There exists in cultivation theory a concept known as "natural revelation," whereby beings of sufficient spiritual sensitivity inadvertently expose truths about themselves through unconscious energy emanations.

  For most cultivators, this might reveal a secret technique practiced in private or perhaps an emotional attachment they'd prefer to keep hidden. For a cosmic dragon masquerading as human, it carried the somewhat more significant risk of having one's multi-millennia deception exposed by the spiritual equivalent of a sneeze.

  Xiaolong woke to precisely this problem as dawn filtered through the forest canopy.

  The Heart Tree's gift had indeed facilitated greater harmony between her compressed draconic essence and human vessel, but this integration came with an unexpected side effect—her spiritual signature had shifted overnight, now carrying subtle but unmistakable draconic resonance that any spiritually sensitive being would detect.

  Not enough to scream "ancient cosmic entity in disguise" to casual observers, but certainly sufficient to raise questions from anyone with refined perception.

  Like, for instance, the glowing-eyed creature currently staring at her from a branch directly overhead.

  Xiaolong froze, carefully assessing the situation without alerting Li Feng, who still slept peacefully nearby.

  The being observing her was a forest guardian—a fox-like creature with six tails that occasionally dispersed into mist at their tips. Its fur shimmered with spiritual energy that shifted between solid and ethereal states, while its eyes contained the unmistakable awareness of a creature that had achieved significant cultivation through natural methods rather than human techniques.

  By human standards, it would be classified as a minor spirit beast of considerable power. By draconic standards, it was a moderately interesting lesser immortal—the spiritual equivalent of a precocious child with unusual talents but limited cosmic significance.

  The problem, of course, was that such beings possessed precisely the spiritual sensitivity to recognize draconic essence, regardless of how cleverly disguised.

  The fox tilted its head, nostrils flaring as it processed her scent. Then, confirming Xiaolong's worst fears, it performed the unmistakable gesture of spiritual prostration—front legs extended, head bowed to touch the branch, tails lowered in perfect submission.

  Great One, its spiritual voice projected directly into her consciousness, this humble guardian is honored by your august presence in our forest.

  Xiaolong suppressed a sigh. This was precisely the complication she'd been hoping to avoid. Dragons couldn't simply travel incognito through spiritually sensitive environments; their cosmic significance generated the metaphysical equivalent of a bonfire in a dark room.

  Rise, she commanded through the same spiritual channel, keeping her external appearance perfectly still. I travel in concealment for my own purposes. You will not reveal my nature to my human companion.

  The fox straightened, ears perked with evident curiosity. As the Great One commands, it acknowledged, though its mental tone carried undisguised fascination. Though this humble servant cannot comprehend why a divine dragon would walk in such limited form beside a mere water cultivator.

  The dismissive assessment of Li Feng triggered an unexpected flash of irritation in Xiaolong. That "mere water cultivator" possesses wisdom worthy of respect, she replied, surprising herself with the vehemence of her defense. You would do well to recognize that value exists beyond pure power.

  The fox's ears flattened slightly in submission, though its eyes still gleamed with undiminished curiosity. This servant acknowledges the correction and apologizes for presumption.

  Sensing Li Feng beginning to stir, Xiaolong cut the spiritual communication short. Maintain discretion and distance, she commanded firmly. I do not wish my companion to become aware of your presence or my nature.

  The fox bowed once more before melting into the morning mist, temporarily invisible but—Xiaolong knew with certainty—not truly departed. Spirit beasts of its caliber rarely encountered dragons in the material realm; it would not abandon such a rare opportunity for observation without significant persuasion.

  "Good morning," Li Feng's voice broke into her thoughts as he sat up from his sleeping mat, stretching with the unconscious grace that continued to fascinate her. "You're awake early."

  "The forest has a distinct morning energy," Xiaolong replied, which was both true and conveniently vague.

  "Indeed." He glanced around the clearing with evident appreciation. "The Heart Tree's presence creates unique spiritual tides throughout the day. Morning brings clarity and renewal, midday strength and growth, evening reflection and integration."

  As they prepared a simple breakfast and packed their modest camp, Xiaolong maintained vigilant awareness of their surroundings. The fox guardian was undoubtedly still observing, though it had temporarily respected her command for distance.

  They resumed their journey through the ancient forest, following a path that seemed to form itself just steps ahead of their advance. The trees continued their subtle observation, branches occasionally shifting to better view their passage, roots rearranging to either ease or challenge their way depending on some inscrutable arboreal judgment.

  "We should reach the forest's edge by midday," Li Feng explained as they navigated a particularly dense section where massive roots created natural archways. "Beyond lies the contested territory between Azure Waters and Black Iron sects."

  "What makes the territory contested?" Xiaolong asked, partly from genuine curiosity and partly to distract herself from the constant awareness of their unseen observer, whose presence she could sense flickering just beyond normal perception.

