The Silver Dragon King Awakens

The earth veins seemed to tremble even more.

A sharp gleam burst from Di Tian's eyes. All the ferocious beasts acted at once, streams of multicolored light shooting into the Lake of Life.

Dozens of ultimate attributes wove together into a dazzling painting.

A dragon's roar seemed to rise from the depths of hell. The waters of the Lake of Life surged upward as two powerful dragon claws broke through the ground first. Then, a Giant Dragon as enormous as a mountain soared into the sky. She slowly opened her eyes, her majesty looking down upon the world, invincible in every direction.

"Silver Dragon King." Jiang Mian swallowed. He had never imagined that the Silver Dragon King's appearance would be so breathtaking. Her dragon scales shone brilliantly; even the blazing sun seemed dim beside her.

Zhu Zhuqing and Qian Renxue, who were absorbing their soul rings, both began trembling involuntarily. Their martial souls sensed an overwhelming pressure from the very top of the food chain—a pressure beyond compare.

A pressure originating from the deepest depths of their hearts.

Qian Renxue was better off. Her Six-Winged Angel was itself an ultimate divine martial soul, so her reaction was not too intense. Zhu Zhuqing, however, suffered badly. Her entire body trembled, and her spirit became unstable.

Hu Liena instinctively wanted to bow in worship. She could not see anything happening at the Lake of Life, because Di Tian had long since released Soul Power to obscure heaven and earth. But how could Di Tian possibly conceal the pressure emanating from Gu Yuena, the Silver Dragon King, completely?

Hu Liena looked worriedly at Zhu Zhuqing, at a loss for what to do. With Jiang Mian absent, she could only pray that Zhu Zhuqing would be safe.

Scarlet King had already transformed into a streak of red light and rushed back to the Lake of Life. With the Silver Dragon King awakened, he had to hurry over and pay his respects as her subordinate.

"Welcome, my lord."

At the edge of the Lake of Life, Di Tian was the first to kneel. The other soul beasts followed suit. Snow Empress knelt on one knee. Although she also revered the Silver Dragon King, it could never compare to Di Tian's absolute loyalty toward her.

"I heard everything you said." The Silver Dragon King's enormous form gradually faded away. A stunning woman clad in flawless white, her clothes whiter than snow and her hair cascading like a waterfall, slowly descended. Barefoot, she walked before Jiang Mian and said calmly, "Thank you."

"Mm." Jiang Mian stared blankly at the Silver Dragon King. He only felt that, with her appearance, every beautiful thing in the world had been eclipsed. She was too beautiful, as though all the beauty between heaven and earth had gathered into one.

"My lord." Di Tian had just wanted to speak when the Silver Dragon King waved her hand. "I can only barely awaken. My strength has yet to recover, and I need to recuperate for some time."

"Then let this subordinate protect Your Majesty." Di Tian pressed his right hand to his chest and spoke with utmost loyalty.

"Mm." Gu Yuena gently lifted Jiang Mian's chin. "Di Tian, protect him as well."

"Yes."

Gu Yuena's eyes seemed to contain endless stars. Though she was no longer a god, her knowledge remained. Staring at Jiang Mian, she slowly said, "Perhaps you truly are hope."

"That would be best." Jiang Mian scratched his head and smiled somewhat sheepishly.

"With you here, I can relax a little." The Silver Dragon King could see through people's hearts. Though she had been asleep the entire time, she still knew everything about the outside world. She had witnessed Jiang Mian's actions firsthand.

Although Jiang Mian had stood by and watched Bibi Dong hunt the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python, the relationship between humans and soul beasts in the current Douluo World had not yet completely ruptured. After all, soul beasts subconsciously believed in the law of the jungle.

Otherwise, the auspicious beast enjoyed eating other soul beasts' brains, yet Di Tian had never stopped her. Though part of the reason was that the auspicious beast had a special status, ultimately, it was because soul beasts thought differently from humans.

