"Wait… Emperor Auspicious Beast?!"
Skydream was dumbfounded as he looked at the small beast, struggling to stand, its eyes glaring angrily at a boy and his silkworm. Small, of course, only compared to the usual tens-of-meters-long ten-thousand-year soul beasts. But at the sight, Skydream's heart nearly skipped a beat.
Having been suppressed for countless years by those beastly fellows in the Star Dou Forest, he naturally knew how important this creature was: the Emperor Auspicious Beast, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion. If something happened to it, the whole Star Dou Forest would erupt.
But why was the auspicious beast injured?
Shouldn't it have guardians by its side—at least among the top ten fierce beasts? Yet Skydream didn't sense any powerful soul beasts nearby—just dozens of black-robed humans rushing over.
And this injury… was serious.
Clearly, they were trying to kill it.
Were these people here to…
Skydream thought rapidly, coming to a terrifying conclusion.
Looking at the beast, staggering and about to fall, Skydream felt a surge of courage. Although the auspicious beast's luck was mysterious, according to an old sea monster he'd known for thousands of years, the Emperor Auspicious Beast could choose any creature in the world to transform into…
It could be something it had seen or never seen before.
As long as it wished, it could even become a Golden Dragon.
Although his own second martial soul required an ice attribute, if it was willing to become an Ice Jade Scorpion—or even Snow Empress!—and then be absorbed by Huo Yuhao, wouldn't that be a huge win?!
Thinking back on those years oppressed by Di Tian and the other fierce beasts, Skydream's desire grew stronger.
Damn!
"Auspicious beast, do you want to live?"
Skydream Ice Silkworm spoke.
"Soul beast? Big bug?" The beast's eyes lit up, fear fading away. To it, all soul beasts were one family, so when a familiar aura emanated from this human boy, its guard lowered a bit.
Huo Yuhao was stunned.
A soul beast… could speak human words?
"That's right, it's me," Skydream said calmly.
The auspicious beast had absorbed some of his origin power; they naturally knew each other.
But the beast was naive, spoiled by Di Tian and the Silver Dragon King, never having witnessed the cruelty and cunning of the outside world.
"No, it's not just about survival. The ones hunting you are infamous evil soul masters from the human world. They kill and plunder everywhere, but more terrifying, they imprison the souls of humans and soul beasts, trapping you forever. Even Di Tian might not be able to find you."
"Imprison my soul?" Fear flickered in the beast's eyes.
Di Tian had warned it about humans' horrors, but it never expected this would happen to itself. If only it hadn't left the core area for fun…
"So, big bug, what do you propose?" The beast hesitated before asking.
"Of course. Transform into an ice attribute soul beast and become his second martial soul. You'll escape this calamity, and it benefits us both. He's the continent's chosen Child of Destiny! Even your luck, as an auspicious beast, can't compare," Skydream started to fabricate wildly, trying to trick the beast.
"Ah??? Me?"
Huo Yuhao was stunned and pointed at himself.
"Yes, you!" Skydream nodded solemnly.
"Huo Yuhao, the one who carries the fortune of the entire continent, with limitless future potential—enough to become a god! If you bet on him now, you'll ascend with him in the future. This is my god-making plan. I was planning to find the Ice Empress, one of the top ten fierce beasts in the Extreme North, but since I've met you first, I'll give you this chance."
Skydream put on a "you've hit the jackpot" expression, leaving the auspicious beast dazed.
"But how is this different from being imprisoned in another cage?" the beast asked softly.
"They'll imprison and torture your soul, but here, we can come and go as we please—like friends. We can chat, keep each other company, and with your help, greatly increase the chance of becoming a god! Then we'll enjoy infinite life and time…"
"No, I don't see any difference," the beast smiled.
"Thank you, Skydream, for chatting with me. I've recovered a bit and will be on my way."
With a cheerful tone, the beast leapt away.
"Damn!"
Skydream looked terrible; clearly, the beast wasn't dumb.
All that talk was just to buy time.
"There's only one chance!" His gaze grew sharp. Without his metamorphosis, he couldn't handle the Ice Empress, and this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Buzz~!
A huge surge of spiritual power rushed out.
It enveloped the beast in a milky-white cocoon, trapping it tightly.
This was nearly all the power he could muster.
"Auspicious beast, I'm advising you for your own good. If you're willing to sacrifice yourself for this boy, we'll still be friends. If not—I won't hurt you, but I'll reveal your location through soul power fluctuations, so those people can catch you," Skydream said flatly.
"You! So despicable!" The beast struggled against the cocoon but was powerless.
Even with nearly a hundred thousand years of strength, it couldn't break free from Skydream's cocoon.
"Despicable? Hmph, to help him become a god, I don't care about being scolded," Skydream said calmly.
As time ticked by and the beast grew more anxious,
Skydream became annoyed: "He's coming?! Damn! Still couldn't shake him off?"
"Who, Skydream?" Huo Yuhao was nervous.
"Su Wen…" Skydream spat out the name, then withdrew the cocoon and retreated into Huo Yuhao's body. The huge cocoon of spiritual power faded away like unraveling silk.
He must not be exposed, no matter what.
"Su Wen?"
The beast tilted its head, curiously watching the forest.
A ripple, and Su Wen appeared before them.
Huo Yuhao looked guilty, while the beast stared intently at the newcomer, feeling an inexplicable sense of warmth—not from any rare treasure, but it calmed its heart.
"Yuhao? You're here too?" Su Wen asked with a smile.
"Ah, yeah…" Huo Yuhao glanced around awkwardly, scratching his head.
If this were Skydream, he'd probably play it cool, but for Huo Yuhao, there was still a sense of guilt.
After all, forcing someone to sacrifice themself, especially when they're down, wasn't exactly honorable…
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Advanced chapter here: p-atreon.com/Sajaboyzzz
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