The Bestiary Hierarchy: From Prey to Predator
In the martial world, magical beasts are not merely animals; they are cultivators of the wild. Their growth is measured by the density of their bloodline and the refinement of their core.
Phase 1: The Fledgling Stages (Levels 1–5)
Before a beast can truly be considered a threat to a seasoned warrior, it must pass through five developmental stages.
Attributes: These beasts rely on raw instinct and physical strength. Their Qi is thin and unstable.
The Hunt: A talented disciple at the Qi Condensation stage can usually handle these, provided they don't get swarmed.
Phase 2: The Tiasho Evolution
Once a beast surpasses the fifth level, it undergoes a violent transformation known as the Tiasho Evolution. This is the "Coming of Age" for a magical creature.
The Shedding: They literally shed their newborn skin, revealing hides as tough as reinforced steel and claws capable of rending Essence.
The Comparison: A Tiasho-level beast possesses power equivalent to a Gang Essence Cultivator.
The "Teenage" Phase: While they have reached a new tier of power, they are considered "teenagers" in the world of high-level monsters—reckless, aggressive, and incredibly durable.
The Mortal Warning
To gaze upon a Tiasho beast without having reached the Gang Condensation Stage is to gaze upon your own grave. Their skin repels ordinary Qi, and their breath can shatter the bones of the unprepared. If you are weak, do not hunt; you are already the prey."
Comparative Power Scale
Beast Rank
Cultivator Equivalent
Danger Level
Levels 1–3
Qi Refining (Early)
Low (Nuisance)
Levels 4–5
Qi Refining (Peak)
Moderate (Requires Effort)
Tiasho (Early)
Gang Essence (Initial)
High (Fatal for most)
Tiasho (Mid-Late)
Gang Condensation (Peak)
Extreme (Calamity)
Lian just chased off a "crocodile-like" beast. Given that it fled after a single Flame Dance, it was likely a Level 1 or 2 In The Tiasho state. If he encounters a stage five Tiasho version of that crocodile in the river, his blue flames might not be enough to pierce its "new skin" without a serious breakthrough.