"exquisite!"

Jin Xi interrupted her, his eyes full of determination, "In my heart, you have never been different because of your identity.

You are kind, tough and brave, and these qualities far outweigh any identity or status.

I, Jin Xi, only wish to spend my life with you. No matter what the road ahead holds, I will remain steadfast."

Linglong felt a surge of warmth in her heart when she heard this, but she still shook her head: "Jin Xi, I understand your intentions, but the road to cultivation is long and difficult. You and I should focus on cultivation and not be greedy for personal relationships.

As a descendant of the ancient Qilin, you shoulder the mission of your family and race, and I also have my own path of cultivation to follow.

We may be able to fight side by side and face the future together, but at this moment, I really cannot accept this betrothal gift."

Jin Xi looked at Linglong's determined eyes. Although she felt unwilling, she gradually understood her intentions.

A trace of determination flashed in his eyes: "Linglong, you are right, we should focus on cultivation.

But please believe that no matter what the future holds, my feelings will not change.

I will work harder to cultivate, protect you, and guard you until the day you are willing to accept me."

When Linglong heard this, a touch of emotion flashed in her eyes.

She stood up, walked to Jin Xi, and patted his shoulder gently: "Jin Xi, thank you. I believe in your determination and courage.

Let us work hard together to cultivate and meet the challenges of the future."

At this moment, a strange wave suddenly appeared in the fish pond, and a ray of light shot up into the sky, illuminating the entire Linglongxuan.

Linglong and Jinxi looked at each other in surprise, then quickly reacted and flew towards the center of the fish pond together.

In the center of the fish pond, a mysterious rune slowly emerged, exuding an ancient and powerful aura.

As the runes rotated, a powerful force surged out from the fish pond, enveloping Linglong and Jinxi.

"This is..." Linglong shouted in surprise.

Jin Xi frowned, he felt that this power contained some kind of ancient inheritance and trial.

He looked at Linglong, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes: "Linglong, it seems that we are about to face an unknown trial.

But rest assured, no matter what the road ahead holds, I will fight alongside you."

Linglong nodded, determination and courage flashing in her eyes.

She knew that this trial might be an important turning point in their cultivation.

She held Jin Xi's hand tightly, and the two of them faced the upcoming challenges together.

As the runes' rotation accelerated, Linglong and Jinxi's figures gradually disappeared in the light, leaving behind only a tranquil fish pond and green bamboo swaying in the wind...

When the light faded, Linglong and Jinxi found themselves in a mysterious space.

The air was filled with rich spiritual energy, and an ancient stone tablet stood in front.

The stone tablet is engraved with dense runes, revealing the traces of time.

Linglong and Jinxi approached the stone tablet and carefully observed the runes on it.

Suddenly, the runes on the stone tablet shone and turned into a beam of light that shot towards them.

Linglong and Jinxi had no time to dodge, and after being hit by the beam, strange power surged out of their bodies.

They realized that this was the beginning of a trial.

They must unlock the secret of the stele to find a way to leave this space.

Linglong and Jinxi supported each other and began to explore this mysterious space.

During the journey, they encountered all kinds of wonderful sights and dangers, but with their trust and courage in each other, they overcame difficulties again and again.

Finally, they found the core of the stele.

With concerted efforts, they successfully cracked the secret of the stone tablet, triggering a brilliant light.

After the light faded, they returned to the fish pond of Linglongxuan.

After this trial, Linglong and Jinxi's cultivation has been greatly improved.

They are more convinced that as long as they work together, they can overcome any difficulties and realize their dreams.

At this time, Linglong and Jinxi's mood also changed.

They understand that the path of spiritual practice is not a lonely journey, but requires working together with like-minded people.

Looking to the future, they are determined to integrate this friendship into their spiritual practice, constantly break through themselves and pursue higher realms.

At night, the watery moonlight shines on the fish pond, reflecting the fish playing in the water. A gentle breeze blows, rustling the green bamboos on the shore.

Linglong stood in the pavilion, her elegant blue shirt fluttering in the wind, her eyes gleaming with reluctance.

Her best friend Jin Xi was standing opposite her with a warm and determined smile on her face.

"I'm leaving, Linglong."

Jin Xi's voice was gentle and clear, as if it could penetrate the afterglow of the sunset and reach Linglong's heart.

He blew a delicate whistle softly. The clear and pleasant sound of the whistle instantly broke the silence around him.

As the whistle sounded, a light-bodied fawn with snow-white fur slowly walked out of the woods.

Its eyes were clear, as if they could see into people's hearts. Jin Xi leaped lightly and landed steadily on the fawn's back. The fawn then spread its four hooves and galloped towards the spirit beast's home.

Linglong looked at Jin Xi's figure gradually disappearing into the distance, feeling mixed emotions.

They have known each other since childhood at Linglongxuan, and have experienced countless ups and downs together. The friendship between them has long been as deep as the sea.

However, the road to cultivation is long and arduous. As a spirit beast master, Jin Xi must return to his own tribe to continue practicing and improving.

"Take care on your journey, Jin Xi."

Linglong murmured softly, a hint of determination flashing in her eyes.

She knew that although they were separated temporarily, the friendship and faith in their hearts would always keep them closely connected.

One day in the future, they will be able to meet again and write their own legendary chapter together.