The Chaos Bell was ancient and imposing, exuding the aura of time, its surface patterns flickering with strange light.
Xuanhuang energy flowed across the surface of the Chaos Bell in Qian Daoliu's hands.
An immense aura surged wildly around Qian Daoliu, and faintly, a clear, piercing cry rang out.
The cry seemed to come from antiquity, carrying endless majesty and an oppressive weight.
The Xuanhuang energy on the Chaos Bell gradually formed an apparition of a Three-Legged Golden Crow.
The apparition was lifelike, radiating scorching light, as though it might fly out of the Chaos Bell at any moment.
Then a flash of light streaked past, and the apparition appeared before Qian Daoliu.
The Three-Legged Golden Crow's eyes blazed like flames as they fixed on Da Ming and Er Ming, leaving them unable to move.
Da Ming and Er Ming huddled close together, a trace of fear and unease showing in their eyes.
The moment the Chaos Bell appeared, they felt suffocating pressure crash over them.
That cry was like a heavy hammer, smashing into their hearts.
Da Ming and Er Ming began to tremble, sensing an unprecedented threat.
Before this overwhelming power, they seemed so small and fragile.
Deep in the forest, where danger lurked on every side, the atmosphere was unbearably oppressive.
Sunlight filtered through layer upon layer of foliage, scattering dappled light and shadows, yet it could not dispel the tension hanging in the air.
Qian Daoliu stood in a forest clearing, his gaze so sharp that it seemed capable of seeing through everything.
He spoke slowly, his voice low:
"Perhaps this is fate. Not long ago, I received a blessing from a 'god,' and this is a 'god-bestowed martial soul.'"
As he spoke, Qian Daoliu slowly raised both hands, his fingers rapidly forming seals as fluctuations of divine power radiated from within him.
He connected with the Angel God Statue and drew out a thread of divine power.
The corners of Qian Daoliu's mouth lifted slightly. The Chaos Bell's light grew ever more dazzling, and the Three-Legged Golden Crow's apparition became clearer.
Xiao Wu and her mother might only have sensed the strength of Qian Daoliu's god-bestowed martial soul, but towering waves were already crashing through Da Ming's and Er Ming's hearts.
The aura radiating from the Three-Legged Golden Crow-that sensation-had already surpassed even that lord's.
A flicker of shock and longing crossed Xiao Wu’s Mother’s eyes, and she could not help asking:
"A god... bestowed martial soul... can this method truly allow someone to become a god?"
Qian Daoliu smiled faintly and said:
"You may think I'm already rather old, with little hope left on the road to godhood."
"But my disciple, Bibi Dong, possesses unparalleled talent. She is twenty this year, and she will surely walk the road to godhood as well."
As Qian Daoliu spoke, he looked toward Bibi Dong, and the seven black soul rings around her blazed with light.
Da Ming and the others exchanged glances, their hearts filled with shock.
A twenty-year-old Soul Saint-with this young girl's talent, she would certainly stand at the pinnacle of humanity in the future.
If they followed the 'God-Making Plan,' there might truly be a chance of success.
On one side lay their fear of the Chaos Bell; on the other, the temptation of a chance at godhood.
Xiao Wu’s Mother took a deep breath, then said:
"If we truly can become gods, that would mean being able to protect this forest, and protect Xiao Wu and the others."
Qian Daoliu continued:
"By joining us, not only could you gain an opportunity to become gods, you might even find a chance for the Soul Beast Clan and humanity to coexist peacefully."
After listening to Qian Daoliu, Da Ming slowly spoke:
"We are tempted, but we dare not trust you lightly. How can you guarantee that we won't be treated as tools after joining you?"
Indeed, after seeing the Chaos Bell, especially after feeling the pressure of the Golden Crow's apparition, Da Ming believed that Qian Daoliu would certainly become a god in the future.
"Big Brother, you..."
Er Ming looked at Da Ming beside him in bewilderment.
Qian Daoliu's expression turned solemn:
"I can swear in the name of the Angel God. As long as you join us sincerely, we can work together."
At that moment, Bibi Dong stepped out from behind Qian Daoliu. Looking at Xiao Wu’s Mother atop Da Ming’s head, she felt something stir within her.
Bibi Dong stopped when she reached Qian Daoliu's side and tugged at the hem of his clothes.
"Teacher, there's something I'd like to say."
Having said that, Bibi Dong looked toward Xiao Wu’s Mother again.
Seeing Bibi Dong's actions, Qian Daoliu nodded. They had to give the soul beasts some time to think.
Bibi Dong was a little nervous.
Da Ming’s enormous, imposing body towered before her, while Xiao Wu’s Mother looked tiny atop his head.
A trace of confusion and wariness showed in Xiao Wu’s Mother’s eyes. She did not understand what this young woman wanted.
Bibi Dong drew a deep breath, her gaze fixed firmly on Xiao Wu’s Mother, her voice low but tinged with urgency.
"Do you remember saving a little girl long ago?"
Her voice echoed through the forest, like a pebble dropped into a still lake, sending out ripples upon ripples.
"There's something familiar about you. Did you once save me?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Xiao Wu’s Mother froze for a moment. She raised her head slightly, confusion flickering in her eyes, but quickly regained her composure.
Looking at Bibi Dong, Xiao Wu’s Mother sank into her memories.
It had been a night many years ago, with moonlight spilling like water over a forest; while out, she had happened upon Bibi Dong, grievously wounded and barely clinging to life.
Back then, Bibi Dong had been pursued by wild beasts, her life hanging by a thread.
A spark of pity had stirred in Xiao Wu’s Mother’s heart, so she had intervened, hiding Bibi Dong and using her own medicinal herbs to treat her wounds.
During those days, Xiao Wu’s Mother had cared for Bibi Dong attentively until she recovered and left.
Later, Bibi Dong had been taken in by the Spirit Hall Orphanage...
Xiao Wu’s Mother spoke slowly, her voice gentle yet weathered by the years:
"Yes. Many years ago, in a forest, I did save someone who was badly wounded. I suppose that person was you."
Hearing that answer, Bibi Dong's heart jolted.
Those hazy memories surged back like a tide. She remembered the warm figure who had given her hope in the darkness, and every little moment of Xiao Wu’s Mother gathering herbs and brewing medicine for her.
Bibi Dong looked at Xiao Wu’s Mother and said earnestly:
"Auntie, you were the one who saved my life back then. Without you, I might have died in the jaws of those wild beasts long ago. Now I'm Spirit Hall's Saintess and Teacher's disciple."
"I believe Teacher's plan will definitely succeed."
Xiao Wu’s Mother looked at Bibi Dong, feeling somewhat moved.
Just then, Xiao Wu rubbed her rabbit head against her mother's hand and said:
"Mother, I believe in Qian Daoliu and Sister Bibi Dong. I want to see the human world, and I also want the Soul Beast Clan to have a better future."
Xiao Wu’s Mother looked into the little rabbit’s determined eyes. Hesitation still lingered on her face as she turned toward Qian Daoliu and the others.
"This matter is of great importance. Could you give us a few days to consider it?"
"Seven days. We will remain in the Star Dou Great Forest for those seven days, waiting for your answer."
"All right, that works."
Xiao Wu’s Mother agreed.
Before you continue