Chapter 541: Bewitchment (Part 2)
After a moment of silence, Ye Wen spoke softly, "Have a seat."
In the presence of such a formidable power, Juzi dared not indulge in any tricks. She obediently sat on the bench, ready to await Ye Wen's intentions. Her submissive demeanor made Ye Wen's mouth twitch in amusement. Did he really look like such a villain?
He glanced at her again, realizing the late hour and recalling that he'd summoned a young woman to meet alone. Of course, such circumstances could make anyone uneasy especially with a Title Douluo, against whom Juzi had no chance of resisting. Still, Ye Wen's experience and composure remained unfazed. He continued, his tone firm, yet gentle.
"Juzi, do you know why I asked you to come here?" he asked.
Juzi lowered her head, murmuring, "I don't know. But if Your Excellency has any instructions, I will follow them."
Ye Wen's gaze softened. During their time together, he had come to understand Juzi's character more deeply. In return, she had started to know him a bit better. Seeing this young woman carrying such a heavy burden at such an age made him feel a strange sense of pity. Her life should have been filled with light and joy, yet here she was, burdened with plans and ambitions far beyond her years.
After a moment's hesitation, Ye Wen finally broke the silence. "Juzi, I imagine you bear resentment toward the Xingluo Empire and the other nations of the Douluo Continent, don't you?"
A complex expression flitted across Juzi's face. Though she'd tried to disguise her feelings behind a facade of nonchalance and apathy, how had this man seen through her? His files never mentioned that he had a spiritual type martial soul, after all. Could he have found out about her intentions? Or worse, was he here to eliminate her before she could act?
Juzi's heart raced as she considered calling for help, but she knew that against a Title Douluo, her pleas would be silenced before they reached anyone's ears. Her eyes turned steely, and she clenched her lips tightly, staring at Ye Wen as though preparing to face her fate.
Regret coursed through Juzi's heart. Why had she ever agreed to this dangerous mission? Was the vendetta for her parents about to end here, with her life?
But then, Juzi caught a glimpse of Ye Wen's expression and froze.
What was that look? Compassion? Appreciation? Or… something else?
"Why… why are you looking at me like that?" Juzi muttered, her voice trembling as she lowered her head.
That gaze was unfamiliar to her but somehow stirred her heart. It reminded her of her parents, of the gentle way they used to look at her as a child. She quickly averted her eyes, unable to face the painful memories it brought back the warm, loving looks her parents had once given her at the dinner table.
"Juzi," Ye Wen continued gently, "I know everything about your past. There's no need to be so on guard around me. I mean you no harm. In fact, I sympathize with your life."
Juzi's shoulders began to shake, and her face twisted with a mix of anger and sorrow.
"Please… stop," she managed through gritted teeth.
Her voice was tight with controlled emotion. "If Your Excellency could please tell me why I was called here tonight… I don't presume to have the sort of talent that would warrant this level of attention from someone like you."
Juzi's self control was impressive. After her brief display of emotion, she quickly regained her composure, and her gaze hardened as she fixed her eyes on Ye Wen, trying to maintain a façade of calm.
Ye Wen sighed, sensing her guardedness. He was undeterred, however; persistence was his strength. He sat down across from her, his voice soft and steady.
"Relax, Juzi. I won't force you to do anything against your will. Let's start with something simple let's just talk and get to know one another."
Perhaps it was Ye Wen's warmth that caused her to lower her guard, if only a little. Yet she quickly reminded herself of her mission. Her adversary sat before her this was no time for idle chatter.
But slowly, despite her internal reservations, Juzi found herself drawn into Ye Wen's tale. He shared the story of his early life on the Douluo Continent, and to her surprise, it was no grand epic of privilege and power.
"I came from the lowest levels of society, much like yourself," Ye Wen said, his tone contemplative. "If anything, my background might be even humbler than yours. Your father had the position of a chef, but my family lived in a small, isolated village. But I refused to resign myself to fate. I researched my martial soul from the moment I could cultivate."
