"Emperor Tian, you dare go this far?!"
Brigitte's face revealed genuine surprise as she confronted the golden dragon lord.
"This isn't boldness—it's wisdom," Emperor Tian replied coldly, his chest heaving with restrained fury. "We are loyal to the Lord. We cannot overlook a single detail. If we allow humans to leave with knowledge of His Majesty's existence in these forests, if they spread news of beasts like the King—do you not see the calamity that will follow?"
Brigitte's lips tightened. His logic was not without merit.
Soul beasts were treasures coveted by mankind. To humans, a hundred-thousand-year beast was as irresistible as a divine artifact. And Star Dou's core was filled with them. If word leaked out—Spirit Hall, Clear Sky Sect, every sect and wealthy clan would descend in madness.
Even the Pope, for the sake of raising Qian Renxue's strength, would never hesitate. For an opportunity to let her absorb a hundred-thousand-year ring, she would risk the world itself.
And should a Level 99 Extreme Douluo arrive… even Emperor Tian might falter.
That was why he hesitated, why he gritted his fangs.
"Roar!"
Golden light flared around his massive body, scales glowing as killing intent swelled into the air. His aura pierced the heavens, ready to erupt.
But suddenly—
Boom.
A kaleidoscopic cloud materialized above Star Lake, the midday sky shattering with radiance. From the cloud fell rain in resplendent colors—glistening, shifting, seeping into every heart below.
It was not ordinary rain.
Those who harbored jealousy saw it falling golden, warming, easing their envy into generous calm.
Those gnawed by rage saw it cascade blue, washing their anger into tranquility.
Those trembling in fear saw violet fall like courage itself, setting their hearts afire with bravery.
Those consumed by desire saw it white, clear and pure, cleansing temptation into serenity.
The emotional rain spread with breathtaking speed. Even Emperor Tian's towering killing intent was crushed in an instant.
Where he had been moments from releasing cataclysm, now he merely blinked dumbly into the blue drizzle. His wrath evaporated, replaced by a sudden urge to yawn and rest.
Ziji stretched out her slender hand. A stray drop landed on her pale skin, dissolving into glowing warmth that left not even dampness.
She frowned curiously. "Rain? How odd… and the white droplets… they feel… different."
Brigitte stared wide-eyed at the radiant scene. "From a clear sky… rain like this?" Her rational mind reeled. This was no trick of nature—it was a power beyond their comprehension.
Emperor Tian, too, staggered as the drizzle touched him. His expression melted into dazed contentment, and a throaty, shameless hum escaped his dragon throat.
"Ohhh…" He nearly purred. "Blue rain in my body… it makes this Beast God just want to sleep. Forget it, Brigitte. As always, only you can calm me down."
He released a reluctant sigh. "Very well. I won't eat them. Call it their good fortune. But hear me now—if humans dare invade this core again, the Beast God will not spare a single one!"
The words had barely left his mouth when a yawn ripped through him. Emitting one last sleepy snort, his colossal form shimmered and receded, drifting back into the forest with speed unmatched. "Solve these chores yourselves. Safety… peace first…" His voice faded.
Ziji and Brigitte froze, staring as though their ears deceived them.
Safety and peace first?
This… from the Beast God himself? The same lord who once launched beast tides, drowned the forest with blood, and carved the Star Dou into circles of war?
Once, the forest had been wild and unfenced. Millennial beasts mingled with hundred-thousand-year overlords, crowding wherever food and water ran rich.
Star Lake, with its bitter beauty and endless calm, had long been a paradise—and battlefield. Rabbits drank water only to be pounced by wolves, wolves slaughtered by tigers, tigers hammered by bears, and dragons claiming dominion over all.
The weak were destined as fodder. And blood forever stained the reflection of the stars.
But Emperor Tian had disrupted that order. With his strength, he had driven the lesser herds to the periphery, forcing a dangerous divide. Only the strongest could dwell inside the core. The weak were cast outward—there, hunted not only by humans but by higher predators pressing from behind.
It was cruel, but efficient.
Each circle a layer of defense. Each beast tide a fortification. The core, Emperor Tian's seat, became a fortress for one purpose only—protection of the King.
And yet now, the same dragon who once cherished might and slaughter sighed wearily of peace.
Meanwhile, the survivors of Spirit Hall—those ordered to withdraw—gathered beyond.
Rain still dripping from their shoulders, they exchanged wide-eyed whispers.
"Did you see it? That rain… was it really purple?"
"I've never heard of such a thing. My legs still shake. Saints above—facing that golden beast was terrifying."
"And yet…" a younger deacon whispered reverently, "did you hear what they called His Highness Subei? Their King."
Some scoffed nervously. "So what? Apprentice protecting the teacher? Ridiculous—our Pope is among the strongest alive!"
But others muttered back. "No. His aura… far beyond mortal. Re-created by a divine beast perhaps. Is it truly surprising?"
Whatever they believed, the truth loomed. They had glimpsed the hidden reality of Star Dou and Subei's bond to it.
Ye Fan, the white-haired elder, lashed at their murmurs like a whip.
"Silence! Today's events must never leave your lips. By His Holiness's will, we saw nothing, heard nothing. Breathe a single word, and Spirit Hall law will tear your body apart and rot your soul where you stand!"
A few bristled, some young ones scoffing beneath their breath—until Ye Fan's roar boomed again, beard quivering.
"Fools! Do you not hear the warning in the Pope's words to His Highness? To shield him—and to bind us. Do not think yourselves clever. One loose tongue, one careless boast—your heads will roll. Take this secret to your graves!"
Chastised, one by one they bowed, horror cooling their arrogance.
Within the core, Subei stood watching Emperor Tian's retreating figure vanish into shadows. He exhaled heavily.
"That stubborn dragon… exhausting. Comforting him feels like patching a leaky roof." His lips curled in dark humor. "Maybe I'll use that Good Dog Dragon Liquid on him… one drop to make him bark like a dog, two drops to roll in the dirt… ha. Tempting."
His amusement faded as he turned back—into the eyes of his teacher.
"Teacher," he said gently, "I'll return with you. Our picnic isn't over yet—"
He hadn't finished when Brigitte's sharp voice cut across.
"No." Her soft eyes hardened with a deep edge. "The King cannot leave our sight."
Ziji smirked coldly. "Yes. Human woman… you've been spared for being his teacher. Don't mistake it for leniency. If you try to steal him away, we'll tear your delusions apart."
Bibi Dong, however, was calm. Crouching gracefully, she gazed into Subei's face, her expression serene. When she saw he was unharmed, her heart finally found peace.
"Xiao Bei," she whispered, "answer me honestly. Are you a man… or a soul beast?"
Her tender smile belied the weight in her question.
Subei hesitated, startled. "If I told you I was a soul beast… would you kill me, Teacher?"
Her lashes lowered. "No. No matter what you are, my heart will never change. I only want the truth."
He drew a slow breath. "I am a man. A pure man." He almost added—and Chinese—but bit it back.
Her smile bloomed radiant, relief flooding her soul.
Perfect. That was the answer she longed for. As long as he claimed humanity, she would cling to it like a banner.
If he was a man, then she could claim him. Take him back to her world. Protect him as hers.
But as the last drops of emotional rain settled into earth, the spell wavered.
Ziji and Brigitte's suppressed hostility flared anew. Their eyes narrowed, their shoulders squared. Tension thickened like drawn blades.
The brief peace had ended.
The swords were raised, the bows drawn. The war between soul beast and Spirit Hall—and the war of rival hearts—was about to ignite again.
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