The weak were prey to the strong; the fittest survived. That was the law of nature.

"Di Tian, see the guests out." The Silver Dragon King stroked Jiang Mian's smooth cheek. "For the next three years, do not come to the Lake of Life and disturb me."

Jiang Mian was slightly stunned, but the Silver Dragon King had already turned into a silver ray and plunged into the Lake of Life. After all, how could a single drop of Divine Blood completely heal her injuries?

Within three years, Jiang Mian wondered whether he could become a Titled Douluo. After all, he had always reserved his ninth soul beast for the Silver Dragon King.

Even if he did not follow the traditional path to godhood and instead carved out a new path, he would still need the Silver Dragon King's help.

"Bear Lord, Scarlet King, take Jiang Mian and those three women out of the Star Dou Great Forest immediately." Di Tian returned to his former calm and composed demeanor. "Unless there is an emergency, you are not to return and disturb us."

"Jiang Mian, take me too." The auspicious beast stood up, wanting to leave the Star Dou Great Forest with Jiang Mian.

"Auspicious beast, stay behind." Di Tian stopped her and said flatly, "You can help my lord recover."

"Xiaomeng doesn't want to." The auspicious beast pouted and stomped her foot. Shaking her head, she said, "I want to go with Jiang Mian."

"Jiang Mian." Di Tian glanced at Jiang Mian without speaking, but his eyes seemed to say that Jiang Mian had better handle this to his satisfaction.

"Xiaomeng." Jiang Mian rubbed the auspicious beast's head and comforted her. "Stay here for a while first. Once things are done, I'll come pick you up."

"You're lying." The auspicious beast suddenly hugged Jiang Mian, burying her head in his chest as she cried, "Are you abandoning Xiaomeng?"

"How could I?" Jiang Mian gently hugged her and said softly, "The auspicious beast is the best. Besides, when have I ever lied to you?"

"You..." The auspicious beast was briefly at a loss for words. She sniffled and punched Jiang Mian's chest. "Fine. Three years isn't that long anyway."

"Who said I'd make you wait three years?" Jiang Mian pinched her delicate, high nose and smiled. "I'll come pick you up in a year."

"Promise?" The auspicious beast held out her pinky finger and hooked it with Jiang Mian's. Jiang Mian gently kissed her forehead, then looked toward Snow Empress and asked with a smile, "What are Snow Empress's plans?"

"If you need someone to protect you, I can go with you." Snow Empress smiled faintly. "But with Bear Lord and Scarlet King following you, I doubt you'll need me."

"The more powerful people around me, the better." Jiang Mian laughed. Because of the Silver Dragon King's awakening, even the Soul Power here had become several times denser than before. Jiang Mian actually hoped Snow Empress would remain here, since it would benefit her.

Snow Empress smiled faintly and did not answer Jiang Mian.

Jiang Mian cupped his hands and smiled. "There is plenty of time ahead. It is only three years—gone in the blink of an eye."

"I shall await your return." Snow Empress brushed a finger over her lips, her expression unchanged. Ice Empress's expression beside her shifted slightly, but Snow Empress not leaving with Jiang Mian already satisfied her, so she did not ask for more.

"Everyone, farewell." Jiang Mian cupped his hands and bid each of the ferocious beasts goodbye. Di Tian suddenly raised a hand, and a dragon scale floated into Jiang Mian's palm. "This is the hardest scale on my body. It can protect you, and I have already refined it. If it is attacked, I will sense it."

"Thank you." Jiang Mian carefully put away the scale. Bear Lord carried Jiang Mian on his back, while the two soul beasts followed him to find Zhu Zhuqing and the other two women.

"Jiang Mian, you're really something." Bear Lord clicked his tongue in amazement. "The auspicious beast used to be such a proud girl, yet you turned her into a little kitten."

"Can you stop talking nonsense?" Scarlet King rolled his eyes at Bear Lord in exasperation. How did this guy dare say anything?