A small smile crept onto his face as he continued. "I was lucky. Along the way, I met my beloved and encountered benefactors. Through one struggle after another, I eventually established my first academy, and from there, my journey as a Title Douluo truly began."
The story of a Limit Douluo's humble beginnings fascinated Juzi. This was the sort of story that any soul master, especially one with high ambitions, could appreciate. And, of course, every word held valuable information.
But Juzi, ever perceptive, soon detected something amiss.
"If this Tianxing Douluo's rise began with martial soul research, why had no one ever heard of him before?" she mused, her eyes narrowing. "According to the reports from His Highness, Xu Tianran, he seemed to have appeared out of thin air!"
Ye Wen noticed the faint flicker of suspicion in her eyes, and a small smile tugged at his lips. The loopholes he had woven into his story had the desired effect.
When Ye Wen began describing a future of a unified, peaceful Douluo Continent, Juzi's eyes widened in disbelief. How could he expect her to believe such nonsense? The continent had endured thousands of years of fragmentation. What sort of delusional fantasy was this?
Yet, even if Juzi was certain he was speaking nonsense, his immense power left her with no choice but to listen in silence. However, in her mind, she began to categorize Ye Wen as an eccentric storyteller and someone prone to grand illusions.
Still… Ye Wen's stories of a united, peaceful continent evoked a glimmer of longing in her eyes. What would it be like to live in such an era, free of war and conflict? If she had been born into that kind of world, she wouldn't have been orphaned and cast aside as so many had been.
Yet no matter how beautiful the vision, she knew it was just a dream. Her momentary desire quickly faded, replaced by a sense of bitterness. Why did he have to share such a sweet lie?
But Ye Wen wasn't finished; his tale only grew stranger. His next words left Juzi incredulous.
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Chapter 542: Bewitchment (Final)
Ye Wen paused briefly, then said, "Take a seat."
Juzi complied without hesitation, sitting rigidly on the bench. She gave him a wary look, as if bracing herself for whatever he was about to say. Watching her, Ye Wen couldn't help but smile slightly did he really look that intimidating?
After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Juzi, I became the sole emperor of the Douluo Continent, and it's made me wonder… if such a beautiful country would once again fall into chaos and division after my death, how could I prevent it? The answer lay in the foundation of this continent long before I came."
He paused, meeting her gaze. "Reaching level 100, ascending to godhood, becoming immortal."
At those words "reaching level 100 to become a god" Juzi's eyes widened in shock. She looked at him, her mouth opening slightly, unable to voice the whirlwind of disbelief racing through her mind. Was he saying he had truly become… a god?
Ye Wen raised his hands, forming a series of intricate seals. "Domain Expansion: Infinite World."
In an instant, a pure white realm materialized around them. Juzi blinked in disbelief, finding herself surrounded by an endless white void.
"T this…" Juzi was speechless as she gazed at the pristine space around her. She knew about domains and had heard of their power. But domains typically boosted the user or weakened their enemies in a concentrated field. Never had she heard of one that transported someone into a whole new space.
Doubt crept into her mind; was she under the illusion of a spiritual type soul master? Juzi frantically pinched herself and kicked at the space, trying to sense anything tangible, or the faintest trace of pain that might break her free. But nothing changed.
"Calm down, Juzi. What you see is real," Ye Wen's voice echoed gently around her. "This is my personal creation, a spatial domain. It is also my divine domain."
Juzi froze, ceasing her struggle. She gazed at Ye Wen, unable to process this staggering reality. After a moment, she murmured, "So… gods really do exist in this world."
Two silent tears traced their way down her cheeks, her expression a whirlwind of emotions. She sank to her knees, clutching her head as a deep, long held pain surfaced.
