"Actually, there's something else on my mind now." Dai Youheng's expression grew serious. "My original plan was to live off a woman, marry into the Xu Family, slaughter them all, then inherit the Star Luo Empire as their son-in-law and the Dai Family's heir. But now, I'm afraid that approach won't work."
"Why?" Snow Empress asked curiously.
"Because the foremost of the seven sins is pride. I finally understand why the power of destiny the Auspicious Beast gave me granted me that premonition. So this was why I was meant to unite the continent." Dai Youheng clearly had some guesses about the divine trials that would most likely follow. "Winning the world by living off a woman might fit sloth perfectly, but it doesn't fit pride. I'll have to change my methods."
"There's another point, too. The Xu Family wants to control me so they can control the Dai Family's Western Army Group. The crucial part of that is that I have to remain within their control. If my strength shows signs of slipping beyond their grasp, they might..."
"You think they won't tolerate you growing too quickly and will find a way to control you, much as you controlled Ling Ya with the Yin-Yang Fate-Reversing Lotus Seed Pill?" Snow Empress was, after all, the King of the Far North. Before Dai Youheng could finish, she had already guessed his meaning.
Dai Youheng smiled faintly. "Exactly. Putting myself in their shoes, that's what I would do. A hundred-thousand-year sixth ring alone might still be barely tolerable. But if my seventh ring also exceeds a hundred thousand years, then, if I were a member of the Xu Family, I'd definitely find some way to bring me completely under control."
Snow Empress nodded. "That is something we must guard against. But I