If, one day, the Pokéball miniature worlds truly became separate "instances," granting humans entry and contract privileges…
Even after a contract is signed, those "spirits" would still belong to the miniature world. Should the human contractor die or encounter any mishap, the spirits could be recalled back into the miniature world.
Would that not be a win-win outcome?
As for the soul beast clan... Well, they could be brought in too.
If they weren't willing, they could have Di Tian's entire miniature world to themselves, to enjoy a life of leisure if they pleased.
After all, in the end, any life inside the miniature world—Su Wen included, as well as his contracted pets—wielded absolute control. One could even call him the Creator.
And every life represented a unit of the Pokéball miniature world. The greater their energy, the more the miniature world was enhanced.
It was like sending Pokémon out to work.
Originally, Su Wen had no such idea. Back when the Pokéball miniature world was still so small, life there was mainly micro-organisms, or the occasional scattered big and small cats—hardly enough to make a difference.
But as the various contracted beasts' cultivation soared, the miniature world's scale grew to rival half the Douluo Planet—ever vaster and grander, countless spirits of the same element gradually making their mark, even bursting forth with formidable strength.
Only then did he notice what he had long overlooked.
Perhaps... a channel could connect the miniature world to Douluo.
Or even to other dimensions.
"Di Tian."
Su Wen spoke contemplatively.
"Present!"
Di Tian, who had been joking quietly with Xuan Ji, instantly straightened up and respectfully stepped forward.
"If we bring the Star Dou Great Forest's soul beast clan into your miniature world—or… Gu Yuena's miniature world—would Bi Ji, the Myriad Demon King and the others object?"
Su Wen's tone was gentle.
There was no condescension in his words—only an inquiry.
After all, soul beast revival had always been Gu Yuena's pursuit. She was one of his strongest lieutenants; naturally, her opinion mattered.
"This—" Di Tian's mouth twitched, desperately holding back a laugh.
Looks like the Lord means to toss the likes of the Myriad Demon King behind. As for Bi Ji, once she attains godhood, she can ascend to the divine realm—or be made a divine official for immortality.
And as for Bear Lord, heh.
He'd probably stay under her forever, living out his days in line. If she was ever in a bad mood, she might even summon him to sing a little ditty or two—for she, after all, is the master of that world.
"That's fine."
Gu Yuena said indifferently, "Now that my perspective has shifted beyond Douluo Planet, I realize that growing the soul beast race is far too narrow. Our vision should be on the whole Divine Realm—even the universe."
"Of course… After so long, it's right to give these soul beasts a home—a place where they can live in peace."
Had this been before, she probably wouldn't have said such words.
But after her travels in the ten-thousand-year span, seeing the pitiful 'Prison Emperor' and those ferocious beasts, eyes longing for the restoration of their old Star Dou domain, she came to know the cruel future.
Her outlook had transformed.
To live in peace from now on… That was already a stroke of luck.
"Everyone, as discussed with the Lord, it's decided you will enter my Pokéball miniature world to live—"
Star Dou Great Forest.
Di Tian smiled slightly.
"You—did you speak for me to the Lord?" Bear Lord asked sourly.
"Sigh." Di Tian shook his head regretfully. "The Lord said your talent… is incomparable to Xuan Ji. Even though I recommended you, you were still turned down."
"…"
Bear Lord's face convulsed, speechless from the blow.
"And where's the Myriad Demon King?"
In high spirits, Di Tian asked.
And where's Scarlet King, Zi Ji… They're all missing.
"They…"
Bi Ji hesitated, her face flushing with irritation as she explained the situation.
Di Tian: "..."
"Three-headed Dog, I #you*&..."
A furious roar erupted from the depths of the forest, sending countless ten-thousand-year soul beasts scattering in terror.
By the shore of the Sea God Lake.
Su Wen stood quietly, gazing at Ning Tian, who coasted toward him in a small boat from the far side of the lake.
A hint of a smile touched his eyes.
Under the faint light at the bow, the girl's features appeared through the darkness—her silky golden hair in a ponytail, cheeks flushed pink, watery blue eyes shyly glancing at Su Wen.
Wearing the red-and-white inner court uniform of Shrek, slender jade hands gripped the oar as she sat at the bow; her long legs together at her side.
The warm, gentle interaction between the couple was soothing.
But in the next moment, this calm was interrupted.
Wu Feng emerged from the cabin, yawning and stretching, also in the red-and-white uniform with ladies' combat boots. The tight fit did justice to her bold figure; she seemed thoroughly used to this…
"Ah, Su Wen!!"
With a delighted focus, Wu Feng called.
The pair had been paddling the lake for ages, finally managing to contact Su Wen—nearly falling asleep themselves.
Suddenly, she leapt up, fire wings sprouting from her back, flying straight at Su Wen.
"Ahhh~"
She crashed into Su Wen's arms, cheeks flush with joy. Her fire wings vanished, but after a second, she rubbed her head sullenly.
"Why'd you hit me again?"
"You left your young lady behind on the boat," Su Wen chuckled.
"Ah!" Wu Feng froze, immediately looking back, only to find Ning Tian already beside her, those big eyes staring intently.
"Ahem, I just missed you too much, that's all."
Wu Feng laughed awkwardly, clutching Su Wen's arm.
Su Wen smiled faintly.
He'd almost been drowned just now. Little Fire Dragon had been growing at a shocking rate these past years—after just over a year, she was catching up to Little Peach. Simply being arm-in-arm, his chest rose and fell against soft warmth—the uniform barely containing her anymore, doubtless there was more growth to come…
"Hm, it's been so long. Let's go wander around Shrek City," Ning Tian gently slipped her arm in Su Wen's, smiling radiantly.
"Yeah!" Wu Feng grinned.
Su Wen drew a deep breath.
"Did you bring it?"
"Huh?" Wu Feng was puzzled.
"Brought it," Ning Tian, blushing even deeper, bowed her head.
Tonight, to reap all the rewards.
Su Wen's gaze grew serious.
Their route was already planned.
Tonight… he would have it all.
...