Di Tian's Reverse Scale, Na'er's Heart

Tang Heng was slightly taken aback, feeling that these words sounded perfectly natural coming from Yun Ming.

As the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, his status was transcendent; he seemed even more formidable than the scoundrel who had uttered those same words in a past life.

He turned his head to look at Di Tian.

Di Tian was also stunned for a moment, but upon realizing the situation, he immediately nodded.

The Venerable was offering him food—this was a gift of grace!

Tang Heng took a can from the portion he had brought for Wu Lin and handed it to Di Tian.

"Master, if it has gone cold, remember to heat it up before eating; the texture will be much better."

"You are thoughtful."

Seeing this scene, Yun Ming felt a complex mix of emotions.

He was clearly the one who had arrived first!

But there was no helping it; the man simply did not acknowledge him as his master.

Moreover, after the exchange they had just shared, Yun Ming acknowledged this powerhouse known as the Emperor Venerable; with his strength, he was absolutely qualified to serve as Tang Heng's master.

Though he was cold and seemed devoid of human warmth, even lacking a human touch.

Yet the Sky-Prop Spear in his hand had given him the answer: this Emperor Venerable was certainly not some sort of Evil Soul Master.

"Hahaha, Mr. Di, if there is an opportunity in the future, I hope we can cross blades again when we meet. This time was too rushed; it wasn't intense enough, nor was it satisfying!"

Di Tian did not reply, merely nodding silently.

It had been a long time since he had encountered an opponent of such formidable strength. The last time was ten thousand years ago, when the Spirit Ice Douluo Huo Yuhao was on the verge of ascending, and he had chosen to intervene, sparking a battle.

Of course, that had been a life-or-death struggle where both he and Huo Yuhao had given their all.

This time was merely a simple sparring match; neither side had utilized their true capabilities.

If one did not account for Battle Armor, the Yun Ming before him might not necessarily be stronger than Huo Yuhao.

But in a real battle, who would restrain themselves from using more powerful means?

After this engagement, Di Tian realized that the win rate of confronting humanity head-on was indeed minuscule; he could only proceed step by step according to the plan given by the Venerable.

He did not seek total victory, only that the human race would recognize the necessity of the existence of the soul beast clan.

Only then could they lay the foundation for the two races to live in peace in the future.

After Yun Ming took his leave, Di Tian prepared to depart with Gu Yue.

"You can start with the Spirit Pagoda in Eastsea City and pay them a visit. The Eighteen Cities of Tianhai are not as high-quality in terms of soul masters compared to other regions of the Federation; they are in great need of powerful 'soul masters' like you to serve as support."

"Furthermore, the Eastsea branch is a supporter of the Phoenix Family, which will allow you to approach the Sky Phoenix Douluo, Leng Yaozhu, more quickly."

"As you command."

Tang Heng yawned, walked to a secluded spot, and teleported Xiong Jun and the others back from the Minecraft Plane.

"Go with Di Tian and fulfill your respective duties."

"We obey the divine decree!"

The Fierce Beasts bowed their heads. Having already experienced many novel things within the Minecraft Plane, they had seen just how terrifying the potential of this new Venerable truly was.

If they followed him with unwavering loyalty, not only would the revival of the soul beasts be within reach, but they might even attain the status of gods.

Before leaving, Di Tian handed Tang Heng a black scale with a golden edge.

"Venerable, this is my reverse scale; it can be considered a manifestation of my avatar."

"This is, of course, not to question the Venerable's strength, but the Venerable is currently still weak, and there are Evil Soul Masters among the humans. This subordinate simply does not wish to see any harm come to the Venerable."

Di Tian's tone was sincere, even carrying a hint of pleading.

Tang Heng sighed softly. He knew that Di Tian was merely still filled with regret, hating that he hadn't been able to help the Dragon God back then, forced to watch helplessly as the old Dragon God perished.

What a detestable, love-struck Dragon God; how could you justify yourself to the Nine Great Dragon Kings and the many dragon clansmen who followed you so loyally?

Tang Heng was well aware of the function of this reverse scale; ten thousand years ago, Di Tian had also gifted one to Dai Yuhao, serving as his bodyguard for a time.

