Chapter 431: The Most Familiar Stranger, Part 3
Though Ye Wen's words were few, their implications were profound. Even someone as intelligent as Snow Empress was left puzzled, her sharp eyes scrutinizing his face as if searching for clues. Despite her ancient wisdom, she knew well that nothing came without a price.
Taking a loving look at her younger sister, the Ice Empress, Snow Empress asked in a steady voice, "What will this cost me?"
"Nothing at all," Ye Wen replied softly, shaking his head.
Snow Empress frowned, unable to discern his motives. Yet somehow, she felt no malice from him, despite his enigmatic intent. As a creature born of pure elemental energy, she possessed an innate ability to sense others' intentions, and the longer she spent with him, the stronger the inexplicable warmth she felt. It was as if he was familiar to her, though she couldn't say why.
With a hint of vulnerability in her voice, she ventured, "Why are you doing this for me? I don't recall that we've ever met."
This... was a bit tricky.
Ye Wen hesitated. How could he explain that she reminded him of someone from another time, another life? Still, he knew he couldn't leave things ambiguous; misunderstandings here could stir up complications later. He carefully considered his words, letting his expression soften as he answered.
Then, a subtle shift in his aura took Snow Empress by surprise. She immediately noticed something deeper and warmer in the energy he emitted. It was unmistakably familiar, a resonance beyond words. Her memories drifted back to an ancient presence she'd known at the dawn of her life, something older and stronger than herself something almost maternal in its warmth.
"Could it be…?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Elsewhere, in the heart of the Star Dou Forest, a golden, three eyed beast paused mid hunt, its eyes widening as it felt a pulse of ancient power from the north. The Scarlet King, a burly soul beast in red armor, appeared beside it, asking with concern, "What's wrong, young one?"
The Three Eyed Golden Lion blinked, instinctively understanding that whatever it had sensed was both powerful and profoundly connected to its very being. Yet, it shook its head, unable to explain.
As for Ye Wen, he knew he'd triggered a reaction in the spirit of the Douluo Plane itself, connecting with its ancient consciousness. Its energies swirled around him, revitalizing him, transforming his temporary form into something much closer to a true, independent entity within this world.
And in that moment, Snow Empress's tears fell, crystallizing into an ice pearl that shattered upon the frozen ground.
"Are you alright, Sister?" Ice Empress asked, her voice full of concern.
Snow Empress only shook her head, her gaze fixed on Ye Wen with renewed awe. "This... was the same energy I felt at my birth, the very essence that nurtured my soul into existence."
The aura around Ye Wen began to fade as he retracted his connection with the Douluo Plane, leaving behind a quiet, steady energy. Snow Empress approached him with reverence, clasping her hands in a gesture she considered the highest form of respect. "I pledge myself to your will."
Ye Wen simply waved a hand to release her from the formal pose. "There's no need for that. I'm not here to rule, only to see this world flourish."
Ice Empress watched this exchange, utterly baffled. She'd known her sister to be proud and unyielding, yet here she was, humbled before a stranger.
Ye Wen turned his gaze to the Ice Empress. The soul spirit system that bound soul beasts to humans was nothing more than a crude workaround, unworthy of the Douluo world's potential. No, he had plans for something better.
Snow Empress hesitated, feeling a pang of guilt at leaving her sister behind. In their time together, they had become inseparable. She wanted to protect her sister, especially now that she had a future to look forward to.
Ye Wen nodded in understanding, addressing Ice Empress with an invitation. "If you want, you can follow Snow Empress. She will someday sacrifice herself to help the destined soul master of this world, but both of you will eventually ascend to godhood. Are you willing?"
Ice Empress blinked, then her face lit up with determination. She glanced at Snow Empress, who was watching her with soft, almost motherly affection, and made her decision without hesitation. She would follow her, no matter the cost.
Without another word, she stepped forward and nodded firmly.
After all, there was no way she was leaving her sister's side.
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