"I don't know what kind of technique Tang San has been practicing to enhance his spiritual power so quickly."
"When I extracted his spiritual energy earlier, I also pulled out fragments of his memory."
"It seems he's cultivating a technique called the Purple Demon Eye."
"It's a crude and primitive method. If I want to awaken my Magic Eye, I'll need help from others."
As Gu Yuena spoke, a trace of disdain crossed her expression.
She gently touched Ma Hongjun's forehead.
A dark pattern, previously buried deep in the center of his brow, slowly emerged under the pull of her power.
Ma Hongjun felt his entire body begin to recover as Gu Yuena manipulated his energy.
Within him, the sea of spiritual consciousness stirred violently under her guidance.
Repeated surges caused sharp pain to ripple through his skull.
Still, Ma Hongjun clenched his jaw and endured in silence.
His pale knuckles betrayed the agony he was suppressing.
"Bear with it. If you want to open the third eye, your spiritual power must break through."
Gu Yuena's tone was calm but firm.
She was forcibly directing Ma Hongjun's spiritual energy, pushing him to awaken his third eye.
Opening the third eye required incredibly strict conditions—the mind had to be vastly stronger than the body.
But in today's Douluo Continent, almost no one had spiritual power that exceeded their physical strength—unless they were specialized spiritual-type soul masters.
Even so, the body still needed enough strength to endure the pressure. Without that, the third eye couldn't be opened.
To Ma Hongjun, it felt like his mind was being ravaged by a storm.
His thoughts were scattered, his awareness crumbling under the strain.
He could no longer think—he simply held on, driven by sheer instinct.
Time lost meaning.
After what seemed like an eternity, a fine crack began to form at the center of his forehead.
It slowly widened—
Until a faint, incorporeal eye manifested between his brows.
"The Eye of God."
As the eye appeared, its name echoed in Ma Hongjun's mind.
Seeing the third eye fully awaken, Gu Yuena exhaled softly.
She had only intended to give it a try—she hadn't been sure it would work.
Fortunately, the awakening was a success.
As the Eye of Delusion opened, Ma Hongjun felt the world around him transform.
He could now perceive the flow of wind and energy in stunning detail.
Even insects fluttering their wings in the distance—he could clearly see the microcurrents they stirred.
"The Eye of Delusion, once perfected, can peer into fate, unleash eye techniques, perceive the essence of all things, and shatter illusions. With mastery, it can view spiritual and energy realms and protect its wielder from mental attacks."
A delighted smile spread across Ma Hongjun's face.
He hadn't expected such an unexpected gift—his third eye had truly awakened.
"Gu Yuena, thank you. Truly."
He turned to her, eyes full of gratitude and sincerity.
Gu Yuena looked a bit uncomfortable under his earnest gaze.
She cleared her throat and tried to maintain her composure.
"Hongjun, only by becoming stronger can we move forward with our plan for revenge."
Her gaze grew distant, fixed on the skies above.
Ma Hongjun's expression grew serious.
Although he had become the new ruler of the soul beasts, he had never fully taken on the responsibilities and burdens of their race.
But now, he began to admire Gu Yuena.
Even after tens of thousands of years of sleep, and despite the severe wounds she'd endured, she had never stopped thinking about her people.
"Don't worry. No matter what happens—you're my friend. Whatever path you take, I'll stand behind you."
Ma Hongjun's smile faded, replaced by a calm and resolute voice.
Gu Yuena didn't reply. She just looked at him deeply, her expression unreadable.
"Throw them out," she said coldly.
She turned to the Titan Giant Ape standing nearby.
Tang San couldn't be killed—not yet. He was needed as a source of spiritual power for Ma Hongjun.
As for Tang Hao, he was already close to death. Killing him would be a waste of effort.
Er Ming had been waiting silently on the side.
After receiving Gu Yuena's order, he immediately picked up Tang San and Tang Hao and disappeared into the forest.
Just as Gu Yuena was about to take Ma Hongjun away from the sacred pool, a small beast suddenly scurried out from behind the Azure Bull Python.
Sensing its presence, Gu Yuena's expression softened.
"Bi Ji said you were playful, but I didn't expect you to sneak into such a dangerous place."
She gently tapped the little beast's head with mock anger.
Only now did Ma Hongjun notice the creature cradled in Gu Yuena's arms—a Three-Eyed Golden Lion.
He hadn't expected the little guy to appear in such a perilous place.
After all, this forest was filled with terrifying beasts. If the lion were to be injured, the entire soul beast realm might fall into chaos.
The little lion nuzzled affectionately into Gu Yuena's chest.
It had come here because it sensed her presence.
Its clear, innocent eyes turned toward Ma Hongjun, full of curiosity.
It sniffed at him gently, then leapt from Gu Yuena's arms and began circling around him, studying him.
It remembered this human—he had appeared in a dangerous place before.
Seeing the Three-Eyed Golden Lion behave so intimately, Gu Yuena smiled faintly.
"All right, back you go. If you don't, I'll be angry."
Her voice was softer than Ma Hongjun had ever heard.
But the little lion suddenly sprang forward—straight into his arms.
Ma Hongjun instinctively caught it, startled and confused.
He looked at Gu Yuena helplessly, unsure what to do.
Even Gu Yuena was puzzled. The little lion was incredibly clever—no one could guess what it was thinking.
The lion stared into Ma Hongjun's eyes with its large, soulful gaze, and he returned the look with quiet focus.
Then—
A vague connection began to form between them.
Ma Hongjun blinked in surprise. He could sense a bond taking root between him and the Three-Eyed Golden Lion.
Gu Yuena, standing nearby, was even more shocked.
A flicker of thought passed through her eyes, but she didn't interfere.
She watched quietly as the bond solidified.
A complicated expression crossed her face.
She looked at the contented little beast snuggled into Ma Hongjun's arms and didn't know what to say.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion seemed to recognize him.
It seemed he truly was the hope of all soul beasts.