Conversation and Gains

What goes around comes around; the time simply had not yet come.

He needed time to carry out his plan, and Gu Yuena also needed time to grow stronger.

Since their goals were the same, cooperation was possible. Besides, if they fought, she could not guarantee Chen Yan's safety.

"I hope you can help deal with the Abyss in the future."

"The Abyss..."

Gu Yuena lowered her gaze and murmured the name once. Not the slightest emotion could be seen in her purple eyes. At that moment, she seemed to become that arbiter once more, looking down upon the world and indifferent to life and death.

"Fine. But we cannot work for nothing. You must offer something as well."

Her cold gaze fixed on Tang Hao as she released a trace of the Dragon God's Heart's energy.

At once, the sea began to hum. Dark clouds blanketed the entire world, thunder echoed across the ocean in frantic warning, and seven-colored lightning flickered in and out among the clouds.

At that moment, the world was madly rejecting this power that exceeded its limits.

Tang Hao was silent for a moment. "What do you want?"

Clearly, the energy Gu Yuena had released from the Dragon God's Heart made even him wary. He was only at the level of a Level Two God now; compared to a God King, he was still far too insignificant.

He could not confront her head-on! He had to weigh every step he took.

Gu Yuena continued to stare coldly at Tang Hao, rolling clouds and flashing lightning reflected in her purple eyes.

"Permission to enter Dragon Valley."

Everyone present was intelligent, so they naturally knew that as a small plane attached to the Douluo Plane, Dragon Valley's access could be controlled by the Lord of the Plane.

And perhaps the rule barring anyone above level fifty from entering had also been established by him. Chen Yan's thoughts stirred. If so, that would fit the plot of Soul Land 4 rather well.

I knew it! If not even Soul Masters above level fifty could enter Dragon Valley, then those aliens from other planets at level one hundred and twenty could get in! Wouldn't that be completely ridiculous?!

Back when he had read online that the planet seemingly called Dragon Horse Star in Soul Land 4 had a secret realm known as Dragon Valley, he had thought the setting had been changed again! (Though he had never read that installment and had only learned about it from online commenters.)

Now, it seemed that... well, perhaps the book really had changed the setting, but this world had made it logically consistent.

The culprit behind Dragon Valley being so difficult to enter was—Tang Hao! Of course, it could also have been Tang San.

But that also meant this world might truly contain part of Soul Land 4's worldview. Could that Crimson Mother appear as well?

She was the greatest boss he knew of in Soul Land 4, a powerhouse half a step into the God King realm. He did not know whether she had broken through in the end.

Chen Yan's thoughts raced, but Tang Hao had already raised his head.

"Fine."

In truth, the Dragon Valley plane was not of much use to him. The Dragon God's Heart at its center suppressed him, making it impossible for him to enter at all. He had merely sent people inside to strengthen the Tang Sect's foundation. At the same time, he had to suppress the strength of those who entered, lest they obtain an opportunity to become gods.

Now, however, the most important thing had clearly been taken away by the Silver Dragon King. He no longer had any interest in Dragon Valley, so it did not matter whether he gave her access or not.

Tang Hao's answer was simple and direct. Once he had thought it through, he did not hesitate in the slightest.

Although Dragon Valley had once been an important place to him, there was no longer any need for him to enter it. What he needed now was a bargaining chip that could increase his side's advantage in the future battle against the Abyss.

Gu Yuena nodded faintly, a hint of amusement flashing through her eyes.

Tang Hao extended his hand, and a stream of light flowed from his palm. It was the authority to enter Dragon Valley. With it, they would be able to enter Dragon Valley without obstruction.

"I hope you will keep your promise."

"Naturally, we are not like humans, who break their word." Gu Yuena's voice was full of indifference as she took a jab at Tang Hao.

She knew this deal was not an easy one for Tang Hao. If he could, he would absolutely choose to nip his enemies in the bud. But with the outcome still uncertain, he could only join forces with them against the Abyss first.

Tang Hao nodded slightly, but a trace of ruthlessness flashed through his eyes.

There would inevitably be a battle between them someday!

Chen Yan quietly observed from the side, pondering inwardly. This transaction was undoubtedly a win-win situation for them. Gu Yuena had gained the permission she wanted to enter Dragon Valley, while Tang Hao had gained an important ally against the Abyss in the future. At least, that was how things stood for now.

Tang Hao's figure gradually faded into the heavens and earth, while Gu Yuena also withdrew the aura of the Dragon God's Heart.

The weather gradually cleared. Sunlight pierced through the dark clouds and fell across the ravaged sea, while Gu Yuena's face visibly turned a little paler.

"Are you all right?" Chen Yan reached out, wanting to support her, but stopped halfway.

Wouldn't this be too abrupt? Wouldn't it make me seem frivolous? Besides, I'd been completely useless throughout the whole fight. This is honestly a little embarrassing!

Gu Yuena noticed the hand frozen in midair. Her purple eyes blinked, and the coldness in them rapidly faded, replaced in an instant by a gentle, lively expression.

She secretly gave Di Tian a look, then naturally slipped her arm into Chen Yan's hand.

Di Tian's face darkened, his golden eyes filled with heartache and indignation. My Lord, feminine charm brings ruin to the nation!

But Gu Yuena had only just displayed her might. After comparing their strength, he realized he simply did not have the power to say such things at a time like this. Besides, if he wanted to advise her in the future, he would likely have to take a roundabout approach and appeal to the greater good of the Soul Beast Race.

He glared resentfully at Chen Yan, then pulled with his left hand, forming a spatial tunnel.

"I don't feel very well. Help me inside." At that moment, Gu Yuena was like a delicate, frail young wife. She leaned half against Chen Yan, her head slightly lowered and her voice soft and quiet. None of her earlier imposing presence remained.

Chen Yan held Gu Yuena's soft, tender white jade arm with his right hand, feeling somewhat dazed.

How did this arm suddenly end up in my hand?

"Ahem..."

At that moment, Di Tian lightly coughed twice from the side. Chen Yan turned his head and met his warning-filled gaze head-on. Startled, Chen Yan quickly turned back and pretended not to see it.

Damn it, this isn't even my fault! Who are you trying to scare with that look?!

He grumbled inwardly and secretly glanced at Gu Yuena again, only to discover that she was also looking at him from the side, a warm smile resting on her face.

He did not dare turn his head around carelessly after that.

His earlobes had reddened slightly, and his strides grew a little larger, but he still pretended to be composed. Supporting Gu Yuena by the arm, he passed through the tunnel in the blink of an eye.

Behind them, Di Tian watched their retreating figures, a complicated emotion flashing through his eyes. He sighed softly, then turned and gave the scene one final look before stepping into the spatial tunnel as well.

The spatial tunnel slowly closed. All that remained at the scene were fine shards of ice, scraps of flesh, and Soul Rings floating high in the air. As for the giant ship, it had already become a sacrifice of this clash.

A tally of each side's gains from today's battle:

Sea Soul Beasts: countless dead and wounded

Spirit Pagoda: one ship, many Soul Masters, lots of supplies (negative)

Tang Hao: future allies

Gu Yuena: permission to enter Dragon Valley

Chen Yan: a fragrant, soft jade arm

Di Tian: pinkeye

Every side had gained something. What a joyous occasion—truly cause for celebration!