To ensure the Azure Dragon Egg could hatch sooner, Li Mu made some preparations, knowing that relying solely on natural forces would make the incubation process long and full of variables.
Therefore, he decided to use his profound Formation mastery to set up the Yi Wood Grand Formation, creating the most suitable growth environment for the Azure Dragon Egg.
The Yi Wood Grand Formation is the core Formation among wood-element Formations.
It can not only gather wood spirit Qi from all directions and the purest Yi Wood essence Qi in the world, but also simulate the most primitive and vigorous life-wood environment in nature.
For true spirits like the Azure Dragon, which contain the Origin of the wood element, it is undoubtedly the ideal place for incubation.
Li Mu took out various high-grade wood-element Materials, including ten-thousand-year-old wood heart, Yi Wood essence, and Spirit Spring water containing life force, which were crucial for setting up the Yi Wood Grand Formation.
He used the Five Elements Grand Formation of the Five Elements Spirit Palace as the Foundation to generate Yi Wood essence Qi, and then set up another Yi Wood Grand Formation.
As Li Mu continuously formed hand seals, complex and mysterious Formation patterns leaped from his fingertips.
In the center of the Treasure Mansion Space - Five Elements Spirit Palace plaza, a Yi Wood Grand Formation slowly took shape, growing into a lush green forest, gathering the vast amount of rich Yi Wood Qi pervading the space, and converging into a powerful wood-element spiritual force.
In this forest constructed by the Yi Wood Grand Formation, the wood spirit Qi was so dense it almost solidified.
It swirled and gathered in the air, forming a powerful yet gentle ocean of wood-element spiritual power.
In the center of the Yi Wood Grand Formation, the Azure Dragon Egg was gently cradled by a meticulously woven green vine Dragon Nest—a cradle of life forged by the combined power of nature and the marvels of Formation.
As the Yi Wood Grand Formation operated at full capacity, the wood spirit Qi continuously poured into the Dragon Nest like a trickling stream, gently flowing around the Azure Dragon Egg, nourishing the young Dragon that was about to hatch.
Li Mu closed his eyes slightly, feeling the surging vitality within the Grand Formation, his heart filled with anticipation.
With the Yi Wood Grand Formation's blessing, it not only accelerated the Azure Dragon Egg's incubation speed but also provided an excellent environment for its rapid growth and stable Foundation after hatching.
Time passed day by day, and Li Mu returned to his usual peaceful life.
However, he added one more routine: he would set aside some time to check on the Azure Dragon Egg's condition.
Several years passed in a flash, and the luster on the surface of the Azure Dragon Egg also quietly changed.
The originally dull eggshell gradually revealed a faint emerald green color, as if a life force was surging within, about to break out of its shell.
Li Mu brought Xue'er and stood together at the edge of the Yi Wood Grand Formation, silently watching the Azure Dragon Egg that was about to hatch.
“Li Dage, what do you think the Azure Dragon baby will look like after it's born?” Xue'er's voice was as soft as a mosquito's buzz, her eyes full of curiosity.
Li Mu smiled slightly, his gaze gently turning to Xue'er, and he said with a laugh, “As the king among wood-element true spirits, the Cangmu Azure Dragon, being an eighth-tier immortal spirit, its birth will surely be accompanied by extraordinary phenomena.
If there are no accidents, even its young form will be accompanied by a Law Domain, far more powerful than the Crimson Phoenix or Qing Yue.”
Through the Spirit Control Contract Seal, Li Mu could sense the increasingly strong life fluctuations within the Azure Dragon Egg, as well as the immense wood-element spiritual power it contained, and he could clearly understand everything about it.
As the Azure Dragon Egg matured, it was currently undergoing the Legacy from the Azure Dragon Bloodline.
“Li Dage, it seems like it's about to be born! What are you planning to name it?!”
Xue'er's eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity as she asked with concern.
“This... I can't think of a good name.
How about you help me name it?”
Li Mu admitted he was terrible at naming things.
He smiled as he looked at Xue'er, his eyes full of trust.
Xue'er was intelligent and meticulous, so she might have a good suggestion.
Hearing this, Xue'er's eyes lit up.
She lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then looked at Li Mu and said excitedly, “Hmm… I think it has an extraordinary Origin and is incredibly powerful.
When it grows up, it will surely protect Li Dage's Treasure Mansion Space well.
How about we call it ‘Qing Lin’!”
“Qing Lin?” Li Mu repeated, then a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes.
He tightly held Xue'er's hand and praised, “Qing represents its color and attribute; Lin means continuous rain and dew, symbolizing vitality and nourishment.
This name not only fits its identity but also implies that it will grow vigorously under our care.
What a good name, Xue'er, you are so smart!”
Upon hearing Li Mu's praise, Xue'er's face bloomed into a brilliant smile.
She was filled with a sense of accomplishment that her name was recognized.
Just then, the Azure Dragon Egg within the Yi Wood Grand Formation suddenly emitted a crisp cracking sound.
