She hadn't expected Gu Yuena to be so... magnanimous?
However, Gu Yuena's next words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly turning her nascent hope into a stark and realistic reality.
"However, the problem is that Xuan Ming, at least so far, doesn't have that kind of feeling for you." Gu Yuena analyzed with a hint of helplessness in her tone, "He's not a promiscuous person, much less someone who falls in love with every woman he meets. He's deep-thinking and reserved, especially when it comes to matters of the heart, he's almost... oblivious."
You spent two years together on Sea God Island. He respects you, values you, and may even be grateful for your care, but romantic feelings... at least for him, haven't yet blossomed."
The light in Bo Saixi's eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head bitterly.
Gu Yuena was right. Xuan Ming always maintained a polite distance from her. His concern stemmed more from gratitude towards an elder or friend, and he never overstepped his bounds.
Seeing Bo Saixi's somber expression, Gu Yuena changed the subject:
"Therefore, you need to take the initiative in this matter."
"Take the initiative?" Bo Saixi was stunned. Given her status and personality, for her to take the initiative to express her feelings to a man much younger than herself? This was simply...
"That's right, take the initiative," Gu Yuena affirmed. "I know him too well. He can face mountains of corpses without flinching, and he can fight to the death under the pressure of God King. But when it comes to emotions, he has too many concerns, and his heart isn't hard enough. If you keep holding back, he'll keep pretending not to know, maintaining that damn, annoying balance."
She looked at Bo Saixi and made her judgment. "But if you take the initiative to break through this barrier, given the relationship you've built up over the past two years on Sea God Island... in my opinion, your chances of success are at least fifty percent."
50%!
Bo Saixi was stunned, her cheeks flushed. Taking the initiative to approach? Clearly expressing her feelings? This... this completely overturned the etiquette and reserve she had upheld for nearly a century!
"I... how could I..." Bo Saixi's voice was barely audible, filled with shyness and hesitation.
"For the sake of Sea God Inheritance's legacy, and for your own sake," Gu Yuena looked at her and pointed out the most crucial point, "Are you content to forever remain a waiter, a high priest trapped on this island? Don't you want to seize this opportunity, break free from fate, and become the true Sea God?"
The words "qualification to Sea God Inheritance's legacy" struck Bo Saixi's heart like a heavy hammer. She remembered the contents of the hidden God's Trial, and her own yearning for freedom and her longing for a higher realm.
Gu Yuena's words were like a key, unlocking the long-standing shackles binding her heart.
Yes, she has waited for too long and suppressed her feelings for too long.
For Tang Chen, she guarded Sea God Island for decades, only to end up with nothing.
Must we, now, miss another opportunity that could change our destiny because of so-called modesty and shyness?
Seeing the resolute light gradually igniting in Bo Saixi's eyes, Gu Yuena knew that her words had had an effect.
"The choice is yours," Gu Yuena concluded. "I've shown you the opportunity; whether you seize it depends on your courage."
Having said that, she turned and left the palace without another word, leaving Bo Saixi alone, standing there, her heart surging with emotion, unable to calm down for Jiujiu.
Is it proactive...?
Bo Saixi gazed at the bright moonlight outside the window. In her sea-blue eyes, hesitation, shyness, and struggle were eventually replaced by a resolute determination, as if she had already made a do-or-die decision.
Perhaps... it's time for her to be brave for herself this time.
Chapter 376 For Myself, For the Soul Beast Clan
Sea God Island, Ice Crystal Castle.
A temporary castle, constructed from a mixture of Ultimate Ice and Indestructible Rock, stood silently. This was a residence that Xuan Ming had casually created with his power for his convenience in staying with Gu Yuena.
Gu Yuena's figure appeared silently in the central hall of the castle, like a silver stream of light blending into the Yuehua. She barely paused; her powerful divine sense spread out like invisible ripples, precisely locking onto four auras.
A moment later, four beautiful figures entered the hall one after another.