"Why?" she whispered, voice shaking. "Why, if gods truly exist… could they not save my parents or heal this world of suffering? Why leave me alone to live through this endless pain? Why?"
Her words escalated into shouts, an eruption of anger and despair breaking through her composed exterior. Watching her, Ye Wen's heart ached for her.
He could understand all too well. This world, despite having gods, was rife with unending suffering and conflict. All of this was because the gods of the Douluo Divine Realm were selfish, living without any moral compass or order. They took the faith and power generated by this world yet did nothing for it. They were parasites, extracting resources from this rich and vibrant planet without giving anything in return.
In contrast, Ye Wen had shaped his own Divine Realm differently. While it was also sustained by the faith of living worlds, he had built it to thrive sustainably, seeking balance and growth rather than parasitism. But that was a truth he knew better than to explain now.
Juzi wept and raged for a time before finally falling silent, her energy spent. She slumped to the ground, staring at Ye Wen, a hollow look in her eyes. "And what does a god want with me?"
Her words were tinged with bitterness, as though she blamed her suffering on him as well. Ye Wen knelt beside her, gently wiping the tears from her face.
"You still don't understand?" he asked softly. "I am not a god from this world, Juzi. I came here by chance, from another realm. I want to bring peace here, just as I did in my own world."
Juzi looked up at him, stunned. Tears filled her eyes again, though she remained speechless, her mind grappling with what he had told her.
Ye Wen waited, allowing her to absorb this revelation. Finally, she seemed to regain a sliver of her old self, shaking her head slightly as she murmured, "If only you had come sooner…"
Ye Wen fell silent, feeling the weight of her words. Wasn't that the cruel reality of life? Even a god could not ensure that everything turned out the way one might wish.
Seeing a look of sympathy cross his face, Juzi's lips twitched into a faint smile. "But… if you're here, there must be a reason. Tell me, Your Excellency, what is it you want me to do?"
Ye Wen's expression turned serious. "As I've told you, empires ruled by the noble class will always breed tragedies like yours. My goal is to end the reign of the Four Great Empires, to build a new nation where people no longer need to suffer for empty honor or lose their lives in meaningless battles."
Juzi listened, her eyes lighting up slowly, her expression softening. Wealth and power had never been her goal. All she had ever wanted was the security she had known as a child, those simple comforts she once had with her family.
And if there were a way to prevent others from enduring what she had experienced… She felt her heart begin to beat with something she hadn't known in a long time: hope.
Standing up, Juzi's gaze was firm as she looked at Ye Wen. "What can I do to help?"
A smile crossed Ye Wen's face, knowing he had won her over. He extended a hand to her. "Would you like to become my disciple, Juzi? I will give you the same power that I have bestowed on my other disciples the strength to change your destiny. Together, you and your fellow disciples can forge a new nation and bring peace to this world."
Without hesitation, Juzi knelt before him, bowing deeply. "Teacher," she said, her voice filled with respect.
And thus, Ye Wen gained his seventh disciple, his only food type soul master. He began by helping her open her meridians, refining her with the essence of rare herbs and unlocking her potential.
Juzi had not been particularly gifted in cultivation. In the original timeline, she had barely reached the rank of Soul Sage. But under Ye Wen's tutelage, her potential blossomed. He had no doubt she could reach the level of a Title Douluo and, with time, even ascend to godhood alongside his other disciples.
After her transformation, Juzi looked at herself in awe. Her once pale skin glowed with health and vitality. Though she had always neglected her appearance, she now looked radiant and full of life. Seeing her own reflection, she felt a renewed conviction in following Ye Wen's path.
As for the Sun and Moon Empire? She no longer felt any loyalty to that corrupt, war driven state. In her mind, they were just another force of old imperial oppression, one of the causes of endless suffering. After hearing Ye Wen's vision, she no longer felt bound to any kingdom of the past.
