"Roar! Roar!"The other soul beasts also let out urgent cries, all desperate to leave this place at once.
The expression of the Five-Element Qilin was complicated, and in his eyes there was reluctance.He was likely the only one among them who had emotional attachment to this place.
It was mainly because he had once received great kindness from the Ancient Qilin God. Without a single drop of the Ancient Qilin God's divine blood essence, he would never have become what he was now.
The Ancient Qilin God had recreated him—reborn him—and that grace was engraved deeply in his heart.Even after hundreds of thousands of years, he had never forgotten it.
"Before we leave, there are some matters I want to clarify first." Di Tian said, not rushing to depart.
"What matters?" Fire-Scaled Golden Python asked, and the other soul beasts looked toward Di Tian as well.
Di Tian swept his gaze across them, finally stopping on the Five-Element Qilin.
"I mentioned the Dragon Phoenix Hall to you before."
"After leaving this place, I hope you will join the Dragon Phoenix Hall and contribute your strength to the revival of the soul beast race."
"Of course, it is voluntary. If you do not wish to, then you may freely leave after getting out — but there is one condition."
Di Tian's expression turned cold and stern.
"That is, none of you are permitted to leak even the slightest information about me or about the Dragon Phoenix Hall."
"Because of geographical differences, if you don't want to go to another continent or don't want to get involved in certain matters, I can understand."
"I won't force you to do anything for the soul beast race. But even if you won't contribute, you are absolutely not allowed to cause trouble."
"So just pretend you know nothing — and say nothing. Whoever dares reveal even a word—"
Di Tian's voice became icy, violent killing intent spreading.
"I, Di Tian, will peel his skin and break his bones, making death a mercy he will beg for but never receive."
"As long as you can abide by this one rule, after you leave, I don't care if you charge into human cities or retreat into a primitive forest to survive."
"What you do will have nothing to do with me — nor with the Dragon Phoenix Hall."
When he had first come here, he had not been cautious enough and had previously mentioned the Dragon Phoenix Hall and some of their plans to the soul beasts inside.
He originally thought they were all soul beasts — so speaking about this would be harmless.
However, after Yun Ze reviewed the memories he projected, Yun Ze noticed this problem and reminded him. Only then did Di Tian realize he had misspoken.
Of the twenty-three soul beasts remaining here, six had cultivation over 200,000 years and were capable of taking human form.
If they entered human society disguised in human form and spoke recklessly… the consequences would be disastrous.
Although, by nature, soul beasts would never casually talk with humans — but what if?
Just like humans say, "Alcohol causes mistakes, truth spills after drinking."Who knows if something like that could happen?
To avoid any accidents, stern warning and special restrictions were necessary.
If the failure of their entire plan came from these soul beasts… they would all become sinners of the race.
"This is a bead condensed using a special soul beast secret technique by the New Dragon God. You must refine it before you can leave with me."
"The purpose of the bead is to keep your mouths sealed. As long as you don't talk about anything related to us, nothing will happen."
Di Tian took out twenty-three beads prepared earlier by Gu Yuena.
The soul beasts looked at one another, fear flashing in their eyes upon seeing Di Tian's cold demeanor.
The Five-Element Qilin was calmest. Glancing at the bead, he asked:
"If someone accidentally leaks information?"
"That won't happen. The energy inside the bead will detonate the soul beast's origin imprint before he can speak." Di Tian replied.
Hearing the words "detonate the soul beast's origin imprint," all the soul beasts shuddered, their eyes filled with fear.
"I will not refine this bead." Fire-Scaled Golden Python refused on the spot, temper rising.
The consequences were too severe — if he accidentally said something, he would explode on the spot.Would that not be the most ridiculous death?
"Then you won't be leaving." Di Tian shouted coldly, his eyes turning golden vertical slits. Terrifying pressure surged toward the python.
"We're rescuing you because of the Ancient Qilin God's face, and because you are our fellow soul beasts."
"This is an act of benevolence, not an obligation. If you won't refine the bead, then stay here and die."
"We have already lost countless clansmen. Losing one more means nothing."
Not directly restraining them was already merciful. If they refused even this much, then they could rot inside.
They wished to save these clansmen — but it was not necessary to save all of them.He hoped they would help — but he did not depend on them.
"You—!" Fire-Scaled Golden Python was furious, tongue flicking rapidly, cold killing intent filling his serpentine eyes.
"What, you want to fight?" Di Tian sneered. "If you dare strike me today, I'll skin you and rip your bones out."
Fire-Scaled Golden Python trembled in rage, but did not move. He greatly feared Di Tian, knowing that if they fought, he would absolutely lose.
Di Tian chuckled coldly — but internally he was already planning.
Even if this python refined the bead, afterward he would still need to apply further control.After months together, Di Tian knew him well — he was arrogant, cruel, and vengeful.After this conflict, he would definitely hold a grudge — a future danger.
"To leave, you must refine this bead. Choose for yourselves." Di Tian said, sweeping his gaze over them.
All the soul beasts hesitated, then all looked toward the human-form Five-Element Qilin.
"I will refine it. And after leaving, I am willing to join the Dragon Phoenix Hall, obey the Lady's commands, and contribute to the revival of the soul beast race."Five-Element Qilin stated solemnly, taking the lead.
He raised his hand, and a bead floated into his palm.
Without hesitation, he circulated his soul power and refined it. Soon the bead's special energy merged fully into his origin.
He could clearly feel something added onto his origin — but he did not mind nor try to remove it.
He had heard of this soul beast secret technique — crafted by the Dragon God himself, executable only by his bloodline.
It only affected soul beasts, and once imprinted onto the origin, it could not be removed unless the caster personally dispelled it.
"We welcome your joining." Di Tian smiled, unsurprised.
According to the Qilin, before his death the Ancient Qilin God had commanded him to protect the race and prevent the extinction of soul beasts.
These years, he had failed — out of hundreds of thousands of soul beasts, now only twenty-three remained in this small world.
The pain and guilt nearly crushed him. Now a chance to mend that regret had appeared — how could he refuse?
"Mhm." The Five-Element Qilin revealed a smile — one he had not shown in a very long time.