Myriad Realms Strongest Family

Yunfeng stood at the center of the Brotherhood's serene courtyard, with Altair kneeling before him, awaiting instructions. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the distant hum of the forest that surrounded the Divine Sword Clan's lands.

"Altair," Yunfeng said, his tone calm but commanding. "Before I leave, I have two tasks for you. First, I want you to monitor the Divine Sword Clan. Pay close attention to the elders. If there are any abnormalities, especially in their movements or decisions, I want to know immediately."

Altair bowed slightly. "As you wish, young master. We will watch them without fail."

Yunfeng continued, his gaze sharp. "Second, the system showed me that one of my ancestors is alive but barely hanging on. Use the Brotherhood's resources to investigate his location. If you find him, report to me directly. He might be the key to unlocking something important for our clan."

Altair nodded. "It will be done."

Satisfied, Yunfeng gestured to Itachi, who stood quietly at his side. "Come. We have a spirit ring to hunt."

The Divine Sword Clan, positioned strategically on the edge of a sprawling forest, was both blessed and cursed by its location. Surrounded by rich natural resources, the clan had access to an abundance of medicinal plants, precious herbs, and spirit beasts vital for cultivating Martial Spirits. This made the Divine Sword Clan an economic and strategic asset for the region. However, their proximity to both the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire meant the clan was always caught in a subtle power struggle. The looming shadow of Spirit Hall added another layer of danger, as the Hall sought to assert dominance over independent clans like the Zhao Clan.

Yunfeng and Itachi moved through the dense woods near the clan's territory. The wilderness surrounding the Zhao Clan was vast and untamed, filled with low-level spirit beasts and thick vegetation. It was a natural barrier that protected the clan from surprise invasions. Still, Yunfeng couldn't shake the sense of unease knowing how precarious their position truly was.

The journey to the Star Dou Great Forest was no small feat. Rising Dragon City marked the midpoint, a bustling trade hub that connected several key territories. Merchants, cultivators, and nobles often gathered there, making it a hotspot for information—and potential danger. Yunfeng and Itachi avoided the city entirely, moving along hidden paths that only seasoned travelers or locals knew.

Itachi's presence was key to their rapid progress. His Sharingan granted him unparalleled perception, allowing him to navigate through the forest's complex terrain with ease. He could detect subtle changes in the environment, like shifts in the wind that hinted at hidden dangers or signs of nearby spirit beasts. It wasn't just his eyes, though—Itachi's combat experience and adaptability made him a natural guide in this world.

As they moved, Yunfeng noticed how Itachi never seemed to misstep. Even when the terrain became rocky or dense with undergrowth, Itachi glided through it with the grace of a shadow. 

"How do you always know the right path?" Yunfeng asked, curiosity finally getting the better of him.

Itachi glanced back briefly, his tone calm but confident. "Years of experience, young master. Whether it's a battlefield or a forest, the principles remain the same. Observe, analyze, and adapt."

Yunfeng couldn't help but marvel at the man's ability. It was as though Itachi belonged to this world, moving through it as naturally as he breathed. The fact that the system had granted Itachi knowledge of this world's geography, ecosystems, and even spirit beast classifications only solidified his usefulness. Yunfeng realized that having Itachi by his side was like carrying a living map and a strategist rolled into one.

As they traveled, Yunfeng also took the opportunity to observe the environment. The closer they got to the Star Dou Great Forest, the more the terrain began to change. The air grew heavier with moisture, and the trees became larger and more ancient-looking, their roots twisting like serpents across the ground. The sounds of wildlife grew louder, with distant roars and cries echoing through the canopy.

The Star Dou Great Forest was one of the most famous and dangerous places in the Douluo Continent. It was said to be home to spirit beasts of every kind and rank, from ten-year beasts to legendary 100,000-year-old creatures that even Titled Douluo feared. The forest was so vast that it spanned the borders of the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, making it a hotspot for both alliances and conflicts.

"It's amazing how quickly we got here," Yunfeng said, glancing at the horizon where the massive trees of the Star Dou Great Forest loomed. 

