Chapter 49 – A Precautionary Measure, My Name Is Gu Yuena
Huo Yuhao's words continued to flow like a sharp-edged blade.
"Just now, Tianmeng, you said that gods wouldn't bother to notice someone as weak as me."
"But let's make another assumption. What if there really exists something called 'fate' or 'destiny' in this world? And what if I happen to be the child of destiny for this era—while that Sea God can sense the rise of a new star through this very thread of fate?"
"Think about it—my encounter with you, the world's very first million-year soul ring… the Ice Empress coincidentally reaching her four-hundred-thousand-year tribulation right at the perfect moment to sacrifice herself and become a wisdom soul ring… and then, my freakish talent with soul guidance devices."
"If that's the case, then many of the strange things that happened before we came to the Sun-Moon Empire can all be explained."
Both the Ice Empress and Tianmeng's expressions turned increasingly grim. Even the gray sphere that had always lain dormant in Yuhao's spiritual sea trembled faintly at those words.
Electrolux's estimation of Yuhao rose to yet another level. A youth not only with unparalleled talent but also with wisdom and insight never before seen—able to grasp at scattered fragments of clues, not even enough to be called clues, and with only a faint sense for destiny, still manages to break free of its predetermined track, if only temporarily.
Still, there was one thing Yuhao could not explain—one thing that puzzled him deeply: why did that suffocating, vine-like entanglement of blue-silver suddenly vanish after he entered the Sun-Moon Empire?
That certain 'God King' had no reason to watch him escape his control; he just couldn't stop himself from 'running' to the Sun Moon Empire, yet he could still interfere with those two Soul Beast traitors of the Clear Sky Sect and send fragments of his daughter.
So-called rules like "the God Realm cannot interfere in the lower planes"—in the eyes of a certain God King—were nothing but a joke. As for Tang Hao and Ah Yin, during this time period, it was unlikely either could act freely—they were preoccupied.
Could it be… that "a certain someone" has other plans? Or has something happened in the God Realm itself?
"Yuhao, what do you think?"
The Ice Empress and Tianmeng were no longer as relaxed as before. Now, both felt as if a massive mountain weighed heavily upon them, nearly suffocating.
Hearing this, Yuhao's serious expression suddenly shifted into a smile.
"Ice Empress, Tianmeng… when all is said and done, gods are nothing more than stronger soul masters. Destiny? If I were someone willing to bow my head to such a thing, do you think I would have ever come to the Sun-Moon Empire in the first place?"
"No matter who it is, if they try to shackle us, collar us like dogs—then in the end, they will simply become the foundation beneath our feet, the bones paving our path to the peak!"
Within his spiritual sea, the Ice Empress and Tianmeng exchanged glances and laughed. Whether the Sea God was truly scheming against them or whether Yuhao's conjectures were correct—none of it mattered anymore. As long as Yuhao's spirit remained unbroken, the future was already set in stone.
The Ice Empress even found room to tease. "Hmph, not bad at all. Yuhao, you really are worthy of this emperor's recognition."
Tianmeng leaned over shamelessly, plastering her face next to hers.
"Bing Bing, what are you talking about? Yuhao was clearly my first choice. Don't tell me you're trying to steal credit—aren't you afraid you'll break my heart?"
"Break your head! Scram!"
"Alright, alright~"
Yuhao chuckled. "If one day I ever stop being myself… then Ice Empress, I'll count on you to scold me back to my senses."
That certain brat was far too insidious. Yuhao couldn't guarantee he would remain untouched forever, and he truly did not trust that person's so-called "character."
Truthfully, the reason he said so much today was simple—he wanted to give the Ice Empress, Tianmeng, and Electrolux a precautionary warning. After all, the matters to come would be too complex, too difficult to explain. By speaking now, he could prevent much unnecessary trouble later. As companions bound by shared destiny, there was no need to hide such things from them.
---
Outside the Star Dou Great Forest.
The Silver Dragon King had already arranged most of her origin energy, while Di Tian had secured a suitable human identity within the Sun-Moon Empire.
All for the sake of uncovering the truth behind that anomaly that disturbed destiny itself. In doing so, she had completely overturned her original plans for the future. She could only hope that her choice this time was the right one.
"Master, are you truly certain about going to the human world… to seek out the one who disrupted destiny?"
Di Tian was uneasy. He knew his master's condition clearly—her wounds were not yet healed, and her knowledge of the human world was limited to the frantic explanations he had given her over the past few months.
Can she really manage?
Di Tian couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. If the God Realm noticed her movements, wouldn't everything be over? She was the last hope of all soul beasts—he couldn't bear the thought of her risking herself.
But before her unwavering determination, he found himself powerless to dissuade her.
"Di Tian, do you not believe in me?"
'Of course I don't! How can I, when your understanding of the human world and the outside situation is so limited?'
The Silver Dragon King understood his concerns, and so she smiled calmly.
"It's fine. Even if the human world is fraught with dangers, won't you be guarding me in the shadows? Tell me—among humans, is there truly anyone who could match your strength?"
By now, she had already taken human form, sealing away the majority of her original power. This would help her blend into human society more easily, avoid attracting the attention of the God Realm, and minimize rejection by the world's will.
Of course, as time passed, her sealed energy would gradually be released—much like a human soul master advancing step by step.
Compared to a hundred-thousand-year soul beast taking human form and starting cultivation anew, this approach was near perfect.
Seeing this, Di Tian had no more words. What else could he say? If his master insisted, then he could only follow along. Perhaps, just perhaps, there would be some kind of miracle.
"Oh yes, my human name is Gu Yuena, isn't it?"
Clearly, she was quite pleased with the name. Gu Yue—Di Tian had chosen well.
Suddenly, Di Tian thought of something and asked, "Master, have you decided where our first destination will be?"
Gu Yuena smiled faintly, gazing into the distance.
"The Sun-Moon Empire. That place is known as the Sun Moon Soul Engineering Academy."
In truth, there was never a "first stop." From the very first time she sensed that fateful bell chime, her destination had been decided—the place where the sound had finally come to rest.
To be precise, it was the academy Di Tian had identified in his investigations: the Sun-Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy.
She firmly believed that once she entered that place, all of her questions would be answered. There, she would discover the true cause of destiny's disturbance.
It was just that she might have to wait until the academy's next enrollment period to gain entry.
But that was fine. For now, she could remain nearby, observing and learning more about the current state of the continent and the development of human soul masters. Only with that preparation could she ensure she was fully ready when the time came.
Even so, a flicker of curiosity still glimmered within her eyes, impossible to hide. She couldn't help but murmur to herself:
"That bell chime brimming with destiny… that disrupted fate… Are you the child of destiny of the Douluo Continent, or… a mighty being from another world?"
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End of Chapter