38 The Azure Dragon (2/2)

Fang smiled in response. Hearing the commotion, Suzume, Gendu, and Toru rushed over.

”HEBI!” they cried.

Hebi looked pleased as he heard the voices of his friends. Smiling and laughing amongst them, they exchanged a few words.

”Anyway, that's that. Oh Hebi, you should form a contract with this guy here! We all did anyway and he gives us some really good food and housing!” Toru cried.

The other two nodded in agreement. Hebi smiled and flicked a claw. A jade scroll appeared before Fang and disappeared within seconds after he nodded. The contract was made.

The mountain rumbled and a sonorous ringing bell tolled once. The hum spread throughout the mountain, but did not pierce the illusionary veil nor the transparent shell.

Fang smiled. He had finally become the true owner of this mountain and gained four excellent companions. Wonderful. Now his life could get back on track.

Walking back to his home, he was followed by four animal companions, laughing, smiling, and chatting all the way.

As soon as they got there, an earthen dome was waiting for them.

Fang smiled.

”I took the liberty of creating a dome for you, on the eastern side of the mountain. I hope you'll like it,” he told Hebi.

The little dragon smiled. Floating over, it flicked a claw and wood erupted from the ground. Beautiful flowers and plants covered the entire base of the dome, giving it an aura of vitality. Fresh scents and beautiful tropical plants filled the dome. At the very center, was a wooden stump, covered in flowers. Hebi smiled and lay down on the stump, it's throne in the center of the dome. Smiling, it nodded in assent.

Fang smiled at it's fitting decoration. Flicking his hand, he infused the southern and eastern domes with an orb of energy, greatly thickening the spiritual energy within the domes.

Sighing, he went back inside his house and lay down. It was time for a good rest after a long day of work.