Myriad Beasts as Allies, Zhilan's Heart Moved

The next day, as dawn broke, the small village on the outskirts of Dragon City, where Ye Zhilan often practiced medicine, was shrouded in a thin mist. Under the old locust tree at the village entrance, a stunningly beautiful figure stood quietly, her silver hair cascading down her back and her purple eyes shining like stars. It was Gu Yuena, who had changed her mindset and strategy.

She no longer concealed her whereabouts, nor bothered to plan any "chance encounters" or "crises." Instead, she chose the most direct approach, one that best suited her current state of mind—a frank and open meeting. After a night of deep thought, she understood that facing a woman as intelligent as Ye Zhilan, backed by someone like Yu Yuanchen, any elaborate scheme could backfire. It was better to intimidate her with power... no, to persuade her with reason and move her with benefits.

When Ye Zhilan appeared at the village entrance with two guards as usual, the first thing she saw was the unmissable figure under the locust tree. The woman, just standing there, seemed to gather all the beauty and charm of the world. Her aloof and noble temperament was out of place in this simple village, yet strangely, it did not feel abrupt. Instead, it felt natural and just right.

Ye Zhilan paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in her beautiful eyes. She remembered those eyes; the source of that subtle, almost imperceptible gaze she'd felt yesterday was this person? And it seemed... he had been waiting for her here specifically?

Seeing Ye Zhilan looking over, Gu Yuena did not step forward, but merely nodded slightly. Her purple eyes were calm and undisturbed, yet they possessed a captivating majesty. She slowly stepped forward and stopped three zhang away from Ye Zhilan, a distance that expressed both respect and confidence.

"Miss Ye," Gu Yuena spoke, her voice clear and melodious, like the clinking of jade stones, carrying a natural air of aloofness and nobility, "I apologize for waiting here so intruded."

Ye Zhilan was wary, but her face remained calm as she gave a slight bow in return. "And who are you?" She could sense that the woman in front of Cultivation Level was only at the Soul Sage level, but her unfathomable demeanor made her feel a sense of pressure, as if she were facing not a peer, but one of the reclusive patriarchs of the sect.

"My name is... Gu Yue." Gu Yuena hesitated for a moment before giving the simplified name she used in her true form, "From the Myriad Beast Sect."

"The Myriad Beast Sect?" Ye Zhilan frowned slightly, quickly searching her memory for any recollections of this sect, but found nothing. There seemed to be no such sect or family among the well-known sects and families on the continent.

Seeing Ye Zhilan's confusion, Gu Yuena remained calm and, following her prepared statement, said indifferently, "It is perfectly normal that Miss Ye has not heard of this. Our Myriad Beast Sect has a long history, but due to ancestral teachings, we have lived in seclusion for generations, not associating with ordinary secular sects."

She paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over the faint Vine Bracelet mark on Ye Zhilan's wrist, before continuing, "Our sect's ancestor, in ancient times, received a great favor from a highly Cultivation Level Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast, thus being given New Life. Since then, our sect has established an alliance with certain gentle and intelligent Soul Beast clans, maintaining a friendly relationship for generations, calling each other brothers, and supporting one another."

Upon hearing this, the two guards behind Ye Zhilan were immediately astonished. A long-standing friendship with Soul Beast clan? This was utterly unheard of! On the continent, the relationship between humans and Soul Beast was almost always hunter and hunted. Even if a very small number of beast tamers or Soul Master with Beast Martial Soul could communicate with specific Soul Beast, there was absolutely no such thing as "a long-standing friendship, calling each other brothers"! Just what kind of existence was this Myriad Beast Sect?

Ye Zhilan was also greatly shocked, but she was a thoughtful person and did not immediately believe it. She just listened quietly.

Gu Yuena took in everyone's reactions without showing any emotion, and continued, "Because of our close relationship with Soul Beast, in order to avoid misunderstanding or even rejection from the world, all the disciples of our sect have always adhered to the ancestral teachings and remained secluded from the world. If it were not for matters concerning the rise and fall of the sect, I would not have set foot in the mortal world."

Her words were half true and half false. The Myriad Beast Sect was of course fictitious, but her relationship with Soul Beast and the reason for her seclusion were consistent with her identity and situation as the Silver Dragon King. Her words were flawless, and the nobility and vicissitudes that came from her bloodline made people unconsciously believe her.

