Thank you to our new Patrons: joao goncalves, William Ngo, Dog Jay, Christopher Gärtner and Jose cabrera atzin! Your support means the world to me <3 We are up to Chapter 740: The Fierce Battle – Part 2 on Patreon!
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)
Patrons, don't forget to vote for the next novel to be released!!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"Greetings, Master."
The Snow Empress stood gracefully and bowed to Ye Wen with elegant formality.
Though Ye Wen was accustomed to this formal mode of interaction with the Snow Empress, he couldn't shake off a strange feeling at this moment.
As the saying goes, "One doesn't visit the Three Treasures Hall without a reason."
Why had the Snow Empress, who usually devoted herself to external conquests, suddenly come to see him? He couldn't recall doing anything recently that would have affected her or been related to her.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries between Ye Wen and the Snow Empress, an awkward silence settled over the scene.
The Snow Empress, ever composed and icy, showed no signs of discomfort, standing there and staring intently at Ye Wen. This only made Ye Wen feel increasingly uneasy.
"Shall we go inside to talk?" Ye Wen tentatively suggested.
After all, she was an old subordinate and friend. Ye Wen didn't want their relationship to become too strained. Living for so long, he found fewer and fewer people with whom he could converse comfortably.
The Snow Empress nodded lightly and followed Ye Wen without objection.
Once they reached Ye Wen's study, another awkward silence ensued.
Ye Wen scratched his head awkwardly. It seemed that prolonged immersion in technical research had turned him into somewhat of a social recluse—he hadn't been like this before. Adjusting his mindset, he cleared his throat.
"Cough, cough… Snow Empress, is there something you wanted to discuss with me?"
The Snow Empress nodded again but remained silent, leaving Ye Wen frustrated. 'Come on, speak up! You came all the way here—what's with this behavior?'
But Ye Wen didn't press her. If it was a battle of endurance, so be it. As long as he didn't feel awkward, the awkwardness would fall on the other person.
Moreover, as an older man, Ye Wen had developed some questionable hobbies, such as enjoying the sight of a cold and aloof woman showing signs of emotional collapse—it brought him a peculiar sense of satisfaction.
Thus, Ye Wen reflected: Over time, if a god doesn't die in silence, they inevitably grow… twisted in silence.
Even Ye Wen, now embodying the essence of a "god of amusement," wasn't immune to these tendencies. However, his moral bottom line remained intact. After all, without some form of entertainment over such a long existence, even gods could be driven to despair.
As Ye Wen's eyes began to glimmer with amusement, the once icy and noble Snow Empress started to display an unusual blush on her cheeks. Her movements grew fidgety, and she avoided his gaze, unable to meet his eyes.
Seeing this drastic change in her demeanor, Ye Wen felt his heart skip a beat. Was this… the feeling of attraction?
That shouldn't be possible. At his age, he should have long been immune to such superficial allure.
Could the power of "contrast moe" transcend all ages? How terrifying!
Finally, after a long while, the Snow Empress lowered her head and murmured softly,
"Master, could you please stop constructing the divine realm?"
Ye Wen, whose thoughts had been wandering just moments ago, immediately grew serious, his gaze fixed intently on the Snow Empress.
This was abnormal—too abnormal.
Without revealing his emotions, Ye Wen asked, "Can you explain your reasoning, Snow Empress? Building the divine realm is beneficial for all of Douluo Star. Why do you want to stop me?"
The Snow Empress opened her mouth as if to speak but hesitated, unsure how to phrase her words.
Watching her conflicted expression, Ye Wen began to understand something.
At this moment, Ye Wen focused all his attention on the Snow Empress.
"Super Divine Technique—Perfect Cube!!!"
Before the Snow Empress could react, the entire room was enveloped by a giant square barrier, locking both Ye Wen and the Snow Empress inside.
Over the years, Ye Wen hadn't stood still. His Perfect Cube technique had been refined countless times. What was once a simple attack-distribution mechanism had evolved into an absolute lockdown. Within this space, all forms of attack, soul penetration, or information transmission were completely sealed off. This space was akin to a closed-off miniature world.
Faced with this sudden development, the Snow Empress instinctively entered a combat-ready state, her aura turning icy cold. But soon, she fell into confusion.
She didn't understand why Ye Wen had suddenly locked them both in this space. Though Ye Wen rarely used his techniques, this signature move was widely known.
Ye Wen, now serious, stared directly at the Snow Empress and spoke in a cold tone.
"It's been a long time, Plane Consciousness."
At these words, the Snow Empress's already flawless face turned deathly pale.
But she quickly composed herself and responded in a low voice,
"It's me. But why have you locked us here? We're not enemies, are we? Moreover, I gifted you your spirit. Are you planning to repay kindness with betrayal, like the Dragon God?"
Ye Wen didn't respond immediately. Instead, he carefully studied the Snow Empress's perfect appearance.
Under Ye Wen's piercing gaze, the Snow Empress showed no reaction, standing coldly in place and waiting for his reply.
Finally, Ye Wen spoke.
"We are certainly not enemies. In fact, I'm very grateful to you. You gave me the chance to relive my life and achieve this perfect existence."
At these words, the Snow Empress relaxed slightly from her defensive stance.
But soon, unease returned to her expression.
"However, can you answer one question for me, Plane Consciousness? No, it's more appropriate to call you Snow Empress now. The fact that you've existed since ancient times must be due to your influence. Your relationship with the Snow Empress is likely similar to that of my wife Yue Na and Na'er—a split of soul and personality. Am I correct?"
He paused briefly before continuing.
"But none of that matters now. The only thing I want to ask is this: You must have recovered long ago, so why have you been avoiding me? Do you suspect I harbor ill intentions toward you, or are you secretly plotting something?
In this space, it's absolutely safe and confidential. Can you tell me what you're thinking, Snow Empress?"
Faced with Ye Wen's interrogation, the Snow Empress's expression shifted repeatedly. Finally, she slumped back into her chair, her demeanor defeated.
"I'm sorry."
Her cold, clear voice carried a note of grievance, leaving Ye Wen questioning his own ears.
"What?"
"I said I'm sorry," the Snow Empress repeated, her voice louder this time. Her eyes reddened as she looked at Ye Wen, her previously icy persona completely shattered.
Meeting her gaze, Ye Wen couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. 'What's going on? This is my turf!' Quickly regaining composure, he glared back at her.
"I don't need your apology!
You'd better explain clearly why you've been hiding from me all these years. Otherwise, you won't like the consequences!"
At this moment, Ye Wen resembled a thug cornering a young girl. His threatening tone seemed to imply that if the Snow Empress couldn't provide a satisfactory explanation, she'd be dealt with on the spot.
------------------------------------------------------
Support my writing journey: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow