Imperial Auspicious Beast, Three-Eyed Golden Lion!

As the two stepped out of the wooden cabin, the morning sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves and spilled across the Lake of Life. Fine golden glimmers rippled over the pale green surface, while the moist air was filled with the fresh fragrance of grass and trees.

Lin Yuan had only followed Gu Yue Na to the lakeside when he saw several figures standing in a clearing not far away. Di Tian, dressed in black robes, stood at the front. Behind him stood Biji, Zi Ji, King of Ten Thousand Demons, Xiong Jun, Scarlet King, Demon Spirit, and the other Fierce Beasts of the Star Dou Great Forest.

However, Lin Yuan's gaze did not linger on them for long. Instead, it landed on the golden soul beast behind them. It stood eight chi tall at the shoulder, its entire body covered in brilliant gold fur like translucent crystal, giving off an unusual texture. Its overall form resembled a lion, but its four claws were as sharp as dragon claws, each one stepping upon a cluster of golden flames. Its mouth was longer than that of an ordinary lion-type soul beast, and beneath its fur lay fine golden scales. Beyond its pair of normal golden eyes, it also possessed a bewitching crimson vertical eye on its forehead.

Lin Yuan's steps unconsciously halted, his purple eyes filled with curiosity. "Sister Nana, that glowing little lion is so pretty!"

Gu Yue Na followed Lin Yuan's gaze. Seeing him stare at the soul beast wreathed in golden flames, she gently shook her head and said softly, "It isn't a little lion. It is the Imperial Auspicious Beast, Three-Eyed Golden Lion."

Hearing this, Lin Yuan, as a transmigrator, immediately understood. Yet another question followed: had the Imperial Auspicious Beast already fallen into Tang San's trap? He clearly remembered that, in the original story, Tang San had implanted a strand of Tang Wu Tong's divine consciousness into the Imperial Auspicious Beast so his daughter could obtain a powerful bloodline and destiny.

Because of that, the Imperial Auspicious Beast later took human form as Wang Qiu Er, fell in love with Huo Yu Hao, and ultimately sacrificed herself to save him, gifting him her soul ring, soul bone, and Power of Destiny. After the Imperial Auspicious Beast sacrificed herself, the divine soul within her that carried the Dragon God Bloodline returned to Wang Dong Er, allowing Tang Wu Tong to become whole. Tang San's actions had not only plundered the destiny of the Star Dou Great Forest, but had also turned the entire Douluo Continent into "the Tang Family's backyard."

Lin Yuan looked at the Imperial Auspicious Beast in the distance, a trace of complexity flashing through his purple eyes. He knew all too well that the Three-Eyed Golden Lion was tied to the earth-shattering scheme Tang San had laid out. If events followed the original path, she was destined to become a stepping stone for Huo Yu Hao and Tang Wu Tong, sacrificing herself to fulfill others.

"Xiao Yuan, what's wrong?" Gu Yue Na noticed Lin Yuan's distraction and asked softly.

"Sister Nana, can I hug the Imperial Auspicious Beast?" Lin Yuan looked up at Gu Yue Na, his voice full of anticipation.

"Of course. But Xiao Yuan, you must remember that the Three-Eyed Golden Lion is the Imperial Auspicious Beast of the Star Dou Great Forest. She was born with destiny. Although she has a gentle nature, she is also wary of strangers, so you must approach her slowly." Gu Yue Na looked at the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, who was tilting her head as she examined Lin Yuan, and gently reminded him.

After receiving her approval, Lin Yuan released Gu Yue Na's hand and slowly walked toward the Imperial Auspicious Beast. He wanted to use this brief contact to investigate whether Tang Wu Tong's divine consciousness had already seeped into her body.

Watching Lin Yuan slowly approach, the Imperial Auspicious Beast shook her head covered in golden crystal-like fur, the vertical eye on her forehead narrowing slightly. The next moment, she unexpectedly took the initiative to approach him, rubbing her body, warm with golden flames, against the back of his hand without showing the slightest hostility.

Lin Yuan spread his arms and gently wrapped them around the Imperial Auspicious Beast's fluffy neck. The moment his small hand touched her warm scales, the Dragon God's Heart within him began to circulate. Nine-Colored Flowing Light slowly seeped in through his palm, probing into the depths of the Imperial Auspicious Beast's soul. It was utterly clear there, containing only her own pure soul, without the slightest trace of a foreign divine consciousness.

After confirming that Tang Wu Tong's divine consciousness was not inside the Imperial Auspicious Beast, Lin Yuan's tense heart eased slightly. But upon further thought, Tang San's schemes had always been far-reaching. The absence of traces now did not mean he would not make a move in the future. This auspicious beast, who carried the destiny of soul beasts, was ultimately a chess piece Tang San had to control. As long as Tang San still wanted Tang Wu Tong to return perfectly, he would never let the Three-Eyed Golden Lion go.

With that thought, Lin Yuan turned toward Di Tian and said in a childish voice, "Uncle Di Tian, can you do something for me? It's very important. It concerns whether my cultivation speed can improve."

