The surrounding air seemed to freeze. This aura gradually intensified, spreading outwards from the White Horse as if it were inexhaustible.

Even and the others felt an overwhelming pressure upon sensing the spirit beast's presence.

All eyes turned toward the White Horse simultaneously, a look of sheer astonishment gracing their faces.

The White Horse now appeared profoundly different compared to before.

Its physique seemed to have visibly expanded after the recent transformation. The mangled fur, once a mix of bloody red and black, had vanished entirely, restored to a coat as white as snow.

However, what commanded the most attention from and his companions was undoubtedly the single horn atop its head.

After all, the White Horse's lightning power originated from this very horn; an object possessing such formidable might naturally drew everyone's focus.

This horn, previously a dull brown, had now turned purple, shimmering with a strange, ethereal light, as if the heart-palpitating lightning had not yet completely receded.

Moreover, the most striking change on the White Horse was the few strands of long hair draped from its crown.

These locks had transformed into a pale gold, fluttering gently in the breeze along its neck, lending the beast an air of dashing, ethereal grace.

Witnessing such a dramatic metamorphosis in the White Horse, a mix of pleasant surprise and awe flashed in the eyes of and the others.

A long neigh suddenly burst from the White Horse’s mouth. While its volume wasn't immense compared to before, the sound was laden with a unique, inherent power.

lifted his gaze. Within that sound, he detected majesty and an overwhelming spirit that seemed to scorn the world below.

At that moment, his own spirit felt the impact of some inexplicable, powerful force.

Following the White Horse’s call, this power bore down upon the group with stately authority, instilling in them a distinct urge to bow in submission.

Of course, both and were Venerable-level powerhouses; even this mystical force, however potent, was insufficient to force them to their knees.

As for , it merely looked at the White Horse with a grin, seemingly unaffected by the pressure in the slightest.

As for , there was even less need to mention it; seriously doubted if that entity could even perceive such an energy, given that the force was ethereal and incapable of influencing inanimate objects.

Hesitantly, finally took a step forward.

He gazed quietly into the White Horse’s eyes, a faint smile playing on his lips, though the undisguised joy shining in his gaze could not be concealed.

He walked slowly toward the White Horse, covering the short distance in a few steps before boldly extending a hand towards its neck.

’s eyes were wide with shock. He hadn't grasped the events that had transpired, but witnessing 's action made his face blanch slightly.

“Brother He…” he whispered, yet he dared not speak too loudly, fearing he might provoke the White Horse’s wild nature and incite an attack on .

offered a slight smile, waving a hand in a gesture for calm, and continued reaching toward the White Horse’s neck.

Finally, ’s hand made contact with the beast's neck. The White Horse’s coat shifted slightly, as if unaccustomed or slightly reluctant to retreat. Yet, this hesitation lasted only a moment. It instantly ceased its movement, lifting its head high. Its expression was one of clear acceptance, showing no anger at ’s touch.

blinked twice, still finding it impossible to process what he was seeing.

Having spent decades in its company, he knew the White Horse’s temperament intimately. The creature was supremely arrogant; even after he saved its life, it treated him with disdain. Decades of interaction had failed to soften its foul temper.

But the current White Horse lacked that former haughtiness; instead, it acted like a mount completely tamed by humans, displaying such intimacy with .

A wave of inexplicable joy washed over ; he knew that from this moment forward, the White Horse would be his companion.

Suddenly, a flash of white light erupted, and had already darted onto the White Horse’s back, circled its spine once, and leaped into ’s arms.

gave it a grateful smile, recognizing that was instrumental in achieving this miraculous opportunity.

The White Horse then lifted its head, as if only just noticing , and faint purple rays began to flicker in its eyes.

managed a wry smile. He had just inflicted grievous wounds upon the White Horse, only to see it instantly ascend to the power of a true Sacred Beast.

Considering it could already contend with him when it was merely in its Innate Form, what could it achieve now as a Sacred Beast?

A chill crept up ’s spine.

also paused momentarily, quickly whispering near the White Horse’s ear, “Brother Chu was certainly wrong earlier; he shouldn't have hurt you. But considering he even threw away his Dragon Whip to save you, please forgive him this one time.”

