The Silver Dragon King's Wisdom! Little Yao Chuan, I'll Have You Eating Out of My Hand![5k]

The fading light of dusk draped Eastsea Academy in a lazy golden glow.

The din died away, and students left in twos and threes. A day of training and study had finally come to an end.

Gu Yue didn't return to her dormitory or go to the cafeteria.

Her slender figure darted through the maze of narrow lanes on the outskirts of the academy, like a streak of purple light merging into the shadows.

Her destination was a completely secluded corner, far from any people, where only abandoned brick walls and weeds stubbornly growing in the cracks bore witness.

A tall figure was already standing there, as if he had become one with the shadows.

A heavy black cloak concealed the newcomer's figure and face, leaving only a profound, ancient, and imposing aura to permeate the cramped space.

It was none other than the supreme ruler of Star Dou Forest, Beast God Di Tian.

He had deliberately restrained his terrifying aura to avoid alerting powerful humans.

Gu Yue stopped. Moonlight streamed through the narrow alleyway, illuminating half of her delicate face.

In her violet eyes danced a light of barely restrained excitement, utterly unlike the cool reserve and aloofness she usually showed at the academy.

"Di Tian!" Her voice brimmed with the excitement of someone who had stumbled upon a vast treasure, and even quavered slightly. "We came to the right place! Eastsea City is practically a city of treasures!"

Di Tian's deep voice came from beneath his cloak, tinged with curiosity. "My Lord, what happened? What could have made you so delighted?"

Anything that could excite Silver Dragon King Gu Yue so much had to be extraordinary.

Gu Yue took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, but the brilliance in her eyes remained undimmed.

"Today at the academy, I came into close contact with two people! Yao Chuan and that new student named Tang Wulin." She put particular emphasis on her words. "I sensed an incredibly rich... draconic aura from both of them! It was powerful, pure, and rooted in their very essence!"

The figure concealed beneath Di Tian's cloak seemed to tremble faintly.

"Draconic auras? And enough to draw your attention, My Lord..." His voice grew solemn. "Could one of them be the target? Has an inheritor of the Golden Dragon King's essence appeared?"

The Golden Dragon King!

The very name represented a terrifying power capable of shaking the world. Finding and controlling that power was a core part of their grand plan to revive the Soul Beast Clan.

Gu Yue shook her head slightly, the corner of her mouth curling into a mysterious, confident smile.

"Yes and no." Her answer left Di Tian confused.

"The aura on Tang Wulin does carry a trace of the Golden Dragon King's distinctive violence and defiance. It's faint, but there's no mistaking its source," Gu Yue continued. "However, the real surprise was Yao Chuan!"

Her gaze drifted into the distance, as if she were reliving something.

"Yao Chuan... His draconic aura wasn't that of the Golden Dragon King, but..." She paused, searching for the right words. "It was even more profound and boundless, carrying an... indescribable nobility! The pressure that came from deep within his bloodline stirred a powerful resonance within the Silver Dragon's power in me! It's strange. His attributes are different, yet his level is unprecedented!"

Di Tian fell silent. A level of nobility that even the exalted Silver Dragon King Gu Yue called "unprecedented"?

Just who was this Yao Chuan?

"What does My Lord intend?" Di Tian asked cautiously.

Gu Yue turned around, her violet eyes shining with unwavering resolve.

"We've identified our target! Whether or not Yao Chuan is connected to the Golden Dragon King, his terrifying talent and unfathomable draconic bloodline make him an indispensable asset to our plan!" Her voice rang with finality. "Win him over! If we can get him on our side, our chances of reviving the Soul Beast Clan will increase by at least half!"

"Win him over?" Di Tian repeated.

The phrase could mean many things. But given Gu Yue's nearly blazing gaze and tone, Di Tian instinctively imagined one possibility: crushing him with overwhelming strength and forcing him to submit!

Di Tian's cloak billowed without a breeze, and an invisible, savage aura swept through the area. The air seemed to freeze.

Though he had done his utmost to suppress it while infiltrating a human city, the aftershock of the Beast God's fury was still terrifying.

"Understood! Leave it to me, My Lord! A mere human boy, however gifted, couldn't withstand a single move from me! I'll go at once and—"

"Wait!" Gu Yue furrowed her brows and hurriedly cut off the surging battle intent about to burst from Di Tian.