"I see." Ye Zhilan nodded slightly, her tone still calm. "But I wonder what brings Miss Gu Yue here today? Is someone in the sect injured or ill, and you need my help?"

Gu Yuena shook her head, her purple eyes fixed on Ye Zhilan, her gaze sharpening slightly. "It's not for medical treatment. Yesterday, I happened to pass by and witnessed Miss Ye punishing that scoundrel."

Ye Zhilan's heart skipped a beat; sure enough! The feeling of being spied on yesterday was not an illusion.

Gu Yuena's gaze fell on Ye Zhilan's wrist, as if she could see through flesh and blood to the hidden Vine Guard: "What amazes me is not Miss Ye's skill, but... that Star-Eating Vine that is so in tune with your mind and as at your fingertips."

Ye Zhilan's eyes narrowed slightly; the other party had indeed come for Star Eater!

"Our Myriad Beast Sect has a very deep connection with Soul Beast Soul Beast, and we are confident that our understanding of them is second to none among the current powers." Gu Yuena's tone carried an undeniable confidence. "Ordinary Soul Master tame and control Soul Beast by force or by enticing them with benefits, which is all superficial. Although the Soul Beast are driven, their intelligence is dulled, their growth is limited, and they are no different from tools."

She shifted her focus, pointing at Ye Zhilan: "But the relationship between Miss Ye and that Star-Eating Vine is quite different! I observe that your auras intertwine, your destinies are linked, you are not master and servant, but more like... symbiosis! Your Cultivation Level increases, directly causing its strength to surge; and its power can be used by you at any time to replenish your consumption and amplify your combat power. This kind of wondrous connection is far beyond the reach of ordinary beast taming methods, and is more like an ancient and equal... contract!"

Ye Zhilan was shocked again! This Gu Yue was indeed extraordinary! He could see the essence of her relationship with Star Eater after only observing her once! Such insight was probably something even Titled Douluo might not possess! This Myriad Beast Sect was indeed mysterious and unpredictable!

Seeing the undisguised surprise in Ye Zhilan's eyes, Gu Yuena knew she had hit the nail on the head. Suppressing a hint of eagerness within her, she maintained her composure and went straight to the point. "Miss Ye, our Myriad Beast Sect is extremely interested in this kind of Contract Method allows humans and Soul Beast to coexist and grow together. If you are willing, our sect is willing to pay a sufficient price to acquire this method. Whether it's Spirit Bone, Soul Tool, lost secret manuals, or even... information about certain top-grade immortal Immortal Herb, our sect can discuss them all."

She threw out bait, but for her, the Master of Soul Beasts who possessed the entire Star Dou Great Forest, this was nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

Ye Zhilan remained silent for a long time after listening. The conditions offered were undeniably tempting, especially the "information on top-grade Immortal Herb," which subtly stirred her desires. But...

She raised her head to meet Gu Yuena's gaze and said frankly, "Miss Gu Yue has keen insight; what you say is true. There is indeed a wondrous connection between me and this vine. However..."

Her tone shifted to regret and sincerity. "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Miss Gu Yue. This method wasn't something I deliberately cultivated or inherited; it was truly a serendipitous discovery. Even I haven't fully grasped its intricacies; I only know how, not why. Perhaps it's related to the Martial Soul Mutation, perhaps to certain herbs I took at the time, or perhaps it's a combination of factors, making it difficult to replicate. It's simply... impossible to trade."

Ye Zhilan spoke these words sincerely. Her "contract" with Star Eater was indeed reached by chance due to a combination of factors, including the Body Tempering with immortal Immortal Herb, the Martial Soul Evolution, and Yu Yuanchen's help in subduing the Mad Vine. She herself was still in the exploratory stage; how could she possibly have any established "method" to trade?

A barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashed in Gu Yuena's purple eyes, but she was not discouraged. Ye Zhilan's answer only made her more certain of the preciousness and special nature of this "contract." If it were truly an easily obtainable and traceable method, it wouldn't be worth her attention.

"I see..." Gu Yuena nodded slightly, seemingly accepting the explanation, but then changed the subject, "In that case, the deal is off. However, Miss Ye, your existence and that of the Star-Eating Vine prove that an unprecedented path is feasible! Humans and Soul Beast are not only destined to fight; mutual benefit, symbiosis, and common growth are also very promising!"

