So this is how humans live…
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion thought quietly to itself.
Since birth, it had always lived in the very core of the Star Dou Great Forest. Those soul beasts that struck fear into the outside world showed it an unusual gentleness.
Though its life had been carefree, free of hunger or want, it always felt… that something was missing.
Today, with the one beneath the lake surfacing and the Scarlet King, who usually "watched over" it, summoned away, it finally enjoyed some rare "free time." Drawn by curiosity, it had come here, intrigued by the humans.
It had seen humans before, but always from afar, kept at a distance by the Scarlet King's interference. To observe human life at such close range—this was its very first time.
The strange little trinkets they used sparked an overwhelming interest in the creature.
If there's a chance, I must take a closer look…
With that thought, the Three-Eyed Golden Lion shifted its paws and turned to leave.
"Leaving? Did you ask this old man first?"
A mocking voice suddenly rang out.
The next instant, a terrifying pressure descended, pinning the Three-Eyed Golden Lion in place, unable to move.
As the two figures appeared out of nowhere, dread instantly consumed its heart. The Scarlet King's warning resurfaced in its mind—humans coveted its spirit ring, its spirit bones… even its life.
The shabby old man was even stronger than the Scarlet King, while the handsome youth beside him carried an unfathomable depth, his calm gaze fixed steadily upon it.
Am I going to die here today?
"So this is the Three-Eyed Golden Lion…"
Neuvillette studied the struggling beast, sighing inwardly.
It truly was extraordinary—its golden mane radiated majesty, resembling the qilin of legend passed down in his previous life. A divine beast indeed.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion glared coldly at Elder Xuan, opening its mouth to speak in a crisp, feminine voice:
"Vile humans! If you dare harm me, may you suffer endless misfortune and never know peace!"
"Threatening me?" Elder Xuan sneered. "Don't assume that simply because this is my first encounter with your kind, I'm ignorant of the so-called Three-Eyed Golden Lion."
He cast it a dismissive glance and chuckled darkly.
"You merely carry a peculiar ancient bloodline, able to stir the flow of heaven and earth's spiritual energy through your aura. This so-called 'auspicious beast' nonsense? Nothing but lies. And as for your so-called curse of misfortune—trust me, I could leave you on the brink of death this very moment."
"Don't think yourself so lofty. Those savage beasts that treat you so well only see you as a precious treasure, not an emperor."
"Your grand title, 'Empress Three-Eyed Golden Lion,' is a pleasant name. Whether human or beast, one must know their place."
"You—you lie!"
The lion's voice rose sharply in protest.
Elder Xuan gave a cold laugh. "Lie? That was me being polite. If you held no value, or if eating your flesh could grant immortality, do you think those beasts would still dote on you?"
At that, Neuvillette gave a slight nod.
Wasn't the Ice Silkworm a living example of this very truth?
"Hurry—we've got a top-tier beast approaching!!" Elder Xuan suddenly urged.
It wasn't that he couldn't suppress the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, but rather that he could already sense a powerful aura rushing toward them from the depths of the forest. At least a hundred-thousand-year-old beast. If it arrived, things would turn troublesome.
"Understood."
Neuvillette nodded calmly.
In a flash, he appeared beside the restrained lion, his movements decisive and unhesitating.
He knew just how important this was. For the grand plan to destroy the God King Tang San, as long as he could exchange memories with the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, their goal would be within reach!
If they missed this chance, however, the Star Dou Great Forest would surely raise its vigilance, and they would never get another opening.
"Neuvillette! What do you think you're doing?!"
A sharp, angry voice suddenly rang out.
The Ice Empress had arrived, her tone full of fury.
"If you kill it, the entire Star Dou Great Forest will erupt in chaos! This is the Three-Eyed Golden Lion—an existence unparalleled in any soul beast realm. Even a hundred-thousand-year-old beast would avoid its path! Don't tell me you can absorb its ring or bone—and even if you could, do you think you could escape the pursuit of every beast in this forest?"
"I never said I was going to absorb it…"
Neuvillette raised his hands in helplessness, wary that the Ice Empress might explode in a rage.
This creature was considered an auspicious beast by all soul beasts. If he harmed it, and the Ice Empress made a scene, things would spiral out of control.
"You… you're not going to kill it?"
The Ice Empress blinked, momentarily stunned.
"When did I ever say I was going to kill it? Forget it—just watch. Rest assured, it won't even be harmed."
Neuvillette offered no further explanation. Instead, he turned his gaze to the exhausted lion, which had finally quieted after its futile struggle. The corners of his lips curled into a faint smile.
"No! Don't you dare!"
The lion's golden eyes blazed as Neuvillette approached, its roars filled with fury. It struggled desperately, blood flecked with gold spilling from the corner of its mouth in its agitation.
Ignoring its protests, Neuvillette bent down, pressing his forehead gently against its third eye.
In that moment—
Centered on the entire Star Dou Great Forest seemed to shudder with life.
An overwhelming surge of vitality rushed toward them, pouring endlessly into their bodies.
The distorted light around them grew ever brighter, enveloping man and beast in its glow. A mysterious force even flung Elder Xuan aside, barring him from entry.
Witnessing this miracle, Elder Xuan could not help but feel uneasy.
"Don't tell me we've gone too far. The way it resisted just now… could this ritual actually kill it? This could be trouble…"
"Ancient records can really get you killed…"
(End of Chapter)