The White Horse blinked its large eyes, and the purple in its gaze slowly faded.

It suddenly let out a long neigh, turned, transformed into a bolt of lightning, and streaked away in a specific direction with blinding speed.

and exchanged surprised glances. While was merely astonished, ’s eyes held a mixture of worry and reluctance.

Had this creature just accepted him, only to immediately flee?

suddenly made a soft huffing noise in ’s arms, its front hoof stretching desperately forward, its face alight with excitement.

started, then, seeing the direction the White Horse had taken, instantly understood. “Brother Chu, it’s gone to trouble the Black Vulture. Let’s follow!”

Clutching , he activated his wind-based ultimate lightness skill and pursued. Behind him, and followed almost simultaneously.

However, they quickly discovered that the White Horse's speed was simply too great. Even their lightness techniques, derived from successfully communicating with the energies of Heaven and Earth, were nowhere near comparable to its pace.

Just as they reached the sea surface and began traversing it, the White Horse had already crossed the expanse between two islands and vanished into the forest of the island ahead.

But it wasn't just the White Horse that astounded ; the presence of , running beside him, sent a shiver down his spine.

Even during this extreme, full-speed run, remained acutely aware of his surroundings. He clearly observed ’s method of propulsion.

Its feet never touched the ground!

Although at a quick glance, appeared to be sprinting step-by-step like them, in reality, its feet maintained a gap of several inches above the earth.

Had not been a powerful Venerable with superior observational skills, he surely would have missed this subtle difference.

Recalling that possessed no trace of life energy, his heart turned icy cold.

Who—or what—was this entity? Could it be that he was…?

shook his head, refusing to delve further into that terrifying thought. However, he felt the greatest relief regarding his decision to pass on the knowledge of the Tangible Armor to .

Imparting decades of meticulously refined experience to someone he had met only a few times was, in essence, an impulsive act driven by deep-seated instinct.

Yet, while it was perhaps the most absurd decision of his life, it had also proven to be the most correct.

A sharp, agonizing shriek suddenly echoed from up ahead.

Upon hearing that sound, knew the White Horse had reached the Black Vulture’s nest and begun its assault on those winged spirit beasts.

“Caw… caw…”

Loud cries rose in succession, but oddly, these sounds vanished completely after only a brief moment. Furthermore, not a single Black Vulture was seen emerging from the forest throughout the encounter.

and the other exchanged glances, recognizing the hidden trace of sheer terror reflected in their eyes.

While the White Horse was immensely powerful, it shouldn't have reached a point where it could annihilate every Black Vulture so swiftly.

But then they remembered: the White Horse was no longer the Innate Form beast of before; it was now a genuine Sacred Beast.

They unleashed their fastest movements and, in moments, reached the opposing island, plunging into the jungle.

Upon arrival, they were immediately struck by a desperate cry filled with agony, rage, and intense malice. The sound was loud, piercing, and utterly chilling.

Though they hadn't witnessed it directly, and the others knew that the Black Vulture King must have engaged the White Horse and suffered a massive defeat, otherwise, it wouldn't have uttered such a terrible scream.

Then, a gale swept by, and a massive black shadow soared skyward.

Looking up, and the others saw the enormous body of the Black Vulture King ascending, but it was already covered in bloody gashes, with splattering blood raining down like a crimson shower.

Only a spirit beast of such immense volume could possess that much blood. Likewise, if the creature's physique wasn't far superior to that of a human, it would surely have perished long ago after losing so much vital fluid, rather than managing to keep its wings beating aloft.

and his companions were filled with both elation and shock. No one had expected this battle to conclude so rapidly.

Before they could even reach the site, the White Horse had already destroyed the Black Vulture stronghold. And judging by the scene, apart from this Vulture King, also a Sacred Beast, which fled in disarray, all its brethren seemed to have been wiped out by the White Horse’s attack.

Such terrifying strength was enough to chill the hearts of even the two Venerables. Yet, beneath the apprehension, harbored a secret flicker of delight.

’s eyes narrowed abruptly, and he gasped, “Not good! My Dragon Whip…”

Everyone looked closely. Dangling from the body of the fleeing Black Vulture King was the scaly, armored whip.