"I understand. Just contact me if anything happens."

"As for the path ahead, it is up to you how you walk it; I cannot look after every single thing."

Tang Heng accepted the reverse scale. The moment it touched his hand, it melted into his palm, transforming into a Black Dragon Mark that appeared on his right forearm, which he could hide or reveal at will.

Di Tian and the others took their leave, taking Gu Yue with them.

As they walked away, Gu Yue couldn't help but look back, wanting to gaze at Tang Heng for a moment longer.

"Bye-bye, Big Silver Dragon, and Uncle Di Tian~~"

Na'er waved at them, her face brimming with a joyful smile.

Seeing Gu Yue staring at her brother, Na'er did not show weakness; she pulled Tang Heng's arm into her embrace and made a face at Gu Yue when no one was looking.

"Alright, let's go back."

"I reckon Wu Lin is so hungry he's practically starving."

Tang Heng pulled his hand from Na'er's embrace and turned to stride in the direction of home.

Na'er followed by his side. After a few steps, she suddenly reached out to pinch the corner of his sleeve, just as she had when they first met at the mouth of the alley.

Her eyelashes drooped, casting two shallow crescents of shadow in the dim, amber light.

"Brother Heng," Na'er spoke, her voice lighter than the evening breeze, "thank you."

She paused, then looked up at Tang Heng. Her violet eyes held the moonlight, and she tried her best to curve her lips into a smile: "Without you, there would be no me today... It was Brother who gave me this new life."

As she said this, her fingers, which were gripping his sleeve, tightened until her knuckles turned slightly white, as if she were clinging to something about to slip away.

Tang Heng looked at her earnest expression and simply shook his head: "Why think so much? You are my only sister; if I don't help you, who will?"

"That brat Tang Wulin still needs me to look after him anyway, so it's fine for you to rely on me more."

The word "only" hung in the air, and Na'er's pace slowed by half a beat.

She lowered her head, her silver bangs obscuring her eyes, revealing only the corners of her mouth—where a faint, delicate smile was slowly blooming.

When she looked up again, the smile had not yet fully faded, but a hint of her usual playfulness had returned to her eyes.

Na'er stopped, turned to face him, and began walking backward, hands clasped behind her back, tilting her head to look at him.

"Brother Heng, close your eyes~"

Tang Heng looked at her, puzzled.

"What is it?"

Na'er reached out to push his shoulder and pouted, her expression exactly the same as when she used to act spoiled.

Seeing this, Tang Heng didn't ask further and closed his eyes.

In the darkness, he felt Na'er suddenly lean in very close, so close that he could smell the faint, nameless floral scent in her hair.

There was a rustle of fabric, and something climbed onto his shoulder—likely her hand.

Then, a soft, cool sensation landed lightly and briefly on his cheek.

It wasn't quite a peck. It was too light, too short. It felt more like a raindrop sliding off the eaves, landing just so on his face.

Tang Heng snapped his eyes open, but Na'er had already run ahead, standing in the moonlight a few paces away with her back to him.

Na'er walked in front, her entire face burning hot.

That light kiss was all the courage she had managed to scrape from the bottom of her heart—now that her courage was spent, all that remained was a heart thumping wildly against her ribs and a pair of eyes that dared not look back.

No, no, little sister!

I have Spirit Abyss Realm mental power; I know exactly what you just did.

Tang Heng screamed internally, but didn't dare make a sound.

Forget it, just forget it. It's not easy for either of us.

Tang Heng sighed softly, quickened his pace to catch up with Na'er, and whispered: "Don't do that again next time... at least, don't do it to anyone other than me."

Na'er, face flushed, didn't dare look at Tang Heng and could only nod repeatedly.

The atmosphere was somewhat subtle, and the two siblings didn't speak again for the rest of the way.

Tang Heng only felt that he was truly a sinner.

After all, Na'er had only just been reborn, which meant she hadn't been "born" for very long...

Oh no, doesn't that make me a total scumbag?

If this were posted on the forums in my past life, wouldn't I be ruthlessly electrocuted by the righteous netizens?