In the future she envisioned now, only one nation would exist a united Douluo Continent, led by the teachings and ideals of her master.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 543: Star Dou Forest
Time flew by, and the knowledge Ye Wen chose to disseminate had its limits. In a blink, six years had passed since Tianxing Academy's founding in this world. During this time, exchange students from Shrek Academy and the Sun Moon Empire had learned to master the technique of forging "Ten Thousand Strikes to Awaken Spirit," which greatly escalated the tense atmosphere across the Douluo Continent.
In these six years, Huo Yu'er and her fellow disciples had grown from graceful young girls into beautiful young women. However, none of them had seen significant growth in their cultivation level. Ye Wen's soul armor for them became an insurmountable barrier; until they reached level 70, they couldn't advance further. The exception was Huo Yu'er, who had grown ever more fearsome in her Extreme Ice ability. Over the years, the remaining northern lords had sacrificed themselves to her, making her soul power the highest among her peers.
Unfortunately, even with such monumental power ups, she had yet to reach level 70. Ye Wen, however, was in no rush. Power without experience in battle would lead to certain downfall, so he'd spent these years subjecting Huo Yu'er to rigorous training in combat skills. Now, her close combat prowess was unmatched, and with her Ice Empress martial spirit counterbalancing her Spirit Eyes' combat limitations, Huo Yu'er was undefeated among those of her level.
Yet today, Huo Yu'er was puzzled; Ye Wen was taking her to the Star Dou Forest, but she hadn't yet reached level 70, and Ye Wen usually created artificial soul rings for them. Soul hunting was a distant concept in Huo Yu'er's mind.
They weren't in a hurry. To Huo Yu'er, it felt like a leisurely trip to enjoy Douluo's scenery, though in her opinion, its so called "culture" was fairly ugly. Sixteen, turning seventeen she was in that season of budding feelings. She glanced at Ye Wen, heart pounding, but quickly repressed her emotions.
She knew she was still far too weak to consider such feelings. Ye Wen was an elevated, almost divine figure. This love was unthinkable, yet it drove her desire for power. That forbidden affection, buried deeply, became part of her motivation to grow stronger.
Feigning innocence, Huo Yu'er leaned closer, asking sweetly, "Master, you called me out on this secret journey, and we've been on the road for so long. Can you tell me what we're going to the Star Dou Forest for?"
Her voice was cheerful, carrying a hint of coyness. Ye Wen didn't seem to catch the hidden longing in her question, only smiling indulgently.
After a glance toward the forest now far reduced in size from its grandeur of millennia ago he replied, "Do you remember the lessons I gave you on fate?"
Huo Yu'er straightened up, eager to please. She was top of her class in theory, and her eyes gleamed with pride as she recited, "Master, you taught us that luck and fate, though intangible and invisible, exist in reality. Every life has its own destiny, shaping each life's journey. Among all lives, some carry what's called 'Heaven's Fate,' earning them the title 'Favored of Fate.' And you once told me…" She paused, giggling as she nudged Ye Wen's shoulder. "That I am one such 'Favored of Fate.' Did I remember it all correctly?"
She grinned, her voice brimming with excitement, leaning playfully against him, hoping for his praise. Ye Wen chuckled, his hand resting on her head, a touch of fondness in his gaze. She was like a daughter he'd raised, yet he gently corrected her, "There's one part you forgot. Heaven's Favored are not limited to humans; they can appear among any kind of life."
Huo Yu'er stilled, her face flushing slightly with embarrassment at her oversight, but curiosity quickly overcame her. "So… what does this have to do with why we're here in the Star Dou Forest?"
Ye Wen shook his head, amused. She was brilliant but always pretended to be clueless in front of him. He flicked her forehead lightly. "Silly girl, I just said it don't you understand yet? We're here to find a soul beast that carries Heaven's Fate."
She flushed, sheepish, then promised to stop "being silly." Yet in her heart, she secretly treasured even these small gestures from him. With Ye Wen's guidance, Huo Yu'er had soul power comparable to a high level Soul Douluo.
