"Yes."
Long Jinyu nodded, his gaze as deep as an abyss. "Every word in the dream was true—within ten years, Little Golden Lion will face a life-and-death trial. If she cannot escape it, not only will she die, but her origin bloodline and the fortune of Star Dou Forest will be taken from her as well."
The wind by the lake suddenly turned several degrees colder.
Unreadable emotions churned in Gu Yuena's violet eyes.
She had thought the "serious matter" the youth spoke of was merely the Auspicious Beast being too playful, or perhaps being coveted by some faction.
Never in her wildest dreams had she expected it to be the work of the God Realm.
"Are you certain?"
"I would never joke about something like this."
Long Jinyu looked at her solemnly. "Sister Na, the soul beast clan has waited ten thousand years for its chance. But Little Golden Lion's trial cannot wait. That is why I came this time—I wanted to discuss with you how we can help her get through it."
Gu Yuena slowly nodded.
"I have sensed the hand from above as well..."
Her fingertips lightly rubbed the rim of her cup, her brows faintly furrowed. "It began about two years ago. Every so often, an extremely faint trace of aura would probe into Star Dou Forest, wrapping around the Auspicious Beast like spider silk. It was so weak that, if I had not watched over her day and night, I would have almost been unable to detect it. Every time I tried to trace it back to its source, it would swiftly dissipate like ripples startled upon water."
"That child herself noticed nothing. Every day, she still ran through the forest, gathered fruit, chased butterflies, and acted cute with Di Tian. Sometimes, when I watched