Seeing him poised to storm over and seize their new talent, she raised a hand to her forehead and sighed, her voice tinged with exasperation.

"Di Tian, you've misunderstood."

Di Tian: "???"

The savage aura surging around him abruptly stalled. Beneath the cloak, his gaze was full of confusion.

Gu Yue cleared her throat and brushed back a lock of hair that had fallen beside her cheek. It was a casual little gesture, yet carried a girl's distinctive blend of slyness and shyness.

She lifted her chin slightly, trying to make herself sound more convincing.

"I mean win him over... emotionally. Understand? I'm not asking you to fight him and drag him away!"

Di Tian: "...!!!"

The tall figure beneath the cloak seemed to stiffen for a moment. Even the Beast God, who had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, was dumbfounded.

Emotionally? Win him over? That was an entirely different track from what he'd understood!

Gu Yue continued explaining, her tone full of conviction.

"Yao Chuan's strength can't be won over with brute force. The more you try to suppress that arrogance of his, the more he'll fight back. We need a wiser approach, one that makes him willingly work with us."

She narrowed her eyes slightly, as though laying out a grand plan.

"With his talent and good fortune, if he becomes a steadfast ally—or even one of the core pillars of the Soul Beast Clan's revival—he'll be worth a thousand times more than an enemy forced into submission and filled with resentment!" She stressed the point. "Besides, you sensed it during today's battle: the black dragon phantom behind him was extraordinary. If we meet him head-on, the outcome is uncertain, and the risks are too great!"

Di Tian was silent for a moment. His Lord's analysis made sense. That boy Yao Chuan had defeated Wu Changkong even while Wu Changkong held back his strength. His potential was unfathomable, and he couldn't be judged by ordinary standards.

Still... a strategy based on feelings? That was quite a sharp turn.

A thought crossed Di Tian's mind. Carefully choosing his words, he tried to tactfully remind his Lord.

"My Lord is far-sighted. I admire your wisdom. It's just..." He paused. "As for this 'emotional approach'... putting it into practice may prove rather difficult."

Gu Yue raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why?"

Di Tian chose his words carefully. "That... Lady Na'er, she..."

He left it at that. Both he and Gu Yue had noticed Na'er's unusual attitude toward Yao Chuan, as well as Yao Chuan's elusive, even somewhat controlling, manner toward her.

Na'er had inherited Gu Yue's looks, and her innocence and beauty were enough to captivate anyone.

"Na'er?" Gu Yue seemed to find the thought amusing. A look of superiority curled her lips, and her tone was full of disdain.

"Hah." She chuckled, as if talking about a clumsy apprentice.

"She is merely one of my clones, a 'shell' that carries part of my power but has forgotten the most important things."

Gu Yue raised her chin slightly, revealing the pride and wisdom of the Silver Dragon King's true self.

"She inherited this body's looks, but lost the Silver Dragon King's most vital, astounding wisdom and the worldly cunning I've honed over ten thousand years. Against a deep, inscrutable man like Yao Chuan, relying on beauty alone? Hah, that's too low-level. She'd only be wrapped around his little finger."

She summed up Na'er's failure with something close to pity.

"You've seen the result yourself. In front of Yao Chuan, she's like a naive little white rabbit, easily handled by him, with nothing to show for it. That's what happens without wisdom to back you up: a complete waste of effort."

Di Tian: "..."

He thought Lady Na'er had actually tried quite hard. Her opponent was simply on another level.

But he didn't dare say that aloud.

Gu Yue waved a hand confidently, as if victory were already hers.

"But I'm different! I'm the real Silver Dragon King, Gu Yue! My wisdom, strength, beauty, and bearing are all second to none in this age! Just because Na'er couldn't do it doesn't mean I can't!"

Her violet eyes shone with the unmistakable light of someone who was bound to succeed.

"If I go myself and put in just a little effort, let a little of my mature feminine charm show, and pair it with a well-timed strategy..."

She paused slightly, imagining Yao Chuan won over by her charms. The smile on her lips grew brighter.

"Wouldn't winning him over be a piece of cake? This is a whole different level of play!"

Watching her brim with confidence, as if she could already see Yao Chuan falling at her feet, Di Tian sighed silently deep down.

His Lord was in a state that seemed a lot like what humans called "love-struck"—though he didn't really understand what that meant, it felt like that sort of inexplicable self-assurance.

