As the tension gradually faded from his expression, a faint smile crept onto Xin Yu's face—a quiet ease rising inside him like the ripples on the lake's surface.
"Ah, so relaxing!"
Xin Yu splashed the water with his feet while munching on price of fruit, feeling utterly content.
Uncle Tian had just returned and, seeing Xin Yu's actions, couldn't help but twitch his mouth slightly. Soaking his feet in the Lake of Life? This kid was probably the first to ever do such a thing. But what could he do? This was a little ancestor he had to take care of, so he could only pretend not to see it.
"Ahem!"
Still, he cleared his throat to announce his presence.
"Oh, Uncle Tian, you're back! Want to join me for a foot soak? It's comfortable."
Xin Yu showed no reservations, inviting him with a grin.
Uncle Tian's eyebrow twitched, but he held it in, forcing a smile. "Yu'er, there's something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time," Uncle Tian said, his expression turning serious, his tone more solemn than ever before.
Xin Yu paused, taking his feet out of the lake and putting his shoes back on.
"Uncle Tian, if there's something you need to say, just go ahead."
Sensing something was up, Xun Yu's expression also grew serious, his face tightening. Aunt Bi, who had been standing nearby, stepped forward at this moment as well, her emerald-green eyes fixed on Xin Yu.
Looking at Uncle Tian and Aunt Bi in front of him, Xin Yu understood that they were probably about to reveal the truth to him.
Sure enough, Uncle Tian spoke.
"Yu'er, all this time, we haven't revealed our true identities to you."
"In truth, Aunt Bi and I are not human. I am the ruler of the Star Dou Forest, the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, with over 800,000 years of cultivation. Humans generally refer to me as the Beast God Di Tian."
"And your Aunt Bi's real name is Bi Ji. Her true form is a 580,000-year-old Emerald Swan, the most powerful healing soul beast, and also one of the rulers of the Star Dou Forest."
"We never told you because we lived in the human world and didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble."
"Although you are human, in fact, you are the reincarnation of the most ancient and greatest Dragon God of the soul beast clan."
"This is why we have always taken care of you."
"Now that we've returned to the Star Dou Forest, there is no need to hide this from you anymore."
Uncle Tian spoke bluntly, his golden eyes gazing at Xin Yu.
Xin Yu appropriately showed shock, his pupils slightly dilating.
"So, this is the true identity of Uncle Tian and Aunt Bi," Su Yu mumbled absentmindedly as if the news had quite an impact on him.
"We understand that after telling you this, you might find it hard to accept, but..."
"Uncle Tian, Aunt Bi, it's not that I can't accept it, I'm just a little surprised."
Xin Yu raised his head, his small face solemn.
"No matter what identities Uncle Tian and Aunt Bi, you are still my family."
Xin Yu's voice was firm, leaving no room for doubt.
Perhaps these words were somewhat influenced by the situation, as one should always say the right thing at the right time. But indeed, they reflected Xin Yu's genuine emotions.
Six years of care was not fake, and they had never treated him unfairly.
If it weren't for their upbringing, Xin Yu might not even be alive today.
No matter what their identities were, they were still his family.
This point was beyond question!
Hearing Xin Yu's words, both Di Tian and Bi Ji couldn't help but smile. Bi Ji's gaze was soft as water.
Xin Yu had not disappointed them after all.
Di Tian reached out and patted Su Yu's shoulder, saying, "Yu'er, if you have any other questions, just ask. Uncle Tian will answer them all."
"Uncle Tian, I do have a question."
Xin Yu looked up at Di Tian and asked, "Since you say I am the reincarnation of the Dragon God, why didn't you keep me in the Star Dou Forest and instead take me to the human world to raise me?"
If he had grown up in the Star Dou Forest, wouldn't his sense of belonging be stronger?
He didn't believe that these beast rulers wouldn't think of such a simple concept.
"Although you are the reincarnation of the Dragon God, after reincarnation, you are still human. The environment of the Star Dou Forest is not suitable for the survival of a human infant. Moreover, we have no experience raising children. This is why we took you to the human world," Di Tian explained patiently.
"I see," Xin Yu understood.
The soul beasts of the Star Dou Forest, even newborns, could develop combat capabilities within a month or two. They grew very quickly.
But he was human. Human growth during infancy is slow and fragile, and the primitive environment of the Star Dou Forest was not suitable for his development.
Di Tian and the others were afraid that he might die young.
Only when he reached six years old and awakened his martial soul did he gain the ability to protect himself.
This was why they brought him back after his martial soul awakened at six years old.
First, at six years old, he was old enough to survive without easily dying. Second, it was more convenient for them to teach him. Third, it was likely to foster his emotional connection with the soul Beasts clan.
After all, at six years old, his thoughts and beliefs were not yet fully formed, making it easier to nurture him.
It could only be said that they had thought things through very carefully.
"Do you have any other questions?"
Di Tian asked.
Xin Yu shook his head.
"Alright, then rest well. Bi Ji, take care of him."
Di Tian nodded toward Bi Ji.
Bi Ji understood and gently ruffled Xin Yu's hair. Xin Yu lowered his head, as if deep in thought.
At this point, Di Tian had already left, and Bi Ji squatted down, continuing to stroke Su Yu's head, her gaze as gentle as water.
"Yu'er, are you still concerned about your identity?"
Bi Ji asked.
Xin Yu shook his head.
"Then are you worried about life in the Star Dou Forest?"
Bi Ji inquired gently.
Xin Yu did not respond clearly.
Bi Ji smiled softly, her voice tender.
"Yu'er, don't worry. You are the reincarnation of the Dragon God. No one here will dare to bully you. You are the hope of the Soul Beast clan. All the soul beasts here will only respect you. If anyone dares to disrespect you, Di Tian will punish them."
"Trust Aunt Bi, you will be very happy here."
"Mm," Xin Yu softly responded.
Seeing this, Bi Ji smiled gently and embraced Xin Yu.
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*AN: Some of you might have noticed that content of recent chapters is very similar to other fanfic, So let me confess — Yes it is !
My fanfic does have different plot but since I am not good with technical things involved in litrature writing and have little to no experience in writing novels, I am just copying some content from another fanfic where our plot collides and modifying it according to my use. I hope my their audience won't held grudge against me. if that novel's author want me to give credit to him since i am using his content, I have no objection !
I just hope every reader to enjoy reading to their heart content and that my motto behind this book.
Your humble opinions are appreciated.
Thankyou.
-Author