A sharp gleam flashed through Di Tian's eyes. The fervor he had deliberately restrained when facing Lin Yuan surfaced once more. He took a step forward, and the motion of dropping to one knee nearly became instinctive. But then he remembered Lin Yuan's instruction that he did not wish to be addressed as Lord, and forcibly changed it into a respectful bow with clasped hands. "Xiao Yuan, just give the order! Let alone something related to your cultivation, even if I had to climb mountains of blades or plunge into seas of fire, I would not hesitate in the slightest!"

Lin Yuan hurriedly waved his hands. "Uncle Di Tian, there's no need to be so serious. It isn't anything dangerous. Originally, after awakening my martial soul, I planned to attend an auction and bid on an engraving knife. But plans can't keep up with changes. The commotion caused by my martial soul awakening was too great, and Star Luo City is still searching for my whereabouts. I definitely can't attend the auction now, but that engraving knife is truly important to me."

Upon hearing this, Di Tian's tense body relaxed slightly, though the urgency in his eyes did not lessen at all. "An engraving knife? Where is this auction being held?"

Lin Yuan reached up and removed the necklace around his neck. Attached to it was an ancient-looking Black Jade Soul Guide Storage Ring, its surface carved with fine dragon patterns. It was a relic left behind by his parents and the only keepsake he carried with him.

As he poured Soul Power into the ring, two objects appeared out of thin air in his palm. One was a gilded invitation letter that glowed faintly with golden light, while the other was a pitch-black metal card edged with fine silver patterns.

After handing the invitation and metal card to Di Tian, Lin Yuan's childish voice became more solemn. "This invitation lets you enter the Starlight Auction House, the largest auction house in Star Luo City. The other black metal card is a Black Gold Card. It contains more than two billion Gold Soul Coins, enough to buy the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife, which is worth only one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins. Uncle Di Tian, remember this: no matter how much anyone else bids, you must get that engraving knife."

Di Tian nodded. "Don't worry, Xiao Yuan. I will bring the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife back intact. I will never let anyone take it from me." Then, unable to resist asking, he added, "But if this engraving knife is worth only one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins, why do you value it so highly?"

The corners of Lin Yuan's lips rose slightly, and a cunning gleam flickered in his purple eyes. "Once you bring the engraving knife back, I'll tell you what it does. If I tell you now, there won't be any surprise left."

Di Tian gave a slight nod. The next instant, his figure flashed away, leaving behind only a faint black afterimage before vanishing at the edge of the Star Dou Great Forest.

Lin Yuan withdrew his gaze and turned, only to meet Gu Yue Na's smiling eyes. His fair little face reddened slightly, and he hurriedly ran to her side, explaining in a soft voice, "Sister Nana, I wasn't trying to keep secrets. It's just that I can only demonstrate the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife's use properly after we get it."

Gu Yue Na pinched Lin Yuan's fair little cheek and said softly, "Sister Nana knows. Our Xiao Yuan always knows what he's doing. All right, it's time for you to meet everyone. Let's begin with Sister Biji and learn about the foundation of our Star Dou Great Forest."

Lin Yuan nodded lightly. As a transmigrator, he had long been familiar with the names of these Fierce Beasts of the Star Dou Great Forest. Yet seeing these soul beast powerhouses, who had existed only in his memories, in person still made him feel curious.

Biji the Jade Swan, Zi Ji the Hell Demon Dragon King, Xiong Jun the Dark Gold Claw Bear, King of Ten Thousand Demons the Demon Eye Demon Tree, Scarlet King the Three-Headed Red Demon Mastiff, and Demon Spirit—any soul beast called a Fierce Beast possessed at least two hundred thousand years of cultivation. Every one of them was an existence capable of making even a Titled Douluo tremble in fear.

After making introductions all around, their relationship gradually shifted from initial reverence and distance to a greater sense of closeness. After all, Lin Yuan did not possess even the slightest arrogance befitting the Dragon God. His childish voice and serious little expression instantly made these Fierce Beasts, who had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, unconsciously let go of their restraint.

"I want to ask you something. How are soul bones born in soul beasts?" As Lin Yuan stroked the Imperial Auspicious Beast's fur, he turned his gaze toward the Fierce Beasts and asked softly.

Biji spoke first, her voice gentle. "Xiao Yuan, the birth of soul bones in us soul beasts is related to our age, bloodline, and condition at death. Low-level soul beasts that are ten or a hundred years old almost have no chance of producing soul bones. Even Thousand Year Soul Beasts only have about a one-in-a-thousand chance."

She paused before continuing, "For a soul bone to form, a soul core must first condense within the soul beast's body. It is the crystallization of Soul Power and spiritual power. Generally, only soul beasts older than ten thousand years can independently condense a soul core. After they die, the soul core will condense into a soul bone in the corresponding body part according to the ability the soul beast excelled at most."

"There are even more special circumstances!" Xiong Jun interjected in a deep, booming voice. "If a soul beast dies in an especially violent manner, such as suffering a powerful external impact or unleashing all its strength before death, the soul core will receive a severe shock, increasing the chance of forming a soul bone! Soul beasts over fifty thousand years old have a thirty percent chance of producing soul bones. Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts will produce soul bones one hundred percent of the time!"

