In the God Realm, a single day equaled a year in the mortal world. Deep within the Star Dou Great Forest—
As the light dissipated, nine soul rings—black, black, black, black, black, black, red, red, red—rose and pulsed steadily beneath Bibi Dong's feet. Two dark-golden soul bones hovered quietly before her.
Yang Yunhai, still in his Martial Soul Avatar form, extended a hand. With a pull, the two soul bones flew into his grasp.
His eyes swept across Bibi Dong. Her skin was more supple, her face more youthful and beautiful than before. His expression remained calm as he stored the bones away in his soul tool. Then, he spread his hands wide.
Boom—!
The vast sea of life energy that hadn't yet been absorbed exploded outward. Golden light surged like rippling waves, spreading at astonishing speed in every direction. Wherever it touched, the vegetation turned golden, branches swaying with abundant vitality. Soul beasts stopped in their tracks, lifted their heads, and released low, contented cries—as though offering thanks.
At the center of the Lake of Life, the golden ancient tree drank in the torrent of energy. Life power converged around it, locking firmly in place.
The entire region glowed, a golden ocean. The lake's surface shimmered with golden radiance—magnificent beyond words.
"So much life energy gathered…" Deep beneath the lake, the gathered soul beasts watched in shock.
Di Tian's gaze hardened as he looked around. "The Child of Nature has already deceived the gods above and lured this vast life force here for our cultivation. This gift cannot be wasted. From today onward, none of you may slack off. Train with all your strength. Opportunities like this come only once. If we squander it, you all know the price."
The beasts all nodded—even the proud Bear Lord. Though loath to bow to a human, he had to admit Yang Yunhai truly lived up to the title of Child of Nature. The results spoke for themselves.
Who else in the world could toy with gods so easily?
Certainly not him.
"Golden Ancient Tree has sealed the gathered life energy," Di Tian continued. "We'll wait a few more days before absorbing. Safer that way."
Elsewhere, Yang Yunhai withdrew his Martial Soul Avatar. He turned to Bibi Dong.
"Want to see the children?"
"They have nothing to do with me." Bibi Dong clenched her fists lightly, turned, and flew away.
Seems purging the Rakshasa's evil intent had some effect. Yang Yunhai rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
He turned his gaze to the remaining Thousand Ton Ant Emperor, smiling faintly.
"From now on, you'll be called Tianjun. Your older brother is Dijun, your younger brother Xuánjun. For now, stay by my side to train. When the time is right, I'll take you to Sea God Island—the inheritance grounds of the Sea God. There, I'll let my wives absorb your brothers' bones. As for you, you can reside on the island. When the time comes, you may choose to sacrifice yourself for my wife—or not. The choice is yours."
Dugu Yan and Zhu Zhuqing already had god-gifted rings, so his wives didn't urgently need the ant's sacrifice.
"Your brothers' spirits can still condense and manifest. You won't truly be apart. I'll make sure of that."
"Yes, my lord." The Thousand Ton Ant Emperor opened its mandibles and spoke with reverence.
"No need to call me lord. I don't see you as a servant." Yang Yunhai thought of the Myriad Demon King's way of addressing him. "From my position as the Child of Nature—the core of the world's life force—you can call me 'Sovereign.' From one angle, all soul beasts are my people."
The ant paused, then bowed. "Yes, Sovereign."
Truly, the identity of Child of Nature was a wondrous thing.
Dugu Bo and the others thought the same, secretly sighing. A 100,000-year soul beast as a mount—once, they wouldn't even dare to dream of such a thing.
Yang Yunhai smiled. "Grandfather, Teacher, Martial Uncle—let's go. Time to return."
Though his body couldn't absorb much more, his soul power had still broken through to rank 85. His Ancient Life Tree martial soul had grown stronger in its essence. The first three rings had surged to 50,000 years, and his fifth soul ring had climbed to 100,000 years.
His fourth, lightning-based ring still awaited heavenly tribulation.
A fruitful trip, indeed.
"Disciple, your master and martial uncle both reached rank 99. Once we stabilize, it's time to condense a second soul core," Chrysanthemum Douluo said with a grin.
"Then let's go back to the academy and cultivate," Yang Yunhai replied cheerfully.
Dugu Bo, only rank 98, felt a twinge of envy but nodded.
The four mounted the Thousand Ton Ant Emperor. Its massive body lifted, wings buzzing, soaring skyward.
Days later, nearing Heaven Dou City, they descended. Yang Yunhai stowed the ant into his soul tool—it could house a beast of five meters length, and he could afford its upkeep.
Back in the Eastern Palace's gardens, they settled in, cultivating and recuperating.
The Thousand Ton Ant Emperor sprawled lazily on the lawn, its thin wings trembling softly with each snore.
A life of salted-fish comfort—truly wonderful.
Meanwhile, in Spirit Hall—
Bibi Dong sat in the Pope's Palace.
"I'll stabilize first. Then, I'll enter the Rakshasa's hidden realm in the Slaughter City and continue my divine trials."
Her figure blurred, vanishing in red light.
Soon she stood before Qian Daoliu.
"Seems this trip bore fruit," he said, noting her youthful complexion.
"I'll be leaving for a while. Spirit Hall matters are yours to manage," Bibi Dong replied coolly, then disappeared again.
Qian Daoliu sighed. "Until the end arrives, I'll do what I can for you all."
In the Slaughter City's inner core—
Puchi! Tang San's Eight Spider Lances pierced through another foe. He exhaled slowly.
"A twin martial soul… stained with malice… He's better suited than that little girl."
High above, in the God Realm, the Rakshasa God whispered, her dark fingernail tapping lightly. A spider sigil flickered across Tang San's brow.
"Humph! Let's see how the Asura dares meddle this time."
"Heh." Elsewhere, Asura God, drinking with the Sea God, smirked coldly.
"What's wrong?" the Sea God asked, noticing.
"Rakshasa marked Tang San."
The Sea God snorted. "Chose a fallen inheritor? Suits that madwoman. Rushing to pass her seat before you can interfere. Afraid, aren't she?"
"Never mind her. Let's drink. To freedom!"
The Asura God clinked glasses, his mood uncharacteristically light.
Months later, Bibi Dong entered the Slaughter City once more. As she observed Hu Liena's progress, she also sought traces of Tang San.
The Rakshasa God felt her arrival instantly, tightened her fist, and with a wave, the sigil on Tang San's brow flared before dimming.
Bibi Dong found nothing. She watched Hu Liena advance smoothly, then stepped alone into a crimson gate.
Back at the Eastern Palace, Yang Yunhai received Qian Daoliu's message.
"Perfect. Peace and quiet. Time to cultivate properly."
He returned to his tasks: caring for the children, refining his cultivation, delving deeper into the Dark Devil God Tiger's pearl, exploring the hidden powers of his martial soul.
Buzz—buzz—
In the gardens, the Thousand Ton Ant Emperor lay sprawled, wings trembling gently as it snored.
Living the salted-fish life.
(End of Chapter)
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