Cracks on the eggshell rapidly spread, and a richer life aura overflowed from the cracks, causing the entire Treasure Mansion Space's Heaven and Earth spiritual power to tremble.
“Soon, it's almost time,” Li Mu murmured, his heart filled with excitement.
Through the Spirit Control Contract Seal, he could clearly feel the life force inside the Azure Dragon Egg rapidly expanding, as if it could break out of its shell at any moment.
With a delicate Dragon roar, the Azure Dragon Egg's shell suddenly cracked open, and a blue light shot up into the sky, illuminating the entire Treasure Mansion Space.
Immediately after, a small, sharp Dragon claw emerged from the eggshell.
“Crack, crack...” More fragments of the eggshell were gently pushed away by the Dragon claw amidst crisp cracking sounds.
As the crack further expanded, a wet, small head covered in a blue film slowly emerged.
Those were a pair of Dragon eyes full of curiosity and a desire to explore, sparkling with the light of new birth, looking around with endless curiosity about this new world.
The little Azure Dragon's body gradually broke free from the eggshell, each struggle accompanied by the surging of wood spirit Qi, as if nature itself was personally assisting it in its smooth arrival into the world.
Its tender green scales faintly reflected light, each one delicate and tough, revealing an extraordinary texture.
The little Azure Dragon tried to support its body with its still-tender four legs.
Although its first attempt at standing seemed a bit wobbly, it quickly floated up into the air.
Its eyes, just opened, were like two brilliant emeralds, sparkling with curiosity and wisdom, instantly locking onto everything around it.
Although the young Dragon's body was small, it contained astonishing vitality and potential.
It was about a foot and a half long, small and exquisite, covered in tender green, small Dragon scales, exuding the noble aura of the Azure Dragon Clan.
Its four Dragon claws were tiny and sharp, like the most exquisite carvings, each toe claw shining with a faint blue glow, as if containing the power to cut through all things.
Beneath its feet, a pale green spiritual mist gathered under its belly, and its small limbs traveled upon clouds.
In the very center of the little Azure Dragon's forehead, there was a pair of small Dragon horns.
The Dragon horns were crystal clear, like they were carved from jade, not only adding to the little Azure Dragon's majesty but also symbolizing its identity as a member of the Azure Dragon Clan.
The little Azure Dragon's eyes were particularly striking, like two brilliant emeralds, sparkling with the light of wisdom.
Those eyes seemed to be able to perceive all things in the world, full of curiosity and a desire to explore everything around it.
However, the little Azure Dragon's gaze quickly locked onto Li Mu, feeling a deep bond through the Spirit Control Contract Seal, as intimate as a father and mother.
The little Azure Dragon slowly circled in the air a few times, getting used to flying.
As it flew, it caused the wood spirit Qi in the surrounding Yi Wood Grand Formation to fluctuate violently, as if the entire forest was gently swaying to its rhythm.
The little Azure Dragon adapted to flying.
It let out a crisp and melodious Dragon roar, excitedly flying towards Li Mu.
“Qing Lin!” Xue'er shouted excitedly, with a hint of thrill and joy, stepping forward to greet it first.
The little Azure Dragon's figure was nimble, drawing a graceful arc in the air, easily avoiding Xue'er, and steadily landing in front of Li Mu, burrowing into his arms.
Li Mu's face bloomed into a warm smile, and he gently stroked the tender horns on the little Azure Dragon's head with his hand, his eyes full of paternal love and satisfaction.
The little Azure Dragon gently wriggled its body, seemingly expressing its dependence and affection for this “father” in its own way.
“Li Dage, Qing Lin is so clingy to you!”
Xue'er watched this scene enviously, saying so.
“Qing Lin, say hello.
This is Sister Xue'er.” Li Mu smiled slightly, calling out to the little Azure Dragon.
The little Azure Dragon seemed to understand Li Mu's words.
It gently poked its head out of Li Mu's embrace, its brilliant emerald-like eyes curiously sizing up Xue'er.
Then, it let out a crisp and tender Dragon roar, with a hint of goodwill, as if greeting Xue'er.
Seeing this, Xue'er's face immediately broke into a brilliant smile.
She squatted down, trying to meet the little Azure Dragon's gaze, and said gently, “Hello, Qing Lin!
I'm Xue'er, and from now on, we'll be good friends.
I'll take care of you with Li Dage.”
The little Azure Dragon's gaze met Xue'er's, revealing a hint of scrutiny and vigilance.
Then it turned its head away, no longer paying attention to Xue'er, appearing somewhat aloof.
“Li Dage!” Xue'er looked at Li Mu for help, asking plaintively.
“The little fellow has just been born, and its temperament is a bit cold.
The Cangmu Azure Dragon is the king of the Dragon Clan, naturally arrogant, so this reaction is not surprising.
Just interact with it slowly in the future, and it will get used to it!”
Li Mu smiled as he comforted Xue'er.
If it weren't for the Spirit Control Contract Seal, the little fellow certainly wouldn't be so clingy to him.