But he didn't dare point it out. His Lord's dignity was not to be challenged.

"My Lord is wise..." Di Tian could only offer a dry word of agreement.

Gu Yue was clearly pleased with Di Tian's "support" and moved on to the details of her plan.

"Then the first step is a makeover!" She snapped her fingers, her thoughts already in order.

"Na'er goes for the pure and cute look. That doesn't work on Yao Chuan—we've already proved that. So I need to stand out from her! Differentiate myself. Understand?"

Di Tian nodded, only half understanding. "Differentiate yourself... How should I assist, My Lord?"

Gu Yue gave the order as though it were obvious. "Simple. Di Tian, go straight to the most upscale clothing store in the city."

She spoke in a tone that allowed no argument.

"Pick out a few outfits for me... Hmm..." She tilted her head slightly, thinking of how to describe them. "They should suit my age without being too childish, and bring out just the right amount of feminine charm, with a touch of... well... mature, sexy allure!"

She put a little extra emphasis on the last few words, and a faint blush seemed to rise on her cheeks.

Di Tian: "...!!!"

Mature? Sexy?

Looking at his Lord's still-developing girlish figure and her beautiful but youthful face, Di Tian was torn and at a loss.

"My Lord..." Di Tian struggled to speak. His voice beneath the cloak was full of hesitation and concern. "You're... you're still so young. Wouldn't that kind of style be... be a little inappropriate?"

He couldn't even imagine what his dignified and noble young Lord would look like in so-called "mature, sexy" clothes. The whole idea was so jarring!

And if humans noticed, where would that leave the dignity of the Beast God?

Gu Yue immediately glared at him, displeased at being questioned.

"What would you know!" She lifted her chin slightly, revealing the arrogance of a superior. "In extraordinary times, we need extraordinary measures! What is this small sacrifice compared to the future of the Soul Beast Clan?"

She tried to make her justification sound high-minded, as though she were nobly laying herself on the line for the greater good.

"Besides, who says someone young can't pull it off? It's called a contrast effect! Understand? A contrast effect!"

She seemed to think the phrase made a very convincing argument.

Di Tian's lips moved as he tried to reason with her again. "But, My Lord..."

"No buts!" Gu Yue cut him off and waved a small hand, her resolve unmistakable.

"Carry out the order, Di Tian! Do you want to delay the great plan to revive the Soul Beast Clan?"

She dropped the enormous hat of the "great plan" squarely on his head.

Di Tian immediately wilted.

"...Yes, My Lord." He reluctantly agreed. It felt as though the burden on his shoulders had never been heavier—not only did he have to worry about the survival of the Soul Beast Clan, he also had to worry about what his Lord should wear to flirt with a man.

What was this nonsense?!

Watching Di Tian disappear into the shadows, as solemn as if he were carrying the fate of all Star Dou Forest on his shoulders, Gu Yue let out a long breath. Her violet eyes shone with excitement and anticipation.

She could already picture herself making a stunning entrance and Yao Chuan being captivated by her "mature charm."

"Hmph, Na'er, just you watch. I'll show you what a true king's methods look like!"

The next morning, at daybreak.

Gu Yue woke early—or perhaps she had barely slept at all.

She had gone over the several outfits in the "mature, sexy" style that Di Tian had "carefully selected" for her the night before, again and again.

In the end, she settled on one.

On top, she wore a finely designed, pale purple chiffon blouse with lace at the neckline, revealing just a hint of her collarbones. The ruffled cuffs added a touch of playfulness without making it look too childish.

On the bottom, she wore a high-waisted, deep purple short skirt that outlined her slender waist just right. Its hem fell a little above her knees, giving her a youthful, lively look with the faintest hint of sexiness.

She didn't simply tie up her long hair as usual. Instead, she carefully brushed it and let it fall naturally over her shoulders, its ends curling slightly to give her a more feminine look.

She had even applied a little moisturizing lip gloss, making her already tender lips look fuller and more alluring.

On her feet were dainty black leather shoes with short white socks.

The overall effect... well, it certainly made her look much more striking than her usual ordinary school uniform!

It was still youthful and fresh, but with a hint of "cunning" in the details.

Standing before the full-length mirror in her dormitory, Gu Yue turned this way and that, quite pleased with her makeover.

"Hmm, not bad. Much better than Na'er's silly cute look! Now this is what you call a sophisticated sense of style!"

