The Deal Was Struck

Seeing the two of them stunned once more, Yu Tianshuo was fairly satisfied with his plan.

First, he had made an issue of his powerful and mysterious bloodline, adding the setting that he came from an even more powerful world.

Then he had used things from this world that they didn't know about to stun them, before finally stating his purpose.

It wasn't clever—in fact, it was rather crude—but it was enough to intimidate these two fools.

Yu Tianshuo snapped his fingers, drawing their attention back to him, then continued his bluff with a solemn expression.

"Although you may find this difficult to accept, the Dragon God's final words before his split clearly stated that Soul Beasts are forbidden from becoming gods! Only the appearance of the next Dragon God's successor can break this ironclad rule."

He drew a deep breath and continued.

"So, for the future of Soul Beasts, and for the future of humanity as well, we must work together!"

His voice grew more and more impassioned, as if the entire world could hear his call.

"I need your power. Only with your strength can I become the next Dragon God while still in this human body!"

"With that invincible power, I'll change the laws of this twisted world!"

"And the moment I truly become the Dragon God will be the day Soul Beasts are liberated!"

Yu Tianshuo's words burned like flames, brimming with passion and determination.

Looking into the Dragon Kings' eyes, he made his vow.

"When that day comes, not only you, but also the other Dragon Kings I absorb, will be brought back to life!"

"If the Dragon God is willing, I'll even try to resurrect him!"

The Ice Dragon King and the Fire Dragon King exchanged a glance. Yu Tianshuo's sincerity and speech had moved them.

Their eyes began to burn with fervor!

Only now did they truly understand the ambition and power of the man standing before them!

Seeing how well his words had worked, Yu Tianshuo smiled and held out his hand to them.

"Let's fight for a brighter tomorrow!"

They clasped his hand with fervor and cried out excitedly,

"For a brighter tomorrow!"

Their hands were clasped tightly together, as if they had sworn some sort of pact. All three wore sincere smiles.

The next morning.

After last night's heart-to-heart and brainwashing, Yu Tianshuo had obtained information from some of the Dragon Kings about where they had fallen.

They also knew the locations of some dragons that had fallen into slumber. Some were even Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts, and they said they could help Yu Tianshuo negotiate with them.

In return, Yu Tianshuo had to promise to save the other Soul Beasts absorbed by those around him whenever possible.

Yu Tianshuo readily agreed.

Honestly, once he reached the Dragon God's level, changing the laws of the world and creating small worlds would be a piece of cake.

Then he would let the Soul Beasts live in a small world. Once they had gained sentience, they could choose their own futures. Whether they wanted to cultivate among humans or become gods in the form of Soul Beasts, he had no objections.

Those were worries for later. Taking care of what was in front of him was what mattered now.

He got up and washed, then kicked his senior brother awake before taking him to the campsite to find their master.

They hadn't even reached the campsite when Dugu Yuan began shouting.

"Dad! Get up, it's time to go! Stop sleeping in there!"

After shouting, Dugu Yuan began to yawn. He didn't notice a slipper flying out of the campsite straight toward them.

Yu Tianshuo saw it coming and didn't bother to stop it. He simply dodged with a sidestep.

But his senior brother, who was still yawning after shouting, wasn't so lucky. It hit him dead-on, flying right into Dugu Yuan's wide-open mouth. He promptly started retching.

"I can sense when you're coming. Why are you shouting? Do you realize we're still out in the wilderness?"

Seeing Dugu Bo walk toward them, Yu Tianshuo dutifully greeted him.

"Good morning, Master."

Dugu Bo nodded, then continued toward Dugu Yuan, who was still retching.

After thinking it over all night, Dugu Bo had decided he'd been too lenient with his son.

He had spoiled him too much before, so he decided that starting today, he would strictly regulate Dugu Yuan's every word and action.

It probably wouldn't do much good, but at least it would help him reclaim his image as a stern teacher in his son's eyes.

After another round of loving discipline, Dugu Bo told them to pack up and get ready to leave.

But just then, Yu Tianshuo was about to put on another performance!

"Master, I've once again found some information about Dragon-type Soul Beasts in an ancient text."

At this news, Dugu Bo remained calm. Even Dugu Yuan didn't look particularly shocked.

Was it because they weren't surprised? No, they were simply numb to it by now.

When neither his master nor his senior brother said anything, merely giving him a look that said, "Go on,"

Yu Tianshuo felt a little disappointed that he hadn't seen any shock on their faces, but he continued anyway.

"I learned from an ancient text that the Earth Dragon King is buried in the Tianling Mountain Range beside Jialing Pass."

"Not only that, but other Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts are slumbering alongside the Earth Dragon King. They're also targets I've picked out for you, Master."

As he spoke, Yu Tianshuo took out a map and pointed to the Tianling Mountain Range beside Jialing Pass.

Dugu Bo rubbed his chin and asked,

"Do you know the exact location?"

Yu Tianshuo answered confidently,

"No problem. I can sense it."

"Good. Let's go now."

With that, Dugu Bo vanished before their eyes, leaving only a few words behind.

"You two, follow me on your own. Whoever arrives last will have all their training doubled from now on—and at devilish difficulty!"

Dugu Yuan looked at Yu Tianshuo. But this time, he didn't meet his junior brother's eyes in their usual bewildered stare.

All he saw was his junior brother activating Martial Soul Possession, already calling out his Soul Skills.

"First Soul Skill, Golden Dragon Transformation!"

"Second Soul Skill, Ice and Fire Twin Dragon Transformation!"

As the Soul Skills took effect, Yu Tianshuo's entire body turned golden, and his speed doubled. Then he used another skill.

"Nine Dragon Protection Seal!"

At the skill's activation, two clones returned to Yu Tianshuo's body, boosting his speed by another threefold.

Watching his junior brother disappear, Dugu Yuan could only stare in deep shock and terror.

He hurriedly activated his Seventh Soul Skill, Martial Soul Avatar, and began desperately chasing after him!

As he chased, he shouted,

"Junior Brother!!!"

"Wait up! That counts as getting a head start! Again! Start over!"

There was no answer. All he could see was the road his junior brother had plowed through as he barreled onward.

Only then did Dugu Yuan understand just how sinister the human heart could be.