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The overwhelming power of Ultimate Darkness spread throughout the space, plunging the heavens and earth into darkness once more.
Da Ming inwardly cursed his misfortune. Though Di Tian's Ultimate Darkness didn't match the full might of a God King at his peak, it was still enough to suppress their quasi-god-level attributes, which were far weaker as mere divine officials.
At this moment, Di Tian unleashed his Dragon God Claw, directly clashing with the two former kings of the Star Dou Forest. However, he attempted to draw them away from the immediate area, instinctively distancing them from Ye Wen and his group.
Di Tian couldn't explain why, but despite meeting Ye Wen for the first time, this human gave him an inexplicable sense of calm.
The battle between Di Tian and the two beasts raged fiercely, with just the shockwaves reducing the lush forest to dust. Soul beasts unlucky enough to be caught in the crossfire perished on the spot, while those fortunate enough began fleeing in panic, desperate to escape.
As the three combatants moved further away, the trio left behind in midair—two humans and one soul beast—exchanged awkward glances, falling into an uneasy silence.
Suddenly, a crisp, childlike voice rang out: "Human, until when do you plan to keep chasing me?"
Ye Wen wasn't surprised that the Three-Eyed Golden Lion could speak. After all, besides possessing Ultimate Fire and Ultimate Light, it also had a primary attribute of mental energy. Soul beasts with strong mental attributes were generally highly intelligent, and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion was even more terrifying than the Titan Ape—it was no surprise that it could speak after only ten thousand years.
To be honest, Ye Wen had come here intending to facilitate the same connection between Huo Yuer and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion as described in the original storyline, forging an intimate bond between them.
However, Ye Wen had no intention of forcing the Three-Eyed Golden Lion into submission like Xuan Zi did in the original story, based on unreliable rumors from some ancient text.
"Where the Auspicious Beast resides, all beasts are blessed. Its essence is supreme; humans may form a connection. Under its protection, boundless fortune awaits."
Setting aside the authenticity of these records, human civilization on the Douluo Continent had only existed for about twelve thousand years. Unlike romanticized ancient tales, the continent was destined to grow stronger over time, meaning humans ten thousand years ago were genuinely weak. Moreover, the Emperor Auspicious Beast always had fierce beasts guarding it—so who among the ancient humans could have achieved such a feat? Wasn't this contradictory?
The only plausible candidates would have been those who ascended to godhood. However, the Asura God rose during the Dragon God era—who would dare harm the soul beasts' cherished treasure without going mad? The Rakshasa Goddess was known as a lunatic and wouldn't bother with such benevolence.
As for the Sea God, though talented enough to reach Level 99 and seek the path to godhood, if he were truly lucky, he wouldn't have spent a millennium wandering the seas before becoming a mere First-Class God.
None of this mattered now. Ye Wen slowly spoke: "Little one, let's make a deal. How about forming an attribute connection with my disciple?"
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion froze for a moment, then quickly shook its head, replying in its sweet, childlike voice:
"No, no! Although your presence feels comforting, if we form an attribute connection, I'll suffer severe damage to my life force—I might even die!"
At this, Ye Wen recalled a vague memory from long ago. During the attribute connection with the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, Huo Yuhao already possessed a third eye—the Spirit Eye—formed from Living Gold. During the connection, not only did Huo Yuhao absorb the lion's attributes, but his Living Gold also overflowed with life energy, replenishing the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. The memory exchange was merely a side effect.
Xuan Zi had even complained afterward that he shouldn't have blindly trusted ancient texts. His recklessness nearly sparked a full-scale war between humans and soul beasts—if not for sheer luck.
Seeing Ye Wen nod thoughtfully, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion remembered that humans often preyed on small soul beasts like itself. Assuming Ye Wen was plotting something sinister, it shrank back fearfully, tears welling up in its eyes.
Huo Yuer gently stroked its fluffy fur, consoling it: "Don't be afraid. My master is a good person. Unless there's deep hatred, he won't harm any living being."
But having been taught by ferocious beasts since birth about the cunning and cruelty of humans, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion refused to believe her, whimpering pitifully.
Just as Ye Wen was about to say something, the Scarlet King flew up, baring its teeth with its remaining intact head, threatening Ye Wen:
"Human, release it! If you dare harm it, prepare for an all-out war between soul beasts and humans!"
Though the words carried weight, the Scarlet King's battered state undermined their credibility.
However, Ye Wen soon sensed several powerful presences encircling the area.
One by one, formidable figures appeared around Ye Wen.
Leading them was a presence with a gentle aura, yet her cultivation level of 600,000 years was still awe-inspiring. She was Bi Ji, wife of Di Tian, ranked fourth among the Ten Fierce Beasts, and the matriarch of the Emerald Swan clan, renowned for her ultimate healing abilities.
Standing beside Bi Ji was the fifth-ranked beast among the Ten Fierce Beasts—a 540,000-year-old plant-type soul beast and the strongest of its kind. Known as the Demon-Eye Tree King, this creature's true form was the Yao-Eye Demon Tree. {T/N: a.k.a Myriad Demon King}
In addition, other directions revealed the sixth-ranked 480,000-year-old Dark Golden Fearclaw Bear, Xiong Jun (Bear Lord), and the Abyssal Black Dragon, Zi Ji, who, though ranked last among the Ten Fierce Beasts, was still a formidable fighter.
Goodness gracious! With the exception of the strongest soul beast, Di Tian, all the super fierce beasts of the Star Dou Forest had gathered here, their gazes locked tightly onto the "kidnapper" of the Emperor Auspicious Beast.
Though Bi Ji lacked combat prowess, her healing abilities earned the respect of all fierce beasts, and as Di Tian's wife, she wielded absolute authority.
Now acting as the spokesperson, Bi Ji's voice contrasted sharply with the ferocity of the other beasts. Her tone was soft and soothing, almost calming to hear.
"Human, name your demands—be it soul rings or soul bones, we can fulfill them. But please, do not harm the soul beast in your hands. Otherwise, our race will wage an unending war against humanity."
Bi Ji avoided explicitly mentioning the Emperor Auspicious Beast or the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, instead emphasizing its importance vaguely. This showed remarkable intelligence.
However, Bi Ji underestimated human greed. Had Ye Wen not been present, but someone reckless like Xuan Zi or the Holy Spirit Sect, tensions might have escalated into outright conflict.
Ye Wen knew they hesitated because of how tightly he restrained the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. Hurting it would lead to dire consequences for everyone involved.
For now, both sides remained locked in a tense stalemate.
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