"This journey should've taken us days."

"That's because we avoided unnecessary delays," Itachi replied matter-of-factly. 

"Most travelers stick to roads or cities, which slows them down. We took direct routes and avoided trouble. Efficiency saves time, young master."

Yunfeng nodded, impressed once again by Itachi's pragmatism. As they approached the forest's edge, the sheer size of the trees became overwhelming. Some rose hundreds of meters into the air, their trunks wide enough to house entire villages. The atmosphere shifted as well, becoming almost oppressive with the aura of countless spirit beasts.

"We're here," Itachi said, his Sharingan scanning the area for potential threats. "From this point on, every step must be taken carefully. The Star Dou Great Forest doesn't forgive carelessness."

As they traveled deeper, the forest grew denser, the trees towering like ancient sentinels. The air became cooler, and the sounds of chirping birds and rustling branches surrounded them. 

Itachi's Sharingan glowed faintly in the dim light filtering through the canopy. "Young master," he said, breaking the silence, "the Star Dou Great Forest is known for housing spirit beasts of all levels. What kind of spirit ring are you aiming for?"

Yunfeng, who had been silently walking beside him, gave a small hum of thought. "I need a spirit ring that complements my sword," he replied firmly. "Something that boosts my strength, speed, or provides a special ability. I want to refine my combat style and become even deadlier."

Itachi nodded, his expression as calm as ever, but his crimson eyes glinted with understanding. When the system brought him into this world, it didn't just give him a physical form. He had been imbued with comprehensive knowledge of this realm. It was no exaggeration to say that his understanding rivaled that of the Grand Master himself. After all, much of the so-called "Grand Master's theories" were stolen knowledge from the Spirit Hall archives. Unlike those fragmented bits of information, Itachi's understanding was vast and complete. 

"I see," Itachi said, his voice steady. "If that's the case, I believe I have a suggestion."

Yunfeng raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."

Itachi turned slightly, his Sharingan scanning the surrounding forest for potential threats as he spoke. "There is a plant-type spirit beast known as the Jade Gladiolus Flower. It's rare and often found near areas with strong wind currents. This flower has a unique ability: it condenses wind energy into jade-colored waves that can be used for both offense and defense. For a sword wielder like you, its power would amplify your attacks significantly, adding a ranged element to your arsenal."

Yunfeng's eyes lit up. "Jade-colored wind waves? That sounds perfect! How strong would the spirit beast guarding it be?"

Itachi's gaze shifted, his voice even. "The Jade Gladiolus typically reaches its maturity at 1,000 years, but you should target one that's around that age range. It will have enough power to provide a suitable first spirit ring without overwhelming your current abilities. However, it's also known for being heavily guarded by wind-element beasts. If we're aiming for it, we need to proceed with caution."

Yunfeng gave a small chuckle. "With you by my side, I doubt we'll have much trouble. Still, you're right. We need to be careful. If this spirit beast is as rare as you say, I can't afford to let it slip through my fingers."

The pair continued their journey, moving deeper into the forest. Itachi led the way, his Sharingan active, ensuring no threat could take them by surprise. Despite the heavy canopy above, the forest seemed to hum with life, the distant cries of spirit beasts echoing through the air. 

Itachi suddenly stopped, raising his hand for Yunfeng to halt. His crimson Sharingan glimmered faintly as he peered ahead. "I sense strong wind currents nearby," he said, pointing toward a slope shrouded in mist. "It's likely we're nearing an area where the Jade Gladiolus could grow. Stay sharp, young master. Let's move quietly from here on out."

Yunfeng gave a curt nod, his grip tightening on the hilt of his silver sword that the Grand Elder gave him as his gift. The two moved stealthily, their steps almost soundless against the forest floor. Itachi's acute senses guided them deeper into the Star Dou Great Forest, navigating around danger zones filled with higher-ranked spirit beasts. Despite their careful movements, the weight of the forest's oppressive atmosphere grew thicker, signaling that they were venturing dangerously close to the forest's core.