Zi Ji nodded in agreement and added, "But there are exceptions. Fierce Beasts like us have much stronger bloodlines than ordinary soul beasts, and our soul cores are more stable. Even if we have not reached one hundred thousand years, our chances of producing soul bones are far higher than those of our kind. Moreover, the skills attached to our soul bones are stronger than ordinary soul bone skills."

"Then can I condense soul bones of my own?" Lin Yuan asked, confusion in his purple eyes. "Ever since I awakened my martial soul, I discovered that I seem unable to absorb soul bones. I can clearly feel a powerful rejection."

Gu Yue Na patted Lin Yuan's shoulder and explained softly, "Xiao Yuan, it isn't that you cannot absorb soul bones. It is because, as the Dragon God, you inherently reject foreign soul bones. The essence of a soul bone is power condensed after a soul beast's death. It is an opportunity for ordinary soul masters, but to you, it is an impurity. Your Dragon God Bloodline possesses supreme laws, and your body instinctively rejects power that does not belong to you. Forcing yourself to absorb it would instead disrupt the purity of your bloodline and might even affect the operation of your Divine Core."

"Does that mean I'll never be able to have soul bones?" Lin Yuan lowered his head, his voice carrying a trace of disappointment.

Gu Yue Na slowly crouched down to meet Lin Yuan's eyes. Her purple eyes were filled with tenderness. "Xiao Yuan, why would the Dragon God need to borrow another's soul bones? Once your Soul Power grows stronger and Dragon God Power circulates through your limbs and bones to temper them, your skeleton will naturally condense into Dragon God Bones. Those are divine bones a hundred times stronger than Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bones. Not only can they bear your Divine Authority, they can also advance alongside you when you become a god. Ordinary soul bones cannot compare to them at all."

"If Sister Nana is not mistaken, the bones within your body may have already begun condensing from the moment you were born. If we must assign them an age, they should be roughly comparable to the age of your soul rings, except they do not possess so-called soul bone skills. Your Dragon God Bones will increase all of your physical attributes by a percentage, such as spiritual power, strength, physical strength, speed, and so on. Upon reaching the hundred-thousand-year level, they should increase them by ten percent on top of the original foundation, and so forth."

Lin Yuan's eyes abruptly lit up. His lowered head snapped up, and his purple eyes were filled with delight. "Really? Dragon God Bones can increase all attributes? Then if they reach a million years, wouldn't they increase them by so, so much?"

Gu Yue Na laughed at his expression and reached out to pinch his soft cheek. "Of course it's true. Once your Dragon God Bones fully take shape, you yourself can be considered an indestructible divine artifact. However, your cultivation speed will be slower, perhaps even slower than ordinary soul masters with Innate Full Soul Power."

"After all, the tempering of Dragon God Bones and complete control of the Dragon God Bloodline both require vast amounts of heaven and earth energy and time to accumulate. The Soul Power you need for every level of advancement will be ten times, even a hundred times, that of soul masters at the same level. But Xiao Yuan, you must understand that being slow is meant to let you walk more steadily and farther. An ordinary soul master's Soul Power is like a stream, while yours is like rivers and seas. Your advancement may appear slow, but every step is solid enough to shake heaven and earth. Once you truly grow up, those who were once faster than you will only be left far behind."

Lin Yuan nodded gently. So what if his cultivation speed was slow? He had expected this from the beginning. Compared to Lan Xuan Yu, who was also the Dragon God in the original story, he had possessed from birth the complete Dragon God Inheritance, a Dragon God Bloodline of one hundred percent purity, an undivided Divine Core and Divine Authority, as well as a Quasi-Supreme Artifact fused into one. Lan Xuan Yu had needed to gradually awaken his bloodline as he grew and piece together fragments of the Dragon God, while all Lin Yuan needed to do was return this innate supreme power to its rightful place and transform possession into control.

So what if his cultivation was slower? Once his Dragon God Bones were tempered to one hundred thousand years, to a million years, once the Nine-Colored Dragon God Spear truly advanced into a Supreme Artifact, once he could freely wield the divine authority of Creation and Destruction, let alone soul masters of the Douluo Continent—even among the gods of the God Realm, how many could withstand a fully revived Dragon God?

Gu Yue Na looked at Lin Yuan, who had not wavered in the slightest, her voice carrying a hint of relief. "It's good that Xiao Yuan understands. Cultivation has never been about who runs the fastest, but who can stand until the very end. This steadiness of yours is more precious than any talent."

"Sister Nana, teach me how to become stronger, okay?" Lin Yuan raised his little face, his purple eyes filled with seriousness.

Gu Yue Na nodded slightly and took Lin Yuan's hand, leading him toward the shore of the Lake of Life. "All right. Starting today, Sister Nana will personally teach Xiao Yuan how to cultivate. But your path of cultivation will be completely different from that of ordinary soul masters, so you must be prepared to endure hardship."

"As long as I can be with Sister Nana every day, Xiao Yuan isn't afraid of even the hardest cultivation!"