The air was filled with the rustling of leaves, as a great white tiger nimbly jumped from branch to branch. As it jumped it turned its neck and saw something behind it and sped up, turning into a fast blur as they leaped over trees and landed on their tops.
“Xiaojie! Please return to the peak! It is nearly time for the Great Dance and if you miss it Grandmaster will be furious! The form of a neatly groomed old man appeared, his Daoist robe ruffled along, not getting dirtied or torn despite the high speed he was traveling. The young tigress turned her head and stuck out her tongue, before launching herself into the air. Her long white body slowly compressed as small golden wings tore from her back. Her white fur turned red as she turned from the White Tiger to the Golden Crow. She flew a loop around the elderly man twice, then shot forward.
“Oh Xiaojie, you’re transformation technique is truly the most perfect under the heavens. Why must you run? It is the time of the weak humans to defile our perfect home.” He sighed before locking his gaze on her. “Please don’t take offense to this old fool having to get serious, you cannot miss the dance, my lady.” A dense mist surrounded him before a light shot out like a meteor. He chased after the Golden Crow at a breakneck speed, easily catching up to her quite quickly.
“Old Hai, if you can catch me I’ll go, but you’ll have to let me ride on your back!” the soft girlish voice echoed out before dashing into the trees, vanishing. The old man sighed before taking chase, similarly plunging into the dense foliage. The sound of rustling leaves was all that could be heard, before the roaring off a waterfall and a massive lake.
The flash of light stoped on top of the water, glancing into the water before sighing. A winged horse with dragon scales, stood on the water panting. “Xiaojie please, quickly come up! It is not right to bother Fairy He with your playing!” the old man said, exhaustion dripping in his voice. The surface of the water began to shake and a large torrent shot out, revealing a blue Qilin. She glanced at the dragon horse before bowing her head to the water.
"Xiaojie, you honor my lake, but please follow Elder Hai to the Great Lords mountain top. He will be quite displeased if you skip out on the dance and I dare not take the Lord's anger myself." the Qilin waved its paw and the lake began to shake until a small blue flood dragon that was coiled around itself, was brought to the surface of the lake on a finely decorated pillar of water.
The small dragon gradually grew and morphed into a small young lady. With clear, pale skin, long black hair, and phoenix eyes. She had an obvious pout as she sat with her arms crossed. "You're no fun Big Sister He." she looked to Elder Hai "I'm only going if Old Hai lets me ride on his back." She harumphed before pointing her nose up and turning her head to the side.
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
The two mythical beats looked at each other, exhaustion and joy in their eyes. Their young mistress was temperamental and whimsical, but her mood was always steady, she would not change her mind. "Xiaojie, my honor as a Longma-" Old Hai began to speak before the young women shouted "No! I want to ride you home!" Old Hai sighed loudly, and Lady He snickered before flashing a sympathetic look to the old horse dragon.
"Please be gentle to Elder Hai, Young Miss." a simple stream of water shot towards the princess, before a water lily appeared. Tucked behind her ear. "Please give my regards to Grandmaster," she said before bowing again, then melted into the water. Old Hai sighed again before lowering himself down. Smiling the young girl hopped on her back, sitting calmly with her legs crossed. "Let's go Old Hai!" she smiled before she began to laugh.
The old man sighed, standing up and shooting towards the numerous peaks. Dancing over the treetops, and nimbly jumping over the smaller mountain peaks. They traveled fast, tearing through the air, but leaving not a trace. Even the leaves would be untouched as he ran. The massive mountain seemed to be nothing but a simple road to him, as he easily scaled the massive mountain. The journey took a matter of minutes, as the servant and master arrived at a massive stone door deep within the mountain range. to the true tallest peak. An ancient doorway leading into the most sacred part of the mountain.
"Xiaojie, this is as far as I may take you. The Grandmaster is waiting." Elder Hai said bowing his head, nearly touching the ground. Such was the reverence to the being behind the great door. The young miss nimbly jumped from his back, twisting in the air before landing in front of the door. Her gown covered in depictions of ancient and holy beasts. Turning she smiled at the horse dragon " I will make sure you are properly rewarded." her voice was much calmer and less childish. Elder Hai's body stiffened, hearing the Xiaojie speak to him seriously was a grave matter. He could feel no hostile intent, but this was her true self. The serious self. "It was my duty Xiaojie. Nothing less." he turned and dashed away.
Frowning, she turned to face the door. Waiting for her call.
"Jing Qi Shen. It is time for the dance" an aged voice echoed throughout the peak. The whole world felt like it was shaking. Kowtowing to the door, the young girl, Jing Qi Shen, responded solemnly. "Yes, Master. Disciple is ready for the Dance." The door in front of her began to slowly open, ancient qi blasted her. Ruffling her clothing and hair. Stinging her eyes as she still kowtowed. Hand in fists so tight, her nails nearly drew blood. Her body quivered under the pressure.
The earth-shaking voice spoken once more, "Come, Disciple, enter the temple." she slowly stood up, still shaking from the pressure of the qi, the voice, and the open passage. Setting her brows, she walked forward, "Yes master. Disciple shall now enter." Stepping into the ancient hall, the door behind her began to close as slowly as it opened, until the light from the moon was gone. She was in darkness. Her body quivered as nine-tails appeared beneath her robes, red with purple tips. She held her hands near her face and blew on her palms. A purplish fire appeared upon her palms before it scattered into small fairy lights across the vaulted hallway.