Chapter 226: The Lake of Life, Part 2
Ye Wen paused, thinking it over. Perhaps it was best not to tell Di Tian the truth. If he knew the Dragon God himself had imposed the ban on soul beasts becoming gods, he might fall into despair and lash out, causing more chaos.
As for the Titled Douluo reckless enough to have angered Di Tian, there were only about twenty Titled Douluo in this era, so it wouldn't be hard to narrow down the suspect list. Judging by the indiscriminate tactics this person used, even someone like Dugu Bo wouldn't act so recklessly.
Ye Wen found himself perplexed by Di Tian's actions. After all, Di Tian was strong enough to contend with Snow Empress, an opponent on par with divine officers, and yet he couldn't finish off a Titled Douluo. Some God King he used to be.
"So, that's how it happened," Ye Wen mused aloud. "If you had a reason, I won't press further. But do you remember what the Titled Douluo who slaughtered the soul beasts looked like? The human world needs to make him accountable for this beast tide."
Relieved at Ye Wen's leniency, Di Tian nodded. Although he had no issue with dealing harshly with humans, he wasn't eager to cause greater upheaval that might endanger the Silver Dragon King's recovery. Who would've guessed that a simple beast tide would attract someone like Ye Wen?
Di Tian did his best to recall the human's appearance, but just as most humans found it difficult to distinguish among soul beasts, Di Tian found it equally challenging to tell humans apart. "The human was roughly my size, wearing ragged clothes stained with blood," Di Tian offered vaguely.
Ye Wen cut him off, somewhat frustrated by Di Tian's lack of descriptive ability. "Why not just use your soul power to project an image of him for me?" he suggested.
Realizing he could have spared himself a lot of effort, Di Tian nodded, conjuring an image of a burly figure with tattered clothes. Though the face remained indistinct, Ye Wen's gaze fell on the most important detail the man's weapon. A massive hammer with a six point star engraved on it, an unmistakable symbol of the legendary Clear Sky Hammer.
Ye Wen raised his hand, halting Di Tian's attempt to refine the image. "No need for more detail; I recognize him."
Relieved, Di Tian let the soul energy dissipate, watching Ye Wen curiously, as if to say, Are you finished?
After a moment's pause, Di Tian spoke directly. "When are you leaving?"
Blunt, isn't he? Ye Wen thought. Then again, Di Tian was a soul beast with little regard for human etiquette. Still, he wasn't leaving without addressing one last matter.
"Actually, we have something else to discuss, Di Tian."
Di Tian's brow furrowed, irritated by the Sea God's persistence.
"My point is, your master sent her other half to my territory quite some time ago. Why hasn't she contacted me herself?" Ye Wen questioned. "We're both here can you just tell me why she wanted to find me?"
Di Tian's expression remained impassive, though he was deeply unsettled. This Sea God's senses are terrifying. Despite his relatively recent ascension, he had detected the Silver Dragon King's remnant. Di Tian, however, failed to consider that his own crude methods had tipped Ye Wen off.
What should I do? The Silver Dragon King is still recovering. If this Sea God is harboring hostile intentions, revealing her location could be disastrous.
Di Tian steeled himself, replying icily, "If my master has sought you, then it's an honor. All you need to do is wait patiently."
But Ye Wen, reading Di Tian's change in tone, could see through his resistance. The difference in Di Tian's responses hinted at three possible reasons for his hesitance:
The Silver Dragon King was too gravely wounded to communicate.The Silver Dragon King was observing Ye Wen secretly, waiting for him to meet some standard.Na'er was merely a decoy to monitor Ye Wen and prevent him from alerting the gods.
From Di Tian's forced indifference, it was clear to Ye Wen that the first explanation was the most likely. If either of the other two were true, Di Tian would have shown unease after being called out.
The Silver Dragon King, huh? With her injuries healed, she'd be a force at the God King level, and her divine authority could be invaluable in the future. But given the extent of her injuries, she likely wouldn't be fully recovered even by the events of Douluo Dalu II. There was no rush.
Take your time healing, Silver Dragon King, Ye Wen thought with a small smirk. We'll talk when you're ready.
Feigning disappointment, he shook his head and left the Lake of Life, allowing Di Tian to breathe a sigh of relief.
As for the aftermath of the beast tide, a target was still needed a scapegoat for humanity's anger. To preempt any attempts by the two empires to slander Spirit Hall, Ye Wen decided it was time to publicize the true instigator.
Ye Wen's next stop: Spirit City.
The holy capital was bustling with activity, unlike its usual tranquil, dignified atmosphere. The beast tide had left its mark, damaging several Spirit Hall branches and drawing out rogue soul masters hoping to take advantage of the chaos. As an institution dedicated to maintaining order, the Spirit Hall's forces were mobilized, both to provide aid and to restore stability.
Ye Wen quietly approached Bibi Dong's chambers, observing her as she worked. Over the years, Bibi Dong had shed her former innocence, maturing into a formidable and noble Titled Douluo. Though the years had passed, she showed no signs of aging; rather, she had grown more refined and alluring. Even Ye Wen, accustomed to beauty, found his gaze lingering.
He quickly pushed aside any unseemly thoughts. I am a husband and a father of three now, he reminded himself, a silent admonishment to maintain his composure.
This brief distraction, however, caused him to release a faint trace of his aura, prompting Bibi Dong to pause, sensing his presence. She looked toward the door.
With a soft smile, she greeted him. "You're here."
"Yes," Ye Wen replied, keeping his tone calm, though his heart inexplicably quickened.
Bibi Dong resumed her work, asking casually, "Is there a reason for your visit?"
(Chapter End)
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