"Why do you care? Is it bothering you?" Bear Lord said aggressively. "Scarlet King, can you stop acting so serious all the time?"

"Who is like you?" Scarlet King suddenly accelerated, wanting to shake off Bear Lord, this uncouth brute. But Scarlet King's cultivation was inferior to Bear Lord's. The two soul beasts remained locked in a stalemate and nearly started fighting again.

"You two are hopeless." Jiang Mian sighed, patting Bear Lord's shoulder. "Can't you get along peacefully?"

"No!"

"Zhuqing, Sister Nana." Jiang Mian looked at Zhu Zhuqing, who had finished absorbing her soul ring, and Hu Liena, who stood guard beside her. He had not yet noticed Zhu Zhuqing's condition and immediately greeted them happily. "Did you miss me?"

"It's only been a few hours." Zhu Zhuqing's face was somewhat pale. Forcing a smile, she teased, "How did Jiang Mian become so shameless too?"

"Little sister, stop talking." Hu Liena looked worried. Holding Zhu Zhuqing, she said, "You're still very weak."

"I'm fine, Sister." Zhu Zhuqing weakly lifted a hand and patted Hu Liena's hand. Smiling, she said, "Sister Nana doesn't have to worry so much about me."

"Little sister." Hu Liena unconsciously held Zhu Zhuqing even tighter. She had long regarded Zhu Zhuqing as her own younger sister, so her concern was entirely sincere.

Zhu Zhuqing's nose stung, and her eyes gradually moistened.

She truly longed for familial affection.

"What happened to Zhuqing?" Jiang Mian immediately realized something was wrong with Zhu Zhuqing. He jumped directly off Bear Lord's back, landing in front of Zhu Zhuqing as he demanded, "Who hurt Zhuqing?"

"A pressure suddenly came from within the Star Dou Great Forest. It probably frightened my little sister." Hu Liena said anxiously, "Jiang Mian, what should we do?"

"Don't panic." Jiang Mian suddenly understood. As the ruler of all soul beasts, the Silver Dragon King would certainly exert suppressive force over beast martial souls as well. Zhuqing had been absorbing her soul ring at the time, so she must have been affected.

A faint green glow emerged from Jiang Mian's palm. He took Zhu Zhuqing's hand and slowly treated her injuries. Zhu Zhuqing's complexion gradually improved, and color slowly returned to her face.

"What an amazing healing method." Qian Renxue appeared from the side at some point. Staring at Jiang Mian's method, she could not help sighing, "It can rival the Nine-Heart Begonia."

Jiang Mian smiled disdainfully. In terms of utility, the Nine-Heart Begonia could indeed be called the greatest support martial soul in the world. If not for its curse—that each generation could only have one inheritor, and there could be no more than two living inheritors—how could the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul compare to the Nine-Heart Begonia?

But Jiang Mian's healing method came from Jade Swan Bi Ji. In healing alone, no one in the world could surpass her!

Jiang Mian gave Qian Renxue, who stood aside without concern, a deep look that made her scalp tingle.

"What do you want?" Qian Renxue instinctively took two steps back and demanded, "Don't try anything. I'm a friend of His Highness the Crown Prince."

"A friend of His Highness the Crown Prince, huh." Though Jiang Mian knew Qian Renxue's personality, he was still angry that she had shown no concern for Zhu Zhuqing. He said calmly, "You are His Highness the Crown Prince. Did you think I didn't know?"

"Who exactly are you?" Qian Renxue shuddered, killing intent flashing openly in her eyes. "Who told you?"

"You still want to kill me?" Jiang Mian rose to his feet, with Scarlet King and Bear Lord standing on either side of him. "You don't have that ability. Even if Qian Daoliu were here, he would not dare claim he could kill me."

Qian Renxue bit her lip and said, "What do you want? I can give you anything."

"I want you to become the ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire." Jiang Mian's expression suddenly changed, and he laughed. "With my help, do you have the confidence to ascend the throne and become emperor?"