  "A river valley with unusually rich spiritual convergence," Li Feng replied. "Water and earth energy meet there in perfect balance, creating ideal conditions for both cultivation traditions. For centuries, the sects maintained a harmonious division based on natural affinities—Azure Waters claimed the riverways while Black Iron held the valley walls and mineral deposits."

  "What changed?"

  "Spiritual pollution from imperial mining operations upstream began affecting water quality. As pure cultivation resources become increasingly scarce throughout the realm, previously settled accommodations grow... strained."

  This explanation aligned with draconic understanding of resource conflicts. Dragons had engaged in catastrophic territorial wars over similar issues, though their disputes typically resulted in reshaped continents rather than merely political tensions.

  As they talked, Xiaolong became increasingly aware that their vulpine observer had grown bolder, occasionally materializing briefly on nearby branches before disappearing again. She projected stern disapproval through spiritual channels whenever the creature ventured too close, but its curiosity clearly outweighed its caution.

  By mid-morning, the fox's antics had become concerning enough that Xiaolong decided more direct intervention was necessary. When Li Feng paused to gather some medicinal herbs growing in a sunlit clearing, she seized the opportunity to address their stalker.

  This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

  "I need to answer nature's call," she announced, the euphemism feeling awkward on her tongue. Dragons had no such biological imperatives in their true forms, and discussing such mundane necessities remained one of the more undignified aspects of human disguise.

  Li Feng nodded without looking up from his herb gathering. "Don't stray too far. The forest's pathways sometimes shift for solitary travelers."

  Once safely out of sight, Xiaolong located the six-tailed fox lounging on a low branch, its expression carrying the unmistakable smugness unique to felines regardless of their spiritual evolution.

  "You are becoming problematic," she informed it, switching to verbal communication now that Li Feng couldn't overhear.

  The fox tilted its head with exaggerated innocence. "This humble servant merely observes the Great One's fascinating journey," it replied, its physical voice carrying the melodic quality typical of higher spirit beasts.

  "Your 'observation' risks exposing my disguise," Xiaolong countered. "My companion must not learn my true nature."

  The fox sat up, tails swishing with unrestrained curiosity. "Why does the mountain wish to be seen as a pebble? Why does the ocean pretend to be a droplet? Such mysteries exceed this servant's humble comprehension."

  The poetic questioning might have seemed profound from a human philosopher. From a spirit beast addressing a dragon, it bordered on impertinence. In dragon society, such direct questioning of a superior's motives would warrant immediate disciplinary response.

  Yet Xiaolong found she lacked the inclination for traditional draconic reprimand. Perhaps the Heart Tree's gift had affected more than just her physical harmonization.

  "My reasons are my own," she said instead. "Your cooperation is required, not your understanding."

  The fox's tails continued their rhythmic swishing. "Yet understanding might improve cooperation," it suggested with irritating reasonableness. "This servant has observed your companion. He seems worthy of truth rather than deception."

  This assessment cut uncomfortably close to Xiaolong's own growing misgivings about maintaining her disguise with Li Feng. The water cultivator had demonstrated wisdom, integrity, and perceptiveness that increasingly justified honesty rather than continued concealment.

  "The truth will come at the appropriate time," she replied, less certain than her tone suggested. "For now, discretion serves both our purposes."

  "As the Great One wishes," the fox conceded, though its expression suggested it remained unconvinced by her reasoning.

  A distant call from Li Feng indicated he had finished his herb gathering. Xiaolong fixed the spirit beast with a final stern look. "Maintain greater distance and obscure your spiritual signature. Any further risk to my disguise will be... discourtedly addressed."

  The deliberately mild phrasing carried unmistakable warning. The fox bowed its head in acknowledgment, though its eyes still sparkled with undimmed curiosity.

  As Xiaolong returned to the clearing, she found Li Feng examining a small collection of herbs with scholarly interest.

  "These silver-veined cloud ferns are quite rare," he explained, carefully wrapping the delicate plants in a moistened cloth. "Their essence helps stabilize breakthrough transitions during realm advancement."

  "Thoughtful preparation," Xiaolong observed, genuinely impressed by his foresight. Dragons typically relied on overwhelming power rather than careful planning for cultivation advancements.

  They continued their journey through the increasingly thinning forest. As the density of ancient trees decreased, Xiaolong sensed the ambient spiritual pressure lightening—like ascending from deep water toward the surface. The forest's conscious presence receded gradually, though it maintained subtle awareness of their passage.

  Their vulpine observer had apparently taken Xiaolong's warning seriously, maintaining greater distance though never truly departing. She could sense it following at the edges of perception, its curiosity undiminished but its approach more cautious.

  Around midday, they emerged into a transitional zone where massive ancient trees gave way to younger growth. Sunlight streamed more freely through the spreading canopy, creating dappled patterns across the forest floor. The path widened into what appeared to be a frequently used trail, with clear signs of regular passage by both cultivators and ordinary travelers.