Hearing this, the grievance in Xue'er's heart gradually dissipated.
She squatted down again, but this time she didn't rush to get close to the little Azure Dragon.
Instead, she waited quietly, conveying goodwill to the little Azure Dragon with her gentle gaze.
As a Nine-Tailed Sky Fox, Xue'er didn't believe that with her charm, she couldn't conquer this little fellow.
Li Mu smiled slightly, took out some high-grade Spirit Pills from the nine storage spiritual pearl, and then hugged ‘Qing Lin’ out of his arms, handing it and the pills to Xue'er, instructing, “The little fellow has just been born.
These are Spirit Pills I prepared for it, suitable for it to take.
You feed it!”
Xue'er smiled slightly, and quickly reached out to take the pill bottle and the little Azure Dragon.
As ‘Qing Lin’ left Li Mu's body and landed in Xue'er's hands, it immediately became displeased, constantly struggling to break free.
It opened its small mouth, about to spray Dragon breath at Xue'er.
Seeing this, Li Mu quickly used his Divine Thought to stop ‘Qing Lin’s actions.
“Qing Lin, these are Spirit Pills specially prepared for you.
Eat them, and you'll grow faster and become even stronger!” Xue'er quickly poured out a Spirit Pill, enticingly calling out, trying to move the little Azure Dragon with her words and the warmth in her eyes.
Feeling Li Mu's restraining Divine Thought, the little Azure Dragon ‘Qing Lin’, though still somewhat displeased, gradually calmed down and stopped struggling.
Its emerald-like eyes still watched the Spirit Pill in Xue'er's hand warily, seemingly maintaining an instinctive caution towards unfamiliar things.
“Qing Lin, don't be afraid, I won't hurt you.
Try it, after you eat it, you'll feel more comfortable and powerful.” Xue'er showed a kind smile and held the Spirit Pill to the little Azure Dragon's mouth.
Under Li Mu's encouragement and Xue'er's gentle offensive, ‘Qing Lin’ finally relaxed its tense nerves.
Feeling the pure and powerful spiritual power fluctuations, a hint of greed flashed in its emerald Dragon eyes, and then it opened its small mouth and swallowed the Spirit Pill whole.
As the Spirit Pill was digested, ‘Qing Lin’s body seemed to be enveloped by a warm force.
It felt its spiritual power rapidly increasing, and its body became lighter and more powerful.
It excitedly let out a crisp Dragon roar, its voice filled with satisfaction.
‘Qing Lin’ looked at Xue'er with fervent eyes, hoping for another one.
Xue'er smiled slightly, secretly delighted.
This was a good opportunity to tame a Dragon, and she couldn't let it slip away.
She had already initially gained ‘Qing Lin’s trust.
Xue'er gently stroked the little Azure Dragon's smooth scales and continued, “Qing Lin, as long as you're obedient, there will be more Spirit Pills for you to eat.
But first, you have to learn to get along well with us, okay?”
Saying that, Xue'er took out another Spirit Pill from the pill bottle, but this time, she didn't rush to hand it to ‘Qing Lin’, but instead dangled it in front of it.
Xue'er enticed with a gentle voice, “Look, this is another precious Spirit Pill.
It can help you quickly pass through your infancy.
However, if you want it, you have to fly to my shoulder!
Here, understand?”
The little Azure Dragon ‘Qing Lin’ understood Xue'er's words.
A hint of hesitation flashed in its eyes.
The Dragon Clan's dignity from its Bloodline Legacy made it unable to bow its head, but it also seemed to be captivated by the Spirit Pill's allure… For a moment, it was in a dilemma.
“Little fellow!
If you don't want this high-grade Spirit Pill, I'll eat it myself!” Seeing this, a hint of cunning flashed in Xue'er's eyes, and she made a gesture as if to swallow it.
At this, the little Azure Dragon ‘Qing Lin’s eyes became eager.
The Dragon Clan's craving for Spirit Pills and miraculous medicines was innate, especially for such Spirit Pills that could help it grow rapidly.
With a “whoosh”, the little Azure Dragon soared on clouds, its tiny body drawing a dazzling arc in the air, accurately landing on Xue'er's shoulder.
Its emerald Dragon eyes were fixed on the Spirit Pill in Xue'er's hand, full of longing.
Seeing this, the smile on Xue'er's lips widened.
She gently patted ‘Qing Lin’s small head, as if praising its choice, then gently placed the Spirit Pill into ‘Qing Lin’s open Dragon mouth.
“That's right, Qing Lin, we need to trust each other to become true partners.
Here's another one.” Xue'er looked at the little Azure Dragon with a beaming smile, and gently took out another Spirit Pill.
...
Seeing this scene, Li Mu couldn't help but reveal a relieved smile.
Next, he watched Xue'er gradually use Spirit Pills to coax ‘Qing Lin’ to shed its aloof personality and become an obedient and sensible Azure Dragon. (End of Chapter)