She gave her reflection a smile that was a little shy but mostly confident.

"Yao Chuan, just you wait. Today, I'll show you my real charm!"

With the excitement of someone about to embark on an important campaign, she strode out of the dormitory with her head held high.

The sun shone brightly, and a breeze brushed against her face. Gu Yue felt that even the air was fresher today, and her steps were lighter.

She even rehearsed various scenes in her mind: Yao Chuan's dazzled gaze, the envious chatter of her classmates, and herself talking with him in calm, easy confidence... It all seemed so perfect.

But her beautiful fantasy popped like a soap bubble the moment she reached the door of the Grade One Class Five classroom—pop, and it was gone!

The doorway—or rather, the area around Yao Chuan's seat—had become a lively marketplace!

The crowd surged so thickly that there was no room to squeeze through!

Nearly every girl in the class was there, their eyes sparkling with excitement, each holding something: delicate pastries, adorably packaged drinks, thoughtful handmade gifts... Some even carried notebooks full of exercises, pretending they needed help with their studies.

They had surrounded Yao Chuan in layer after layer, their chatter like a flock of excited little sparrows.

"Boss Yao Chuan, try my cherry blossom milk pudding!"

"Classmate Yao Chuan, I still don't understand this Soul Power guidance problem. Could you explain it to me again?"

"Big brother Yao Chuan, this is the Soul Tool pendant I picked out for you. Do you like it?"

"Make way! Make way! Let me in! Yao Chuan, what do you think of my new hairstyle?"

And that wasn't all!

Even more astonishingly, the doorway was also crowded with upperclasswomen!

They had clearly made a special trip down from the higher grades. In their advanced-level uniforms, they stood out in the crowd. Each was dressed to the nines, carrying gifts even more exquisite and expensive, and struggling to push their way inside, their faces full of admiration and affection.

"Younger student, this is a limited-edition dessert from the 'Star Dew' restaurant in Eastsea City. Your senior specially brought it for you!"

"Junior Yao Chuan, are you free this afternoon? I'll take you to check out the intermediate-level combat training grounds!"

"Chuan! Look over here! Do you like my new hairpin?"

"Stop pushing! I've been standing here forever!"

At the center of the storm, Yao Chuan still wore that trademark smile, laced with languid amusement.

He seemed to be used to this kind of scene, and even enjoyed being the center of attention.

Now and then, he would take a pastry and try a bite, then comment, "Not bad"; lazily give a girl some pointers on a Soul Power question; or glance casually at a gift held out to him, usually with little interest.

Even so, the girls were excited enough to scream.

As if a casual comment or a faint glance from him were some immense gift.

Gu Yue stood at the door of the Class Five classroom, as if an invisible wall had cut her off from the rest.

Her carefully prepared "mature, sexy" battle outfit seemed utterly insignificant before the surging crowd and deafening racket, like a tiny pebble thrown into the ocean that couldn't even stir a ripple.

She stood there, frozen, the confident light in her violet eyes dimming until only deep bewilderment and disbelief remained.

She looked at Yao Chuan in the middle of that human wall, at his careless yet infuriatingly charming smile.

She looked at the frenzied girls and upperclasswomen and felt like a complete outsider.

Wasn't she supposed to make a stunning entrance with that adorable contrast?

Wasn't her mature charm supposed to have him wrapped around her finger in no time?

Forget getting close... She couldn't even squeeze her way in to say a word! She couldn't even touch the hem of Yao Chuan's clothes!

Gu Yue clenched her little fists, her nails nearly digging into her palms.

The first step of her carefully planned strategy had died before it even got started!

She hadn't even laid eyes on the enemy before she was routed by "logistical supplies" and "human-wave tactics"!

A heart-rending sense of the clown was me all along welled up inside her.

She could feel her cheeks burning—not from embarrassment, but from anger! From sheer frustration!

"How could... this happen?" she murmured, her voice so faint she could barely hear herself.

Looking at Yao Chuan surrounded by a throng of girls, then at her own awkward predicament, standing alone on the outskirts, Gu Yue suddenly felt that the bold words she'd declared before Di Tian yesterday sounded like one enormous joke.

So the hardest first step to winning this man over wasn't competing with Na'er, nor was it any matter of strategy or technique. It was... not... being... able... to... squeeze... in!

Does anyone else get it? This whole operation had truly started on nightmare difficulty!