Together, they cut a direct path toward the forest's core. The forest had changed since Da Ming and Er Ming's era. Faced with human exploitation, the beasts had grown stronger to avoid extinction. Yet Ye Wen bore them no ill will, so he let Huo Yu'er spare the life of each beast that dared attack them, though she subdued each with extreme precision, leaving them barely able to move.
Ye Wen didn't stop her from this harsh treatment, understanding that this was the law of the land survival of the fittest. Sparing them was already an act of mercy. Whether they survived the encounter was up to fate.
As they reached the core of the forest, a heavy silence fell over them.
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Chapter 544: The Struggle for Fate, Part 1
Trailing behind, Ye Wen gazed deeply into the forest. In truth, he hadn't initially planned to come here himself. After all, this was not his original world; one day, he would have to leave it. He didn't want too many entanglements with the counterparts of his wives from his original timeline if he were to return and find himself in a tangled web of family drama or some other mess, it would be more than a little frustrating.
Thus, his original plan was to train Huo Yu'er to a sufficient level and send her to the Star Dou Forest to forge an alliance with Gu Yue Na on her own, paving the way for Douluo Star's renewal.
But plans can rarely keep up with change.
Ye Wen had assumed that with Huo Yu'er, the chosen of fate, out of the picture, Tang San would focus on nurturing his favored son Tang Wulin and revitalizing the Tang Sect. Yet Tang San, it seemed, was hardly the type to let things go. Recently, Ye Wen sensed a disturbance a force probing at Douluo Star's essence and the source was none other than the Star Dou Forest.
Fate was indeed a mysterious force. Power alone did not guarantee abundant fate; sometimes, a mere child who found coins in the street might possess more than an unrivaled powerhouse. But there were always exceptions, known as the "Favored of Fate."
This era had two such individuals: Huo Yu'er, the human favored by fate, and the Three Eyed Golden Lion, the soul beast chosen by fate. In natural circumstances, these two would become the most formidable beings of their time, provided no beings like Tang San or Ye Wen, wielding godlike powers, interfered.
When Ye Wen discovered Tang San's interest in the Three Eyed Golden Lion, he knew exactly what Tang San had in mind. Sure enough, his informants in Shrek relayed that Tang Wulin had set out for the Star Dou Forest with Er Ming. Among all the high level fighters within the HaoTian Sect, including those near the level of 99, Tang San still chose Er Ming to help his son harness the powers of fate. Ye Wen couldn't help but acknowledge Tang San's ruthlessness.
Yet, if Douluo Star was to withstand this world's Divine Realm, Ye Wen knew he could not do it alone; he would need to unite all possible forces. And the essence of fate was essential to him as well he couldn't allow Tang Wulin to claim it. Empowering his rival? Ye Wen would have to be insane.
Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er continued toward the Lake of Life, though they didn't rush. He knew that the Three Eyed Golden Lion was a young creature, prone to wandering and exploring; it wasn't necessarily at the core of the forest but could just as easily be in the outer areas. According to his calculations, Tang Wulin and Er Ming had already entered the Star Dou Forest.
While Ye Wen, being the most powerful deity, could track many things, he was cautious not to leave a trace that might give him away. Tang San, on the other hand, didn't know Ye Wen existed and was free to operate without restraint. He was even brazen enough in the original timeline to insert fragments of his daughter Tang Wutong's soul into the lion's mind, creating an unholy blend of consciousnesses. Truly sickening.
Meanwhile, Di Tian, once a god level powerhouse, was past his prime; time had chipped away at his power, leaving him somewhere around the level of a near god Peak Douluo. Yet he still understood the Three Eyed Golden Lion's significance. He had found and nurtured the little creature from birth, understanding that this beast's growth would help protect the core soul beasts of Star Dou Forest. When the lion roamed freely, it was always under the guardianship of another powerful beast.