Her tone carried a barely perceptible hint of excitement and persuasion. "Our Myriad Beast Sect has lived alongside Soul Beast Soul Beast for generations, deeply understanding the hardships of their cultivation and witnessing the rapid rise of human Soul Master. If the two races can find a path of harmonious coexistence and mutual support, Soul Beast can Sky Breaker barriers and accelerate their growth; human Soul Master can gain powerful assistance and greatly enhance their foundation! This is a great undertaking that will benefit generations to come!"

Gu Yuena gazed intently at Ye Zhilan: "Miss Ye, since you are a pioneer on this path, why not cooperate with my Myriad Beast Sect to jointly explore and perfect this method? Your Ye Family and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan possess top-tier Martial Soul research foundations and resources; while my Myriad Beast Sect possesses the most complete and authoritative Soul Beast Classics and knowledge on the continent, with unparalleled understanding of Soul Beast habits, potential, and even ancient secrets! If we cooperate, combining the strengths of both families, we will surely be able to carry forward this ' Way of Beast Taming Taming' and create a brand new landscape in the Soul Master World!"

Her words were captivating, and the vision she painted was grand and alluring. To jointly research and perfect the Way of Beast Taming? Ye Zhilan's heart began to race.

She knew that her symbiotic relationship with Star Eater had enormous potential, but the road ahead was uncertain, and she had to figure it out on her own. If she could cooperate with a powerful force that knew everything about Soul Beast, it would undoubtedly speed up the research process and avoid countless detours! Moreover, the "mutually beneficial symbiosis" concept proposed by the other party also aligned with her kind Goodness and her belief that she disliked unnecessary killing.

More importantly, if this method can be successfully implemented and promoted, it will have a revolutionary impact on the Yu Family, the Ye Family, and even the entire Soul Master World! Its strategic value is immeasurable!

However, this matter is of great importance and cannot be decided by her alone. The interests, risks, and true nature of this suddenly appearing "Myriad Beast Sect" all need to be carefully assessed.

Ye Zhilan took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and looked at Gu Yuena, her tone becoming much more solemn. "What Miss Gu Yue said is indeed tempting. However, this matter concerns the sect's inheritance and future path, and it is not something I can decide alone. We must inform our elders and discuss it with the sect Sect Master and Elder before a decision can be made."

This answer was exactly what Gu Yuena had expected. She hadn't really expected Ye Zhilan to agree immediately. As long as Ye Zhilan was interested and took the message back, that would be the first step to success.

"That's only right." Gu Yuena nodded slightly, indicating her understanding. "In that case, I will stay in Dragon City for a while and await good news. To show my sincerity, in half a month, regardless of your sect's intentions, I will bring my elders to formally pay a visit and discuss the cooperation with your sect's higher-ups. What do you think, Miss Ye?"

Giving a specific timeframe demonstrates sincerity and exerts subtle pressure, preventing the other party from indefinitely delaying.

After a moment's thought, Ye Zhilan realized that half a month was enough time to discuss things carefully with Brother Yuanchen and her grandfather, so she nodded in agreement. "Alright, we'll do as Miss Gu Yue says. We'll await your arrival in half a month."

"It's a deal." Gu Yuena's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile, a glint of triumph flashing deep in her purple eyes. She raised her hand, and a token—neither gold nor jade, engraved with mysterious beast patterns—flew toward Ye Zhilan. "This is a token of my sect. With this, you can find me at the ' Listen to the Wind Pavilion ' in the city."

Ye Zhilan took the token; it was cool to the touch, and Soul Power flowed over it. The beast patterns on it faintly glowed, confirming that it was no ordinary item. This made her even more convinced of the other party's abilities.

"Farewell." Gu Yuena said no more, nodded slightly, turned and left, her silver hair fluttering, her figure quickly disappearing into the morning mist.

Ye Zhilan held the cold token, gazing in the direction where Gu Yuena had disappeared, her heart surging with emotion. The Myriad Beast Sect... the Way of Beast Taming... cooperation... all of this came suddenly, yet it seemed to contain a tremendous opportunity.

Without further delay, she instructed the guards, "Today's free clinic is canceled. Return to the sect immediately!"

She must inform Brother Yuanchen and her grandfather about this as soon as possible! This sudden appearance of the "Myriad Beast Sect" and that mysterious "Gu Yue" girl may bring an unpredictable storm to the sect... or perhaps, an unprecedented opportunity!

The village was shrouded in morning mist, but Ye Zhilan's heart had already flown back to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan in the heart of Dragon City. An undercurrent that could potentially reshape the power structure of the continent had quietly begun with this morning's meeting.