After some time, the dense foliage gave way to a stunning sight. They stood at the edge of a cliff that stretched high into the sky, its jagged edges resembling the blade of a sword embedded into the earth. The strong gusts of wind flowing around the cliff created a low hum, carrying with it the faint scent of flowers. Yunfeng's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "The Jade Gladiolus must be nearby."

Itachi's gaze didn't waver as he surveyed the area, his Sharingan spinning slightly. His expression turned sharp. "It's here… but we're not alone."

Itachi's gaze didn't waver as he surveyed the cliff, the air heavy with tension. His Sharingan spun with precision, analyzing every detail of the massive spirit beast ahead. The Wind Bat perched near the edge of a jagged cliff that jutted into the sky like a colossal blade, its scales shimmering jade under the dim light. The winds around it howled, creating a swirling vortex of sharp currents that hinted at the beast's mastery over its element.

The creature was massive, its wingspan easily stretching over ten meters. Its streamlined body and sharp, angular features exuded both elegance and lethality. Every flap of its wings sent gusts of wind rippling outward, bending the surrounding trees and scattering loose rocks across the cliffside.

But what truly caught Yunfeng's attention was the patch of glowing jade-green flowers growing beneath the Wind Bat's perch. The flowers swayed gently, undisturbed by the violent winds around them. Their translucent petals emitted a faint, otherworldly light that seemed to pulse in rhythm with the surrounding winds.

"The Jade Gladiolus," Yunfeng muttered, his voice low. "So it really is here."

Itachi gave a slight nod. "Yes. But it's not just an ordinary plant. The Jade Gladiolus is a special existence in this world. Spirit beasts often guard treasures like this because of their immense value."

Yunfeng's brows furrowed. "What makes it so special?"

Itachi's Sharingan glinted as he continued to analyze the scene. "When the Jade Gladiolus reaches a thousand years of maturity, it gains a unique property. If a spirit beast consumes it, it can instantly increase its age by a thousand years—or even more, depending on the beast's compatibility with the plant's attributes. For a creature like that Wind Bat, the flower is the key to ascending to the next level of power. It won't let anyone take it without a fight."

Yunfeng's heart sank at the revelation. A treasure that valuable was bound to be fiercely protected. His gaze shifted back to the Wind Bat, whose sleek form radiated raw power. "A 6,000-year-old Wind Bat," he muttered. "That thing's not just guarding the flower—it's planning to consume it and break through to the next level."

The thought sent a chill down his spine. A 6,000-year-old spirit beast was already a nightmare to deal with. If the Wind Bat consumed the Jade Gladiolus and advanced further, it would become an unstoppable force, rivaling the most powerful beings in the Star Dou Great Forest.

Yunfeng instinctively tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, even though he knew the weapon would be nearly useless against such a powerful beast. "Even with your strength, Itachi, this isn't going to be easy. That thing's speed alone could overwhelm us. And if it consumes the flower mid-battle—"

Itachi's lips curved into a faint smirk, his calm demeanor unshaken. "Don't worry about it," he said simply, his voice carrying an eerie confidence.

Yunfeng blinked in confusion, momentarily stunned by Itachi's nonchalant response. "What do you mean, 'don't worry about it'? That thing could kill us in seconds if we're not careful—"

Before Yunfeng could finish, Itachi's gaze shifted to him, and the air grew heavier. The tomoe in Itachi's Sharingan spun faster, warping into a new shape. Yunfeng felt his breath catch as the Mangekyo Sharingan emerged, its intricate design radiating an oppressive aura.

The air around Itachi shifted, becoming almost suffocating with raw power. A low hum resonated in the atmosphere, like the prelude to an unstoppable storm. Itachi's voice was calm, yet carried an unshakable weight. "Susanoo."

In an instant, the world seemed to tremble. A towering, ethereal figure began to materialize around Itachi. Its skeletal frame glowed with a vibrant blue hue, and as it took shape, layers of armor formed over its structure. The giant warrior stood tall, its eyes burning with the same intensity as Itachi's Mangekyo Sharingan. In its hand, it held a spectral blade that shimmered like starlight, radiating an otherworldly energy.