While Er Ming could match a Peak Douluo's strength, he would struggle against soul beasts at levels comparable to a level 98 powerhouse, especially if Di Tian himself intervened.
Ye Wen chuckled quietly. Though he couldn't afford to openly use his abilities to scan, he could still detect the beastly guardians the moment they attacked, giving him an ideal opportunity to slip in and intervene.
For two or three days, Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er wandered the forest without reaching the Lake of Life. Huo Yu'er wasn't impatient; she relished this chance to be alone with Ye Wen, secretly harboring thoughts of remaining by his side forever. But her own training reined in such thoughts. She felt ashamed; she still carried the weight of vengeance and duty and couldn't afford such distractions.
Finally, as their journey neared its end, Ye Wen calculated that they were close to the lake's core zone. Yet he hadn't even glimpsed a hint of the Three Eyed Golden Lion's golden fur, prompting him to question Huo Yu'er's supposed destiny.
At that moment, a faint tremor underfoot caught his attention. Something large was approaching, likely another soul beast ready to attack. He didn't intend to intervene, certain that Huo Yu'er could handle it. But as the figure came into focus, Ye Wen stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing.
Soul beasts on Douluo Continent were vast in variety, originating from both Eastern and Western legends. The Dragon God, in its conquest of various realms, had brought back many rare creatures, leading to this peculiar mix. Among these species were humanoid ones.
The creature approaching now was a spiritual type soul beast known as a Cyclops. Though bulky and brawny, it possessed mental abilities a rather odd combination. Its giant eye, which gleamed like a massive headlamp, revealed its true attribute.
But this particular Cyclops was unique: a rare mutation called the Twin Headed Cyclops. Its head featured two side by side eyes instead of the usual single one. This mutation granted it even stronger mental powers than others of its kind.
Ye Wen, who hadn't studied soul beasts extensively, felt intrigued by its dual heads, wondering which one governed its movements.
Yet the main point wasn't the Cyclops itself. The creature seemed panicked, crashing through the forest without care for the damage its actions caused, as though fleeing for its life.
The sight rang familiar, and Ye Wen's eyes narrowed. It appeared the confrontation had begun sooner than anticipated.
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Chapter 545: The Struggle for Fate, Part 2
The moment this thought crossed Ye Wen's mind, a streak of golden light shot through the forest like a miniature sun racing across the terrain. Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er felt only a flash of brilliance before a creature appeared near the Twin Headed Cyclops.
Huo Yu'er was momentarily stunned as she gazed at the Three Eyed Golden Lion. This lion like soul beast seemed to resonate with her on some unexplainable level, causing a strange feeling to stir within her, leaving her momentarily dazed.
The Three Eyed Golden Lion, too, appeared to sense a similar stir, and instinctively turned its gaze towards Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er. Although it was only a ten thousand year soul beast, it had grown to over three meters in length, standing almost eight feet tall at the shoulder. Its body was covered in radiant golden fur that shimmered with a sacred aura under the sunlight.
But while Huo Yu'er and the lion's silent exchange felt surreal, the Twin Headed Cyclops glared with rage. The Three Eyed Golden Lion's preferred diet included the brains of luminous type soul beasts like the Cyclops an unnervingly strange choice of cuisine.
The Cyclops took advantage of the distraction, fleeing nearly a hundred meters ahead. But in front of this ten thousand year Emperor Auspicious Beast, capable of contending with even hundred thousand year soul beasts, it didn't stand a chance. In just the blink of an eye, the Twin Headed Cyclops met a swift end, falling victim to the lion's mighty strength.
In a few moments, the Three Eyed Golden Lion opened the Cyclops' skull and began its meal. Though the Cyclops wasn't purely luminous, its added spiritual attributes seemed to add some intriguing nuance to its flavor at least, that's what Ye Wen deduced from the look of satisfaction in the lion's eyes. Still, he couldn't help but wonder how much food a massive creature like this could possibly consume.