The Snow Empress remained as aloof as a snow lotus, radiating an aura that kept strangers at bay. The Ice Empress, on the other hand, possessed a touch of arrogance and curiosity. Bi Ji was gentle and serene, her emerald eyes filled with inquiry. Zi JI's dragon eyes flickered slightly, her figure alluring, exuding a wild beauty.
"My lord, what urgent matter has brought you here?" Bi Ji spoke first, her voice gentle. She could sense that Gu Yuena's aura was somewhat unusual.
Gu Yuena's gaze slowly swept over the four people. Her silver-purple eyes held no hint of jest, only an almost cold clarity and decisiveness. "I summoned you here for Xuan Ming's sake, for your own sake, and even more so for the sake of the Soul Beast Clan."
Upon hearing this, the four women's expressions changed slightly, and they became serious.
Gu Yuena didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point. " Xuan Ming's potential is evident to all. He is already Level 99 Peerless Douluo, possessing the rudiments of multiple God Level laws, and is only one step away from becoming a god at level 100. His future is limitless."
"The hope for the revival of the Soul Beast Clan rests on him. There is no doubt about that."
The four women nodded silently. They had all witnessed Xuan Ming's incredible growth rate and knew his significance to the Soul Beast Clan.
"However," Gu Yuena's tone shifted, becoming more serious, "Reviving the Soul Beast Clan is not just about solving the problems left behind by the Dragon God, but more importantly... about the continuation and strengthening of the race."
Her gaze deepened, as if she were looking into the distant past. "Looking back at the glorious era when the Dragon God ruled, how powerful our race was! Countless people with strong bloodlines emerged, and many even withstood the heavenly Heavenly Tribulation and achieved Godhood through their own strength. But what about now? The energy of heaven and earth has declined, the laws are suppressing, and there are very few of our kind who have cultivated for more than 100,000 years, let alone those who have attempted to reach God Level."
Even if we successfully resolve the hidden dangers left by the Dragon God and break the shackles of the Divine Realm, the current situation of our race's top combat power being lacking successors and our bloodline being dwindling will still be difficult to change in the short term.
Snow Empress, Ice Empress, Bi Ji, and Zi JI all fell silent. As Ferocious Beast had lived for hundreds of thousands of years, they felt this most deeply. The Soul Beast Clan was indeed declining.
It's not just because of the rise of humanity, but more so because of the decline and decay of the Soul Beast Clan's bloodline. Those powerful bloodlines of the past are now few and far between.
"While I have a way to gradually improve this situation, it will take a long time." Gu Yuena looked at them, her eyes sharpening. "But now, there is a simpler, more direct method that can accelerate this process and even bring new hope to the Soul Beast Clan."
The four women seemed to sense something was amiss, and their hearts began to race involuntarily.
Gu Yuena's gaze swept over them one by one, finally settling on Bi Ji. Her tone was calm yet meaningful. "This method is... with Xuan Ming's offspring."
"He has merged the bloodlines of two first-generation Dragon Kings and been further enhanced by the Dragon God's Heart. The nobility and power of his bloodline far surpasses that of any current Soul Beast. His descendants are born with unparalleled potential and will surely become the new pillars of the Soul Beast Clan in the future!"
"Even if you don't have offspring for the time being, as long as you can establish the closest relationship with Xuan Ming and forge a deep bond, it will not only greatly benefit your personal future, but also bring immeasurable benefits to your clan."
Her gaze finally settled on Bi Ji, carrying a hint of insight and gentleness. " Bi Ji, I know you once had feelings for Xuan Ming. There's no need to deny it, and I also know that you concealed those feelings out of respect for me."
Bi Ji's delicate body trembled slightly. She raised her head, her eyes filled with surprise and a hint of panic at having her secret exposed. She hadn't expected her lord to see through even this so clearly.
"But I must tell you all today," Gu Yuena's voice echoed throughout the hall, carrying the majestic air of the Silver Dragon King and the ruler of all Soul Beast, "That I do not care about this."
