Conversation with Gu Yue, Seeking Di Tian's Guidance
The return journey through the teleportation array was a silent, swift passage through a tunnel of humming energy. When the world resolved back into the familiar stone of the castle's basement, the morning had bled entirely into noon. The profound revelations at the Lake of Life seemed to have stretched time itself.
As they emerged into the grand corridor, the atmosphere had shifted imperceptibly. Where before there was wary observation, now there was a quiet, solemn deference. The castle staff—those beings who were more than human—bowed their heads slightly deeper as Yao Xuan passed, their eyes holding a new, fervent light.
Hand in hand with Gu Yue, walking back towards the heart of the fortress, Yao Xuan let out a long, controlled breath, the weight of the morning settling upon him. "Gu Yue… everything that happened today. It's… staggering. To think my martial soul is tied to something called a 'Dragon God.' And that there's an entire family, a legacy, built around guarding it." He shook his head slightly, the motion genuine in its bewilderment. He was playing his part, but the surreal truth of it all was not an act.
Gu Yue's fingers tightened around his. Her voice was soft, layered with the complexity of her dual consciousness. "When I first sensed the depth of your bloodline in Aolai City, I had… suspicions. But even I did not dare hope for this confirmation. The threads of fate are more intricate than any tapestry." She glanced at him, her silver eyes serious. "But Yao Xuan, our family's existence, the truth of the Dragon God… these are secrets buried deep for a reason. You must never speak of them outside these walls. To the world, you are a prodigy with a unique dragon martial soul. Nothing more."
He heard the warning, and the protectiveness beneath it. "I understand," he nodded. "But if I can't call it the Dragon God, what should I say? Calling it a 'lizard dragon' might raise more questions than it answers." He offered a wry smile.
A faint, genuine laugh escaped Gu Yue, lightening the solemn mood. "How about a 'Nine-Colored Dragon'? It's accurate enough, and sounds suitably majestic without inviting dangerous scrutiny."
"Nine-Colored Dragon… I like it," Yao Xuan agreed. The simplicity was perfect. His gaze turned curious as they walked. "And what about you, Yue'er? In this 'Dragon Guardian' family, what's your role? The master's insightful daughter?"
Gu Yue paused, a considering look on her face. "Hmm… you could say I'm something like the family's young mistress. A princess of sorts, with certain… responsibilities and expectations." It was a neat cover, close enough to the truth of her revered status among the beast kings, yet mundane enough for his assumed understanding.
"A princess," he repeated, warmth coloring his tone. He gently brushed a strand of her silver hair behind her ear, his touch lingering. "And what was our dragon princess doing slumming it at Donghai Academy? Don't tell me it was just to find little old me."
She leaned into his touch for a moment, her eyes holding a universe of meaning. "You were… a significant part of the reason," she admitted, the Gu Yue side offering a strategic truth. "But let's just say there was a wager involved, a test of perspectives. That wager seems rather trivial now, in light of everything." She shook her head slightly, a silent signal to drop that line of inquiry. "You'll understand in time."
He respected the boundary, shifting topics. "You mentioned before you'd introduce me to your teacher. Who is the mentor worthy of our princess?"
A flicker of real affection, distinct from her feelings for him, showed in Gu Yue's expression. "My teacher is Leng Yaozhu, the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo. She is the Deputy Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda, a Four-Word Battle Armor Master, and stands among the ten strongest beings on the continent." She watched his reaction. "She knows of you, of your… 'Nine-Colored Dragon' martial soul and your achievements. She wishes to meet you, and is considering taking you as her direct disciple."
Yao Xuan allowed appropriate awe to show on his face. This was a pivotal connection. While the backing of the beast kings was immense, it was shadowy and impossible to openly wield. The patronage of the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo was a legitimate, towering power within human society, key to accessing resources like the Spirit Pagoda's deepest secrets.
"That's… an incredible opportunity," he said, voice filled with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Yue'er."
"The meeting is set for a week from now," she continued. "Until then, you should rest and acclimate here. And," she added, a glint entering her eye, "perhaps you could learn a thing or two from Uncle Di and the others. They are unparalleled in their fields."
The suggestion aligned perfectly with his own intentions. "I was hoping for just that," Yao Xuan said as they arrived at the entrance to the banquet hall. "After lunch, I'll ask him."
The lunch that followed was another symphony of extravagant, spirit-infused cuisine. Yao Xuan found himself seated at the head of the table, a place of honor he accepted with quiet grace. Di Tian, Xiong Jun, Zi Ji, and Bi Ji were arranged around him, their demeanor respectful but now touched with a familiar, almost familial warmth. The conversation was light, focusing on the food and polite inquiries about his tastes.
When the meal concluded, Yao Xuan turned to Di Tian. "Uncle Di, if it's not too much trouble, I would be grateful for some guidance. My combat skills have been honed against instructors and simulations, but I feel there are higher principles I've yet to grasp."
Di Tian placed his utensils down neatly, a pleased light in his golden eyes. "It would be my honor, Young Master. How do you wish to proceed?"
"I learn best through application," Yao Xuan replied. "Sparring reveals flaws that theory overlooks."
"A sound approach," Di Tian nodded. "Then we shall spar. I will suppress my soul power, blood energy, and physical strength to match your level. I will not use soul skills. We shall see where your foundations are strong, and where they can be tempered."
"Your understanding of my 'level' may need adjustment, Uncle Di," Yao Xuan said with a confident smile. "For a meaningful challenge, please match me at the mid-tier Soul Elder rank in all attributes." He saw the flicker of surprise and assessment in Di Tian's eyes. "I believe my effective combat power resides in that realm."
Di Tian's gaze shifted to Gu Yue, who gave a small, confirming nod. "Very well," the Beast God said, a thread of excitement now woven into his deep voice. "A mid-tier Soul Elder's foundation, yielding the combat power of a high-tier Soul King. This will be instructive. Let us adjourn to the training grounds."
"I'll join you," Gu Yue stated, not as a request. "Uncle Di can evaluate our teamwork as well."
"A fine idea," Di Tian agreed. He looked to Bi Ji. "Sister, your presence would be appreciated to ensure their swift recovery between sessions."
"Of course," Bi Ji said, her gentle smile promising soothing care.
Thus, the four of them—the Dragon God's heir, the Silver Dragon King, the Beast God, and the Emerald Swan—made their way to the castle's private training arena. It was a vast, hundred-meter square chamber forged from reinforced alloys and humming with powerful stabilization arrays, a space capable of containing the echoes of power they were about to unleash.
Stepping onto the immaculate floor, Yao Xuan felt a familiar calm focus descend. The lavish meals, the ancient secrets, the profound legacy—all of it distilled into this moment: the simple, honest test of strength and skill. Across from him, Di Tian shed his lordly demeanor, his posture becoming that of a timeless warrior, his golden eyes sharp and focused.
The first lesson was about to begin.