Yun Ming followed Di Tian through the Space Gate, arriving at their place of slumber.
Looking at the captivating, magnificent palace before him, Yun Ming was struck with awe. He had assumed that the place where Soul Beasts like Di Tian lived would be more natural or rugged, but he never expected it to be so opulent. The shimmering Tianmang Rock Pillar was inlaid with sparkling gold and brilliant gemstones, the eaves were embedded with snow-white ivory, and the two silver doors were carved with beautiful patterns and images of divine dragons, recording countless ancient and grand legends of the world.
However, compared to this palace, Yun Ming was more concerned with the stunning young girl sitting on the golden, dragon-carved throne at the head of the hall.
The young girl had long silver hair that cascaded down behind her all the way to her ankles; not only was it silky, but it also possessed a texture like silver crystal. She possessed a beauty that could not be described in words; no amount of description could capture her peerless face. She had slightly pale, fair skin and purple eyes. Even though she wore nothing more than a plain white shirt, she looked incredibly sexy. Her eyes were incomparably beautiful, with long, curled eyelashes and clear, translucent purple irises. Especially when a hint of confusion flickered in her gaze, it made one feel an uncontrollable urge to cherish her.
Yun Ming was momentarily stunned, not because of her beauty, but because this young girl looked so much like his beloved disciple, who was more than a daughter to him!
Gu Yuena watched the disbelief and affection in Yun Ming's eyes, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. Clearly, she did not like the way Yun Ming was looking at her, as if he were an elder looking at a close junior.
Another dragon who also disliked Yun Ming's gaze was Di Tian, who had regained control of his body. Seeing Yun Ming's disrespectful look—a mere human daring to stare directly at the Lord of their Dragon Clan with such eyes—he found it completely unacceptable and immediately roared.
"Audacious! How dare you be so rude."
As he spoke, rolling black flames rose from his body, and dense, impenetrable dark soul power surged, manifesting as a black dragon behind him. It let out an angry roar at Yun Ming, as if it would strike down the insolent fool on behalf of its master the next second.
Hearing Di Tian's reprimand, Yun Ming realized his own lapse in manners and apologized aloud.
"My apologies, my lady. I was reminded of some past events and was impolite!"
Gu Yuena pressed her jade hand toward Di Tian to signal that it was fine, while speaking to Yun Ming in a cold, clear voice.
"It is fine. May I ask what exactly it is that you are referring to?"
Yun Ming looked once more at that familiar yet strange, perfect face and sighed.
"Nothing. It is just that someone I once knew looks very much like you, and I was momentarily overcome with emotion."
"Oh? You look like me? Is there truly such a strange occurrence in this world?"
As the half-body of the supreme God King, the Dragon God, Gu Yuena possessed a perfection that transcended the mortal world in every aspect. For someone to resemble her was already quite extraordinary.
"Indeed! It is truly miraculous," Yun Ming replied.
This person who resembled her seemed to pique Gu Yuena's interest, and she asked again.
"Then, may I ask where this person is now?"
Yun Ming shook his head and did not speak. He and Ya Li had returned to twenty thousand years ago, separated by time and space; how could he possibly know where Na'er was now? It might be difficult for them to ever meet again in this lifetime. He only hoped that in the future era, Na'er could have a happy life.
Gu Yuena watched Yun Ming's silent expression, and for some reason, she felt an inexplicable sadness in her heart. She could tell that the person Yun Ming spoke of must truly exist; the longing and care in his eyes did not seem fake. Yet, Gu Yuena was also a bit puzzled as to why she would feel emotions she shouldn't have because of Yun Ming's feelings for someone else. Under the influence of this strange emotion, her tone softened, and she said something unlike her.
"Do not be sad. She would not want to see you grieving for her."
Yun Ming, hearing this, did not find it strange and simply nodded, taking it as a common word of comfort. However, Di Tian, standing to the side, sensed something amiss. What was going on? Since when did his rational, work-oriented Lord have such a sympathetic side? This was not like the Dragon King at all. Something was wrong! Very wrong!
Gu Yuena, having spoken, also seemed to realize what she had done. How could she have said such a thing, and to a lowly human at that!
Yun Ming sensed that the atmosphere had become strange, and since he did not want to engage in small talk with two powerful beings whose allegiances were unclear, he brought the topic back to the main point of the day.
"Let us end that topic. We should discuss the matter at hand!"
"I wonder, my lady, what is the important matter for which you invited me here?"
Yun Ming's transition broke the peculiar atmosphere in the palace. Gu Yuena also temporarily suppressed her confusion over 'why she acted that way' and, recalling the business of the day, stated simply and clearly.
"I wish to borrow the Golden Tree and hope you can assist me."
Thinking of this issue, Yun Ming replied without hesitation.
"Impossible. The Golden Tree concerns the safety of the continent; I cannot give it to you."
Hearing Yun Ming's refusal, a flash of dissatisfaction crossed Di Tian's eyes, but this time he did not react, merely waiting for his Lord's next move.
Gu Yuena did not get angry at Yun Ming's ruthless refusal; instead, she said in a calm tone.
"You may have misunderstood. I do not mean to stop you from using the Golden Tree to repair the Douluo plane, nor do I intend to forcibly seize it. On the contrary, I will help you."
Yun Ming: "???"
He was puzzled, not knowing what Gu Yuena meant. Could it be that Di Tian's boss was an environmentalist? Otherwise, why go to the trouble of appearing to intercept him just to help fill a hole? He really didn't believe it, even if Gu Yuena had a face that invited trust.
Yun Ming looked directly into Gu Yuena's beautiful, amethyst-like eyes and asked.
"Why? A deity, specifically inviting me over just to participate in the continent's environmental issues?"
Gu Yuena had no intention of hiding anything from Yun Ming and stated her request directly.
"Naturally not. I am injured and require the dense life energy of the Golden Tree to assist in my recovery. Consider this a cooperation!"
Yun Ming saw only openness in Gu Yuena's eyes, but that only made him more nervous. He couldn't really tell if Gu Yuena was truly injured, but if she was, and her strength was still this formidable, it was quite terrifying. If an injured Gu Yuena was this strong, how terrifying would she be at her peak?
Yun Ming continued to ask.
"Without you, the Golden Tree can still repair the Dead Realm. Since that is the case, why should I agree to your request?"
Gu Yuena also looked directly into Yun Ming's silver eyes and said.
"Can you refuse? You should be very clear about the gap between you and me."
As she finished speaking, a divine might far exceeding that of a Fallen God was released from Gu Yuena's body, and the phantom of a silver Giant Dragon appeared above her head.
Feeling the terrifying pressure that made him feel as if he were falling into the deep sea, for the first time in his life, Yun Ming felt a sense of being unable to hold on.
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Translated by: randomtranslator.com
Proofread by: DaoistReader