Even in this era, where even dragon-type soul beasts were restricted, the overwhelming intensity of this aura made the Evil-Eyed Holy King feel that it far surpassed the dragon god-beasts He had encountered in the past.
If there was anyone in this era with a chance to ascend to godhood, it would undoubtedly belong to the owner of this aura.
However, unlike His former arrogance, the Evil-Eyed Holy King had grown much more cautious over time. He didn't immediately reveal Himself or cause trouble.
Instead, He first committed this aura to memory and then spent a long time carefully analyzing it. Eventually, He arrived at a startling conclusion:
He had met the owner of this aura before!
Though they had only crossed paths briefly, and the person's strength and presence paled in comparison to what He now sensed, the essence of the two auras was identical.
Yes, the Evil-Eyed Holy King ultimately set His sights on Ye Wen.
Ordinary strong individuals might not have noticed anything unusual about Ye Wen, but as a former god-level being, the Evil-Eyed Holy King could see through the veil.
This was something even Huo Yu'er, who had been hiding in the shadows, hadn't anticipated.
Even if Huo Yu'er had noticed, she wouldn't have given it much thought—after all, the Evil-Eyed Holy King's peak power amounted to little more than a divine-official-level "big cat."
With his supreme bloodline aura, human identity, and His own method of ascending to godhood, the Evil-Eyed Holy King was certain that as long as He could place one of His people under Ye Wen's command—even without inheriting another god's divine position—He could help Ye Wen create His own divine position and ascend to godhood. At that point, He could use Zhu Zhuqing as a stepping stone to achieve godhood once again!
---
As for why He didn't choose Dai Mubai, whose martial soul had a higher compatibility with the bloodline—
It was simply because Dai Mubai was a hopeless case. A useless individual who relied solely on others—how could someone like him ever catch the eye of the mighty Evil-Eyed Holy King?
And why not other members of the imperial bloodline? The Evil-Eyed Holy King also had His reasons.
In His view, while His own power wasn't bad, it couldn't compare to the strength Ye Wen possessed.
If He relied on power alone as a means to approach Ye Wen, it would only invite humiliation. Moreover, considering the status of the Star Luo imperial family, in the Evil-Eyed Holy King's eyes, sending someone from His side to join Ye Wen's ranks would likely be seen as an attempt to instead recruit Ye Wen into His own fold.
This would undoubtedly offend Ye Wen.
Thus, since brute force wasn't reliable, the Evil-Eyed Holy King naturally turned to underhanded tactics.
Though He was a tiger, years of exposure to human society had given Him some understanding of human aesthetics.
By human standards, Zhu Zhuqing was undoubtedly a beauty. Combined with her seductive figure, if she were to actively pursue someone…
Without a doubt, over ninety percent of people would be captivated. And in the Evil-Eyed Holy King's memory, dragons were far more lascivious than tigers.
Therefore, in His view, Ye Wen—who inherited the supreme bloodline of dragons—was sure to have a similarly robust appetite.
Though Ye Wen would certainly never admit it.
Still, the Evil-Eyed Holy King didn't intend to rely solely on seduction to bring Zhu Zhuqing under Ye Wen's wing.
After all, He had seen too many such "ornamental vases" among the imperial family. To make Zhu Zhuqing more valuable, He planned to enhance her in other ways.
A supremely powerful and beautiful woman—surely this offering would satisfy the other party.
The Evil-Eyed Holy King chuckled smugly to Himself.
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing had fully processed the historical account provided by the Evil-Eyed Holy King. How much of it she believed was known only to her.
Naturally, she was thrilled at the prospect of gaining immense power.
However, when Zhu Zhuqing learned from the Evil-Eyed Holy King what He wanted her to do, her emotions grew conflicted.
After all these twists and turns, it seemed she would ultimately have to rely on her physical appearance.
The Evil-Eyed Holy King, of course, knew exactly what kind of person Zhu Zhuqing was—after all, She was His carefully selected "pawn."
Seeing Zhu Zhuqing's hesitation, the Evil-Eyed Holy King decided to fan the flames. With a cold hum, He said, "You stubborn little girl, just as obstinate as ever.
Since that's the case, I'll take it upon Myself to enlighten you.
Do you really think you managed to escape your sister and your family's pursuit because of your extraordinary talent?"
Zhu Zhuqing, who had been feeling humiliated and uneasy, suddenly snapped back to attention. Her wide, glistening eyes stared at the Evil-Eyed Holy King.
"What do You mean, Lord Evil-Eyed Holy King?!"
The Evil-Eyed Holy King let out a low chuckle. "Still haven't figured it out? But I do admire your innocence.
Isn't the answer simple?
Of course, your sister intentionally let you go, allowing you to fake running away and escape the imperial family's fratricidal conflict."
Zhu Zhuqing had determination, but she wasn't particularly skilled at critical thinking. Otherwise, she wouldn't have naively trusted others' words and returned to the quagmire of the Star Luo imperial family.
But now, with the Evil-Eyed Holy King pointing it out directly, Zhu Zhuqing finally realized the truth.
Reflecting on how her sister Zhu Zhu Yun's attitude toward her had changed drastically after their martial soul awakenings, as well as the various events during her time at Shrek Academy, Zhu Zhuqing's heart grew increasingly conflicted.
At this moment, the Evil-Eyed Holy King spoke again. "Well? Are you going to accept My proposal?
Remember, helping Me is helping yourself. Only by obtaining absolute power can your Zhu family escape the ridiculous throne struggle of the Star Luo imperial family.
So, tell Me your choice.
Will you follow My advice and walk the path to godhood, or will you wallow in despair with that Dai Mubai and wait for death?"
The Evil-Eyed Holy King lowered His massive body, His mountain-like head staring intently at Zhu Zhuqing.
Zhu Zhuqing clenched her fists tightly, her gaze firmer than ever.
If all the coldness she had endured in the past was a lie, and she had always lived surrounded by her family's love, then what did it matter if she, Zhu Zhuqing, sacrificed her dignity to become someone's mistress?
Her family had risked everything to help her escape suffering—how could she, as a daughter and sister, possibly retreat?
This was the path Zhu Zhuqing firmly believed in!
"I'll do it!" Zhu Zhuqing declared resolutely.
The Evil-Eyed Holy King grinned. "A wise choice. Very well, then accept My power."
With that, the Evil-Eyed Holy King leaned forward slightly and touched Zhu Zhuqing's body.
Zhu Zhuqing felt herself enveloped by a warm surge of soul power. It was so soothing that she unconsciously drifted into a deep sleep.
---
The next day, Zhu Zhuqing woke up at her usual time, thanks to the biological clock cultivated through years of rigorous training.
The dream had felt so real, and she remembered its final message clearly. Slowly moving her long, graceful legs, she walked to the mirror and beheld her transformed self.
Overall, she hadn't changed much.
Her waist-length black hair had grown longer and silkier overnight. Her once autumn-water-like black eyes had transformed—one red, one blue—with a faint golden line now adorning her forehead.
At this moment, the already enchanting Zhu Zhuqing underwent a stunning transformation. She exuded an air of seductive charm while maintaining an untouchable, regal coldness.
Gently touching her smooth cheek, Zhu Zhuqing activated her martial soul and murmured:
"Is this really me? It seems the Evil-Eyed Holy King from last night's dream didn't lie to me. My martial soul has evolved from the Netherworld Spirit Cat to the Evil-Eyed Holy King."
As Zhu Zhuqing basked in her newfound power and breathtaking beauty, a knock sounded at the door.
"Zhuqing, your boyfriend's waiting for you downstairs again~"
A teasing voice came from outside the room.
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