Dialogue at the Lake's Heart, the Silver Dragon's Secret

The waters of the Lake of Life churned as if boiling. Mist gathered and formed a hazy, slender, elegant silver dragon silhouette above the lake's heart. Though indistinct, it exuded an indescribable ancient nobility and majesty, as though it were the very soul of the entire Star Dou Great Forest.

The Titan Giant Ape, Er Ming, and the gravely injured Sky Azure Bull Python, Da Ming, sensed that aura and immediately prostrated themselves on the ground, letting out reverent low growls. Xiao Wu hurriedly bowed as well, her expression respectful.

Ling Yun gazed at the silver dragon silhouette calmly, though understanding dawned in his heart. So it was her—the Silver Dragon King, Gu Yuena, one half left behind after the Dragon God split apart. Or rather, a strand of her Spiritual Sense sleeping here.

"Human, you carry the aura of the Dragon God, yet it is mixed and impure, bearing a... primal essence of chaos and creation. Who exactly are you?" The silver dragon silhouette's deep, commanding voice entered Ling Yun's mind directly.

Rather than answering, Ling Yun asked, "You are the guardian of the Star Dou Great Forest, the Silver Dragon King?"

The dragon silhouette rippled slightly, seemingly surprised that Ling Yun had identified her at once. "You know me? It seems your origins are far from ordinary as well. Answer my question."

After pondering for a moment, Ling Yun said, "My name is Ling Yun. As for my power... you may consider it a mutation, or perhaps... evolution." He could not reveal the secret of his transmigration and system, so he could only offer that vague explanation.

"Evolution?" The Silver Dragon King's Spiritual Sense carefully examined Ling Yun's aura, especially the origin of the Chaos Dragon God Martial Soul within him. "Interesting... The essence of your power seems even more ancient and... tyrannical than mere Dragon God bloodline. It craves devouring and fusion, yet it also contains creation and vitality. That is far too contradictory."

She paused, her tone carrying a trace of probing curiosity. "What is your purpose in coming here?"

Ling Yun answered frankly, "For the Lake of Life's origin energy. My Martial Soul needs purer life force to evolve. At the same time, I wanted to see what mysteries the legendary holy land of the Soul Beast Race held."

"The origin of life?" The Silver Dragon King fell silent for a moment. "The Lake of Life's origin is the foundation that sustains the Soul Beast ecosystem of the Star Dou Great Forest, and indeed the entire continent. It cannot be harmed. However... you saved Xiao Wu, Da Ming, and Er Ming just now, so you have shown kindness to my Soul Beast Race. Moreover, the attributes of your power seem to resonate with this origin of life in some way..."

She seemed to be weighing the pros and cons. The strength and potential Ling Yun had displayed allowed her to see a certain possibility. A human genius with such peculiar power, one who did not seem to harbor absolute hostility toward soul beasts, might perhaps... be worth investing in.

"I can permit you to cultivate here for a time and absorb a portion of the life energy," the Silver Dragon King finally decided. "But there are two conditions. First, you must not damage the Lake of Life's foundation. Second, if the Soul Beast Race faces a catastrophe of annihilation in the future, you must lend your aid once, within the limits of your ability."

This was a transaction, and also an investment.

After a brief consideration, Ling Yun nodded. "Fine. I agree." He was not a bloodthirsty man to begin with, nor did he bear any grudge against soul beasts, so this condition was not harsh for him. Besides, establishing a connection with an existence like the Silver Dragon King would benefit him in the future.

"Very good." The Silver Dragon King's Spiritual Sense seemed satisfied. "You may cultivate by the lake. Also, Xiao Wu, take this... Ling Yun, to stay temporarily on the island at the lake's heart. The life energy there is the most abundant."

Xiao Wu promptly replied, "Yes, my lord!"

The Silver Dragon King's phantom slowly dissipated, and the lake returned to calm. Yet the dense aura of life became even more active.

Xiao Wu walked up to Ling Yun, a trace of reverence and gratitude on her face. "Ling Yun, please follow me." She pointed toward a small island in the center of the lake, shrouded in mist.

Ling Yun nodded and followed Xiao Wu across the water toward the island at the lake's heart. The Titan Giant Ape, Er Ming, carefully carried the heavily wounded Sky Azure Bull Python, Da Ming, and followed behind them.

The moment he stepped onto the island, Ling Yun felt an incomparably pure life energy, so dense it was nearly liquid, rush toward him. The Nine-Heart Begonia Emperor Martial Soul within him gave a delighted hum, while the Chaos Dragon God Martial Soul seemed to become more solid as well.

This truly was a treasure ground for cultivation.

Xiao Wu arranged a simple but clean wooden cabin for Ling Yun, then went to tend to Da Ming.

Ling Yun sat cross-legged by the lake and began circulating his cultivation method, absorbing the origin of life here. Threads of emerald-green energy surged into his body like a tide, nourishing the Nine-Heart Begonia Emperor while also feeding back into the Chaos Dragon God, causing his cultivation to rise at a visible rate.

At the same time, he reflected on his brief exchange with the Silver Dragon King. Her condition seemed quite poor; she was likely slumbering while recovering from her injuries. Otherwise, with her god-level strength, she would never have made a deal with him so easily. It seemed the God Realm's suppression of soul beasts was even more severe than he had imagined.

The Soul Beast Race... the God Realm... the Dragon God... Thoughts surged through Ling Yun's mind. This world was indeed far deeper than it appeared. If he wished to truly transcend everything, he would likely have to deal with those lofty gods eventually.

But that was a matter for the future. For now, he needed to make use of the resources here and raise his strength as quickly as possible.

Just as Ling Yun immersed himself in cultivation, Xiao Wu approached carrying a plate of fresh spiritual fruits. "Ling Yun, these are Life Fruits unique to this island. They are very beneficial for restoring Soul Power and healing injuries. Give them a try."

Ling Yun opened his eyes, accepted the fruits, and thanked her.

Xiao Wu hesitated before softly saying, "Ling Yun, thank you so much for today... If it hadn't been for you, Da Ming, Er Ming, and I would probably..."

"It was nothing," Ling Yun interrupted. "Since you chose to take human form, you must be prepared to face danger. The human world is far more complicated than the forest."

Xiao Wu nodded, her gaze dimming slightly. "I know... but Third Brother..." Thinking of Tang San's helplessness just now and the future awaiting her after her identity had been exposed, her heart filled with confusion and unease.

Ling Yun glanced at her and said evenly, "You choose your own path. Whether it is love or fate, in the end, the only thing you can rely on is your own strength. If you are not strong enough, you will not even have the right to choose."

Xiao Wu's delicate body trembled as she fell into thought.

Ling Yun said nothing more and closed his eyes to continue cultivating. This was all he could do. In the end, everyone had to walk their own path.

For the moment, tranquility returned to the island at the lake's heart. But Ling Yun knew this peace would not last long. Storm clouds were gathering across the continent, and before the tempest arrived, he needed strength enough to seize control of his own destiny.