  "We approach the forest boundary," Li Feng noted, his posture subtly shifting to greater alertness. "From here, we enter the territories where sect influences overlap and occasionally conflict."

  No sooner had he spoken than Xiaolong sensed a disturbance in the spiritual energy ahead—not hostile, precisely, but definitely alert and investigating. Someone with cultivation ability was approaching along the path with purposeful intent.

  Li Feng sensed it too, his hand moving casually to rest near his wooden sword.

  "Likely a patrol from one of the sects," he murmured. "Azure Waters maintains regular circuits through this transitional zone, as does Black Iron."

  Before either possibility could materialize, however, something else entirely emerged from the underbrush—their persistent vulpine observer, now apparently abandoning all pretense of discretion. The six-tailed fox bounded directly into the path ahead of them, sitting with the air of one delivering an important public announcement.

  "Greetings, travelers!" it declared in its musical voice, bowing its head in a gesture that somehow managed to be simultaneously respectful and theatrical. "Welcome to the borderlands of the Ancient Whispering Forest!"

  Li Feng stared at the spirit beast with undisguised surprise.

  "A six-tailed cloud fox," he observed, automatically shifting to a non-threatening stance that nonetheless maintained readiness. "Rare to see one approach travelers so directly."

  Xiaolong suppressed a very un-dragonlike urge to close her eyes and sigh heavily. The fox had clearly decided that, since it couldn't directly expose her nature, it would insert itself into their journey through more conventional means.

  "Greetings, honored guardian," Li Feng continued, performing a respectful cultivation salute. "We appreciate the forest's hospitality during our passage."

  The fox's tails swished with evident pleasure at this proper acknowledgment. "The forest recognizes worthy travelers," it replied, its gaze sliding meaningfully toward Xiaolong. "Especially those of... exceptional quality."

  The emphasis was subtle but unmistakable. Xiaolong projected fierce spiritual disapproval, which the fox acknowledged with the barest twitch of an ear before continuing its performance.

  "I am Hui Yun," it introduced itself with another formal bow. "Guardian of the eastern boundaries and occasional guide to worthy cultivators."

  "I am Li Feng, Elder Disciple of the Azure Waters Sect," Li Feng responded with matching formality. "And this is my companion, Cultivator Xiaolong, who studies specialized techniques beyond traditional sect frameworks."

  The fox's eyes gleamed with barely suppressed mischief as it turned its full attention to Xiaolong. "Ah, yes. The... cultivator... with such unusual spiritual resonance. How fascinating to encounter one so..." it paused deliberately, "...uniquely talented."

  If foxes could smirk, this one was doing so with professional expertise. Xiaolong decided that, should she ever return to her true form, this particular spirit beast would make an excellent addition to her collection of decorative paperweights.

  "Your observation honors me," she replied with glacial politeness.

  Li Feng glanced between them with growing interest. "You seem familiar with each other."

  "Oh, we've only just met," the fox assured him with blatant dishonesty, "though some connections transcend formal introduction, don't they? Something about Cultivator Xiaolong's presence feels so... significant."

  Xiaolong briefly considered whether the forest would notice if one small, annoying guardian disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Probably yes, unfortunately.

  "Spirit beasts often possess unusual perceptive abilities," she explained to Li Feng, keeping her tone casual despite her mounting irritation. "Though their interpretations can be... fanciful."

  "Not fanciful at all," Hui Yun countered cheerfully. "Merely accurate on levels beyond ordinary understanding. For instance, I perceive that your companion carries the essence of something truly magnificent within her humble exterior."

  Li Feng's expression shifted to one of increasing curiosity. "The Heart Tree did seem to recognize something special in Xiaolong's cultivation base," he acknowledged. "Its response was unlike anything I've witnessed before."

  "The Heart Tree is very wise," the fox agreed with excessive enthusiasm. "It sees beyond surface appearances to the true nature beneath—whether that nature is human, spirit, or perhaps something far more... elevated."

  The increasingly unsubtle hints were approaching dangerous territory. Xiaolong decided intervention was necessary before the situation deteriorated further.

  "While this exchange is fascinating," she interjected firmly, "we have considerable distance to cover before nightfall. Perhaps the guardian has duties elsewhere in the forest?"

  "None more important than attending to distinguished visitors," Hui Yun replied, rising gracefully to its feet. "In fact, I believe I shall accompany you to the forest boundary. For safety, of course."

  "That won't be—" Xiaolong began.

  "We would be honored by your guidance," Li Feng interrupted, clearly interpreting her reluctance as unfamiliarity with proper protocols for addressing higher spirit beasts. "The forest can be challenging for travelers unfamiliar with its ways."

  The fox's expression could only be described as triumphant. "Excellent! Follow me, then. I know paths through this region that even the oldest human maps have forgotten."

  Without waiting for further discussion, it bounded ahead, tails streaming behind it like banners of victory. Li Feng followed, apparently seeing nothing unusual in this development.