"You want to help me?" Qian Renxue was deeply shocked, unable to stop herself from asking, "Why?"

"There is no particular reason. Perhaps I also want to stir up the winds and clouds of the world." Jiang Mian spread his hands. He could hardly say, I'm actually your father. Bibi Dong has already slept with me, so you are my daughter in name.

Jiang Mian would not do anything to Qian Renxue. No matter how lustful he was, he could not commit such a beastly act beneath even pigs and dogs.

"Fine." Qian Renxue's eyes shone brightly. "If you can make me emperor, I am willing to appoint you Grand Pillar and grant you the greatest authority in the empire."

"I do not need power." Jiang Mian clenched his fists and said calmly, "I am merely preparing for a rainy day."

Making Qian Renxue emperor would, first, promote peaceful coexistence between humans and soul beasts; second, prepare for the future war brought by the Sun Moon Continent's collision; and third, serve Jiang Mian's grand plan for universal unity.

Jiang Mian helped Zhu Zhuqing up. Holding Zhu Zhuqing's and Hu Liena's hands, he said calmly, "I can send people to assassinate Xue Ye. Doesn't the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect support the Heaven Dou Empire? Then let it be destroyed along with him!"

"So quickly?" Qian Renxue asked in surprise. "Isn't this too fast?"

"No." Jiang Mian chuckled. "Bibi Dong also has plans to destroy the Upper Three Sects. It complements your plans perfectly. I only need to act as the intermediary."

"Her?" Qian Renxue frowned slightly, clearly not approving of her mother.

"You two share blood." Jiang Mian disliked Qian Renxue's attitude somewhat and said flatly, "If you truly want to accomplish your great ambition, go to Spirit Hall and speak with Bibi Dong yourself. Once you have settled the plan, I can provide combat strength for you."

"Fine." Qian Renxue gritted her teeth. Those who sought great achievements had to know when to bend and stretch. Besides, Bibi Dong was her mother. Though they had never gotten along, what did that matter? At worst, they would only discuss business.

Bibi Dong had transferred all her hatred for Qian Xunji onto Qian Renxue, while Qian Renxue had never felt a mother's love from Bibi Dong. The reason their relationship had become so rigid was entirely because of Qian Renxue's father.

Jiang Mian felt that he needed to act as a mediator between them.

Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena exchanged glances, feeling that Jiang Mian was a little too crazy. There were only two nations and the Seven Great Sects on Douluo Continent, yet Jiang Mian was talking about replacing one nation and destroying one sect?

His ambition was far too great.

"Interesting." Bear Lord scratched his head and said, "Kid, becoming emperor is fine, but remember to grant me a high official post too. I've lived so long and have never experienced that."

"Certainly." Qian Renxue's brows relaxed involuntarily. She now felt that her great undertaking could succeed. She had been lurking for more than ten years already; it had truly been far too long.

"Then we must begin preparing this plan properly." Jiang Mian smiled slightly. "Let's return to the Heaven Dou Empire first. Go find Bibi Dong as Xue Qinghe, and I'll help mediate between you."

"Can you call in more experts?" Qian Renxue asked somewhat timidly.

"Are these two not enough?" Jiang Mian sneered. "Qian Renxue, are two experts comparable to Rank 99 Titled Douluo still not enough?"

"They are enough." Qian Renxue truly could not muster any temper before Jiang Mian now. With those two Rank 99 experts behind him, she had no temper to begin with.

"Let's go." Jiang Mian climbed into the carriage. With Bear Lord and Scarlet King back, he no longer needed to drive the carriage himself. He immediately put his arms around Zhu Zhuqing and Hu Liena and went into the carriage to enjoy their company.

Qian Renxue felt somewhat awkward and chose to sit outside the carriage with Bear Lord. Scarlet King did not mind at all, sitting brazenly inside the carriage to protect Jiang Mian.

Jiang Mian looked up at the cloudless sky stretching for thousands of miles and could only sigh. The weather was about to change...