An oppressive darkness gathered from all directions. Aside from the Life Lake, which remained as crystal-clear as ever, everything else was shrouded in dim obscurity, like the prelude to an approaching storm.
Vaguely, the shadowy image of an enormous Black Dragon coiled amid the dark clouds in the distance, its sense of oppression utterly overwhelming.
"No matter what, this place was once my home. Now that I've come back for a visit, am I not even allowed in?" Tai Tan floated in midair, utterly unconcerned by the changes around him as he spoke calmly.
Suddenly, Huo Yuhao inexplicably sensed the surrounding dark elements freeze for an instant. The next moment, Di Tian's voice rang out again, carrying a few traces of surprise. "It's you."
"Di Tian, you and I are of the same kind. How about we meet?" Tai Tan said with a chuckle.
As soon as he finished speaking, a scene that made Huo Yuhao's eyes widen unfolded. The gloom that had resembled the onset of a storm vanished completely in an instant. Blazing sunlight poured down once more, casting this ancient forest in a hazy, dreamlike glow.
"We didn't come here to admire the scenery," Tai Tan teased when he noticed Huo Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao gave an awkward laugh. Then, aided by Tai Tan's Soul Power, he slowly descended onto the grass beside the Life Lake.
The moment he entered, Huo Yuhao felt immense Life Energy envelop his body. It was as though his entire being had been cleansed beginning from his soul, leaving him indescribably refreshed.
Such dense Life Energy—perhaps even greater than that of the Golden Ancient Tree... Huo Yuhao silently marveled. But soon, his gaze landed in the distance, and his eyes flickered.
Three figures stood there: two people, and a Soul Beast whose entire