The Far North, where the bitter wind howled.
It was a forbidden zone for humans, but a paradise of ice and snow.
The magnificent Skywater City stood quietly amid the blizzard, like a frost giant who had slept there for billions of years.
At the city gates, two guards clad in heavy armor warily watched the distance.
Two figures walked slowly toward them through the swirling snow.
The man in front was middle-aged, with shoulder-length black hair and a resolute face. His dark robes remained perfectly still in the raging wind.
At his side walked a woman in a long emerald-green dress. Her features were gentle, and a soothing warmth shone in her eyes.
They were none other than Beast God Di Tian and the Emerald Swan, Bi Ji.
The guards abruptly crossed their spears, blocking the way.
"Stop."
"This is an important area of Skywater City. No unauthorized personnel may enter."
"Please show your pass or explain your purpose."
In the past, anyone who dared speak to Di Tian like that would have been reduced to dust long ago.
Bi Ji instinctively glanced at Di Tian, afraid the short-tempered Beast God would attack on the spot.
But Di Tian merely took a deep breath.
He remembered Gu Yuena's instructions before she left.
Be polite.
Be absolutely polite.
The muscles in Di Tian's face stiffly twitched, forming an expression uglier than a crying face.
He clasped his hands together and even bowed slightly.
"I am Di Tian. I have come with my companion, Bi Ji, to pay a visit to Mr. Neuvillette, the Skywater City Lord."
"Please inform him of our arrival."
"..."
He spoke clearly and properly. His tone remained stiff, but he had adopted an exceedingly humble posture.
The two guards exchanged a glance. Though they found the man a little strange, his bearing was extraordinary, so they didn't dare neglect him.
"Please wait."
One of the guards turned and ran into the city to announce their arrival.
At that moment, Bi Ji, standing beside him, finally couldn't hold back.
She leaned toward Di Tian and lowered her voice, confusion filling her eyes.
"Beast God."
"Why are we doing this?"
"With your strength, you could release just a trace of your aura. That so-called city lord would sense it and might even come rushing out to greet you."
"Why be so polite to two human gatekeepers?"
In Bi Ji's view, even if their Lord had ordered it, there was no need to go this far.
Di Tian was the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, the strongest being on the Douluo Continent apart from their Lord.
Di Tian glanced at Bi Ji, then looked past the city walls toward the City Lord Mansion.
For once, his eyes held a trace of apprehension.
"Bi Ji, can't you sense it?"
"In there... there are two forces."
"One is as vast as an abyssal sea, the other as imposing as Judgment."
"Even just standing here, I can feel the dragon blood in my veins trembling."
Bi Ji's beautiful eyes widened, and her mouth fell open.
"How can that be?"
"Could that being be even stronger than our Lord?"
Di Tian fell silent for a moment, then shook his head.
"I can't say."
"But since our Lord told me to treat him with courtesy, that means he definitely has the strength to threaten even the Divine Realm."
"Put aside your contempt."
"Even if it's for the future of the Soul Beast Clan, I have to swallow my pride."
As they spoke, the guard hurried back.
His manner was noticeably more respectful.
"Please, both of you. The city lord will see you."
The City Lord Mansion, reception hall.
The furnishings here weren't lavish, but every detail carried an elegant, classical charm.
Neuvillette sat in the seat of honor, holding a cup of clear spring water and gently swirling it.
Furina was sprawled listlessly on a nearby couch, fiddling with a sparkling gemstone.
"Neuvillette, who's that guy named Di Tian?"
"His name sounds pretty imposing."
Furina held the gem above her head and examined the light refracting inside it as she asked casually.
Neuvillette set down his cup, his gaze calm.
"The Golden-Eyed Black Dragon King, the Beast God of Star Dou Forest."
"He is also the strongest Soul Beast openly known on this continent."
Furina gave an "Oh," but didn't seem particularly surprised.
As far as she was concerned, a Beast God was no big deal—as long as Neuvillette didn't say he couldn't beat him.
"Then what did he come here for?"
"Is he hoping for a free meal?"
"The cakes in Skywater City are limited, and there aren't even enough for me."
Furina protectively covered the small plate beside her.
The corner of Neuvillette's mouth lifted almost imperceptibly, then he resumed his usual formal expression.
"There should be another being behind him."
"The Silver Dragon King, Gu Yuena."
"The ruler of the Soul Beast Clan."
"Ever since the Golden Ranking List appeared, our power has attracted attention from all sides."
"They likely want to find out whether I'm friend or foe."
Just then, the butler's voice came from outside the door.
"My lord, the guests have arrived."
The doors slowly swung open.
Di Tian entered with Bi Ji.
This was the first time Di Tian had met Neuvillette.
The man seated in the place of honor wasn't releasing any Soul Power pressure.
Yet just by sitting there, he seemed to be seated at the very center of the world.
The surrounding water elements danced joyfully, circling him as if paying homage to their king.
That pure affinity with the elements was no less than their Lord's at her full strength!
Di Tian's heart tightened.
He quickly stepped forward and bowed according to human etiquette.
"Di Tian of Star Dou Forest pays his respects to City Lord Neuvillette."
"And to... this young lady."
He glanced at Furina. Though he couldn't sense any Soul Power from her, the divine sword at her side radiated a chill that made his dragon scales prickle.
Neuvillette inclined his head slightly and gestured.
"Please, sit."
"May I ask what brings the Beast God here from so far away?"
Meanwhile.
Spirit City, Pope Palace.
Qian Renxue wore a golden palace gown, appearing both noble and holy.
After settling Shui Bing'er and the others in, she hurried over to meet Bibi Dong.
"Teacher."
"As for Skywater City, that Neuvillette is unfathomable."
"I'd like to go there myself and test the waters."
Bibi Dong sat on the papal throne, holding Iudex's Cane, her expression shifting between light and dark.
The appearance of the Golden Ranking List had completely disrupted her plans.
That sudden arrival, the Skywater City Lord, wielded two Supreme Divine Artifacts and was now the greatest variable.
"Very well."
Bibi Dong nodded.
"Since Shui Bing'er and the others are from Skywater City, having them lead the way might give you a chance to meet the city lord."
"If he can be won over, all the better."
"If not..."
A ruthless glint flashed in Bibi Dong's eyes, then quickly disappeared.
The Spirit Hall couldn't afford to provoke a powerhouse of that caliber—not now.
Just as Qian Renxue was about to take her leave, a Cardinal rushed in, flustered.
"Report—!"
"Your Holiness the Pope! Young Mistress!"
"Urgent report from Jialing Pass!"
"The Heaven Dou Empire's army is at our gates. Tang San is leading the Shrek Seven Devils in a challenge, and the front line is under heavy pressure!"
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