Once satiated, the Three Eyed Golden Lion turned its attention toward Ye Wen and Huo Yu'er. Protected since birth by Di Tian and the other fierce beasts, it had lived a charmed life. Even when it hunted, the hunted soul beasts dared only to flee, never daring to fight back for fear that harming the lion might bring the wrath of extinction upon their clans.
Unlike with its prey, the lion had no intent to harm Ye Wen or Huo Yu'er; they weren't on its menu, after all. Instead, curiosity flickered in its eyes as it moved toward Huo Yu'er, sensing the strange connection it felt with her.
Watching the lion approach, Ye Wen gave a small, amused smile. It seemed fate had delivered the lion right to him. But his gaze soon grew pensive wasn't there always supposed to be a guardian beast nearby protecting the lion? The two humans stood openly here, yet no protector beast had shown itself. For soul beasts, humans were the ultimate threat. Even though their cultivation wouldn't pose a significant threat to the lion, any injury was still a serious matter.
While Ye Wen pondered this, a powerful force of gravity descended upon them all.
"Hm? Gravity manipulation… no, this is a gravity domain!" Ye Wen instantly recognized the source of the force and the familiarity of it.
A dark, massive figure dashed through the forest, its colossal hand reaching out to grab the lion as the Three Eyed Golden Lion looked on in horror. "Humans, how dare you!"
A second wave of soul force exploded from nearby a soul force unmistakably belonging to a fierce beast.
It became clear to Ye Wen: the protectors must have grown lax in their vigilance after so many years of peace, which explained their lack of immediate response to his presence. But with such a large commotion, they would surely take action now.
With a split second decision, Ye Wen sprang into action. The attacker's power was beyond that of the protector beast, and in this chaotic situation, he couldn't afford to let them secure the lion first. In an instant, he intercepted the assailant's hand, sending the lion tumbling out of reach.
"Stay out of this!" the attacker roared, swinging a fist the size of a boulder toward Ye Wen. But Ye Wen didn't hold back, meeting the attacker's swing with a powerful kick that sent the assailant reeling backward.
"Did you drink yourself silly? You can't even recognize me?" Ye Wen's voice rang out, icy and sharp.
The familiar voice sent a chill down Er Ming's spine. Though Ye Wen hadn't used his full strength, Er Ming's thick skin had barely shielded him. He was already preparing to retaliate when the voice rooted him in place.
"It's you!" Er Ming exclaimed in disbelief.
To fulfill Tang San's task, Er Ming hadn't dared to relax for a second. He knew the dangers lurking in Star Dou Forest and, like Ye Wen, had avoided using his divine senses to comb through it, relying only on luck as he trudged through the forest for days. Despite Star Dou being his old home, he felt stifled and irritated among its wild terrain after years in human society.
Finding his target after such effort, he hadn't expected Ye Wen to show up here. Abandoning a lesser task due to Ye Wen's presence would be one thing, but the Emperor Auspicious Beast was critical to Tang Wulin's future and Tang San's plans. This was not something he could afford to lose.
Staring down at Ye Wen, Er Ming's eyes grew fierce as he activated his martial spirit true form. Transforming into the Titan Giant Ape, he loomed like a mountain, the once king of the Star Dou Forest returned to reclaim his place. "Tianxing Douluo! We've kept to our own business until now stand down, or I'll stop at nothing!"
With a roar, the Titan Giant Ape stretched out a massive hand toward the now tiny Three Eyed Golden Lion.
But just then, a streak of fiery red shot into view.
Though its body was dwarfed by the towering Titan Giant Ape, the hard cut muscle and fierce lion heads of the newcomer radiated an intimidating power all its own. Without a moment's hesitation, it sank its teeth into the Titan Giant Ape's extended arm.
The Crimson King, eighth among the Ten Great Beasts, had entered the fray.
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