" The Soul Beast Clan has always followed the laws of nature. Stronger males have more mates, which is a way to optimize bloodlines and strengthen the race. The human concept of one-on-one love is not an ironclad rule of our race."
Her gaze swept over every face, finally settling on empty space, as if stating a perfectly natural truth. "Feelings are inherently consensual. If Xuan Ming is unwilling, even if I bind him to my side and forbid him from contacting anyone, all I'll get is an empty shell, utterly meaningless. I, Gu Yuena, disdain such things."
"Therefore," she concluded, giving them the right to choose, "Whether for your personal feelings and future, or for the interests of the community you represent, I hope that in this crucial year, you can set aside unnecessary reservations and concerns, and do your best to fight for your own destiny."
"Of course," she said, her tone carrying a final hint of leniency, "I won't force you. The choice is yours."
After the words were spoken, a long silence fell over the hall. Snow Empress's icy eyes flickered with contemplation, Ice Empress's scorpion tail swayed unconsciously, Bi Ji's gentle face showed struggle and recollection, and Zi JI's dragon eyes ignited with an aggressive flame.
Gu Yuena said no more, turning to look at the boundless night sky outside the castle window. The seeds had been sown; whether they would blossom and bear fruit depended on their own courage and destiny.
Just as the atmosphere in the hall was delicate, and the four Ferocious Beast remained silent with their own thoughts, the heavy ice crystal door of the hall was gently pushed open.
Xuan Ming appeared at the doorway, his face showing the weariness of having just come down from Sea God Mountain and... obvious confusion.
He had just finished thinking about his own Soul Ring plan and decided to come back and rest for a while before going to find Snow Empress and the others to discuss the Soul Ring matter.
However, when he stepped into the hall and felt the almost stagnant air, as well as the four pairs of eyes that were fixed on him, he couldn't help but pause.
The Snow Empress remained aloof, but her eyes seemed deeper than usual, as if she were weighing some important decision.
Ice Empress seemed restless, her eyes darting around, occasionally stealing a glance at him before quickly looking away.
Bi Ji's gentle face showed a rare hint of struggle and blush. When she saw him enter, she even subconsciously avoided his gaze.
And Zi JI... her wild dragon eyes were staring straight at him, burning with an aggressive flame he couldn't understand.
This atmosphere... is so eerie!
It was as if he had stumbled upon a scene of a grand conspiracy, and he himself seemed to be the target of that conspiracy?
"What... are you talking about?"
Xuan Ming subconsciously stopped and stood at the doorway, asking somewhat warily. A strange sense of unease quietly rose within him, making him even consider turning around and leaving.
Five pairs of eyes in the hall instantly focused on him.
Being stared at by five pairs of beautiful eyes, each with its own distinct style yet all containing complex emotions, especially since some of those gazes carried a scrutinizing quality that sent chills down Xuanming's spine, Xuan Ming felt the hairs on his forehead stand on end.
"We didn't talk about much," Gu Yuena spoke first, her voice as cool and indifferent as ever, as if nothing had just happened. "We just discussed some ideas about the future development of the Soul Beast Clan."
Future development?
Xuan Ming frowned slightly.
Do we need to look at him with that... like gaze, as if we want to devour him alive, when discussing future development?
He looked at the Snow Empress and the Ice Empress with suspicion.
When Snow Empress met his gaze, her icy blue eyes flickered slightly, and she surprisingly looked away first, though the slight pursing of her lips revealed her inner turmoil.
Ice Empress snorted, flicked her scorpion tail, and turned her head away, but a barely perceptible blush seemed to rise at the base of her ears.
Xuan Ming: "???"
He then looked at Bi Ji.
Feeling his gaze, Bi Ji blushed even more deeply on her gentle cheeks. She lowered her head slightly, her hands nervously twisting together. Her hesitant and shy demeanor only made Xuan Ming more confused.
Finally, his gaze met that of Zi JI.
Instead of avoiding his gaze, Zi JI met his gaze with a seductive little step forward. The flames in her dragon eyes burned even brighter, and a wild and alluring smile played on her lips, as if to say:
Guess what we're talking about?
