Chapter 1189 Sand Gold

Deep within the abandoned mines of the Western Desert, phosphorescent moss wove a web of pale blue light across the rock walls, illuminating the fist-sized piece of chakra ore in Shangguan Mo's hand. A golden-red light flowed within the ore, like a flame trapped within the stone. It was the "living crystal" he had spent three years unearthing from a vein deep within the borders of the Land of Earth—a rare ore capable of actively absorbing and transforming natural chakra. Now, it emitted a subtle humming sound as the chakra flowed from his fingertips.

"It's time to begin." Shangguan Mo wiped the sweat from his forehead and placed the ore in the center of the pre-drawn Four Symbols Sealing Formation. At the center of the formation, a small vial of pale purple chakra crystals glowed faintly. This was the concentrated chakra he had risked extracting from the shed feathers of the One-Tailed Shukaku when he defected from Sunagakure. As a ninja who had once studied the secrets of the tailed beasts for Sunagakure, he knew better than anyone that the One-Tail's sand escape technique and spiritual energy were the most suitable "active energy" to fuse with the ore.

The speed of his hand seals was so fast that only shadows remained. A low incantation escaped Shangguan Mo's throat: "Using my blood as a guide, I summon the spirit of the ore and fuse the soul of the tailed beast - summoning beast? Summon!"

The moment blood dripped onto the sealing formation, the chakra ore suddenly exploded, sending golden-red mist and lavender tailed beast chakra dancing wildly within the formation, forming a swirling storm. Debris from the mine's ceiling tumbled down, but Shangguan Mo stared intently at the center of the storm—a figure coalescing there: first, a body coated in a frosted, sandy texture, then diamond-shaped mineral crystals emerged from its surface, golden-red chakra flowing through the cracks between them. Finally, a pair of curved horns, inlaid with crystal clusters, coalesced on its head, resembling the horns of the One-Tailed Shukaku, though sharper.

"Sand Crystal Beast." Shangguan Mo whispered the name he had chosen for it, feeling the unique warmth of a summoned beast upon signing a contract at his fingertips. The Sand Crystal Beast let out a low growl, somewhere between an animal's roar and the trembling of ore. Its sandy limbs gently stamped the ground, leaving behind footprints streaked with crystal clusters. With each step, tiny specks of chakra shone.

At this moment, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded at the entrance of the mine. Three figures of Sand Village ninjas rushed in. The leading jonin shouted sternly: "Shangguan Mo! How dare you use the One-Tail Chakra privately? Why don't you surrender!"

Shangguan Mo's eyes turned cold, and he raised his hand and said to the Sand Crystal Beast: "Defend."

The Sand Crystal Beast instantly blocked his path, its mineral crystals ablaze, forming a translucent shield of golden-red chakra. A Sand Shiriken hurled by a Sand Village jonin collided with the shield, instantly shattered by the chakra reflected by the crystals. Another ninja unleashed a Sand Release technique, a cascade of flowing sand, attempting to engulf them both. The Sand Crystal Beast suddenly raised its forelimbs, and a flood of crystal clusters erupted from its sandy body. These clusters took root, instantly forming a grid-like barrier that held the quicksand in check.

"We can still attack." Shangguan Mo's lips curled up into a smile, and he tapped his fingertips lightly, "Use the crystal cluster cannon."

The Sand Crystal Beast raised its head and roared. The crystal cluster on its head gathered chakra, and a golden-red beam shot out instantly, accurately striking the supporting pillars on the side of the mine. Debris fell with a crash, blocking the Sand Ninja's retreat. Taking advantage of the enemy's panic, the Sand Crystal Beast transformed into a stream of sand, rushing forward with the sharp sound of ore. With a swing of its crystal-like forelimbs, it slashed open the ninja tool bags of the three ninjas, scattering the tools to the ground.

"Let's go." Shangguan Mo flipped over and leaped onto the Sand Crystal Beast's back. Its sandy body was surprisingly stable, and the mineral crystals felt warm to the touch. The Sand Crystal Beast understood, and its limbs transformed into quicksand, carrying him away through the secret passage behind the mine, leaving behind only the Sand Ninja who was still cursing.