Chapter 338: The Douluo God Realm Era Part XXVIII: The Dragon Egg
The unborn little one within the dragon egg was still at a stage of purity, a being untainted and naturally open to all the world's wonders. For Na'er, this purity was an opportunity. Originally, she'd envisioned her child as a bridge between soul beasts and humans, but now her aspirations for him were grander. Perhaps he could be the successor to Ye Wen's Seagod title, carrying Douluo Star forward as the next ruler of the Hanhai God realm. From what Na'er could tell, none of Ye Wen's other children held the temperament required for such a title.
The Hanhai God's position was unique it demanded an extraordinary openness to life, an ability to embrace all living things without discrimination. Without that capacity for empathy, one could advance no further than the level of a primary god, like the former Seagod. Even though Ye Wen's children had been raised with his influence, their own journeys and desires diverged significantly from his. Ye Wen himself hadn't fully realized this difference until later, as even Bo Saixi, a remarkably kind hearted woman, had been unable to progress further as Seagod. Ultimately, she had chosen to focus her cultivation on becoming the Water God.
Observing this, Ye Wen often wondered why his godly position, so powerful and fascinating, had yet to find an inheritor capable of wielding it. If even Bo Saixi couldn't do so, it was no wonder the Hanhai God's role felt isolated. But despite knowing she might be choosing her child's path for him, Na'er wanted to guide her son toward greatness and if Ye Wen himself had begun considering such an idea, she saw no reason to resist her own thoughts any longer.
"Let's do it!" she agreed firmly, her conviction surprising Ye Wen.
Caught off guard by her sudden determination, Ye Wen hesitated, uneasily reading her serious expression.
"Maybe... maybe we should just wait until he's born and let him decide his own path, Na'er. We're hardly lacking in resources to guide him," Ye Wen replied, suddenly uncertain about the idea.
Yet Na'er moved closer, clasping his hands in hers and meeting his gaze with clear resolve.
"We must do this," she replied, her tone unwavering. "It's not just about our family, Ye Wen. This is about Douluo's future."
Ye Wen was stunned. Since when had his typically calm and composed wife shown such a passionate reaction? This was highly unusual. He released her hands and firmly rested them on her shoulders.
"Tell me what's really going on, Na'er. I want to understand."
She realized she'd let her emotions slip through, but she didn't back down. Instead, Na'er explained her reasoning to him clearly. She believed it was essential that Douluo have a strong, worthy leader in place, particularly one who could bring all species into harmony.
While Ye Wen saw potential in her plan, he knew it came at a steep price, one that might confine their child to a future he hadn't chosen. Regretting his impulsive suggestion, Ye Wen looked at Na'er with a grave expression.
Seeing him hesitate, Na'er pressed on, sensing a chance to sway him.
"Ye Wen, don't you want to see the rest of the universe beyond Douluo? You've spent so long anchored to this world. But if our child inherits your position, you'd finally be free to travel," she said, hoping this reminder of his lifelong curiosity might tip the scales.
Her logic was, admittedly, quite simple, but Ye Wen found himself struggling to ignore the longing that stirred within him. Na'er noticed his wavering and prepared to give one final push when he suddenly moved to gently cover her lips with his hand.
"Na'er, your idea is promising, and you make a fair point. But " he said, looking into her eyes with a rare sternness.
"You know as well as I do that embracing everything isn't something one can simply 'decide' to do. Even with all the best intentions, our child would need a lifetime of experiences, the wisdom to let go of hatred, and true empathy before he could inherit my title. No amount of encouragement would make him my true successor if he can't embrace all living things."
Na'er's shoulders dropped as she silently processed his words. His reasoning held undeniable weight this was a truth no amount of hope could override. Knowing he was right, she took a deep breath to steady herself, realizing her expectations had indeed been wishful.
Sighing in relief, Ye Wen gave her an understanding smile. He knew better than anyone that his title was a burdensome one, a role demanding absolute impartiality and acceptance. For anyone incapable of reaching such an enlightened state, inheriting the Hanhai God's role would be a path of endless suffering. Gazing at the egg, he whispered inwardly to his child, Consider this a gift, little one. Your future is now your own.
As if understanding his silent promise, the dragon egg shook slightly, capturing their full attention. Before they left, Ye Wen made one final request of Na'er.
"Let's allow him to grow up like his siblings free, with the freedom to choose his own path."
"Alright," Na'er agreed, though a glimmer of new ideas already sparkled in her violet eyes.
A few hundred years passed, and finally, the little one broke free from his egg. During that time, Ye Wen's children had become increasingly curious, visiting the egg and conversing with their new sibling as soon as he showed signs of awareness. When the hatchling emerged, he looked like a delicate eight year old boy, with features so refined that he was immediately adored by his entire family.
Watching the family rally around the new child, Ye Wen was quietly amazed by the growing gap in ages among his children, a difference that only served to underscore their godly lineage. Although he struggled to think of a fitting name, he didn't want to break the tradition he'd started.
"We'll call him Ye Tiansheng," he finally declared, hoping the name would inspire the boy to one day rival the sages of legend.
Na'er was thrilled with the name; as a dragon, she deeply valued strength, and the thought of her son possibly attaining a level akin to the legendary sages from Ye Wen's stories was exciting.
From the start, Ye Tiansheng's talents were unmatched, standing out even among his prodigious siblings. As a godly child, he had powers surpassing his sister Ye Tianxue, who, despite being born with a natural level 30 spirit power, couldn't match her younger brother's innate divinity.
But Ye Wen had no intention of letting Ye Tiansheng's potential lead him to arrogance. He chose to seal part of his son's power, immersing him in the human world, where he could experience life's struggles and develop his skills. For Ye Wen, raw power meant little without the wisdom and discipline to wield it properly.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10