Chapter 18: Following
"In Spirit Hall's records," Qian Ningshuang began, her tone more certain than questioning, "it says Blue Silver Grass becomes King at 10,000 years and Emperor at 100,000. And Blue Silver Emperor is exceptionally gifted in life cultivation—surely it would greatly aid your recovery, Sister Gu Yue Na?"
Gu Yue Na nodded.
"You're right. Though not as potent as your power, Shuang'er, Blue Silver Emperor would indeed help my wounds. I think I know what you're about to ask."
"As far as I know," Qian Ningshuang pressed, "over a decade ago, a shape-shifting魂 beast mated with a human and clashed with Spirit Hall. That魂 beast… was a Blue Silver Emperor. Sister Gu Yue Na, how did you let it escape?"
Gu Yue Na let out a wry smile. Children really were transparent. She'd guessed correctly—this was exactly the question coming.
"Blue Silver Emperor was indeed by my side, healing me. Then, one day over ten years ago, it suddenly told me it needed to leave for a short errand."
"I granted permission—my condition wasn't so dire that I couldn't spare a moment. At first, it headed toward Blue Silver Forest… but just before arriving, it veered sharply and fled straight out of Star Dou Great Forest."
"I was furious. I immediately sent Di Tian to pursue it. Honestly, I'd treated it well—yet it ran without a word."
"When Di Tian nearly caught it… it was struck by heavenly lightning. That's when I understood: its escape was orchestrated by the God Realm. We had no choice but to let it go."
"I see."
Qian Ningshuang nodded. Between Blue Silver Emperor's escape and the uncanny parallels with Xuan Tian Sect, it was clear: that "pure and icy" Tang God King's entire life—from birth to ascension—had been shaped by the God Realm's schemes. Just as past-life theorists had suspected.
Truthfully, that wasn't even the question she most wanted to ask. She'd nearly blurted out: *Will you ever split your soul on a whim, then argue with your other half and make some cosmic bet?*
But she held back. For one, it might offend Gu Yue Na. More importantly, Gu Yue Na had already confirmed the God Realm constantly watched—and interfered with—Star Dou. Under such scrutiny, no sane being—human or dragon—would voluntarily fracture their soul.
"Now that we've clarified things," Gu Yue Na shifted the topic, turning to Qian Chongling, "what's our next move? Surely we won't just sit here chatting while plotting rebellion against the God Realm?"
"Our actions matter little," Qian Chongling replied with a gentle smile, eyes on Qian Ningshuang. "What matters is what Shuang'er wants to do."
Without her, defying the God Realm was pure fantasy. They were merely supporting players.
And he wasn't worried she'd refuse. From the start, he and Gu Yue Na had spoken openly in front of her. She'd heard everything—Spirit Hall's peril, the gods' schemes. There was no running now.
"Huh? Me decide?" Qian Ningshuang blinked, bewildered. "But I'm just a kid! Isn't that… unwise?"
"Precisely because you're essential," Gu Yue Na affirmed. "Without your fate-veiling power, every move we make is visible to the gods. Rebellion would be laughable."
Besides, until they healed, their plans were meaningless. Better to let Qian Ningshuang choose—and earn goodwill from a future God King.
"Well… I don't have big ideas," Qian Ningshuang ventured. "Can we… go back to Spirit Hall first?"
"Whatever you wish," Qian Chongling said easily. "It's my old home, after all."
"And you, Lady Gu Yue Na?"
"I'll follow Shuang'er from now on."
As she spoke, silver light shimmered around her. The majestic, silver-haired goddess vanished—replaced by a petite, white-haired loli with porcelain skin and wide violet eyes.
"To stay close to you better," the girl chirped, clinging to Qian Ningshuang's arm, "I've sealed all my power. Now I'm just as strong as you! You'll have to protect me, okay?"
*White-haired loli?! Right in my strike zone!*
Qian Ningshuang nearly choked. *Sister, is this really necessary?!*
"But… why change? Your original form was perfect! Don't say it's for 'convenience'—you could've followed me just fine as you were!"
"Well…" The loli pouted. "I've been stuck in Star Dou forever under the God Realm's restrictions. Now that I can finally explore the human world, this form will let me enjoy it more!"
Her demeanor had shifted entirely—playful, affectionate, and utterly disarming.
(What she didn't say: Qian Chongling had already claimed the "ancestor" role, securing future favor. She couldn't fall behind. And for a little girl like Qian Ningshuang? A child's form was the perfect bridge.)
"Since Lady Gu Yue Na has decided to accompany Shuang'er," Qian Chongling announced, "I'll leave the matter of exiting Star Dou to you."
With that, his spectral form drifted back into the crimson bracelet.
"No problem! Let's go, Shuang'er!"
Gu Yue Na tugged Qian Ningshuang out of the crystalline chamber.
"Master… what is this?" Di Tian gaped at the sight—his sovereign and the human girl now arm-in-arm like old friends.
"See this girl beside me?" Gu Yue Na addressed not just Di Tian, but all the凶 beasts gathered below the Lake of Life. "From this moment, her word is my word. Every魂 beast will honor her as you honor me. Understood?"
"Yes, Master!"
Decades of absolute authority ensured no one dared question her decree.
"Then go—alert every 100,000-year魂 beast in the forest. Di Tian, you stay."
Once the others dispersed, Gu Yue Na turned to her loyal general.
"You'll accompany Shuang'er and me from now on. Guard us in secret—and tend to your wounds while you're at it."
"As you command," Di Tian bowed. "May I ask… where are you headed?"
"That's none of your concern yet. You'll learn in time."