Chapter 377 That's not how it's done.
Xuan Ming looked at the extremely strange atmosphere before him, especially Zi JI's undisguised gaze that seemed to want to devour him whole, and combined with Gu Yuena's ambiguous "future development"... a thought flashed through his mind like lightning.
Yes!
Gu Yuena must have thought the same thing as him!
This damn Fourth Trial, " Severing Romantic Ties," is an unsolvable problem. Rather than getting entangled in it and adding to your troubles, it's better to just give up.
The most urgent task is to accumulate one's own strength to its peak as soon as possible, and break through the realm directly with force to reach the God Level!
The fastest way to increase one's strength is undoubtedly to complete the remaining five Soul Ring of the Black Dragon Martial Soul.
These four before him— Snow Empress, Ice Empress, Bi Ji, and Zi JI —are they not the most suitable candidates? Their cultivation is profound, and their attributes are compatible with his Black Dragon Martial Soul to varying degrees.
Gu Yuena must have summoned them to persuade them to Sacrifice their Soul Ring and lend him a hand. The strange atmosphere just now must have been caused by their inner struggle upon hearing this.
After all, everyone knows what Sacrifice Soul Ring means.
"You told them everything?" Xuan Ming asked.
"Mm." Gu Yuena nodded gently.
"Then you..." Xuan Ming looked at the four women present.
Who wants to go first?
He didn't waste any more words. Things had come to this point, and the risks weren't too great. Gu Yuena possessed the Dragon God's Heart, and his Black Dragon Martial Soul also had the power to travel through time and space. Even if the Divine Realm had broken off relations with them now, they still had the ability to escape the Douluo God Realm's control.
It's actually safer to hang on him than to stay here.
Xuan Ming asked the question as if it were a matter of course, his tone calm, as if he were simply asking who would be on night duty that day.
However, the question "Who goes first?" struck the four women like Startling Thunder from a clear sky!
"..."
A near-vacuum silence fell over the hall.
Gu Yuena's previously calm face instantly froze. Looking at Xuan Ming's serious expression of "quick victory," she almost choked on her breath. Her silver-purple eyes were filled with disbelief and a deep, almost desperate speechlessness.
"What... do you mean?" Zi JI couldn't help but ask.
In her mind, Xuan Ming wasn't such a simple and crude person, was he? Why couldn't she hold back?
" Sacrifice," Xuan Ming said.
"Weren't you guys just discussing this? Anyway, I don't have the ability to pass this inexplicable Fourth Trial, so why not just adjust my state and try to break through to the God Realm? My Black Dragon Martial Soul is only five Soul Ring away from being completed. Ordinary Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring aren't very meaningful to me. You guys... aren't you just perfect for me?"
Xuan Ming's words became increasingly hesitant, because he noticed that everyone's expressions were... not quite right!
Gu Yuena had turned away completely, her shoulders trembling slightly, whether she was sighing or trying to suppress a laugh, it was clear she didn't want to look at him anymore.
Snow Empress's cold, icy eyes suddenly widened, filled with astonishment and a sense of... utterly offended absurdity. An uncontrollable chill emanated from her, causing the temperature in the entire hall to plummet, and even freezing a thin layer of ice on the ground.
Ice Empress laughed in anger, hands on her hips, her scorpion tail swaying dangerously. "So, in your eyes, we're just five walking Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring?! And just the right amount? Xuan Ming! Has your brain been infected by that insect Sacrifice?!"
The blush on Bi Ji's gentle face completely faded, replaced by a deep sense of helplessness and amusement. She sighed softly, " Xuan Ming... you... sigh..." She seemed unable to even utter a word of reproach.
She should have thought of it; Xuan Ming's mind was always quite serious, and he would never let his imagination run wild in such directions.
The blazing flames in Zi JI's aggressive dragon eyes vanished instantly, replaced by an expression that mixed with anger, speechlessness, and a hint of... being choked. Her lips twitched. "What... what's going on in your head?!"